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My favourite things to do in Manchester

Now that exams are over and the semester has started, there is some more time to go out again and socialize with your friends. Manchester is a great student city with loads of things to do and so you can honestly try something different all the time. Most of these places have student discounts as well. Here is a list of my favourite things to do.

Going Out

Bowling

If you like bowling, you are in luck! There are plenty of bowling spots in Manchester with the most popular one being Dog Bowl, located very very close to the university. My favourite one however is TenPin - located in Printworks. Both of them have an arcade and a bar inside as well.

Arcade Bar

A really fun way to spend your evening and to do something slightly different is to go to an arcade bar. NQ64, a dark, neon shining bar full of retro arcade games (the dancing one will get your heart rate up, trust me) and classic control games, like Mario Kart or Smash Bros.

Junkyard Golf

Alright, this one is slightly overpriced in my opinion, but regardless, this minigolf place offers 3 different golf courses. All have different themes, ranging from a circus-y one, neon lights (raise your hand if you're noticing I like neon lights) and tropical jungle vibes that will make for a fun activity with friends. You can even order some cocktails at the bar and drink while you putt.

Karaoke

Some of my favourite nights have always included karaoke. Whether you're the next Taylor Swift or simply just love to sing your heart out to Blank Space you came to the right place. Manchester has loads of Karaoke bars where you can get a private room/booth and enjoy your night with your friends!

 

Free Activities

Media City
Media City is just a 10-minute tram ride away and it makes for quite a fun afternoon. It's a modern part of the city with pretty canal walks and an impressive skyline to take pictures of. It also has the Imperial War Museum which is fun and interesting for all history lovers.

Science and Technology Museum
This is a fun interactive museum that you can visit and learn a bit more about technology, especially in Manchester as well as the cotton industry.

The John Rylands Library

If you ever want to feel like you're in Harry Potter.

Walk along the Canals

Manchester has an impressive network of canals and waterways that offer beautiful sceneries. You can walk, run, eat or drink whilst enjoying a sunny day.

 

Food & Drinks

Moose Coffee

A Canadian brunch place that serves THE BEST french toasts.

Bunny Jackson's

Fried Chicken with wings starting from 1 pound - student heaven really.

Banyan

THE BEST Espresso Martinis ever and really good atmosphere overall. Drink responsibly though :)

Thai no.6

Would highly recommend checking this place out if you like Thai food.

Chimaek

Ok, this might be my #1 favourite fried chicken spot. A friend of mine stopped being vegan after trying this place out - that's how great it is haha.

Navarro

A really nice cosy place right by the AMBS. Everything's always really delicious, can't complain.

A view of the Palace Hotel in Manchester at sunset

A view of Manchester Central complex at night