15 min readExplore the Northern Quarter: Streets, Shops & Food
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The Northern Quarter makes for the perfect backdrop. The streets are full of constantly changing murals. The area is known for its creative, youthful, alternative spirit. Plus, its quirky architecture adds to its industrial, gritty, textured look.
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 always full of life. While you’re strolling the streets of the Northern Quarter, you cannot miss the pastel pink shopfront of NOTE – it’s good for full-body shots.
"And on the Sixth Day God Created Manchester" mosaic (Short Street)
A widely recognised photo spot. The lettering, texture and colours give a strong sense of Manchester’s identity. Works well for “I visited” style pictures and then afterwards you can explore the iconic Afflecks.
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.
Instagrammable Shops in the Northern Quarter:
Afflecks (52 Church St) – Manchester’s most iconic independent market, full of independent stalls and small local brands. You will not find anything quite like it!
Fred Aldous
Fred Aldous (37 Lever St) – A long-standing art and craft shop full of art supplies, design items, and unique gifts. They even have a vintage photobooth inside!
Deadstock General Store
Deadstock General Store (48 Edge St) – A curated shop with everyday goods, like Miffy and Snoopy accessories, candles and homeware. The shop itself and the entrance make for good candid/lifestyle shots.
Form Lifestyle Store
Form Lifestyle Store (6 Bradley St) – Minimal, beautifully designed home goods, stationery, and gifts.
UNITOM
UNITOM (1a Stevenson Square) – A carefully curated collection of books on visual arts, design, photography, fashion and counterculture.
Instagrammable Food Spots in the Northern Quarter:
Mackie Mayor – Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century market hall with exposed brick, iron beams and a huge glass roof that floods the space with natural light. Its mix of vintage architecture, industrial design and vibrant food stalls makes every corner perfect for aesthetic photos. Plus, it’s one of Manchester’s most popular food halls.
Ezra & Gil
Ezra & Gil – A local, independent coffee shop in the Northern Quarter (with another location on Peter Street), known for its seriously good coffee, fresh food, and relaxed atmosphere.
Gooey
Gooey – Known around town for their notoriously famous melt-in-the-middle cookies and signature French toast, Gooey is your go-to spot for seasonal specials and bold brunch creations.
Siop Shop
Siop Shop in the Northern Quarter is a coffee shop known for its standout doughnuts - colourful, inventive, and effortlessly cool. With bold flavours, perfect glaze, and great coffee, it’s easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.
Discover Manchester's Cultural Spots
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Manchester Central Library
Step inside Central Library, one of Manchester’s most Instagrammable spots. A beautiful circular building in the heart of the city with a grand rotunda and quiet reading rooms.
Manchester Art Gallery
Manchester Art Gallery is home to classic and contemporary art, including an excellent Pre-Raphaelite collection.
Chinatown
And don’t miss the colourful sights of nearby Chinatown, just a few minutes away, with colourful shopfronts, restaurants, and the distinctive red archway that marks its entrance.
The John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is one of Manchester’s true hidden gems – and a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan. Opened in 1900 by philanthropist Enriqueta Rylands, the institution was established to share rare books and manuscripts with the public. Inside, its soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stonework give it a magical, Hogwarts-like feel. Though it wasn’t used in the Harry Potter films, parts of the library inspired the look of Dumbledore’s Office. It’s the perfect spot to step back in time, soak up the atmosphere, and snap a truly enchanting photo.
Chetham’s Library (Entry is by guided tour ONLY)
Chetham’s Library is a hidden gem in the heart of Manchester. Founded in 1653, it’s the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. With its medieval interiors, wooden beams, and rows of rare books, it’s a wonderfully atmospheric spot and perfect for a memorable photo.
*Please note entry is by guided tour only. Book your tour HERE.
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral is a beautiful, historic spot in the heart of the city. Its Gothic arches, intricate stonework, and colourful stained-glass windows give it real character, making it a great backdrop for photos.
Manchester Museum
Manchester Museum is completely FREE to visit. Don’t miss Stan, the museum’s famous T. rex (a true Manchester celebrity), great for snapping a picture and be sure to explore their different exhibition spaces covering everything from history to life sciences.
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester’s historic campus is also worth exploring, with beautiful historic buildings, peaceful gardens, and the famous archway (a popular spot for photos). The Beyer Building stands out with its striking architecture and is another common spot for photos.
Instagrammable Neighbourhoods in Manchester
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Ancoats
Ancoats is one of Manchester’s most Instagrammable neighbourhoods. From converted mills and industrial brickwork to trendy bars and restaurants, the area has a mix of old and new that makes every corner feel photo ready.
Make sure you pay The Flat Baker a visit - known around town for their delicious pastries and home of the pistachio croissant... What more could you want?
Anita Street
Tucked away in Ancoats, Anita Street is lined with Victorian red-brick townhouses. Its period charm has made it a popular filming spot, with parts of Netflix’s most recent series, House of Guinness, being filmed there.
New Islington Marina
New Islington Marina is such a lovely spot to snap photos. Independent bars and cafes line the waterfront, and it looks especially gorgeous at sunset.
Be sure to also visit Pollen Bakery and soak up the canal-side views with a coffee and pastry.
Castlefield
Castlefield is a lovely spot in the city made up of canals, cobbled streets, and plenty of green space. It’s perfect for watching the seasons change – blossoms in spring, golden leaves in autumn, and calm, reflective waters in winter. With its charming bridges, historic buildings, and scenic canal views, it’s also a great place to snap beautiful photos any time of year.
Castlefield Viaduct
Tucked away in the heart of the city, Castlefield Viaduct is a hidden green oasis. This elevated walkway is lined with plants and flowers, offering a peaceful escape and unique views over the canals and rooftops below.
Gay Village – Canal Street
Manchester’s Gay Village (Canal Street) is famous for its lively atmosphere and colourful drag queen murals. With its rainbow flags, neon lights, and reflections along the canal, it’s also a super Instagrammable spot, perfect for capturing the city’s energy and personality.
Vimto Park
Vimto Park is a colourful spot in Manchester, famous for its giant Vimto sculpture celebrating the city’s iconic drink.
Instagrammable Museums
You may also like the Museum of Illusions. The museum is full of fun, mind-bending rooms that make every photo look amazing. It’s colourful, creative, and the perfect spot to snap something a bit different for your feed.
Science and Industry Museum
Or you can explore Power Hall: After Hours at the Science and Industry Museum and enjoy a unique programme of music, heritage and creativity in this special evening event. Journey through a century of innovation and experience the industrial beauty of a Grade II listed building, home to inspiring stories, multi-sensory experiences, and one of the UK's largest collections of historic engines.
Instagrammable Restaurants in Manchester
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Manchester’s dining scene is a dream for food lovers and content creators alike. There’s The Ivy with its floral interiors, the striking, underwater-inspired design of Sexy Fish, and the impressive skyline views at 20 Stories. The Refuge brings a touch of old-school charm, Chotto Matte brings a new Japanese-Peruvian vibe, and Fenix serves up modern Mediterranean-style dishes. And of course, El Gato Negro offers that warm, lively tapas atmosphere. Everywhere you go, there’s a great setting for photos and food that tastes every bit as good as it looks.
The Ivy Spinningfields - Manchester
Located in the heart of Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields Brasserie & Rooftop, occupies an…
Sexy Fish
In the heart of Manchester, Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar specializing in…
20 Stories
Situated on the 19th floor of No.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is composed of a glamourous…
The Refuge
With its welcome ambiance and sociable buzz, The Refuge has become a hotspot where you can play all…
Chotto Matte
The new venue sits atop the iconic No.1 St Michael’s development, bringing Chotto…
Fenix
Inspired by exotic lands and legends Fenix served escapism through elevated modern Greek…
El Gato Negro Tapas
Chef patron Simon Shaw creates seasonally-influenced dishes, combining modern and traditional…
Lucky Cat Manchester
Their Mayfair restaurant is an iconic global culinary destination and Gordon Ramsay's…
Caravan
The restaurant, bar and coffee roastery in the St John’s District of Manchester, is open…
Side Street
Tucked inside the ABC Building on Quay Street, Side Street is a day-to-night venue with something…
Courts Club St John's
Welcome to Courts Club, Manchester’s urban oasis. Tucked in St John’s Neighbourhood…
Trading Route
A lagerhouse with rotisserie ovens and exquisite provisions, all in the heart of Manchester Goods…
The Library Champagne Bar
Welcome to a secluded setting surrounded by beautiful books and original art in the heart of…
The Cut & Craft
Set within a magnificent Grade II* listed building in the heart of Manchester, The Cut & Craft…
Pip, Treehouse Manchester
Pip is a seasonal produce-led restaurant located on the ground floor of Treehouse Manchester…
MOWGLI
Mowgli is all about how Indians eat at home and on their streets. She was born to feed the raw need…
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar
Menagerie Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary American restaurant and bar indulging guests in a…
Instagrammable Hotels in Manchester
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Manchester’s hotel scene is just as impressive as its food. The Edwardian combines modern luxury with a sense of grandeur, while the Kimpton Clocktower mixes heritage charm with bold design. Hotel Gotham adds sleek, city-style glamour, and The Midland is a timeless classic. Dakota stands out with understated elegance, The Alan brings creative, design-led character, and The Lowry Hotel offers rooms with amazing views and beautifully styled interiors. Wherever you stay, you’ll find thoughtful details, Instagram-worthy spaces, and that signature Manchester mix of style and comfort.
Book your stay NOW.
The Edwardian Manchester
A 5-star luxury hotel with spa in Manchester’s city centre The Edwardian Manchester offers its…
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is a luxury hotel with an industrial soul that is sprawled out on Oxford…
Dakota Manchester
Dakota is a lifestyle brand for the independent thinking, discerning traveller. An eight-story new…
The Midland Hotel
Set in the heart of Manchester, this Grade II listed building exudes elegance and history. Following…
Hotel Gotham Manchester
Boutique 5* hotel, Rooftop Private Members Bar, GILT Club & 2AA Rosette Honey Restaurant. Hotel…
Treehouse Hotel Manchester
Treehouse Manchester is a hotel that aims to offer a playful and nostalgic experience for its…
The Alan
A design led, creatively charged, unique 6-storey hotel in the centre of Manchester comprising of…
The Lowry Hotel
Iconic Hotel. Independently Minded. Rooted in the independent spirit of Manchester, The Lowry Hotel…
King Street Townhouse
King Street Townhouse – A Boutique Retreat in the Heart of Manchester Discover a hidden gem at…
Stock Exchange Hotel
Set within the former home of the Manchester Stock Exchange; every detail has been meticulously…
Radisson Manchester City Centre, Verified Net Zero
The Radisson Hotel Manchester City Centre proudly welcomes guests as one of the first Verified Net…
Whitworth Locke
Set in a beautiful 19th Century building in Manchester’s civic quarter, Whitworth Locke is…
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester City Centre
Wilde’s 256-room aparthotel in St. Peter’s Square, Manchester, offers a range of…
Explore Greater Manchester
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If you fancy a change of scenery, there are plenty of easy day trips from Manchester. RHS Garden Bridgewater is perfect for a bit of fresh air with its beautiful gardens that feel miles away from the city. Altrincham boasts a great mix of food and drink spots, as well as indie shops like IDAHO, Tasty Records and the ever-popular Altrincham Market. Didsbury's picturesque streets, independently run shops and laid-back vibes make it ideal for a slow morning of exploring. And just eight minutes by train, Stockport is full of character, from historic sites like Bramall Hall and the Air Raid Shelters to the growing independent scene along the Underbank. Wherever you head, you're guaranteed a day full of discoveries and plenty of reasons to snap a few photos along the way.
Discover the Individual Boroughs
If you fancy travelling a little further, Manchester is well connected to the wider region. Each borough in Greater Manchester has its own character and charm. Salford combines modern waterfront living with remnants of its industrial past, while Wigan offers tranquil canal walks and ample green spaces. Bury and Bolton bring that classic market town feel, with great local food and history to explore. Rochdale is known for its striking architecture and riverside walks, and Oldham has sweeping views across the Pennines. In Tameside and Trafford, you’ll find everything from countryside trails to grand old estates, while Stockport is fast becoming a creative hub with a thriving independent scene.
Explore Greater Manchester HERE.
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