How to spend a day in Manchester

Kick-start your day in Manchester at Idle Hands, a speciality coffee shop in the Northern Quarter known for its daily assortment of tempting freshly-baked sweet pies and cakes. Swing by and pick up a just-baked pie (flavours change depending on the day), or sit down for a more hearty brunch in-house. Dishes range from overnight oats and things on toast to halloumi hash and more, all subject to change. Enjoy your meal with coffee from a rotating selection of roasters. The venue is small and quite popular, so expect to share the space and quite possibly make some new friendly Manc pals during peak hours.

Trof is another iconic restaurant in the heart of the buzzing Northern Quarter, renowned for its generous portions of comfort food and cosy, stylish atmosphere. It's set in a historic building and boasts a menu of classic British dishes with a contemporary va va voom, all made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The meat on the menu is supplied by Littlewoods – a proper traditional butcher specialising in dry-aged, grass-fed, free-range meat down the road in Cheshire. The menu changes, but highlights usually include hearty brunch classics like brioche French toast, comforting mains like potato dauphinoise pie, and a full-whack Sunday lunch; they've got all bases covered at Trof.

If you like to start your day with something sweet, there are few better places to scratch that itch than Gooey. This iconic Manc café is one of the city's number-one spots for the love of everything indulgent. From brioche donuts by the box and gooey brownies to fluffy pastries, Gooey Bakery + Café's kiosk is filled with the kind of  sweet treats that are as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. The NQ site is the first of their branch to serve a menu beyond 100% sugar, and they also offer a mostly-savoury brunch menu that changes but features a Gooey take on classic favourites. Think sandwiches with your favourite fillings like French onion or chopped egg, as well as whipped avo on toast.

If your style of shopping leans more towards vintage and second-hand rather than big high-street brands, you'll want to check out Afflecks. This bustling shopping hub is a mosaic of dozens of independent stalls, small shops and boutiques spread across three floors, including everything from art galleries and record shops to fashion boutiques. Rummage through rails of vintage clothes, get a tarot reading or grab a slice of pizza from Crazy Pedros; it's a hipster's dream hangout.

Explore the talented local craftspeople and creatives at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, home to some of the area's most talented independent designers and makers for over 40 years.  The centre promotes all forms of craft, whether you're looking for unique jewellery, ceramics, glassware, fashion, or furniture. Browse stalls of homemade trinkets and treasures, pick up a unique gift or try your hand at one of their regular creative workshops. There's also a café and exhibition space showcasing art in every style of discipline by artists from all kinds of backgrounds.

Paramount Books in Manchester is a beloved independent bookshop located in the lively Shudehill district. Since the 1960s, it has been a haven for bibliophiles, renowned for its eclectic collection spanning second-hand books, comics, magazines, and vinyl records. They've maintained their old-school ways, encouraging customers to switch off their mobile phones upon entering (look out for the sign on the door). This lovely local bookshop is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable people ready to help you discover a new favourite read or a rare find. It's also a short walk from the National Football Museum so it's easy to do both.

Founded in 1653, Chetham's Library is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world and is famously where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels began drafting "The Communist Manifesto." It also boasts the very desk used by Marx and Engels in 1845, a rare first edition of John Milton's "Paradise Lost," an archive on Belle Vue Zoological Gardens, and a Northern Soul collection. With its Hogwarts-like atmosphere, it's no surprise Chetham's was considered as a filming location for the films. The library is also connected to Chetham's School of Music, where students perform free lunchtime concerts in the Carole Nash Hall during term time.

The Spirit of Manchester Distillery is an independent spirits producer in Manchester specialising in making gin, vodka, rum and English whisky in their modern distillery. They use premium ingredients and traditional methods to craft their spirits and can produce over one million bottles a year. Gin is their thing, and every bottle of Manchester Gin is distilled in this very distillery. They offer a range of gin-based experiences, distillery tours, and tastings, as well as a make-your-own gin workshop.

Channel your inner Mario at this real-life Mario Kart experience, where go-karting meets a digitally projected world. Drivers can meander around virtual tracks inspired by iconic locations such as London, the Nevada desert, Florida beaches, and even outer space. Just like in the classic video games, participants can use power-ups and weapons—like laser guns, hammers, bombs, and speed boosts—to gain an edge and win the race.

The Green Lab was founded by Manchester sisters Nikita and Kanika and is a wellness space dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. The menu focuses on nutrition and caters to all dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. You can build your own nutrition bowls or pick something from their healthy menu. Try the matcha bar or a homemade juice made from using the freshest ingredients. A fitness studio also hosts a range of group classes beneath the restaurant.

Mackie Mayor is the kind of place you want to go for lunch if you can't decide what you want to eat or if you're with a group of diners who all like different things. It's located in a Grade II-listed market building dating back to 1858, which is the only remaining, fully-intact building of its kind. Rows of independent food vendors line the inside, serving every type of cuisine ranging from sourdough pizza and rare-breed stakes to ramen, tacos, burgers, and more. There's also a bar pouring craft beers, ciders, and soft drinks. 

Bundobust brings together Indian street food and craft beers over communal tables, a well-stocked bar, and a classic Manc-style industrial aesthetic. It's the perfect lunch spot where you can eat as little or as much as you like. Opt for a smaller bite like parathas or okra fries, or chow down on something more substantial, like a vindaloo pie or their iconic vada pav – a deep-fried mashed potato ball in a bun with red and green chutneys. It's a great spot to swing by for lunch, either solo or with pals in tow.

Ducie Street Warehouse on the edge of Manchester's trendy Northern Quarter is located inside one of four iconic city warehouses – and is the only one still standing. It has something for everyone: a restaurant with a delicious menu featuring a standout Sunday roast and themed brunches, a café for morning pastries and coffee, and a bar with cocktails where a DJ spins the latest tracks, ideal for a pre-dinner drink to get you in the mood for more tipples. Upstairs, you'll also find the Aparthotel Native Manchester, an award-winning place to base yourself if you're looking for a place to stay.

If you're the kind of person who likes your drinks with a side of sweeping city views, head to 20 Stories. This swish rooftop bar in the city centre is perched high up on the 19th floor, so you can only imagine the skyline views. Head there at sunset for optimum Insta-moments, and be sure to try a cocktail or two. They also serve wines from all over the city.

Dusk Til Pawn is a hidden speakeasy cocktail bar in the trendy Northern Quarter, tucked behind an unassuming pawn shop shopfront. Inside, it's decorated in a timeless vintage vibe with a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Cocktails are the highlight of the drinks menu, which changes frequently but always features pretty drinks that are just as tasty as they are Insta-worthy. There's also a free jukebox so that you can be in charge of your own soundtrack for the evening.

Erst is a natural wine bar and restaurant on Murray Street in Ancoats that serves seasonal small plates in a modern, laid-back setting. The minimalist decor and soft lighting create an intimate atmosphere for a cosy meal, while the menu highlights seasonal, locally sourced produce via small plates and artisanal dishes. Plates are designed for sharing, and the menu changes based on what's in season, so you can be pretty sure you'll get something new each time you return.

Italian food lovers will want to add this one to their foodie list. Rigatoni's is owned and operated by a team truly passionate about pasta. This rustic spot celebrates traditional Italian cooking with a menu that changes occasionally and features classics like spaghetti carbonara, hearty lasagna, and sides such as garlic and rosemary sourdough.

Where The Light Gets In collaborates with farmers and fishermen around the country to craft seasonal and creative menus focusing on the finest produce. The restaurant is located in a former coffee warehouse with a bright, contemporary, open-plan dining room that sets the perfect stage for its ever-changing British dishes. The restaurant only seats 40 people, so you can be sure to enjoy an intimate dinner here.

Soup is a multi-award-winning nightclub, canteen and live music venue where you can dine by day and party by night. They boast a roster of progressive and original line-ups that go on well into the early hours to keep you dancing, with a focus on signing up local talent and artists from afield. They are also accredited by Attitude is Everything, a charity that works to facilitate better live music spaces for deaf people and people with disabilities.

If you're into the UK rave scene, you've likely heard of The Warehouse Project. This legendary series of club nights in Manchester is renowned for featuring top DJs and live acts in rustic industrial venues. Running from September through New Year's Day, The Warehouse Project offers a diverse lineup of artists and music genres, drawing ravers from across the globe.

Hidden is one of Manchester's top nightclubs located in Downtex Mill in Cheetham Hill. The diverse weekly lineup features genres such as jungle, liquid D&B, and garage. The club hosts both daytime and nighttime parties, along with special events boasting thrilling secret lineups. The venue has a bohemian vibe and is always lively, frequently filled with enthusiastic party-goers