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Energetic, diverse and innovative, Manchester is an English city with real character. The city is full of life, rich in art and heritage and is just as proud of its music scene, as it is of its world-famous football clubs. Over the past 300 years, Manchester has grown from a quiet fishing village in England to an industrial powerhouse. Although the factories have been idle for decades, they are now used for trendy restaurants, markets and hotels. This innovative spirit has also led to new attractions such as micro-breweries, street art and food tours, making a city trip to Manchester super fun. The new parks and green spaces also make the city even more attractive than it already was.
One thing is certain: if you look for hidden gems, you will definitely come across plenty along the way! Sounds interesting? We share the most beautiful sights and best things to do during a city trip to Manchester.
Manchester Airport is the third largest airport in England (after London Heathrow and London Gatwick) and is located approximately 14 kilometres south-west of the centre of Manchester. Because the airport is so big, it boasts several trustworthy car rental companies, including the likes of Avis, Sixt, EuropCar, Budget, Hertz and many more. All these car rental companies have a counter in the arrivals hall, which you can walk to once you have cleared customs. But to make sure you’ll drive away from the airport with your desired car, it is wise to book online in advance.
Manchester is a fantastic place to explore with a car. The availability of parking spaces is abundant, and the network of roads is fantastic. The only downside of driving in Manchester is that the city can be very busy at times.
Fun things to do in Manchester
When you explore Manchester you will be surprised by the many old but beautiful buildings in the city. Some well-known are the Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral and the Chetham's Library. But the city also has a number of beautiful modern buildings that are worth seeing, for example the National Football Museum. The city has an interesting mix of old and new, which makes Manchester an attractive city.
Manchester is a city that breathes football. It's no surprise that Manchester is one of the best places in the world to experience the sport. After all, it is home to two of the country's biggest football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. Whether you want to watch a game live from the stands or immerse yourself in the history of the sport, at the National Football Museum, Manchester lives for football. And you can experience this for yourself during your holiday in Manchester. Go behind the scenes on a tour of the Etihad stadium or feel the tension rising in the tunnel at United's home ground Old Trafford. The city is proud of its football heritage and therefore one of the best places to be in the world for football fans.
However, Manchester is so much more than football. It’s also a beautiful city with many canals. A fun thing to do during your city trip to Manchester is to board a canal cruise. Viewing Manchester from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the city. Where the canals once allowed busy work traffic through, it is now a relaxing way to travel through the city. Take a relaxing boat from the city centre and you’ll be assured of many beautiful sights along the way, and a special experience to a completely different side of the English city.
The Science and Industry Museum is located on the edge of the Castlefield neighbourhood. Here you will find remains of a Roman fortress and city gates. It is a very special site to withhold. Because in one place, you look at remnants from the Roman era, industrialisation and ultramodern buildings. Castlefield also offers plenty of cosy cafes, restaurants and music venues.5
Once you have seen everything in Manchester, you could even take a trip to surrounding cities. Cities such as Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield are all within a 2 hours drive of Manchester.
Our customers rated Manchester airport with an average of 8.6 based on 33 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.