After a busy week, you may consider having a memorable weekend staycation in Manchester with your loved ones. A staycation in the UNESCO city of Literature and the home to the excellent passenger railway stations can help you relax and unwind.
This guide will help you get the best from your staycation while also saving in the cost.
How to Save Money in Manchester
If you are a budget traveler, Manchester is your ideal travel destination. The city offers numerous free museums, a lot of fun things to do, quality and delicious food from multiple eateries and plentiful budget-friendly accommodation. The city’s goal is to provide utmost fun on a small budget for tourists.
Below are some tips on how to save money on your Manchester staycation – alone or with company.
- Eat dinner in and lunch out: Pub lunches are one of the cheapest ways to save money during your trip. Since pub lunches cost 10 GBP or less while dinner costs 25 GBP and more, you can save some money if eat out at lunchtime and eat in during dinner. With the immense university population around Manchester, plenty of small restaurants offer delicious meals at lunch hour at affordable rates, which you can enjoy without breaking a bank.
- Visit free attractions: There are many free tourist attractions in Manchester. The city’s free museums are world-renowned and include Manchester Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, and the National Football Museum. Other free places to visit include the Imperial War Museum North, the Lowry, and the Castlefield Gallery. You can also enjoy a walk or a picnic in one of the city’s many parks such as Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Alexandra Park.
- Public transport: Manchester has a well-developed public transport system which is very affordable. A single journey costs just 2 GBP and an all-day ticket costs just 5 GBP. This will come in handy if you want to visit some of the attractions located a little far from the city center.
Where to Stay in Manchester
Manchester is increasingly becoming a prominent travel destination for global tourists. The increase in tourist means a higher demand for accommodation, mainly in Manchester city centre hotels. Therefore, you must invest in finding the best accommodation at an affordable price if you want to save without compromising your comfort.
Fortunately, several Manchester city center hotels offer excellent accommodation and delicious food at affordable rates. Before traveling, ensure that you check out for any ongoing offers and discounts to help you save money and enjoy the best views and accommodation at the heart of Manchester City.
The following are some of the best places to stay in Manchester on a budget.
- Budget hotels: There are many low-cost hotels in Manchester. Some of these include the Premier Inn, the Travelodge, and the Ibis Budget. All of these hotels offer comfortable rooms and good services at a fraction of the cost of the city centre hotels.
- Hostels: Another great option for budget travelers is hostels. Manchester has a good number of hostels which offer clean and comfortable accommodation at a fraction of the cost of the hotels. Some of the best hostels in Manchester include the Hatters Hostel, the YHA Manchester, and the Generator Hostel.
- Airbnb: Airbnb is a popular accommodation option for budget travelers. The platform offers a variety of rooms and apartments to choose from at a fraction of the cost of the hotels. Manchester has a good number of Airbnb listings, and you are sure to find something that suits your needs and budget.
What to Do in Manchester
Manchester is a city with plenty to offer tourists. If you are looking for things to do in Manchester on a budget, below are some ideas.
- Walk around the city center: Manchester city center is a beautiful place to walk around. The city has a rich history which is evident in the architecture of the buildings. There are also plenty of shopping areas, restaurants, and bars in the city center which you can explore.
- Visit the museums: Manchester is home to some of the best museums in the world. The museums are free to visit and offer a wealth of knowledge on various topics. Some of the best museums in Manchester include the Manchester Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the National Football Museum.
- Explore the city’s parks: Manchester has many beautiful parks which are perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk. Some of the best parks in Manchester include Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, and Alexandra Park.
- Visit the Lowry: The Lowry is a world-renowned art gallery located in the Salford Quays. The gallery showcases the works of the famous artist L.S. Lowry. Admission to the gallery is free for all.
- Attend a football match: If you are a football fan, then you must attend a football match while in Manchester. The city is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world, Manchester United and Manchester City. The matches are always a fun and exciting experience.
How to Get Around Manchester City
Exploring Manchester City demands the most convenient way of navigating the place. Luckily, the city offers a range of means to get around, from public transportation to bicycles, taxis, car rentals and Ridesharing.
You can also get around the city by walking, especially in the city center. If you prefer biking, there are multiple bike rental shops around the town. The bike rentals also offer other services, such as guided bike tours, that add fun and exploration to your staycation.
When to Travel to Manchester
Since Manchester is located in north of England city, you should expect it to be cooler than London. Like other cities in the UK, some random rainy days are not something new.
Summer is the best time to travel to Manchester due to the perfect weather and multiple festivals and events happening. The festivals that attract enormous crowds include Manchester Pride, Parklife and Picnic in the Park.
However, you should be aware that traveling to Manchester during the summer means massive tourist traffic and premium rates for services.
To Sum Up
A staycation in Manchester is a great way to relax and unwind. The city offers plenty of tourist attractions, museums, and parks which are free to visit. The city also has a well-developed public transportation system which is very affordable.
There are also a variety of places to stay in Manchester, from budget hotels to hostels to Airbnb.
Manchester is a great city to visit any time of the year, but the summer is the best time to visit when the city is alive with festivals and events.
