Manchester hotels, United Kingdom

Shopping in Manchester

The city is ideal for both fashion enthusiasts and budget-savvy shoppers. Head to Selfridges and Harvey Nichols for the latest designer labels or explore Cross Street for independent boutiques specializing in clothing and accessories. The Arndale is an indoor shopping mall featuring major fashion brands, an extensive food court, and free WiFi throughout.

A bit further out, the Trafford Center offers hundreds of high-street store outlets, along with Selfridges and John Lewis, making it perfect for catching a deal. As one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, the Trafford Center is accessible by car or regular bus services from the city center.

If you're searching for something unique, the streets north of Piccadilly Gardens are a treasure trove of independent shops and local designers offering vintage clothes as well as goth, punk, rock, indie, and metal styles. Visit Affleck's Palace in the Northern Quarter for vinyl, posters, and comics.

Connections to TV

Manchester hosts a bustling media hub, including offices and studios linked to two major television channels. Granada Television produces classic shows here, from the beloved soap Coronation Street to the gritty drama Prime Suspect, and provides seasonal studio tours and tickets to live-audience shows featuring comedians like Peter Kay, Harry Hill, and Caroline Aherne.

BBC TV recently moved leading shows such as Blue Peter, Dragon’s Den, and Match of the Day. Tours and studio tickets are available throughout the year.

Theater

Manchester is renowned for its excellent theaters. Larger venues include the Manchester Opera House, which often hosts touring Broadway shows, the Palace Theatre, and the Royal Exchange Theatre, a smaller production theater housed in the former Cotton Exchange.

The Lowry also features two theaters offering crowd-pleasing musicals like Fame, Stomp, and Happy Days, alongside top comedy nights with past performers like Richard Herring, Russell Kane, and Lee Hurst.

Food

Visit Proper Tea opposite Manchester Cathedral, an independent tea room owned by TV celebrity Yvette Fielding of Blue Peter fame, for loose teas and homemade cakes. The veteran presenter is often found behind the counter.

Teacup Café on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter is run by legendary DJ Mr. Scruff. Stylish yet welcoming, Teacup features Mr. Scruff’s own tea. It's the perfect spot if you’re on a quest for the perfect brew. For a treat, head to Michael Caines at Abode, the two-star Michelin restaurant owned by the celebrity chef. If you enjoy spice, head to Curry Mile, where Mughli is a favorite.

Music

Celebrated for its musical heritage, Manchester is the birthplace of Factory Records and the legendary Haçienda. The 'Madchester' era of the '80s and '90s introduced us to The Smiths, the Stone Roses, and New Order among others. Visit the Band on the Wall, one of the city's oldest and most diverse venues in the Northern Quarter. Built in the 1860s as the flagship pub of a local brewery, it was originally called the George & Dragon. The nickname came from the high stage on the back wall in the late 1920s or early 1930s. It remains a popular site for jazz and blues acts.

Live music fans should explore The Albert Hall, a Grade II listed Wesleyan chapel. The grand, ornate chapel has been transformed into a stunning purpose-built music hall, poised to be one of the most atmospheric venues in the UK. Closed for over 40 years, it was resurrected by Trof, the team behind Gorilla and The Deaf Institute, as a leading events venue, restaurant, and bar.

Past performances include Bombay Bicycle Club and Bonobo. Below the railway tracks on Whitworth Street, you'll find Gorilla, a club and live venue hosting upcoming and renowned DJs and performers, not to mention an acclaimed kitchen with award-winning burgers. For major headliners, the largest indoor arena in Europe, Manchester Arena, frequently draws top artists like Michael Bublé, Justin Timberlake, and Miranda Hart.

Arts and culture

Manchester's rich cultural heritage is showcased throughout its museums and galleries. The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) celebrates industrial history, featuring a large collection of steam locomotives, working machines from the Industrial Revolution, along with aircraft and space vehicles. It is fittingly housed in the former Liverpool Road railway station, the terminus of the world's first passenger railway.

Situated in the heart of the redeveloped Salford Quays, The Lowry, named after the painter L.S. Lowry, exhibits his acclaimed paintings of industrial scenes in northern England, along with works by other noted artists. The Cornerhouse on Oxford Street is Manchester's international center for contemporary visual arts and independent film. It includes three floors of art galleries, a bookshop, a bar, a café, and three cinemas showing indie films and mainstream releases.

Hidden behind Oxford Road in an old mill is the Anthony Burgess Foundation. Dedicated to the author of the acclaimed novel A Clockwork Orange, the Foundation hosts a collection of Burgess’s furniture, paintings, and musical instruments, as well as a café, study center, library, and exhibition space, which regularly hosts events such as book launches, talks, and small concerts.

Gay and LGBT scene

The vibrant gay and lesbian scene centers on the famous Canal Street, which inspired the hit TV series Queer as Folk. Today, Canal Street thrives with café culture in addition to its renowned clubs and bars, and boasts its very own VIP card for great local deals in restaurants and shops.

Best places to stay in Manchester

Manchester offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe and attractions. Whether you're here for shopping, culture, or nightlife, here are some of the best areas to stay in Manchester:

City center: perfect for sightseeing and nightlife

Stay in the City Center for easy access to Manchester’s top attractions, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Science and Industry Museum, and a wide array of shops and restaurants. It’s also the best spot for nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and music venues nearby. Choose from a variety of hotels in Manchester city center for a convenient and lively stay.

Northern Quarter: trendy and eclectic

The Northern Quarter is the go-to area for those looking for a more eclectic, creative vibe. Known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art, it’s ideal for visitors who enjoy a bohemian atmosphere. There are plenty of hotels in the Northern Quarter offering unique and stylish accommodations in the heart of this artsy neighborhood.

Spinningfields: modern and upscale

Spinningfields is Manchester’s financial district, known for its sleek skyscrapers and luxury amenities. It’s a great choice for business travelers or those looking for an upscale experience, with high-end restaurants and designer shops nearby. Stay at one of the hotels in Spinningfields to enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and modern conveniences.

Trafford: sports and entertainment hub

Trafford is the perfect area for sports enthusiasts and families. Home to Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, it's ideal for catching a game or taking a stadium tour. Trafford is also known for its family-friendly attractions, such as the Trafford Centre for shopping and entertainment and the indoor ski slopes at Chill Factore. Opt for one of the hotels in Trafford to be close to all the action while enjoying a mix of leisure and excitement.

These areas offer a variety of experiences, making it easy to find the perfect place to stay during your Manchester visit.

Best areas for popular attractions

Many first-time visitors opt to stay close to the station. While it may not be the chicest part of the city, it’s extremely convenient for shopping, Christmas markets, and city-center attractions, and is excellently connected by bus, tram, and train. Nearby, but a bit cooler, you’ll find Northern Quarter and Ancoats, with more independent hotels and delightful eateries, coffee shops, and bars.

If you’re looking to be near Old Trafford and Media City, head to Salford Quays for all the classic budget hotels (Premier Inn, Holiday Inn, Travelodge), right on the picturesque waterfront. Manchester United fans can even stay at Hotel Football for a true Red experience.

Family-friendly spots in Manchester

Most areas in Manchester are great for families, with a lively atmosphere. You can’t go far wrong along Oxford Road or in Castlefield to be close to the main attractions and museums.

Four-star INNSiDE by Melia is within walking distance from the main sights and the canal path, in a newly pedestrianized area called First Street. It’s popular for evenings out, with family-friendly restaurants on your doorstep.

Right on the water in modern Salford Quays, the Holiday Inn Express is a great family option with plenty to do, see, eat, and drink nearby, yet quieter than the city center.

Finding budget hotels in Manchester

To be close to Manchester’s best attractions but still on a budget, simply cross the River Irwell. Just along Blackfriars Street and Chapel Street, you’ll find plenty of hotels such as the Manchester Central Arena/Printworks Premier Inn or Travelodge Manchester Central.

Hotel Indigo Manchester is also right in the heart of the action, attached to Victoria Station (handy for the Manchester Arena), but often with rooms under $100. Keep things super-budget at Manchester YHA in trendy Castlefield, close to the charming canal and a variety of good bars and restaurants. The vibe is colorful and relaxed, with a cheap and hearty food menu.

Solo traveler favorites in Manchester

Solo travelers visiting Manchester for the first time should take the opportunity to stay at Native. This cool venue with its friendly atmosphere and factory-chic decor is a hit with a younger crowd—steps from Piccadilly Station, a short walk from the Northern Quarter, and offering photogenic rooms and micro apartments.

For another hotel with a cool, independent feel and a cozy atmosphere, try The Abel Heywood – a boutique hotel in an intimate Northern Quarter pub. Exposed brick and original features meet plush furnishings and modern bathrooms. Plus, just downstairs, you have a warm venue serving pub classics.

The 10 must-sees in Manchester

• The Manchester museum

• The Manchester art gallery

• John Rylands library

• The Science and Industry museum

• National Football museum

• Imperial War museum

• Tour Etihad stadium or Old Trafford

• The Whitworth gallery

• The People’s History museum

• Manchester cathedral

Party and nightlife in Manchester

Dive into the exciting party and nightlife scene in Manchester, celebrated for its diverse and lively options. Here are the top spots to enjoy the city's nightlife:

• Deansgate & Spinningfields: Whether you're seeking a wild night out or a stylish dinner, you'll find both here.

• Castlefield: Perfect for a fun night out with beers and cocktails, it's less hectic than the city center.

• Deansgate Locks: Known for its clubs and bars, ideal for a night out.

• Northern Quarter: Offers a mix for everyone, from jazz clubs to cocktail bars to pubs — open late into the night.

• Canal Street: Manchester's gay quarter, open until late.

Shopping in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester's retail scene with these top picks:

• The Trafford Centre: A massive shopping mall combining popular brands and upscale shops, ideal for shopping enthusiasts.

• The Arndale: A central mall offering a variety of popular retail stores.

• The Northern Quarter: Home to independent boutiques, vintage shops, and artsy stores.

• Afflecks Palace: An indoor emporium featuring vintage and independent sellers and quirky shops.

• Manchester Craft and Design Center: A unique space in a former market hall showcasing distinctive sellers.

• Cathedral Street and St Anne’s Square: Offers high-street favorites alongside designer stores.

Markets in Manchester

Explore the vibrant array of Manchester's markets, which highlight local crafts, fresh produce, and unique finds. Noteworthy markets include:

• The Maker’s Market: A distinctive market offering street food and handcrafted items from local creators, rotating across the city, typically on Sundays. Check the website for locations (Northern Quarter, Didsbury, Stockport, etc.).

• Arndale Food Hall: A consistently popular food market featuring global cuisine at affordable prices.

• Altrincham Market: A lively artisan market with a covered area for local vendors and an indoor gourmet food court.

• Stockport Market Hall and Produce Hall: A traditional covered market offering baked goods and local crafts, evolving into a trendy venue.

• Christmas Market: These festive markets spread across Manchester city center throughout December, centered around Market Street, Exchange Square, and St Anne’s Square.

• Freight Island: Located in the recently revitalized Mayfield area, Freight Island is the go-to spot—a partially covered street-food venue with a lively atmosphere.

Manchester hotels with rooftop bars

For budget-friendly hotels with rooftop bars, you really can't beat BrewDog Doghouse. It has everything you could want—a lively atmosphere, a great bar with good beer, and hearty food. There's often live music, and you'll stay in a cool, industrial-chic setting right in the heart of town. Head to the rooftop terrace to soak up the atmosphere and the last of the sun with a pint and a burger.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

In the elegant streets of Manchester’s historic heart, you’ll find a slice of modern luxury at King Street Townhouse. Despite its city-center location, the interior is decorated like the trendiest countryside home you can picture, featuring luxurious furniture and colorful touches.

The Tavern is the hotel’s popular restaurant, serving indulgent breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea, as well as exceptional dinners. It’s international cuisine with a British twist, offering dishes like nduja dumplings, brioche and butter pudding, or monkfish bhaji, followed by roast, wellington, or venison.

Spa hotels in Manchester

The Midland Hotel is housed in one of Manchester’s most historic buildings—famously known for hosting Winston Churchill and where Mr. Rolls was introduced to Mr. Royce. Its recent revamp has taken the iconic, 120-year-old interior to impressive new heights.

The rooms provide calming sanctuaries, and the interior exudes high-ceiling elegance and an all-pervasive feeling of serenity. You can enjoy cocktails or afternoon tea in The Midland Lounge, try the daily-changing menu at The French, or relish contemporary British cuisine at Mount Street Dining Room. The Rena Spa is the hotel’s crowning jewel, offering exceptional spa treatments and therapies.

There's a pool, sauna, aromatherapy steam rooms, and experiential showers, along with a large menu of massages, facials, body treatments, and pregnancy massages.

Exceptional hotels

Exceptional Manchester hotels don’t get much more unique than Hotel Gotham. It’s one of the city’s swankiest addresses, located inside a grand former bank with over-the-top art deco architecture, ensuring guests enjoy an "indulgent multisensory experience" (think city banker’s night off).

The rooms feature opulent amounts of gold, leather, velvet, and mirrors, with quirky Batman-esque details. You’ll find 1920s-style hotel newspapers, steam-punk binoculars, elaborate traveling chests, and gold freestanding bathtubs—just because. You’ll dine at Honey, an exclusive haute-cuisine affair, and get access to one of Manchester’s most coveted rooftop bars, Club Brass, with its artwork-worthy cocktails. While you’re staying, why not indulge in the Bentley Chauffeur add-on or the Martini Trolley Butler?

Manchester luxury hotels

For all-around luxury, you really can’t beat The Edwardian, a five-star spa hotel by Radisson Hotels. It’s in a thriving part of the city center, opposite Manchester Central Library and close to Albert Hall and Manchester Convention Center.

The interior boasts modern luxury, focusing on sleek decor with the most exquisite furniture and mattresses. The spa is equally sleek, featuring a gym, pool, steam room, and sauna, as well as private treatment rooms for your moment of calm. The hotel has several dining spaces, including the trendy Peter Street Kitchen—a high-end modern space in the historic Free Trade Hall, serving Japanese and Mexican small plates with DJs playing on weekends.

The Library Champagne Bar offers a very five-star experience; you’ll sip Champagne while enjoying charcuterie, artisan cheese, and à la carte classics, or savor a sumptuous afternoon tea.