Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 1: Neighbourhoods

Ancoats

The world’s first industrial suburb, Ancoats has slowly been rising, threatening to take the Northern Quarter’s crown as the city’s coolest neighbourhood. It features an impressive list of bars and restaurants.

Altrincham

A 20-minute train ride from the city centre, Altrincham has an award-winning high street and is now a foodie hub thanks to spots such as Blanchflower, The Con Club, and the iconic Altrincham Market.

Castlefield

This is where the Romans settled back in AD79 when they founded ‘Mamucium’. Whilst the remnants of the fort can still be seen, this neighbourhood now makes for a picturesque walking spot along the canals.

Chorlton

In laid-back Chorlton, you’ll find a medley of coffee shops and bars, vegan delis, bakeries, and independent stores. Weekend strolls among Chorlton Ees and Chorlton Water Park make it difficult to leave.

Didsbury Village and West Didsbury

Like Chorlton, the suburbs of Didsbury Village and West Didsbury have a hip, independent feel. Full to the brim with restaurants, gastropubs and cafes, plus lush Fletcher Moss Park to explore.

Levenshulme

Just one stop on the train out from Piccadilly rail station, Levenshulme has got plenty going on, from the well-loved weekend vintage market to the wonderful antiques village. Plus you'll discover an array of international options.

Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is a hipster heaven; a gritty area that’s fiercely independent. It’s overflowing with music venues, galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants, street art and the unmissable Manchester Craft and Design Centre and Afflecks.

New Islington

A short canal walk/taxi ride to the marina and you’ll find New Islington blending into its neighbour, Ancoats. Spend the morning wandering its colourful canals and lunchtime sampling goods from the local’s favourite artisan bakery, Pollen.

Prestwich

This buzzing Bury town hosts independent and specialist retailers giving it a unique bohemian feel. You will also find plenty of green space including Prestwich Clough and nearby Heaton Park, Europe’s largest municipal park.

Sale

A plethora of local stores, canal side pubs, and Waterside Arts Centre can be found in Sale. From the town, it’s a short distance to Walkden Gardens or Sale Water Park.

Salford Quays

A unique waterfront location adjacent to MediaCity’s tech and broadcasting hub, Salford Quays is home to the Lowry arts centre, the visually striking Imperial War Museum North, The Coronation Street Experience, and a cavernous food hall at Central Bay.

Salford Central

The area of Salford that meets the western edge of Manchester city centre features great bars and restaurants along Chapel Street as well as impressive green space at Peel Park and The Meadow.

St John’s

The city centre’s hottest new neighbourhood, in St John’s you’ll find a creative and social hub. It’s home to the cutting-edge arts venue Aviva Studios, thriving food scene, and the stylish Mollie’s hotel and diner.

Stockport

A 10-minute train out of the city, Stockport is full of cute businesses, foodie hotspots and bars. Local attractions include 1930s art deco Stockport Plaza and Grade II listed 1460s Staircase House.

Stretford

With a major regeneration plan in place, Stretford is becoming one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, with Stretford King Street having reopened to the public after 60 years.

Urmston

Having undergone a revamp in recent years, Urmston is now a hive of cute bars, eateries and lots of greenspaces for long country walks. You’ll get plenty of shops, pubs, bars and restaurants opening across the town.