If you’re traveling to England from America, it’s likely the first place you’ll touch ground is London. And while the capital city has a unique presence and charm, you’ve got to explore beyond London to truly experience British culture.
The UK is full of quaint towns, picturesque villages, and vibrant cities ready for exploration. The northern city of Manchester in England is one of those worthy candidates.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano. Image Location: Manchester, UK.
Manchester: a bit of background
Manchester, with its population of just over half a million people, is located roughly 35 mi east of Liverpool and 44 mi southwest of Leeds. The city has an industrial history due to its roots in manufacturing and textile work, but it also has a rich background in music and culture.
Today Manchester is a thoroughly modern city; many UK businesses are based there, and it boasts plenty of exciting districts perfect for young travelers seeking adventure. In Manchester, you’ll find a little bit of everything.
What is Manchester city best known for?
Manchester is equal parts industrial hub and cultural center, and the city can be experienced through the lens of its old factories and plants as well as its status as ground zero for the Britpop wave of the 1990s. (And stop us if you’ve heard this before, but they have one or two decent soccer teams up there).
Whether you plan to visit Manchester for a long weekend, or a couple of weeks, you won’t find a shortage of fun in the city. Read our travel guide for the best things to do and see in Manchester, England.
Image Credit: Manchester Museum. Image Location: Manchester, UK.
What to do in Manchester, England
Check out a museum
You won’t be hard-pressed to find culture dotted around Manchester, from incredible architecture to world-renowned museums. The Manchester Museum has great artifacts celebrating the city’s rich history, but the most exciting location on the list is Factory International, a brand-new modern art center which opened in October 2023. The most talked-about art project to hit the UK since the Tate Modern, it promises to be the cultural hub of Northern England for years to come.
Stuff yourself silly with curry
The UK loves South Asian cuisine, and the Curry Mile in Manchester is where you’ll find the most highly concentrated collection of Indian, Sri Lankan, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants in the country. With over 70 establishments to pick from, you really can’t go wrong here.
Image Credit: Getty Images, raspu. Image Location: Canal St., Gay Village, Manchester, UK.
Have a big night out
A city with a rich music scene must have a vibrant nightlife, and Manchester doesn’t disappoint. Its current standing as an EDM mega hub cannot be disputed, with The Warehouse Project a world-renowned purveyor of raves and dance nights (though, on a seasonal basis, so make sure you Google ahead for availability).
Manchester also has a bustling Gay Village with plenty to offer the LGBTQ+ community, with Bar Pop and The Molly House standing out as highlights.
Watch a soccer match
If you can get tickets, that is. Manchester United and, more recently, Manchester City are world-famous soccer clubs. Because of Britain’s ticket-selling policy, it’s actually incredibly hard for tourists to get tickets to soccer matches, but just being on the ground in Manchester during match day is a real treat. Both clubs also have giant stadiums with guided tours, perfect for any sports fan.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alberto Manuel Urosa Toledano. Image Location: Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester, UK.
How to get to Manchester from London by train
Manchester is roughly 200 mi northwest of London.
The best way to travel between Manchester and London is via train. Avanti West Coast operates a direct line from London Euston station to Manchester Piccadilly station, with the trip only taking 2h 6m on the fastest service. Ticket prices start from $22.50 when you book in advance. The journey will be packed with incredible sights as you snake across the English countryside.
Even better? Manchester Airport operates international flights, with direct flights to and from several major US cities, including New York City, Chicago, Orlando, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Maremagnum. Image Location: Albert Square, Manchester, UK.