I'm assuming you mean the city-sightseeing tourist double decker bus. For the city centre itself, I don't feel it's a benefit - as the centre is quite compact and you can walk from one side to another in 20 mins. (Also the bus will be slow in the centre because of traffic congestion much of the week). I guess the benefit comes if you want to see or visit the more outlying places that it goes past (2 - 5 miles away) eg both football grounds, cricket ground, Imperial War Museum, Trafford Centre Shopping Mall. However hop-on-hop off will be constrained by the fact that it only passes each place once per hour. I work near its starting point - tourists do go on it, but I've never seen it crowded. (Right in the city centre (but only in the centre) there's the free (yes) 'Metroshuttle' buses that are hop-on-hop off circular routes and pass each stop every 10 or 15 mins).

hi, I agree with KWUK, use the free Metroshuttle buses in the City Centre. They are frequent and are wheelchair friendly. All the attractions outside the City Centre are easily reached by either the bus or tram services. You can purchase a System One DaySaver for £5.50, this allows you to travel on all buses and trams, all day from 9:30am, to anywhere in Greater Manchester.

A few examples are the 250 bus to Old Trafford and on to The Trafford Centre, a bus every 15 minutes.

Tram to The Lowry Centre and The Imperial War Museum North, a tram every 12 minutes.

A word of warning, you will be in Manchester at the same time as The Labour Party Conference is being held in The City. Thousands of delegates along with a large number of the media will be in The City. Part of the City Centre will also be cordoned off. This shouldn't interfere with your stay as The Conference venue is on the opposite side of the City Centre to your hotel. You might also see one or two demonstrations. It will just add to the buzz in town.

I definately agree - and also can't think of anything worse than doing Manchester on a tour bus. It's a busy city and it would feel like sitting in a traffic jam. The centre is definately compact enough to walk around. There's plenty of shopping and some good options for plays/music/meals/galleries etc. I'd do a little bit of research to make the most of it though or you could miss things.

If there are things that you would like to see outside the centre e.g. the trafford centre, Trafford Football ground, I would either grab a cab or take a bus/tram directly there.

thank you I will use the city bus and on sunday I have booked a tour for Manchester United, I think it would be cheaoer for 3 of us to take a taxi.