Manchester : book your hotel

Manchester is one of northern England's most exciting destinations. From up-and-coming food and drink to an unparalleled music scene, retail, family attractions and proximity to the Peak District, there's something here for every visitor.

The easiest way to get here depends on where your journey starts. From most major towns and cities in the UK, rail travel is most convenient. Trains run from all over the country to Manchester Picadilly and Manchester Victoria stations. Onward busses, taxis and trams can take you around the city, to your hotel or straight to the pub! To save money on travel and enjoy a budget-friendly weekend in Manchester, why not take the coach? Many national coach services run to Manchester Coach Station and Shudehill Interchange, both in the city center. Coach prices are usually much lower than train tickets, which means more money saved to enjoy the city! If you're visiting Manchester from overseas, fly to Manchester Airport and hop on a train. You can get to the city center in just 15 minutes.

Need inspiration for your time in Manchester? Whether you're visiting for a day, weekend or longer, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself in this urban gem.

Manchester's Science and Industry Museum celebrates the city's industrial heritage. Explore 250 years of ideas that changed the world when you wander around the museum's permanent collections. Two of the five buildings are Grade I-listed - one is the oldest inner-city railway station in the world. Whether you can spare an afternoon or an hour, this unique museum is one of Manchester's top things to do.

Want to see some world-class art in Manchester? Add the Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth to your schedule. The Manchester Art Gallery houses historical and contemporary collections from British and international artists, including over 25,000 fine, decorative and costume art objects. Look out for paintings by Gainsborough, Stubbs and Turner. The Whitworth is another of Manchester's favorite galleries, nestled inside Whitworth Park. Enjoy a stroll around the park before heading inside the sleek gallery building, home to an internationally significant collection of historic and fine art, contemporary art and textiles.

Football fan? Manchester's National Football Museum is a must. The city is home to two of the most famous clubs globally, so it makes sense that it boasts England's museum dedicated to the game. Located in the city center, the Football Museum displays important football artefacts and archives, including kits, trophies and artwork.

The Peak District is one of England's breathtaking national parks with outdoor activities to suit everyone. And it's right on Manchester's doorstep! It's easy to get there by train from the city center. Just hop on at Picadilly or Victoria station and ride to Edale, Hope Valley or one of the many other stops on the Manchester to Sheffield line. Enjoy scenic hikes to the top of the park's famous peaks, like Kinder Scout or Mam Tor. You'll find visitor information centers in most Peak District towns and villages, where you can pick up a map and plan your route.

Manchester is fast becoming a foodie capital of the UK, with fantastic restaurants popping up around the city regularly. Since earning its first Michelin star in 2020, the city's fine dining scene has gone from strength to strength. If you're visiting Manchester for a special occasion, find plenty of sleek spots that are sure to impress. Prefer something casual? You'll have plenty of choices here! There's something delicious to suit every budget, from foodie neighborhoods like Ancoats to streetfood markets in the Arndale Center and dotted around the city.

For great food in Manchester, head to Ancoats; voted one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods year after year. This once-industrial hub is home to many of the city's best restaurants, including Mana, Manchester's first Michelin star spot nestled in the heart of Ancoats. The Jane Eyre is a laid-back spot serving excellent small plates and perfect cocktails. Quick, cheap and delicious? You can't go wrong at Rudy's, the Neapolitan Pizzeria that's making waves around the UK started out in Ancoats. Visit the original for excellent pizza and an unbeatable local atmosphere.

Fancy a drink? It should come as no surprise that Manchester is filled with great pubs and bars. Nightlife is part of the culture here, and there are plenty of casual spots waiting to welcome you with northern charm in spades. Try The Crown & Kettle for fuss-free pints, or heat to the Seven Brothers Beerhouse for a choice of speciality ales. Stick to the city centre for a selection of buzzy cocktail bars like Cottonopolis, The Alchemist and Arcane. Cocktails with a view? Cloud 23 provides a beautiful backdrop of the city skyline.