Are you a student who has just moved to Manchester or are you visiting for the weekend, but you are on a budget? There are plenty of activities you can do in Manchester on a budget. Here are a few of our favourites.
1. Museum Of Science And Industry
This is a huge museum in Manchester. The museum exhibits amazing objects and revolutionary ideas that changed the world that we live in. Visit the museum and find out how Manchester’s heritage is interwoven with the cotton industry in the Textiles Gallery. The museum has an interactive gallery, perfect for families with small children. The best part is the museum is 100% free.
2. Junkyard Golf
If you love mini golf, Junkyard Golf is the place for you. Junkyard Golf is based in the middle of Manchester, and you can choose from three great, fun courses, you are guaranteed to have a fun time. Throughout the courses, there is music, UV lights and bars with fun, funky cocktails. It is incredibly affordable; prices start from £4 per person for students or £8 for adults.
3. Afflecks Palace
Afflecks is a multi-story shopping centre in the Northern Quarter. There are hundreds of independent retailers selling all things vintage, alternative, hippy, goth, they have something for everyone. It is a fantastic way to support small/alternative businesses. It is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon and have a wander around. Afflecks is a real gem in the centre of Manchester, and it is completely free to visit.
4. Ziferblat Pay-As-You-Go Café
We have never seen anything like this before. This is possibly one of the cheapest cafes in Manchester. It is an alternative café with board games and free Wi-Fi. It is a unique activity to do and is a wonderful place to hang out with friends. The café costs 5p per minute, which you pay when you leave, however, while at the café you can help yourself to tea, coffee, snacks, cakes, biscuits, fizzy drinks etc. An hour works out at £6 but considering you can eat and drink as much as you want this is a great deal. This is a perfect place if you are on a budget.
5. Go Hiking In The Peak District
Manchester is surrounded by beautiful greenery, perfect if you are someone who loves walks or hikes. If you do not drive, do not worry, you can get a short train ride and find some of the best hikes in the country. You can get a day return train ticket to Edale, Buxton or Hope from Manchester Piccadilly from as little as £7.
6. The Frog & Bucket Comedy Club
This is a wonderful place for a budget night out. They have an open mic comedy night every Monday called Beat The Frog, where local comedians take to the stage and perform a comedy battle. There have been a few famous faces who have performed here such as Jack Whitehall and Johnny Vegas. It is only £3 entry or if you are a student then it is completely free. This is a great night out especially if you are a fan of comedy shows.
7. Chinatown
You will always find something to do in Chinatown. This a vibrant area in the city centre with a great atmosphere and plenty of Asian stores and restaurants that you can visit. Chinatown becomes incredibly lively at Chinese New Year with fireworks and street parties. Chinatown is also great all year round for anyone who loves Asian cuisine. There are plenty of fantastic Asian supermarkets, great for stocking up on your favourite Asian foods and condiments.
8. Open Water Swimming At Salford Quays
Do you love to swim? Are you adventurous? Try open water swimming at Salford Quays. Great if you fancy an adrenaline rush. However, you can only do this between May and October because of the Manchester weather that we all know and love. If this is something that you fancy, swims start at the Helly Hanson Leisure Centre beside Media City and has different course lengths that suit all activities and a professional water safety team. Swims cost £5; however, it is an extra £7 to hire a wet suit.
9. Manchester River Cruise
Did you know that you can get a 60-minute boat tour around Manchester? During the boat ride, you will cruise down Manchester ship canal where you will see Media City, Old Trafford, and the docks. A bonus is that there is a fully stocked bar on board and onboard commentary so you can learn about the history of the Ship Canal and the surrounding area. Tickets are £9 for adults and £5 for children.
10. NQ64
NQ64 is a different kind of bar, perfect if you want to feel like you are back in the nineties. This is a perfect place for students. This bar is full of old-school video games, for example, Mario Kart, the Game Cube, dance mats, Guitar Hero, pinball machines and so much more. If you love video games, this is the perfect bar for you, with a range of alcoholic beverages. For most video games you need tokens which cost £7 for fifteen.
There you have it our top ten things to do when you are on a budget in Manchester. What will you be giving a try first?
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