Manchester is one of the UK’s great cities, but it can be quite an expensive place to spend a weekend if you do not know your way around.
If you have a limitless budget to splash out with then the list of things to do in Manchester is endless, but for those with less cash to spend it is sometimes trickier to find suitable activities.
With that in mind, we have picked out a few ideas for a fantastic budget weekend in Manchester.
Eat and drink like a local
Manchester is increasingly popular with tourists and a whole new night-time economy has sprung up to serve people who are visiting this brilliant city for the first time in their lives.
But the key to a budget weekend in Manchester is to eat and drink like a local, with plenty of fantastic options available that will not break the bank.
Arndale Market is full of mouth-watering grub that does not cost the earth, with Chinese sweet desserts and amazing burritos among the treats you can pick up for just a few quid. Curry lovers should definitely head to Manchester institution This & That, where its famous rice and three deal will leave visitors loosening their belts as they walk out the door for sure. Pizza fans should certainly consider an authentic slice from Rudy’s Pizza as well.
For the chance to sample some fantastic local craft beers, we can definitely recommend testing out a pint or two at The Brink. Located on Bridge Street, it is a tiny micropub that only serves beers and ciders that have been made within a 25 miles radius. The Marble Arch is a good alternative for anyone who fancies a drink or two during their visit to the city.
Visit a casino – or play online instead
Manchester has a few casinos to pick from in the city centre and these are very popular places to go for visitors to the city. One of them, Manchester235, has a couple of great bars and bills itself as a Vegas-style casino, with many people heading there to try out the games on offer.
As well as the bars, which can be pricey, Manchester235 is home to a restaurant from celebrity chef James Martin. The chef’s table at the restaurant is one of Manchester’s top fine dining experiences, with this able to be booked for up to 10 guests. It is hardly a budget choice, though.
For those who are unsure about visiting a casino during a budget weekend in Manchester, it might be better to keep it safe by choosing a tried and tested online casino. Many casino sites now even offer no deposit bonuses so you can play without risking any of your own real cash.
Shop in the Northern Quarter
Manchester has a very compact city centre that is easy to walk around but there are still distinct areas within it that have their own unique feel. The Northern Quarter is certainly one of them.
Home to a variety of independent retailers, the Northern Quarter is definitely a budget-friendly place to do some shopping during a weekend in Manchester. The difference between some of the cool stores in this part of town with the trendy shops of King Street is a sharp contrast.
Music lovers should make sure they drop in to Vinyl Exchange on Oldham Street, while your new favourite novel can be found just a few doors down at the Magma bookstore. While we are talking about music, Manchester is a cultural paradise with lots of cheap and cheerful venues. Take in a show at Yes, the Deaf Institute, Joshua Brooks or the Albert Hall during your budget weekend in Manchester – maybe you will see the next Oasis, The Smiths or Stone Roses!
Go to the National Football Museum
Sports lovers will love to spend time at the National Football Museum, which is an ideal family activity on a budget in Manchester as kids under the age of five get free entry.
Formerly located at Deepdale, the home of Preston North End, having moved to Manchester a few years ago the National Football Museum has become more popular than ever.
The great thing about a visit to the National Football Museum is that the exhibits change all the time, so even if you have been before there will certainly be something new to see there.
The Play Gallery on Level 2 hosts interactive elements like a penalty shoot-out game and the museum is also home to Cafe Football – a venture from Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs.
Alternatively, anyone interested in learning about democracy should make time for a trip to the People’s History Museum, with the Science and Industry Museum another good option.
