How to plan a trip to Manchester?

As you may already know, planning a trip to Manchester and to any other place in the world requires a lot of details beyond what to see or what to do in the destination. We are talking for example about accommodation, transport or preparing the documentation necessary to travel. It is also advisable to find out about certain key details such as the currency in use, the language spoken or the type of plug, among other aspects, so that nothing catches you by surprise.

In this post we’ve set out to help you through the first steps of organising your trip by giving you essential information about the city and telling you many other details that you’ll be grateful for during your stay. You’ll see that Manchester, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, is an incredibly interesting place, so start preparing your trip with Passporter today and enjoy your next holiday.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Manchester

Citizens of European Union countries, Commonwealth countries, and nations such as Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay, will only need to present a valid passport to stay in the country for up to 180 days. If you want to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa and an interview.

For citizens of other countries, it is essential to apply for a visa through the relevant embassy or consulate, or through an online form provided by the official authorities. Documents required for this process include:

• A completed application form with personal information and travel details.
• A passport valid for the duration of the stay.
• Two recent colour photos that meet the established standards in terms of size and background.
• Evidence of financial capacity, such as bank statements, to demonstrate self-sufficiency during the stay.
• Confirmation of accommodation, either a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from someone residing in the country.
• Details of the travel itinerary.
• Travel insurance including medical cover.
• Official translations into English or Welsh of any documents submitted in another language.

It is advisable to start the visa application process at least three months in advance, and expect to have to pay £115.

Other things to consider are a driving licence and travel insurance. EU citizens can drive with their own driving licence, but most travellers from other countries will need to apply for an international visa. As for health insurance, although EU citizens are covered by the European Health Insurance Card, coverage is not comprehensive, so it is advisable to consider taking out extra insurance.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to planyour trip to Manchester

The best time to visit Manchester, as well as your availability, will depend on your preferences for weather and budget. Summer is the most pleasant time to explore the city. During these months the warm weather allows you to enjoy Manchester’s many parks and outdoor spaces at their best, as well as the Manchester International Festival. However, summer also attracts the most tourists, which can mean higher prices and more crowded venues.

We travelled in autumn, and although the weather is cooler and rainier, the city was lit up in autumn colours and we were able to see everything without the crowds. If you ask us, we would always recommend going in spring or autumn, even if you should always be prepared for rain.

During the winter it’s also possible to do some sightseeing in the city. This is the low season, so prices are much cheaper. However, due to the city’s northerly position, it gets dark very early and cold, which shortens the hours for sightseeing.

3. Find out how to get to Manchester

As with accommodation, it is also advisable to book your tickets in advance to save money. We also remind you that with the Passporter App you can make your reservations directly through Skyscanner. Here are all the options for getting to Manchester:

• Air: Manchester Airport (MAN) is one of the busiest airports in the UK, with flights from airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet.
• Car: Manchester is accessible via the UK motorway network, including the M60 which circles the city. You can cross the Eurotunnel with your car (€30/€60) or hire one on arrival at the airport. This option is not recommended for getting around the city due to traffic and parking costs.
• Train: Manchester Piccadilly is the main railway station, with Virgin Trains, TransPennine Express, and Northern Rail services from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh and other major cities.
• Bus: National Express and Megabus offer budget services from other UK cities. This is a slower, but cheaper option.

From Manchester Airport to the centre:

• Train: the train is a fast option, with services to Manchester Piccadilly every 10 minutes or so. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs around £5.
• Tram (Metrolink): connects the airport with various parts of the city, including the city centre. The cost is approximately £4.60 for a single journey.
• Bus: the 43 service operates 24 hours a day from the airport to the city centre, costing approximately £4.

Once you’re in town, you can get around the centre on foot, but for longer distances, you can use buses, trains and the Metrolink (tram). A ticket costs about £2, but there is also the option of buying a full-day ticket (about £7).

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy Manchester

This iconic city in the north of England offers a wide variety of accommodation options. But do! If you want to find affordable prices and not too far away, we encourage you to follow this advice:

• Book early: The earlier you start looking, the more choice you’ll have. As usual, the best places fly. You can use the Passporter App to look at and book accommodation through Booking before you set off on your trip. I always take the opportunity to look when I’m on public transport.
• Read reviews: it’s a fiasco when we get to the hotel and it’s not what we expected. That’s why we encourage you to read reviews and see where other travellers have stayed.
• Consider booking a flat: Apartments are often much cheaper, especially if you’re travelling in a group.
• Choose the area to stay in according to your interests and transport needs: Manchester has a very efficient tram network, so even if you’re not staying very close to the centre, you’ll be able to get around easily.

Here’s a list of the best areas to stay in:

• City Centre: Ideal for first-timers and shopaholics. Staying here means being close to major attractions such as the Manchester Art Gallery. It is the most expensive area.
• Northern Quarter: is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, trendy bars and street art. Perfect for young travellers and art lovers. It is moderately expensive.
• Ancoats: A former industrial district converted into a trendy residential area with excellent restaurants. Ideal for those looking for a local experience at a moderate price.
• Salford Quays: located near the BBC studios and the Lowry, it’s perfect for culture and arts enthusiasts.
• Didsbury: This is a suburb with charm, beautiful parks and excellent dining options. Ideal for families or those looking for a quiet stay at a moderate price.
• Chorlton: Popular with locals, known for its creative community and eco-friendly options. Excellent for long stays and urban explorers. Moderately priced.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Manchester

Manchester is a lively and modern city that invites you to spend at least 3 days. In this post you can read more about what to see in the city and start creating your itinerary with the Passporter App: Things to do in Manchester England

Here’s a quick summary of our favourite places to visit in the city:

1. Manchester Town Hall : it is an impressive example of neo-gothic architecture. The façade is the most incredible thing. Only the public areas are accessible free of charge.
2. Museum of Science and Industry: here you can explore the industrial revolution and scientific advances. Admission is free.
3. John Rylands Library: neo-gothic library with rare collections of texts. Free admission.
4. Manchester Art Gallery: houses a remarkable collection of British and European art. Free admission.
5. Old Trafford: Manchester United’s home stadium, where as well as watching a game, you can visit on a guided tour for around £25
6. Etihad Stadium: home of Manchester City, with tours available for fans. Tour price: £25 approx.
7. The Lowry : cultural complex in Salford Quays, with theatre, art gallery and activities.
8. National Football Museum: for football fans, a place steeped in the history of the game.
9. Chinatown: the second largest Asian neighbourhood in the UK, full of restaurants and shops.
10. Northern Quarter: creative and vintage area, ideal for exploring independent shops, street art and cafes.

6. Where and what to eat in Manchester?

Manchester’s cuisine, as well as incorporating classic English traditions such as the 5 o’clock tea, has its own specialities, substantial and flavoursome dishes that suit the region’s cold climate. Ingredients include red meat, fish, dairy products and a wide variety of local vegetables.

We tried all of the dishes listed below, and one day we indulged in a local coffee shop and started the day with a typical English breakfast, which is sure to leave you satiated for the rest of the day.

Top 5 most typical dishes in Manchester:

1. Black Pudding: this black pudding, usually eaten with breakfast, is a local speciality.
2. Parched Peas: a traditional winter dish, these peas are soaked and slow-cooked, typical of bonfire night and Christmas markets.
3. Manchester Tart: a nostalgic dessert from school dinners, made with raspberry jam, custard and coconut.
4. Meat and Potato Pie: meat and potato pie, a standard-bearer of northern cuisine, perfect with a pint of beer.
5. Lancashire Hotpot: a lamb and potato stew
6. Rag Pudding: a dish of minced meat and onions, cooked in suet dough, an Oldham tradition.

As for drinks, while tea remains the most popular choice, the growing craft beer scene is also worth mentioning, with numerous local microbreweries offering a variety of unique brews.

If you’re into Asian cuisine, don’t miss Curry Mile, a street lined with South Asian shops and restaurants that reflect the city’s cultural diversity.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Manchester

Can you imagine travelling to Manchester to watch a football match with your friends or walking the streets where legendary bands like The Smiths or Oasis were once born? It is clear that the city is a unique place to live unforgettable adventures with your best friends, and as we know from experience that travelling in a group can present some challenges, we want to give you a hand with this post where we give you the keys to travel together: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

We also encourage you to plan your trip to Manchester with the Passporter App, with which you can create collaborative travel itineraries so that all members of the group can participate in the organisation. With Passporter organising trips is much easier and as well as creating your own itinerary, you can get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Manchester

• The currency in the United Kingdom is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• Waking up early will allow you to enjoy the city’s iconic sights with fewer people.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• Manchester is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Manchester?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Manchester.

If you have any doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Manchester