Must-See Instagrammable Spots Around Manchester

Stevenson Square

Stevenson Square is known for being the heart of the Northern Quarter. It is used as an outdoor project space for public art with its rotating murals and vibrant artwork from local artists, making it a great backdrop for pictures.

Thomas Street

Thomas Street is lined with independent shops, cafes and bars, with colourful shopfronts and plenty going on along the street. It’s also home to the pink frontage of NOTE, which has become a familiar sight in the Northern Quarter.

"And on the Sixth Day God Created Manchester" Mosaic (Short Street)

Keep an eye out for the “And on the Sixth Day God Created Manchester” mosaic on Short Street. Tucked just off the main streets, it’s an easy one to miss but has become one of those familiar little Manchester landmarks.

Dale Street

Dale Street is a historic street in the Northern Quarter, known for its Victorian and Georgian buildings. Its cobbled lanes and period charm have made it a filming location for films such as Captain America: The First Avenger and Netflix’s House of Guinness.

Afflecks (52 Church St)

Afflecks has been part of the Northern Quarter since 1982 and is home to more than 60 independent businesses. There’s plenty to look at across its floors, so take your time and have a wander around rather than just heading straight for one shop.

Fred Aldous (37 Lever St)

Fred Aldous has been a fixture on Lever Street for decades, selling art, craft and design supplies across three floors. Even if you’re not looking for anything in particular, it’s an easy place to lose a bit of time browsing.

Deadstock General Store (48 Edge Street) 

You’ll find Deadstock General Store on Edge Street, selling a mix of homeware, gifts and everyday things you probably didn’t realise you needed (including Snoopy and Miffy items!). The shop itself is worth a look as you’re walking around the area.

Form Lifestyle Store (6 Bradley St)

Form Lifestyle Store on Bradley Street is a small independent lifestyle shop with a focus on homeware, design, stationery and gifts. It’s a quieter spot to pop into while exploring the Northern Quarter.

UNITOM (1a Stevenson Square)

UNITOM is a store that sells a carefully curated collection of books on visual arts, design, photography, fashion and counterculture. 

Mackie Mayor

Mackie Mayor is housed inside a former market building, with exposed brick, ironwork and a large glass roof. Inside, you’ll find a selection of independent food traders, making it a good place to stop for lunch while you’re exploring the Northern Quarter.

Gooey

Gooey is one for anyone with a sweet tooth. Its doughnuts, cookies and baked goods tend to make an appearance on plenty of Manchester feeds, but you’ll probably want to eat them as well as photograph them.

Siop Shop

A small Northern Quarter cafe tucked away on Tib Street, Siop Shop is known for its speciality coffee and sourdough doughnuts. The doughnuts change regularly, so there’s often something different to try alongside your coffee.

Manchester Central Library

Manchester Central Library is one of the most recognisable buildings in St Peter’s Square, with its distinctive circular exterior and impressive interior spaces. Head inside to see the reading room and take a look around the building before continuing through the city centre.

Manchester Art Gallery

Just around the corner, Manchester Art Gallery is home to collections spanning historic and contemporary art. It’s also a good place to escape the weather for a while and have a look around at your own pace.

Chinatown

Manchester’s Chinatown is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive red archway. Wander around the surrounding streets and you’ll find colourful signs, restaurants and plenty of details to photograph.

The John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library is one of those places that feels a little removed from the rest of the city. Its neo-Gothic architecture, stone arches and historic reading room make it one of the most striking interiors in Manchester.

Chetham’s Library

Founded in 1653, Chetham’s Library is the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world. Its medieval buildings, wooden beams and historic reading rooms feel a world away from the city streets outside.

Tours are available, but you’ll need to book ahead.

Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral sits in the heart of the Medieval Quarter and dates back centuries. Inside, look out for the Gothic architecture, stained glass and detailed wood and stonework.

Ancoats

Ancoats is a mix of old and new, with former mills and red-brick buildings sitting alongside independent cafes, restaurants and bars. It’s particularly good if you like photographing Manchester’s industrial architecture.

Anita Street

Anita Street is lined with rows of Victorian red-brick houses and is another familiar Manchester filming location. It’s a little further out from the city centre, but easy enough to reach by tram or bus.

New Islington Marina

New Islington Marina is a quieter part of the city, with the canal, narrowboats and surrounding buildings giving you a different view of Manchester. Pollen Bakery is nearby if you fancy stopping for a coffee and something to eat while you’re there.

Castlefield

Castlefield is one of the easiest places to see Manchester’s industrial past alongside the modern city. Walk along the canals and you’ll find old warehouses, railway arches, bridges and cobbled streets.

It’s particularly nice later in the day when the light starts to change.

Canal Street and the Gay Village

Canal Street runs alongside the Rochdale Canal through Manchester’s Gay Village. Take a walk along the water and look out for the colourful buildings, bridges and reflections in the canal.