Manchester’s top neighbourhoods
We might be biased, but Manchester is one of the coolest cities in the world. It’s got incredible nightlife, cutting-edge culture, calming green spaces and next-level food. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Manchester can deliver.
The city has an eclectic array of neighbourhoods which all offer something unique. The good news is that Manchester is relatively compact, making it easy to travel from one place to another. To help with your exploration, here’s a guide to some of Manchester’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Spinningfields
The hub for work, rest and play. Spinningfields is one of Manchester’s most vibrant destinations and the place to go for stylish dining, rooftop views and outdoor drinking.
Highlights:
● 20 Stories for cocktails, food and rooftop views
● The Oast House for outdoor drinking, eating and live music
● People’s History Museum – the national museum of democracy
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 0.3 miles
Chinatown
Manchester’s vibrant Chinatown is the second largest of its kind in the UK. Enjoy flavours from the Far East, explore Oriental supermarkets and stumble across goods you won’t find anywhere else in Manchester.
Highlights:
● Chinatown’s archway on Faulkner Street, shipped over from China in 1987
● Chinese New Year celebrations take place in February
● Explore Chinatown’s restaurants
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1 mile
Castlefield
Castlefield’s calming atmosphere is the ideal spot for a summer’s afternoon, with winding canals, waterside pubs and renovated industrial warehouses. You can now visit Manchester’s first ‘Sky Park’ – the temporary elevated park with thousands of trees, plants and flowers.
Highlights:
● Manchester’s new sky park at Castlefield Viaduct is open for 12 months
● Castlefield Bowl outdoor events venue
● Science + Industry Museum
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1 mile
Gay Village
Centred around Canal Street, this area of the city is party central, providing entertainment seven days a week. The famous Manchester Pride Festival, celebrating LGBTQ+ life, takes place in August.
Highlights:
● Manchester Pride Festival
● Richmond Tearooms for afternoon tea
● Canal Street bars
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1.2 miles
Northern Quarter
Packed with alternative art, fashion, music, restaurants and bars, the Northern Quarter is a hipster’s haven. The bohemian-style area boasts some of the best independent venues in Manchester.
Highlights:
● Afflecks for alternative shopping
● Street art walking tour
● Makers Market every second Sunday of the month
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1.2 miles
Ancoats
With its winding canals, cobbled streets, and independent bars and eateries, it’s no wonder Ancoats has been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Cutting Room square is the ideal spot to enjoy a drink or bite-to-eat al fresco style.
Highlights:
● Wing Yip, the biggest Oriental supermarket in Manchester
● Monthly Makers Market at Cutting Room Square
● Mana, Simon Martin’s Michelin star restaurant
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1.5 miles
The Quays
Greater Manchester’s waterfront location has everything you need for a great day out – museums, bars, galleries, theatres and shops. MediaCity, situated on Manchester’s ship canal, is home to the BBC and ITV and is just a five-minute drive from Emirates Old Trafford.
Highlights:
● The Lowry theatre presents the best in theatre
● MediaCity – the home of the BBC and ITV North
● Imperial War Museum offers an award-winning immersive experience
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 1.8 miles
Central Retail District
If you fancy a spot of shopping, Manchester’s Central Retail District is the place to go. Here you’ll find the Arndale Centre, Printworks, Exchange Square, St Ann’s Square and much more.
Highlights:
● The Arndale Shopping Centre for retail therapy
● If you’re looking for a cinema, bars and restaurants, head to the Printworks
● The AO Arena is the largest indoor arena in Europe
Distance from The Ainscow Hotel: approx. 0.8 miles
Getting around
Many of Manchester’s most popular neighbourhoods are within walking distance from The Ainscow Hotel. If you’re driving, we have a secure on-site car park that can be used for a small fee (please get in touch for more details).
Other transport details:
● Manchester Airport (MAN) – 27-minute drive
● Salford Central Station (trains) – 4-minute walk
● Deansgate Station (trains) – 15-minute walk
● Deansgate-Castlefield (trams)- 15-minute walk
● Salford Crescent Station (trains)- 16-minute walk
● St Peters Square (trams) – 15-minute walk
● Shudehill Station (buses) – 18-minute walk