Categories > Guides and Tips
Work Hard, Play Hard: The 11 Nightlife Areas in Manchester (Plus Pubs to Check out)
Finding the perfect spot to spend your Happy Thursdays or Friday-after-work nights can be a chore, especially if you don’t really know anything about the places around you.
Don’t worry, we here at Master Manchester have been there, done that. Thus we’re gladly here to help you get the inside scoop on the best places to check out for your next night out—whether that may be in the city’s heart, or further.
Whether you’ve lived here all your life or just visiting, there are a good handful of areas you can go around Manchester to party all night long (or until the pub’s last call). Cheers!
Northern Quarter
Media from Fabien
The Northern Quarter, sometimes fondly called “NQ,” is perhaps the quintessential answer to the question: “where do Mancunians go to unwind?” This isn’t surprising given it being just right at the heart of Manchester city centre.
The NQ, sandwiched between Piccadilly and Ancoats (we’ll tackle the latter a bit later on), is full of eclectic pubs, unique restaurants, and a vibrant music scene. The crowd here is a bustling bunch, usually comprising young professionals, students, and artists.
Just one thing to note, though: most establishments here close at midnight, so please plan your travails accordingly.
Pro tip: For a truly unique experience, visit The Washhouse in Shudehill. Disguised as a laundromat, this hidden gem is actually a speakeasy!
Deansgate
Media from David
For Manchester locals, Deansgate = nightlife. Like the NQ, Deansgate has many gimmicky shops, but Deansgate is more for the mainstream crowd with more polished interests (think of office workers and other older professionals).
The good thing is that many pubs and bars here close in the wee hours of the morning, giving party-goers more time to enjoy the night.
If you’re looking for a fun night out for the office in Deansgate, why not give Alcotraz a try? This is a prison-themed bar that might not be for the faint of heart (because the bar, err, “prison” urges its patrons to “smuggle” their own liquor in).
Overall, it’s the spot for a night of fun role-playing and “illegal” intoxication.
Pro tip: Still in a jam on choosing where to go at Deansgate? Check out our top picks for Deansgate’s best pubs.
Deansgate Locks
Media from Manchester Evening News
Let’s clear things up: Deansgate Locks is not the same as Deansgate. “The Locks” is smaller, is in Whitworth Street, and comprises ten railway arches converted into pubs and bars.
While Deansgate attracts a professional crowd, Deansgate Locks is popular with a younger crowd, making the nightlife here more lively.
Challenge yourself to explore all the pubs here! There’s even a comedy club hidden among them—see if you can find it.
Be cautious if you’ve had a few drinks, as the area has a walkway above a canal. We want you to get home safely with no accidents!
Pro tip: The Locks is conveniently located near Metrolink tram stops. Skip the hassle of parking and take public transport instead.
Spinningfields
Media from Spinningfields
We absolutely love the name of this place! While its roots lie in the art of the loom, it also perfectly captures the cool vibe of its nightlife today.
Spinningfields transforms from a bustling business district by day to a vibrant nightlife hub by night. It’s a popular spot for sophisticated partying, much like its neighbour, the NQ.
The crowd here is a lively mix of young professionals, tourists, and those seeking a more refined evening experience.
Don’t miss our list of must-visit bars in Spinningfields.
Pro tip: Refined tastes often come with a higher price tag. Be sure to take advantage of happy hour deals at some establishments at Spinningfields!
Ancoats
Media from Ancoats, Manchester
Just a stone’s throw away from the Northern Quarter (NQ) is Ancoats. Unlike its quirky neighbour, Ancoats offers a more laid-back vibe with trendy yet not overly avant-garde establishments.
The area boasts stunning historical architecture, a nod to its heritage as the site of Manchester’s textile industry mills. This rich history adds to the relaxed ambience of the neighbourhood.
Enjoy good food and drinks with friends at a craft brewery or explore a new casual dining restaurant here. Ancoats is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of history, modernity, and calm, making it a delightful spot for a night out, especially for older (but forever young-hearted) folk.
Pro tip: Still not over the Ancoats party? Take a peek at our list of other things you can do in this area.
Gay Village (Canal Street)
Media from Canal Street, Manchester
Canal Street, famously known as the Gay Village, is one of the most vibrant nightlife areas in Manchester. This inclusive and safe space is a haven for our LGBTQ+ community.
You can relax with a cocktail or have a pint at popular spots like Bar Pop, enjoy a drag show at The Church, or dance the night away at Via. For a more laid-back evening, grab a cup of tea at The Molly House.
Don’t miss Canal Street during Pride Month—it’s the epicentre of celebrations! Throughout the year, you’ll find various LGBTQ+ inclusive events that keep the community spirit alive.
Pro tip: There’s no strict dress code here, so feel free to express your true self through your outfit!
Oxford Road
Media from Oxford Road Manchester
Oxford Road is bustling at night, thanks to its proximity to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
This means you’ll find plenty of college students lining up for live music shows at the ironically named Deaf Institute. You can also visit the various bars along the road for a pint or to play drinking games, whether you’re celebrating or drowning academic woes.
For those who are older, it’s a nostalgic trip back to college nightlife. There’s no harm in reliving those days once in a while—college nightlife was truly something special, wasn’t it?
Pro tip: Want to have a blackout game of “student nightclub bingo card?” Here’s Master Manchester’s curated list of the best nightclubs for our friends in academia.
Salford
Media from Visit Salford
Salford, though a separate city, is part of Greater Manchester and is best known for The Quays and MediaCityUK. However, it also boasts a vibrant nightlife in certain areas.
For example, The Eagle Inn on Trinity Way is a pub housed in a Victorian-era warehouse, offering live music and drinks to both locals and tourists.
Another brilliant spot is the bohemian-themed The King’s Arms, which features comedy shows along with its usual selection of drinks.
While Salford’s nightlife is a bit more subdued compared to Manchester city centre, it offers a lovely, laid-back atmosphere for those looking to enjoy a quieter evening out.
Pro tip: If you still can’t help but think of spending the evening at The Quays, check out these fantastic bars to visit in that part of Salford.
Fallowfield
Media from Tanvir Hamid
Head over to Fallowfield, a suburb in the south of Manchester, for some nightlife away from the city centre. Like Oxford Road, it’s popular with students, being just a couple of miles from the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Besides students, young professionals and local families enjoy Fallowfield in its late hours. The best area for bars is along Wilmslow Road.
Popular spots there are the 256 Wilmslow Road bar and the Friendship Inn, which are both considered as community hubs. Grab some grub, watch footy on the telly, or play some pool in these casual hangout areas.
Pro tip: For students going home in the dead of the night after drinks in Fallowfield, there’s a 24/7 stagecoach bus available. You can catch it from the stop near the Friendship Inn on Wilmslow Road, and it will take you straight to Manchester city centre.
Chorlton
Media from Chorlton, Manchester
If you want to venture further from Manchester’s city centre, head to Chorlton (or Chorlton-cum-Hardy for those who enjoy a bit of a tongue-twister). It’s a Mancunian suburb too like Fallowfield, but it’s much further down southwest.
We’ve already covered many of the pubs here, especially those along Beech Road, but we’d be doing a disservice if we don’t mention one more. Check out the Bar San Juan (on Beech Road too) if you’re looking for Spanish tapas and drinks in the sea of English fare.
Be mindful that a handful of the bars and pubs here close around midnight. It’s a suburb after all.
Pro tip: Start your evening adventure a bit earlier to make the most out of your night in Chorlton.
West Didsbury
Media from West Didsbury
Last but not the least on our list is the land far away (from Manchester centre, that is)—West Didsbury. Its busiest thoroughfare, brimming with shops, restaurants, pubs, and bars, is Burton Road.
Start your night at the good ‘ole Metropolitan’s beer garden, or head out for cocktails at its front neighbour, The Drawing Room. Enjoy the live performances or join the quiz nights at The Railway with some friends.
Despite being part of suburbia, West Didsbury has something for everyone. Take a look at our own pub picks in this list for new ideas when planning your pub crawl here.
Pro tip: Wilmslow Road, a main route to West Didsbury, gets heavy traffic, especially on weekends. Plan your activities accordingly.
