Apart from the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses and Oasis, Manchester is well known nationwide for its incredible nightlife, abundance of bars, clubs and exhilarating atmosphere. There’s something to suit every taste in this Northern City and it’s just as well with around 120,000 visitors every single weekend. Choices range from upper class bars in Deansgate, to the gay community nightlife in and around Canal Street or music venues and bars in the Northern Quarter.

Wherever you decide to go in Manchester just make sure you pick the best of the best. Each different area has a lot to offer so plan your night depending on what you’re looking for. Manchester is not simply ‘Madchester’ anymore as there are a lot more stylish and upper class bars and local pubs to suit you’re socialising and drinking desires so take a look around at all the possibilities.

Deansgate

Right around the corner from the ‘Manchester Central’ building is Deansgate Locks, an area packed to the rafters with bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants stretching back west-bound so that a collection of them back onto the stunning Manchester Ship Canal. Many of the clubs are open 24 hours in Deansgate and we thoroughly recommend the Loaf bar and Area 51 nightclub. Other significant venues include the Mojo bar and the Fat Cat Café which sells an array of cocktails. If you’re looking to spend a long time in Deansgate Locks but are lacking in places to stay then fear not! There are tons of hotels of all kinds in this area.

Canal Street

Also known as ‘Gay Village’ Canal Street and the surrounding area cater specifically for the gay and lesbian community with a plethora of gay-friendly clubs, bars and seasonal festivals. Of course you don’t have to be gay to go to Canal Street and there’s something here for everyone, be it the cosy and suave atmosphere of the Taurus Café Bar & Restaurant or the upbeat and exciting rooms of ‘Queer’ which also serves food and has an internet café. Also not to be missed is the Manto bar; the first gay bar to come to the Canal Street area which has numerous cheap drinks and Vanilla Bar which is predominantly aimed at Lesbians, with pool tournaments and DJs.

Northern Quarter

This area of Manchester offers its residents and visitors a great mixture of cosy pubs, chic cocktail bars, restaurants and shops. By night the NQ comes alive and bars such as Bluu and Walrus fill with eager punters. Hidden away down the High Street is a secluded yet lively cocktail bar known as Socio Rehab and is one of Manchester’s best kept secrets. Be sure to take a few steps down the road to Thomas Street and visit Odd Bar with its furniture and décor from around the world and a selection of less than usual shots, beers and cocktails. Also on Thomas Street is The Bay Horse bar, offering a luxuriously relaxing drinking atmosphere away from the loud music venues and rowdy streets that can, on occasion, get a bit much.