Where to stay in Manchester
Residence Inn Manchester Downtown
40 Lake Avenue, NH 03101
This Marriott hotel offers spacious suites that feature separate living and sleeping areas, perfect for longer stays and families.
Each room comes with a work desk and ergonomic chair, making this place great for business travelers, while the indoor pool and kitchenettes make for flexible group vacations.
Comfort Inn Concord
71 Hall Street, NH 03301
20 minutes north of Manchester by rental car, Comfort Inn makes a great base for exploring New Hampshire’s wild places. Bear Brook State Park is right on the doorstep and it’s just an hour’s drive to Lake Winnipesaukee.
This cozy, three-star stay features an indoor heated pool and hot tub. Breakfast is complimentary.
Ash Street Inn
118 Ash Street, NH 03104
A boutique bed and breakfast set in a charming and atmospheric Victorian building, Ash Street Inn exudes quaint New England charm.
Despite its leafy surroundings, this bed and breakfast is well-connected – downtown Manchester is only minutes away by rental car. Rooms come with queen-size beds, plus characterful features such as stained-glass windows, turrets and fireplaces.
Best restaurants in Manchester
Cotton Restaurant
75 Arms Street, NH 03101
Chef-owner Jeffrey Paige presents American fare with a modern twist at Cotton Restaurant, whose hip credentials have been celebrated by the likes of the New York Times.
Try a California turkey burger topped with Vermont Cabot cheddar, a southwest black bean burger paired with cumin aioli or grilled Atlantic salmon.
Cafe Momo
1065 Hanover Street, NH 03104
Simple but delicious Nepalese fare comes in both vegetarian and meat options at Cafe Momo – think goat curry, shrimp tarkari and tofu noodles.
Just off I-93, it’s a great place to swing by before a trip to the theater or a journey out of town.
Hooked Seafood
110 Hanover Street, NH 03101
Manchester’s location – just an hour from the ocean – means fresh seafood has a firm place in the local dining scene.
At Hooked Seafood, there’s nautical decor to go with seafood dishes as diverse as chowder, Costa Rican fish tacos and Arctic lobster ravioli.
What to do in Manchester
SEE Science Center
200 Bedford Street, NH 03101
Load up the car for a family day out at Manchester’s premier science museum. There are hands-on exhibits designed for toddlers, adults and every age group in between.
Storytime science, which uses kid-friendly tales to explore the world’s mysteries, is a particular favorite.
Amoskeag Millyard Historic District
200 Bedford Street, NH 03101
This 19th century industrial center has been transformed into Manchester’s best tech and cultural hub.
Manchester Historic Association’s Millyard Museum is a great place to get acquainted with the area’s heritage – you can even see a steam fire engine which hails from 1871.
Rockingham Recreational Trail
Derry, NH 03038
Experience New Hampshire’s wonderful nature and woodland from the Rockingham Recreational Trail, a 28 mile stretch which is popular with hikers, bikers and joggers.
In fall, the colors are spectacular close to Ballard State Forest, where you can also discover some of the region’s industrial heritage at Taylor Mill State Historic Site.