Manchester, a vibrant city where industrial heritage meets modern sophistication, offers iconic landmarks, world-class museums, a dazzling music scene, and exquisite dining. Spend 36 hours in Manchester exploring the best of this dynamic city.
Manchester | UK
Welcome to Manchester, a city where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Known as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester boasts a rich heritage that is evident in its stunning Victorian architecture and historic canals. The city is a cultural powerhouse, home to world-class museums like the Science and Industry Museum and the People’s History Museum. Wander through the vibrant Northern Quarter, renowned for its street art, independent boutiques, and eclectic eateries. For a touch of glamour, visit Spinningfields, the city’s sleek financial district, offering chic bars and upscale dining. Music lovers will revel in Manchester’s legendary music scene, with iconic venues that have hosted the likes of The Smiths and Oasis. Architecturally, Manchester is a treasure trove, featuring the Neo-Gothic splendor of the John Rylands Library and the Edwardian Baroque style of the Midland Hotel. Modern marvels like the glass-clad Beetham Tower add a contemporary flair to the skyline.
After spending the weekend exploring York’s medieval charm, we loved Manchester’s multiculturalism which is beautifully reflected in its diverse food scene. From the famous Curry Mile, offering a plethora of South Asian cuisines at eateries such as Kabana and This n That, to the array of Middle Eastern, Chinese, Caribbean, Korean, Vietnamese, and Italian restaurants scattered throughout the city, there’s something to satisfy every palate. We even spotted an Armenian restaurant that we plan to absolutely visit next time we are in the city!
Whether you’re exploring the historic Castlefield or enjoying a night out in the trendy Ancoats, Manchester promises a dynamic and unforgettable experience. Discover the unique charm and energy that make this city a must-visit destination.
36 Hours in Manchester
- How to Reach Manchester
- Where to Stay in Manchester
- 36 Hours in Manchester Itinerary: Things to Do in Manchester
- Arrive in Manchester and Head Straight for Lunch
- Stop by Manchester Cathedral
- Visit the People’s History Museum
- Visit the Science and Technology Museum
- Explore the City Centre
- Enjoy Dinner at Chinatown
- Go on a Pub Crawl
- Indulge in a Sumptuous Breakfast
- Explore the Northern Quarters
- Read a book at the John Rylands Library or at Manchester City Library
- Enjoy a Late Lunch at Arndale Market
- Go Shopping at Arndale Market and Depart
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How to Reach Manchester
Manchester is easily accessible from Britain and abroad.
BY TRAIN | Manchester is well-connected by train to the rest of the country. There are daily services from London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, and other British cities.
BY BUS | Buses to Manchester are available from all major UK cities.
BY FLIGHT | Manchester is one of UK’s most important international airports and there are flights to various destinations worldwide.
FREE BUSES IN MANCHESTER: Getting around Manchester is free and easy, thanks to the Bee Network’s two free routes: Free Bus 1 and Free Bus 2. Both routes are circular routes that connect Manchester Piccadilly to the city centre. If you are arriving at Manchester Victoria, bus 2 is your link to the city centre. Buses are frequent and run late on weekdays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the service ends in the evening. Just hop on and explore!
Where to Stay in Manchester
Like all cosmopolitan cities, Manchester has a range of hotels and BnBs. These are our budget to midrange picks in Manchester.
The Cow Hollow Hotel | No better neighbourhood to stay in Manchester than the hip Northern Quarters! The Cow Hollow Hotel in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Stay here to enjoy stylish rooms with exposed brick walls, copper accents, and marble fireplaces. Don’t miss the Happy Hours at the hotel’s Plantation Bar.
Motel One – Manchester Piccadilly | Stay at Motel One Manchester-Piccadilly for budget-friendly comfort and style. Located near Piccadilly station, it offers simple, modern rooms and chic public areas, themed around Manchester’s 19th-century nickname “Cottonopolis”. If you enjoy contemporary art installations, you can see a paper art installation on the wall symbolising cotton, reels sit on shelves and puffy, cotton-wool-esque lights hang from the ceiling. . For less than £100 a night, this is a top place to stay in Manchester!
INNSIDE | INNSIDE Manchester is a hit with Instagram-savvy guests who love posing by the hotel’s popular blooming tree or the “doodle pillar” featuring all things Manchester by Dave Draws. Spacious rooms and great service set this hotel apart.
36 Hours in Manchester Itinerary: Things to Do in Manchester
We spent 36 hours in Manchester and visited the top attractions and ate some excellent meals. Here’s our itinerary so you can use it to plan a quick Manchester trip.
Arrive in Manchester and Head Straight for Lunch
Some of the most delicious lunches in Manchester are also some of the cheapest and are found in Manchester’s famous Curry Mile. Some of Manchester’s iconic eateries such as Yadgar, This n That, and Kabana are located here and every afternoon, they feed hundreds of hungry Mancunians and tourists. At these eateries, you can order the city’s most popular lunch deal: “rice and three” aka rice with three curries that you pick off the day’s menu. At £6-£7 depending on your protein of choice, it is an unbeatable deal! Sadly, it is an unknown concept in Edinburgh and we would love curry houses here to introduce rice and three to the north of the border.
We headed straight to Kabana, a frill-free South Asian eatery serving staples such as curries with rice or naan, biriyani, kebabs, and nihari. Portions are generous, and the taste is spot on! We shared a plate of chicken tikka, some nihari, and a naan, which set us back by £13. The weather was absolutely rubbish and the nihari warmed our souls! The tikka was spot-on and it came with a sweet and spicy chutney and some pickled onions. There are at least three vegetarian curries on the menu besides lamb and chicken curries. If you are visiting on Saturday when Kabana is closed, go to This n That, a family-run hole-in-the-wall establishment known for its classic rice and three. Their curries change everyday and everything is simple but tasty. We went there the next day and the food was hearty!
VEGAN RICE & THREE IN MANCHESTER: Most eateries on the Curry Mile have vegetarian and vegan options but if you are looking for a vegan curry house that does vegan rice and three, go to Little Aladdin on Turner Street.
Stop by Manchester Cathedral
Stepping into Manchester Cathedral was like entering a time capsule of Gothic grandeur. The towering spires, a familiar sight on the city’s skyline, seemed even more impressive from within. The intricate stonework, a testament to the skill of the medieval masons, was a stark contrast to the industrial heritage that surrounds the cathedral.
The stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the Bible and local history, were a colorful tapestry of light. Sadly we only could rely on our imagination to savour the cathedral’s acoustics, which seemed to be perfect for some choral music, but were not playing any music.
Despite its ancient origins, the cathedral felt surprisingly modern. The warm lighting and well-maintained interior created a welcoming atmosphere. The cathedral’s role as a community hub, hosting events and exhibitions, connected it to the city’s vibrant life. It was a place of quiet reflection, a sanctuary amidst the bustling city, and a true Mancunian masterpiece that seamlessly blended the old and the new.
Visit the People’s History Museum
Just like the best free thing to do in Edinburgh is visiting the city’s museums, in Manchester, too, you can visit some exceptional museums for free! After checking in at our hotel, we then headed to the People’s History Museum, and were thoroughly impressed. The exhibits, arranged chronologically, offer a captivating journey through the city’s social and cultural heritage. It very much is a discussion of the city’s coming of age, told through the numerous movements the Mancunians have taken part in ever since the days of industrial revolution. Interactive displays and immersive experiences makes this history tangible, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience these pivotal moments firsthand. It’s a powerful reminder of the city’s resilience and spirit, inspiring visitors to appreciate the contributions of past generations and to connect with Manchester’s enduring legacy. If you can visit one and only one museum on your 36 hours in Manchester trip, make sure it is this one! Entry is free.
Visit the Science and Technology Museum
In contrast, the Manchester Science and Industry Museum seems keen on providing the technological context behind Manchester’s progress. From the towering steam engines to the early computers, the museum showcases the ingenuity and innovation that shaped Manchester’s past and continues to drive its future. The first floor with its interactive exhibits, designed to engage visitors of all ages, make learning fun and exciting, perhaps even for individuals who are a few decades past their schoolgoing era. I was particularly impressed by the hands-on experiments and demonstrations that allowed me to explore scientific concepts in a practical way. There is no shame in admitting that I derived as much joy from these as the 6-8 year olds for whom these experiments were designed for would have. The museum is very much a work in progress and will grow much more in scope over the coming years.
Explore the City Centre
Manchester city centre is a delight for architecture lovers! Red brick buildings with impressive facades reminsicent of the city’s heyday as the country’s industrial heart stand tall. There are historic warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals and you can spot a variety of architectural styles from baroque to modern. On our 36 hours Manchester trip, we appreciated the rich tapestry of architectural styles, reflecting the city’s evolution from the Industrial Revolution to the present day. We highly recommend joining a Manchester Walking Tour that will provide you an insight into the city’s history. We marvelled at the juxtaposition of Victorian warehouses and Neo-Gothic buildings with shiny glass-and-steel skyscapers. On clear days, the glowing red luminescence of late afternoon sun paints the historic red brick facades and bounces off the mirror-like glass fronts of the skyscapers and everything in the city takes on a cozy, autumnal mood. As if the streets and alleys were gilded and every crack, every crevice was carefully repaired with gold seams like the Japanese kintsugi. It was magical!
Enjoy Dinner at Chinatown
Manchester’s Chinatown is choc-a-bloc with amazing restaurants! The gate was by the city to thank the Chinese expats for their contributions to the city. It was built in China and shipped to England. Chinatown is busy no matter the time of day. With its brightly coloured shopfronts, red and gold lights, and happy families headed for feasts, Chinatown has a very different energy from the rest of the city, especially in the evening. We stuffed our mouths at Pho Cue, Manchester’s beloved Vietnamese restaurant, and at Kaya, the Malaysian eatery next door that transported us to the food markets of Kuala Lumpur. If dim sums are what your heart desires, head to Mei Dim and order their dim sum platter. If you are in the mood for a traditional Chinese dinner, pick Noodle Alley or Happy Seasons.
You can also find Asian grocery stores in Manchester’s Chinatown. In this 36 hours in Manchester itinerary, Two Together recommends that you visit at least one of them to explore the vast variety of Asian food and other products including live seafood such as crabs and lobsters. We visited the Blue Whale and were so excited to see the mind-boggling variety of things. It was so hard not to stock up on condiments and dumplings! After walking through the aisles countless times, we bought ramen, some mango-flavoured milk bread, and a chicken floss cake.
Go on a Pub Crawl
Like all British cities, Manchester has its share of pubs but some are more famous than others. Not only that, Manchester has a history of brewing and family-run breweries and you can taste a slew of local beers and ales in the city’s many pubs on your 36 hours in Manchester trip. Don’t miss the Marble Arch Inn and the Peveril of the Peak, two of Manchester’s iconic pubs. If traditional pubs are your jam, get a pint at the Briton’s Protection and the Turk’s Head. Smack in the centre of the city are two Tudor-style pubs, the Old Wellington and Sinclairs Oyster Bar.
Manchester’s gay quarter also has some excellent public houses such as the On Bar and Via Manchester which regularly hosts drag nights. The city has been at the forefront of the UK’s LGBT+ movement and you can learn more about it on the LGBT+ Walking Tour.
Indulge in a Sumptuous Breakfast
We started the next morning of our 36 hours in Manchester tour with some sumptuous breakfast! Manchester scores high in the breakfast game and it took us back to our days indulging in leisurely breakfasts in Ipoh! If you know us, we love having good coffee and pastry to start our day and our search for recommendations led us to Gooey Bakery and Pollen, two Manchester favourites. Gooey Bakery is known for its indulgent French toast and its lush sandwiches. We ordered their egg sandwich– besides the egg filling, it also had a soft-boiled egg at its centre– and it was finger-licking good! At Pollen, we tasted their cakes and Viennoise pastries, and also shared a delicious bacon sandwich!
Explore the Northern Quarters
The Northern Quarters is Manchester’s most trendy neighbourhood. Creative, diverse, and lively, the Northern Quarters is bustling with local cafes and pubs, and independent retailers such as Lanx. Street art and music add to the charm. Located in the Northern Quarter is Band on the Wall, one of Manchester’s most popular locations for live music.
Ranked one of Britain’s most hipster neighbourhoods is Ancoats which borders the Northern Quarters. Once a bustling industrial district, it has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The area’s historic buildings have been repurposed into stylish apartments, co-working spaces, and cultural venues. The combination of old and new, coupled with the neighborhood’s laid-back atmosphere, makes Ancoats a truly unique and exciting place to be.
Both Northern Quarter and Ancoats offer a glimpse into Manchester’s evolving identity, showcasing the city’s commitment to creativity, community, and cultural evolution. All the pubs and the food joints don’t hurt either.
Read a book at the John Rylands Library or at Manchester City Library
One of the city’s most revered libraries, the John Rylands Library is known for its neo-gothic architecture and collection (which includes the famous “Gutenberg Bible” and the “Dead Sea Scrolls.”!). Entry is completely free but note that the library is open to visitors only from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.
The Manchester City Library, nearby, is another fantastic institution if you are serious about your research. It houses a significant collection of materials related to Manchester’s history, and regularly hosts a variety of cultural events, including author talks, exhibitions, and workshops should you be so inclined.
Enjoy a Late Lunch at Arndale Market
Just like the stalls in Newcastle’s Grainger Market, the food trucks at Arndale Market serve some of the best food in Manchester! You can take a trip around the globe here; from Korean to Mexican, from Syria to Vietnam, there’s something to cater to every craving. We ate at five places and each of them was excellent. We highly recommend the filling sandwiches from Rack and the Korean dishes, especially the kimbap, at Meokja. We tried the Caribbean fare at Onje; it was an incredibly flavourful curry and rice for less than a tenner and we can’t wait to go back and try some more. The burrito bowl from Panchos Burrito was huge and delicious! There are lots and lots of options, so you can pick and mix and try a bit of everything. Don’t miss the food trucks at Arndale Market on your visit to Manchester!
TIP: Mackie Mayor pops up on almost every list of best places to eat in Manchester and although there are some excellent options, we found it overpriced. We say pop into Mackie Mayor for a photo of the stunning space, then head to Arndale for lunch.
Go Shopping at Arndale Market and Depart
If you love shopping, you will love the Arndale Market. Spending a few hours at Arndale Market in Manchester was an absolute delight. The lively atmosphere and diverse offerings made it a perfect spot for a day of shopping. I also enjoyed browsing through high street fashion brands, finding the latest trends and stylish pieces. The market’s energy and the friendly vendors added to the charm, making it a memorable experience. Conclude your 36 hours in Manchester with some excellent shopping and then head home. Or, to the scenic environs of the Lake District which is only an hour away from the bustling metropolis. Don’t forget to get a takeaway to eat on the train from Arndale Market food trucks.
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What do you think of our 36 hours in Manchester trip? What are your favourite places to visit in Manchester?
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