The following two days in Manchester itinerary is brought to you by Tilly from TillyText, a Manchester local! Read on for some of her top recommendations for making the most of 48 hours in the city.

With so much to do in Manchester, spending 48 hours in this incredible city should fill you with as much joy as when you realise just how much cheaper a pint is up north.

Doing Manchester in two days also means you won’t need to cram absolutely everything in one day – so you can explore the Northern Quarter’s many bars on a Saturday night (more on this later) without having to get up early and leave on Sunday!

Unlike a few cities in the UK, Manchester truly is loved just as much by the tourists as the locals alike. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to split this Manchester two day itinerary into two parts: How to explore Manchester like a tourist, and how to explore Manchester like a local.

Why not just see the city like a true Mancunian? I hear you ask! Well, just like how you wouldn’t go to London without checking out the London Eye, some bits of Manchester are just so worth seeing and experiencing, they’ll more than make up for the small queue beforehand…

So, without further ado, here’s how you should spend 48 hours in one of the best cities in the whole of the UK. 

Getting around Manchester

Unless you’re heading slightly out of town – which a few of my suggestions will need you to do, but don’t worry I can talk you through exactly how the trams work in a minute – you can pretty much get around Manchester on foot. 

That being said, the city does have some insanely good public transport links (as mentioned by my mum every time she comes up to visit) so if you’d rather serve lewks when carrying out your Manchester itinerary, you can easily hop on one of the city’s free buses or regular trams to ferry you around in those stylish yet impractical cowboy boots.

If you’re thinking about using public transport in Manchester, here’s a few tips:

• Manchester has its own tram network, called the Bee Network. You just tap on and tap off when you start and finish your journey – and spend the rest of your trip spotting cute dogs and listening for the angry tram driver blowing his horn at people walking over the tram tracks.

• Bus-wise, the city is also pretty damn good. Two free buses take you around the city and start from the main train station, Manchester Picadilly. For all other buses, you can use your contactless card to pay when you first get on. A single ride is capped at £2 wherever you go.

• You can use the Bee Network app to plan your trip on Manchester public transport. It has live departure times for the bus, tram and train in Manchester. However, Google Maps also works, too. 

Now that’s underway, it’s time to delve into my big fat list of things to do in Manchester in two days.

Day 1: Explore Manchester like a tourist

The first day of my Manchester two day itinerary includes some of the spots that are considered a Manchester landmark. In other words, while they’ll likely be busy – I still wholeheartedly recommend checking them out. 

Breakfast: Good food comes to those who wait

Just like how a big queue typically equates to something worth waiting for, these two breakfast spots are known for their flocks of followers who will arguably wait a lifetime just to get a plate of freshly cooked grub from the kitchen put in front of them. Whenever I’ve been, it’s always been more than worth the wait.

• Federal: With 3 sites in the city, this Australian-owned spot serves up a much-needed slice of breakfast sunshine in the otherwise drearily grey Manchester skies. I’m talking Turkish Eggs to die for, and the most incredible sourdough combinations. They even do cocktails.

• Ezra and Gill: The spot that all the girlies love. And if there’s one group of people to take breakfast recs from, it’s the girls who brunch. Never again will you find somewhere the food looks just as good as it tastes. 

Morning: Swot up on Manchester’s history and culture

Let’s face it, the only thing you know about Manchester right now is Oasis. And that’s totally okay! That’s why I recommend spending the first morning of your Manchester itinerary getting educated on all things Manc, so you can drunkenly tell a stranger in the smoking area that evening just where Vimto really originated from.

• Free Manchester Walking Tour – Get your own walking and talking Manchester lonely planet by going along on this free walking tour that leaves from the centre of the city at 11 am. I’ve actually done this exact tour before and they really do cover everything from the Manchester working bee to the LGBTQ+ history of the city. 

• National Football Museum: Football is as engrained in city life as music is in Manchester. Even if you don’t really understand why men get so passionate about this sport, the football museum is still worth going to – if only to see what Victoria had to put up with when Beckham played for United.

• Manchester Central Library: Finish your self-education of Manchester the nerdiest way – by visiting the city’s central library. With four whole floors to explore and even a little gift shop on the way out, this is the perfect last stop before the bell goes to end class. John Rylands Library is also another Hogwarts-esque library worth looking at if you’ve got time. 

Lunch: A bit of everything, please!

All that studying deserves some good soul food – and luckily, the following places offer just that. Better still, you can choose between a ton of tasty cuisines, so these spots are perfect if you’re exploring the city with a large group of friends, or even just trying to entertain a fussy partner!

• Arndale Food Markets: This little subsection of the Arndale shopping centre is full to the brim with delicious independent food stalls that are usually swarmed by office workers from Monday – Friday. Greek mezze, Indian street food, pizza by the slice – it’s got it all.

• Street Food Market at Picadilly Gardens: While I would typically recommend avoiding Picadilly Gardens when you’re exploring Manchester in two days, the street food market that’s held from Wednesday – Sunday is my exception to this rule. My personal highlight is the Falafel stall, but the jerk chicken stand is also a popular choice.

• Mackie Mayor: If you’re keen for something a little fancy – by this I mean actually sitting down for lunch and not just eating on the go – head to food hall Mackie Mayor. Somehow nachos taste even better when you’re devouring them in an 1858 Grade II listed market building…

Afternoon: Shop ‘til you drop

Yes, shopping definitely is a real tourist activity. Especially when you’ve got a shopping selection as great as the one in Manchester. Whether you need an outfit for Saturday night, or you’re just not loving how your looks are being photographed right now, you’ll surely be able to find one or two fashion gems in these spots.

• Arndale Shopping Centre: Home of every UK fashion brand, explore the best of the British high street by heading to the Arndale. Urban Outfitters, Monki, Levi’s – it’s all there in one place. 

• Independent Stores: Manchester’s street style is greatly influenced by the city’s independent stores, including its vintage and charity shop offerings. The best neighbourhood to find these shops is the Northern Quarter, and I would personally recommend going into Blue Rinse, Oxfam Originals, Pop Boutique, and RSPCA.

• Affleks: Another emporium of independent stalls and small shops worth checking out is Affleks Palace. While this place might be a total maze to find your way around – which I think adds to its charm – you can find some utter gems in this quirky building. 

Dinner: A Manchester institution 

Mancunians really don’t mind mixing with tourists, especially when there’s good food on offer. These three grub spots are universally accepted as an institution in Manchester, and will line your stomach for a fun night ahead.

• Rudy’s Pizza: Before you’ve even uttered the word Pizza in Manchester, someone will have already interrupted with, Rudy’s? Don’t miss getting in on this authentic Neapolitan action across three central sites – as they say, you never regret a Rudy’s.

• Refuge: Test the theory that food tastes even better when it’s on small plates at Refuge. Set in a jaw-droppingly impressive building, Refuge ticks off everything you want from a good dinner recommendation: a good atmosphere, great food and so many plants.

• Trof: If you fancy filling your belly in a good old-fashioned British pub, Trof is the perfect mix of hearty pub food with a fun Northern Quarter edge. While you might make plans to explore the rest of the neighbourhood’s bars afterwards, don’t be surprised if you find yourself here for the rest of the night, either.

Evening: A good Northern knees-up

While the aim of the first day is to explore Manchester as a tourist, you still need to remember exactly where you are… and that’s the North of England, baby! Finish day one of your Manchester two day itinerary by checking out Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with a good Northern knees-up, and head to one of these renowned drinking and party spots in the city.

• Terrace: You can find this warehouse-style bar complete with beer garden and music that goes on until late on Thomas Street – an area where you can pretty much always find something happening. Like its namesake, it’s also worth checking out the heated terrace on the top floor… it’s the perfect place for a margarita. 

• Freemount: Given just how popular this charming little pub/bar is in the daytime, it’s no surprise so many people love flocking back to Freemount in the evening. There’s never not a vibe here, and on Saturday night they also have live music.

• Alberts Schloss: If you want to get your boogie on but still be able to chat with your pals in a bustling bar, this alpine/German-themed spot is for you… that is until the live band comes on and everyone starts dancing on the tables!

Day 2: Explore Manchester like a local 

The second day of your Manchester two day itinerary is how to explore the city like someone who lives there. I’m talking hidden food gems, spots where the locals are hanging out and activities guaranteed to get you meeting and connecting with the very best Mancunians out there.

Breakfast: Brunch, local style

After hopefully painting the town red, the first thing you’ll need when you eventually rear your head in the morning is a plate of good food. You’ll find the following brunch spots filled with those who live in and around the city, all trying to cure the same old hangover.

• Koffee Pot: Sometimes, the only way to fix a drinking-induced headache is with a good old British fry-up. If the only thing you’re craving is a ton of hearty food washed down with a steaming cup of coffee, Koffee Pot is your solution.

• Idle Hands: This quirky little gem is one of my favourites in the city. With an enviable all-day brunch menu that’ll have you drooling, I’m excited to tell you that they also specialise in sweet pies. I’m yet to find a hangover cure better than a fat slice of their peppermint smore dessert…

• Takk: Shhh, I’m letting you in on a massive secret here. Takk is where you need to go when it comes to no-nonsense brunch. This spot is still pretty undiscovered in the city, so try and keep that satisfied smile as hidden as you can.

Morning: Do what the locals do

So, how do the locals pass the time in their own city? For me, it looks like a big mix of the following:

• See a Woman’s Football Game: Just as fun as the men’s but with way less testosterone, much better vibes and the chance to see England’s finest Mary Earps, you can get tickets to see a woman’s game in the city for cheap if you know when match day is.

• People’s History Museum: I’ve been so many times to this museum but it never gets old. With exhibitions that focus on the creation of democracy in the UK, how the NHS started and the story of the suffragette movement, this museum is simply one of the best.

• Maker’s Market: Support local businesses in Manchester by heading to this pop-up market. The Maker’s Market is held every Sunday in and around the city and moves locations depending on the time of the month. You can find what neighbourhood this brilliant market is in during your stay on the website. 

Lunch: Manchester’s hidden gems

You’re well over halfway into your list of things to do in Manchester in two days, and it’s another pit stop to fuel. Hey, I always say the best part of exploring somewhere new is getting to try all the food spots…

• Chinatown: Unlike the one in London, Manchester’s Chinatown is pretty quiet in comparison. However, less footfall only makes this gem even better to find. Chinatown is a pretty great place to grab a tasty lunch plate from an authentic and family-run restaurant; my go-to favourites are Happy Seasons, Noodle Alley and Try Thai.

• Fat Pats: The only way to explain this Manchester lunchtime institution is to do it in as few words as possible. Go online to order one of their delicious sandwiches, then wait outside as they throw your order to you from the window.

• Siop Shop: Hidden down my favourite street in the city, Tib Street, it’s easy to walk past this understated cafe. However, Siop Shop is a great shout for some tasty lunch grub. They have doughnuts, too.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Manchester Canal

Coming to the end of your Manchester two day itinerary, and it’s time to wind down. My favourite way to end a bustling weekend in the city? Going for an afternoon stroll along the canal or quayside – and looking at all the dogs. 

• Castlefield to Salford Quays: You can walk along the Bridgewater Canal from Castlefield to Salford Quays in under 40 minutes. This scenic stroll will take you between some of Manchester’s newer neighbourhoods, and you can then get the tram back to the centre from Media City – home of the BBC in the North.

• New Islington: For a slightly shorter walk, New Islington Marina is your best bet. Especially since all the owners of cool dogs tend to live in the surrounding neighbourhoods! If you’ve still got it in you, you can break up the walk with a glass of wine in artisan wine bar, Flawd or grab a drink at one of the many waterside pubs, like Cask.

Dinner: Melting pot of cultures – and flavours

One of the reasons I love Manchester so much is because everyone is so welcoming. This has meant that the city has also become amazingly multicultural and diverse. So, to finish off this Manchester two day itinerary, I recommend trying some food in Manchester that has its origins slightly further afield! 

• Vietshak: Manchester’s take on Vietnamese street food, Vietshak is always packed – and for good reason. It’s a relatively cheap dinner stop, but you’ll still leave here full to the brim with soul-warming Vietnamese grub.

• Rincon de Rafa: There are a few great Spanish tapas bars in Manchester, like Evuna and San Juan (the latter is about 20 minutes outside the centre but more than worth the tram trip) however, Rincon de Rafa is probably the most authentic you’ll get to real Spanish food. It also won’t cost you the earth, either.

• Bundobust: Fancy an Indian but can’t stomach a massive curry and sides? Head to Bundobust. This pick is perfect for sharing lots of delicious Indian small plates, and if you head to the one on Oxford Road, it even has a brewery inside.

I Hope You Enjoyed This Guide on How to Spend Two Days in Manchester!

While I’m pretty sure I’ve still not seen every part of Manchester, this Manchester two day itinerary does a pretty good job of getting everything important in. Better still, you can start discovering the city as a tourist – before falling in love with it like a local.

Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about this Manchester two day itinerary!