A Business Travel Guide to Manchester

Staying in Manchester, England

As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester has long remained a hub for business travel, sports, art and culture. Named as one of the New York Times’ 52 Places to go list for 2024, and as the only UK city in National Geographic’s influential ‘Best of the World’ list, Manchester today combines its heritage with a progressive vision to be innovative, energetic and diverse.  

Today, Manchester stands as a cultural city famed for its music, sport and fashion. It boasts a unique charm, welcoming business travellers from all over the world with its friendly, individualistic spirit.  

With so much to see and do in Manchester, it can be difficult ticking off everything on a short trip. So, to help you get the most out of the city, we’ve put together a handy guide that tells you everything you need to know for your next business trip to Manchester.  

Visiting Manchester - Key Information

Weather in Manchester

Like the rest of Britain, Manchester experiences quite chilly winters, mild summers and frequent rainfall all year round. The warmest months are July and August and the coldest months are December, January and February with the likelihood of frost, ice and snow. If you’re on a business trip to Manchester, it’s wise to pack an umbrella as there’ll likely be a few wet days on your stay. 

Currency in Manchester

Great British Pounds (GBP)

Like the rest of England, Manchester makes use of Great British Pounds and, as one of the major cities in the UK, it is primarily cashless. For business travellers in Manchester, similarly to London, Visa, MasterCard and AMEX are widely accepted, although it is wise to carry some cash and loose change just in case.  

Tipping in Manchester and the UK isn't mandatory, however if you decide to leave one for good service, cash is preferred and usual tips are around 10-15%.  

Health & Well-being in Manchester

As a city that you can walk in around 30 minutes, Manchester’s city centre has a few idyllic green spaces available for sports and leisure use. Outside of the hustle and bustle is where business travellers in Manchester will find larger spaces like Platt Fields Park, which offers a playpark, pond and sports grounds. On a sunny day, check out Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens located in West Didsbury with well-kept paths perfect for a dog walk if corporate travellers in Manchester have brought their pet along.  

Aside from green spaces, Manchester has an abundance of gyms located around the city as well as gym classes found at Barry’s Bootcamp, TRIB3 and BLOK. These can be a great way to get active in your down time while on a business trip in Manchester.  

Data in Manchester

Upon arrival on your business trip in Manchester, you can purchase a temporary sim card at Manchester Airport, at phone shops in the city centre or in some supermarkets and most convenience stores, or online before you travel to the UK. If you're a corporate traveller in Manchester, a sim card can save costs on making international calls and using data, which are essential while travelling abroad.  

Although Manchester is a booming city, there are still some areas where your network connection may lack. EE is known to have the best coverage in Manchester, followed by Three, Vodafone and O2. 

Plug Type: Type G  

Cuisine in Manchester

Manchester’s food scene has never been more vibrant, from Michelin star dining to budget bites all over the city that cater every taste and budget. Top dining spots for corporate travellers in Manchester include Australasia, Peter Street Kitchen and Tattu, all of which are located in the city centre. Within the business district, Spinningfields, you can find perfect corporate dining options like Sexy Fish, The Ivy and 20 Stories, which offers some of the best views in Manchester. If you're looking for breakfast, check out Federal Cafe, a top Manchester brunch spot known for its French toast and acai bowls. 

The city also offers a variety of highly recommended food halls and street food spots. Mackie Mayor, located on the edge of Manchester’s beloved Northern Quarter is home to a variety of popular street food vendors.  

Speaking the Language in Manchester, England

On your business trip to Manchester you’re bound to bump into some Mancunians who may throw some local slang your way. Here are some of the most common ones that you might hear at some point during your stay.  

You alright? /Alright? = Hello 

Angin = Disgusting  

Nowt = Nothing 

Breakfast/Dinner/Tea = Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner 

Can I have a butty? = Can I have a sandwich? 

I’m buzzing = I’m excited  

She was dead happy about that = She was very happy about that 

We legged it and managed to catch that train = We ran quickly and managed to catch that train 

Transport in Manchester- Getting Around Manchester, England

As a growing city, Manchester operates an efficient transport system with the option of buses, trams and trains so you can explore any area of the city with ease.  

• Bus services run throughout the city and Greater Manchester area and run within minutes of each other. Day passes can be purchased on buses, or you can tap using contactless card payment.  
• The Metrolink network is one of the most efficient light railway systems in the UK. With frequent services and travelcards which offer unlimited travel across the network, you can purchase a ticket from the on-stop ticket machines before boarding or tap in and out at the contactless card terminals.  
• Manchester rail network connects you to neighbouring towns and districts within Greater Manchester including Stockport, Wigan, Oldham and Bolton.  

For a more direct travel route, Manchester corporate travellers can download the Uber, Bolt or Free Now apps for taxis which will take you anywhere around the city. As a bike friendly city, there are many dedicated cycle lanes and routes throughout the centre and beyond. Manchester is also very manageable on foot, with a city centre you can navigate within 30 minutes; this is a great way to explore and find hidden gems!  

Conference Centres in Manchester

Like many business hubs in the UK, Manchester offers a variety of conference and meeting spaces perfect for your next business trip to Manchester. Its venues range from small-scale halls to purpose-built exhibition centres hosting dozens of events throughout the year. The largest, and most well-known conference centre in the city is Manchester Central, which is a key venue for Manchester corporate travellers.   

This award-winning convention complex is ideal for conferences and large events. Its historic architecture and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect balance of new and old, giving this venue a unique appeal. Its facilities include an 804-seat Exchange Auditorium and 1200-capacity dining space. 

Manchester Map

Now that you have an idea of this exciting city and all it has to offer for your next business trip to Manchester, check out our selection of Manchester serviced apartments or get in touch with a member of our expert team today who will assist you in finding the perfect accommodation for you.