Photos by Clem Rutter, Rochester, Kent.. Manchester is one of the most famous cities in the UK! The central districts are full of attractions and things to do, but choosing where to stay is crucial to making the most of your trip!
Here are all our tips on where to stay in Manchester.
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Manchester is a young city, full of life, with completely different neighbourhoods, ready to satisfy all visitors' demands! If you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, we especially recommend the Northern Quarter, with its Piccadilly, and the nearby Ancoats. Outside the centre, good alternatives are the Chorlton district, the hipster soul of the city, and Fallowfield, frequented mainly by university students.
If you are travelling with a family, we recommend Castlefield and Didsbury. The former is the oldest district of the city, where Manchester was born, the latter is located in the southern part and looks like a real English village!
Finally, if you want to save money on accommodation, we recommend Chinatown, Whalley Range and Fallowfiled. The first is in the centre, with a great location, within walking distance of the main attractions and very affordable, the other two are in the south.
Recommended areas to save money: Chinatown, Whalley Range, Fallowfield
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Castlefield, Didsbury
Recommended areas foryoung people: Northern Quarter, Ancoats, Chorlton, Fallowfield
Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Manchester. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Manchester on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best options and selected hotels on booking.com
Manchester area guide
Manchester is a large city in the north west of England, with a strong industrial past but also a growing tourist soul. The city covers about 115 square kilometres, has about 550,000 inhabitants and is divided into 32 districts(neighbourhoods). From a tourist point of view, the most important ones are the central ones, i.e. those that fall within the larger Manchester City Centre area. Here we find the Northern Quarter, Chinatown and Castlefield, and immediately nearby is Ancoats. In contrast, the southern area includes the districts of Chorlton, Didsbury, Whalley Range and Fallowfield.
Areas to avoid: some southern districts, such as Moss Side and Rusholme, and in the northern part Cheetham Hill. In the evenings it is also best to be careful in some areas of the city centre, such as in nightlife hotspots and near stations.
Northern Quarter (Manchester City Centre)
Photo by Mikey. The Northern Quarter is the alternative and bohemian soul of Manchester. In this quarter you will find many vintage shops, independent music shops, peculiar cafés and clubs. The facades of the buildings are full of colourful murals. Furthermore, from here you can easily reach the city's main attractions: Piccadilly Gardens, the wonderful Cathedral and the National Futbool Museum.
But the Northern Quarter is also one of Manchester's nightlife districts. Here you will find clubs and pubs open late into the night, certainly not a quiet place. For this reason, it is suitable for young people and those looking for a good time. In the evening, however, it is recommended to avoid the side streets near the station, which may not always be safe.
Finally, if you stay here, you can get around easily on foot. You will, however, have the Piccadilly train station very close by, ideal if you want to make excursions to nearby cities, and the area is served by several bus lines.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel on Piccadilly Gardens. Restaurant, bar, fast Wi-Fi and parking. Ideal for couples | |
City centre flat with city views, bar and free WiFi. Continental breakfast | |
City view apartment complex with free WiFi. Studios and one and two bedroom flats. Ideal for couples and young people | |
4 Star Boutique Hotel with restaurant, bar and family rooms. Close to shops and 600 m from the Christmas markets. Ideal for couples and families |
Chinatown (Manchester City Centre)
Photo by Pete Birkinshaw. Not far from the Northern Quarter and Piccadilly Gardens is Chinatown, the city's Chinese quarter. It is also the second largest Chinatown in the UK and the third largest in Europe. Here you can visit the wonderful Manchester Art Gallery and nearby you will also find St Peter's Square.
Chinatown is especially suitable for those who want to save money. Here it is easier to find good deals and even the hotels have lower rates, especially compared to the Northern Quarter. It is also a very chaotic neighbourhood, so we recommend it to those looking for entertainment. It is bordered by the Gay Village, the LGBT district that stretches along Canal Street, which is full of places to go all night long!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot. It occupies a very central location and the area is served by Piccadilly station and several bus routes.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3 star hotel with 24h reception, restaurant and 24h bar. Pets allowed. Ideal for couples | |
Guest house located above a lively nightclub. 24-hour reception, rooms for up to 6 people, private bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel 400 m from Canal Street. Restaurant and bar, shared lounge and city views. Ideal for couples | |
4 star hotel with gym, restaurant and room service, 24h reception. 650m from the station. Ideal for couples and families |
Castlefield (Manchester City Centre)
Photo by Clem Rutter, Rochester, Kent.. Finally, the last district we recommend in the city centre is Castlefield, one of the oldest and most iconic in Manchester. In fact, this is where the city was born. Once purely industrial, today its former warehouses have been converted and it is mainly a residential district. Here you will find the Science and Industry Museum, a section of the famous Deansgate Street and the Beetham Tower, with a wonderful rooftop bar.
Given its residential character, Castlefield is mainly suited to families and more generally to those seeking a bit of peace and quiet in the centre. It is one of the most charming and relaxing areas of the city, away from the hustle and bustle of neighbourhoods such as the Northern Quarter.
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around easily on foot. You can walk down Deansgate to Manchester Cathedral (15 min). The area is also served by Deansgate train station and several bus routes.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with swimming pool, gym, restaurant and room service. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with 24h reception, cinema room, communal kitchen and lounge, laundry area. Dormitories for 4 to 6 people, private bathroom. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel in former 19th century warehouse. Gym, restaurant and room service, bar and WiFi. Ideal for couples and families |
Ancoats
Photo by Benjamin Shaw. Leaving the Manchester City Centre area, one of the first neighbourhoods you encounter is Ancoats, bordering the Northern Quarter. It is a trendy neighbourhood with numerous international cuisine venues, craft breweries and speakeasy-style bars. The neighbourhood is built around Cutting Room Square and has no real attractions, but it is a stone's throw from the centre, in a very convenient location!
This neighbourhood is especially recommended for youngsters and fun seekers. With clubs open until late, its proximity to the Northern Quarter and its lively soul, it's the right place to mingle with locals and keep the early hours!
Finally, staying here will allow you to get around on foot! It is located right next to the historic centre and Cutting Room Square is just a 15-minute walk from the Cathedral. Alternatively, the area is served by bus.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Flats with dining area, fully equipped kitchen, full bathroom and WiFi. For 6 to 12 people. Ideal for groups | |
4-star hotel with gym, restaurant and bar. Rooms with designer bathroom and flat-screen TV. Ideal for couples | |
4-star flat hotel with hotel facilities. Units with living area, equipped kitchen, full bathroom and 1 or 2 bedrooms. Ideal for families and groups of up to 8 people |
Chorlton
Photos by Lifeofgalileo. Exploring the southern districts of Manchester, one of the best is definitely Chorlton, Manchester's hipster and alternative neighbourhood. It stretches along Beech Road, where there are numerous alternative, ethnic and vegan cuisine restaurants, as well as wonderful markets. The district is also surrounded by large parks: Chorlton Park, Ivy Green and Sale Water Park.
Given its hipster and alternative soul, this neighbourhood is especially suitable for young people. It is in fact also popular with university and international students, but is also loved by tourists. Here you will find mainly inns, small lodgings and flats.
Finally, staying here you will have to get around by transport. Chorlton is well connected to the centre: just take the blue or pink line to St Peter's Square (12 min).
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €70.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
150 sqm flat with 6 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and washing machine. Ideal for young people and large groups | |
40 sqm flat with bedroom, equipped kitchen, washing machine and full bathroom. Ideal for couples |
Whalley Range
Photo by R Greenhalgh. Whalley Range is one of Manchester's most distinctive neighbourhoods. In the southern part of the city, it lies between Alexandra Park and the Firswood district. It is also a multicultural neighbourhood, as it is home to The British Muslim Heritage Centre and the Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple.
Furthermore, Whalley Range is one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in Manchester, so it is ideal for those who want to save money! Here you can find various accommodations, especially hostels and flats, at really affordable prices and, above all, lower than in many other neighbourhoods!
Finally, staying here you will need to get around by transport. 3 km south of the centre, to get there you will have to take the bus line 85, which goes directly to Piccadilly Gardens (20 min):
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Entire holiday home of 150 sqm. 3 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, lounge area and 2 bathrooms. Up to 12 persons. Ideal for groups | |
80 sqm flat with 2 bedrooms, living room, flat screen TV, equipped kitchen with dining area and bathroom with washing machine. Up to 10 people. Ideal for groups |
Fallowfield
Photo by Gene Hunt. Close to Whalley Range, Fallowfield is one of Manchester's student quarters! Lots of students live here and the neighbourhood has a vibrant and lively soul, both day and night. It is also surrounded by large parks, such as Platt Fields Park and Birchfields Park. The University of Manchester Sports Centre is also located here.
With its many clubs, busy life, numerous international restaurants and fast food outlets, it is an area especially recommended for young people, who can join the city's students and academics here! It is also a great area to save money: prices are very competitive, both for accommodation and restaurants!
Finally, if you stay here, you will have to get around by transport. To get to the centre, just take the direct bus lines 42, 43, 142 or 143, which take you to Piccadilly Gardens (25 min).
Average prices in the district range from around €50.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Didsbury
Photo by Coradia1000. Finally, we recommend Didsbury, the most southerly of all those mentioned. About 6 km from the centre, the city seems so far away: this neighbourhood resembles a typical English village! A little corner of tranquillity! Here, for instance, you will find the wonderful Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden, which covers no less than 8 hectares.
Because of these characteristics, Didsbury is especially recommended for families and, more generally, for those seeking tranquillity and contact with nature, without being too far from the centre! In addition to the large parks, there are several clubs, restaurants and shops in the area.
Finally, staying here you will necessarily have to use transport. To reach the centre, you can take the direct bus 42 or 142 to Piccadilly Gardens (35 min). Alternatively, this district is also served by the railway and, from East Didsbury station, the train takes 12 min to the centre.
Average prices in the district range from around €80.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
4-star hotel in a Victorian villa. Spa and wellness centre, restaurant, WiFi. 500 m from the station. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel with lounge with fireplace, self-service bar, garden, car park, restaurant and WiFi. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hotel with swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant, bar and 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples |
Countries near Manchester where to stay
Photo by David Dixon. The best solution, especially if you are visiting Manchester for the first time or if you only have a few days available, is to sleep in the city. As we have seen, there are several districts suitable for all types of travellers and with different proposals for accommodation.
There are other locations around Manchester, but travel can take quite some time and, above all, train ticket costs are high. For example, from Liverpool the train takes 45 min and the average cost per way is £15.00 (€17.00), while from Southport, located along the coast, the train takes at least 1 h 15 min and the average cost per way is £13.20 (€12.00).
Theonly good alternative is to stay in Salford, especially in the Salford Quay area, i.e. the harbour. Given its proximity to Manchester (they are separated only by the River Irwell and a 15 min tram ride), it can be mistaken for a neighbourhood of Manchester, instead it is a real city. It is especially recommended for families and those seeking peace and quiet, but also for couples, as it is a very romantic part of Manchester - compare accommodation on booking
