A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Manchester for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Granada or Manchester?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Granada or Manchester? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Granada, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Manchester is more popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Granada is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum.

How is Granada different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Manchester and Granada. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Manchester?

Granada is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Manchester? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Manchester have great vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for live music. However, Granada is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Manchester has diverse options. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for its Old Town?

Granada is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Granada has a world-famous historical area. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Manchester?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Families?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Manchester make for a great place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Manchester frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Granada is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Students?

Both Granada and Manchester are great destinations for students.

Granada is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Is Granada or Manchester Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Manchester is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Manchester a more walkable city?

Granada is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Manchester Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Granada?

How long in Granada or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Granada or Manchester. Both can be explored in comparable amounts of time. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Granada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Manchester, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Manchester if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Granada.

One day in Granada or Manchester?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Granada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Manchester?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Granada, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Manchester?

Granada, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Manchester is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Manchester?

Granada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Manchester, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester than you might in Granada.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Granada Expensive? and Is Manchester Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Manchester?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Manchester, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Granada or Manchester?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Granada or Manchester in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Manchester. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Granada is much warmer than Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Manchester. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Manchester. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Manchester. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Granada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Manchester. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Granada for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city.

Granada is much warmer than Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Manchester. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Granada