Free
Go to cloud 23 bar on the 23rd floor of the hilton, deansgate. a pricey bar, but you can have a look at the skyline for free if you ask.
Visit the Trafford Area of this area of fascinating industrial heritage.
Manchester has a couple of big multi-screen cinemas located centrally, AMC off Deansgate as cheap as £3.20 if you're a student and Odeon in the Printworks show the usual Hollywood fare; the Cornerhouse on Oxford Road tends to show smaller, independent, art house and foreign language movies. there is an Imax inside the Odeon in the Printworks.
Shows in Manchester (http://www.showsinmanches...), Manchester has many theatres and live music venues so see what's on when and where.
Hire a supercar in Manchester (http://www.northernferrar...); Northern Ferrari hire offer self drive supercar hire in Manchester.
There are numerous temporary agencies in the city and there is work in the hospitality industry to be had. There have been reports, of late, of teacher shortages though not quite on par with London, and this could be of interest to overseas candidates with the relevant qualifications. Manchester has the highest job ratio of the eight English Core Cities and is therefore a very good place to find work. It could also be seen as a good alternative to London for employment opportunities.
If you are qualified to work in Britain, work can be found. Many thousands of East Europeans have been drawn to the city in recent years, but according to the press reports, a great number are now returning due to perceived job insecurity and the falling value of the Pound, as a result of the economic downturn. Many, to date, have found work in the building trade, where there has been a boom as of late. In some areas of employment, you could find yourself competing with the many students who need to finance their studies.
Manchester is an important financial centre and the media are also well represented, as can be seen in the BBC's forthcoming partial move to The Media City at Salford Quays and the ITV-Granada makers of Coronation Street presence on Quay Street. The BBC already has a strong foothold at Broadcasting House on Oxford Road. This is home to BBC Radio Manchester, BBC North West Tonight regional TV news and The Religious Affairs Department of The BBC.
Retail is a large employer, in and around the city, and there are many gyms in need of trainers for the growing city centre population.
There is no doubt that Greater Manchester's universities continue to be a big draw. The University of Manchester is the most over subscribed university in Europe. More and more language schools are also now opening and offer a more reasonable option than the likes of London and other southern venues.