{"id":10492,"date":"2026-06-23T11:43:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T10:43:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/?p=10492"},"modified":"2026-06-29T10:38:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-29T09:38:28","slug":"life-in-manchester-my-favourite-things-to-do-and-where-to-eat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.manchester.ac.uk\/humanities-blog\/2026\/06\/23\/life-in-manchester-my-favourite-things-to-do-and-where-to-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"Life in Manchester \u2013 my favourite things to do and where to eat"},"content":{"rendered":"

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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\u2019s never a shortage of things to do (and eat!), from stunning green spaces and fun activities to incredible foods. Whether you\u2019re a seasoned Mancunian or moving here for the first time, I hope this simple guide helps you make the most of your time here.<\/p>\n

Things to Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Exploring the outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s new forest tubing attraction.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s skyline. National Trust sites such as Lyme Park and Quarry bank Mill boast beautiful gardens, countryside walks, and glimpses into the region\u2019s history and estates.<\/p>\n

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Fun with friends<\/strong><\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Creative sidequests and rainy day activities<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in arts and crafts or simply trying something new, pottery painting is always an enjoyable and relaxing activity, while Oopstay Art Caf\u00e9 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 \u2018Girls on the Go\u2019 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 caf\u00e9), or catching a film at Vue Printworks, Cineworld, or Odeon.<\/p>\n

Places to eat and relax<\/strong>
Whatever you\u2019re craving, you\u2019ll find it in Manchester\u2019s diverse food scene!
Caf\u00e9s.<\/strong> One of my go-to spots is Caff\u00e8 Nero, especially the branch above Blackwell\u2019s Bookshop on University Green. Oxpot Coffee is a quieter hidden gem with plenty of seating upstairs and sockets available. If you\u2019re a matcha lover, Tabitha\u2019s Coffee is worth a visit for its seasonal drinks. Cat lovers should also pay a visit to the Cat Caf\u00e9, where adorable cats and unlimited drinks make for the perfect afternoon.<\/p>\n

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Around campus and the city centre<\/strong>
A pop-up market every Tuesday on Bridgeford Street makes it an ideal spot to grab lunch between classes \u2013 my personal favourite has to be the Nepalese momos! St<\/p>\n

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\u2019s plenty more in Chinatown. If you have a sweet tooth, Frurt is a great choice for froyo, while Fluffy Fluffy serves its signature souffl\u00e9 pancakes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Curry Mile and beyond<\/strong>
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\u2019m from), some favourite food spots include Miami Crispy for its huge chicken burgers, Three Brothers Caf\u00e9 for hearty South Asian dishes, Medo Caf\u00e9 for Turkish cuisine, and Gaijin Dumpling House for Pan-Asian meals.<\/p>\n

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Written by Saniyyah Ali.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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