​How to Spend 48 Hours in Manchester

by Maddy Faulkner

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Craving a city break but stuck on where to go? We know just the place, and it just happens to be one of the coolest cities in the UK - Manchester.

The home of Oasis, Manchester United and the Trafford Centre, is the perfect destination for those seeking a weekend break, or even a two-day midweek getaway. Visitors can expect an abundance of culture, lively nightlife, unrivalled shopping and great food, all within walking distance of each other. What else could you possibly want from a city?

TIP: Plan your weekend ahead of visiting using Roam App. Simply download from the App Store, create your profile, and get planning your itinerary! It’s easy to share with friends so they can keep track of your plans, too.

Here’s our guide on how to spend 48 hours in Manchester and make the most of what it has to offer.

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Day 1

Thanks to the city’s excellent transport links, it’s easy to reach Manchester from either end of the UK in just a few hours. Arrive by train into Manchester Piccadilly and head straight to your hotel, which is only a short walk away.

Check into Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre, which boasts modern guest rooms, including six luxurious suites, a bar and grill restaurant. It has everything guests would need during their stay. Rooms start from £77 per night.

After travelling, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite. Printworks, only two minutes’ walk from the hotel, is filled with lively restaurants and bars. Head to Hard Rock Cafe for a legendary burger, amazing cocktails and live music every Friday.

Alternatively, take time to familiarise yourself with the areas surrounding the hotel. Umezushi, located a short walk away, is a relaxed and intimate sushi bar serving fresh, inspired creations from a Japanese influenced menu.

The hotel is conveniently located just across the road from Manchester Arena. Check in advance to see if there are any shows or concerts on. You might even be lucky and grab some last minute tickets. Arctic Monkeys, 50 Cent and Cirque du Soleil are just some of the acts performing in the coming months.

Save up to 35% or more on your dream hotel with Kayak.co.uk

Day 2

Manchester is a huge city that can be overwhelming if you’re visiting for the first time. If this is the case, join a free walking tour for a whistle-stop tour of what the city has to offer. You’ll be shown both larger sites and those which are more unusual. By the end of the 3 hour tour, you’ll have developed a real taste of what makes the city so special and so fascinating.

If you’d rather explore on your own accord, we’d recommend heading straight for the Northern Quarter. Expect vintage shops, record stores, quirky cafes and hip bars. GIant murals encasing buildings offer an insight into the city’s artistic flair.

Grab lunch at Northern Soul Grilled Cheese, which is famous for its inventive grilled cheese sandwiches. We’d recommend The Cuban, which contains BBQ pulled pork, roasted ham, melted swiss cheese, mustard and pickles.

After, delve into Manchester’s industrial history on a canal walk through the city. Redeveloped warehouses, canal barges and trendy bars are dotted along the path, leading to the city centre. Pass through Deansgate Locks and along Canal Street - the vibrant LGBT district which is always guaranteed to be a crazy night out.

Round up your visit with the perfect duo: pizza and comedy! Head to The Comedy Store on Deansgate Locks for an evening filled with laughter. Opt for the pizza package and enjoy a pizza during the interval.

Alternatively, head to one of the best bars in the city, The Washhouse. Hidden behind a supposed launderette, this secret bar serves up experimental cocktails in the wackiest setting. Once you find it, use the dial phone to ring downstairs before heading through a secret door. Booking is essential though, as it’s very popular.

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