Northern Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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 characterising 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 centre 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

Activities


Our pick of the best Northern Quarter Hotel Deals

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
The price is AU$147 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$147
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,036 reviews)
"Clean room/free breakfast"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
Britannia Sachas Hotel

Britannia Sachas Hotel

3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
The price is AU$78 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$78
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.4/10 (1,321 reviews)
"Stayed at this hotel before. Overall enjoyed our stay. With the hotel being central your always going to have noise. The only bad comment i could put is that we couldnt open a window and get some air in. The hotel was central and near to all shops and eateries. Not sure why a lot of people give it ..."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 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 AU$145 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$145
per night
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Very close to Arndale shopping centre less than twenty minute walk to train station"

Reviewed on 27 Sept 2025

Crowne Plaza Hotel Manchester City Centre by IHG
easyHotel Manchester

easyHotel Manchester

2 out of 5
33 Dale Street, Manchester, England
The price is AU$86 per night from 12 Oct to 13 Oct
AU$86
per night
12 Oct - 13 Oct
Stay at this hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"TV connecting to the wifi was a problem"

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2025

easyHotel Manchester
Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport

Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport

4 out of 5
Outwood Lane, Manchester Airport, Manchester, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$202 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$202
per night
31 Oct - 1 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,122 reviews)
"Water for bath and wash basin was cool. Shuttle service eccellent. Breakfast very good."

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

Clayton Hotel, Manchester Airport
TRIBE Manchester Airport

TRIBE Manchester Airport

4 out of 5
Chicago Avenue, Manchester, England
The price is AU$181 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$181
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Manchester. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions The Runway Visitor Park and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,057 reviews)
"Lovely stay, breakfast was beautiful and close to the airport, perfect for early flights."

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

TRIBE 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

If you're spending time in Piccadilly, check out sights like Market Street or Rochdale Canal and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Picadilly Gardens Station or Mosley Street Station.

Piccadilly
Albert Square featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a city

Manchester City Centre

4/5(54 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 which includes night scenes, a city and signage

Chinatown

3.5/5(12 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

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