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

Should you visit Manchester or Dover?

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 Dover can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Manchester and Dover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Manchester than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Manchester is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Manchester different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Dover 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 Dover?

Manchester is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Manchester is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Manchester offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Music?

Manchester is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Dover is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Dover is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Dover for the hiking trails. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Dover?

Manchester is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Families?

Manchester is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dover is a family-friendly city. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Dover are very good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Dover are notable places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Manchester or Dover Better for Students?

Manchester is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Manchester is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Manchester or Dover a more walkable city?

Manchester and Dover are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Dover is a somewhat walkable place. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Dover or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Manchester or Dover. In our opinion, Manchester has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Manchester than Dover. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover?

Each neighborhood in Manchester has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

With museums and food around the natural town of Dover, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

A weekend in Manchester or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

With food and museums around the destination of Dover, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Manchester or Dover?

Manchester is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the big city destination of Manchester. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dover, a popular town, 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.

A week in Manchester or Dover?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Manchester. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dover 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 Dover, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Dover much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dover would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dover 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 Dover.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Dover?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Dover, 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 Dover?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Manchester or Dover in the Summer?

Both Dover and Manchester during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

In July, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Dover. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Dover. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Dover in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Dover. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is around the same temperature as Dover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Dover during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Dover. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Dover in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Dover. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Dover can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In the winter, Manchester is cooler than Dover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Dover averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dover. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Dover. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Dover in the Spring?

Both Dover and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Dover. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Dover during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives more rain than Dover. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dover and Manchester