We can’t wait to introduce you to our newest favorite destination: Manchester. This magnetic English city owns its industrial roots — but with a uniquely modern edge. Four hours northeast of London and an hour east of Liverpool, Manchester is a must-visit city when traveling to the United Kingdom.
Welcome to Manchester, England. (Photo Credit: @girlabouttownmcr)
You can rest easy at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. (Photo Credit: @kimptonclocktower)
There are an endless number of things to do in Manchester, from gigs and galleries to craft breweries and vintage shopping. With Kimpton Clocktower Hotel as your home base, the city’s electric energy will undoubtedly tempt you to hit the streets and explore.
What to Do in Manchester
You’ll find most of the top attractions in Manchester right in the city center. Take a short stroll to admire striking examples of Neo-Gothic architecture, including Manchester Town Hall, the John Rylands Library, and Manchester Cathedral.
When visiting, swing by the the iconic Manchester Town Hall. (Photo Credit: Chris Curry)
If visiting in the summer, you’ll want to add Manchester Pride to your list of things to do, since the annual August festival is one of the most popular pride parades in the world. And, soccer fan or not (okay, okay — football) watching the famed Manchester United football club play at Old Trafford Stadium is also a must.
The Best Live Music & Shopping
Major music names who got their start in Manchester include the Bee Gees, The Smiths, New Order, and Oasis. No big deal, right?
See emerging acts before they make it big at Soup Kitchen or head to the beloved Band on the Wall for live gigs ranging from rock to reggae. Right around the corner from Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, newcomer Yes is already attracting cutting-edge talent night after night.
Music is beloved everywhere in Manchester, but most especially in the Northern Quarter. (Photo Credit: Jonny Gios)
Music and art are one in this city. (Photo Credit: Matthew Waring)
When it comes to shopping, start by browsing the stunning selection of record stores in the Northern Quarter — our top picks are Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records. Head to Cow, Retro Rehab, or Pop Boutique for the best vintage shopping in Manchester.
For more unique souvenirs, support local makers with a visit to Manchester Craft and Design Centre, where you can shop for handmade wares directly from various artists’ studios.
Where to Eat & Drink in Manchester
The food scene in Manchester is exploding, from buzzing food halls like Grub and Mackie Mayor to the avant-garde, Michelin-starred Mana. One of the best-loved spots is our very own Refuge restaurant, with its elegant decor and eclectic, international menu.
Try the Hip Hop Chip Shop for a funky take on a classic fish and chips or grab a coveted slice of Neapolitan pizza from Rudy’s. Honestly, no matter which spot you choose, you can’t choose wrong.
The Refuge is an absolute must when exploring Manchester. (Photo Credit: @kimptonclocktower)
Just looking for a quick pick-me-up? No problem. (Photo Credit: @kimptonclocktower)
Here at Kimpton, we love quirky, unusual bars. After all, an unassuming laundromat conceals our favorite speakeasy in the city, The Washhouse. Browse the extensive list of pours at Salut wine bar or have bartenders at The Alchemist mix you a whimsical cocktail or two.
Manchester’s craft beer scene is also — dare we say it — hopping. Try local cult favorites like Alphabet and Runaway Brewery or visit the warm, inviting Seven Bro7hers pub in trendy Ancoats.
The Best Museums, Art Galleries, & Street Art
If you missed the Man U match, a visit to the National Football Museum should tide you over — it’s considered the world’s premier sports museum. Another must-see is Manchester Museum, which has a diverse mix of 4.5 million ancient objects on display, dating back centuries and spanning all seven continents.
For lovers of a more visual medium, the top art galleries in town are Manchester Art Gallery and The Whitworth.
Art is quite literally everywhere in the Northern Quarter. (Photo Credit: Jason Jeandron)
And it is stunning. (Photo Credit: Matthew Waring)
One of our favorite things to do in Manchester is to admire all of the street art, especially around the Northern Quarter and Ancoats neighborhoods. Look for ‘Mr. Smith’s Dream’ hidden in a wall on Copperas Street, the colorful bird ‘Guardian of Ancoats’, and the moving ‘22 Bees’ memorial mural.
The Mancunian worker bee is a beloved symbol of the city, so you’ll notice that local street artists love to tag small bees all over town. We even worked with noted UK textile designer Timorous Beasties to incorporate this surprising motif into our room designs. At first glance, the floral-patterned pillows in each guest room feel distinctly classic — take a closer look to see how the designer added the modern worker bee as graphic pop art.
Where to stay: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
