CitySuites Blog
Looking for places to stay in Manchester this 2026? Check out everything happening in Manchester in our local blog.
Manchester truly comes to life in the summer. From long evenings spent dining outdoors to riverside walks, rooftop cocktail bars and a packed calendar of cultural events, there’s no better time to experience the city.
Whether you’re planning a weekend staycation, visiting friends or exploring the city for the first time, Manchester offers the perfect balance of culture, food, shopping and nightlife - all within easy reach from CitySuites.
Here’s how to spend the perfect 48 hours in Manchester this summer.
Day One
Morning: Arrive & Ease Into City Life
Start your stay by dropping your bags off at CitySuites, your place in the heart of Manchester city centre. Perfectly positioned just moments from Deansgate, Spinningfields and the Northern Quarter, you’ll have the very best of the city right on your doorstep.
Once you’ve settled in, ease into the morning with coffee and breakfast at Embankment Café Co., located just behind the building in the courtyard at New Kings Head Yard. Whether you’re in the mood for a flaky pastry, a leisurely brunch or simply after your morning caffeine fix, it’s the perfect place to start your day.
Afternoon: Explore Manchester's Best Neighbourhoods
Spend the afternoon exploring some of Manchester’s most-loved areas.
Wander through the independent boutiques and vintage stores of the Northern Quarter, discover art galleries and museums, such as The Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Museum, or enjoy a relaxed canalside walk through Castlefield. If shopping is on the agenda, Exchange Square and Manchester Arndale are just a short walk away.
For football fans, summer is also the perfect time to visit the city’s iconic Manchester United and Manchester City stadiums and museums like The National Football Museum, while music lovers can explore Manchester’s legendary cultural scene throughout the city.
Evening: Outdoor Dining & Cocktails
As the city starts to glow into the evening, make your way back, check into your apartment and head over to Embankment Kitchen for dinner.
Located on the ground floor of CitySuites I, the restaurant and bar offer seasonal dishes inspired by classic Italian favourites with a modern British twist. During the warmer months, guests can enjoy drinks outdoors on the terrace from 2pm and dining from 5pm.
Expect vibrant summer plates, starters perfect for the table, handcrafted cocktails and a relaxed city atmosphere ideal for long summer evenings.
After dinner, take a short 10 minute walk down Deansgate to Spinningfields, where you’ll find some of Manchester’s best cocktail bars, rooftop venues and vibrant late night spots, including 20 Stories and The Ivy.
Day Two
Morning: Reset & Recharge
After a full first day exploring the city and a restful night on the plush pillows, ease into the morning slowly with breakfast and wellness facilities at CitySuites.
Guests can enjoy access to the 18m swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and fully equipped gym - the perfect way to reset before another day in the city.
Then fuel up with breakfast at Embankment Kitchen before heading back out to explore.
Afternoon: Discover Manchester in the Sunshine
Manchester shines in the summer months with outdoor events, pop-ups and riverside dining bringing a completely different energy to the city.
Take a walk along the River Irwell, enjoy lunch outdoors in Spinningfields or spend the afternoon exploring local markets, exhibitions and seasonal events happening across the city centre.
If you’re visiting over a bank holiday weekend or graduation season, expect the city to be buzzing with atmosphere.
Evening: One Last Evening in the City
Before heading home, enjoy one final evening making the most of Manchester’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Whether that’s cocktails on a rooftop terrace, live music and entertainment in the Northern Quarter or a relaxed dinner in the Exchange Square just over the bridge from CitySuites, summer evenings in Manchester are best enjoyed slowly.
Then return to CitySuites for a relaxed evening and comfortable night’s sleep in the centre of it all.
Your Summer Base in Manchester
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a celebration or simply looking for a spontaneous summer escape, CitySuites offers the perfect base for experiencing Manchester.
With spacious serviced apartments, premium leisure facilities, onsite dining and a central location, everything you need for a seamless city stay is right where you need it.
Ready to plan your summer city break? Discover Manchester this season with CitySuites.
