Manchester is the staycation spot of 2023
We’ve started by making a bold statement; Manchester is the staycation spot of 2023 but that’s because we can back it up. Staycationing is all about discovery, whether it’s finding an unspoiled beach right in your own backyard or experiencing a nearby nightlife scene for the first time.
According to Booking.com, Manchester is the top British destination in 2023, with Glasgow, Birmingham, and Newcastle following close behind, indicating that city breaks are high on people’s agendas.
Why is Manchester buzzing?
This city has been transformed, in the last 30 years so many new areas have been developed whilst maintaining the local culture and heritage. You only need to look at the before and after pictures of the Etihad Stadium. The Emirati giants have transformed the area, not just the stadium, and the developments haven’t stopped since.
And if you are a numbers and stats kinda person, research conducted by the travel holiday site also reveals that the cost of living crisis is affecting people’s travel plans. Of the 1,006 UK residents surveyed, 62% stated that they plan to stick to a budget on their next trip.
More than half of those surveyed plan to take advantage of deals, hacks, loyalty schemes, and smartly-timed travel to save money without sacrificing what they value. This means selecting luxury accommodations on a self-catering basis, packing more fun into a shorter break, or saving up reward points for a future splurge.
Why Manchester is a Top British Destination in 2023
One of the reasons why people love Manchester is because it has all the cosmopolitan vibes without the outrageous congestion. It is a city on par with LA’s and Milans of this world but without the super frenzy travel.
However, as a disclaimer, it has become significantly busier over the last ten years, the roads are more congested than they sued to be but fundamentally, unlike the Londons of this world, it doesn’t take you 2 to 3 hours to commute from work. After 7:30 the congestion dies down and the evenings come to life.
You may think that is not that important, but it is when you consider the quality of life people are having. Of course, London has its own charms just like New York, but if you are exhausted every day then how can really enjoy anything!?
Shopping in Manchester
Another reason why Manchester is buzzing is the Shopping. If you are coming to Manchester to shop, then you’re in good company.
Few places do traditional city-centre shopping better. You’ll find major high-street brands in the Arndale Centre, and designer stores from Armani to Burberry clustered around King Street, St Anne’s Square, and Spinningfields.
But it also has something for vintage and boutique lovers, the legendary Affleck’s Palace, a former department store now filled with vintage stalls and independent boutiques.
Manchester’s nightlife is epic
Manchester has one of the best nightlives in the country. It is generally very safe and friendly, with people from all walks of life coming together to enjoy a night out. It’s a great place to meet new people and make new friends.
You will also bump into a host of celebrities and footballers who regularly frequent the top bars and clubs in the city.
When it comes to the best nightclubs in Manchester, Mint Lounge is a stalwart of the scene that can’t go unmentioned. Funkademia, takes place every Saturday at the Mint Lounge to a packed house, feeding a friendly crowd of pure unadulterated soul-funk.
Manchester is connected by Planes, trains, and automobiles
Another reason why Manchester is a top destination is its accessibility, The airport is already one of the biggest and most connected in the UK and has undergone some serious redevelopments to attract the more luxurious and diverse flights into the region.
Travelling to Manchester is not just limited to airports though, the train stations are some of the most connected outside London. The Two main stations in Manchester are Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria Station.
A host of train companies in the UK operate trains to Manchester, including Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, and Transport for Wales. With direct connections to London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, and Leeds.
The Greater Manchester rail network connects all the major hubs from around the M60 to Manchester.
A little bit of planning before a staycation in Manchester saves money
Naturally, it does depend on who is travelling, and the reason for the travel. For instance; single women or single mothers tend to avoid spending on expensive stays during football weekends when the city is overbooked and overpriced.
Apartments tend to be the most sought-after for ladies who want to just let their hair down.
This travel philosophy is appealing to those of us who have a wanderlust that exceeds our bank balance, but concerns arise about the feasibility of implementing it in the UK.
Train fares can be prohibitively expensive, and the cost of food, drinks, and excursions while away can quickly add up. However, with careful planning, it is possible to explore the UK without breaking the bank.
Manchester does have that in abundance, if you plan in advance where you will eat, you could find some spectacular food zones at unbelievably affordable prices. It is after all the foodie’s favourite destination and is considered to be affordable, but exceptional in quality.
Where to eat in Manchester whilst on a staycation
First and foremost we have to declare that Manchester has an abundance of high-quality restaurants and takeaways. So choosing where to eat in Manchester is a tough decision. For instance, from the list below, we’ve left out some of the fancy restaurants and bars on the 33rd floor of Hilton and quite a few other rooftop restaurants and focussed more on areas, so you can choose to form a variety of cuisines and sample the different styles of restaurants in Manchester.
1- Wilmslow Road – The curry mile. The advantage of eating at the curry mile, despite the name, you have also the option of lots of Arabic and Mexican food. You will also find a host of dessert places and shisha bars both indoor ( legal ones of course) and outdoor.
On the whole, the area has a very carnival-friendly zone, where you will see a host of Manchester cultures fusing together. Top-Tip avoid travelling there on or around the Muslim Eid celebrations as it will be exceptionally busy around those days.
2- Spinningfields – There are a lot of options to choose from and it is slightly more upmarket when compared to Wilmslow Road. A lot of people rate Manchester is the staycation spot of 2023 based on the food and spinning fields.
It has seen a redevelopment of the commercial and finance sector of Manchester. You’ll see a lot of professionals and city workers dining here and a few footballers and their dates eating here. All the choices are good and you’ll find most of the cuisine options ranging from European cuisines to oriental delights.
3. Deansgate – Deansgate is ‘the Oxford Street’ of street Manchester. A popular hotspot with the footballers and local celebrities from Coronation Street, (which is filmed literally a few roads away) Around Deansgate, you’ll find every cuisine you can imagine.
It really is fine dining heaven, and all the choices are within walking distance of each other. This horns into one of Manchester’s most charming features, It has all the amenities of London but it’s not as widely spread out as London is.
The perfect place if you fancy a spot of shopping at Selfridges followed by a 5-star dinner.
Is Manchester a good place for a night out?
Manchester has one of the best nightlives in the country. It is generally very safe and friendly, with venues for all ages and tastes in music.
