4 Days of Fun: Manchester on a Budget

Discover Manchester on a budget, without sacrificing fun and adventure!

21 June 2023

Visiting Manchester, UK on a limited budget can still provide a fulfilling experience. Start by staying in a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb, then explore the city's free attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry or the Manchester Art Gallery. End the day by grabbing a pint at one of the city's affordable but lively pubs like The Castle Hotel or Sandinista.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Welcome to Manchester

  • Check into the boutique hotel, The Cow Hollow, at the hip Northern Quarter. Great location, free breakfast, and funky decor.
  • Start your Manchester journey at the Manchester Museum, home to collections ranging from Ancient Egypt to Natural History.
  • Visit John Rylands Library, a magnificent neo-Gothic building with beautiful interior and over a million rare books.
  • Have dinner at Cottonopolis, a trendy restaurant specializing in delicious sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.
  • End the night with a pint of local brew at The Marble Arch, a pub with a Victorian touch.
Day 2

Music and Market

  • Start the day with the famous fry-up at Koffee Pot, a no-frills cafe and a local's favorite.
  • Head to the Northern Quarter again and explore its independent shops, galleries, and cafes.
  • Visit the National Football Museum and learn about the history of the beautiful game.
  • Wind down at the Manchester Cathedral, a stunning medieval masterpiece still functioning as a community hub.
  • Grab dinner at Mackie Mayor, a giant food hall serving dishes from all around the world.
  • Attend a gig or show at the legendary O2 Ritz, a venue with a history of hosting rock and roll legends.
Day 3

Architecture and Art

  • Start at the Manchester Art Gallery and its collection of British and international art, from pre-Raphaelites to contemporary works.
  • Take a stroll around the Manchester Town Hall, a grand Gothic Revival building that has been the seat of local government for over 140 years.
  • Check out The John Rylands Abraham Lincoln Statue for a good photo op.
  • Find the iconic "The Lads" street art at Tib Street car park.
  • After lunch, visit the Whitworth Art Gallery, housing some of the best collections of modern art in the UK. Don't miss the stunning park adjacent to it.
  • End the day with dinner at Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza, an authentic pizzeria that has won awards for its delicious traditional pizzas.
Day 4

Industry and Innovation

  • Take a 15-minute tram ride to Salford Quays and visit The Lowry, an arts and entertainment complex with exhibitions, theater, and a gallery showcasing the works of L.S. Lowry, the most popular northern artist of the 20th century.
  • Explore the Imperial War Museum North, an impressive building designed by Daniel Libeskind displaying the stories of people whose lives have been affected by conflict.
  • Walk around MediaCityUK, a hub of creative media and technology where BBC North and ITV are based.
  • Enjoy a hearty Sunday roast at Albert's Schloss, a lively Bavarian-style beer hall with live music and great food.
  • Wrap up the trip with a visit to the Cloud 23 bar, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city from the 23rd floor of the Hilton Hotel.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom by plane is to fly to Manchester Airport, which is the main international airport in the area. Many airlines offer direct flights to Manchester Airport from all over the world.

Car

Driving to Manchester, United Kingdom is also an option if you have access to a car. The most convenient route would depend on your starting location, but generally, main roads like the M6 and M1 provide good access to the city.

Train

A convenient way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom by train is to take a train into Manchester Piccadilly station, which is the largest railway station in Manchester. From there, passengers can connect to other local transport options to reach their final destination.

Boat

Although Manchester does not have a direct port, travelers could take a boat to nearby Liverpool and then connect to Manchester via train or bus. Liverpool's international ferry terminal offers services to many European destinations.

Bus

If you prefer to travel by bus, the best way to get to Manchester, United Kingdom is by taking a coach to Manchester Central Coach Station, which is located in the city center. Many companies offer coach services to Manchester from all over the UK.

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