Is Manchester safe? What you should know

Manchester is the vibrant heart of the North. Whether you're a music fan, a history buff, or a sports enthusiast, this city has something for everyone! You can walk in the footsteps of legends like The Smiths, visit the iconic Old Trafford, or indulge in some world-class shopping!

When it comes to safety, Manchester’s a great place to explore with some precautions in mind. Like any city, it's always smart to stay aware of your surroundings. When it comes to cultural interactions, locals are super friendly and proud of their roots. So, don’t be shy to ask for directions! English is the primary language, but you might hear some Mancunian slang.

As for outdoor adventures, the city's got parks, canals, and nearby nature reserves where you can go for a hike or have a casual stroll. Always stick to well-lit paths at night and keep an eye out for traffic! You'll also find some nature & health tips, from water quality to how to stay safe while getting your dose of fresh air. So, let’s keep things fun, and let Manchester show you a good time!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Manchester

Are you worried about violent crime rates and wondering if Manchester is a dangerous city? While it's a relatively safe city for tourists, violent crimes do tend to happen more often than the national average. Recent crime statistics show that Manchester's safety index is pretty low, but you don’t need to worry because violence rarely happens between people who don't know each other.

Getting from the airport to Manchester city centre

Did you just land at Manchester Airport and don't know how to get downtown? No sweat! Just hop on the Transpennine Express train and you'll be at the central station in just 40 minutes! It's a big city but from there, you can easily get to anywhere you want to go!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Manchester

Just like any other major city, Manchester has its fair share of scams. One of the common scams you'll come across is fake ticket sellers. Let’s say you want to check out an event, but it's sold out. ‘Luckily’, there's a stranger offering you tickets that they "don't need" because they can't make it. You buy the tickets, head to the bouncer, and next thing you know, security services throw you out. Don’t take the chance, and only buy tickets from official sources, or at least double-check what the tickets look like before buying.

Is tap water in Manchester safe to drink?

Absolutely! Bottled water is not necessary in the UK because it gets tap from underground sources. Natural filtration is perfectly fine here, though they might add chemicals from time to time if there are any contaminants.

Safe accommodation options in Manchester

Looking for where to stay in Manchester and want to be extra safe? Here are some of the safer areas and accommodation options:

1. Didsbury has a very low crime rate, and it's a leafy suburb with a relaxed vibe. You'll find excellent cafes, parks, and a welcoming community. Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel is a great place to hit the hay for around £120–£150 per night.
2. Chorlton is great if you're looking for shopping spots in Manchester. It's got independent shops, organic markets, and a vibrant dining scene. Chancellors Hotel is a very budget-friendly option for around £90–£120 per night.
3. Salford Quays is a modern, stylish waterfront area with great views of scenic canals. Holiday Inn Express Manchester is only about £80–£110, and it has free breakfast and a bar you can get a drink at.

Pro tip: If you're here to watch a Manchester United game, you can leave anything valuable with Bounce! Just stash your bags at a trusted local business, and enjoy a legendary game of footy with peace of mind! Remember, you're covered with a $10,000 protection plan and round-the-clock support for just that added touch of security!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Want to sound like a local and avoid accidentally offending someone? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

• England is famous for its jargon and slang, so if you want a chance to understand the average local conversation, here are some common words and phrases: Ay up (Hello); Sorted (All good); Cheers (Thank you); Alright? (How are you?); Mint (Great); Ta (Goodbye).
• Now you're all set to blend in! Watch out though, you don't want to go around all willy-nilly talking about how much you love a football team that's not Manchester United. Remember how we said violence doesn't usually happen among strangers? Dissing the local team is the exception!
• Music is a big deal in Manchester. If you want to get a feel for the culture, definitely check out local venues. Band on the Wall is a great place to catch local artists dropping rhymes or be one of the first to vibe with up-and-coming stars!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Want to stay as safe as possible around the city? Just follow these tips:

• Public transport is usually the way to go in these cities. Manchester has a well-connected public transport system. Trams (Metrolink) are especially handy and they're pretty safe at night. You should still be careful around people who show signs of anti-social behaviour, especially around tram and train stations. Also, grab the Get Me There (or Bee network) card for easy payment!
• Never leave your car parked in the bus lane, even for a few minutes. You'll get a ticket thanks to patrolling cars with cameras. A cheeky ticket is the last thing you need on your weekend getaway!
• There are lots of pedestrian-friendly areas in Manchester, and it's generally very walkable. Just don't jaywalk or you'll start racking up those tickets real fast! Deansgate, the Northern Quarter, and Spinningfields are great spots for a walk!

Nature and Manchester: Tips to keep in mind

You'd think a city like Manchester wouldn't have a lot of nature to explore, but it does! Here are some nice spots to get away from it all:

• You can catch glimpses of wildlife at spots like Heaton Park and The Peak District. Majestic deer, cute bunnies, and sly foxes hang around there all the time and they're somewhat used to humans. You can also go bird-watching if that's your thing!
• We mentioned Heaton Park, but if you're looking for some more hikes in Manchester, Rivington Pike and Tatton Park are not too far from the city! Wilton Quarries are great for rock climbing enthusiasts, just bring some quality gear! Falling on your tuchus is fine,  unless you're on vacation!
• Watch out for that constant UK rain! It can make things cold, wet, and slippery. Be extra careful if you're heading out for a hike. Just bring solid grip boots and a waterproof coat!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

The UK has a great healthcare system, but did you know it's free in emergency situations? Check out some tips:

• The NHS (National Health Service) has made emergency healthcare free for both residents and tourists. But if you need a hospital even though it's not an emergency, you'll need travel insurance or an EHIC card to save on costs.
• If you're looking for where to eat in Manchester, the street food is great. Especially at spots like The Arndale Food Market or Altrincham Market. Just double-check if the food’s properly cooked and hasn't been sitting around too long or near raw meat.
• 999 will get you in contact with an ambulance, the fire department, and the Greater Manchester police. 
• 111 will get you in touch with a medical expert if you need some health advice.

So, is Manchester safe?

If you're still wondering how safe is Manchester, the gist is that it's completely fine for tourists. Manchester isn't as safe as some other UK cities, but you're not planning on settling down there, right? As long as you don't pick a fight with random Manchester United fanatics, you'll be fine! And remember Bounce before you head down to that footy game, any storage location is ready for you with just a few clicks!