Your Guide to Living in Manchester
The home of the ‘Curry mile’ and legendary band Oasis - Manchester certainly has a lot of history. It’s also the most linguistically diverse city in Europe, with up to 200 languages spoken. Boasting some of the country’s best shopping destinations, cultural spots and up-and-coming restaurants, Manchester today is a hub of all things food, art and entertainment.
Whether you’re exploring the quaint independent shops of the Northern Quarter, browsing the bohemian bars in Chorlton or rifling through records at Levenshulme’s Saturday market, you’ll never be lost for something to do in this city.
New to Manchester and need some tips? We’ve got you covered when it comes to all things to eat, drink and do Mancunian style.
Where is it?
Up North, of course. More specifically, Manchester lies to the North of Birmingham and South of Leeds, not too far from the Peak District.
What's the transport like?
Boasting 14 platforms, Manchester Piccadilly makes rail travel to the city easy. Trains from London to Manchester can take as little as 2 hours, whilst Birmingham is a mere hour and a half away. When it comes to driving, the journey from London takes around 4 and a half hours, or a drive to Leeds is just an hour and a half.
In the city getting around is just as easy. It's compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also buses, trams and trains serving the city. Manchester also runs a free ‘hop on, hop off’ Metroshuttle bus with three services on a circular route, connecting all the major rail stations, shopping areas and business districts.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: One of the most well known parks in the North West, Heaton Park has 600 acres of open green space and an 18th century country house, which is open for tours and exhibits. A popular spot right in the city centre is Whitworth Park - where you’ll find university students and locals relaxing during the summer days. Not too far away you’ll find Platt Fields Park, with a lake, playgrounds, a skate park and a BMX track!
Events & Activities: If it's history you’re after, make a beeline for the stunning gothic architecture at John Rylands Library, which resembles a magnificent castle more than a library. Visit for behind the scenes tours, art exhibitions or just to marvel at the breathtaking architecture. More history can be found at Manchester Cathedral, which dates back to around 700 AD.
If there’s one thing Manchester’s known for, it’s music. The birthplace of household names from The Smiths to The Chemical Brothers, this city knows a thing or two when it comes to rocking out. If it's pop and rock royalty you’re after, head to Manchester Arena (they’ve hosted everyone from Madonna to The Rolling Stones) or to Bridgewater Hall for the very finest in classical, rock, pop and jazz. The city certainly isn’t lacking in more intimate venues either; for a mix of DJ's and good food go to Gorilla, or make your way to the cosy club that is Matt and Phred’s for live jazz, electro, salsa and swing.You can't leave Manc without a visit to The Warehouse Project – a true UK legend. The venue showcases the biggest and best DJs from across the globe, for long, loud parties that go on well into the morning.
The best restaurants: You'll never be lost for something tasty to eat in Manchester. Make your way to Evelyn’s, a cosy neighbourhood hangout serving up healthy dishes with an Asian twist against a backdrop of hanging plants and wooden benches – ideal for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even a Sunday roast. The truly hungry - or hungover - should go to Brewski for breakfast; where they serve a 20” sharing platter which is equivalent to 6 separate breakfasts!
If there’s one thing Manchester’s not short of, it’s great Asian food. The fresh, authentic Japanese cooking at Yuzu is unmissable, as are the fragrant Vietnamese dishes at Edge Street’s Vnam. head to Volta for small plates and charcuterie. Pizza lovers should go to Ply, a bustling cocktail and craft beer bar and wood-fired pizza palace. And those in search of a big old meaty burger should head to Almost Famous. Their wings are amazing.
The best pubs: Bunny Jackson's is a low key 'dive bar' that's the home of 25p chicken wings, a big selection of bourbon, and a 'dance on the tables' vibe. But if you want something more polished, check out Arcane for great cocktails, cosy booths and dim lighting. The Fitzgerald is a prohibition-inspired drinking den that serves drinks in 1920s glassware alongside live jazz music (on certain nights). Looking for a more hardcore night? The Edinburgh Castle is a cosy pub located in the Northern Quarter, perfect for a pint and a Sunday roast.
The best coffee shops: Another thing Manchester does well is independent coffee shops. Located in the Northern Quarter, Fig & Sparrow is more than just a coffee shop: offering delish food, gifts and design products too - and they allow dogs! With several locations now in the city, Trove is your one stop coffee shop for an experience like no other. Just check out their Instagram page to drool over their pics! Federal has some of the best quality coffee around, and is a hit with the locals, and offers a whole range of coffee, tea, hot drinks, and incredible food.
Shops: With two huge shopping malls in the city centre, you won’t be bored hitting the shops all day with the variety on offer. Manchester Arndale and the Trafford Centre are home to an endless list of shops and food courts to grab a bite to eat - you name it, they’ve got it! The Northern Quarter is known for its independent cafes, stores and boutiques - and is home to some of the coolest vintage stores in the UK too. One to mention in this area is Affleck’s, an indoor indie market dream!
What’s it famous for?
Where do we start? Manchester is home to not one but two rival major football teams - Manchester United and Manchester City - the city lives and breathes footie! As we’ve already mentioned, a huge part of iconic British music originated in this city, and it’s still producing legendary bands and artists today. Think The Smiths, Oasis, The 1975, The Stone Roses, and the Bee Gees! Manchester was right at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, being the world's first industrial city. And last but not least, we couldn’t not mention the most recognisable symbol of Manchester for over 250 years - the worker bee! Representing the hard-working people who built the city to be what it is today, find this symbol dotted all over the city, from bins to buildings!
Oh, and Manchester is also home to SpareRoom! We love it here.
Want to know the average room rent for Manchester, and other UK towns and cities? Check out our latest guide here!
Find a room or flatmate in Birmigham