The Ideal Way To Spend A Weekend In Manchester
Manchester is a beautiful city and there is so much to do and see there that we have compiled the perfect way to spend a weekend there, making sure you get the most out of your weekend in Manchester!
Friday 8pm-Spinningfields
Once you have arrived in Manchester, it’s time to grab some dinner in Spinningfields. Whether you’re feeling fancy or want more of relaxed vibe, this place fits all. Recommendations include Artisan, Tattu (choose this place if you want some instagram photos), Fazenda and Australasia- of course depending on what you fancy to eat.
Friday 10pm- Cocktails
Stay in Spinningfields for some after-dinner drinks, you don’t want to travel too far on your first night! The Alchemist is the perfect place. After choosing your drink from the periodic table inspired menu, sit back and chill out under the outdoor heaters and watch as your drink changes colour, smokes and fizzes in the conical flask- every drink is a science experiment here.
Friday 12am- Live Music
Manchester is renowned for it’s music scene so fitting in some time for live music is a must! Be sure to check out who’s playing around Manchester and bag yourself some tickets well ahead of your trip. The most popular venues include Albert Hall, Deaf Institute and The Ritz, all sure to give you a night you won’t forget.
Saturday 10pm – The Gay Village
Take a tram to The Gay Village and enjoy a full English at The Richmond Tea Room; arguably one of the best breakfasts in Manchester, set in the confines of an Alice in Wonderland inspired cafe.
Saturday 12pm – Canal Walk
Time to walk off that huge breakfast with a stroll along Manchester’s ship canal. Having opened in 1894, it was the largest river canal in the world and today it is home to many canal boats and water taxis.
Saturday 2pm – Museums and Galleries
Spend the afternoon soaking up some Northern culture at the many museums and galleries the city has to offer. Take your pick from Manchester Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, National Football Museum, Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth Gallery, to name just a handful. Whatever you’re into there will be something for you and many of them have free entry!
Saturday 9pm – Chinatown
You can’t spend a weekend in Manchester without experiencing Chinatown. With traditional Chinese restaurants lining endless streets, you’ll be spoiled because they are so many places where you can eat.
Saturday 12am – Deansgate Locks
It’s time to party because Manchester’s nightlife is second to none. Whatever your choice of club, there will be a place for you. Choose Ark if you want to dress fancy, head to Factory if you get bored of the same music all night- you’ll have 3 floors of different genres to change to and from and think 42nd Street if Indie is your vibe.
Sunday 10am – Northern Quarter
You’ll need only the best food to cure this hangover. You must go straight to the Northern Quarter, where hundreds of independent cafes will have you drooling over their menus. Afterwards, enjoy a spot of shopping in the vintage boutiques and even find yourself delving deep into the several vinyl stores on offer.
Sunday 2pm – Sightseeing
Of course, Manchester has plenty of sights to see and you mustn’t forget to put them in the itinerary. The Ethiad Stadium, the Town Hall, Aflecks Palace, The John Rylands library and Salford’s Media City are just a few of the wonders that should be on your list.
Sunday 7pm – Cloud 23
It’s time to end your weekend in Manchester with a bang! Climb the floors of the Hilton hotel to reach Cloud 23, the restaurant with panoramic views over beautiful Manchester. Reflect on your time in the city, the history you have learnt, the sights you have seen, as you gaze across the buildings from a height (but remember you’re hungover, so don’t look for too long!)