How We Spent the Perfect Two Days in Manchester, England
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester is such an underrated city; with its rich history, vibrant food scene, cozy pubs, and electric football culture, the city is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern energy. Here’s how we spent an unforgettable two days exploring Manchester.
Day One: History, Hidden Bars & Incredible Food
We kicked off our first morning in Manchester with breakfast at Gooey, and honestly, it set the bar high. Their infamous French toast fully lived up to the hype.
After breakfast, we made our way to John Rylands Library, and if you love history, architecture, or books, this stop is a must. The late-Victorian Gothic building is breathtaking and genuinely feels like stepping into Hogwarts. We could’ve spent hours wandering through its grand halls.
From there, we headed to Manchester Cathedral, another stunning historic landmark. It is located just steps away from the legendary Old Wellington Pub. Built in 1552, it’s one of the oldest buildings in the city, and enjoying a pint there felt like a true Manchester experience.
We decided to go to lunch at the Corn Exchange, a former shopping center turned into a food hall in Exchange Square. With everything from Italian and Greek to Indian and Vietnamese cuisine, there’s so many options to choose from. We chose The Garten Bar, and it did not disappoint. If you’re visiting for dinner, their hot stone steak experience is amazing!
Next on our itinerary was Chetham’s Library, where we joined a one-hour guided tour. As the oldest free public reference library in the English-speaking world, it houses an incredible collection of rare books. It’s still an active school of music, but visitors can tour parts of the grounds and library, and it’s fascinating.
We decided we wanted to check out some of Manchester’s Speakeasies. Our first stop: The Washhouse, where you enter through a washing machine and their cocktails are inspired by conspiracy theories. It was creative and such a fun experience.
For dinner, we headed to Circolo Popolare, a lively Italian restaurant that made us feel like we were dining on the Amalfi Coast. The beautiful decor, and the food was just as impressive. To end the night, we stopped by Speak in Code, a cozy cocktail bar with incredible drinks and relaxed vibes, it was the perfect nightcap.
Day Two: Art, Shopping & Man U
We started our second day a bit slower with brunch at Bruncho, a spot I’d seen all over social media. There was a line when we arrived, but the food made it completely worthwhile.
After brunch, we explored Manchester Art Gallery, which features beautiful collections housed inside a historic building. It’s a great stop for anyone who enjoys art and architecture. Next, we did a little shopping at Selfridges before heading to dinner.
We opted for an early dinner at Kitten, a Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar. As a sushi lover, this was easily one of my favorite meals in Manchester. Everything was fresh, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up before making our way to Old Trafford for the Manchester United match. Getting there by train is super easy but be prepared, trains get very crowded on match days.
Tip: Take the Altrincham line and get off at the Old Trafford stop.
The match kicked off at 8 p.m., but we arrived early to stop at the Old Trafford Pub, which is an absolute must for any Manchester United fan. The energy is unreal! Everyone is chanting the team songs and it is nonstop excitement. It’s become a non-negotiable stop for us whenever we attend a match.
I absolutely love visiting Manchester. From its vibrant neighborhoods to its incredible food scene, there’s so much to explore. If you’re looking for a new city to visit, Manchester should be at the top of your list.
