If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester city centre over the bank holiday, you’re seriously spoilt for choice. From iconic Irish pubs and bottomless brunches to activities and the perfect Sunday roast, there are plenty of activities to enjoy.
As a marketing & PR agency based in the Northern Quarter, we know all the best spots in the city (and the places loved by Manchester influencers, foodies and tastemakers). Specialising in hospitality, lifestyle and events, we spend a lot of time discovering the city’s best bars, restaurants and experiences, both for work and for fun. From social media campaigns to influencer events and PR launches, we’re always keeping up with what’s trending across the city centre.
So, if you’re planning the ultimate long weekend in Manchester, here’s exactly how we’d spend it. We’ve even included a few Manchester food deals along the way because a bank holiday is basically just an excuse to treat yourself, right?
Thursday: Starting early with after work drinks
Mulligans
A bank holiday weekend in Manchester officially starts on Thursday night, and our first stop has to be iconic Irish bar Mulligans. It’s one of the best places for a great atmosphere and 10/10 Guinness. Whether you’re grabbing a quick pint after work or settling in for a full evening with friends, this is one of the best pubs in Manchester city centre to kick off the long weekend.
Friday: Food, cocktails & sweet treats
BAB
If you’re searching for tasty yet affordable lunch spots in Manchester city centre, BAB’s £10 lunch deal is an absolute winner. Think freshly made flatbreads, bowls and burgers (plus seriously good fries). This place is a super cool spot, with plenty of veggie and vegan dishes also available.
Gran Ts
No Friday in Manchester is complete without something sweet. We’re stopping off at Gran T’s for dessert because, honestly, resistance is futile. Their famous sweet treats never fail to make us smile. And while we’re there… it would be rude not to grab a cocktail too, right? Gran T’s has quickly become one of our favourite hidden gems in Manchester for late-night desserts and drinks.
Saturday: Guinness, cocktails & karaoke
O’Malleys
It’s time for Guinness Bottomless Brunch at O’Malleys. If you haven’t experienced a bottomless brunch in Manchester with live music, endless Guinness and a fun atmosphere, add this to your bank holiday bucket list immediately. Expect singalongs, great food and the kind of energy that makes you forget what time you arrived.
The Pen and Pencil
We’re carrying on the good vibes, so it’s over to The Pen and Pencil for cocktails.
A Northern Quarter staple, this is a go-to Manchester spot for laid-back drinks and a buzzing weekend atmosphere. With DJs playing at the weekend, it’s the perfect place to continue the celebrations before the night really gets started.
Pong & Puck
We’re ending Saturday at Pong & Puck because (more) cocktails + games = exactly what a bank holiday weekend needs. From beer pong to interactive games and inevitable karaoke appearances, this place guarantees chaos in the best possible way. If you’re looking for fun group activities in Manchester city centre, Pong & Puck is always a solid shout.
Sunday: Recovery mode activated
Museum of Illusions
After Saturday’s antics, Sunday calls for something a little different. The Museum of Illusions Manchester is the ultimate daytime activity for fun in Manchester. If we weren’t seeing double yesterday with all those cocktails, we certainly will be in the Infinity Room. Packed with interactive exhibits, optical illusions and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Manchester city centre with friends.
Vero Moderno
Sundays are made for roast dinners, and we can’t get enough of this one at Vero Moderno. Comfort food, cosy vibes and the perfect end to a busy weekend is exactly what’s needed after a busy weekend. If you’re searching for one of the best Sunday roasts in Manchester, this Italian style serving deserves a spot at the top of your list.
Monday: The reset before reality
Stretched
We’re finishing the weekend off with a wellness treat at Stretched UK, to get us all refreshed before we head back to work. The UK’s first clinically led, 1-2-1 assisted stretching studio is a unique way to reset, recharge and recover. After this, we’re going to be feeling fresh and flexible for the week ahead!
Manchester is packed with incredible restaurants, bars, activities and hidden gems, making it one of the best UK cities for a bank holiday getaway.
From Northern Quarter cocktails and bottomless brunches to Sunday roasts and unique activities, there’s something for everyone in the city.
If you’re looking for things to do in Manchester this weekend, hopefully this guide has given you plenty of inspiration.
Having delivered social media marketing and PR for a variety of hospitality businesses in Manchester, we know how to get people talking about you for the bank holiday and beyond. We’ll make sure your venue is the number one go-to for the best things to do in the city, just like we have with our above clients. Talk to us to make it happen.
