Your guide to Manchester

Return selected

origin

Enter the city you're flying from, or choose from the options below

Include nearby airports

selected

destination

. Enter your destination, or choose from the options below

Include nearby airports

selected

Travellers and cabin class, 1 Adult, Economy

Set along the Merrimack River, Manchester, New Hampshire, balances New England history with a growing arts and food scene. Former textile mills now house galleries, breweries and stylish restaurants, while museums and walking trails reflect the city’s industrial past and outdoor surroundings. Our Manchester travel guide also explores Lake Massabesic, local breweries and the neighbourhoods reshaping this former mill town.

Manchester: Know before you go

Language	English
Currency	United States dollar ($)
Time zone	UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season	June - August
Low season	January - February

The best neighbourhoods in Manchester

Downtown

Downtown Manchester, New Hampshire, is a great area to stay to be in the thick of things. In this bustling part of town, revitalised brick buildings house shopping, dining and entertainment options. See a show at the Palace Theatre, opened in 1915, and visit the permanent exhibit ‘Woven in Time’ at the Millyard Museum. Head to the grassy expanse of Veteran’s Memorial Park when you need a break from exploring.

Good for: Shopping, dining, entertainment

Find a hotel

North End

Stay in North End for a quiet alternative to Downtown. Steeped in history – it was used as a Regimental Camp during the Civil War of the 1860s – this affluent neighbourhood has leafy streets lined with beautiful old homes. It also has good access to parks, rivers and trails. Stroll the trail around Darr’s Pond near Livingston Park or go fishing.

Good for: Parks, outdoor activities, architecture

Find a hotel

Hanover Hill

Hanover Hill is a good place to stay in Manchester, New Hampshire, for panoramic views of the city and beyond. It's under a 10-minute drive from lively downtown but still maintains that relaxed suburban feel. Stroll along tree-lined streets dotted with well-preserved historical homes. Head to Derryfield Park for walking trails, tennis courts and to see the Weston Observatory, a historic granite tower.

Good for: City views, green spaces, suburban vibes

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Things to do in Manchester

Places to eat

The culinary scene of Manchester, New Hampshire, will take your taste buds around the world. Dine at restaurants offering international fare from Nepal to Hungary, Italy and beyond. Many restaurants focus on using locally sourced ingredients like grass-fed beef and maple syrup. Manchester serves up some sumptuous seafood too. Try ‘cioppino’, a hearty stew with clams, mussels, white fish and shrimp.

Beaches

You won’t find ocean beaches in Manchester, New Hampshire, but you will find unique waterfront escapes that rival any seaside retreat. Check out Crystal Lake Park, where the sandy beach and refreshing lake waters provide a serene spot for swimming, picnicking and soaking up the sun. Clough State Park, a short drive away, has a beach along the Piscataquog River.

Nightlife

To experience the nightlife in Manchester, New Hampshire, head to Elm Street. This lively stretch features trendy cocktail lounges, nightclubs, pubs with live music and dive bars with karaoke. There’s even a secret speakeasy where you need a password to get in. Manchester is a great destination for craft beer lovers, with the downtown area and Millyard District home to a range of breweries.

FAQs about visiting Manchester

What is the rainiest month in Manchester?

With around 13 cm of rainfall, July is the rainiest month. If you're going on your stay in Manchester, New Hampshire then, you might want to include some indoor fun in your plans. Eat at a top-rated restaurant, visit a museum, or hit the shops for some retail therapy.

What is the hottest month in Manchester?

The warmest month in Manchester, New Hampshire is July, when temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F).

How many days do you need to visit Manchester, New Hampshire?

Set aside at least three to five days for your stay in Manchester, New Hampshire. That’ll give you enough time to visit the main attractions. If you’re keen on outdoor activities like hiking or want to take day trips to the White Mountains and Lakes Region, a week is ideal.

Is it safe to visit Manchester?

The city is generally considered a safe place to travel, so you can plan a trip to Manchester, New Hampshire without any particular worries. As with any destination, stick to well-lit and populated areas, keep your belongings secure and pay attention to your surroundings.

What currency is used in Manchester?

The United States dollar (USD) is what you'll be using for everyday expenses and entertainment during your stay in Manchester, New Hampshire.

What is the coldest month in Manchester?

January brings the coldest days of the year. Set off on your Manchester, New Hampshire trip then and you can anticipate lows of -12°C (10°F).

What language is spoken in Manchester?

English is what you'll hear the most while you're here. Master some local greetings or phrases during your city break in Manchester, New Hampshire and you'll blend right in.

Is Manchester a good place to visit?

From Currier Museum of Art to Zimmerman House, this city knows how to keep things interesting. Get ready for your next big adventure by making a list of the best things to do in Manchester, New Hampshire.

How expensive is a trip to Manchester?

When you go, the airline you pick, and where you stay will help influence the price you pay for your city break in Manchester, New Hampshire. If you're aiming to keep costs low, keep an eye out for deals or last-minute offers on Manchester flights and hotels. Travelling on weekdays and using frequent flyer miles are other good ways to save.

When is the best time to visit Manchester?

Book your flights and hotels to Manchester, New Hampshire between June and August for summer activities. It’s the perfect time for kayaking, fishing and swimming in the lakes and rivers or heading to the coast for beach days and seafood. In a city that gets an above-average amount of snow annually, winter brings fantastic skiing at the nearby McIntyre Ski Area.