A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Manchester vs. Bristol for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Bristol?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Bristol can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Bristol

Bristol is a friendly, authentic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Manchester and Bristol: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Bristol?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Manchester than Bristol, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies.

How is Manchester different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Manchester or Bristol.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bristol can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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

Manchester is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Manchester has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Manchester and Bristol.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. 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.

Bristol has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its music scene. However, Bristol is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester draws a good crowd. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Bristol is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Bristol?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Bristol both offer plenty of superb spots.

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.

Bristol is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Families?

Manchester is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Manchester. 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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Couples?

Manchester is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Manchester or Bristol Better for Students?

Manchester is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Manchester. 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Manchester is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Manchester can get you to most places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Manchester or Bristol a more walkable city?

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

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Bristol. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Bristol. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bristol.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Bristol. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Manchester than Bristol. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Manchester that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Bristol 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 Manchester.

One day in Manchester or Bristol?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Bristol, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bristol, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Bristol?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Bristol, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Bristol?

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.

Bristol, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Bristol?

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.

Bristol is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Bristol, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Bristol.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Bristol?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Bristol, 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 Manchester or Bristol?

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 Manchester or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Bristol. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Bristol. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Bristol in the Autumn?

Both Bristol and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Manchester is cooler than Bristol in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Bristol. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Bristol in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Bristol. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bristol because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manchester is much colder than Bristol. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Bristol averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Bristol. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Bristol in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Bristol. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

In April, Manchester is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

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

Typical Weather for Bristol and Manchester