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

Should you visit Manchester or Venice?

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 Venice 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Venice

Venice is a cultural, magical, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Manchester and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Venice?

Both Venice and Manchester have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Manchester is better known for its food, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

How is Manchester different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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

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

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Manchester or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Manchester or Venice Better for Music?

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

Venice is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Venice has a world-famous historical area. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Venice?

Venice 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 Venice. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Venice.

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.

Venice is a very kid-friendly city. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Manchester or Venice Better for Couples?

Venice 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, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice 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 Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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 Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice 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.

Venice has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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

Is Manchester or Venice a more walkable city?

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

Venice is a very easy city to get around on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Manchester or Venice?

Manchester is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With museums and food around the beautiful city of Venice, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Venice?

Manchester is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With food and shopping around the destination of Venice, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Manchester. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Venice 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Venice?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Venice. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Venice during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is cooler than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Venice. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Venice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Venice. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Venice can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. In the winter, Manchester is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Venice during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Manchester usually receives more rain than Venice. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Venice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Venice. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Venice. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Venice. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Manchester