When arriving at Manchester Airport be prepared to tell security exactly what you will be doing in Manchester. I’ve found their security team much more demanding than others. I’ve traveled to Manchester numerous times. Once at Manchester Airport I was stuck at the gate for two hours while security verified who I was visiting. I have no hard feelings, I appreciate people doing their jobs.
Make sure you have some change on you at all times. Especially if you travel at all after normal business hours. You may be charged to use the restroom at the airport and train stations. Manchester piccadilly station charges 30 pence (approximately equivalent to 18 cents U.S.) to use the restrooms. Manchester piccadilly is located in heart of downtown Manchester or as it is referred to their as City Centre.
When staying at a hotel there is 3 things I would like to bring to your attention. The first is I didn’t find wifi included with any of the hotels I stayed at. It was always a separate charge. Second, in the U.S. many hotels include a continental breakfast free of charge. I didn’t find this to be the case anywhere I stayed. Last but not least if you stay pass your checkout time you will be charged. Keep that in mind (Even if it is a very short period after checkout).
Free wifi is hard to come by, not only in Manchester but anywhere in the England. There is one business that I found that offers it, Starbucks. It isn’t necessarily free but it is close enough. If you load at least two pounds (approximately equivalent to $1.20 US Dollars) on a Starbucks Card that you pick up at any of their locations, you are able to use the Wifi for no additional cost. Additional rules may apply but I found it to be as simple as that. You can use card for any of their locations in Manchester and throughout England!
City Centre has plenty of shopping and pubs to keep you busy. The sidewalks are crowded with people on the weekends. Many people are putting on a show for tips. I was pretty impressed with the football skills of some of Manchester’s locals.
I would suggest before leaving find some time to get on a train to Old Trafford Stadium. Old Trafford Stadium is the home of Manchester United. Manchester United’s football team is quite possibly the most popular sports team in England and the world. They offer tours of the stadium just about everyday which includes walking through the team’s trophy room, locker room, and viewing of the field. Also the tunnel and entrance to Manchester United’s field.
Travel often!