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

Should you visit Manchester or Portland?

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

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a quirky, eclectic, and tree-lined city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Manchester and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Portland?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Manchester than Portland. While Portland is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Manchester is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland is known for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Manchester is popular for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also home to The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Manchester is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Music?

Manchester is a very popular place for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Portland?

Manchester is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Families?

Manchester is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Couples?

Manchester is a very popular place for romance. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Manchester makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Portland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Manchester or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

Manchester is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Manchester is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Manchester can move around easily with public transportation. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Manchester or Portland a more walkable city?

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

Portland is very walkable. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Portland?

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

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

Manchester is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With shopping and nightlife around the laid-back city of Portland, 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 Portland?

Manchester is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Manchester, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Portland, 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 city.

Five days in Manchester or Portland?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portland, a popular city, 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 Portland?

Manchester is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Portland 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Portland. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Portland. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Portland. Many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Manchester is cooler than Portland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manchester in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Portland averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Portland. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Portland. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Manchester can be very cold during winter. In January, Manchester is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 4°C (39°F), and Portland fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Portland. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

Manchester is cooler than Portland in the spring. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Portland. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Manchester