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!

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

Castlefield Basin

Outdoor spot

"Castlefield Basin" and lying on its grass is one of my favourite ways to pass a summer's day in Manchester... Many people love it as a gentrified oasis...

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Bars
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Music
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Relaxing
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Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Jun 4, 2025

The Makers Market

In Northern Quarter

"The Makers Market" in Manchester's Northern Quarter is definitely the place to go for alternative wares! No matter what you're looking for, you'll find it

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Art & culture
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Lauren

Rochford

Jun 3, 2025

Sugar Junction

Enter the 1940s

"Sugar Junction" in Manchester is my favourite place to go for a classic afternoon tea. It has a lovely vintage style and even great cocktails!

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Bars
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Coffee & tea

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

Corbieres Wine Cavern

Basement Manc Institution

"Corbieres Wine Cavern" is well known by Manchester locals. It's a basement bar with a great drink selection, though the main attraction is the jukebox...

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Bars

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

The Art of Tea

Tea, books & music in one!

"The Art of Tea" is a lovely mix of a cafe, bar and bookshop. It's the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon in Manchester sipping a chai...

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Music

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

Mockingbirds

Independent Withington boutique

"Mockingbirds" is an independent boutique and my favorite place to shop for clothes in the whole of Manchester. The lady inspires me to be more daring...

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Shopping

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

Chetham's Library

Oldest public library

"Chetham's Library" in Manchester, est. 1653, is the oldest public library in the English-speaking world. This building just oozes history...

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Art & culture

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

The Savoy Cinema

Film for all!

"The Savoy Cinema" is an independent movie theatre with a lot of charm in Heaton Moor, Manchester. I just love the beautiful building & film selection...

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Cinema

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

Corporation St. Post Box

Undamaged by the bomb

The Corporation St. Post Box survived the June 15th 1996 bombing attack in Manchester almost unscathed. It's a small but important piece of our history...

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Art & culture

by

Alice

Hunter

Jun 3, 2025

Thunder Egg

Style it right

Go to "Thunder Egg" in Manchester when your style needs a pick-me-up and your wardrobe is crying for a colour injection...

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Shopping

by

Denise

Tench

May 21, 2025

Society

Food and drink all-rounder

You're in Manchester. You want pizza & beer, but your mate is craving burgers and wine. And the other wants kimchi & a cocktail. The solution? "Society!"

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Bars
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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

May 21, 2025

Bunny Jackson's

Hot wings and a bad attitude

An oasis of Americana, "Bunny Jackson’s" is the perfect antidote to the chain restaurants and well-behaved arthouse crowds of Manchester...

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

May 21, 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?

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✓ Authentic Stories

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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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