Are you interested in exploring different things to make your trip more memorable? Manchester, NH, is a popular and must-visit vacation destination in the United States. There are many endless excellent activities for everyone in this charming city.
The largest New Hampshire city is rich in culture, entertainment, arts, outdoor adventure, luxurious resorts, and fascinating history. The city is the hometown of many great American personalities like Louis O. Coxe, Seth Meyers, and Adam Sandler.
The bustling city is well-known for hospitality because it accommodates all kinds of travelers from all over New England. Manchester is the largest New Hampshire and North New England city.
In addition, the city’s population is around 2.87 million, ranked 23 out of 100 in the best city list of America. It is a one-hour drive from the coast and Boston. However, you need 90 minutes to access the city if you come from Portland.
In the following section of the article, we have featured many unique things and places to entertain.
Travel to Manchester, New Hampshire
All visitors have their own choices, but we love to hang out along Elm Street in Manchester because there are many well-known cafes, shops, and restaurants.
What are the top things to do in Manchester?
There are plenty of things to amuse, but visiting Livingston Park, eating at Red Arrow Diner, and visiting the Currier Museum of Art is above all.
How much time do you need in Manchester?
It is a long weekend vacation destination because there are many things to explore. However, if you don’t have time, you could do or see many things in the town in one day.
How do you get to Manchester?
There are many mediums to conveniently access the city, like by train, car, and bus. Manchester also has an international airport.
What are the top things to do in Manchester with kids?
If you plan to come to Manchester with family and kids, don’t miss visiting NH’s Lake Massabesic, Fisher Cats, and Science Center.
Top Coll Things to Do in Manchester, New Hampshire
Visit Lake Massabesic if you love nature and want to relax in peace. Art and history lovers go to the famous Currier Museum to see the collection of New Hampshire’s artists.
You can also visit the Millyard Museum to learn the Amoskeag Millyard’s history and see the famous site’s model.
The New Hampshire Fisher Cats game is a top choice for sports lovers. If you are a foodie and want to taste the best foods, move to Manchester’s Elm Street. There you will find many cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Downtown has many lovely parks and nature areas like the Massabesic Lake and Manchester Cedar Swamp. McIntyre Ski Area is the best tourist attraction in the winter months.
A Rock Rimmon is best for rock climbing because it includes a 150-ft. summit. It is the largest park in the city, with many trails, tennis courts, and a playground area.
We have featured a list of the top fun activities in Manchester, NH.
Massabesic Lake:
| Location | 26 Audubon Way, Auburn. |
Lake Massabesic is a beautiful scenic area for kayaking, boating, hiking, and fishing. Massabesic means “place of much water.“
It is Manchester’s primary water supply source. The full area is around 2500 acres and provides 3.7 miles of walking track alongside. It is located in Auburn, Manchester.
On the other hand, swimming or skating is not permitted. It is an exciting place to relax and take the iconic views. On a sunny day, Lake Massabesic is a great place for a light walk to enjoy the view and sunshine.
You can also appreciate a few moments of peace in nature, catch a glimpse of the lakeside views, and spend some time disconnecting from the world. There are many reasons to keep returning to the lake, as it is gorgeous every season.
Moreover, this park offers endless outdoor fun activities in the summer and autumn. It is beautiful when leaves turn different shades of orange and red due to the change of seasons.
Mall of New Hampshire:
Visit the Mall of New Hampshire if you want a good shopping place in Manchester. The mall has 115 different brand stores and a large food court. You can purchase any of your favorite brand items at a lower price because it is a tax-free shopping place.
The mall is open all weekdays, but their timings are different. On a Sunday, the mall opens at 11:00 AM and shuts its doors for the general public at 6:00 PM.
The opening timing is the same from Monday to Wednesday but closes at 8:00 PM. And from Thursday to Saturday, the tax-free shopping mall opens at 11:00 AM and shuts its doors for the general public at 9:00 PM.
Franco-American Center:
The Franco-American Center is a must-visit place to learn French Culture. It is a nonprofit center promoting the French language, heritage, and culture.
They regularly organize events, seminars, activities, and classes to teach people. In Manchester, NH, many people love the French heritage.
Secondly, you will also find the French word “Bienvenue” on many sign boards. This is an excellent opportunity to learn French history or art, the romantic French language, or enjoy tasty French food.
McIntyre Ski Area:
| Location | 50 Chalet Way, Manchester |
McIntyre ski area is a pretty and endless entertainment place to enjoy winter. It is known as a popular ski mountain. The area has many things to do, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and snow tubing.
It is located in Derryfield Park, and the hill has 180 feet of vertical height. Here, you can learn about skiing and snowboarding from beginners to expert levels.
Moreover, the Chalet café has delicious food to amaze your taste buds. The mountain has a 400 feet thrill hill area with a lift attached to 10 lanes. The lift can bring you down and up for your snow tubing session.
The area has 9 different trails, which include two carpet lifts, a Terrain Park, two chair lifts, and a Tube Park.
Fisher Cats Game:
| Admission Cost For Whole Family | $10 to $25 |
It is a minor New Hampshire baseball league team that uses Northeast Delta Dental Stadium to play its matches. Fisher Cats is a minor league team but does not have less importance. Many of the best United States league teams are minor.
Secondly, it is no lesser alternative to Boston’s Red Sox professional baseball team. During minor league baseball games, you can enjoy a lot in the stands because spectators cheer up their teams.
The average ticket is affordable for the whole family. If you don’t like baseball, go to SNHU Arena to support Southern New Hampshire University’s basketball and hockey teams.
Manchester Millyard Museum:
| Admission Cost For Adults | $8 |
| Admission Cost For Children Aged 12 to 17 | $4 |
Manchester is a former mill town located in the United States northeast. You will find the museum within Amoskeag Millyard. Explore the city’s heritage, which goes back 11,000 years to when the Native Americans started fishing on the Amoskeag Falls.
After visiting the museum, you can easily understand the city’s history and learn how the native people lived. You will also learn how Amoskeag Manufacturing Company started its business and became the world’s largest textile-producing company.
The company’s success dramatically helped Manchester to become New England’s important city. At the museum, many rotating exhibits attract visitors from across New England.
Currier Museum of Arts:
| Admission Cost For Adults | $15 |
| Admission Cost For Teens aged 13-17 | $5 |
| Admission Cost For Kids Under 13 | $0 |
Currier Museum of Arts is the NH’s artistic treasure in Frank Lloyd Wright’s designed building. The museum provides a chance to understand the creative process and exhibits the world’s best artist’s collections.
It features the decorative artwork of European and American masters, including Monet, Wyeth, Homer, and Hopper.
In 1929, the Currier Museum was founded by Hannah Currier. She was the wife of the state governor, Moody Currier. The museum has a showcase of 15 thousand art pieces. The one is the orange metal logo made by Mark di Suvero.
In 2008, it was renovated into a beautiful art place, and more than 11 thousand artists have lived here. They specialize in drawing, sculptures, painting, and crafting.
The museum contains many art pieces from the famous Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and other famous artists.
Amoskeag Fishways:
Merrimac River has a long history and importance in the 19th-century textile mills. The famous river was used to increase textile production at that time. Now, it is home to Amoskeag Fishways.
An interactive exhibit and a program are offered at the center, providing an opportunity to learn about history and ecology through hands-on experiences. A ladder is created to provide a safe passage for fish.
As a result of Amoskeag Falls rapids, many migrating sturgeon, salmon, and alewife were caught quickly. Several local tribes were accustomed to using these falls.
It is recommended to find natural gems from the river’s watershed and take a guided tour from Fishway’s staff to get more valuable information.
SEE Science Center:
| Location | 200 Bedford Street, Manchester. |
You must visit the SEE science center if you have kids and teens. The museum exhibits and displays many scientific experiments, techniques, programs, demonstrations, and events.
The area has two floors divided into three categories: LEGO millyard project, electricity & magnetism, and biology.
It is not only a fun thing for kids but also for adults. There are many programs for adults where you can interact with scientists for different questions and experiments. Experience science with sound, light, electricity, machines, and gravity.
You can even explore other planets through NASA projects. The center is open from Tuesday to Friday with 6 visiting hours and on the weekends with 7 visiting hours.
Miniature Horses:
It is a unique, fun activity to hang out with miniature horses. A miniature horse herd is a 20-minute drive from Manchester. You can do many things while learning about these horses, like grooming, visiting, walking, and caring for them.
Make your time valuable by showing small horses tricks. Spending time with animals is good for health and keeps the body relaxed. You can spend 90 minutes on Airbnb after paying $30.
Zimmerman House:
| Admission Cost For Adults | $35 |
| Admission Cost For Children from 7-12 | $12 |
During the mid-century movement in 1950, Frank Lloyd’s designed Zimmerman House was built. This house has huge windows, built-in furniture, and various ceiling heights to make it more spacious. One of the only Wright homes in New England open for visitors.
The United States National Register of Historic Places recognized this historic house. The Currier Museum of Art now owns the residence, which maintains the space and allows the public to access it.
The museum operates the building to maintain the art, sculptures, and pottery in the best possible condition. Travelers are welcome to visit the Zimmerman’s house to see their specific collection of art and some worth seeing in the gallery.
Livingstone Park:
| Location | 156 Hooksett Road, Manchester |
Livingston Park is a beautiful and scenic place. Many fun activities include exercising, enjoying nature, and getting outside. The park has a swimming pool, soccer area, baseball area, 2 playgrounds, slides, grassy space, and a running track.
The park’s pond is open for all seasons, as you can skate in winter and fish in the summer season. The park is a famous vacation destination because it has all kinds of entertainment factors throughout the year.
See a Show at the Palace Theatre:
| Location | 80 Hanover Street, Manchester. |
In 1914, a year after the First World War, the Palace Theatre in Manchester was built. All the necessary conveniences are available within walking distance of the theatre because it is downtown.
Over the years, the performing arts center has offered various musical performances, dance shows, and entertaining theatrical performances that will blow your mind. Harry Houdini, the Mark Brothers, and Bob Hope were among the great show performers featured in the theater.
Eventually, as the show’s popularity increased, it began showing films as part of its programming. Many different shows are hosted at the Palace Theatre, such as plays, live bands, comedy shows, and other events.
Moreover, it has a capacity of 834 seats, possibly adding more chair seats. It also has a bar in its lobby where snacks and drinks can be purchased.
Red Arrow Diner:
The Red Arrow is the oldest and most well-known diner in Manchester. It has been offering services since 1922 and is considered a prominent dining spot in New Hampshire. They provide comprehensive options for lunches, dinners, and breakfasts.
The Red Arrow Diner dish’s prices are very affordable and tasty. If you visit in the primary season, you will see many great personalities, like musicians, actors, and politicians, at the diner. This is an ideal relaxing place for many visitors.
The restaurant is always very crowded because it is a small dining place. It is recommended to come early or visit at an off-peak time to sit and enjoy your food. Otherwise, you have to wait in line for your turn.
You can imagine its popularity, as it is featured in Adam Sandler’s movies 8 Crazy Nights and Grown Ups 2. Secondly, Barenaked Ladies, a famous rock band, performed a song about the Red Arrow Diner.
Aviation Museum:
The aviation museum is full of artifacts and many interesting objects. In 1937, this historical museum was built. The main building is now known as the Art Deco Terminal Building. During the early 1940s, the US Army used it as an air base for World War 2.
A museum highlight is the Doodle Bug, a fire plane made in New Hampshire and considered one of the most iconic exhibits. There is an open cockpit, which allows visitors to see up close to how the iconic plane works.
A 3D multi-screen flight simulator is available to give you the feeling of a flying experience. In a famous museum, see many things like a home-built biplane, airplane engine, Tuskegee Airman model planes, and other aviation artifacts. Many educational events are organized all around the year.
Scavenger Hunt:
A Scavenger Hunt is an excellent option to get all the information about the downtown area of Manchester. It benefits game lovers, adventurous people, locals, and explorers. Do a fun activity with friends and in a group as a competition.
In Scavenger Hunt, compared to competitors, you have to quickly find around 120 hidden objects by answering trivia questions and solving challenges. You have to use a smartphone application to solve the puzzle and send answers in photos to get points.
It is a two-hour challenge that starts and ends at 1 City Hall Plaza. You also have an opportunity to evaluate your performance.
Climbing Rock Rimmon:
In Manchester’s largest park, Rock Rimmon is a vast cliff. There are many climbing options on this rock, including lead climbing, rope climbing, and free climbing.
Once you climb the summit, you will experience a pretty city view from above. You can also explore the park and enjoy other activities.
Granite State Escape:
Granite State Escape is a kind of puzzle game. You have the option to choose your desired escape room. Once you enter a room, you are locked until you solve the puzzle and answer the questions correctly.
After solving each level, you are accessible from one room and get into another room for another challenging puzzle. If you make a group, you can solve these puzzles quickly. Making the team will ease your game, and you will escape jail.
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium:
It is a baseball stadium that serves as the home ground for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. It is quite a big and pretty designed stadium with a capacity of 65 hundred people.
The park also has some refreshment points and a café. Enjoy delicious food, snacks, and games.
Institute of Arts:
Manchester Institute of Arts and Sciences was established in 1898. Its main motive was cultivating the arts and sciences. It is placed within the Manchester Cultural District of the city.
New Hampshire Institute of Art is the oldest design state school. The school’s gallery displays work designed to engage viewers and their imaginations. It is worth visiting due to its old building and history.
Where to Stay in Manchester, New Hampshire
There are many accommodation places to stay in Manchester, but it would be best to stay in the heart of downtown. Many of the best restaurants and Merrimack River are near your location.
All the necessary conveniences are available within walking distance. You can also get an Uber if you don’t want to walk on foot. Here are the top accommodation places in Manchester.
Best luxurious accommodation in Manchester:
Residence Inn by Marriott Manchester Downtown is the best luxury hotel because it has all the luxurious amenities. It is located at 40 Lake Ave, Manchester, NH.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Manchester:
Best Western PLUS Executive Court Inn & Conference Center is the best mid-range accommodation place. It is a comfortable option; you will find it at 13500 S Willow St, Manchester, NH.
Best Budgeted Hotel in Manchester:
Sleep Inn Londonderry is great if you don’t want to spend more on accommodation.
How Much Time to Spend in Manchester?
It depends on you because if you don’t have time you can complete your trip in a single day and enjoy it a lot. On the other hand, if you have more time, easily explore the city and do many things to make your trip more memorable.
How do I reach Manchester, NH?
It is easy to access Manchester. People use different communication mediums to travel. The city has an international airport with many nonstop flights within different eastern United States cities.
The other option is to access the city through the Greyhound and Concord Coach Lines. It is a one-hour drive from Boston. You require 1.5 hours if you come from Portland and Maine.
Driving to Manchester is 2.5 hours from Burlington and Vermont. Uber service is also available within the city.
Best Time to Visit Manchester
New Hampshire and Manchester are four-season vacation destinations. Both locations have many fun activities all around the year. Summer is the best time to visit because during these months you will experience many activities and events in the city.
In addition, it is the busiest time, and people from all over New England come to have fun. It is the best time to explore the NH outdoor beauty.
Secondly, visiting during May, June, September, and October would be best because these months are not hot compared to the other summer months.
October is best to enjoy the fall foliage. Winter is icy, and you can regularly face blizzards from early November to late April. It would be best not to visit the town if you don’t have the right clothes or are not used to this cold.
There is also a primary season, and many political events are held in New Hampshire during the year leading up to the state’s first primary. It is recommended to check calendars if you are planning to visit during the primary season because the streets are filled with traffic.
Is Manchester Worth It?
Yes, it is worth a lot because the Queen City offers many exciting things to enjoy. Manchester is an excellent destination for a day trip from Boston or as a base to explore southern New Hampshire.
Conclusion
If you ever visit the city, you have a lot of things to do. The city is enriched with many worth visiting places, historical buildings, cultures, and arts. It is like you are enjoying a worthwhile experience of urban life. The city has developed a lot recently as it is known for its mills.
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