A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Windsor vs. Manchester for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Manchester?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Manchester? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Windsor

Windsor is a touristy, beautiful, and royal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and museums.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Windsor and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Manchester?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Windsor and Manchester are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor attracts visitors for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Windsor different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Windsor and Manchester.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.

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

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

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is well known for its live music scene. However, Windsor is not a live music destination.

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.

Windsor is not a live music destination.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is very good for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Windsor is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Manchester?

Manchester is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Families?

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

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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Manchester make for a great place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Manchester is a great town 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.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Manchester Better for Students?

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

Manchester is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Manchester is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Manchester can get you around easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Manchester a more walkable city?

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

Windsor is very walkable. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Windsor 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 Windsor, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

Families should spend more time in Manchester than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Manchester?

Windsor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Windsor, one day is sufficent for most.

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Manchester?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Because Manchester is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Manchester?

Windsor, a popular town, 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 is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Manchester?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Manchester?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Manchester in the Summer?

Both Manchester and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Manchester. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the summer, Windsor often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Manchester. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Manchester in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Manchester. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Manchester in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Manchester. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Manchester in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Manchester. Many visitors come to Windsor in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can be very cold during winter. Windsor can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Manchester averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Manchester. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Manchester in the Spring?

Both Manchester and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city.

In April, Windsor is generally a little warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Manchester during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Manchester. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Windsor