Categories > Guides and Tips
11 Hidden Gems for Where to Park Manchester: Beat the Stress and Find Your Perfect Spot
- MCC Piccadilly Gardens, Chatham Street (M1 3AY)
- MCC Great Jackson Street (M14 4PA)
- SIP Duke Street (M3 4JL)
- Manchester University, Charles Street (M1 3BB)
- SIP Great Jackson Street
- MCC Bloom Street (M1 3LY)
- Queen Street (M3 7DQ)
- Water Street (M3 4JH)
- Total Car Parks, 87 Rochdale Road (M4 4HY)
- Great Jackson Street (M14 4PA)
- SIP Port Street (M1 2EG)
Struggling to find where to park in Manchester without losing your mind (or your cash)? Yeah, we’ve been there—stuck in endless loops around the city, praying that some miracle space will appear right when you’re running late for that dinner reservation. ‘
It’s like playing hide-and-seek, but with car parks that seem better at hiding than you’ll ever be.
But fear not, mate—we’ve done the legwork (and the circling, and the muttering under our breath) for you.
We’ve uncovered the best parking spots that are more than just places to abandon your car—they’re hidden gems that’ll save you time, money, and those precious little strands of patience.
From secret hideaways known only to those in the know to spots that won’t have you contemplating a second mortgage, we’ve got it all.
MCC Piccadilly Gardens, Chatham Street (M1 3AY)
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MCC Piccadilly Gardens on Chatham Street is right where you want to be if you’re eyeing Manchester’s busy centre without the hassle. Open from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, it’s perfect for both early risers and those who take their time in the mornings.
Want to park on the cheap? Swing by between 6 AM and 7:30 AM or 10 AM to 11:30 AM, and you’ll get a sweet £8 deal for 12 hours. Plus, they’ve thought of everything—annual passes, seasonal tickets, and permits for residents who need a regular spot.
Even better, there are disabled bays and charging points for your electric wheels. And when you’re ready to hit the city, you’re just a hop, skip, and a tram ride away from the Northern Quarter’s hipster haven or the shopping stretch at Market Street.
Pro tip:
Pre-book and save yourself the hassle of hunting for change, time is money, mate!
MCC Great Jackson Street (M14 4PA)
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Tucked just a little south of Deansgate, MCC Great Jackson Street is where sensible parking meets a smart location. Rates here don’t break the bank: £2.50 gets you three hours, £7.50 covers a leisurely 10-hour stay, and £10 lets you park for the entire weekend.
Whether you’re swinging by for brunch or settling in for a proper day out in Castlefield, you won’t have to choose between your car and your budget.
It’s perfect for those days when you fancy a museum stroll at MOSI or want to kick back by the canals without the anxiety of a ticking parking metre. Plus, no need to watch the clock when you’re soaking up the city’s charm.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of the weekend flat rate, park up, take your time, and enjoy Manchester at your own pace.
SIP Duke Street (M3 4JL)
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SIP Duke Street is that cheeky parking spot you almost don’t want to tell your mates about—because it’s just that good. You’re a hop away from the Museum of Science and Industry, the Hilton’s towering views, or the indie charm of the Everyman Cinema.
Rates start at £4 for 4 hours—ideal for a quick dive into Deansgate—and max out at £8 for a full day. That’s right, 24 hours for less than a round of cocktails. And if your plan is to catch a gig at the Castlefield Bowl or nibble your way through the Great Northern’s eateries, you’ve nailed it.
With no height restrictions, you can roll in with anything from a Mini to a van full of IKEA flat-packs.
Pro tip:
Get there early if you’re visiting on a weekend—word’s out, and the good spots go fast when the city comes alive.
Manchester University, Charles Street (M1 3BB)
Media from manchesteruniversity
Parking at Manchester University’s Charles Street car park is like finding a hidden gem in the city centre. With a generous 808 spaces, it’s your best bet when the streets are packed, and you want to park up without the fuss.
It’s a five-minute walk from Oxford Road, so you can easily drop off the car and get straight to exploring Manchester’s bustling student hub.
At £7.70 for 5 hours, it’s a fair deal when you’re catching up with mates at one of the nearby cafés or sneaking in a quick visit to the Manchester Museum. If you’re in town for a lecture, a gallery visit, or just want to reminisce about student life, Charles Street’s got you covered.
Pro tip:
This spot’s perfect for a midday parking stint, plenty of space, and you can squeeze in lunch without worrying about the clock.
SIP Great Jackson Street
Media credit: urbanistorg
SIP Great Jackson Street is one of those places you either love or wish you’d known about sooner. SIP, short for Simple Intelligent Parking, likes to play up its social creds—think charitable donations and a living wage for staff.
But be warned, prices can be as unpredictable as the Mancunian weather. Thankfully, this one’s a bit more grounded: £4.50 for 3 hours, £7 for 10 hours, and if you’re sticking around, £10 sorts you for a full 24-hour stay.
Open from 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM, it’s a handy spot for early risers heading into town or those catching the last rays by the canal in Castlefield.
Pro tip:
Keep an eye out for fluctuating rates, sometimes you’ll feel like you’ve nabbed a bargain; other times, it might cost you more than expected.
MCC Bloom Street (M1 3LY)
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MCC Bloom Street is a no-nonsense choice if you’re looking for city-centre parking without the fuss. With 24/7 access, you can park up whenever, but if you’re savvy, arriving between 5 PM and 6 AM gets you a neat deal—£8 for up to 12 hours.
Otherwise, expect to shell out £4.50 for just an hour or £15 if you’re making it an all-day affair. And for those with a Blue Badge? You’re in luck—disabled bays are reserved exclusively for Blue Badge holders, with no charge at all.
Located just around the corner from the Gay Village and a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens, it’s the kind of spot you want to keep in your back pocket for those spontaneous nights out or morning strolls.
Pro tip:
Make the most of the evening rates, get in after 5 PM, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the nightlife without worrying about the metre.
Queen Street (M3 7DQ)
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Queen Street is the kind of spot that’s both budget-friendly and brilliantly placed. At just £6 for a full ten-hour stay, it’s perfect for those who want to ditch the car and dive into the city centre.
No need to fret about overstaying your welcome, either—ten hours is more than enough time to grab lunch, catch a matinee, and still sneak in some shopping around the Arndale.
Tucked just off Deansgate, it’s a short stroll to the Opera House or a wander down to the riverside for a bit of fresh air. Ideal for a midweek visit or even a leisurely Saturday in town.
Pro tip:
Make this your go-to when you’ve got a full day planned, it’s cheap and cheerful, leaving you with more to spend on your day out.
Water Street (M3 4JH)
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Water Street car park is a hidden gem if you don’t mind a little stroll. With 170 spaces, it’s got plenty of room, and if you’re one for planning ahead, you can book in advance on the RCP website.
A 24-hour stay will set you back £15, but it’s well worth it if you’re looking to explore the Museum of Science and Industry just up the road or meander around the canal paths.
It’s a bit of a walk to Deansgate, but if you fancy stretching your legs before settling into a pint or a show, it’s not too bad. Plus, with its spot near the bottom of Liverpool Road, you’ll have a quieter retreat from the city buzz.
Pro tip:
Booking in advance means no more circling around for a space, especially on weekends when everyone’s out and about.
Total Car Parks, 87 Rochdale Road (M4 4HY)
If you’re after a real bargain, Total Car Parks on Rochdale Road is your spot. Prices here start at a cheeky £1, and a full 24-hour stay is just £4.
That’s practically a steal in a city where a cup of coffee could set you back more. It’s a no-frills choice that’s perfect if you’ve got plans around the Northern Quarter or are visiting one of the many galleries tucked in the area.
Sure, you might not get a valet service, but it’s safe, affordable, and keeps more change in your pocket for those Manchester Market finds. You’re a quick hop to Shudehill too, so it’s easy enough to explore beyond just the local scene.
Pro tip:
Grab this spot for a full day of adventure without worrying about racking up charges—£4 means you’ve got more to spend on those vintage shops.
Great Jackson Street (M14 4PA)
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Great Jackson Street’s car park is all about convenience and solid value. This Manchester City Council-run lot offers rates that won’t make your eyes water: £2.50 for a quick three-hour stop, £7.50 for a full 10-hour day.
And if you’re planning a weekend in town, it’s just £10 to park from Saturday to Sunday. And here’s the kicker—Bank Holidays? Free! It’s like getting a little bonus just for showing up.
With its spot near Deansgate and Castlefield, it’s an ideal choice for those who want to park up and spend the day wandering the canals or popping into the Science and Industry Museum.
Plus, it’s a quick drive in and out, which means less time stressing about parking and more time soaking up the city.
Pro tip:
Take advantage of free parking on Bank Holidays, why pay more when you can park for free and enjoy the day out?
SIP Port Street (M1 2EG)
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SIP Port Street is like finding a fiver in your coat pocket—unexpectedly satisfying. It’s dirt cheap for the location but there’s a catch: there’s only 21 spaces. Blink, and you’ll miss them. Rates start at £6 for 3 hours, £10 for a half-day, and £14 if you’re settling in for the full 24 hours.
It’s a perfect spot if you’re dropping by the Northern Quarter for a quick coffee or planning to dive into a vinyl hunt at Piccadilly Records.
But be warned: with so few spaces, it’s a bit of a game of musical chairs—only the early birds catch the worm here. Once you’ve snagged a spot, though, you’re just steps away from some of Manchester’s coolest cafes and indie shops.
Pro tip:
Arrive early if you want a space, Port Street’s a hot ticket, especially on weekends when the city’s buzzing.
