Nightlife

The world-famous Hacienda firmly stamped Manchester on the map as a must-visit clubbing destination, and though it’s now long gone, our clubs are still just as popular and our vibrant nightlife is never-ending! With so many pubs, cocktail bars and clubs to enjoy, you could visit a different venue every night and still not experience everything!

If you’re looking for an under-18s club night, you’ll find lots of opportunities to party here. Want to spend the evening relaxing in a roof-top bar or imagining you’re in a speakeasy in the 1920s? We’ve got you covered. Whether you prefer sampling local brews in age-old pubs or raving the night away in historic warehouses, you’ll fall in love with Manchester’s nightlife.

The Northern Quarter

Full of quirky bars, small underground clubs and themed watering holes, the Northern Quarter, or ‘NQ’, is the hip, bohemian destination in Manchester's city centre. You’ll find independent pubs that have stood the test of time alongside fun and exciting new bars that are regularly popping up. You might stumble across a few of the city’s secret bars here too, like The Fitzgerald and Dusk Till Pawn.

Deansgate Locks

In these repurposed railway storage warehouses, you’ll find a superb selection of ever-changing clubs and bars to dance the night away or enjoy a perfect summer’s drink by the side of the Rochdale Canal. Catch a show at The Comedy Club, enjoy a BBQ at Dukes 92, try a classic cocktail at Revolution, or sample gin from around the world at Atlas Bar.

Spinningfields

If you’re looking for a posher, more upmarket night out, then Spinningfields is the place to head to. You’ll find lots of delicious cocktails to try in the bars around here, and could even catch a late-night movie on the lawn in the summer or a spot of ice-skating in winter.

Nearby, if you really want to enjoy a special night then take the lift up to the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower and visit Cloud 23, or mingle with celebrities at The Milton Club.

Gay Village

Manchester is also renowned for its LGBT community and annual Pride celebrations, with the party always centred around Canal Street. Famed as one of, if not THE best in the country, you’ll find lively bars and exciting clubs that welcome diversity and individuality in the Gay Village. Some highlights include the lovely maze of rooms that is Via, women’s bar Vanilla, and the shiny flagship G-A-Y. For an incredible range of cheap cocktails and shooters, EVA is the place!

The Printworks

One of the most frequented nightlife areas in Manchester is The Printworks and its neighbouring buildings. You’ll find lots of mainstream, well-known bars and clubs here, such as Tiger Tiger (where you can book a karaoke booth!), Walkabout, the Hard Rock Café, and The Birdcage nightclub.

Over the way, the Corn Exchange boosts an eclectic range of restaurants and bars, perfect for a relaxing evening drink in a cosy environment. And if you’re passing, be sure to stop by the legendary Sinclair’s Oyster Bar, a true Manchester institution.

Student Nights

5th Avenue, 42’s, Venue, South, Sound Control and The Deaf Institute. These are just a selection of the names you’ll soon become very familiar with, home to some of the most long running student nights in Manchester. There’s nothing fancy about these places, just great-priced drinks, incredible music and a full dance floor.

Other clubs to check out include the iconic Ritz Theatre, originally a 1920s dancehall, and FAC251,the headquarters of Factory Records (creators of the legendary Madchester music scene).

Further Afield

Nightlife isn’t just confined to the city centre, with many students often choosing to go out in the surrounding areas. Fallowfield is a hotbed of bars and pubs for the student population, whilst Chorlton is a great place for a quiet drink with a bohemian vibe. West Didsbury is popular amongst professionals and students alike; Volta is a great place to grab a small plate of tapas or a tempting cocktail!