A splendid city break in Manchester

YHA Manchester is situated just outside of the city centre and makes a great place to stay for a city break. Whether you want a base to check out all of Manchester’s attractions or somewhere within easy reach of walks, here are a few free and cheap ideas to try out during your city break in Manchester…

Check out street art in the Northern Quarter

There is a lot of street art on the walls of Manchester, but one of the best places for exploring it is the Northern Quarter. This area in the heart of the city is also home to lots of cafés, independent shops and music venues. It’s home to a mix of styles and much-loved murals including the car park birds by Brazilian artist Mateus Bailon, the blue tit that looms large over Newton Street, two women representing earth, wind, fire and water on Church Street by Subism Collective. Newer additions include the brightly coloured artworks by Leeds-based artist EV Hardaker that have transformed former public toilets and old road signs on Stevenson Square.

Visit Manchester Central Library

The beautiful Grade II-listed building is one of Manchester’s landmarks, and following a huge refurbishment completed in 2014, there’s lots to explore inside, as well as its collection of books. As well as the architecture, like the stunning Wolfson Reading Room, the library is also home to the Manchester Histories Hub where you can learn about Greater Manchester’s rich and diverse history as well as some hidden gems and historic buildings through exhibitions, talks and events. You can even visit in the evenings for gigs, film nights and other performances as part of the Library Live cultural programme. 

Take a free Manchester walking tour

Want to see the Manchester sights with a local expert? There are free (although tips are welcome), wheelchair-accessible walking tours every day from 11am, setting off from the Alan Turing Memorial on Sackville Gardens. Booking isn’t required, except for groups over 8+ or school/student groups. When you arrive, look out for the guides who will be in a blue coat with a compass shaped logo. Once assembled, your guide will take you on a three-hour tour of the city from top attractions and landmarks like Manchester Town Hall and Rochdale Canal to hidden gems, with plenty of photo opportunities and insider tips for other places to check out along the way. It’s a great way to see the city, especially if it’s a weekend visit. 

Do the Irwell Sculpture Trail

Manchester city centre is filled with art and culture, but there’s lots to see in the surrounding area too. If you fancy seeing some artworks and spectacular views, head out to Irwell Sculpture Trail, the largest public art scheme in England. There are over 70 artworks for national, international and local artists stretched across a 30-mile footpath. The trail runs from Salford Quays (which is within reach of YHA Manchester) through Bury up the Pennines above Bacup, but there are plenty of shorter routes if you want to explore particular parts of the trail, and you can find those routes as ‘clusters’ on the official website.

Visit Heaton Park and Animal Centre

Heaton Park is a historic area on the edge of the city, which is ideal for an afternoon out or a mini day trip. It’s free to visit both the main park and the animal centre, in the main park you can visit the tramway, boating lake and the reconstructed exterior of Manchester’s original town hall. The park is also home to superb views from the Temple, which is the highest point in the city. Once you’ve taken in the sights of the park, head over to the Animal Centre where you’ll see strutting peacocks, farmyard animals, Highland cattle and even Alpacas.

See Manchester’s Sky Park at Castlefield Viaduct

The sky park at Castlefield Viaduct is part of a pilot project. You can book a free guided tour where you can learn about the viaduct’s heritage, hear about its future and wander through the flowers, shrubs and take in city views as you stroll. Alternatively, you can pop in for a non-guided walk without booking if you’d like to explore at your own pace. The garden is filled with plant species that have links to the local area, including the Red Rose of Lancaster. 

Check out culture at The Lowry 

Named after LS Lowry, one of Manchester’s most famous artists, The Lowry opened in 2000 as part of a huge renovation project at Salford Quays, and it’s perched on the waterfront at MediaCityUK, so there’s plenty to explore in the surrounding area. It’s an easy trip from the city centre by bus or tram, and the galleries are all free to visit. There’s a large LS Lowry Collection to explore, as well as lots of regular contemporary art exhibitions. And if you fancy visiting at night, there’s also lots of dance, film, talks, music and theatre to check out too (although those are ticketed, from around £18).

For more events and ideas, plan a stay at YHA Manchester.

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