A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Manchester vs. Liverpool for Music, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Manchester or Liverpool?

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

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a historic, fun-filled, and diverse port city. Other reasons to visit include museums, theater, and nightlife.

Manchester and Liverpool: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Liverpool?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Liverpool are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Liverpool attracts visitors for its theatre productions and music. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum. Liverpool is famous for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles."

How is Manchester different from Liverpool?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Manchester. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Theater?

Liverpool is great for theatre. However, Manchester is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Manchester is not a theatre destination.

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

Manchester is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Liverpool has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Music?

Liverpool is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

Liverpool is known as a music capital around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Liverpool?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Liverpool 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.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Liverpool.

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.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Couples?

Manchester is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Liverpool is a good city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Liverpool are nice 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 Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other travelers.

Is Manchester or Liverpool Better for Students?

For students, both Manchester and Liverpool are superb places to visit.

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.

Liverpool is a great city to visit as a student. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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

Manchester is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Manchester or Liverpool a more walkable city?

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

Liverpool is very walkable.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Liverpool or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Liverpool?

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

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

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With live music and shopping around the historic port city of Liverpool, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Liverpool?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Liverpool, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Five days in Manchester or Liverpool?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Manchester. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Liverpool, a popular port 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 Liverpool?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Liverpool is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. 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 comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Liverpool, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Liverpool?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Liverpool, 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 Liverpool?

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 Liverpool in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Liverpool. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Liverpool. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Liverpool averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In the summer, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Liverpool receives 176 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Liverpool. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Liverpool in the Autumn?

Both Liverpool and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months.

In October, Manchester is generally around the same temperature as Liverpool. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Liverpool fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Liverpool. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Liverpool in the Winter?

Both Liverpool and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. Manchester is cooler than Liverpool in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Liverpool fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

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

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Liverpool. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Liverpool in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Liverpool. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Manchester is around the same temperature as Liverpool. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Liverpool averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Liverpool during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Liverpool receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Liverpool. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Liverpool receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Liverpool and Manchester