Cheap/free things to do in… Manchester, UK

Manchester: the city of the Stone Roses, the Reds vs. the Blues and the Rovers Return.

With the help of this guide, you can experience this great city for less. Read on for some ideas of free (or at least cheap) things to do in Manchester.

Free things to see in Manchester

Museums

As in the rest of the UK, there are museums in Manchester that are free to get in - so they're perfect for a cheap day out (as long as you take a packed lunch and avoid the café).

If you're a fan of the 'traditional' museum (natural history and the like), you'll probably enjoy the Manchester Museum on Oxford Road. In particular, 'Stan' the T-Rex, the mummies and the absolutely gigantic spider crab in the window are well worth seeing.

If you love science… and industry… the Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield might be for you (who'd have guessed!). Manchester was a major hub for industry during the Industrial Revolution, so this is the perfect place for such a museum. Whether you're interested in big steam engines, or the vastness of space, there'll be something to interest you.

The shape of the Imperial War Museum North is meant to represent a globe torn apart by conflict - and this impression is emphasised by the exhibits inside. You can find out more about how war has shaped our world - and continues to affect our lives.

Ordsall Hall in Salford dates back over 800 years - and it's recently been painstakingly refurbished. Explore the house and the gardens, and learn a little more about its history. They hold ghost nights here - but if you don't want to pay, you can also keep a keen eye out for any spooky activities on the 24-hour 'ghost cam' on the website.

If you can't quite afford the Manchester United Stadium Tour, The National Football Museum is situated in the Urbis building (and it's free entry).

Art galleries

Art lovers can choose from a number of galleries in Manchester. Some of the bigger ones include The Lowry(exhibiting art from Salfordian LS Lowry), Whitworth Art Gallery the near the University and the Manchester Art Gallery. On a smaller scale, places like CUBE Gallery are a good place to go. It regularly exhibits art shows from locals and students from nearby universities.

As with most art galleries, the exhibitions in these are ever-changing - so it really pays to check what's on before you go.

Wandering about

If you're out and about there are plenty of interesting things to see. You could take a tram to the brand new home of the BBC, Media City. Wander around the stunning glass buildings and look out into the Quays.

If you're visiting at Christmas time, there's a great atmosphere at the Christmas Markets. The main market is on Albert Square, but there are stalls all around the streets in the town centre. Take in the sights, sounds and smells for free - but if you choose to indulge it may cost you!

If the markets aren't there, the Town Hall on the impressive Albert Square is still well worth a look. It's free to go inside and look around - you can see a great view of Manchester from the top too. If you're willing to pay a fee (£5), you can get a tour from a knowledgeable guide.

The Northern Quarter is home to quirky shops and boutiques, cafes, restaurants and bars. Walking around feels a lot like stepping into the past - indeed, it was recently chosen to film some of the scenes in Captain America because of its similarities to 1940s New York. Be warned, however: the establishments in the Northern Quarter are free to look at, but the prices inside are often a very different story.

Castlefield is a real Manchester gem; in fact it's regarded as the city's birthplace. Once you're done looking at the remains of a Roman fort, you can take in the surrounding bars and restaurants and chill by the canal.

Canal Street is one of the most vibrant places in the city - and the hub for Manchester's prominent LGBT community. By day you can stroll peacefully along the canal and take in a coffee. At night, the clubs are full of a huge range of people attracted by the bright lights and the eclectic range of music, catering for all tastes - from pop to electro, and everything in between. If you're looking for a party, it's likely that you'll be able to find some good drinks offers here, any time of the week.

Cheap Manchester Tours

You're free to wander around Manchester on your own, but if you'd prefer to learn a little bit about the things you see, you should consider a tour. There's an open-top bus tour, of course, but that can be a bit pricey (£15 for adults). If you'd prefer something a bit cheaper, you can also see Manchester from a number of other angles.

If you want to see Manchester by night - and hear the tales of terror and woe that lurk in the shadows - you should consider a ghost walk. There are a few that run in the city, but this one is £8 each. The website warns you to 'try not to faint'. Spooky!

Did you know that there are four miles of tunnels underneath Manchester city centre? Well, now you do know, do you fancy going on a tour down there? Tickets for this underground tunnel tour are £9, and you get to hear the history of the tunnels - as well as atomic bunkers, the Cold War, Hitler and even Coronation Street.

If you don't fancy any of the tours above (or you want to see Manchester in daylight) this website provides a really wide range of Manchester walking tours. They can probably cater for your needs, whether you want to hear about music, politics, pubs, football, the canals, or other weird and wonderful stuff.

Affordable Manchester Nightlife

Manchester is a city that loves to have a laugh, which is why there is a number of great comedy venues. There are some really cheap nights too. For example, over at the Frog and Bucket on a Monday it's £3 entry (free for students) to see 'Beat the Frog'. This is an amateur night, so you might get to 'discover' some real up-and-coming talent.

If you're looking for something a bit more structured, there's three comedians plus an open spot every Thursday (£10 or £5 for concessions) at The Comedy Store.

If you want to indulge in some theatre, dance, poetry and spoken word or other arty events, visit the Contact Theatre on Oxford Road. Ticket prices vary, but there are routinely events that cost under £10 - and sometimes even for free. Check what's on.

When it comes to bars, there are always going to be better deals available on week nights - especially in student-orientated venues. It's still well worth looking around for deals, though - as there is fierce competition at weekends.

There are a few bars and pubs that routinely offer (relatively) cheap drinks, however.

For example, Sinclair's Oyster Bar dates back to around the 18th century and it has a rich history. In fact, the entire building has been moved twice - once to accommodate the new Arndale Centre, then again after the Manchester IRA bombing. It's a lot cheaper than other city-centre haunts - plus it's a great place to sit outside in the summer.

If you're after a cheap tipple and you're not bothered about rubbing elbows with the occasional student, you can find consistently cheap drinks and good offers in places like:

• Font, home of the £2 cocktail. Be careful, though - if you're tempted to choose from their fridges full of world beer, it'll cost you a lot more.
• Baa Bar near the gay village is a great place to start a night out, as there are some great value shots and shooters, which can occasionally be bought in a deal with a bottle too. Expect loud music and lots of neon.
• The Courtyard underneath the Manchester Student Village. It has a range of cheap drinks, big screen TVs, pool tables and a large smoking area - so it's usually packed full of students.

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