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

Should you visit Manchester or Paris?

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

Manchester

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

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Manchester and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Manchester, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Manchester different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris 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 Paris from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Manchester or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for theatre. However, Manchester is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Manchester is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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.

Is Manchester or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is very popular for nightlife. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Manchester has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Paris Better for Music?

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

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

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 Paris?

Paris is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Manchester does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Manchester does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Manchester or Paris Better for Families?

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

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Is Manchester or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Manchester or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Manchester or Paris Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. 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 Manchester or Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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

Is Manchester or Paris a more walkable city?

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

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Paris?

Both Manchester and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Manchester. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Manchester or Paris?

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 theater and nightlife around the bustling city of Paris, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Paris?

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 nightlife and live music around the big city destination of Paris, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Manchester or Paris?

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.

Paris, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Paris?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural 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.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Manchester is cooler than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Paris. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the autumn, Manchester is cooler than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Paris. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Paris. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. In January, Manchester is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Paris during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Paris. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Paris. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Manchester is cooler than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Paris. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Paris. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Manchester