According to forum posts, Manchester offers various public transport options including trams and buses. The Metrolink tram is highlighted as a convenient method to travel around the city, with travelers mentioning the tram line from the airport to the city center. Buses are also available, with specific routes like the 43 bus providing frequent service to the airport.

Some travelers said that certain hotels like Premier Inn Manchester Arena/Printworks offer parking facilities, charging around £5 per night. Additionally, other Premier Inns offer discounts at nearby car parks.

For many users, buying travel passes seems efficient. It's suggested that combined bus and tram passes, which also include airport routes, are available and can be practical for visitors planning extensive use of public transport during their stay.

Travelers have called out that Manchester city center is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, free buses operate on three routes around the city center, enhancing connectivity between major railway stations and central areas.

According to forum posts, Manchester offers a variety of cultural and outdoor activities, such as visiting the Imperial War Museum North, Lowry Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Whitworth Gallery, and John Rylands Library. Travelers have also recommended exploring the canals around Castlefield and the river near Spinningfields.

For entertainment, some travelers suggested attending concerts at Bridgewater Hall and Manchester AO Arena or watching theatre performances at the Palace, Opera House, Royal Exchange, and Lowry Theatres. Additionally, Manchester is noted for its live music scene, particularly in the Northern Quarter, where venues like Matt & Phreds offer great music and a vibrant atmosphere.

For sports enthusiasts, non-football options include visits to major football stadia for tours, the National Football Museum, or even a trip on the East Lancashire heritage railway, highlighted as a worthwhile visit by forum users.

Seasonally, the Manchester Christmas Markets are a major attraction, offering a festive experience touted as the best in the UK. Year-round, unique experiences such as the Runway Visitor Park tours have also been recommended for an interesting day out.

Some travelers have recommended Italian restaurants such as The Pasta Factory and Noi Quattro for authentic Italian cuisine. Additionally, Rudy’s and Sugo in Ancoats are praised for their pizza and pasta respectively.

According to forum posts, Randall and Aubin has been suggested for seafood, although there was uncertainty about its reopening post-lockdown. Another option mentioned for a diverse menu including seafood is the Restaurant Bar and Grill.

Travelers have called out Mackie Mayor for its variety, catering to both vegan and vegetarian preferences. TNQ is also noted for having a good selection of vegetarian options.

For Indian food enthusiasts, areas like Rusholme feature a variety of Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurants. Bundabust is mentioned for vegetarian Indian food and beer, providing a casual dining experience.

At Manchester Airport, different airlines have specific bag drop areas usually located near their check-in desks. For Ryanair, the bag drop normally opens two hours before flight departure, though it may open slightly earlier during busy periods. For British Airways, there is a separate bag drop area at or near the check-in desks, though queuing is inevitable due to the volume of passengers.

Ryanair and Jet2 offer a Twilight Bag Drop service, allowing passengers to drop their bags the evening before a morning flight, typically between 19:00 and 22:00. This service is particularly beneficial for those with early flights to streamline their process on the day of departure. For Ryanair, the Twilight Bag Drop is available at desks 36-37 in Terminal 3, and passengers can use the T3 Multi Storey car park with one hour of free parking to facilitate this service.

Most passengers now check in online. Despite this, the process at the bag drop can still involve queuing, particularly during peak times. Some airlines require passengers to weigh their bags at self-service machines before queuing again to drop them off, potentially creating multiple short queues.

According to forum posts, Radisson Blu is highly recommended for its direct connection to the terminals via the Skylink, providing easy access to T1 and T2. It is considered the most convenient option but is also the most expensive. Travelers have noted the Clayton Hotel as a good option as well, offering park-and-fly deals and being close enough to walk to the terminals. It also provides a shuttle service and has been used by travelers who prefer to keep their cars parked onsite during their trip.

For those looking for more budget-friendly options, the Premier Inn and Ibis Budget have been mentioned. The Premier Inn offers a good balance between cost and convenience, with a meal deal that includes breakfast and supper. The Ibis Budget is noted for its proximity to T2 and is a viable option for travelers looking to save money while still staying close to the airport.

According to forum posts, Manchester offers tours for both the Old Trafford and Etihad stadiums. The Old Trafford tour includes a visit to the museum and various iconic spots around the stadium, such as the Munich Tunnel and statues of famous players. The Etihad Stadium tour is also highly recommended, providing an in-depth look at the stadium with a possible extension to see the trophy room.

Some travelers mentioned that it’s crucial to book stadium tours ahead of time, especially around match days when tours might not be available or could be restricted. For Old Trafford, it's advised to arrive about an hour before the tour starts to explore the museum. The Etihad tour also requires some extra time allocation, more than visitors might initially assume.

Travelers have called out that for the Old Trafford tour, visitors can't bring large bags inside, and there may be security scans. It’s suggested to check with the stadium directly regarding luggage storage options if needed. For both stadiums, accessing the tours via public transport such as the Metrolink tram is recommended over driving due to convenience and to avoid parking issues.

According to forum posts, most car rental options are concentrated at Manchester Airport, particularly at the Car Rental Village. This area houses major rental companies like Alamo, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Budget, National, and Sixt. Travelers have called out that renting directly from these companies rather than through brokers is advisable for avoiding extra terms and conditions.

Some travelers said that the process of renting cars at Manchester Airport can involve attempts by agents to upsell additional insurance or unwanted upgrades. Being firm about your requirements at the start of the interaction can help avoid these issues.

For many users, navigating Manchester's city center by car can be challenging due to congestion and complex road layouts, including one-ways and bus lanes. Peak traffic hours on the motorways around Manchester are typically from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on weekdays. Avoiding these times can make for a smoother journey.

Travelers have suggested considering the train for travel from Manchester to nearby cities or attractions, as it can be more relaxing and straightforward than dealing with car rentals and city traffic.