This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and inspiration for things to do, see, eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page handbook includes dedicated pages detailing what's new and coming soon as well as maps and spotlight pages on Greater Manchester's towns, boroughs and coolest neighbourhoods. It’s the perfect resource for planning your next visit.


King Street, Manchester

Home to notable architecture from its life as the former banking district, King Street offers a range of shopping and eating options, from the impressive Tudor‑style Boodles, to refined brands such as Castle Fine Art, Vivienne Westwood, and Diesel.

King st.

Manchester Craft & Design Centre

Buy something handmade, personal and bespoke at Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Explore two floors of contemporary studios within the unique surroundings of a Victorian market building.

The Trafford Centre

Known for its extravagant Rococo and Baroque design and high street favourites, The Trafford Centre is an impressive shopping centre like no other, with a food court modelled to look like a cruise liner.

Pollard Yard

Neighbouring Ancoats and New Islington, Pollard Yard is comprised of almost 100 former shipping containers now repurposed into small independent businesses, craft makers and arts spaces. It has ambitions to be Manchester’s biggest creative co‑op.

Bury Market

It may not be the most ‘Instagrammable’ place on this list but Bury Market is iconic; a northern gem selling all manner of local produce including the award‑winning Bury Black Pudding.

Manchester Arndale

The city centre’s main shopping mall, Manchester Arndale is where you’ll find a huge selection of high street names spread over two floors, plus a third‑floor food court.

Oklahoma

Showering colour and personality over red brick streets with eclectic, character‑filled window displays, Oklahoma is a go‑to place for gifts, showcasing independent artists and makers and celebrating handmade, fair trade and ethical goods.

Oklahoma

Levenshulme Market

A community‑run social enterprise, Levenshulme Market runs every weekend between March and December, bringing an ever‑changing mix of artisan goods, crafts, street food and local produce.

Fred Aldous

Helping the people of Manchester make and create for over 130 years, Fred Aldous stocks a comprehensive range of arts and crafts materials, plus haberdashery and is somewhere you can quite easily while away a whole afternoon.

Selfridges

With two outposts – one at The Trafford Centre and a larger store in Exchange Square, shoppers can expect designer brands alongside in‑store personal shopping, beauty experts and places to eat lunch.

Selfridges

Rare Mags

Setting up shop alongside Stockport’s growing independent scene, Rare Mags stocks a variety of hard to find niche magazines and books, perfect for collectors of design‑led publications.

Oi Polloi

This iconic Northern Quarter store, much‑loved by locals offers a comprehensive tour of the best classic and contemporary men’s clothes and footwear.

Spinningfields

The city’s commercial district, Spinningfields is a glass and steel collection of high‑end retailers dotted amongst big business. The Avenue, the districts shopping street, is home to the flagship stores of Emporio Armani, Mulberry and Flannels.

Spinningfields

Form Lifestyle Store

Tucked away on a Northern Quarter side street, all of the pieces at Form have been carefully selected with a focus on design, function and simplicity. Their spiral staircase is one the most photographed in Manchester.

Altrincham Market

The suburb town of Altrincham has hosted a market for over 700 years. Attached to the foodie hotspot of Altrincham Market House, expect to find everything from artisan food, to vintage, craft and design specialists.

Hatch

Nestled under the iconic Mancunian Way flyover, Hatch is perhaps best known as a food and drink venue; however, it’s also packed with independent and specialist shops ranging from homeward to vintage clothing.

Maker's Market

A weekend highlight, The Makers Markets pop up on rotation across Greater Manchester including at The Lowry, Great Northern and in the Northern Quarter, bringing together independent traders with homemade crafts, food, drink and entertainment.

Afflecks Manchester

Step into Afflecks, an Aladdin’s cave of unique traders, offering an array of wonderful jewellery, clothing and craft stores. Spend hours getting lost in the labyrinth of treasures in one of the city’s best‑loved shopping emporiums.

Barton Arcade and Royal Exchange

Located on opposite sides of St Ann’s Square, both the Victorian Barton Arcade and historic Royal Exchange house exclusive shops and boutiques alongside some of the best cafes for people watching.

Barton Arcade

Quayside MediaCityUK

Formerly the Lowry Outlet Mall, this lifestyle outlet destination is home to big brands at up to 70% off. Look out for new dining destination The Watergardens coming later this year as well as a new attraction based on the TV series I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.