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
Salford
Kallos Cafe & Wine Bar
Kallos is a Greek restaurant and wine bar in Salford, serving up exquisite dishes throughout the day and evening.
Manchester
Centenary Gardens
The Centenary Gardens is a wonderful green space for the Old Trafford community to enjoy.
City Centre
Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions Manchester is part of the global Museum of Illusions Group, the largest and fastest-growing chain of private museums in the world.
Manchester
New Century Kitchen
Grand food hall with a superb outdoor space and a smart selection of in-house indie food traders
Ancoats
Bangkok Diners Club
When it comes to out-there ideas and beautiful Thai-inspired flavours, nowhere else comes close.
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.
Manchester Visitor Guides
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.
Places To Eat Outside in Manchester
Looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester in these hot summer months? Here's our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Things to do with babies in Manchester
Looking for things to do with babies? Check out some of our top things to do with the littlest tourists before you set out.
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.
Things to do with toddlers in Manchester
Read our guide to navigating the city with toddlers and having loads of fun too!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Cinema in the North
Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.
Family things to do in the North
Crocodile-themed Easter egg hunts, sense-sational museum trips and more this Easter!
Food and Drink in the North
Spring is here and the North is buzzing with must-visit new restaurants and bars.
Music in the North
Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring.
Exhibitions in the North
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
Tours and Activities in the North
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.