Back to the Beginning
January 2024 Update — NEW PHOTOS 👇🏽
Back to where it all started. When we set out on September 26th, we had no idea where we would wind up at the end of our galavant around Europe. We had done a fair bit of planning for our European leg but had not planned for our European exit.
Part happenstance, part choice, on December 29 we wound up exactly where we started in September: Manchester, England.
We ultimately had a choice of what city to leave out of to get to Asia, but the most cost effective flight (for our miles redemption) meant that we would have to leave out of London Heathrow.
That posed a little bit of an issue since London was by far one of the most expensive cities we visited. But what wasn’t quite as expensive and no less charming? Manchester.
Our goal for the last leg of our European adventure was to rest and recharge before we headed out on the next big leg. Manchester seemed like the perfect place to do that more affordably. Our first time around we got two jetlagged days in this city but knew it had so much more to offer. This time we were back for nearly 2 weeks to relax, enjoy the city, and lay low before heading off to Asia.
We kicked off our first few days there at the same hotel we checked into on day one. We opted to stay there for a few days because of its location, apartment style rooms, and we got to ring in the new year from our 27th story hotel room watching fireworks crack from every direction on a rainy NYE.
For the rest of the trip we got to stay in the thick of it at a small apartment style complex which served as a great hub to explore the rest of central Manchester. We love Manchester for its walkability. We could get anywhere we wanted in the central city within about a 30 min walk or less. When we didn’t feel like walking their tram system was quick and easy with tap pay on and off for each train and bus.
We got to do some of the fun activities Manchester has to offer. We have decided the city has the most concentration of “fun” activities (think bowling, putt putt, axe throwing, and the like). There is absolutely no shortage of fun and games to be had and we LOVE our fun and games.
We got to visit the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). The Chicago MSI is Viv’s favorite museum in the world and while this Manchester MSI (no relation) is much smaller, it still packs a punch (and is actually free!). It offered a great history on the importance and relevance of Manchester to the Industrial Revolution (hint: it was a HUGE part, just google “first industrial city”).
We got to attend a Manchester City game! This was tough to handle as a Tottenham Hotspur fan but since we couldn’t catch a game at Tottenham, we figured we shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to catch a game while we could…Even if it was the most hated/ best team. The experience was wild and fun and worth it even if it wasn’t for our preferred team.
We went to see Hamilton! As devout Hamilton fans (we have seen in Houston and Chicago) seeing in the UK was a unique experience. After all, the story is about the United State’s independence from England! The very place we were watching it from. Some of the jokes landed funnier when sitting in the very place they were speaking about (think all the Kings parts especially). While other parts seemed lost to the audience a little with less U.S. context.
Ryan found his FAVORITE fish and chips at the Hip Hop Chip Shop. We had to wander a bit off the beaten path to find it but the traditional and curry battered fried fish were SO worth it. Viv will still never think “fries” when the menu says Chips though…
One thing to note, while Manchester is indeed cheaper than London, it is still by no means cheap which is somewhat of a drawback. We still think the city offers a ton of opportunities for fun, in a completely laid back and enjoyable vibe (especially compared to London).
ORIGINAL: September 2023
Manchester was a great working-class city that was our perfect entry point into our travel adventure. We only had it on our itinerary because it was the landing spot of the best business class flight deal we could find, but the two days spent there were well worth it.
We kicked off the trip by getting on the wrong train from the airport to our hotel, correct direction but a different operator. We quickly learned that many different train companies operate from various platforms and you should always double check the direction of travel AND train operator when boarding. The ticket taker was nice enough to not fine us for our mistake as he could tell we were new there. All in all this was a critical lesson for understanding our future travels so glad we learned our lesson in a low risk environment.
Our time was mostly spent wandering around and battling our jet lag. We were also just very happy to feel cool weather after the hell that was the Houston summer so we mostly just wandered.
Tips & Takeaways:
Some of our takeaways from our limited time there:
American’s love the british accent but we maintain it’s not just about the accent itself but the choice of words that’s awesome! We instantly fell in love with several british phrases that just sound so polite and proper. Bonus, the sounds of Stephen Fry helped us fall asleep when we needed to for jet lag. (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy audiobook)
It took precisely zero effort to make better food choices and life choices without even thinking twice about it. By the second day we happened to realize we were eating exclusively vegetarian to that point, not out of our specific desire but just the availability of fresh, delicious options made it so easy to. While we are not new found vegetarians it speaks to one of the changes we were hoping to make which was better food choices. All for it.
Some of our recs if you find yourself in Manchester like we did:
Blinker Bar: This was our kind of bar 100%. We sat chatting with the proprietor early Thursday evening and he really knew his stuff. The drinks were fabulous and the vibe was excellent. Ask for Dan and he will take care of you.
Bundobust: Indian street food and craft brews. What more could you want? This isn’t the only location either so you could look this one up in other British cities too!
Literally any british looking pub: We always loved british pubs back home for the novelty but literally all the pubs are british pubs and will likely include locals drinking pints, singing, and watching football.
The National Football Museum: This was a great museum with some awesome artifacts and really well done and interactive exhibits. Well worth the afternoon. It was also in a trendy shopping and eating area for exploring afterwards.
