Manchester Hotels

Shopping in Manchester

The city is an ideal spot for both the fashion-conscious and shoppers serious about savings. Visit Selfridges and Harvey Nicholls for the latest designer labels or take a trip to Cross Street where you’ll find independent boutiques specialising in clothes and accessories. The Arndale is an indoor shopping centre featuring major fashion brands, an extensive food court and free wifi throughout. 

A little further out, the Trafford Centre features hundreds of high-street store outlets as well as Selfridges and John Lewis – perfect for bagging a bargain. One of the largest shopping centres in Europe, the Trafford Centre can be reached by car or regular bus run from the city centre.

If you’re looking for something a little different, the streets to the north of Piccadilly Gardens are a treasure trove of independent shops and local designers selling vintage clothes as well as goth, punk, rock, indie and metal styles. Visit Affleck’s Palace in the Northern Quarter for vinyl, posters and comics.

Connections to TV

Manchester is home to a busy media hub, including offices and studios associated with two major television channels. Granada Television produces a range of classic telly here, from soap favourite Coronation Street to the gritty drama Prime Suspect, and offers seasonal tours of the studio, as well as tickets to live-audience shows including stand-up with Peter Key, Harry Hill and Caroline Aherne.

BBC TV recently relocated leading shows including Blue Peter, Dragon’s Den and Match Of The Day. Tours and studio tickets are available throughout the year.

Theatre

Manchester is noted for its excellent theatres. Larger venues include the Manchester Opera House, a commercial theatre that often plays host to touring West End shows, the Palace Theatre, and the Royal Exchange Theatre, a small producing theatre in the former Cotton Exchange.

The Lowry also features two theatres running crowd-pleasing musicals including Fame, Stompand Happy Days as well as top comedy nights; previous shows include stand-ups Richard Herring, Russell Kane and Lee Hurst.

Food

Head to Proper Tea opposite Manchester Cathedral, an independent tea room owned by TV celebrity Yvette Fielding of Blue Peter fame, for loose teas and homemade cakes. The veteran presenter can often be found behind the till.

Teacup café on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter is run by the legendary DJ, Mr Scruff. Trendy, but with a friendly atmosphere, Teacup even features Mr Scruff’s own tea. Perfect if you’re on a quest for the perfect brew.If you’re looking to treat yourself, visit Michael Caines at Abode, the celebrity chef’s two-star Michelin restaurant. For those that like spice, head to Curry Mile – we particularly like Mughli.

Music

Renowned for its musical heritage, Manchester is the birthplace of Factory Records and the legendary Haçienda. Rising to fame in the 80s and 90s, ‘Madchester’ gave us The Smiths, the Stone Roses and New Order to name a few. Visit one of the oldest and most diverse venues the Band on the Wall, a live music venue in the Northern Quarter district of the city. Built in the 1860s as the flagship pub of a local brewery, it was originally called the George & Dragon. It got its nickname in the late 1920s or early 1930s from the stage high on the back wall. Today it remains a popular venue for jazz and blues acts.

Live music fans should check out The Albert Hall, an A Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel. The grand and ornate chapel has been restored into a stunning purpose-built music hall and is set to become one of the most atmospheric music and events venues in the UK. Closed for over 40 years and resurrected by Trof, the people behind Gorilla and The Deaf Institute, as an unrivalled events venue, restaurant and bar.

Previous acts have included Bombay Bicycle Club and Bonobo. Head below the railway tracks on Whitworth Street, and you’ll find Gorilla, a club space and live venue hosting upcoming and big DJs and live acts, not to mention an acclaimed kitchen with award-winning burgers. For massive headliners, the largest indoor arena in Europe, Manchester Arena regularly welcomes top acts like Michael Buble, Justin Timberlake and Miranda Hart (not on the same stage, fortunately).

Arts and Culture

Manchester has a rich cultural heritage displayed throughout museums and galleries. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) celebrates industrial history and houses a large collection of steam locomotives, working machines from the Industrial Revolution as well as aircraft and space vehicles. It is appropriately housed in the former Liverpool Road railway station, the terminus of the world's first passenger railway.

Sitting at the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays, The Lowry, named after the painter, L.S. Lowry, exhibits his acclaimed paintings of industrial scenes in the north of England and works by other noted artists. The Cornerhouse on Oxford Street is Manchester's international centre for contemporary visual arts and independent film. It has three floors of art galleries, a bookshop, a bar, a café and three cinemas showing indie flicks and general releases.

Tucked behind Oxford Road in an old mill is the Anthony Burgess Foundation. The author of the acclaimed novel, A Clockwork Orange is remembered here. The Foundation houses a collection of Burgess’s own furniture, paintings and musical instruments, as well as a café, study centre, library and exhibition space which has regular events such as book launches, talks and small concerts.

Gay and LGBT scene

The thriving gay and lesbian scene centres on the famous Canal Street, home of the hit TV series Queer as Folk. Today, Canal Street is as much about café culture as its famous clubs and bars and features its very own VIP card, so you can take advantage of great local deals in restaurants and shops.

Party and nightlife in Manchester

Immerse yourself in the electrifying party and nightlife scene of Manchester, known for its diverse and vibrant offerings. Top spots to experience the city's nightlife include:

• Deansgate & Spinningfields: A wild night out or a chic dinner, you’ll find them both here.

• Castlefield: A fun night out for beers and cocktails, less rowdy than the city centre.

• Deansgate Locks: For going out to clubs and bars.

• Northern Quarter: Something for everyone from jazz clubs to cocktail bars to pubs – open late.

• Canal Street: Manchester’s gay quarter, open ‘till late.

Best places to stay in Manchester

Embarking on Manchester holidays offers an unforgettable experience in one of the UK's most dynamic cities. Renowned for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant cultural scene, and iconic sports legacy, Manchester is a destination that caters to all. Whether you're exploring the bustling city streets, indulging in its culinary delights, or soaking up its lively arts and music scenes, Manchester promises a holiday filled with excitement and discovery. As you plan your visit, finding the best places to stay in Manchester is key to making the most of your urban adventure.

Manchester city centre is an ever-evolving hub with new trendy areas emerging all the time. Oxford Road and Portland Street remain popular places to stay, especially with first-time and weekend visitors, as they’re easily reachable from the station, cater to all budgets, and you’re close to bars, clubs and The Palace Theatre. Deansgate and Spinngfields have more of a glamorous look and elegant bars and restaurants.

The Canal Street area is popular for nights out and hotels and is a friendly and welcoming LGBTQ area. The Northern Quarter is your go-to for cool shops, markets, alternative events and live music. Its vibe has rubbed off on neighbouring Ancoats and New Islington, which are now even chicer and just a little more well-heeled too. For Old Trafford, Lowry and Media City, Salford Quays has a range of more corporate accommodation in all budgets.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Most first-time visitors here opt to stay close to the station and, although it’s not the chicest part of the city, it is extremely handy for shopping, Christmas markets, city-centre attractions and is excellently connected by bus, tram and train. Nearby, but a bit cooler, you’ll find Northern Quarter and Ancoats, with more independent stays and delightful eateries, coffee shops and bars.

If it’s Old Trafford and Media City you’re seeking, head to Salford Quays for all the classic budget hotels (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Travelodge), right on the pretty waterfront. Manchester United fans can even stay in Hotel Football for a true Red experience.

Where to stay with your family in Manchester

Most areas in Manchester are great for families, with a lively atmosphere. You can’t go far wrong along Oxford Road or in Castlefield, to be close to the main attractions and museums.

Four-star INNSiDE by Melia is walking distance from the main sights and the canal path, in a newly pedestrianised area called First Street. It’s a popular area for evenings out, but not rowdy, with family-friendly restaurants on your doorstep.

Right on the water in modern Salford Quays, the Holiday Inn Express is a great family option with plenty to do, see, eat and drink nearby, but quieter than the city centre.

Where to find cheap hotels in Manchester

To be within touching distance of Manchester’s best attractions but still on a budget, simply cross the River Irwell. Just along Blackfriars Street and Chapel Street, you’ll find dozens of hotels for under, like the Manchester Central Arena/Printworks Premier Inn or Travelodge Manchester Central.

Hotel Indigo Manchester is also right at the heart of the action, attached to Victoria Station (handy for the Manchester Arena), but frequently with rooms under £100. Keep things super-budget at Manchester YHA in trendy Castlefield, close to the charming canal and dozens of good bars and restaurants. The vibe is colourful and relaxed, with a cheap and hearty food menu.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers visiting Manchester for the first time should snap up the opportunity to stay at Native. This cool venue with its friendly atmosphere and factory-chic decor is a hit with a younger crowd – steps from Picadilly Station, a stone’s throw from the northern quarter and with photogenic rooms and micro apartments.

For another hotel with a cool, independent feel and a cosy atmosphere, try The Abel Heywood – a boutique hotel in an intimate Northern Quarter pub. Exposed brick and original features meet plush furnishings and modern bathrooms. Plus, just downstairs you have a warm venue serving pub classics.

Manchester hotels with rooftop bars

For budget-friendly hotels with rooftop bars, you really can’t be BrewDog Doghouse. It has everything you could wish for – a lively atmosphere, a great bar with good beer and hearty food.

There’s often live music, and you’ll stay in a cool, industrial-chic aesthetic right in the heart of town. Head to the rooftop terrace to soak up the atmosphere and the last of the sun and have a pint and burger.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

Among the elegant streets at Manchester’s historic heart, you’ll find a slice of modern luxury in King Street Townhouse. Despite its city-centre location, the interior is decorated like the trendiest countryside home you can picture, with luxurious furniture and colourful touches.

The Tavern is the hotel’s popular restaurant, serving indulgent breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea, as well as next-level dinners. It’s international cuisine with a British twist, like nduja dumplings, brioche and butter pudding, or monkfish bhaji, followed by roast, wellington or venison.

Spa hotels in Manchester

The Midland Hotel is in one of Manchester’s most historic buildings – famously, it has hosted Winston Churchill, and it’s where Mr Rolls was introduced to Mr Royce. Its recent revamp has elevated the iconic, 120-year-old interior to heady new heights.

The rooms are calming sanctuaries, and the interior is all high-ceiling elegance and an all-pervasive feeling of serenity. You can enjoy cocktails or afternoon tea in The Midland Lounge, sample the daily-changing menu at The French or enjoy contemporary British cuisine at Mount Street Dining Room. The Rena Spa is the hotel’s crowning jewel, offering exceptional spa treatments and therapies.

There’s a pool, sauna, aromatherapy steam rooms and experiential showers, as well as a large menu of massages, facials, body treatments and pregnancy massages.

Exceptional hotels

Exceptional Manchester hotels don’t get much more unique than Manchester’s Hotel Gotham. It’s one of the city’s swankiest addresses, inside a grand former bank, with over-the-top art deco architecture and an insistence that its guests enjoy an ‘indulgent multisensory experience’ (think city banker’s night off).

The rooms feature opulent amounts of gold, leather, velvet and mirrors, with quirky Batman-esque details. You’ll find 1920s-style hotel newspapers, steam-punk binoculars, elaborate travelling chests and gold freestanding bathtubs – just because. You’ll dine at Honey, an exclusive, haute-cuisine affair, and get access to one of Manchester’s most coveted rooftop bars, Club Brass, with its artwork-worthy cocktails. While you’re staying, why not indulge in the Bentley Chauffeur add-on or the Martini Trolley Butler?

Manchester Luxury Hotels

For all-round luxury, you really can’t beat The Edwardian, a five-star spa hotel by Radisson Hotels. It’s in a thriving part of the city centre, opposite Manchester Central Library and close to Albert Hall and Manchester Convention Centre.

The interior is modern luxury, with a focus on sleek decor and the most exquisite furniture and mattresses. The spa is equally sleek, with its minimalist interior featuring a gym, pool, steam and sauna, as well as private treatment rooms for your moment of calm. The hotel has several dining spaces, including the trendy Peter Street Kitchen – a high-end modern space in the historic Free Trade Hall, serving Japanese and Mexican small plates with DJs playing on weekends.

The Library Champagne Bar is a very five-star experience; you’ll sip Champagne while enjoying charcuterie, artisan cheese and à la carte classics, or savouring a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Going shopping in Manchester

Experience the best of Manchester's shopping scene with these standout selections:

• The Trafford Centre: A mix of high-street and higher-end shops in one giant shopping centre, perfect for shopaholics.

• The Arndale: High-street mall in the town centre.

• The Northern Quarter: independent boutiques, vintage and arty stores.

• Afflecks Palace: An indoor emporium for vintage, independent sellers and quirky shops.

• Manchester Craft and Design Centre: Small former market hall home to unique sellers.

• Cathedral Street and St Anne’s Square: The high-end high-street options plus designer stores.

Markets in Manchester

Dive into the rich tapestry of Manchester's markets, a true showcase of local crafts, fresh produce, and unique items. Notable markets include:

• The Maker’s Market: A unique market selling street food and handcrafts from local creators that tours the city, usually on Sundays. Check the website for locations (Northern Quarter, Didsbury, Stockport, etc.).

• Arndale Food Hall: A perennially popular food-hall market with global cuisine at reasonable prices.

• Altrincham Market: A buzzing artisan market with a covered area hosting local sellers and an indoor gourmet food court.

• Stockport Market Hall and Produce Hall: A traditional covered market selling baked goods and local crafts, regenerating into a cool venue.

• Christmas Market: The Christmas markets take over Manchester city centre throughout December, focussed around Market Street, Exchange Square and St Anne’s Square.

• Freight Island: In recently regenerated Mayfield, Freight Island is the It place to be – a partially covered street-food venue with a party atmosphere.

The 10 must-sees of Manchester

• The Manchester Museum

• The Manchester Art Gallery

• John Rylands Library

• The Science and Industry Museum

• Football Museum

• Imperial War Museum

• Tour Etihad or Old Trafford

• The Whitworth Gallery

• The People’s History Museum

• Cathedral