Top things to do on a trip to Manchester
Manchester has plenty to keep you busy throughout your stay. Explore the city’s iconic football culture, thriving neighbourhoods, galleries and food hotspots – there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Old Trafford Stadium
Manchester has plenty to keep you busy throughout your stay. Explore the city’s iconic football culture, thriving neighbourhoods, galleries and food hotspots – there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
Football is at the heart of Manchester’s identity. Soak in the matchday atmosphere and cheer on your favourite team at the homes of two of the biggest football clubs in the country or take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour of the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford, just a 20-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Manchester Salford Quays.
The National Football Museum in the city centre offers interactive exhibits and fascinating stories celebrating the history of the game. It’s a must for football fans and a great way to experience an important part of the city’s culture.
Football isn’t the only thing that has impacted the city’s identity. Manchester has a legendary music heritage being the birthplace of iconic bands like Oasis, The Stone Roses and Joy Division who helped to shape British culture for decades. Today, the city is known for its thriving live music scene and fans can enjoy their favourite bands and artists in huge arenas like Co-op Live and the AO Arena (a.k.a. Manchester Arena) or smaller, more intimate venues like the Albert Hall or Victoria Warehouse, near Salford Quays.
The Lowry at Salford Quays
Salford Quays is an area of the city with a lot to offer. Take a cruise on the canals or walk around the waterside. Head to MediaCityUK, home of the BBC and ITV studios, including the Coronation Street Experience to take an access-all-areas tour of the famous cobbles. Also find here The Lowry, a cultural hub with a theatre for the latest shows and art exhibitions.
Manchester offers plenty for culture lovers, from the Imperial War Museum North, famous for its dramatic architecture and fascinating exhibitions, and the impressive collections and artworks on display at Manchester Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.
Imperial War Museum North
For shopping, visitors can explore the Manchester Arndale and the various shops in the city centre. Head to the Trafford Centre for a huge range of shops, family-friendly attractions including cinemas, mini golf and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
If you are looking to get out into nature, head to the Peak District National Park. You can enjoy scenic walks across rolling hills, have a picnic with the family or find hidden waterfalls, reservoirs and picturesque villages. Holiday Inn Express Manchester East is located just 20 minutes away from the western edge of the national park, making the Peak District the perfect destination for a day trip during your stay in the area.
The Peak District National Park, near Glossop
Best places to eat and drink in Manchester
Manchester’s food and drink scene is as diverse as the city itself. From traditional British pubs and independent cafés to award-winning restaurants and bustling street food markets, there’s something to suit every taste and budget. Why not sample local favourites, discover hidden gems and enjoy flavours from around the world as you explore the city?
One of the best ways to experience Manchester’s food heritage is to visit one of its famous chop houses. Traditionally serving hearty British dishes with a focus on quality meat and steak, these historic eateries have been part of the city’s dining scene since the 19th century. Step into iconic venues such as Sam’s Chop House and Mr Thomas’s Chop House to enjoy classic recipes, local ingredients and a true taste of the area’s history.
Manchester Chop House Scene
No visit to the North West is complete without sampling some of these regional specialties:
- Lancashire hot pot – a slow cooked casserole topped with sliced potatoes.
- Black pudding – a blood sausage, often served as part of a full English breakfast.
- Eccles cake – a sweet pastry treat bursting with currants and fruit.
- Manchester tart – a delicious custard tart with fruit and coconut.
Lancashire Hot Pot
Eccles Cakes
Rusholme’s Curry Mile is one of Manchester’s most popular dining destinations, famed for its diverse selection of curry houses and restaurants. The area is celebrated for its South Asian cuisine, take a stroll along this famous stretch and experience this city’s diversity and multicultural character for yourself.
Kargo MKT, a 5-minute walk from Holiday Inn Express Manchester Salford Quays, offers a range of cuisine from pizzas and curries to bao buns and ramen. Order to your table and if it’s sunny, grab a table outside and soak up views of Old Trafford and the Quays.
Nightlife on Canal Street
For a memorable night out, head to Canal Street, one of Manchester’s most famous nightlife destinations. Known for its lively bars, welcoming atmosphere and central role in the city’s LGBTQIA+ community, the heart of the Gay Village is a great place to enjoy drinks and entertainment.
How to get to Manchester
Manchester is one of the UK’s most accessible cities, with excellent air, rail and road links.
Manchester Airport connects the city to destinations across the UK, Europe and beyond, while Manchester’s main railway stations provide regular services from cities nationwide.
Manchester is easily reached via the M60, M62 and M56 motorways. Leave your car in our hotels’ on-site car parks while you explore the city.
Train to Manchester Airport
How to get around the city in Manchester
Getting around Manchester is easy, much of the city centre is pedestrian-friendly, with many major attractions, shops and restaurants within walking distance of one another.
The public transport network in the city includes trams, buses and trains, making it simple to travel across the city and beyond.
Trams in Manchester City Centre
When is the best time to visit Manchester?
Manchester is a year-round destination. Visit in summer for major events like Parklife Festival, in autumn for football fixtures, or during winter for the famous Manchester Christmas Markets and festive celebrations.
Where to stay in Manchester
Stay at one of our hotels in Manchester for your weekend trip. Our hotels offer free Wi-Fi, a free buffet breakfast and pet-friendly facilities.
Holiday Inn Express Manchester Salford Quays
Holiday Inn Express Manchester Salford Quays
Our hotel in Salford Quays has a great waterside location with on-site parking and air-conditioned rooms. Easily access Manchester city centre using the nearby public transport links. Sip on a drink from the bar while sat on the outdoor terrace.
Holiday Inn Express Manchester East
Holiday Inn Express Manchester East
Our Manchester East hotel is conveniently located two miles east of the city centre, with easy access to the M60 and free on-site parking. The hotel is in a quiet area right next door to a park with a reservoir, perfect for a relaxing walk.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Manchester?
A weekend is enough to explore Manchester’s main attractions, including its football stadiums, museums, shopping districts and nightlife.
What is Manchester famous for?
Manchester is famous for football, music, industrial heritage, shopping and cultural attractions.
Can you visit the Peak District from Manchester?
Yes, the western edge of the Peak District is around 20 minutes from Holiday Inn Express Manchester East.
Is Manchester walkable for tourists?
Yes, many of Manchester’s top attractions are within walking distance in and around the city centre.