MANCHESTER

Halal-friendly holidays

Manchester has had a long-standing history with the Middle-East and Muslims with records of trading cotton going as far back as the 1850s. In fact, the trade was so frequent that it resulted in an Ottoman Consul even living in the city. Morrocans were also present in the city due to the fabric trade and they set up their own makeshift mosques and halal food shops on Market Streets. The first two mosques in Manchester were set up by the Syrians who came as Ottoman subjects in the 1940s through to the 1960s: the Manchester Central Mosque and the Didsbury mosque. Today, the Muslim community of Manchester is multicultural with immigrants from the Middle East, South Asia, Africa and more. You will see the community harmoniously coming together in the local mosques, grocery stores, markets and in traditional clothing. You will hear different languages, and you will find the Mancunians are very welcoming and have a diverse and proud community. With around 67 mosques in the city, you won’t be too far away from a prayer space as even the malls have designated prayer and ablution facilities.

The city is even home to the British Muslim Heritage Centre. A grade II listed building, the centre celebrates the city’s diverse Muslim heritage with the aim of bringing the community together through youth clubs, enterprises, wedding ceremonies and even its own radio station.

Albert Square
The Gothic heart of Manchester, Albert Square is a meeting point and the living room for many Mancunians. The square has lovely views of Manchester Town Hall and is a great place to sit and take in the atmosphere, or grab a snack with your family.

Football Stadiums
Football fanatics should be sure to get a tour around the homes of the two big local teams of the Manchester Derby: the Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium. The teams share long history and rivalry, and you can imagine yourself as part of the teams playing on the fields on the stadium tours.

Manchester Cathedral
The beautiful cathedral was built around 600 years ago, with carved details in the ceilings and walls showcasing the best of medieval architecture. Guided tours are available.

Fletcher Moss Park
Discover the stunning Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in Didsbury. The 21-acre gardens create a tranquil land of beautiful flora and unusual plants. Take a walk around these amazing surroundings and finish off your day in the family-run tea rooms.

Trafford Centre
Out of the city centre in Stratford, you will find the great Trafford Centre. With around 150 shops, it will meet all of any shopaholic’s expectations! Take your family for a fun day out with the delicious food court options, an indoor cinema and even Legoland.

Districts of Manchester
The centre of Manchester has many exciting districts, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Visit the trendy Northern Quarter full of vintage shops and vibrant arts, and explore the lovely Castlefield - an aesthetic walkable area with canals, green spaces and even a ruined Roman fort. On your tour around the city, visit the opulent Spinningfields, full of amazing restaurants, entertainment and shopping, and shop on the bustling main road of Deansgate.

Museums
* Manchester Museum
This museum features a timeline of the industrial revolution.
* Science and Industry Museum
Created as an 1830 railway station, it retraces the exciting history of science and industry and its role in the innovation of one of the first modern train stations.
* National Football Museum
England’s National Football Museum has found its home in Manchester, with important football memorabilia and exhibitions.
* Manchester Art Gallery
Explore historical collections and international contemporary art.
* People’s History Museum
Sitting on the waterfront, the People’s History Museum explains the history of the lives of British people over a period of 200 years.

The Quays
Stroll along the Quays, Manchester's waterfront, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere of the river amidst the bustling city views. The Quays is also full of entertainment, leisure and cultural facilities to enjoy with the family.

The halal food scene in Manchester is fun to enjoy at any time of the day. With a whole street dedicated to an array of global cuisine you are spoilt for choice - the lively Wilmslow Road, better known as the ‘curry mile’, is not far from the university and bustling with a diverse population all coming together for the love of food. The street offers everything from Thai, Malaysian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, South Asian cuisine and much more. Take some comfortable shoes and walk along the bustling atmosphere of the curry mile and make sure to stop for treats along the way.

Manchester city centre and the surrounding areas has a good variety of halal fine dining, bistros and takeaway franchises. The independent coffee shops and dessert parlours are unique too, serving traditional Middle Eastern sweet desserts like Baklava, Kanafeh or indian Paan, Chai and Falooda. You won’t be too far from tasty halal food in the city centre and surroundings, which all have a fantastic choice of halal, vegetarian and seafood options.

Halalbooking offers a wide range of hotels and apartments in Manchester with amazing views of the cityscape. Make your family getaway halal and catered to you with hotels that offer halal food, or halal food on request. Explore the alcohol-free rooms and properties to ensure that you get the ultimate halal experience! For a bit of modest luxury, choose from stays with private-use spa facilities and pools where modest swimwear is allowed. Wherever you stay in Manchester, make sure to look out for the ‘free cancellation’ and ‘book now, pay later’ options on Halalbooking and use our halal-friendly filters to choose your ideal property.