4 Days in ManchesterA well-balanced trip to Manchester inclusive of incredible cafes, restaurants and bars, activities, history, and hidden gems. Authorsmelissamale
DestinationsManchesterItinerary

Day 1

Hotel Indigo Manchester - Victoria Station by IHG
Check into Hotel Indigo, a boutique hotel located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter — a trendy neighborhood filled with vibrant art and buzzy restaurants.
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Book
Fred's
Grab coffee and a pastry (or perhaps some breakfast) at Fred’s. The inventive menu makes this an elevated cafe experience.
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Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Explore the Manchester Craft and Design Center, where local artisans create, share, and sell their work.
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Mackie Mayor
Grab lunch or a drink at Mackie Mayor. The building has had many lives, but is now a stunningly beautiful food hall with some incredible vendors. Here you’ll find all sorts of food including delicious tacos and ramen.
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Form Lifestyle Store
This adorable lifestyle store is off the beaten path, so be sure not to miss it! They sell plenty of beautiful products, including ceramics, candles, glassware and art from independent makers. A great place to shop for a gift!
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Pip
Pip is a botanically-themed restaurant heavily focused on sustainability. They do a wonderful Sunday roast!
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SCHOFIELD'S BAR
Schofield’s classic cocktails and old-world charm landed them in the UK’s top 50 bars for 2024. Go for the drinks and stay for the ambience!
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Day 2

Siop Shop
Siop Shop’s vibrant interior, yummy doughnuts (vegan options too!), and great coffee make it the perfect spot to start your day.
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Evelyn's
Evelyn’s is very industrial-chic and serves up a solid brunch!
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UNITOM
Looking for a new coffee table book? Maybe a niche magazine? UNITOM has got you covered. This independent book / magazine store has a small cafe inside and will have you browsing for hours.
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The Spirit of Manchester Distillery
The gin tasting experience at The Spirit of Manchester Distillery is a must. Tour the distillery, see where and how the gin is made and then, of course, taste some!
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El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
This three-story restaurant serves tapas in a historic converted townhouse. Combining modern and traditional flavors, El Gato Negro
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Speak In Code
Speak In Code gives major speakeasy vibes. Their menu consists of a plethora of creative cocktails. Their innovative and imaginative cocktails will surprise you and have you trying things you may not typically order!
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Day 3

Companio Bakery
Specializing in artisan breads (known for their sourdough), pastries, and viennoiserie, Companio Bakery has become a neighborhood favorite.
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Federal Cafe Bar
Inspired by Australian cafe culture, Federal Cafe has become a staple in Manchester. A wonderful spot for coffee and / or brunch.
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The Quays
You could easily spend an entire day exploring all that The Quays has to offer. This fun waterfront hangout offers a blend of shopping, culture, food and history. Highly recommend visiting The Lowry, a theater and gallery.
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Manchester River Cruises
Cruise along the River Irwell for a different and unique perspective of Manchester. With notable fixtures pointed out along the way, you’ll get a bit of history as you float between Salford Quays and the City Center.
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Kargo MKT
Salford’s newest and largest food hall features colorful stalls serving up global flavors, including Eritrean, Palestinian, and Burmese food.
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RHS Garden Bridgewater
A few hours wandering through RHS Garden Bridgewater will have you feeling like you live in a fairytale. Enjoy the stunning restoration of this historic walled garden.
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Adam Reid at The French
If you’re looking to enjoy an elevated dining experience, you should book dinner at The French. The menu and wine pairing is out of this world. A true culinary journey with impeccable service, prepare yourself for magic.
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Day 4

Fig + Sparrow
Looking for a cozy coffee / gift shop? At Fig + Sparrow you can find something special to take home, enjoy a nice cup of coffee, or both!
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John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library houses one of the world’s finest collections of manuscripts and rare books, including the oldest known piece of the New Testament. Aside from being absolutely stunning, you may also recognize where some notable scenes in film were captured while walking through!
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Manchester Museum
Entry is free to the Manchester Museum where you’ll find a variety of events and exhibitions. Their Vivarium houses reptiles and amphibians, some critically endangered, and allows you to witness conservation efforts firsthand.
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mana
Try the tasting menu for lunch at Mana and you won’t regret it. Watch the food (each course is essentially a little work of art) as it’s prepared while you sit facing their open kitchen.
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