As someone born and raised in Manchester, you can take my word for it when I say that this city has got something for everyone. There’s never a shortage of things to do (and eat!), from stunning green spaces and fun activities to incredible foods. Whether you’re a seasoned Mancunian or moving here for the first time, I hope this simple guide helps you make the most of your time here.

Things to Do:

Exploring the outdoors

Although Manchester appears as a bustling city, I love how much greenery and countryside is within reach. Closer to home, Mayfield Park, Platt Fields Park and Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens offer plenty of green space for walks and picnics on sunny days, with Heaton Park home to Zip World’s new forest tubing attraction.

Manchester is also perfectly placed for day trips, where venturing a little further brings you to the Peak District and Lake District, as well as huge reservoirs like Dovestone and Greenbooth, woodlands like Healey Dell, and viewpoints including Werneth Low, offering panoramic views of Manchester’s skyline. National Trust sites such as Lyme Park and Quarry bank Mill boast beautiful gardens, countryside walks, and glimpses into the region’s history and estates.

Fun with friends

You can never get bored when there are so many exciting activities. Some of my favourites include escape rooms, bowling, and mini golf. Escape Hunt features themed rooms packed with puzzles, while Crystal Maze throws you into an immersive experience through insane challenges inspired by the TV show. For something different, the Snow Centre lets you enjoy snow with indoor skiing, sledging, and a donut ring slide!

Creative sidequests and rainy day activities

If you’re interested in arts and crafts or simply trying something new, pottery painting is always an enjoyable and relaxing activity, while Oopstay Art Café lets you get creative, decorating phone cases, jewellery boxes and more, with a matcha drink on the side. Looking to make new friends? Groups such as ‘Girls on the Go’ host solo-friendly events from Pilates classes to craft sessions. One place to try out is The Museum of Illusions, filled with mind-bending and trippy exhibits. On quieter days, I love browsing Waterstones in Deansgate (the largest in Manchester with 3 floors and a café), or catching a film at Vue Printworks, Cineworld, or Odeon.

Places to eat and relax
Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it in Manchester’s diverse food scene!
Cafés. One of my go-to spots is Caffè Nero, especially the branch above Blackwell’s Bookshop on University Green. Oxpot Coffee is a quieter hidden gem with plenty of seating upstairs and sockets available. If you’re a matcha lover, Tabitha’s Coffee is worth a visit for its seasonal drinks. Cat lovers should also pay a visit to the Cat Café, where adorable cats and unlimited drinks make for the perfect afternoon.

Around campus and the city centre
A pop-up market every Tuesday on Bridgeford Street makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch between classes – my personal favourite has to be the Nepalese momos! St

udent favourites nearby include Mr Egg for Taiwanese food and bubble tea, and Hello Oriental, a huge underground Asian food hall. In the city centre, I recommend Don Tacos for flavour-packed birria tacos, and BangGaBangGa or Bunsik for Korean food, including gimbap and corn dogs, and there’s plenty more in Chinatown. If you have a sweet tooth, Frurt is a great choice for froyo, while Fluffy Fluffy serves its signature soufflé pancakes. 

Curry Mile and beyond
No Manchester food guide would be complete without mentioning the famous Curry Mile, which hosts over 70 restaurants. One of my favourites is Jaffa, serving tasty fatayer and mezze. Elsewhere across south Manchester (where I’m from), some favourite food spots include Miami Crispy for its huge chicken burgers, Three Brothers Café for hearty South Asian dishes, Medo Café for Turkish cuisine, and Gaijin Dumpling House for Pan-Asian meals.

Written by Saniyyah Ali.

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