The third-largest city in Britain, Manchester is a glorious destination for tourists from all around the world. The diverse culture, the fantastic geography, and the iconic Manchester football clubs are some of the main reasons tourists swarm to this wonderful city every year. Manchester is a hub for archaeologists, history students, and even music lovers who travel thousands of miles each year to take part in various events and gatherings.
Despite the availability of unique attractions throughout the city, it is not so cheap to avail them. Costs can soar ridiculously if you make an unplanned trip to Manchester. Proper knowledge of the many affordable activities all around the city can greatly improve your travel experience and ensure a successful tour. Read this article for a comprehensive discussion on ways to reduce expenses during your visit.
Save Money on Transportation
There are many economic modes of transportation in the city of Manchester. Ranging from buses, cars, trains to bikes, cycles, and planes – the city offers it all! You can enjoy rides in almost any feasible form of transportation, and proper planning can ensure money is being saved in the process.
Renting a car can be the most convenient method of roaming around the city. Many lucrative car rental promo codes can be availed from various sources. Make sure you take the time to research them all to find the perfect deal for you. Some car rentals may also include added benefits like a free lunch or a cost reduction in entry fees for certain tourist spots.
In case you have the time, booking a train ticket weeks before the journey can be an extremely cheap affair. The entire city has an elaborate network of railway lines, leading to easy accessibility to all parts of the city. A variety of biking opportunities within the city is also available as a mode of transportation. This is a safe and affordable option for people intending to roam solo around the city for sightseeing.
Save Money on Food
Food outlets in Manchester have an established trait, food costs are considerably lower during lunchtime across the city compared to breakfast and dinner. A meal purchased during noon can cost you almost half the price than during dinnertime. Many restaurants and bars often provide generous discounts and offers on their menus, which are mostly time-specific. Some outlets offer mini taster dishes that can be taken advantage of.
If you are staying in a hotel, make sure you do not miss the free breakfast they offer. This can potentially save you tons of money and increase your budget for other essentials. Make sure you keep a lookout for all the available offers throughout the city from local newspapers or the internet. Ordering food from your home and having it delivered to your doorstep can be an astute step to save money. This will save you a trip to the outlet, and not paying any tips or covering extra charges associated with the restaurant. A little effort can save you a substantial amount of money in a dynamic city like Manchester.
Save Money on Accommodation
Manchester hosts an array of hotels and hostels throughout the city, making it easy to find accommodation for tourists. Prices vary according to the location, quality, and type of room you are looking for, and might also be subject to changes depending on the season. Hotels usually provide free breakfast and guidelines for traveling. Some hotel chains boast branches in every important corner of the city and are great options for tourists planning on moving around and staying in different locations throughout their visit. Make sure to avoid match days of the famous Manchester clubs, as that would mean a price hike in the hotel.
Bed and breakfasts are also available for tourists planning on a short weekend tour. While they do charge for breakfast, unlike many hotels, the additional benefits they provide, like free WiFi, make the deal worthwhile. Most of these services do not have strict policies, which ensure a relaxing stay with friends and family.
Finally, for seasoned travelers or enthusiastic adventurers, Manchester offers the opportunity to hire tents on dedicated camping grounds. These are very affordable and can give you a totally different experience compared to hotel stays. You will open your eyes to a picturesque assortment of greenery in the morning, and wonder how cheap the whole arrangement truly is. Make sure to do your research on available camping sites before making your selection.
Take a Walk
All the aforementioned methods, despite the low expenses, are not entirely free of cost. Taking a walk, however, is completely free and has certain benefits associated with it. Imagine taking part in a bus tour. The entire tour plan is usually pre-set and no tourist preserves the right to bring any changes to it. You can not spend an extra hour staring at the Manchester Science and Industry Museum or the Old Trafford football stadium due to time constraints on such trips. Walk solo, and you can spend as long as you want, enjoying these iconic locations!
Create a calculated plan of covering as much ground as per your sightseeing requirements. Make sure the plan is not too elaborate, as you might not be able to cover a lot of ground while you keep getting amazed by the beauty of some of these spots. The number of interesting spots to encounter throughout the city is innumerable. Spending a whole day gazing at these gems is not enough to cover even a small portion of them. Plan wisely and according to your desire so that all of them can be visited without a single penny spent on transportation.
Conclusion
A tour of Manchester promises to be greatly rewarding due to the variety of world-class entertainment options spread throughout the city. Although this can be really costly, numerous cheap or free alternatives are available, making it feasible to visit for budget travelers. Proper knowledge of all these options can go a long way in making your stay in Manchester delightful and fulfilling.
