A Football Fan’s Guide to Manchester

Football Stadiums in Manchester

Whether you’re a City or United fan, these two football stadiums in Manchester are a site to behold so whether you have tickets to a game or not, seeing these stadiums in all their glory is a must.

Old Trafford

With a capacity of over 74,500, Old Trafford is the largest club football stadium in the UK and the second largest football stadium overall after Wembley. Dubbed the ‘theatre of dreams’ by the legendary Bobby Charlton, visiting Old Trafford is a rite of passage for any United fan.

For die-hard fans, head to the Museum and Stadium Tour and walk in the footsteps of your favourite players. The museum gives fans the chance to delve into the incredible history of the club through exhibits and interactive experiences where you can discover more about some of United’s most memorable players and managers. The 80-minute Stadium Tour takes you behind the scenes of the excitement on the pitch right to the players’ dressing room. Feel like your favourite player as you walk down the tunnel into the stadium and revel in the sheer size of the famous pitch. The tour also allows you to explore the dugouts before heading to the Ability Platform for unrivalled views of the grounds, providing plenty of opportunity for photos.

How to get to Old Trafford

Getting to Old Trafford is easy thanks to the city’s Metro Link Tram system. The nearest tram stop to the stadium is Old Trafford station which is just a five-minute walk away from the ground via the Altrincham line.

easyHotel Manchester is conveniently located near Piccadilly Gardens which is a hub of transport. Catch a bus from here or head to the nearest tram stop.

For a unique and alternative mode of transport on match day, Manchester River Cruises offer a river boat deal that takes you to and from the ground. Hop on the Princess Katherine boat from outside the Dockyard pub (near Spinningfields) – the perfect place to enjoy a few pre-match drinks and enjoy the 30-minute cruise down to Old Trafford. The Princess Katherine also boasts a fully stocked bar so that you can relax with another cold drink on your journey. After the game, the boat then takes revellers back to the Dockyard pub. For football fans, this is a great start to the match.

The Etihad Stadium

The Etihad Stadium is home to Premier League team Manchester City and has a capacity of just over 53,000. In addition to watching a match, football fans can also take one of the many tours on offer. From the classic Manchester City tour where fans can field questions with a virtual Pep Guardiola to the Walk with a Legend tour, there are plenty of tour options for all budgets. A tour at the Etihad is must-visit football attraction for City supporters and football fans alike. Immerse yourself behind the scenes for a truly unforgettable football experience.

How to get to the Etihad Stadium

The nearest tram stop is Etihad Campus, situated adjacent to the Stadium. You can catch a tram from Manchester Piccadilly station, which is just a four-minute walk from easyHotel, to the Etihad Campus stop in under ten minutes.

Best Football Pubs

If you’re looking for where to watch football in Manchester, there is no shortage of great pubs. Take a look at our top picks near the grounds.

Football Pubs near Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium

Hotel Football

If you’re feeling fancy, head to Hotel Football – co-owned by United legend Gary Neville – for a more upmarket pre match experience. Located on Matt Busby way, enjoy a drink and bite to eat before the game starts.

Old Trafford, 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0SZ

The Tollgate

Located near to the Old Trafford tram stop, the Tollgate is a convenient and vibrant spot to enjoy a drink with fellow United supporters. Whilst it might not be as busy on non-match days, this football pub is great for casual drink to watch other sports thanks to its large TVs and selection of beer on tap.

Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0LN

The Dockyard

We’ve already mentioned The Dockyard as the pickup point for the Old Trafford river boat, but this is also a must-visit pub. With another location in Salford Quays, The Dockyard is one of the best sports bars in Manchester offering Sky and BT Sports, a pool table and boasting 27 keg lines. For beer and football fans alike, this spot is essential visiting on your trip to Manchester.

B3, 4 Left Bank, Irwell Square, Manchester M3 3AN

Media City, DockHouse, Salford M50 2EQ

Mary D’s

If you’re a City supporter, then Mary D’s is the closest football pub near the Etihad. It is strictly for home fans and has an excellent pre-game atmosphere. If you’re a City fan then make sure to give Mary D’s a visit.

Howarth Close, Beswick, Manchester, M11 3BR

Other Football Attractions in Manchester

If you still find yourself with time to kill and are desperate for more football attractions, then The National Football Museum is well worth a visit. Located in Manchester city centre, the museum preserves and displays important collections of football memorabilia. The National Football Museum is the perfect place to brush up on your football knowledge and spend an afternoon regaling in all things related to the beautiful game.

Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG

For a memorable football trip to Manchester, book a stay at easyHotel Manchester and enjoy being at the centre of the action. Check out our guide to the Northern Quarter for more inspiration for things to do in Manchester.