After months of waiting, I finally got to explore Manchester for a day. The city surprised me with its nice buildings, sporting culture, and diverse food scene.
What to expect in this article:
About Manchester
Manchester is a lively city in the north of England, famous for football, music, and friendly people!
Most people know it from football: Manchester United and Manchester City, two of the biggest football clubs in the world. My boyfriend is a big fan of United! 😉
The city is full of cool cafes, shopping streets, and fun nightlife. Manchester is also known for its history in industry and science.
In March 2025, my boyfriend and I finally had the chance to visit Manchester! My sister lives close by (Rotherham), so I had flown there before, but I had never visited the city. It surprised me in a good way!
Starting with flavors of South India
My day began with something I’d been craving for ages – authentic South Indian cuisine! It has been a year since I was in the south of India, as my boyfriend used to live there. I can’t believe it has already been one year!
A close friend (Esha) who lives in Manchester made soft idli and spicy podi, which tasted amazing. If you have never tried it, make sure to eat it at an Indian restaurant once. Or ask Esha to make it for you, she probably won’t mind that 🙂
There’s something magical about reconnecting over food that brings back memories, especially when you’re in a new city. Memories were shared for sure, as it has been at least one year since we had seen Esha last.
Don't forget to book an activity!
Football heritage at its finest
From Piccadilly, we hopped onto the tram headed for the National Football Stadium.
My boyfriend loves football, its his passion, so we had to go and see the WSL and Premier League trophies up close. For him, it was genuinely exciting as someone who appreciates sports history.
Walking through the exhibits that chronicle English football’s evolution gave him a new appreciation for the sport’s significance in British culture. I was there just for his support 🙂
The heart of Manchester
After the museum, our walk took us through St. Peter’s Square (not Petersburg as I initially thought!) and past the stunning Cathedral.
Throughout the city, we noticed the bee symbol appearing on buildings and street furniture. Our friend explained that the Manchester Bee represents the city’s industrious working-class roots – a symbol that gained even more meaning after the 2017 Arena tragedy. The symbol is even found on souvenirs of Manchester.
A tour of British comfort food
No visit to England would be complete without sampling the local fare. We tried:
- Traditional fish and chips from Wrights, the fish was delicious.
- Holland’s pie from Wrights as well, with that distinctive Northern flavor
- A specialty from the Great North Pie Co.: Roast chicken and cheese and onion that hit all the right comfort food notes
Between meals, we refueled with Colombian coffee from Caffè Nero – sometimes you need that familiar coffee shop moment even when traveling.
Don't forget to book your stay
Local knowledge makes all the difference
Having our friend guide us through Manchester changed the experience. She knew all the good spots and what we would like.
Next to the tourist highlights, Esha also shared stories about how neighborhoods had changed (she has lived there for quite some time) and pointed out details we would have missed entirely on our own.
Manchester managed to pack history, culture, sport, and incredible food into just one day. If you’re planning your own Manchester adventure, I’d recommend comfortable shoes, an umbrella just in case, and a hearty appetite!
Read another article!
The perfect weekend in Pondicherry: Where to stay, eat, and explore
How to get around Manchester
By Tram (Metrolink) – The fastest way to travel! The yellow trams connect different parts of the city and nearby towns. Just tap your contactless card when you hop on and off. Or buy a day pass for only 1 Pounce 90, quite cheap in my opinion.
🚌 By Bus – There are many buses, including the free city center bus that stops at popular places like Piccadilly and Deansgate.
🚶♀️ By Walking – The city center is very walkable! You can explore shops, cafes, and landmarks like Manchester Town Hall on foot.
🚲 By Bike or Scooter – You can rent a bike or e-scooter with apps like Bee Network and Lime.
🚕 By Taxi or Uber – Black cabs and Ubers are available, but they cost more than public transport.
🚆 By Train – If you’re heading to nearby cities like Liverpool or Leeds, trains from Piccadilly and Victoria stations are super convenient!
Some more tips for Manchester
Science and Industry Museum – A fun and interactive museum about Manchester’s history in science, technology, and industry. Great for all ages!
🎭 The Northern Quarter – A hipster paradise! Full of colorful street art, cool cafes, vintage shops, and live music venues.
⚽ Old Trafford & Etihad Stadium – For the football fans! Visit Manchester United’s Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium for a tour or a match.
🛍️ Manchester Arndale & Trafford Centre – Love shopping? Arndale is in the city center, while Trafford Centre is a massive mall with shops, restaurants and even an indoor theme park!
🌿 Heaton Park – A peaceful escape with beautiful gardens, a lake, and even a small farm. Perfect for a picnic!
🎶 Manchester’s Music Scene – Visit Manchester Academy, O2 Ritz, or Albert Hall for amazing live concerts.
🍻 Canal Street – The heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene, full of bars, clubs, and great vibes! I found it photogenic.
🏰 John Rylands Library – A stunning, Hogwarts-style library with amazing old books and a magical atmosphere.
We ended our day with spending some time with our friend Esha, some chatting, fun conversations and headed home.
I hope you liked reading the article and I can’t wait to hear about your experience in Manchester!
*Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Would you like to read more?
