Manchester is one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the UK, with a rich history, culture, and entertainment scene. Whether you are visiting for business, leisure, or education, you will find plenty to see and do in this vibrant metropolis. However, travelling to Manchester can also be expensive, especially if you are not careful with your spending.
Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks that can help you save money on your trip to Manchester, without compromising on quality or fun. Here are some of them:
Flights
One of the biggest expenses of travelling to Manchester is the flight. Depending on where you are flying from, the airfare can vary significantly. To save money on your flight, you should:
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times. Flying on weekdays, early mornings, or late nights can be cheaper than flying on weekends, peak hours, or holidays. You can use online tools such as Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare different options and find the best deals.
- Book in advance. Booking your flight at least two months before your departure can help you save money, as prices tend to increase as the date gets closer. However, you should also keep an eye on last-minute deals, as sometimes airlines offer discounts to fill up empty seats.
- Use a budget airline. There are many low-cost carriers that fly to Manchester, such as Ryanair, EasyJet, or Jet2. These airlines offer cheap fares, but they also charge extra fees for luggage, seat selection, food, and other services. To avoid these fees, you should pack light, bring your own snacks, and print your boarding pass at home.
- Join a frequent flyer program. If you travel often, you can join a frequent flyer program and earn points or miles that you can redeem for free or discounted flights. You can also use a travel rewards credit card that offers points or miles for every purchase you make. Some of these cards also offer perks such as lounge access, priority boarding, or free checked bags.
Transport
Once you arrive in Manchester, you will need to get around the city. Manchester has a good public transport system, consisting of buses, trams, and trains. You can also use taxis, Uber, or bike hire. To save money on transport, you should:
- Buy a travel card. If you plan to use public transport frequently, you can buy a travel card that gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, and trains for a fixed period of time. You can choose from different options, such as a one-day card, a weekly card, or a monthly card. You can also buy a Manchester tourist discount card, which gives you discounts on public transport, as well as attractions, restaurants, and shops.
- Use off-peak travel. If you don’t need a travel card, you can still save money by travelling during off-peak hours, when the fares are lower. Off-peak hours are usually between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
- Walk or cycle. Manchester is a compact and walkable city, with many attractions within walking distance of each other. Walking is not only free but also a great way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems. You can also use a bike to get around, as Manchester has many bike lanes and bike hire stations. You can use [Mobike], a bike-sharing app that lets you rent a bike for as little as 50p per 20 minutes.
- Avoid taxis and Uber. Taxis and Uber can be convenient, but they can also be expensive, especially during peak hours or in busy areas. If you need to use them, you should compare the prices and choose the cheapest option. You can also use online platforms such as BlaBlaCar or Liftshare to find people who are going to the same destination as you and share the cost of the ride.
Food and drink
Manchester has a diverse and delicious food and drink scene, with cuisines from all over the world, as well as local specialities. You can find everything from fine dining to street food, from pubs to cafes, from markets to supermarkets. To save money on food and drink, you should:
- Shop at local grocery stores. Buying your own food and cooking your own meals can help you save money, as well as enjoy the local produce and flavours. You can find local grocery stores in every neighborhood, or visit the Arndale Market, where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, cheese, bread, and more. You can also find ethnic grocery stores, such as Wing Yip, where you can find Asian ingredients and products.
- Eat at cheap eateries. If you don’t want to cook, you can still find cheap and tasty food options in Manchester. You can visit the Curry Mile, a stretch of road in Rusholme that is famous for its Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Middle Eastern restaurants. You can also visit the Northern Quarter, a hip and trendy area that is full of cafes, bars, and street food stalls. You can also look for food and drink deals online, or use apps such as Too Good To Go or Olio to find surplus food from restaurants and shops that you can buy for a fraction of the price.
- Bring your own snacks and drinks. Eating out can be expensive, especially if you add drinks, desserts, and tips to the bill. To avoid overspending, you should bring your own snacks and drinks with you, and only eat out for one meal a day. You can pack some protein bars, nuts, fruits, or sandwiches, and a reusable water bottle that you can refill at public fountains or taps. You can also buy some alcohol from a supermarket or a liquor store, and drink it at your accommodation or at a park, instead of paying for expensive drinks at a bar or a club.
Entertainment
Manchester has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, with museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas, music venues, sports arenas, and more. You can find something for every taste and interest, from art and culture to history and science, from comedy and drama to rock and pop, from soccer and cricket to golf and cycling. To save money on entertainment, you should:
- Visit free attractions. Manchester has many attractions that are free to enter, such as the Manchester Art Gallery, the Museum of Science and Industry, the People’s History Museum, the John Rylands Library, and the Manchester Cathedral. You can also visit the [Manchester Museum], the [National Football Museum], and the [Imperial War Museum North], which are free for UK residents, or have a suggested donation for visitors. You can also enjoy the free events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Manchester International Festival, the Manchester Pride, and the Manchester Christmas Markets.
- Look for discounts and offers. If you want to visit some of the paid attractions, you can look for discounts and offers online, or use a Manchester tourist discount card to get reduced prices. You can also look for [last-minute tickets] for shows, concerts, and sports events, or use apps such as TodayTix or Dice to find cheap and exclusive deals. You can also join a free walking tour or a free bike tour to learn more about the city and its history, culture, and secrets.
- Head outdoors. Manchester has many green spaces and natural attractions that you can enjoy for free, such as Heaton Park, the Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens, the Dunham Massey, and the Peak District National Park. You can also explore the Manchester Ship Canal, the Salford Quays, and the Castlefield, where you can see the industrial heritage and the modern development of the city. You can also take some day trips from Manchester to nearby towns and cities, such as Liverpool, Chester, York, or Leeds, where you can find more attractions and activities.
Shopping
Manchester is a great place for shopping, with a variety of options for every budget and style. You can find everything from high-end brands to vintage treasures, from designer outlets to independent boutiques, from indoor malls to outdoor markets. To save money on shopping, you should:
- Shop at thrift stores and charity shops. Manchester has many thrift stores and charity shops, where you can find second-hand clothes, accessories, books, and more. You can find some unique and cheap items, as well as support a good cause. You can visit the Afflecks, a former department store that is now a multi-level emporium of alternative and vintage shops. You can also visit Chorlton, a trendy and bohemian area that is full of charity shops and cafes. You can also check out the Oxfam Originals, a charity shop that specializes in vintage and designer clothes.
- Shop at markets and outlets. Manchester has many markets and outlets, where you can find new and discounted items, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, and more. You can visit the Arndale Market, where you can find a variety of stalls selling everything from food to fashion. You can also visit the Lowry Outlet, where you can find over 80 stores offering up to 70% off the original prices. You can also visit the Bury Market, where you can find the famous Bury black pudding, as well as other local delicacies and products.
- Shop online. If you prefer to shop online, you can still save money by using online platforms and apps that offer deals, coupons, and cashback. You can use Groupon, where you can find discounts on goods, services, and experiences. You can also use Honey, a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes for the sites you visit. You can also use TopCashback or Quidco, where you can earn cashback for every purchase you make online.
Accommodation
Last but not least, you will need to find a place to stay during your trip to Manchester. Manchester has a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to hostels, from Airbnb to couchsurfing. However, if you want to save money and enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay, you should consider a short-term serviced apartment in Manchester.
A shortlet serviced apartment is a fully furnished and equipped apartment that you can rent for a short period of time, usually from a few days to a few weeks. Unlike hotels, serviced apartments provide you with more space, privacy, and flexibility, as well as a range of amenities and services that make you feel at home. Unlike long-term rentals, serviced apartments do not require you to sign a contract, pay a deposit, or deal with utility bills and maintenance issues.
One of the best shortlet serviced apartment providers in Manchester is Kiri City Stays, a luxury serviced apartment provider that offers stylish and spacious apartments in the heart of Manchester.
Kiri City Stays offers low-cost, high-quality, and fully-equipped accommodation in Manchester, that is perfect for budget travellers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saving money on your trip to Manchester is not impossible, if you know how to plan and manage your spending. By following these tips and tricks, you can save money on flights, transport, food, entertainment, shopping, and accommodation, without sacrificing quality or fun. You can also enjoy the best that Manchester has to offer, from its attractions, culture, and entertainment, to its food, drink, and shopping. Whether you are travelling for business, leisure, or education, Manchester is a city that will not disappoint you and will make you want to come back again and again.
