The Best Way To Spend 4 Days: ManchesterHeaded to Manchester, UK? Here's how to spend 4 jam-packed days exploring museums and galleries, indulging in high tea and treats, and having drinks at the coolest bars, all while staying in the heart of the city. Read more below! AuthorsGlamDapper
DestinationsManchesterItinerary

Day 1

The Alan Manchester
We stayed at The Alan Hotel and loved how close it was to everything—restaurants, shops, and local spots were all within walking distance. The design aesthetic was clean, modern, and well thought-out, making the whole experience feel elevated without trying too hard.
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Manchester Craft and Design Centre
Manchester’s arts and crafts scene is full of independent makers, unique studios, and local markets that highlight the city’s creative energy and talent.
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Science and Industry Museum
Hands-on exhibits and industrial history—The Science and Industry Museum in Manchester made learning feel fun and real for all of us.
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Manchester Art Gallery
We loved visiting the Manchester Art Gallery—it’s packed with inspiring pieces and just a short walk from our hotel and Chinatown. The mix of classic and modern art made it easy to spend hours exploring.
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Speak In Code
Speak In Code had some of the most creative cocktails we’ve tried—moody vibe, great music, and a standout plant-based menu that surprised us in the best way.
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El Gato Negro Tapas Manchester
El Gato Negro served up some of the best tapas we’ve had—great flavors, a lively vibe, and the kind of spot you’ll want to come back to.
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Peter Street Kitchen
Peter Street Kitchen was a fancy spot with the perfect fusion of Japanese and Mexican—stylish, flavorful, and we loved every bit of it.
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Day 2

John Rylands Library
John Rylands Library felt like stepping into a real-life Hogwarts—quiet, beautiful, and filled with history in every corner.
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Ancoats Coffee Co.
Ancoats Coffee Co. hit the spot—great coffee, cool vibe, and the kind of place you actually want to sit and chill for a while. We loved the industrial feel mixed with cozy touches.
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Afflecks
Afflecks was a fun little maze of vintage shops, quirky stalls, and random finds—definitely not your average shopping spot. We grabbed ice cream at the shop upstairs and wandered for a while.
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Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral was peaceful and beautiful—quiet inside, with stained glass and stone details that made you stop and take it all in. It’s one of those places that feels calm even in the middle of the city.
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The Spirit of Manchester Distillery
We did a gin tasting class with Manchester Gin, tried a few blends, and ended the night with some solid cocktails at the bar. We even bought a bottle to bring home—had to keep the good stuff going.
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Maray Manchester
Dinner at Maray was one of our favorites—every dish packed with bold flavors, especially that disco cauliflower. The vibe was relaxed but stylish, perfect for a slow evening out.
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Day 3

National Football Museum
We stopped by the National Football Museum and it was actually really fun—even if you’re not a huge fan, there’s a lot to see. The old jerseys, trophies, and interactive stuff made it worth the visit.
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Manchester Taxi Tours
We loved the English tea—comforting and classic. The taxi tour showed us some cool spots around the city we wouldn’t have found on our own, all from the comfort of a classic black cab.
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Canal Street
We walked through Canal Street and loved the energy—bars, music, people out having a good time.
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Manchester Chinatown
Manchester’s Chinatown was a great area to walk around—colorful, full of energy, and packed with interesting shops. We even picked up a few cute presents for our daughter to bring back home.
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Cloud 23 Cocktail Bar
We ended the night at Cloud 23—had a couple drinks and just took in the view. It looks even better at night with the whole city lit up.
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Day 4

Dakota Hotel Manchester
Dakota Manchester had the kind of design we really appreciate—refined, minimal, and comfortable without trying too hard. It was a solid place to unwind after a full day out.
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Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum was a fun stop—Stan the T. rex was a hit, and we loved how it mixed history, culture, and cool exhibits all in one place.
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Sexy Fish Manchester
Sexy Fish Manchester was a full experience—stunning interiors, standout dishes, and attention to detail in everything. Save room for dessert though—it’s seriously good.
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New Cathedral Street
We hit New Cathedral Street for some quick shopping and coffee—clean, modern, and easy to get around. Popped into Selfridges too, which was a nice way to wrap up the trip before heading out.
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Royal Exchange Theatre
The Royal Exchange Theatre was a cool surprise—intimate setup, great energy, and right in the middle of a top shopping street. We popped in after browsing nearby shops and ended up loving the whole experience.
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