A mini guide to
Northern Quarter & Cathedral: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Start at Piccadilly Gardens
The Quarter begins at the top of Oldham Street, a short walk from the Piccadilly Gardens tram and bus interchange.
Check what's on
Band on the Wall and Night & Day Café both list their gigs and events on their own websites, so look before you go.
Add the cathedral side
Manchester Cathedral, Chetham's Library and the National Football Museum are all around Cathedral Gardens, about ten minutes' walk west of Oldham Street.
Look up
Many streets have murals, and the Big Horn sculpture is on the Afflecks building. Stevenson Square also hosts changing street art.
Confirm opening times
Afflecks, the Craft and Design Centre and the museums set their own hours, which vary by day. Check each website before you set out.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Northern Quarter & Cathedral?
Northern Quarter & Cathedral is in Manchester, England. Independent shops, bars and music venues, with the cathedral and the soccer museum a short walk west. Nearby stops and stations include Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, Shudehill.
How long do I need in Northern Quarter & Cathedral?
Half a day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Afflecks, Manchester Craft and Design Centre, Stevenson Square. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Piccadilly Gardens (Metrolink and Bee Network buses); Market Street (Metrolink); Shudehill (Metrolink and Bee Network buses); Victoria (Metrolink and National Rail). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 22 places to eat and drink in and around Northern Quarter & Cathedral, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 7 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Northern Quarter & Cathedral accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Northern Quarter & Cathedral
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Stevenson Square
Square named after landowner William Stevenson, used for public speeches in Victorian times and now a spot for street art.
Oldham Street
Main street of the Northern Quarter, running up from Piccadilly Gardens.
Smithfield Market Hall
Renovated market hall on Swan Street, reopened in 2017 and home to the Mackie Mayor food hall.
Manchester
More areas to explore
Spinningfields & Deansgate
The Victorian civic heart and the glass offices of Spinningfields
Open the mini guide →
Castlefield & the Canals
Roman fort, canal basin and railway firsts, in the city's urban heritage park
Open the mini guide →
Piccadilly, Chinatown & the Village
Chinatown's arch, the canalside Gay Village and the gallery on Mosley Street
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Afflecks: Olea, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stevenson Square: Dillys Dad, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Oldham Street: Michael Ashton, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Smithfield Market Hall: Matthew Black from London, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Spinningfields & Deansgate: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Castlefield & the Canals: Ridiculopathy, CC0, source
- Piccadilly, Chinatown & the Village: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 4.0, source
- Ancoats & New Islington: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Salford Quays & MediaCity: Rosser1954, CC BY 4.0, source
- Oxford Road & Rusholme: DrPhoenix, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Chorlton & Didsbury: Wikidwitch, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Altrincham & Sale: Parrot of Doom, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Manchester