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

Should you visit Nottingham or Manchester?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Manchester can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a authentic, dynamic, and livable city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Nottingham travel costs.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food. See Manchester travel costs.

Nottingham and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nottingham or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester than Nottingham, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. 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 Nottingham different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Manchester and Nottingham. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Manchester?

Manchester is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.

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

Manchester is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Manchester makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Manchester is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is well known for live music. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its live music scene.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Manchester. 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 Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Manchester?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Manchester and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Manchester is well-known for its shopping. 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 Nottingham or Manchester Better for Families?

Manchester is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Is Nottingham or Manchester Better for Couples?

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

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.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Manchester Better for Students?

Manchester is well known for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Manchester.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

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

Is Nottingham or Manchester a more walkable city?

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

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Nottingham or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Manchester?

With live music and food around the cultural city of Nottingham, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nottingham, one day is sufficent for most.

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.

A weekend in Nottingham or Manchester?

With food and shopping around the destination of Nottingham, 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.

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.

Five days in Nottingham or Manchester?

Nottingham, 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.

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.

A week in Nottingham or Manchester?

Nottingham 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 2-Week Tours in United Kingdom, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Manchester?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Manchester, 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 Nottingham or Manchester?

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 Nottingham or Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Manchester in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the summer, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Manchester. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Manchester. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Nottingham is around the same temperature as Manchester. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Manchester averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Manchester. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nottingham or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Manchester. The winter months attract visitors to Nottingham because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. The weather in Nottingham can be very cold. In January, Nottingham is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Manchester. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nottingham or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Manchester in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Manchester. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Nottingham