Categories > Guides and Tips
Old Trafford, the Heart of Manchester United
- What is Old Trafford?
- Best Time to Go
- How to Get to Old Trafford
- Things Good to Know About Old Trafford
- What to Do in Old Trafford
- Take a Museum and Stadium Tour
- See sculptures and memorials around the stadium
- Eat your heart out at the Red Café
- Buy souvenirs at the Megastore
- Where to Eat in Old Trafford
- Lou Macari Fish and Chip Shop
- The Oystercatcher
- PaPa Don
- Emilia’s Della Roma
- MLK Burgers – Old Trafford
- Where to Shop near Old Trafford
- White City Retail Park
- Tesco Extra Stretford
- Where to Stay near Old Trafford
- Hotel Football Old Trafford
- Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford
- Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford Hotel
- Tips When Visiting Old Trafford
I won’t ask if you’re red or blue, unless you’re up for a long debate on which Manc team is better. (But if you really need a clue on where I, at least, stand: “We do what we want!”)
We all have our differences, but surely we’ll all agree that getting to visit the home of your favourite football team is an experience worth being chuffed about!
Get to know more about Old Trafford, the treasured home of the Manchester United Football Club, in this undoubtedly red-coded guide. Game on!
What is Old Trafford?
Old Trafford is the home stadium of the Manchester United Football Club (Man United). It opened in 1910 and has an official capacity of 74,197 seats.
Football icon Sir Bobby Charlton gave it the nickname, “The Theatre of Dreams.”
Aside from hosting football matches throughout the years, Old Trafford served as a venue for rugby games, a couple of boxing matches, and many concerts.
Best Time to Go
The “best” time to visit Old Trafford depends on your priority.
If you want to catch the action of a Man United game, then visit on a match day. The downside to this is that there’s definitely an enormous crowd, and taking the tour of the stadium and its museum is impossible, as these services aren’t available.
With match days, it’s best to arrive at least an hour or two before the kick-off. Doing so factors in time for parking, bag drops, settling into your seat, and getting refreshments.
On the other hand, if you want a more relaxed visit, then go to Old Trafford on non-match days. This is more beneficial because you’ll get to enjoy (almost) everything in the stadium stress-free.
How to Get to Old Trafford
Getting to Old Trafford is quite easy, since there are a handful of travel options even if you don’t have your own vehicle.
Tram: The easiest way to reach Old Trafford via tram is to ride the Red Line to Wharfside Metrolink station. From here, the stadium is just a ten-minute walk away via Trafford Wharf Road and Sir Alex Ferguson Way.
Bus: Ride the Bee Network bus 263 and sit tight since it will pass around 15 stops before reaching the one on Warwick Road (which is actually along Chester Road)—your stop. Walk a little onto Warwick Road to reach Old Trafford.
Taxi: If you’re a Manchester United fan visiting from further away, riding a taxi from the Manchester Airport or Manchester Piccadilly Station is easy-peasy, just taking about 15–30 minutes. As of writing, fares from either starting point shouldn’t exceed £40.
Things Good to Know About Old Trafford
Operating Hours: Old Trafford is open every day. On non-match days, it opens at 9:30 AM and closes at around 4:00 PM for the Stadium and Museum Tours, with the Megastore going on until 5:00 or 6:00 PM—on match days, the hours vary.
Parking: There are lots of designated parking spaces for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles available around the stadium, but most of these are only accessible on match days. See a quick guide below.
| Non-match Day** | Match Day** | ||
| Parking | Access | Parking | Access |
| E2* | Wharfside Way | E1 | Wharfside Way |
| E2* | |||
| E3 | Victoria Place | ||
| N1 | John Gilbert Way | ||
| N2* | Wharfside Way | ||
| N3 | John Gilbert Way | ||
| W1 | John Gilbert Way | ||
| W2* | |||
| W3 | |||
* with free bicycle racks; bring your own lock
** motorcycles use normal parking slots
Allowed Items: Security personnel check for restricted items before fans enter the stadium. Only bring mobile phones as well as small banners, umbrellas, and hand gels, 500 mL water bottles (without the cap), and if you really can’t help it, an A5-sized bag or smaller.
Bag Drops: Don’t worry if you have a larger bag or more stuff than the average stadium-goer. There are multiple bag drops at Sir Matt Busby Way and car parks E1, E2, N2, and W2.
Visiting Supporters: Supporters of away teams can join in on match days. They can enter Old Trafford only via the East Stand entrance at Sir Matt Busby Way.
Children: Old Trafford is open for people of all ages. However, persons 16 years or older must accompany kids 14 years and below.
Dogs: Apologies to dear fur parents, but the stadium doesn’t allow pets in the premises.
What to Do in Old Trafford
Take a Museum and Stadium Tour
Media from stadium Old trafford
Only available during non-match days, having a walking tour of Old Trafford’s every nook and cranny is an experience you shouldn’t miss!
Start by visiting the Museum to see various football memorabilia, history bits, and even the trophies of Manchester United. Follow it up with a guided tour of the rest of Old Trafford for the full stadium sweep.
Here’s a short list of what you’ll see on the Stadium Tour:
- Sir Alex Ferguson Stand interiors
- “The Theatre of Dreams,” also known as the field where matches happen, with views of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, the Stretford End, and the East Stand
- Players’ Dressing Rooms
Heads up—being an official member of Man United will give you a 50% discount on your stadium and museum tour ticket.
See sculptures and memorials around the stadium
Media from stadium Old trafford
Your actual tour of Old Trafford shouldn’t just be on its inside. There’s also a lot going on around the stadium!
Roam around further outside and you’ll chance upon these beloved sights:
- United Trinity Statue – It celebrates Manchester United’s championship in the 1968 European Cup and features George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton, the three players who had the most impact in achieving this victory.
- Munich Air Disaster Memorial – This plaque on a wall of the East Stand honours the memory of the casualties of the February 6, 1958 Munich plane crash, which included eight Manchester United players.
- Sir Matt Busby Statue – A tribute to the beloved manager who built the “Busby Babes” in the 1940s and rebuilt Manchester United stronger after the Munich Air Disaster.
- Sir Alex Ferguson Statue – This sculpture honours Manchester United’s manager from 1986 to 2013, who is also considered by many to be one of, if not the greatest, football managers of all time.
Eat your heart out at the Red Café
Media from @xxxxcarmenxxxx
If you want more refined refreshments on normal days, then the Red Café is for you. This restaurant serves breakfast, main dishes, snacks, and drinks in a proper dining environment from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
It’s quite popular for its breakfast plates, fish and chips, and pizzas—all of which fortunately come at reasonable prices.
Do note that it becomes exclusive to those who avail of Matchday Hospitality packages on days when there are games.
Buy souvenirs at the Megastore
Media from We Are United
Before leaving Old Trafford, don’t forget to drop by the Megastore to load up on Manchester United merch. This 17,000-square-foot (about 1,600 square metres) shop is one of the busiest places in Old Trafford.
Every shelf and display is full of Man United stuff, ready for fans to take home. On match days, fans can even grab shirts custom-printed with their names here!
The Megastore is open every day starting at 10:00 AM (11:00 AM on Sundays). Be ready with your card, as the till here is cashless.
Where to Eat in Old Trafford
Lou Macari Fish and Chip Shop
Media from @stoneystone78
Address: 684 Chester Road, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 877 4985
Pricing: £
Legendary in its own right for the tasty and affordable pre- or post-game grub, this chip shop owned by footy legend Lou Macari (best known for his 400 game appearances under Manchester United) stands as one of the best places to eat near Old Trafford.
As Mr Macari established the shop for his late mother, we understand all the heart and soul poured in it. You can clearly taste it in the quality of the chips and the magical curry sauce poured over them—a simple twist done brilliantly.
No wonder why everyone’s clearly been mad fer it for years.
The Oystercatcher
Media from The Oystercatcher
Website: https://www.theoystercatcher.org/
Address: 123 Manchester Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Contact details:
Pricing: £££
It isn’t quite a stone’s throw away from Old Trafford and Stretford itself, but The Oystercatcher’s main branch at Chorlton is one restaurant many love to go to great lengths to experience. It’s all because of the freshest catch of the coast, cooked very skilfully.
People come back again because of the generous portions, too. If you’re dining with your closest mates, definitely get the seafood platter so you’ll have the chance to sample the best seafood of the season.
Do note that its menu changes regularly—something to keep you on your toes!
PaPa Don
Media from Papa Don
Website: https://papadonmcr.co.uk/
Address: 2 Longford Rd, Stretford
Contact details: 7400 581564
Pricing: £
Head to PaPa Don for some Korean and Thai fusion food before the big game. Just make sure to keep your eyes peeled while on the road, since the restaurant’s outside sign could use a bigger version.
This independent, family-owned restaurant might have more days off than any other restaurant we’ve seen so far (but we get it, life happens), yet it still manages to wow its diners.
Once you’re seated, the service gets you proper sorted with your meal quite fast. Don’t get intimidated by the extensive menu, and grab the crowd favourites like the banging pad thai and the Korean beef brisket (with rice or with udon noodles).
Emilia’s Della Roma
Media from Emilias Della Roma
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Emilias-DELLA-ROMA-100063488266559/
Address: 30 Davyhulme Road East, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 283 3375
Pricing: ££
Stretford’s Emilia’s Della Roma might give real Rome a run for its money. The Italian restaurant is a local favourite for the delicious food and the fantastic service, not to mention the lively vibe from its patrons and THAT huge mural of the Colosseum.
That said, having a Margherita pizza, some spaghetti Napoli, and a glass of the house’s choice wines sounds like a good way to dine before watching a game of football. Don’t forget the tiramisu for a sweet kick—we’re eating Italian, after all.
MLK Burgers – Old Trafford
Media from MLK BURGERS
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mlkburgers.mcr/
Address: 625 Stretford Road, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 302 8060
Pricing: £
Craving a jolly ‘ol burger or want to spice up your life with some Lahore street scran? Dropping by MLK Burgers on the way to Old Trafford to dine in or grab takeaway is a good idea.
MLK has footy fans and casual diners sorted with a delectable host of meals like its signature Angus beef burger and BBQ chicken wings. We particularly like the masala curly fries for its unique take on the fast food staple and its taste.
However, it’s best to plan your visit—the food is scrumptious, but the dining experience could be way more fantastic if it comes in a timelier manner.
Where to Shop near Old Trafford
White City Retail Park
Media from Martyn Shaw
Website: https://www.whitecityretailpark.co.uk/
Address: Chester Road, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 828 5777
Pricing: £
White City Retail Park is strategically located in a suburban neighbourhood—accessible enough to serve the local population, but also great for doing quick errands before spending the night at the games.
There’s a load of shops here, including anchor tenants Aldi, M&S Foodhall, and a Currys appliance store. Most of them close at 6:00 PM, so do any errands BEFORE the game.
Moreover, this shopping parade is a nifty alternative place to park, too, thanks to its 658 parking spaces. They’ll keep you quite close to Old Trafford, but with the perk of better access to the A56 once you’re on your way home.
Tesco Extra Stretford
Media from Tesco
Website: https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/manchester/737-chester-road
Address: 737 Chester Road, Stretford
Pricing: £
After enjoying a night at the games, stop by the Tesco Extra at Stretford to top up on petrol or do some last-minute grocery shopping before going home. It conveniently closes at midnight.
Accessibility is the name of the game for this Tesco, given the great variety in grocery goods available. It’s also a stop for bus routes 255 and 256, so commuting won’t be a hassle.
Where to Stay near Old Trafford
Hotel Football Old Trafford
Media from Hotel Football Old Trafford
Address: 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 751 0430
Pricing: £££
Book Now
Hotel Football is the closest stay you can get for a visit to Old Trafford. Period.
Why so? Because it’s literally on the other side of the iconic stadium: no need to worry about staying late at the games at all, since travelling basically ceases to be a great faff—it’s a two-minute walk!
While in there, guests will enjoy fancy football-themed rooms (it would’ve been a huge miss if management didn’t do this), an in-house sports bar, restaurant, and most importantly, 24-hour room service. Now that’s very convenient!
A challenge to true, blue footy fans is to snag one of those rooms offering a stadium vista. They’re comfy with an uninterrupted view, but the demand could set people back a lot more quid.
Hilton Garden Inn Manchester Emirates Old Trafford
Media from Joanne Rose
Address: Talbot Road, Stretford
Contact details: 0161 282 4020
Pricing: £££
Book Now
Staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in this part of the city has two advantages. One is its proximity to Old Trafford stadium and Man United games, while the other is that it is next to the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground—that’s a twofer hard to beat!
Perhaps because of its special location, this hotel doesn’t really scream about either cricket or football. It’s simply stylish, with all the typical amenities of any hotel (just no free breakfast or swimming pools).
One more thing great about this hotel is that it’s certified ‘green’ for its environmental sustainability. Its facilities produce less waste, conserve water, and source its restaurant supplies from sustainable sources.
Premier Inn Manchester Old Trafford Hotel
Media from Nicholas Agbodan
Address: Sir Alex Ferguson Way, Trafford Park, Stretford
Contact details: 0333 321 1315
Pricing: ££
Book Now
As far as budget stays are concerned, we think that the one most worthy of your money is the Premier Inn. It’s the most reasonably priced (but still comfy) accommodation—and we’re not yet talking about how close it is to Old Trafford.
Don’t get us wrong, the hotel’s full of cosy rooms and ample facilities for guests. One downer, however, is the fact that getting breakfast and using a parking space will cost extra.
Last, note that the hotel prices its rooms higher during game days.
Tips When Visiting Old Trafford
Visit on non-match days—if you can help it.
You’ll have a better chance of savouring the entirety of Old Trafford if you manage to visit the Museum and take a Stadium Tour, both of which are only possible to do in days with no games scheduled. Match days are still holy, though!
Aim for seats at Stretford End (the West Stand).
Stretford End is where the best of Old Trafford’s crowd is. You’ll get to be with dead red Manchester United fans chanting “We’ll Never Die” over there.
Arrive early on match days.
Sitting in congested roads, parking your vehicle, manoeuvring through huge crowds, and passing through security checks WILL eat up a huge part of your time before you even get to take a seat in the stands. Arrive at least an hour early.
Dress comfortably and appropriately.
Show your colours loud and proud, but don’t forget to consider the weather when choosing your match day outfit.
Be a good sport.
Spend your energy cheering for Manchester United (or, erm, the opposing team), but don’t forget to retain proper courtesy to everyone at the stadium.
