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
Stevenson Square
Stevenson Square, the central hub of bars and cafes in Northern Quarter. Home to some of the best bars in the city.
City Centre
CUPRA City Garage
Already based in Paris, Mexico City, Sydney and Vienna, CUPRA’s international expansion is driven by culture as much as cars, and Manchester’s creative energy has clearly caught their attention.
Manchester
Samsi
Long-standing Japanese restaurant on Whitworth Street in Manchester with a pleasingly affordable menu.
Manchester
Creatures Comedy Club
Whether you’re a die-hard comedy fan or just after a spontaneous night out, there’s something here for everyone. Open 7 nights a week.
Manchester
Cafe Blah
Cafe, bar, gallery and venue in Withington
Manchester
The Loft
The Loft is an intimate, industrial-style club tucked away on the edge of Manchester city centre. Known for its impeccable sound system and low-key vibe.
City Centre
Stables Tavern
The Stables Tavern is an olde style pub in the St John’s neighbourhood of Manchester, where the Rovers Return once stood.
Manchester
Ban Di Bul
Ban Di Bul is a longstanding Korean restaurant in the very centre of Manchester.
Manchester
Birch Community Centre
With a year-round programme spanning yoga to experimental performance, Birch is where community spirit meets creative flair.
Manchester
Viet Deli
Viet Deli is a small venue, not the kind of place for a sit down meal. Serving only bánh mì, traditionally street food in Vietnam.
Manchester Visitor Guides
Bars in Manchester
The best new bars in Manchester, plus some old favourites for good measure.
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.
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
Brewery Tours in the North
Brewery tours across the North offer more than just a behind-the-scenes look at hops and fermenters. They’re a window into the region’s character.
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.
Japanese restaurants in Manchester
Fancy some Japanese food? We've uncovered the five best restaurants in Manchester.
Cafes and Coffee Shops in Manchester
Here are some of the best cafés and best coffee shops we’ve come across in Manchester – independents (almost) all.
Music Venues in Manchester
Manchester is still a great place to watch new and innovative music – so here’s a guide to where to watch the best live music in the city.
Italian Food in Manchester
It's hard to think of a more varied and reliably delicious food than Italian cuisine. Check out our expert guide to Manchester's very best Italian restaurants.
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
Food and Drink in the North
Here’s our summertime guide to great food and drinks across the North.
Cinema in the North
July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.
Tours and Activities in the North
Get stuck into some talking, baking and walking in this months top picks of Tours and Activities in the North.
Exhibitions in the North
Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.
Theatre in the North
Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.
Literature Events in the North
From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.
Family things to do in the North
The summer holidays are here and what a packed programme of events we have in store for you!