Despite being one of the oldest cities in England, The city of Manchester receives a lot of visitors every year to enjoy the great football team’s matches as well as the wide range of attractions in the city.
The city is subdivided in North Central District and the East Central District. The North Central area of Manchester takes the major part of the city with most of it being a pedestrian area. The majority of the streets are traffic-free, enabling tourists to enjoy the gothic architecture of the area without the fear of being run over.
Some of the most famous sights in the neighbourhood are the Manchester cathedral and the Manchester Town Hall which is home to the city council. Other attractions in the North Central Manchester are the People’s History Museum, The Manchester Art Gallery as well as several Old libraries. The city also has a lot to offer for nightlife and food enthusiasts.
Major squares in the area such as St Peter’s Square and Albert Square are surrounded by theatres and cinemas which host some of the latest productions. Printworks Street is the best nightlife spot due to the high presence of pubs and pubs that have replaced Manchester’s newspaper offices. Here you can enjoy delicious wines and beers from both local and international brewers.
The East Central district, on the other hand, is home to the Northern Quarter that is home to a variety of small independent shops and the city’s China Town. Visiting China town will give you the experience of Chinese shops, restaurants as well as their decoration. Another interesting area in the east-central area is the Gay area which is home to many famous clubs and bar.
The Piccadilly Gardens in the Gay area is popular for its nightlife as it hosts a large number of restaurants offering different cuisines from all over the world. Piccadilly gardens attract a lot of people at night who enjoy drinking at the bars and clubs close to the beautiful gardens. Some of these clubs also offer accommodation and can be the right choice if you will be in the city for a day or two.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for nightlife or shopping, or where to stay when travelling by train? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Manchester England.
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Manchester UK?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): City Centre
First-timers will best enjoy Manchester when living in the city centre due to easier access to major attractions and fun places. You can walk to the major shopping hubs such as the road market street, or you use the excellent transport links with modes such as trams, buses and the Metroshuttle. The city centre gives easy access to the city’s shopping and dining places as well as the night clubs. The area is also home to attractions like the Manchester Opera House and the Art Gallery.
1. City Centre (Area around/between Manchester Town Hall and Manchester Cathedral, Northern Quarter)
Travellers who want to stay close to the main attractions and at the heart of the city can choose the Manchester City Centre.
The centre is also home to a large number of hotels hence making it easier to find the accommodation of your choice. From the city centre, you can access the greater Manchester by train via Piccadilly Train Station that is within the city centre.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): The Cow Hollow Hotel • CitySuites Aparthotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Holiday Inn Express City Centre Arena • ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street
2. Castlefield
The major attractions at Castlefield are the Castlefield Bowl (a rock music arena), the Science & Industry Museum and the Mamucium Roman fort remains.
Castlefield is the best choice if you prefer a quiet environment but not too far from urban life.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Great John Street Hotel • The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Castlefield Hotel • The Oxnoble
3. Old Trafford
Being home to Manchester United Football Club, Old Trafford is widely held as a sporting destination. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visit this neighbourhood each year, especially during the English premier league season.
Another tourist attraction in the area apart from the stadium is the Chill Factore. Measuring 100 metres wide and 180 metres long, Chill Factore is UK’s longest and widest real snow indoor slope.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Football, Old Trafford, a Tribute Portfolio • Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotel: Old Trafford Stadium Hotel
4. Salford Quays
Salford Quays was the dock area of Manchester but has grown into one of the best areas of the City. Football lovers can have the best experience in the area as it is across the river from the famous Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford.
The area is also full of fun spots such as the water sports centre, an entertainment complex and boat excursions. Salford Quays is ranked among the best sporting and leisure spots in Manchester.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays • Holiday Inn Manchester-Mediacityuk
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Holiday Inn Express Manchester – Salford Quays • Holiday Inn Manchester West
