The cheap UK city break with £37pp a night hotels & best bars in the country

MANCHESTER is having a moment.

Hailed as one of the best places to visit in 2023, by both Time Out and Conde Nast Traveller, there are lots of exciting new hotels and attractions launching this year.

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With rooms from £37pp a night, it’s an affordable staycation, too.

Birmingham may be the UK’s official second city but Manchester calls itself the “real second city”.

Kara Godfrey explores and explains why . . . 

WHY SHOULD I GO? This year will see a new Soho House opening in Manchester, as well as Factory International — an auditorium, concert venue and arts venue with exhibits featuring Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and a Matrix-themed dance show.

There are lots of new, exciting hotels too, including the Treehouse Manchester and Mollie’s Motel.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING? Yes, you won’t need a cab very often although there is a very well- connected system of buses and trams.

Or rent one of the many electric bikes, for just a few pounds, and cycle around the city.

ANYTHING FOR THE BUCKET LIST? The Castlefield Viaduct line has recently reopened for 2023.

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Similar to New York’s High Line, the long stretch of outdoor space has transformed the 1862 viaduct, which was created by the same engineers behind the Blackpool Tower.

And Manchester Museum has reopened this month after a £15million re-development.

New galleries include the South Asian Gallery, Lee Kai Hung Chinese Culture Gallery and Belonging Gallery — which uses comics to explore everyday life.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT? The city has 17 restaurants in the Michelin guide, but one of the best can be found under the railway arches.

The Sparrows is popular for its spatzle egg noodles — a central European staple similar to pasta but heartier — as well as delicious dumplings.

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Want something lighter?

Newly opened The Alan Hotel’s on-site restaurant is not one to be missed.

Book during the daily happy hour to gorge on Cumbrae Oysters for £1 a shuck and Telmont Champagne for just £10 a glass.

You can opt for small sharing plates or larger dishes, but don’t miss out on the deconstructed Snickers bar for dessert.

If you fancy a snack to go, then you can’t leave the city without a trip to one of the many kebab shops for a classic portion of chips with gravy on top.

I FANCY A DRINK . . .  Manchester is hardly short of trendy bars.

Speak In Code was recently named one of the best in the UK, with the menu offering a variety of cocktails from bitter and smoky to sweet and fresh.

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Just make sure to book a table because the tiny bar is tucked down a side road, yet rarely empty.

For a bit of fun, hit Paradise Skate World for a cosmic cocktail then some rollerskating and Eighties classic tunes, while gamers will love the arcade-themed sweet drinks followed by some machines at NQ64.

Or rent a booth at K2, a three-story karaoke bar where you can order wine and beer while singing into the early hours.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? Stylish but affordable hotels are in abundance in Manchester, with the newly opened Moxy ticking both boxes.

Double rooms start from £75, and there is an on-site bar that serves a breakfast buffet, 24-hour pizza and cocktails — including a free drink when you check in — as well as having a foosball table, photobooth and other games in the lobby.

Or for a more grown-up affair, head for the Hyatt Regency Hotel which is close to many of the city’s museums and galleries.

Enjoy the amazing views from the rooms on floor 16 — and remember to grab a drink at The Graduate bar.