Manchester is a diverse, multicultural and lively city in the north of England, best known for its rich industrial history, musical export and sports clubs. Now one of the fastest growing cities in Europe, Manchester has an abundance of attractions and cultural activities for visitors to explore.
Restaurants & Cafés
On the doorstep of the conference venue is University Green, home to Mowgli, Brewdog, Five Guys and more.
Most university buildings have a café where you can grab a hot drink and a bite to eat. Find out where at Food on Campus.
Take a trip down the nearby Curry Mile, a strip of ~70 South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants, or head into Manchester’s Chinatown to check out East and Southeast Asian restaurants and shops. The Corn Exchange also houses a diverse range of restaurants, bringing cuisines from across the world to a beautiful venue in the heart of the city.
Brunches, lunches and late-night eats are a popular choice at venues in the Northern Quarter, which offer bar food classics alongside craft beers and cocktails.
Manchester also has a multitude of vegetarian and vegan eateries, offering a whole range of delicious dishes. Check out Happy Cow to discover veggie friendly restaurants in the area.
Pubs & Bars
If you’re looking to capture the British pub experience, check out the Ducie Arms, Old Abbey Tap House, and The Salutation, all located within 10 minutes of the conference venue.
There are also a number of bars surrounding the University campus, including Kro Bar, Turing Tap, Big Hands, The Footage, and Sandbar, all serving affordable drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Other significant pubs in the city centre include The Peveril of the Peak, a classic pub with iconic tiled exterior and traditional interior, the Old Wellington Inn and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, Tudor pubs in the city’s historical Shambles Square, and The Briton’s Protection, offering real ale and a large whiskey selection.
Noteworthy bars in the city centre include The Temple, a repurposed Victorian public toilet, Molly House, a cosy spot at the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, and YES, where you can enjoy fresh pizza slices and live music.
Shops
There are many shops on the University campus and nearby where you can pick up food, drink and other necessities. Those closest to the conference venue include Co-op, Spar and Tesco Express.
In the central retail district you will find Manchester Arndale, a shopping centre with over 200 stores selling clothes, gifts, tech, beauty products and more. There’s also a large foodcourt of eateries and a market selling fresh, locally sourced meat, fruit and veg.
Nearby you will also find Barton Arcade, a classic, glass-domed Victorian arcade with food, drink and retail venues.
Check out Afflecks, a trendy indoor market of independent shops, vintage stalls, boutiques and cafes offering a quirky alternative to high-street shopping.
The surrounding Northern Quarter area showcases Manchester’s creative side and is home to an abundance of independent vintage shops, record stores, book shops and more.
Landmarks & Historical Sites
Visit public exhibitions and archives at the Central Library and Portico Library, or special collections at the John Ryland’s Library, renowned for its magnificent neo-gothic architecture.
Explore Castlefield, an urban heritage park home to a ruined Roman fort and the world’s first industrial canal, now popular for its picturesque restaurants and bars. Nearby, Spinningfields is also a popular location to grab food and drink.
Stop by Sackville Park, home to the Alan Turing Memorial, a tribute to the pioneer of modern computing.
Museums & Galleries
Discover artefacts from the natural world at Manchester Museum, get a taste for the influence of Manchester’s history at the Museum of Science and Industry and the People’s History Museum, or immerse yourself at the Imperial War Museum North.
The National Football Museum is also a great place to find out about the history and significance of football in the UK.
For those with an interest in art, Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth, The Lowry and the Chinese Centre for Contemporary Art are just some of the city’s galleries with a variety of ongoing and special exhibitions.
& More!
Take a trip to the home of Manchester United Football Club, the infamous Old Trafford Stadium, to watch a match, visit the museum or take the stadium tour. The Etihad Stadium, home to Manchester City Football Club, also hosts matches and other large-scale events.
Manchester has a multitude of theatre venues, such as Palace Theatre, Royal Exchange, HOME and the Opera House. Check out ManchesterTheatres for a comprehensive guide and programme.
Get a taste of some of Manchester’s many beautiful green spaces such as Whitworth Park, Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Garden, Wythenshaw Park and Gardens and Chorlton Water Park.
Opening Times
Supermarkets generally close at around 11pm, although you will find some late-night and 24 hour convenience stores around the city.
Pubs usually close between 11pm and 12am on weeknights but are often open later on Fridays and Saturdays, and bars are generally open until the early hours of the morning.
Sunday opening hours are restricted for businesses in the UK, meaning shops, cafes, restaurants and bars are likely to have reduced opening hours or be closed.
Map of Attractions
Click on the markers to find key places to visit.
- Conference Venue: Hyatt Regency
- Whitworth Art Gallery
- The John Rylands Library
- Manchester Oxford Road Railway Station (MCO)
- Old Trafford
- The Northern Quarter
- Chinatown
- The Manchester Museum
- Alan Turin Memorial – Sackville Gardens
- Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station (MAN)
- Shambles Square
- Central Library, St Peters Square
- Science and Industry Museum
MDRS Manchester 