4 Must-Do Manchester Hotspots

Girl eats brunch in pub garden

Eat canalside

Manchester is a pretty darn great city. Whether you’re planning to visit for a shopping weekend, a night out or even considering staying a little longer (trust me, there’s enough to do), I’ve collated my top hidden Manc hotspots that you just NEED to visit.

1. Northern Quarter

This is a corner of the city unknown to most tourists – and even many locals haven’t fully explored it yet.

Situated a 10-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station and the Ancoats Travelodge, it’s a bustling hub of vintage stores, quirky bars and independent eateries. If you’re hungry, try Odd Bar for arguably the best English breakfast in Manchester (vegan options included!) or Home Sweet Home for a mammoth slab of the most incredibly decorated rainbow cake you’ve ever seen.

Chocolate brownies

Sweet heaven

For drinks, grab a flaming rum cocktail at one of the Hawaiian-themed tiki bars.

Or, if you’re up for thrift shopping, definitely stop by Afflecks Palace, a huge brick corner building full of the quirkiest alternative shop stalls, packed with vintage clothing, retro antiques and even home to Manchester’s fair share of body piercing and tattoo studios if you’re into that!

2. Spinningfields

Spinningfields is arguably the most up-and-coming district in Manchester city centre. If you like to put on your best dress and heels (or suit and brogues) for a night out, then this is the place for you.

White pumps on a dance floor

Don’t dress down

It’s full of impeccably decorated modern bars and restaurants, even home to Manchester House, the most incredible fine dining restaurant in Manchester. It’s a beautiful venue overlooking the city skyline and serving up the most creative dishes masterminded by celebrity chef Aidan Byrne.

After dinner, visit The Alchemist for chemistry-themed smoking cocktails or, if you fancy something a little more casual, The Oast House for some cask ale.

3. Canal Street

Canal Street and its surrounding area is home to a huge collection of LGBT bars and nightclubs.

Not only is it a hugely vibrant part of the city, always adorned with various rainbow balloons and banners, it’s also set next to a beautiful canal and paved with cobblestones.

The nightlife in this part of the city is incredible and is always a firm favourite for a good night out – I personally love Baa Bar, where they serve rainbow shots and the dance floor is mirrored!

4. Castlefield

Castlefield is on the outskirts of Manchester city centre, and if it’s sunny when you visit, it’s a must-see!

Take a short walk from Deansgate metro or train station and follow the pathways of the Manchester canals. In Castlefield, there’s a plethora of canals meeting, old train bridges and cobbled streets; a reminder of Manchester’s famous industrial history.

As well as a nod to old Cottonopolis, as Manchester used to be referred to, Castlefield is now home to a number of British pubs making the most of their beautiful surroundings. On a sunny day, Dukes 92 – a bar named after the canal lock it is built next to – will be packed with socialites making the most of the weather by enjoying their outdoor BBQ and drinks area.

But, if you want to learn more about Manchester’s history, definitely take a free trip to the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s a huge interactive museum in Castlefield, complete with its own steam engine for rides!

So, hopefully that gives you a little inspiration for areas to visit when you’re next in Manchester. As well as my favourite places to visit, there’s also SO much more to see in Mancunia and I am so proud to call it my hometown. Don’t be shy when you explore – you’ll love it!