Manchester offers a variety of things to do and see. One can visit the world’s first shopping center, take in a soccer game at Old Trafford, marvel at the city’s architecture, and more. It’s okay if you want to have a bit of fun in this city.
While it’s certainly an expensive city to visit, you don’t have to empty your wallet while there. There’s no good that comes to you when you spend all of your funds. These 8 savvy tips will help you spend less in Manchester:
Stay Close to Tourist Attractions You Intend to Visit
If you’re in Manchester for a couple of days, it’s best to pick the areas that are most popular with tourists. That way you’ll have easy access to sites, food, and transport. There are various hotels near Manchester United FC like The Lowry Hotel or Red Roof Inn Manchester Salford Quays (which is close to Media City UK).
Opt for an Airbnb over a Hotel
If you’re traveling with your family or friends, you can get more bang for your buck by renting out a private room/home. You’ll have more space, and this often means cheaper prices per person. There are many Airbnb in Manchester where you can rent out an entire apartment for the duration of your stay.
You Can Opt to Use the Public Transport System
The city’s transportation system has routes that can get you to popular destinations like Old Trafford, The Lowry, and Manchester Central Library. While it may be costly if you’re traveling frequently within one day, it is much cheaper than getting a cab to each destination. You can also opt to purchase a weekly pass for unlimited travel.
In Case You Want to Take a Taxi, Start Hailing One Early
Taxi rates start climbing when you are out late. If you’re going out on a weekend night, this doesn’t allow much time to get around safely. Traveling alone can be expensive, sometimes less if you’re out with a group. If your night is ending early, hail a cab while there’s still time and before the rates get ridiculous.
Book Your Tickets Ahead of Time
This is especially true if you’re planning on taking in a soccer game at Old Trafford. Unsold tickets get returned and resold to eager travelers, but this can lead to higher rates of up to 300% more than usual for that one day of the week. Book your tickets ahead of time and avoid extra costs.
The same thing applies if you’d be traveling by train. Ensure you read the terms before booking a train to Manchester, especially if you’re going to see a live match. If you want to get there in time for the match or performance, you would want to book both your train and match ticket ahead of time.
Bargain Like a Pro and Look Out for Discounts and Specials
It’s polite to try and bargain with locals in a foreign place. That doesn’t mean you have to be rude about it, but politely ask if they can give a better price. This is especially true in a touristy area where they see a lot of travelers every day. Negotiation is part of the culture, and they’re willing to cut you a good deal if you ask for it.
There are many restaurants, cafés, museums, and even some stores that offer discounts or specials on certain days of the week. You may not realize this until you start looking around at your options. Look for discounts and special offers that may be presented to you, even if you’re not actively seeking them out.
Manchester has a variety of activities for those with frugal mindsets. If you’re visiting during the summer, check out Piccadilly Gardens, where they hold movie screenings at night. The cinema there is also much cheaper than those in the city center. You can also check out Salford Shopping City, which offers free parking on Sundays and plenty of discounts throughout the week.
Go And See Tourist Attractions During Off-Peak Times
There are museums, galleries, art exhibits, and more that charge higher entrance fees during peak times. If you can go very early or late, you’ll be able to save money. Staying until closing also means free entry after the paid time has lapsed. The higher the demand for entrance tickets, the more expensive they become. If you can go during the weekdays, you’ll have the opportunity to explore museums and art galleries for half price.
Many of these places even have free entry if you can go there early enough. Also, most attractions are either open until late or close early on weekends, so check ahead before heading out. If you’re in Uni, there are many restaurants and cafés throughout Manchester that offer student discounts for those with proof of identification. You might find that these establishments are much cheaper than other places where tourists often eat at.
Avoid Buying Souvenirs from Street Vendors
Souvenirs and other items that you find on the streets or in touristy areas can be very expensive. These places often sell knockoffs of famous brands, but they’re just as pricey, if not more, than retail prices. Look for deals and discounts at local stores and malls before heading out to bargain with street vendors who do nothing but take advantage of tourists.
Just because something is sold on the street doesn’t mean that it’s authentic or legitimate. You may end up paying more than you would for an item in a legitimate mall or market, and there’s no guarantee that what you’re buying is worth even half of its listed price. Avoid souvenir shops altogether unless you want to be ripped off.
Don’t Eat at Fancy Restaurants for Every Meal
This can be tempting, especially if you’re traveling with someone else. It’s best to go out for dinner and save the cooking for when you get home. You don’t want to spend half of your food budget on one meal, so try eating at low-cost places throughout the rest of the day. If you eat lunch earlier in the day, you may want to spend more on dinner. You can save even more money by packing snacks for your trip. This will let you stay away from fast-food restaurants and vending machines that charge too much for their products.
These tips are meant to help you spend less during your stay in Manchester so that you can enjoy your trip. If you follow these guidelines, you’ll save money on your trip so that you can have a great time exploring the city without having to worry about money.
