Gay Guide • MANCHESTER | What to See, Where to Sleep, Best Gay Bars and Restaurants | LGBT Guide
- World Mappers
- Feb 7
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 26
GAY MANCHESTER
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in MANCHESTER?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT MANCHESTER
Manchester is one of the most dynamic and inclusive cities for the LGBTQ+ community, recognized for its commitment to welcoming and enhancing diversity. The Gay Village, around Canal Street, is the heart of the gay nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs and restaurants. Events such as the Manchester Pride attract international visitors. The city stands out for its warm atmosphere and community unity, offering a unique and inclusive experience for those who want to immerse themselves in the LGBTQ+ scene.
WHAT TO SEE in MANCHESTER?
10 THINGS TO SEE in MANCHESTER
Albert Square & Manchester City Hall
Albert Square is a central square in Manchester, famous for its Victorian architecture and its role in major city events. Here is Manchester City Hall, a massive neo-Gothic building completed in 1877, designed by Alfred Waterhouse. The square houses the statue of Albert, Prince Consort, and other commemorative statues. It is a lively place, surrounded by restaurants and cafes, and a focal point during the Christmas with markets and decorations.
Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative and vibrant district, known for its artistic scene, music and alternative culture. Featuring cobbled streets, colourful murals and transformed industrial buildings, it houses independent bars, cafés and unique boutiques. It’s the heart of the city’s nightlife and design, with art galleries like the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art and iconic vinyl stores like Piccadilly Records.
Old Trafford
Old Trafford is the legendary stadium of Manchester United, located in Trafford, Manchester. Known as "The Theatre of Dreams", it is one of the largest and most famous stadiums in the world, inaugurated in 1910. Hosts historic matches, sporting events and concerts. The museum and stadium tour offer a glimpse into the club’s rich history. In the surrounding area, you will find bars, restaurants and shops dedicated to fans.
Manchester Cathedral
Manchester Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Santa Maria, San Dionigi and San Giorgio, is a gothic jewel in the heart of the city. Built in the 15th century, it boasts beautiful stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings and a serene atmosphere. It is an active place of worship, concerts and community events. The cathedral is surrounded by history, with the Medieval Quarter and the River Irwell nearby, offering a unique cultural experience.
Manchester Museums:
Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI)
The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Manchester celebrates innovation and the city’s industrial heritage. Located in a historic train station, it offers interactive exhibitions on science, technology and industry. Main attractions include running machinery, the first programmable computer and exhibitions on transport, energy and communication.
National Football Museum
The National Football Museum in Manchester is a temple to football history. Located in the iconic Urbis building, it houses unique memorabilia such as Pelé’s jersey and FA Cup trophy. Interactive and engaging, offering experiences for fans of all ages, telling the evolution of world football.
Manchester Museum
The Manchester Museum is an extraordinary cultural institution, located at the University of Manchester. It houses unique collections of archaeology, natural history and anthropology, including Egyptian mummies, dinosaur skeletons and global artifacts. With interactive exhibitions and educational spaces, the museum offers a fascinating journey through history and science.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
The Greater Manchester Police Museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the local police. Located in a former Victorian police station, it features original cells, historical uniforms and artifacts related to crime. Visitors can explore the stories of famous investigations and take part in guided tours for an engaging and educational experience.
John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is a neo-Gothic masterpiece located in Manchester, opened in 1900. Founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, it houses an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, rare books and historical documents, including the oldest fragment of the New Testament. The interior, rich in architectural details, resembles a cathedral, creating a magical atmosphere. The library is a must-see for history, literature and art lovers.
Chinatown
Chinatown in Manchester is a vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of Asian culture, located close to the city centre. Known for its authentic restaurants, Asian food shops and tea shops, it is a reference point for Chinese and Oriental cuisine. Its entrance arch, one of the largest in Europe, is a distinctive symbol. During the Chinese New Year, the neighborhood comes alive with parades, dragon dances and colourful celebrations.
Castlefield
Castlefield is a historic area of Manchester, famous for its industrial heritage and charming canal views. Known for its iron bridges and ancient brick buildings, it is home to the Roman Fort, an archaeological site dating back to the Roman occupation. Today, it is a lively neighborhood with cafes, restaurants and green spaces, combining history and modernity. The Museum of Science and Industry is nearby, completing the cultural atmosphere.
Salford Quays
Don’t miss Salford Quays, an area once dominated by abandoned power stations, now a vibrant cultural and technological hub. Located west of Manchester along the river, it is home to major UK media, The Lowry theatre and gallery, The Quays shopping centre and the Imperial War Museum North. With its modern glass buildings and breathtaking views, it is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The area is also lively with numerous bars and restaurants, making it lively at night.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park is one of the largest parks in Manchester, located north of the city. With its large green spaces, lakes and woods, it is an oasis of tranquility for residents and visitors. The park hosts a variety of activities, including a golf course, a tiny zoo and a botanical garden. It is also famous for the Heaton Hall, an elegant historic building, and for outdoor events throughout the year.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Manchester Complete - Google Maps
Extra - Old Trafford & The Quays (by Public Transportation, Taxi or Uber) - Google Maps
Extra - Heaton Park (by Public Transportation, Taxi or Uber) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from MANCHESTER
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
London
Liverpool
Birmingham
Sheffield
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in MANCHESTER?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in MANCHESTER
Moxy Manchester City **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Map'Hotel • MOXY MANCHESTER CITY
The Moxy Manchester, a contemporary and dynamic hotel located in the heart of the city, offers a unique and vibrant experience for modern travellers. With a bold design and a welcoming atmosphere, the hotel is perfect for those looking for an urban-chic style combined with innovative comforts. The central location allows guests to easily explore Manchester’s main attractions, from museums and theatres to luxury shopping and lively nightlife. The rooms at Moxy Manchester are designed to ensure maximum relaxation, with functional spaces and elegant details that create a fresh and modern atmosphere. The hotel boasts a lively lounge area, where guests can relax, socialize or work in an informal atmosphere. The Moxy bar is the ideal meeting point, with a wide selection of creative cocktails, craft drinks and snacks, perfect for any time of day. The Moxy Manchester also offers a technologically advanced experience, with self-service check-in and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, designed for connected travellers. The common area is characterised by a playful and interactive design, with spaces designed for work or play, reflecting the young and cosmopolitan energy of Manchester. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, the Moxy Manchester is the perfect choice for those looking for a fun, comfortable and stylish stay in the heart of one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.
WHERE TO EAT in MANCHESTER?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in MANCHESTER Quality / Price
€€€€ - Cloud 23 Cocktail Bar
€€€€ - Dakota Bar & Grill
€€€ - Annies
€€€ - No. 4 Dine & Wine
€€€ - Peaky Blinders Manchester ® Tested by World Mappers
€ - Wright's Fish & Chips ® Tested by World Mappers
GAY NIGHTLIFE in MANCHESTER
10 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in MANCHESTER
Canal Street is the beating heart of Manchester’s gay district, an iconic street that vibrates with energy and inclusiveness. Here you will find a wide range of venues ranging from the most fashionable clubs to cozy bars, each with a unique atmosphere. Pop into the world-famous G-A-Y Manchester for unforgettable evenings with live music and amazing shows, or relax at the Richmond Tea Rooms, an enchanting place for a vintage break. With Canal Street as your landmark, your dive into Manchester’s vibrant and colourful LGBTQ+ scene will be a memorable experience!
G-A-Y Manchester (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
The Eagle Bar (Gay Bar)
Centre Stage (Gay Bar)
The New Union (Gay Bar)
Oscars Bar (Gay Bar) Iconic Bar (Gay Bar) The Thompsons Arms (Gay Bar)
Cruz 101 (Gay Club) Club Tropicana (Gay Club) The Church (Gay Club)
TRAVEL TIPS about MANCHESTER by World Mappers
Don’t forget to stop by Shambles Square, a picturesque historic square with an enchanting view of the city and traditional design buildings. Located near the vibrant Northern Quarter, it is the ideal place to stroll and discover unique restaurants, pubs and cafes. The square is famous for its welcoming and lively atmosphere, frequented by locals and tourists. With its cobbled streets and period architecture, Shambles Square is one of the most photographed places in Manchester, perfect for those looking for an authentic and evocative corner of the city.
The Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four is a unique dive into the world of alcohol smuggling during American Prohibition, offering participants the opportunity to become part of an intriguing criminal plot. Participants are transported back in time to a clandestine prison from the 1920s, where they can enjoy homemade cocktails made with hidden and clandestine ingredients. With its suggestive atmosphere and engaging interactivity, The experience at Alcotraz Manchester promises a unique and memorable evening for adventure and mixology lovers.
Could we not go hunting for street art in Manchester? Street art in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is an explosion of creativity and colour that transforms the streets into an open-air museum. The walls of the area are decorated with vibrant murals and graffiti by local and international artists, creating an energetic and engaging cityscape. Through the Northern Quarter’s street art, visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary street art and discover the artistic talent that animates Manchester’s vibrant urban culture.
INSTAGRAMMABLE MANCHESTER
Instagrammable Places to See in Manchester
Don’t miss the best instagrammable places in Manchester, here are our favorites:
"SECRET MANCHESTER"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Manchester
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Manchester" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Manchester (and Surroundings):
Gnome Island - is a small island located in the garden of Heaton Park in Manchester. Known for its ceramic gnome sculptures, this curious attraction has a fairy-tale and picturesque atmosphere. The gnomes, placed in the vegetation, make the island a unique place for walks and photos.
Vimto Sculpture - is located near the historic Vimto headquarters. This sculpture celebrates the famous soft drink produced in the city since 1908. The artwork is a creative representation of the brand, an iconic symbol of Manchester, combining tradition, local culture and modernity.
Tower of Light - is a spectacular public art work located in Salford, near Manchester. High 20 meters, it emits a beam of vertical light that creates an amazing visual effect. Designed by artist Sir Michael Craig-Martin, it symbolizes themes of connection, communication and energy, representing the creativity of the city.
Royal Exchange Theatre - the Great Hall inside the Royal Exchange in Manchester is a magnificent historic hall, characterized by an elegant and imposing architecture. Originally a market, the hall now hosts cultural and theatrical events. With its high ceiling and majestic columns, it is an important testimony of the architectural heritage of the city.
Shakespeare Pub - is a charming traditional pub located near the city centre. With a welcoming atmosphere and classic décor, it offers a wide selection of beers, typical foods and an excellent socializing experience. It is also an ideal place for history and culture enthusiasts.
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