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.

Search *

City guides by those who know Manchester best!

Travel Guides by these Manchester Locals!

Our Manchester Cityguide - Made by Locals

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

Platt Fields Park

Urban adult playground

"Platt Fields Park" in Manchester is in the heart of the city's sleep-deprived student district Fallowfield, so believe you me, it's not just for kids...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Vimto Monument

Pay homage to an iconic drink

The "Vimto Monument" in Manchester is an oak sculpture carved for a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink made up of blackcurrants, raspberries & grapes.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Sinclair's Oyster Bar

Busy historic hub

"Sinclair's Oyster Bar" has genuine historical significance, sitting in central Manchester since the 16th century. It has plenty of that old pub feeling!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Ishinki Touchstone

Big gorgeous pebble

"Ishinki Touchstone" in Manchester is an 18-tonne marble scultpure that very pleasingly satisfies my inner marblehead fascination with its smooth curves...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Levenshulme Antiques Village

Antiques & tea

"Levenshulme Antiques Village", a short bus ride from Manchester city centre, is home to a jumble of shops selling vintage and unique items under one roof!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Elizabeth Gaskell's House

Literary haven

"Elizabeth Gaskell's House" in Manchester is a testament to the history of the north of England. It's an essential stop for any literature pilgrimage...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cask Bar

Cozy craft beer

"Cask Bar" in Manchester is a hidden gem of a cozy hideout. It's an ideal pit stop for craft beer when wandering around the city. Check out the jukebox!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Parthian Climbing Centre

Get high in a church

"Manchester Climbing Centre" is in a former church! This building and the setup is mind-blowing for climbing and bouldering - do also check out their cafe!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Cloud 23

Glitzy sky bar

"Cloud 23" in Manchester is a bar on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel that offers great views, especially in the evening. It's glitzy, but not so pricey.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

Fab Cafe

Retro-lovers' heaven

"Fab Cafe": a Manchester basement filled with retro TV and film merchandise & geek stuff, retro sweets etc. I love that this bar is just so unpretentious!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 8, 2025

The Foundation Coffee House

Coffee is life

"The Foundation Coffee House" in Manchester stands out by being in airy surroundings, having innovative brews and being a great workplace for freelancers.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 7, 2025

Temple of Convenience

Fall down an ex-toilet

"Temple of Convenience" Manchester for me is a signature bar that personifies its attitude, atmosphere and the personality of the Manchester people.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Jul 7, 2025

Heading to Manchester?

63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Going to Manchester?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

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.

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
Filters
Price
Price