Skip to main content
Manchester

Manchester travel guide

Largest city in New Hampshire, United States

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportMHT · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population115,644

About Manchester

Manchester is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire. Located on the banks of the Merrimack River, it had a population of 115,644 at the 2020 census. Manchester is the tenth-most populous city in New England. Along with the city of Nashua, it is one of two seats of New Hampshire's most populous county, Hillsborough County. The Manchester–Nashua metropolitan area has approximately 423,000 residents and lies near the northern end of the Northeast megalopolis.

Places to visit in Manchester

  1. Currier Museum of Art

    Currier Museum of Art

    Museum

    An art museum with European and American paintings, decorative arts and contemporary work. It also offers tours of the nearby Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

  2. Zimmerman House

    Historic

    A Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house that retains its original furnishings, textiles and gardens. It can only be visited on guided tours organized by the Currier Museum of Art, which provides transport from the museum.

  3. Millyard Museum

    Museum

    A museum in the historic Amoskeag mill complex along the Merrimack River, telling the story of Manchester's textile industry and the people who worked in the mills.

  4. Amoskeag Millyard

    Amoskeag Millyard

    Historic

    A long row of red brick mill buildings on the Merrimack River, once among the largest textile complexes in the world. Now home to offices, restaurants and museums.

  5. Lake Massabesic

    Lake Massabesic

    Nature · 5 mi from centre

    A large lake on the eastern edge of Manchester with wooded trails for walking and biking along its shoreline. A peaceful outdoor escape close to the city.

Where to stay in Manchester

Popular hotels in Manchester, out of 35 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Manchester

Best time to visit Manchester

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Manchester is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 19° – 33° 10
Feb 18° – 37° 8
Mar 29° – 48° 13
Apr 37° – 57° 13
May 49° – 67° 15
Jun 59° – 79° 11
Jul 65° – 85° 11
Aug 60° – 80° 11
Sep 54° – 74° 5
Oct 44° – 62° 7
Nov 34° – 49° 9
Dec 19° – 35° 10

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Manchester weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 54° 37° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 63° 38° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 55° 35° 5%
  • Sat 24 Oct 61° 33° 3%
  • Sun 25 Oct 64° 37° 1%
  • Mon 26 Oct 71° 45° 1%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/New_YorkUTC−4
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Manchester

These are the airports closest to central Manchester. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • MHT Manchester–Boston Regional Airport4 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Manchester

Getting around Manchester

Renting a car, which may be done at the airport, and walking are the easiest ways to get around Manchester. Bus service and taxis are also available, although bus service is relatively limited and taxis can be expensive. Renting a car, or knowing a local who has one, will make your life considerably easier.

Manchester travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Manchester?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Manchester is September, when average daytime highs are around 74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Manchester?

July is usually the warmest month in Manchester, with average highs of 85°F (30°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-8°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 150 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Manchester?

Manchester–Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (7 km) from the centre of Manchester.

What time zone is Manchester in?

Manchester uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Manchester?

Renting a car, which may be done at the airport, and walking are the easiest ways to get around Manchester. Bus service and taxis are also available, although bus service is relatively limited and taxis can be expensive. Renting a car, or knowing a local who has one, will make your life considerably easier.

What are the best places to visit in Manchester?

Top sights in Manchester include Currier Museum of Art, Zimmerman House, Millyard Museum and Amoskeag Millyard. An art museum with European and American paintings, decorative arts and contemporary work. It also offers tours of the nearby Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Where should I stay in Manchester?

Popular areas for hotels in Manchester include Manchester and Airport Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn By Hilton Manchester and Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Downtown.

How many hotels can I book in Manchester?

Destina Holidays currently lists 35 properties in and around Manchester, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.