Discover our locals' 63 hidden gems in Manchester

Discover the soul of Manchester with Spotted by Locals! From indie music venues to hidden cafes, our Spotters show you the city's vibrant culture. Experience Manchester through the eyes of true locals.

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City guides by those who know Manchester best!

Travel Guides by these Manchester Locals!

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Know your way in Manchester like a local!

Spotted by Locals

✓ Discover Manchester through the eyes of a local!

✓ Hidden gems that can’t be found in traditional guidebooks

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Manchester

Check out our latest hidden gems in Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Whitworth Park and Gallery

Art in the park

"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

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Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Heaton Park

Grade II listed park

"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!

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Art & culture
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Relaxing

by

Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Islington Mill

Creative arts hub

"Islington Mill" in Salford, close to Manchester, it's one of my favorite industrial hubs-turned-creative spaces. Its events deserve a special mention!

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Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jun 10, 2025

Longford Park

A bit of everything

"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.

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Relaxing

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Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Vinyl Fiction

A rock n roll nerd's paradise

"Vinyl Fiction" in Manchester has a simple concept: they sell vinyl and books. I love how it's not stuffed to the gills and doesn't feel claustrophobic...

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Art & culture
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Shopping

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Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Homeless Jesus

Homelessness sculpture

"Homeless Jesus" is a recently revealed sculpture in Manchester. It challenges the passerby to reflect on the growing homelessness crisis in the city...

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Art & culture

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 10, 2025

The Peterloo Massacre Memorial

200th anniversary

"The Peterloo Massacre Memorial" in Manchester marks the 200th anniversary of when 18 people were killed & 700 injured protesting for parliamentary reform.

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Art & culture

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Alice

Hunter

Jun 10, 2025

Highfield Country Park

A wonderful picnic getaway

"Highfield Country Park" in Manchester is a nature reserve I've been going to for as long as I can remember. It makes me feel like I'm outside the city.

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Relaxing

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Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Lucardo

Room escape with a twist

"Lucardo" Manchester was my first room escape experience and I loved it! It was the most fun afternoon I'd had in a long time. Great staff & room variety!

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Relaxing

by

Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Frog and Bucket Comedy Club

Comedy up North

"Frog and Bucket Comedy Club" in Manchester is great, whether you want to see recognised comedians or new up-and-comers. I love 'Beat the Frog' events!

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Art & culture
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Bars
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Theaters

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Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Lowry Outlet Mall

Bargains! Bargains! Bargains!

"Lowry Outlet Mall" in Manchester is a shopping centre where you'll find many recognisable brands at discounted prices! Bargain hunters, you're in luck.

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Shopping

by

Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Blue Bell Inn

Classic pub times

The "Blue Bell Inn" in Manchester has been a constant in my life. Wonderful food, cheap drinks, dog-friendly... It offers an authentic pub experience.

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Lauren

Rochford

Jun 10, 2025

Heading to Manchester?

63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

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Going to Manchester?

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What to expect?

Authentic & Unbiased Content

Our local Spotters share personal tips and secrets about their city. Nothing sponsored! These unique insights can’t be found in traditional guidebooks. Discover the city through the eyes of a local!

Go off the Beaten Path Gems

We focus on hidden gems and unique places that aren’t crowded with tourists. Our Spotters’ tips help you avoid the crowds and have truly special experiences, far from the tourist masses.

Responsible Travel

By visiting our locals’ favorites and lesser-known places, you contribute to a more sustainable way of traveling. You support the local economy and reduce the pressure on popular tourist spots. And in the end, those are the best places right?

Hi! Nice to meet you.

We are Spotted by Locals. An online travel community publishing city guides in 80+ cities. Our hand-picked local writers and photographers create all the content.

Our 488 Spotters (and counting) live in the cities they write about, speak the local language, and regularly update their tips. Their insights help around 1.4 million travelers each year discover the hidden gems of cities.

With insider advice from locals, we offer a unique, sustainable travel experience, allowing travelers to slow down and immerse themselves in the local culture, beyond the tourist hotspots.

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