Northern Quarter Travel Guide

Manchester

Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter
Photo by Jenn Shelton

Taste craft beers and stroll down the lively streets of this alternative district, noticing the vinyl record stores, street art and indie fashion boutiques. 

Bohemian boutiques and trendy restaurants go some way towards characterizing the lively and eclectic Northern Quarter of Manchester. Following a major re-development in the 1990s, the zone became a hub for music and fashion.

Browse the array of trinkets and unconventional clothing in Afflecks, which was formerly a department store. Today, independent stores thrive in this multi-level redbrick building. Purchase decades-old comic books and board games in this hipster haven, where wacky works of art line the walls. You’ll also find a varied selection of alternative art at the Richard Goodall Gallery.

Stay in the area into the night and sip on intriguingly named cocktails in the quirky bars and retro taverns. International brands and homemade casks make up the beer selections.

Hit the night clubs with your friends or go to one of the many live music venues. Among the most iconic is Band on the Wall, which has a bar and a shop. End your day on a lighter note by watching a few comedy routines at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, or try your luck at the Admiral Casino: Manchester.

In addition to its eccentricities, the Northern Quarter also has museums providing a window into its past. Inspect the displays at the Greater Manchester Police Museum, where you can see old patrol cars and learn about the city’s policing during wartime.

In the southeastern corner of the district lies Piccadilly Basin, where the Rochdale Canal meanders between department stores, bars and apartment blocks.

The Northern Quarter can be found a little northeast of the city center of Manchester. Ride the tram to Shudehill or Piccadilly Gardens, which bookend this lively quarter. Manchester Piccadilly railway station is a short walk south. Visit some of the sights in the surrounding area, such as the Royal Exchange Theatre, the National Football Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Northern Quarter

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

3 out of 5
Goadsby St Off Swan St, Manchester, England
Fully refundable
The price is ₹6,279 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹6,279
₹7,673 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,020 reviews)
"The hotel staff were all friendly & helpful. Very pleased with room which provided a much needed cool quiet break away from the heat of the city. The complimentary breakfast was excellent too."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
easyHotel Manchester

easyHotel Manchester

2 out of 5
33 Dale Street, Manchester, England
The price is ₹3,828 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹3,828
₹4,731 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

easyHotel Manchester
Malacuna Manchester

Malacuna Manchester

3 out of 5
15 Hilton Street, Manchester, England
The price is ₹3,766 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹3,766
₹4,520 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hostel in Manchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (186 reviews)
An unexpected good experience
"First time booking a 'hostel'. Pleasantly surprised with accommodation. Great vibrant area of Manchester to be in, with loads of restaurants, pubs, cafes etc. Expected more internal late night noise, but didn't happen. Only negative was loud music immediately underneath us until 230am on Friday & ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Malacuna Manchester
Britannia Sachas Hotel

Britannia Sachas Hotel

3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
The price is ₹3,541 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹3,541
₹4,388 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.4/10 (1,319 reviews)
"hotel was alright for the price and location, nothing fancy but fulfilled it’s purpose"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Britannia Sachas Hotel
Crowne Plaza Hotel Manchester City Centre by IHG

Crowne Plaza Hotel Manchester City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
70 Shudehill, Manchester, England
The price is ₹7,581 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹7,581
₹9,235 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Great Hotel
"I paid for the Junior Suite, because it was only about £5 more than a standard double. I got access to the Club Lounge (with free drinks & canapes). The suite was spacious, with good views of Manchester and a really comfy bed. Breakfast was pretty good too."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza Hotel Manchester City Centre by IHG
Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport

Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport

4 out of 5
Outwood Lane, Manchester Airport, Manchester, England
The price is ₹8,172 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
₹8,172
₹9,807 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,988 reviews)
"Window is broken"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Northern Quarter

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Ancoats

While Ancoats may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Manchester Arndale and Printworks.

Ancoats
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Piccadilly

When in Piccadilly and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Canal Street or Manchester Conference Centre and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Picadilly Gardens Station or Mosley Street Station.

Piccadilly
Albert Square featuring a city, street scenes and a square or plaza

Manchester City Centre

4/5(2,171 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Manchester City Centre. Check out top attractions like Manchester Art Gallery and St. Peter's Square, and jump on the metro at St Peters Square Station or Mosley Street Station to see more of the city.

Manchester City Centre
Chinatown showing night scenes, a city and street scenes

Chinatown

4/5(465 area reviews)

Chinatown is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Manchester Art Gallery and Imperial Chinese Archway while in the area.

Chinatown
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Gay Village

While visiting Gay Village, you might make a stop by sights like Canal Street and Alan Turing Memorial.

Gay Village
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Central Retail District

While you're in Central Retail District, take in top sights like Royal Exchange Theatre and jump on the metro at Market Street Station to see more of the city.

Central Retail District

Northern Quarter Travel Guide