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.

Northern Quarter  

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

Piccadilly Records, Manchester

Altrincham 

A 20-minute tram 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. 

Chorlton 

A laid-back bohemian suburb, you’ll find a medley of good pubs, independent bars, vegan delis, bakeries, and a strong foodie scene thanks to spots like The Creameries. Weekend strolls along Beech Road and around Chorlton Water Park make it difficult to want to leave. 

Didsbury 

Like Chorlton, the suburbs of Didsbury Village and West Didsbury have a hip, independent feel, full to the brim with restaurants including Volta, Hispi and vegetarian spot Greens, great shops and cafes, plus lush Fletcher Moss Park. 

Castlefield 

This is where the Roman’s 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, with winding canals, renovated industrial warehouses and waterside pubs like The Wharf. 

Castlefield, Manchester

Green Quarter 

A growing pocket of green residential space that includes Angel Meadow Park, the Green Quarter is sowing seeds as a neighbourhood to watch. Grub, the city’s sell-out weekend food fair has set up permanent home here, joining existing independents under historic railway arches.  

Levenshulme 

Just one stop on the train out of town from Piccadilly station, Levenshulme has got plenty going on; from the community-run weekly market to the wonderful antiques village and plenty of independent foodie spots. 

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 including the city’s only Michelin star at Mana. 

New Islington 

Follow the canals into the marina and you’ll find New Islington blending into its neighbourly Ancoats. You can spend the morning wandering the canals, watching wildlife or devouring goods from the locals’ favourite artisan bakery Pollen. 

New Islington, Manchester

Salford Central 

There’s been a huge amount of development within the area of Salford that meets the western edge of Manchester city centre, with great bars and restaurants popping up along Chapel Street as well as masses of green space in the form of The Meadow, Peel Park and Kersal Wetlands. 

Salford Quays 

A unique waterfront location adjacent to MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and ITV, Salford Quays is home to the Lowry arts centre with the visually striking Imperial War Museum North opposite. 

Stockport 

A ten-minute train out of the city, Stockport is full of independent businesses and food hotspots as well as some unique attractions, including 1930s art deco theatre Stockport Plaza; Robinsons Brewery Tours; the iconic Hatworks museum; and the Grade II listed 1460s Staircase house.