How to spend 48 hours in Manchester
Manchester is a bustling city that’s bursting full of things to see and do. With its worker bee history and exhilarating art scene, a city break here is sure to be an enjoyable one.
Day 1
The best way to learn anything about a city is through its museums and Manchester has a whole load of them!
Science and Industry Museum
Situated in the heart of Manchester, the museum is spread across three different sites and features the oldest passenger railway station and the world’s first railway house from 1830.
Manchester Museum
From dinosaur skeletons to Ancient Egypt mummies, the Manchester Museum has a huge collection of things for you to see and discover.
The Vivarium hosts a large collection of Costa Rican frogs and the museum has established programmes to help some of the country’s most endangered species.
Lunch stop – Mackie Mayor
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, then Mackie Mayor’s is definitely worth a visit. Set in a Grade II listed building, the place provides character and charm as well as a large selection of independent eateries for you to choose from.
The John Rylands Library
Home to one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts in the world, people are welcome to visit, study or simply admire its beautiful gothic architecture.
The library features 1.4million items including special collections such as the St Johns Fragment and Medical Archive Collections.
Art
Manchester has a huge art scene and plenty of galleries for you to visit, such as The Whitworth. It first opened in 1989 as the first English gallery in a park.
In 2015 the gallery underwent a £15 million transformation, doubling the size and creating new spaces.
There are both inside and outside parts to this gallery for you to explore along with activities and self-guided trails.
If street art is more your style then you are in luck as Manchester has a ton of it! Take a walking tour to see come of the city’s oldest and newest pieces.
Evening
Our selected hotel for Manchester includes a delicious evening meal and has its own bar for you to enjoy. However, if you would like to venture out into the city there is a vibrant nightlife to explore.
From quirky themes to classy cocktails bars and even one in a convenience store (also its name) - Manchester nightlife has something for everyone.
Day 2
Christmas Market
Available from early November, the Manchester Christmas Market features over 300 twinkling stalls and chalets spread throughout the city.
It’s the perfect place to shop for homemade crafts, gifts, jewellery, homeware, toys and much more!
The Manchester Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst but there are many European flavours to sample such as Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a classic hog roast.
Shopping
The city is a hot destination for shopping and with its wide variety and mix of designer brands and independent retailers it’s no surprise!
There are shopping centres such as the Intu Trafford and Manchester Arndale, the Exchange Square and Market Street for popular and international brands, and The Northern Quarter where you will find vintage shops, record stores and a great selection of cafes and bars.
The perfect place to get all your Christmas shopping sorted.
Ideally located, 500 metres from Manchester's Piccadilly Railway Station, the hotel is a Grade II listed building that’s close to shops and attractions.
Breakfast and evening meals are included in your stay here and the hotel offers free Wi-Fi and has two lively bars.
Book your Manchester break now from only £44.95pp