How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

Manchester, United Kingdom, Manchester, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, How to Avoid Tourist Traps

How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

1. Albert Square

A beautiful park filled with Victorian architecture. Avoid overpriced food stalls by packing a picnic.
  • Pack a Picnic: Bringing your own food saves money and allows for a more relaxed experience.
  • Visit Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the park during early morning or late evening hours.
  • Explore Surrounding Areas: Take a walk to nearby attractions like Town Hall, Central Library, and Albert's Schloss.

2. Manchester Arndale Centre

A large shopping centre packed with high-street brands. Find local boutiques in nearby Northern Quarter instead.
  • Seek Local Boutiques: Support independent businesses and discover unique finds in the Northern Quarter.
  • Check Online Sales: Many stores offer online discounts, so plan ahead and save some money!
  • Avoid Peak Shopping Hours: Shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more enjoyable experience.

3. The Printworks

An entertainment complex with restaurants, cinemas, and bars. For a more authentic Manchester experience, visit independent venues nearby.
  • Seek Independent Venues: Discover hidden gems like the Soup Kitchen or Matt & Phred's Jazz Club.
  • Check Event Listings: Many independent venues host live music and events. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Avoid Peak Hours for Dining: Dine during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times and enjoy a more relaxed meal.

4. Manchester United Stadium Tour

An expensive tour of the Manchester United football stadium. Save money by visiting Old Trafford Museum instead.
  • Visit the Museum: Discover the club's history and trophies at a fraction of the tour cost.
  • Check Match Schedule: Avoid tours on match days as prices may increase significantly.
  • Consider Group Packages: Group packages can sometimes be cheaper than individual tickets, so consider visiting with friends or family.

5. Deansgate Locks

A popular canal-side area with bars and restaurants. For a more local experience, explore nearby Castlefield Roman Fort and Museum.
  • Discover Castlefield: Uncover Manchester's history at the Roman Fort and Museum.
  • Check Event Listings: Many of the bars and restaurants host live music and events. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Avoid Peak Hours for Dining: Dine during off-peak hours to avoid long wait times and enjoy a more relaxed meal.

6. The Hidden Gem Tours

A pricey guided tour of Manchester's hidden gems. Save money by using a self-guided app or map.
  • Use Self-Guided Apps/Maps: Apps like Detour offer affordable, self-guided tours of Manchester's hidden gems.
  • Research Ahead of Time: Plan your route and attractions to visit, saving both time and money.
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

7. Manchester Cathedral

An impressive cathedral with an entrance fee. Visit other free churches and chapels in the city.
  • Visit Free Churches/Chapels: Explore Manchester's rich religious history by visiting free attractions like St. Ann's Church or St. Mary's RC Church.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many churches offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

8. The John Rylands Library

A stunning library with an entrance fee. Visit other free libraries and attractions in the city.
  • Visit Free Libraries/Attractions: Discover Manchester's literary heritage by visiting attractions like Central Library or People's History Museum.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many libraries offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

9. The Wheel of Manchester

An observation wheel with pricey tickets. Save money by visiting nearby parks and attractions.
  • Visit Parks/Attractions: Enjoy the views of Manchester from Heaton Park, Platt Fields Park, or Chorlton Water Park.
  • Check Event Listings: Many parks and attractions host events. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

10. Chetham's Library

An historic library with an entrance fee. Visit other free libraries and attractions in the city.
  • Visit Free Libraries/Attractions: Explore Manchester's rich literary history by visiting attractions like Central Library or People's History Museum.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many libraries offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

11. The Trafford Centre

A large shopping centre packed with high-end brands. Find local boutiques in nearby Salford Quays or Ancoats instead.
  • Seek Local Boutiques: Support independent businesses and discover unique finds in Salford Quays or Ancoats.
  • Check Online Sales: Many stores offer online discounts, so plan ahead and save some money!
  • Avoid Peak Shopping Hours: Shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more enjoyable experience.

12. The Imperial War Museum North

An educational museum with an entrance fee. Visit other free museums in the city.
  • Visit Free Museums: Learn about Manchester's history by visiting attractions like the People's History Museum or the Museum of Science & Industry.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many museums offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

13. The National Football Museum

An extensive museum dedicated to football with an entrance fee. Save money by visiting other free attractions in the city.
  • Visit Free Attractions: Discover Manchester's rich history by visiting attractions like the People's History Museum or the Museum of Science & Industry.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many museums offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

14. Madame Tussauds Manchester

A wax museum with expensive tickets. Save money by visiting other attractions in the city.
  • Visit Other Attractions: Experience the culture and history of Manchester by visiting attractions like the People's History Museum or the Museum of Science & Industry.
  • Check Guided Tour Schedules: Many museums offer free guided tours. Check schedules ahead of time!
  • Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid crowds and save on transportation costs by visiting during off-peak hours.

15. The Lowry Theatre

An expensive theatre with high ticket prices. Save money by checking for discounts or visiting other cultural attractions.
  • Check for Discounts: Look for student, senior, or group discounts to save on tickets.
  • Visit Other Cultural Attractions: Experience Manchester's vibrant culture by visiting attractions like the Royal Exchange Theatre or the Whitworth Art Gallery.
  • Check Performance Schedules: Many theatres offer affordable matinee performances. Check schedules ahead of time!