Bohemian boutiques and trendy restaurants go some way towards characterizing the lively and eclectic Northern Quarter of Manchester. Following a major re-development in the 1990s, the zone became a hub for music and fashion.
Browse the array of trinkets and unconventional clothing in Afflecks, which was formerly a department store. Today, independent stores thrive in this multi-level redbrick building. Purchase decades-old comic books and board games in this hipster haven, where wacky works of art line the walls. You’ll also find a varied selection of alternative art at the Richard Goodall Gallery.
Stay in the area into the night and sip on intriguingly named cocktails in the quirky bars and retro taverns. International brands and homemade casks make up the beer selections.
Hit the night clubs with your friends or go to one of the many live music venues. Among the most iconic is Band on the Wall, which has a bar and a shop. End your day on a lighter note by watching a few comedy routines at the Frog and Bucket Comedy Club, or try your luck at the Admiral Casino: Manchester.
In addition to its eccentricities, the Northern Quarter also has museums providing a window into its past. Inspect the displays at the Greater Manchester Police Museum, where you can see old patrol cars and learn about the city’s policing during wartime.
In the southeastern corner of the district lies Piccadilly Basin, where the Rochdale Canal meanders between department stores, bars and apartment blocks.
The Northern Quarter can be found a little northeast of the city center of Manchester. Ride the tram to Shudehill or Piccadilly Gardens, which bookend this lively quarter. Manchester Piccadilly railway station is a short walk south. Visit some of the sights in the surrounding area, such as the Royal Exchange Theatre, the National Football Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.
