Discover our locals' 63 hidden gems in Manchester

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City Guide made by Locals from 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.

Our Spotters from Manchester:

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!

✓ Our locals share their personal favorite spots in Manchester

✓ No AI, No Spon. Only great spots by real people!

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63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

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Heading to Manchester?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Check out our latest hidden gems in Manchester

Our latest Spots in Manchester

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

Nov 20, 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

Nov 20, 2025

Habesha

Great-value Ethiopian food

"Habesha" in Manchester is a small, family-run, no-frills Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of the Gay Village that offers illegally great value!

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Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 20, 2025

Northern Soul Grilled Cheese

Comfort food McDaddy

From kimchi ramen to bacon jam melts, Northern Soul has been Manchester’s grilled cheese saviour since 2015 — giant pickle included.

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Restaurants
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Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 17, 2025

Bunny Jackson's

Hot wings and a bad attitude

Fiery wings, killer cocktails & bad behavior — Bunny Jackson’s is First Street’s antidote to dull chains and polite nights out in Manchaster.

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Bars
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Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 17, 2025

Christie's Bistro

Harry Potter-esque heaven

"Christie's Bistro" is a true hidden gem in Manchester. Unknown to many Mancunians, it's one of the most visually spectacular cafes you could hope to see.

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Coffee & tea
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Restaurants

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 10, 2025

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...

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Relaxing

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 7, 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.

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Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 7, 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!

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Coffee & tea
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Shopping
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Snacks

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 7, 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!

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Bars

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 7, 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...

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Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 7, 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...

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Art & culture

by

Denise

Tench

Nov 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

Manchester app Home
Manchester app Map
Manchester app Home

Going to Manchester?

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

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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