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
MAYA Manchester
MAYA is a stylish new restaurant and bar on the corner of Canal Street and Chorlton in central Manchester.
Manchester
Medlock Canteen
Medlock Canteen combines Parisian bistro style dining with a 50s diner look and feel.
Manchester
New Wave Ramen
New Wave Ramen is a stylish, friendly Japanese ramen bar and restaurant on Tib Lane in the heart of Manchester.
Northern Quarter
Lamb of Tartary
Lamb Of Tartary serves up high-end British cuisine, courtesy of Shaun Moffat, of Edinburgh Castle fame.
Manchester
The Mezz
at AO Arena
at AO Arena
The Mezz is the new VIP area at the AO Arena, offering high-end food and drinks with great views of the stage.
City Centre
Capri’s Cucina Italiana
The King Street area isn’t short of popular Italian restaurants, but none strike quite the same note as Capri’s, where you’ll be greeted like family and served some of the most authentic Neapolitan food in Manchester.
Manchester
Feel Good Club
Our flagship Feel Good Club in Manchester, open 7 days a week, providing a beautiful friendly environment for coffee, brunch, lunch, cocktails and beers with an amazing selection of non alcoholic beverages too.
Ancoats
Finders Keepers
Welcoming waterside bar in New Islington Marina, serving a wide array of carefully-curated cocktails.
City Centre
Climat
Highly-regarded wine-led, French-leaning wine bar and rooftop restaurant in the city centre.
Manchester
Abeja Tapas
Authentic Southern Spanish tapas available in an artisan gift box.
City Centre
Blinker
Elegant cocktail bar in the centre of Manchester, with a relaxed atmosphere and wonderfully friendly staff.
Manchester
The Beeswing Wine Bar and Kitchen
Tapas and wine at this friendly, stylish bar, based at Manchester’s Kampus complex.
Manchester Visitor Guides
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
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.
Free family things to do in Manchester
The world's at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
Breakfast in Manchester
Manchester is strong with the breakfast force, and has some impressive form where brunch is concerned. Here’s our pick of the city’s morning glories.
Parks and Gardens in Manchester
There are more green spaces in Manchester than you might think. We've picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
Comedy Nights in Manchester
Looking for a laugh? Here are Manchester's very best comedy nights.
Bars in Manchester
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
Stately Homes in the North
The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.
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.
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.
Manchester District Guides
Spotlight on
May Bank Holiday 2024: Things to Do
Plan your May Bank Holiday weekend with our top picks from music, art, theatre, food and drink spots, whatever the weather.
Take me thereDestination Guides
Culture Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
Take a look at our top recommendations for restaurants and bars to check out this spring.
Theatre in Manchester and the North
Eclectic as ever. You'll find Bollywood musicals, scratch nights and anarchic Shakespeare in our pick of the performative crop.
Literature Events in Manchester and the North
From spotlights on indie presses to big hitters brought to you by the bookshops, festivals and libraries, you'll find plenty to whet your wordy whistle this month.
Family things to do in Manchester and the North
From creative adventures, museum experiences and spectacular theatre, check out what's on for the family in Manchester and the north.
Exhibitions in Manchester and the North
Traditional painting takes a step back this month to make way for some excellent photography, sculpture and multimedia exhibitions around the North.
Classical Music in Manchester and the North
Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.
Cinema in Manchester and the North
Ealing Studios and the best of Ryan Gosling are amongst our film highlights this month.
Music in Manchester and the North
Gazing longingly towards the good times that will accompany the surely imminent sun, we take a look at the best music festivals coming up in Manchester and Salford.
Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North
Try something new, explore somewhere different, learn a new skill with our tours and activities guide.