Exploring Manchester: Tips to Make The City Feel Like Home

Manchester is home to great food, lush green spaces, and bags of culture. So, as you are starting university (or returning), you’ll want to explore everything that the city has to offer.   

Whether you are new to the city, or getting to know it better, we’ve put together a list of the top things students should see and do to help Manchester feel like home. 

Exploring Manchester – fun and unique things to do

Art and Culture 

John Rylands Library – Whether you’re a bit of a book worm, an avid architect, or a history buff – John Rylands Library is a must visit for you! The library is based in one of the finest neo-Gothic buildings in Europe and holds some of the largest special collections in the UK; including, medieval illuminated manuscripts and one of the earliest surviving New Testament texts. 

Museum of Illusions – Get ready to be mesmerised in the Museum of Illusions (MOI), which has just opened its doors in Manchester! With loads of interactive exhibits and rooms, there’s plenty of opportunities to get those instagrammable snaps in. MOI also offers a 15% student discount when you book ahead online. 

Aviva Studios – The home of Factory International, Aviva Studios is a cultural venue which hosts exhibits and events covering arts, dance, music, theatre, and even gaming. Every night is unique at Aviva Studios, so keep an eye on their website to see if anything takes your fancy! They also operate an affordable tickets scheme, as well as standard student discount, so that everyone can enjoy a fun night out. 

Manchester Art Gallery – This free art gallery is open to everyone, with no need to pre-book your visit. Located just off St. Peter’s Square, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon of culture in the city. Manchester Art Gallery has a constant rotation of new collections, covering art, fashion, and sculpture – including some interactive events too! 

Whitworth Art Gallery – The Whitworth Art Gallery is home to more than 60,000 artworks. From contemporary art and fine art paintings to textiles and sculptures – there’s something for everyone. You can also explore the beautiful outdoor spaces, including the art garden, orchard, and sculpture terrace.   

Exploring the Outdoors 

City Treasure Hunt – What better way to explore the city than through a fun-filled treasure hunt! Gather your flatmates or new course mates and hit the streets of Manchester to solve clues and find secret locations. It’s like an escape room, but outdoors. You will get to see different areas of Manchester, whilst also learning something new about them. 

Heaton Park – More than just your average green space, Manchester’s Heaton Park has more than 600 acres of grass and woodland. Whilst you’re there, you can enjoy a trip to the Tram Museum and Animal Centre or visit one of the many well-preserved historic buildings. Heaton Park also plays host to a number of events each year, including outdoor concerts, plays and Parklife music festival. 

Fletcher Moss – This historic park and gardens, situated in Didsbury, is free to enter and accessible by tram from the city centre. There’s plenty to explore on the grounds, including two gardens and a nature reserve, as well as the Old Parsonage where you can treat yourself to a coffee. The Alpine Tea Room is also onsite for hot and cold drinks, as well as cakes and snacks. 

Chorlton Water Park – If you’re just after a bit of exercise, or enjoy being around the water, Chorlton Water Park has a circular walking route around the scenic lake. Surrounded by grasslands and woodlands, there is plenty of space to explore and even enjoy a picnic with friends! It’s also accessible by bus or tram from campus for an easy afternoon walk. 

Shopping in Manchester 

Arndale Centre – For shopping in the heart of the city, head over to the Arndale Centre, which is home to over 200 high street stores! They also have an extensive food court and plenty of entertainment venues for you and your friends to make the most of a shopping trip; including, The CUBE Live Experience, Ten Pin bowling, and even a Roxy Ball Room. 

Trafford Centre – A little further out of town but still well worth a visit, the Trafford Centre is one of the largest shopping malls in the UK. Sporting over 60 bars and restaurants, over 200 stores, an Odeon IMAX theatre, mini golf, and much more for those who want to make a day of it. The best part is, you can get there directly by bus or tram! 

The Makers Market – Head to Ancoats on the second Sunday of every month to experience the Northern Quarter Makers Market! You can expect an array of stalls selling art, crafts, food and drink, music and even street food. It’s a hit with the locals, and a great way to shop with local and independent businesses. 

Affleck’s Palace – Based in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Afflecks is a multi-story emporium that houses eclectic fashion, jewellery, and clothes boutiques – as well as so many more independent sellers and markets. They also host regular events and workshops, making it a perfect spot for student exploration and socializing. 

Vintage Shops – Something Manchester is well known for is our obsession with vintage clothes. So, if you’re looking to get acquainted with the culture, there’s plenty of vintage boutiques around the city centre! Check out Visit Manchester’s guide to vintage shopping in the city centre, or head out into the Northern Quarter and check out the scene for yourself. 

Other must-visit places in and around Manchester 

China Town – Manchester’s China Town is the second largest in the UK. As you walk under the iconic Chinese arch on Faulkner Street, you will see a wide choice of Chinese restaurants, bakeries, bars, and shops. The annual Chinese New Year Festival also takes place here every February. You can expect everything from the iconic red lanterns, live performances, and dancing dragons on the famous Dragon Parade.  

MediaCityUK – Check out Salford Quays waterfront for a different view of Greater Manchester! Just a short tram ride will take you to the home of the BBC and ITV, The Lowry Theatre, The Quays Shopping Centre, and Imperial War Museum. It’s also an ideal place to catch the sunset and dine in one of the many restaurants and bars in the area. Such as, Kargo, Salford’s newest and biggest food hall, showcasing 19 independent kitchens to choose from; you’ll be spoilt for choice! 

Nightlife in Manchester 

Roxy Ball Room – With locations in the Arndale Centre and Deansgate, Roxy Ball Room offers the opportunity to enjoy a game of bowling, crazy pool, shuffleboard, or even karaoke after hours. Each location has different activities to try out, so it’s the perfect excuse to gather up your friends and explore the Manchester nightlife scene! They also have a variety of student deals across their games and drinks, with a valid student ID. 

Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing – If you’re more of a thrill seeker, why not try out some games of axe throwing? Whether you’re looking to hit some bullseyes or snack on some pizza and drinks in the bar, Whistle Punks has you covered for all occasions. Members of Student Beans can exclusively chop 20% off their booking as well! 

There is so much to see and do in Manchester after dark, and it’s easy to have a good time on a student budget – but don’t just take our word for it, check out the video from Student Content Creator Derencia, with her top picks for things to do on a night out in Manchester.