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

Should you visit Manchester or Pittsburgh?

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 Pittsburgh 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is a industrial, authentic, and under-rated 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 Pittsburgh: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Pittsburgh?

You'll generally find more things to do in Manchester than Pittsburgh. Manchester is bigger than Pittsburgh, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Manchester is more touristy than Pittsburgh and is 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. Pittsburgh is well known for its many bridges, its steel industry, and being the home of "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood".

How is Manchester different from Pittsburgh?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Manchester or Pittsburgh.

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 Pittsburgh can be an interesting and educational experience. The museums range from science and nature focused, like the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden, to quirky and artsy, like the Mattress Factory. The Warhol Museum is dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol and it's not to be missed. Also worth a visit is the Heinz History Center, Randyland, and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

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

Manchester is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its working class roots, and the food is hearty and filling, which is great for those on a budget. Popular local dishes include pierogis, deli sandwiches, Pittsburgh salads (complete with French fries), and hotcakes.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is excellent in both Manchester and Pittsburgh.

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.

Pittsburgh has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's an active music and dance scene in town. For the best bars and clubs, head to the Strip and South Side and for live entertainment and casinos check out the North Shore.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Music?

Manchester is great for its music scene. However, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Pittsburgh?

Manchester is great for its shopping areas. Also, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Pittsburgh is a great destination for shopping. You'll find local fashion boutiques and shopping centers in the city's downtown. Other great shopping neighborhoods include Shadyside, Station Square, and Fifth Avenue Place.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Families?

Manchester is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pittsburgh 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.

Pittsburgh is a family-friendly place to visit. There's a surprising number of kid-friendly activities packed into this city. Check out the National Aviary or visit the popular Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. There are also kid-focused museums and science centers as well as parks and playgrounds. Also make sure you take the cable car up Duquesne Incline or enjoy a boat ride on one of the rivers as well.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Couples?

Manchester is great for couples. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination 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.

Pittsburgh is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are a few good date night activities like taking river cruises, enjoying dinner and show, or going to a Pirate's game.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Pittsburgh is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Pittsburgh is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's usually overlooked by backpackers, but there is some cheap accommodation in town.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh Better for Students?

Manchester is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Pittsburgh is not popular with 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.

Pittsburgh is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Pittsburgh has a few public transit options. There are bus and lightrail options through the city's downtown. There's also the unique incline, which is an experience worth doing.

Is Manchester or Pittsburgh a more walkable city?

Manchester and Pittsburgh are notable when it comes to walkability.

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

Pittsburgh is a somewhat walkable place. Some of the attractions are spread out, but if you're willing to do a bit of walking, it's possible to get around on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pittsburgh or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Pittsburgh?

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

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

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh?

Manchester, 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.

Pittsburgh, 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 Pittsburgh?

Manchester 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.

Pittsburgh 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Pittsburgh, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Pittsburgh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Manchester is in Europe and Pittsburgh is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Pittsburgh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Pittsburgh?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Pittsburgh. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Pittsburgh, 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.