Northern Quarter

Overview

The Northern Quarter is Manchester's creative and countercultural heartland — a grid of Victorian warehouse-lined streets packed with vintage shops, record stores, street art, craft beer bars and independent cafés. It's the city's most walkable and Instagrammable district.

Highlights

• Street Art: Building-sized murals on Tib Street, Stevenson Square and Oldham Street — new pieces appear regularly.
• Afflecks: An icon of alternative Manchester — four floors of independent stalls selling vintage clothing, comics, tattoos and curiosities.
• Café Culture: Specialty coffee pioneers including Takk, Pot Kettle Black, and Fig+Sparrow.

History

Once a garment district and warehouse quarter, the area declined in the 1960s–80s before independent businesses and artists moved in, drawn by cheap rents. It has been Manchester's creative quarter since the late 1990s.

Visitor Tips

• Best for: An afternoon of browsing, coffee hopping and street art spotting.
• Nightlife: Dozens of craft beer bars and live music venues come alive after dark.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.