Top 3 Itineraries in Manchester

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Manchester.

If you only have a few days, Manchester weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Manchester offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Manchester are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Manchester’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Manchester offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover England's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Manchester truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Manchester belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Manchester are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Manchester and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Manchester itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Manchester for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Manchester without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Manchester!

A scenic 12-day road trip through London, Chester, Birmingham, York, and Liverpool is one of the best ways to experience England. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Manchester can easily be combined with other top destinations in England without stress. While it’s possible to travel between London, Chester, Birmingham, York, and Liverpool by public transport, renting a car in England opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Birmingham

• Arrival city: Birmingham
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Birmingham, e.g., Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
• Sightseeing: Queen Victoria

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Birmingham. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Birmingham, Dudley, Balsall Heath, and Tividale

• Destinations: Birmingham, Dudley, Balsall Heath, and Tividale
• Driving distance: 179.37 km, approx. 3 hours and 16 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Manchester, e.g., Wilde Aparthotels St Peters Square Manchester
• Sightseeing: Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Tividale, Cannon Hill Park, National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, and Black Country Living Museum
• Recommended tour: Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Manchester with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple, Tividale, Cannon Hill Park, National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham, and Black Country Living Museum. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Birmingham, Dudley, Balsall Heath, and Tividale, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Manchester.

Day 3: Discover Chester

• Destinations: Chester
• Driving distance: 158.97 km, approx. 2 hours and 43 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Manchester, e.g., Wilde Aparthotels St Peters Square Manchester
• Sightseeing: Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, and Marbury Country Park
• Recommended tour: Manchester City Stadium Tour in England, United Kingdom

Spend the day exploring Chester Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Zoo, Chester Cathedral, and Marbury Country Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Liverpool

• Destinations: Liverpool
• Driving distance: 254.27 km, approx. 3 hours and 28 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Keswick, e.g., Maple Bank Guest House
• Sightseeing: The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool, and Maritime Museum
• Recommended tour: Ghyll Scrambling Water Adventure in the Lake District

Continue your journey through Liverpool, where you can explore The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Museum of Liverpool, and Maritime Museum. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Keswick.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Barnard Castle, Keswick, Greenholme, Newtown, and Westmorland and Furness

• Destinations: Barnard Castle, Keswick, Greenholme, Newtown, and Westmorland and Furness
• Driving distance: 280.04 km, approx. 4 hours and 36 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in York, e.g., The Grand Hotel & Spa
• Sightseeing: Barnard Castle, Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lake District National Park, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and Tebay Services (Southbound)
• Recommended tour: North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Drive through Barnard Castle, Keswick, Greenholme, Newtown, and Westmorland and Furness, stopping to visit Barnard Castle, Lowther Castle & Gardens, Lake District National Park, Castlerigg Stone Circle, and Tebay Services (Southbound). Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in York.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of York and Edensor

• Destinations: York and Edensor
• Driving distance: 164.96 km, approx. 3 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Sheffield, e.g., Roomzzz Manchester Victoria
• Sightseeing: Peak District National Park, Shambles Market, Chatsworth House, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York
• Recommended tour: Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Sheffield with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

Spend time discovering Peak District National Park, Shambles Market, Chatsworth House, York Minster, and National Railway Museum York, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Sheffield.

Day 7: Spend Time in London, Leavesden, and London Borough of Southwark

• Destinations: London, Leavesden, and London Borough of Southwark
• Driving distance: 287.79 km, approx. 4 hours and 29 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: The Shard, The Green Park, lastminute.com London Eye, Borough Market, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
• Recommended tour: London 30 Top Sights with Fun Local Guide

Explore The Shard, The Green Park, lastminute.com London Eye, Borough Market, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of London.

Day 8: Explore London, Greenwich, and Kensington

• Destinations: London, Greenwich, and Kensington
• Driving distance: 42.22 km, approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Royal Albert Hall, Greenwich Park, The Regent's Park, Madame Tussauds London, and Science Museum
• Recommended tour: Changing of the Guard Guided Walking Tour in London

Continue your road trip through London, Greenwich, and Kensington, enjoying the flexibility to explore Royal Albert Hall, Greenwich Park, The Regent's Park, Madame Tussauds London, and Science Museum and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through London and Woolwich

• Destinations: London and Woolwich
• Driving distance: 29.28 km, approx. 1 hour and 38 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Tower of London, The British Museum, ExCeL London, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge
• Recommended tour: Day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Visit Tower of London, The British Museum, ExCeL London, Tower Bridge, and London Bridge as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye.

Day 10: Uncover London and Kensington

• Destinations: London and Kensington
• Driving distance: 17.74 km, approx. 1 hour and 7 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in London, e.g., Intercontinental Hotel London - The O2
• Sightseeing: Big Ben, Hyde Park, Tate Modern, Westminster Abbey, and Victoria and Albert Museum
• Recommended tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour in London With a Small Group

Continue your exploration of Big Ben, Hyde Park, Tate Modern, Westminster Abbey, and Victoria and Albert Museum, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through London and Brentford

• Destinations: London and Brentford
• Driving distance: 212.16 km, approx. 3 hours and 3 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Birmingham, e.g., Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham
• Sightseeing: The National Gallery, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Buckingham Palace
• Recommended tour: From Canals and Victorians to Today's City: Birmingham Walking Tour

Take in the highlights of The National Gallery, St James's Park, Trafalgar Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and Buckingham Palace, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Birmingham.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Birmingham

• Departure city: Birmingham
• Driving distance: 8.67 km, approx. 26 minutes
• Sightseeing: Handsworth Park

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Birmingham. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1693 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Manchester.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Manchester for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 8-day city break in Manchester with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 8-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Manchester without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Manchester

Arrive in Manchester and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Peel Park.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Premier Inn Manchester Central hotel is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Manchester's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Manchester by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Victoria Baths, Whitworth Park, Birchfields Park, Manchester Museum, and The Whitworth.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Manchester. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Manchester in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Manchester

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Science and Industry Museum, The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, and People's History Museum are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Manchester.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Manchester. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of England!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture in Manchester

No Manchester itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Manchester has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Alexandra Park and Platt Fields Park, other popular attractions in Manchester.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Alexandra Park.

Day 8: Savor Your Final Moments in Manchester

Spend your last few hours in Manchester soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Manchester in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Manchester, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Manchester travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Manchester offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Manchester itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Manchester weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Manchester

Arrive in Manchester around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Peel Park, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Manchester’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Manchester with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Science and Industry Museum early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to IWM North, stopping by The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Manchester and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Manchester

No itinerary in Manchester is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Manchester Art Gallery.
• Afternoon: Explore People's History Museum and Cathedral Gardens, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Manchester and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of England.

Day 5 - Depart from Manchester

Make the most of your last few hours in Manchester before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Manchester. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Manchester itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Manchester, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Manchester for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Manchester in a way that feels truly unforgettable!