From its intricate ship canals to its architecturally rich tapestry steeped in history, Manchester offers plenty to do and see. While many of the city’s iconic buildings date back to the Industrial Revolution, they house a thoroughly modern metropolitan culture that warmly welcomes visitors from all corners of the world.

Car

Nearby motorway links connect Manchester to pretty much everywhere in the country, so driving is a great way to get to the city. The easiest way is to set a sat nav for Great Ducie Street or Manchester Arena and park at the carpark across the road (the old Boddingtons brewery). It’s an affordable option for all-day parking, and the venue is only a 15/20-minute walk away. If you get lost or don’t have a sat nav, just follow signs for the city center and get on the inner ring road – it follows the perimeter of the city and will eventually take you right past the car park.

Alternatively, you can park at the venue itself if you’d prefer.

Train

Manchester Piccadilly connects to London Euston via direct line and can take as little as two hours station-to-station. Other nearby cities like Leeds, Liverpool, and countless other smaller towns have direct connections too.

Bus/Tram

If you’re staying on the outskirts of the city, it’s easiest to get to and from the venue by bus or the Metrolink tram system. Just look for stops nearby, as most routes head through the city center. The city’s two main bus stations and several tram stations are close to the venue.

Coach

Manchester has two coach stations, Chorlton Street and Shudehill. Both have Metrolink stations and bus stops nearby and are within walking distance to the venue too. 

Plane

For international visitors arriving by plane, Manchester Airport is actually quite far out of the city. Luckily, direct buses, trains, rideshare options, taxis, and trams regularly shuttle back and forth. 

CitizenCon 2954 is being held at the Manchester Central Convention Complex on the edge of the city center. Although its name was changed over a decade ago, it’s still known as the ‘G-Mex’ by many stubborn Mancunians, so don’t worry if you hear it referred to as such.

Metro Rail

However you arrive in Manchester, the Metrolink tram system is the easiest way to the venue. If you’re arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, head downstairs from the main concourse to the tram stop. The closest stop to the venue is St Peter’s Square. 

Free buses operate around the city and taxis and Uber are available too. 

Walking

Manchester city center isn’t a huge place, so if you’re able (and it’s not raining), a quick stroll is easy enough too. It takes around 15 minutes from Piccadilly station. 

The weather in Manchester in October is moderately chilly and typically wet, so a waterproof coat or umbrella and hat are highly recommended. The venue has full cloakroom facilities, so don’t worry about overdressing.

If you’re planning on going out afterward, just make sure you’re presentable and not wearing shorts, and you’ll be fine for most places on the list below.

For those of you in cosplay, we’ll provide a cospitality lounge for working out attire needs. 

Near the Venue

Salisbury’s Ale House – Charming, unpretentious pub offering good cask ales and beer, a rock ‘n’ roll vibe and a jukebox!The Blues Kitchen – Dedicated blues bar serving up the largest collection of rare and vintage bourbons in Manchester, alongside hickory-smoked comfort food.Bunny Jackson’s Juke Joint – Home of yummy cocktails, good American beers, and great wings (starting at 25p). Feeling brave? Ask them about their insane “Hotter than the Sun” challenge. The Thirsty Scholar – A real Mancunian institution, the quirky Thirsty Scholar has a decent selection of lagers on tap, half a dozen cask ales and the odd German wheat beer.

Northern Quarter

The Marble Arch – Untouched period interior, a real fire, and pickled eggs. Good local drinks n’all.The Whiskey Jar – Great selection of whiskey and spirits, with live music and open mic nights.Port Street Beer House – A quiet pub with some of the best beer in the city. Open till late on Saturday, it’s the perfect relaxed alternative to the clubs and bars nearby.The Castle Hotel – A 200-year old historic pub. It’s small, cramped, but a proper part of Manchester history.Hold Fast – Cool basement bar open till the early hours. Great drinks and classic Mario Kart. End the night here.Seven Brothers – Not technically in the Northern Quarter, but just across the road in Ancoats. A great taproom with plenty of space, beer, gin, and cocktails.  

Spinningfields

The Oast House – Small bar with a huge outside area in the center of Spinningfields. Plenty of space for big groups and the first stop for most nights out in the area. The Gas Lamp – A former Victorian mission that hasn’t had a facelift since, this small but quirky bar has bags of character. A treat for whiskey lovers.The Alchemist – Posh cocktails for people in nice shirts. A good stop if you’re after something a bit more sophisticated and fun (loads of dry ice drinks!).Mojo – Good music, great selection of cocktails and mixed drinks, and open till 5 am. A good shout when everything else is shut. 

Hidden Bars & Curiosities

Pixel Bar – Decked out with PS5s, Nintendo Switches and Xbox Series Xs, book a gaming booth to button mash against your friends while enjoying game-inspired cocktails and freshly baked pizzas. NQ64 Peter Street – Underground drinking den with funky fluorescent graffiti walls, sticky floors and retro arcade machines and consoles. Offers game-themed cocktails and specially-chosen beers and spirits.Roxy Ballroom – Find a huge array of ball games all under one roof including crazy golf, American pool, beer pong and shuffleboard here. And booze!The Washhouse – The experience starts with a Narnia-esque walk through a washing machine door to one of Manchester’s best hidden bars with unconventional cocktails and special surprises. No booking = no entry.

Gay Village

Just head for Canal Street and take it from there. All of the pubs, bars, and club venues in the village are located on or just off this pedestrianized street and are open till late.

Check out these self-guided walking routes to see the various parts of the city. Manchester has a wealth of museums and public spaces too, a handful of which can be found below. 

John Ryland’s Library

A stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture, the John Ryland’s Library boasts one of the world’s finest collections of rare books and manuscripts. The Historic Reading Room, with its vaulted ceiling and stained-glass windows, is particularly breathtaking to see in real life.

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry is a beacon of innovation, showcasing the city’s pioneering role in the Industrial Revolution and its ongoing contributions to science and technology. See the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, the world’s first railway warehouse from 1830, and interactive exhibits that celebrate Manchester’s industrial heritage and scientific achievements.

Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum, part of the University of Manchester, is a treasure trove of about 4.5 million items spanning archaeology, anthropology, and natural history. This stunning neo-Gothic building is a hub for research, learning, and exploring diverse cultures and the natural world.

Portico Library and Gallery

The Portico Library and Gallery (also known as The Portico or Portico Library) is a neoclassical gem offering a rich collection of literature and engaging community programs. Established as a subscription library in 1806, the Portico is renowned for its cultural significance and historical architecture.

National Football Museum

The National Football Museum in Manchester is the largest football museum in the world, celebrating the history and culture of the sport. A must-visit for any football fan, it houses an unparalleled collection of memorabilia, from historic kits to iconic trophies.

People’s History Museum

The People’s History Museum is the UK’s national museum of democracy, chronicling the fight for democratic rights in Britain. It offers a compelling look at the history of working-class movements and their quest for equality through engaging exhibits and historical artifacts.

Manchester Art Gallery

The Manchester Art Gallery is a public art museum that showcases a vast collection of over 25,000 objects, including fine art, craft, and design. This Grade I listed building offers visitors a journey through six centuries of artistic history within its three interconnected structures.

Whitworth Art Gallery 

Nestled in Whitworth Park, the Whitworth art gallery is a serene escape within the bustling city of Manchester. Housing over 55,000 works including modern and historic fine art and prints, the esteemed gallery offers a diverse range of visual art experiences in a structure that, in itself, is a testament to architectural beauty.

Imperial War Museum North

Housed in an architectural marvel purpose-built to tell powerful stories of over a century of war, the IWM North showcases the effects of conflicts on people and society in an immersive experience.

For some posh nosh, splurge at Mana, The French, WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood or Tattu Manchester. Reservations are required, and smart casual dress is preferred. 

Masons & Sam’s Chop House – Two shining examples of the best of British cuisine. Showcasing elevated yet affordable favorites, the menus revolve around seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Curry is one thing that Mancunians adore in some form and is one thing done genuinely well in Manchester. Here is a selection of Indian restaurants (non-exhaustive list!), ranging from contemporary eateries that offer a modern twist on old-time favorites to more traditional establishments that seek to honor the authenticity of classic recipes, and vibrant joints that reflect the dynamic Indian street food scene: Sangam Manchester, Wah Ji Wah, Rajdoot Tandoori, Bundobust, This & That, Asha’s and Delhi House Cafe.

Almost Famous or Honest Burgers – In a city center where there are now almost as many burger joints as there are pubs, you can’t go wrong with either. Honest Burgers’ patties are made daily in their own butchery, with great British beef, served alongside their famous Rosemary chips (yes, chips, not fries). Almost Famous burgers were born from a need for a super-juicy, dripping-down-your-arms, no-nonsense burger; get a load of their Phoenix fries while you’re at it!

Hawksmoor & Fazenda – For the Carnivorous Rexes and Reginas, enjoy steaks of the very best dry-aged beef at Hawksmoor and wash them down with award-winning cocktails or a selection of wines from the wine list, designed to perfectly complement the different cuts of meat. Alternately, Fazenda is a Brazilian & Argentinian restaurant with Rodizio service, where one can indulge in all-you-can-eat steaks and skewered meats, paired with exquisite wines and carefully curated cocktails.

Tokyo Ramen – There might be ramen restaurants aplenty in Manchester, but this is absolutely one of the best ones! An unassuming eatery with great vibes, Tokyo Ramen is walk-in only, and their koji fried chicken has the regulars flocking to the spot!

Dishoom – Zyloh’s favorite restaurant in Manchester. A trendy walk-in restaurant that pays homage to the old Irani cafés of Bombay. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon chai, dinner, and late tipples, enjoy a lovingly curated menu of Bombay comfort food and delicious cocktails in elegant surroundings. 

Mackie Mayor is the perfect dining spot when you just can’t decide on what to eat (or when you’re with a group of friends who can’t settle on a particular restaurant). This beautiful Grade II listed building is home to varied high-quality food stalls, and dedicated beer, wine, and spirit bars. Just take a seat, order a selection of plates from different vendors, and enjoy!

Society – Society is Manchester’s new social culinary adventure; a chill destination with stands doling out global street foods, craft beer, and cocktails.

Escape to Freight Island – This vibrant hub serves up a feast for the senses with its stellar lineup of food and beverages, complemented by a lively array of entertainment and happenings. You’ll find an abundant choice of eateries, food trucks, and bars offering delicacies ranging from Manchester’s beloved burgers to classic American pies. 

Wright’s Fish & Chip Shop – Sometimes, only a ‘chippy tea’ will do. Get your fix at Wright’s, where crispy batter meets succulent fish – the quintessential British experience. And like any proper Northern chippy, they have gravy. 

Nando’s – We’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest a cheeky Nando’s. Why cheeky? Because a visit to Nando’s can be a bit naughty, a bit unexpected, or a bit of a treat. A fast-casual chain that specializes in Portuguese flame-grilled chicken, enjoy it with peri peri sauce of varying levels of spiciness.

See you in Manchester!