Medieval Quarter, Manchester
Creative TouristThe Medieval Quarter, or Cathedral Quarter as it is sometimes known, is one of the oldest parts of Manchester and home to some historic gems and cultural must-sees.
Our top picks
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral is, according to the Pevsner Architectural Guide, “one of the most impressive examples in England of a late medieval collegiate church”. Open all year round, it’s a venue for worship and music events alike — a monument to all of Manchester’s saints and sinners.
Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre. Located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum, it provides a precious hint of green space in this area.
National Football Museum
The National Football Museum is one of Manchester and the UK’s top attractions. Visitors can explore the whole world of football across several floors of changing exhibitions, vast collections of memorabilia and impressive interactive installations.
The Corn Exchange
Showcasing all its original Edwardian beauty with a modern twist, The Corn Exchange is something of a food destination, housing a number of great restaurants, from Banyan Bar & Kitchen to Salvi’s Mozzarella Bar.
Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s is the oldest surviving public library in the country – and the esteemed ancestor of Central Library.
The Stoller Hall
The relative baby in the family of Manchester’s classically-inclined concert halls, The Stoller Hall opened its doors in April 2017 to further enhance the city’s already enviable live music provision.
Where to go in Manchester
Manchester
Soap Street Pizza
Based at Nordie in Levenshulme, Soap Street Pizza put out the perfect pie: crispy base and inspired toppings.
City Centre
Pip
at Treehouse Manchester
at Treehouse Manchester
Pip is the in-house restaurant at the long-awaited Treehouse Hotel, headed up by Bury-born chef, Mary-Ellen McTague.
Manchester
School of Digital Arts (SODA)
SODA is Manchester Metropolitan University’s a purpose‑built, interdisciplinary school that facilitates the study of new media.
Manchester
GET BAKED
Newly opened cakery in Stevensons Square, Northern Quarter Manchester. Get Baked brings all the Yorkshire charm and sweetness one of the city’s most popular squares.
Manchester
Winsome
Winsome delivers modern British food, cooked beautifully by chef-owner Shaun Moffat and his team.
Manchester
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly Spa
The in-house spa at the Marriott Hotel Piccadilly is a sanctuary away from the city outside on its doorstep.
Manchester
Altogether Otherwise
Altogether Otherwise is a haven of activity where all are encouraged to make, do, dance, read and enjoy pursuing creativity with no pressure.
Northern Quarter
The Shoegaze Cafe
Coffee, walls of sound and smart conversation at this pop-up cafe in the Northern Quarter.
Manchester
Renae
Introducing Renae: A new music-led bar and creative hub in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Manchester
Chakalaka
The very best of South African cuisine in an intimate, friendly space in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Manchester
The Daisy
The Daisy is one of Manchester’s more in-demand basement bars, offering an underground Paris-inspired night out.
Manchester
Sampa
Colourful Brazilian fine dining at Caroline Martin’s intimate restaurant, Sampa.
Manchester Visitor Guides
Spas in the North West
If you find yourself in the North West of England looking for a spa day, look no further, check out our guide featuring our favourite spots.
Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield
Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.
Must-Try Places
at Great Northern in Manchester
at Great Northern in Manchester
The Grade 2 listed Great Northern building is one of the calmer spots around the Deansgate strip, but that calm exterior is home to a vast array of places to eat and...
Cocktails in Manchester
Looking for the best cocktails in Manchester? We have the lot, to cover all tastes and budgets, to guarantee a good time.
Bookshops in Manchester
Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature, so of course there are a few go-tos for books. Read our guide to discover the best places to pick them up.
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Gin Bars in Manchester
Where in Manchester can you find the best gins, the best gin cocktails, or just those unusual little bottles that you might not find anywhere else? Here's our guide.
Afternoon Tea in Manchester
The finest places in Manchester to sip Darjeeling, eat dainty finger sandwiches and slap extra clotted cream on a freshly baked scone.
Hidden Bars in Manchester
Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.
Boutique Hotels Manchester
Some of the most unique places to stay in Manchester. We pick out the top upscale accommodations with a twist.
Manchester District Guides
Spotlight on
Hidden Bars in Manchester
Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.
Take me thereDestination Guides
Culture Guides
Theatre in the North
Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.
Family things to do in the North
Crocodile-themed Easter egg hunts, sense-sational museum trips and more this Easter!
Tours and Activities in the North
Boozy tours, art workshops and a 'hobby house' that champions all things DIY, get the creative cogs whirring with our latest batch of tours and activities.
Exhibitions in the North
From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.
Literature Events in the North
If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.
Food and Drink in the North
Make the most of the springtime sun with some of the North's best bars and restaurants.
Music in the North
The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.
Cinema in the North
Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.