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
The Drop Chorlton
Popular Caribbean restaurant in the heart of Chorlton.
Manchester
Factory Square
Factory Square is a huge beer garden, on the banks of the River Irwell, with top-quality drinks and street food selections.
Manchester
Sampa
at Calcio
at Calcio
Welcoming Northern Quarter venue, currently home to wonderful Brazilian food concept, Sampa.
Manchester
Fenix
Modern Greek Mediterranean cuisine from the team behind Tattu.
Manchester
Caravan Restaurant & Roastery
New Zealand-inspired food and drinks, plus a dedicated coffee roastery at this high-profile new restaurant, opening in August.
Manchester
Mettricks Butchers Glossop
Award-winning artisan butchers in Glossop, serving up some of the regions best quality meat.
Manchester
The Alchemist New York Street
The Alchemist New York Street has a menu packed with inventive and far-out ideas.
Manchester
The University of Manchester
Celebrating its 200th year in 2024, The University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK, and boasts come incredible cultural institutions, found on campus, across Manchester and…
Levenshulme
Alborz
Much-loved Persian restaurant on Stockport in Levenshulme, reopened after a lengthy lockdown-related hiatus.
Manchester
Jaan
New food concept from the team behind Another Hand, based at Exhibition and serving up exceptional Persian cuisine.
Manchester
Manchester Metropolitan University Grosvenor East Building
The home of Arts & Humanities, the Manchester Writing School, Manchester School of Theatre and Manchester Poetry Library at Manchester Metropolitan University – off All Saints Park (Grosvenor Square)
Manchester
The Rose & Monkey Hotel
The Rose & Monkey Hotel is one of the Northern Quarter’s best music-led bars, with a truly impressive beer garden. Our new favourite Manchester pub.
Manchester Visitor Guides
Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford
Make the most of the sun in one of Manchester's many top-notch beer gardens.
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.
Roof Terraces in Manchester
Best roof terrace in Manchester? We know the lot, and we're willing to share our hard-earned information.
Tasting Menus in The North
Looking for the finest luxury multi-course restaurants in Manchester? Look no further. We've picked out the very best tasting menus in the city - just make sure you have deep pockets.
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.
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.
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.
Manchester District Guides
Spotlight on
Fringe Theatre in Manchester and the North
Check out our top picks of shows previewing in the North West before heading to Edinburgh Fringe Festival later in the summer.
Take me thereDestination Guides
Culture Guides
Food and Drink in Manchester and the North
Gearing up for a sunny July? Take some eating-out tips from this month's guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.
Tours and Activities in Manchester and the North
Make bread, throw axes, learn costume design and drink beer like you've never done before in this month's Tours and activities guide.
Music in Manchester and the North
All-dayers make a strong showing in our latest music picks, from dance music marathons to vibrant showcases of South Asian artistry.
Family things to do in Manchester and the North
School year, complete! And as we say goodbye to what seems like a rather long summer term, we can look forward to the summer holidays, with lots of exciting activities...
Cinema in Manchester and the North
This month we look at Indie Horror Summer, outdoor movies, and a brand new film festival in Sheffield.
Theatre in Manchester and the North
Interactive circus, arts festivals and new writing, our guide features a show-stopping selection of theatre happening indoors and outside.
Literature Events in Manchester and the North
In between working out, then working through, your holiday reading pile this summer, find inspiration for your next bookish acquisitions from our selection of live events and exhibitions.
Exhibitions in Manchester and the North
Virginia Woolf and lasers, environmental recovery through wildness and thoughts on motherhood - all this and more in our exhibition top picks!
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.