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
House Of Habesha
Wholesome Ethiopian and Eritrean food courtesy of this fast-growing street food vendor.
Manchester
Kargo MKT
Mighty food hall in Salford Quays, with around twenty street food vendors, serving a huge range of cuisines.
Manchester
ASAP Coffee
If you’re looking for quality coffee and a decadent brunch in a setting that nails the Northern Quarter brief, you’d struggle to do better than ASAP Coffee.
Manchester
George Street Chapel
This beautifully restored former Independent Methodist Chapel in the heart of Oldham is as much a creative hub as a heritage landmark.
Manchester
Gladstone Barber & Bistro
Upmarket family-run restaurant with an impressive Middle Eastern menu, plus an on-site barber.
Manchester
Salt & Pepper
Chinese inspired British food in the centre of Manchester, backed up by plenty of well-deserved local hype.
Manchester
Morning Glory
Morning Glory positions itself as a grab-and-go spot, with just 12 seats inside serving coffee, bagels and sweet treats.
Manchester
House of Social Food Hall
The newest addition to Manchester’s First Street, House of Social is more than mere student accommodation.
Chorlton
Fell Bar Chorlton
Old school pub in the heart of Chorlton.
Manchester
Black Redstart Gallery
Black Redstart Gallery is located in the Northern Quarter and runs a busy programme of exhibitions from emerging and established artists.
Manchester Visitor Guides
Manchester Restaurant Deals
Manchester's restaurants are bending over backwards to create deals that take the sting out of eating out. Here are the best of the bunch for January.
Cafés, Breakfast and Brunch in Manchester
Here are some of the best cafés and best coffee shops we’ve come across in Manchester – independents (almost) all.
Bars & Pubs
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Vegan and Vegetarian Food
Whether you’re a proud vegan or merely curious, let us guide you towards the best vegan food in Manchester for Veganuary.
Sunday Roasts in Manchester
Looking for the finest roast dinners in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best Sunday dinners in the city.
Japanese restaurants in Manchester
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
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.
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.
Art Galleries in Manchester & Salford
Manchester's art scene is thriving - here's our guide to the best art galleries, from artist-led studios to major institutions.
Places to drink in The Northern Quarter
There's no shortage of places to drink in the Northern Quarter. From hidden bars in launderettes and pawn shops, to record stores and even traditional pubs.
Manchester District Guides
Spotlight on
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.
Take me thereDestination Guides
Culture Guides
Cinema in the North
It's busy month across the cinemas of the north as Halloween programming leads into two of the region's biggest film festivals.
Theatre in the North
Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.
Literature Events in the North
One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...
Family things to do in the North
Get ready for a suitably spooky October, with Pumpkin delight, theatre, workshops and all sorts of hair-raising fun!
Music in the North
From New York’s experimental underground to the most exciting sounds coming from local scenes, we're lining up a noisy autumn of gigs.
Exhibitions in the North
Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.
Food and Drink in the North
Take some eating-out tips from our October guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.