48-Hour City Break Itinerary

Day 1  

Hop off your Avanti West Coast train and get to know the city. Choose from one of the following tours to explore Manchester with a local:  

Discover Manchester Walking Tour: A fascinating look at the city’s history, heritage and culture.  

Skyliner Street Art Tour: Delve into the hidden history of the Northern Quarter through street art.  

Walkabout Manchester Series: Explore the city’s enthralling music history, fantastic free-houses or discover Manchester’s spooky side with the Manchester Walkabout tours.  

If you prefer to sit back, relax and be taken along for the ride you can choose from the following tours and stop off at the city’s waterfront destination, Salford Quays:  

Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour: Hop-on hop-off open top bus tour with commentary in 6 languages. Explore the city centre from an elevated vantage point and enjoy exploring the wider city-region.   

Manchester River Cruises: Discover the history of the Manchester Ship Canal and its significance in building the city you see today with a live guide.  

At Salford Quays you’ll find The Lowry, an arts centre with theatre hosting West-End and Broadway touring productions throughout the year, plus a free gallery dedicated to the work of Salford-born L.S. Lowry.  

Just across the canal you’ll find the Imperial War Museum North. An impressive building housing over 2,000 objects that will take you through a timeline of history from the First World War to the present day.  

On your first evening in Manchester explore one of the city districts for restaurants and nightlife. Here are a few of our suggestions;  

Northern Quarter highlights: Band on the Wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s thriving music and cultural landscape, and Mackie Mayor, a reimagined Grade II listed market building home to a cosmopolitan food hall.  

Central Retail District and Medieval Quarter highlights: the Corn Exchange, a dining destination with options to suit every palate and budget, plus themed escape rooms for all the family, and the Royal Exchange Theatre where you can enjoy theatre production in the round.  

Piccadilly highlights: Shoryu Ramen, where you can enjoy the flavours of Japan in the heart of Manchester city centre, and Escape to Freight Island, home to numerous food and drink vendors offering everything from tapas to by-the-slice pizza as well as festival takeovers and exclusive entertainment collaborations.   

Civic Quarter and Petersfield highlights: The Spirit of Manchester Distillery, offering guided tour & tastings, plus dinner in their on-site restaurant, Three Little Words, and Peter Street Kitchen, serving an exquisite selection of contemporary Japanese and Mexican small plates.  

Spinningfields highlights: Brazilian barbeque, inspired by high-end restaurants of cosmopolitan cities across South America, Fazenda blends tradition and modernity. Dishoom, inspired by the Irani cafés of Mumbai enjoy amazing Indian flavours mixed with local British ingredients.  

Day 2  

Enjoy an indulgent morning with a food-and-drink-based tour of Manchester. Choose from;  

Afternoon Tea Taxi Tour: Explore the city from the road with your friendly local driver-guide and enjoy afternoon tea from local family bakery and chocolatier, Slattery’s.  

Craft Beer Tour Manchester: Be introduced to breweries and beer houses off the beaten path, making this the perfect experience for beer lovers.  

Scranchester: Discover hidden gems and fantastic food along the way with the ‘Eat The City’ or ‘Explore Ancoats’ tours.  

Following your tour, embrace the city’s favourite past-time and choose your team;  

Manchester City Stadium & Club Tour: See where the magic happens at the Etihad Stadium. Watch the stadium come alive with unique AR experiences.  

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour: An immersive behind-the-scenes look at Old Trafford with knowledgeable and passionate guides.  

After going behind the scenes discover the history of the beautiful game, it’s social impact and the future of the sport at the National Football Museum 

Spend your afternoon exploring the city’s free attractions. Choose from;   

Manchester Art Gallery: Enjoy outstanding pre-Raphaelite paintings and early 20th century British art. Plus, explore the new costume gallery, opened in 2021.  

John Rylands Library: A masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture with a world-class collection of rare and antique manuscripts.  

Science & Industry Museum: Explore the city’s rich history of innovation whilst discovering amazing objects and revolutionary ideas.  

Spend your final evening in the city enjoying a unique entertainment experience. Choose from the following activities; 

Flight Club: The home of Social Darts. With fast and exciting multiplayer games for small and large groups, plus enjoy sharing plates or pizza paddles.  

Whistle Punks Axe Throwing: Designed for first-timers with kick-ass instructors, axe throwing has been taken out of the woodland and in to the heart of Manchester.  

Breakout: See if you can beat the clock and escape from various themed rooms at two venues in Manchester city centre. High Street location. Church Street location. 

Catch the latest show at one of the region's many theatres including the Palace Theatre & Opera House, Royal Exchange and Lowry Theatre.

Head to Piccadilly train station for your smooth journey home on Avanti West Coast.