Manchester/Victoria-Shopping District

This covers the area in central Manchester north of Piccadilly Gardens and east of Bridge St and Princess St, served by Victoria railway station. It covers the locales of the Millennium Quarter and St. Ann's Square as well as the multi-million pound Arndale shopping centre.

After the devastation of the 1996 IRA bombing, the area around Exchange Square has been completely redesigned and rebuilt as the Millennium Quarter. The square is a juxtaposition of Manchester's industrial heritage with the height of modern art and architecture. The ultra-modern Urbis centre stands side-by-side with the medieval Cathedral and the renovated Corn Exchange shopping centre, once Manchester's corn exchange.

St. Ann's Square is the centre of Manchester's main shopping district. It is usually packed with shoppers and usually the odd one or two street entertainers. The Council holds many events in the square, including specialist markets and musical events.

The Northern Quarter (NQ) is a lively area north of the shopping area with a unique character with many small shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Independent retailers are the norm here, and this is the place to get Mancunian music, street wear, vinyl or body art. The area is very lively and has its unique character. This character is spreading into the Ancoats area on the north side of the Ring Road.

Get in

By bus

Manchester's secondary bus station, Shudehill, is located in this area and receives most services from the North of the city. Piccadilly Gardens, which receives nearly every other bus in central Manchester is a 15 minute walk away.

By tram

This area has several stops on Greater Manchester's Metrolink tram system. Market Street, Shudehill, Exchange Square and Victoria all serve this area, with the latter being located within the train station of the same name.

By train

Manchester Victoria is the city's second largest railway station and is served predominantly by services from the North of England. The area is also served by Salford Central railway station, which is closer to the city centre than its name might suggest.

See

• Manchester Cathedral, 53.48513°, -2.24430°, +44 161 835-4030, peter.mellor@manchestercathedral.org. Cathedral Yard (Visitor Centre at 10 Cateaton Street, around the corner). Cathedral M-F 8AM-7PM, Sa 8AM-5PM, Su 8:30AM-7:30PM, check website for service times and events; Visitor Centre is open M-Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su 11:30AM-4PM. One of the few surviving medieval buildings in Manchester, the cathedral is a beautiful, dark Gothic building inside and out. It has a modern interactive Visitor Centre built around the excavations of the medieval 'Hanging Bridge' with an excellent licensed restaurant and gift shop. Entry to all attractions is free.
• Chetham's School of Music & Library, Long Millgate, 53.48644°, -2.24364°, +44 161 834-7961, librarian@chethams.org.uk. Library M-F 9AM-12:30PM, 1:30-4:30PM, closed Bank Holidays, call in advance; School is closed to general public. Chetham's is an independent private school of music and public library housed in the medieval priests' college next to the Cathedral. The library is the oldest public English library in the world. It is possible to look around without an appointment, but if you want to take a look at any of the collection, you will need to arrange this with the librarian beforehand. Free
• National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG (close to Manchester Victoria National Rail & Metrolink), 53.486006386°, -2.24216553026°, +44 161 605 8200, info@nationalfootballmuseum.com. 10AM-5PM. Last admission 4PM. Based in the visually striking glass sloping Urbis building designed by Ian Simpson Architects. England's only national museum for football (aka soccer) is spread over six floors. Museum café near exit. Admission ticket prices lower if booked on line. Adult £12; Child 5-15 £7; Child U5 free; Concessions £10 2022-11-17
• The Frog and Bucket, 102 Oldham Street, 53.48443°, -2.23267°. The Frog & Bucket comedy club provides rib(bit)-tickling entertainment.
• Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, 53.47862°, -2.24145°, +44 161 235-8888. Tu-Su 10AM-5PM and bank holidays except Christmas, New Year, and Good Friday. The principal wing is the work of Sir Charles Barry, also architect of the House of Parliament. Manchester's central art gallery is home to a huge collection of 19th-century and earlier works, including paintings by Canaletto, Constable, Turner, and Burne-Jones, as well as more complete collections by other artists. It has also been home to a number of original exhibitions over the last few years and the city's own art from all ages is well-represented within. There are important collections of world ceramics and English silver. Free 2022-11-06
• St. Ann's Church, St Ann Street, M2 7LF., 53.48180°, -2.24615°, +44 161 834-0239, manager@stannsmanchester.com. closed M, Tu-F 11AM-5PM, Sa 11AM-6PM, Su 8:30AM-6PM. see website for service times.. Daily daytime, check website for service times. St. Ann's Church is the main parish church of Manchester and one of only two surviving Medieval churches in the city centre (the other is the cathedral). It is also a venue for many sacred and secular classical music events. A small shop selling books and gifts is open at all times except during services. Free 2022-11-06
• Royal Exchange, St. Ann's Square, 53.48250°, -2.24482°, +44 161 833-9833. M-Sa 9:30AM-late (depending on length of evening's performance). The neo-classical Royal Exchange was the commercial heart of Manchester's and therefore the world's cotton trade. The main trading hall, essentially a neo-Roman basilica, was at one time the largest commercial room in the world. It fell into disuse in the 1960s, but was rescued in the 1970s by the restoration of the building and the addition of an ultra-modern theatre in-the-round for Sir Robert D.H. Scott's '69 (now Royal Exchange) theatre Company. It stands in the centre of the main trading floor, squatting like an alien invader's spaceship, but is actually supported on the hall's load bearing columns. Ill-disposed members of the audience sitting in the theatre's surrounding on-stage banquette seats are well-placed to trip the actors up physically. Extensive wine merchant cellars have now been converted into a shopping centre and the wings surrounding the theatre hall contain offices and Barristers' chambers. Pop in during the day for a coffee or something stronger at the tranquil and elegant licensed cafe in the main hall: the entrance is up the stairs in St. Ann's Square or on Cross Street. As well as the wonderfully-restored interior and three dramatic coloured-glass domes, you can admire the trading board, which still shows the price of cotton around the world on the last day of trading in 1969. There is also a small, expensive craft shop inside. Free entry to theatre building, theatre tickets vary
• Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art (CFCCA), Market Building, Thomas Street, Northern Quarter, 53.48477°, -2.23785°, +44 161 832-7271. Small, alternative Chinese art gallery. Closed until 2023 2022-10-30

Do

• The Printworks, 53.48526°, -2.24091°, +44 871 230 5556, info@theprintworks.com. Attraction opening times vary. Originally the home of Manchester's newspaper offices, the Printworks is now a covered street where it's night time all day long. It is the home of several well-known restaurants including Hard Rock café Manchester (the only English Hard Rock outside of London) and drinking establishments, as well as a large Vue cinema, home of Manchester's IMAX screen. 2022-10-18
• Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (National Rail and Metrolink: Victoria), 53.488056°, -2.243889°, +44 845 3370717, enquiries@manchester-arena.com. The largest indoor arena in Europe (21,000 capacity) hosts most of the world's most famous music and comedy acts, plus theatre and international boxing. 2018-06-16
• Stoller Hall, Hunts Bank, M3 1DA (National Rail and Metrolink: Victoria), 53.4872856330°, -2.243224601427°, +44 333 130 0967. Concert Hall associated with Chetham's School of Music. Predominantly Music; Classical, Folk, Jazz 2022-10-18

Buy

• Manchester Arndale, 53.48362°, -2.24151°. The multi-million pound Manchester Arndale shopping centre lies at the heart of Manchester's shopping district and offers retail therapy on a grand scale: from high fashion to high tech, it can all be found here.

The Northern Quarter

• Affleck's (formerly Affleck's Palace), 52 Church Street, Northern Quarter, 53.48247°, -2.23625°, +44 161 834-2039. M-F 10:30AM-6PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM. Afflecks Palace is a shopping arcade in a five-story Victorian building, featuring a range of over 50 independent stalls catering to a young alternative crowd. It's a lot of fun: strange costumes, lots of goths, punks, and teenagers. 2022-10-18

Eat

• The Angel Pub, 6 Angel Street, M4 4BQ, 53.48719°, -2.23529°, +44 161 833-4786. A traditional English pub just off the Rochdale road, Manchester city centre. The pub serves real ales, fine wines and highly acclaimed food prepared by award winning celebrity chef Robert Owen Brown.
• Mackie Mayor, 1 Eagle St, M4 5BU. (off Swan St. Metrolink: Shudehill, National Rail: Manchester Victoria), 53.485462694°, -2.23486571634°. M closed, Tu-Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-6PM. Food Court in 1858 Grade II listed former market building. 6 independent kitchens and also bars. Beers from Manchester's Blackjack brewery. Tables are shared and are not bookable. 2022-11-10
• Wagamamas, Printworks. One of the chain of Japanese restaurants popping up all over the country. Wagamama's serve the best ramen, ebi gyoza, and many other different Japanese cooked dishes... perfect with a hot flask of sake!
• Hard Rock Cafe, Printworks. One of only two outside London in England.
• Wasabi, Printworks. Great sushi from the conveyor belt in a fun atmosphere. £7.95 for 6 dishes and miso soup or 3 dishes and a noodle/rice dish. £12.95 for 10 dishes and a miso soup. £14.95 for 10 dishes and a rice/noodle dish.
• Wing's Dai Pai Dong. Set around a sushi counter, this eatery serves a variety of mainstream Cantonese (Hong Kong), Thai, and Japanese dishes. The Hong Kong style roasting dishes are particularly good value and well-made. Typically any mixture of Char Sui, Duck, Pork Belly, Jelly Fish, and Cold Cuts can be paired with Rice, Soup Noodle, or other fried noodles, typically for around £4.50 for a very large and filling bowl/plate. Teamed with a bottle of Asahi Beer, the bill per person will be well under £10. £10
• Rozafa, 63 Princess St, M2 4EQ (Located near Albert Square and the Town Hall), 53.47931°, -2.24335°, +44 161 236-6389. A pleasant place to while away an hour or two, with very honest and tasty Greek food. 2022-11-05
• Tampopo, Corn Exchange, Exchange Sq, 53.484905004°, -2.2426954153°. Offers good priced pan Asian food with quick, friendly service in a modern, clean restaurant environment. Table booking on website. 2022-11-06
• Koreana Restaurant, 40a King St West, 53.4815270172°, -2.24930982267°, +44 161 832 4330. Long established and in the city centre just off Deansgate. A regular stop for Manchester United's Korean football star, Ji-Sung Park. 2022-11-06

Northern Quarter

• Little Aladdin Café, 72 High St (on the corner of Turner St, near Arndale centre), 53.48403°, -2.23802°. A tiny little curry house with real charm. They serve a range of delicious curries and kebabs for £3-£4. £3-4
• Sweet Mandarin, 19 Copperas Street, Northern Quarter, 53.48478°, -2.23648°, +44 161 832-8848. Su-Th 5-10:30PM, F Sa 5-11PM. Authentic family-run Chinese restaurant. Excellent reputation and well established. Licensed.

Ancoats

There are several restaurants and bars around Cutting Room Square in the centre of Ancoats.

Drink

• Marble Arch Inn, 73 Rochdale Road, Collyhurst, M4 4HY, 53.488197°, -2.232385°, +44 161 832 5914. Su-Tu noon-10PM, W Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight; food: Su noon-7PM, M-Th noon-8PM, F Sa noon-9PM. Spectacular Victorian show-pub with beer from local Marble brewery. Inside, the pub has a high, glazed ceiling, ceramic walls and a bar that slopes down with the hill. Great beer & food makes the walk here worthwhile. 2022-11-05

The Northern Quarter

• Crown & Kettle, 2 Oldham Road, M4 5FE, 53.48487642°, -2.2324452047°, +44 161 236 6418. M-Th noon-11PM, F Sa noon-midnight, Su noon-10:30PM. Historic England Grade II listed pub with an unusual ceiling. Food available. 2022-11-17
• Copacabana, Sevendale House, 7 Dale St, M1 1JA, 53.48123°, -2.23313°, +44 161 237-3441, info@copacabana-manchester.co.uk. Latino bar/club serving up salsa and sangria.
• Matt and Phreds, 64 Tib St, M4 1LW, 53.48353°, -2.23495°, +44 161 831-7002. Open until 2AM most nights. Good little tucked away jazz club. Also serves up good pizza. They have jazz bands every night except Mondays (when it's closed) at 10PM. There is free entry before 8PM. If you want to enjoy the jazz seated, seats have to be booked at least a few days beforehand.
• Night and Day Café, 26 Oldham St, M1 1JN, 53.48253°, -2.23527°, +44 161 236-1822. The venue to see bands before they make it big! Bands such as Oasis and Badly Drawn Boy have played here. Well worth a visit. Can be a little bit pokey inside, as it's not the biggest venue!
• Whiskey Jar, 14 Tariff St, M1 2FF, 53.481278988°, -2.2319581732°, +44 161 237 5686. M closed; Tu-Th 5PM-midnight; F-Sa 5PM-2AM; Su 5PM-midnight. Excellent free Open Mic music nights on Tuesday & Wednesday. Also music on Friday & Saturday. 2022-10-31

Sleep

Budget

• Sachas Hotel, Tib Street Manchester, 53.48214°, -2.23701°. The Britannia Sachas is a popular hotel located near Manchester city centre. Its Tripadvisor reviews page makes for famously entertaining reading. From £26 for a single room
• easyHotel, 33 Dale Street, M1 2HF, 53.4817214°, -2.2329752°, +44 0161 8702899, Manchester@easyhotel.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 10AM. Comfortable basic hotel From £40 2022-11-05

Mid-range

• The Mitre Hotel, 1-3 Cathedral Gates, M3 1SW, 53.484677°, -2.244075°, +44 161 834-4128, info@mitrehotel.co.uk. In the heart of the shopping district in Shambles Square, moments from the Arndale Centre and Victoria station, the Mitre Hotel offers pleasant accommodation in a period building. En-suite and shared bathroom tariffs available. £54-129
• Cow Hollow Hotel, 57 Newton St M1 1ET, 53.482°, -2.233°, +44 161 228 7277. Victorian textile warehouse made over into a jazzy and avowedly cool hotel, rooms are small. No restaurant, lots nearby. No dogs. B&B double £100 2020-08-04

Splurge

• The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, 53.48321°, -2.25102°, +44 161 827-4000, thelowryhotel@rfhotels.com. Five-star hotel - the best in Manchester. Rooms from £195

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