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.

Spinningfields Manchester

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.

Castlefield Manchester

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.

Canal Street Manchester

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.

Ancoats Manchester

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.

Central Retail District Manchester

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