Things to do at night in Manchester: Experience the city like a local!
Manchester, northwest England, is a lively city known for its history, music, and exciting nightlife. It was an industrial hub, and now it's a place full of art, sports, and people from all over the world. By day, the city is bustling with workday hustle, but by night, Manchester really comes to life!
Known for famous clubs, cozy pubs, and stylish bars, Manchester’s nightlife has something for everyone! From comedy clubs and music joints to the Northern Quarter's cocktail bars and live music, there’s a lot to explore. Many spots stay open late, and food is easy to find for a midnight snack.
Manchester’s night transport is reliable, buses and trams run late, and you’ll find plenty of taxis and rideshares available. The main nightlife areas are generally safe, especially with many people out and about, but you’d better stay aware of your surroundings.
With its lively and welcoming drinking culture, Manchester knows how to bring people together to enjoy themselves without too much fuss. But, Manchester’s weather can be unpredictable. With rainy spells even in summer, a light jacket or umbrella is a must. Expect an exciting, friendly night out, with something new around every corner!
What to do in Manchester at night: A satisfying or exciting vibe?
Whether you're looking for a satisfying meal or an exciting event, Manchester’s got your back. The long wait for that Manchester trip you've been waiting for is about to pay off. Check out our recommendations and see what you can expect from different kinds of nights out in the city.
1. A satisfying night out
It doesn't matter if you want a fancy meal, cocktails with laughs, or a market with every kind of food, Manchester has it all! Everyone loves a full belly after a tasty spread, even more so when it's washed down with a good drink! So, take a look at our list of the best joints for foodie and cocktail lovers:
Prison Cocktail Bar
Have you ever wondered what it's like being in prison? Manchester Prison Cocktail Bar is here to give you a taste of just that experience. With cocktails! Jump in the role of inmates and try to smuggle alcohol into your cells! You'll have to be sneaky since the warden and guards are on high alert and will try to catch you in the act.
If you make it past the guards, mixologists will serve up the prison's signature cocktails that will blow your mind! The movie-like prison comes with orange jumpsuits, guard uniforms, and replica prison cells!
This unique and engaging experience is pretty popular, so check their website and book in advance. The bar is in Manchester city centre, and the tickets are £40 per person on weekdays and £46 on weekends.
- Pro tip: Bring your own liquor bottles—the cocktails are much cheaper that way! Just make sure they’re unopened since the bar won't accept the bottles if they aren't sealed.
Mackie Mayor Market
Do you want a place where you can eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner for days and still not run out of options? Mackie Mayor is the joint for you! A stunning old-time vibe and a never-ending choice of food is what you can expect here! The huge glass roof with the polished wooden tables makes for a quality experience.
The food stalls have vegan and vegetarian options and include Chilli B (Thai with a twist); Pico's (Mexican and margaritas); New Wave Ramen (Japanese food and snacks); and Blackjack Brewery (craft beers and ciders). Expect to spend £10-20 per person for some of the best food around the world.
The food court is just on the edge of Manchester's Northern Quarter, so if you're in the centre you'll get there in just minutes! You can find the Mackie Mayor Market address and directions online. Make sure to check out the Treetop Adventure Golf course while you're in the neighborhood!
- Pro tip: If your group has more than 8 people, contact them for reservations just in case. Even though it's a walk-in venue, no one guarantees you’ll find a table where everyone can sit together when you get there.
Hawksmoor Restaurant
Located in a late Victorian courthouse, this fancy restaurant serves delicious food and cozy vibes. They're known for cooking up the best stakes in Manchester, but that's not all they have. You’ll find everything from dry-aged beef and burgers to fresh seafood and Vietnamese-style bone marrow.
The restaurant is a bit on the pricey side and you are expected to put on some nice smart casual clothes. So, dress up and feel fancy in the Hawksmoor restaurant! Check out the Hawksmoor Manchester address on their website and all other essential details, and mark it as a must-see spot on your list!
- Pro tip: Hawksmoor is perfect for a business brunch. Put on a suit and tie, invite your future colleagues here and they'll definitely be impressed!
Eat and drink all day long without the baggage
If you're on a business trip and having an important meeting in the Hawsmoor restaurant, you might want to stash your spare clothes out of sight. That's where we come in! Leave your bags with one of our Bounce partners and look the part at your meeting!
2. An exciting night out
A night on the town is way better with some exciting things to do and places to see. Local artists and comedians are always a good way to get a feel for a city's culture and nightlife. Come with us as we explore some exciting options for a night on the town.
Band on the Wall
If you're looking for a live music venue in Manchester, Band on the Wall is the place to be! They showcase some of the best music in the world and embrace diversity. They promote local artists, teach, and help with production all the time.
This award-winning venue is one of the best places to go on a night out if you want to hear some local music. They also host tours for artist regularly, so make sure you check out the Band on the Wall address on their website, see who's playing, and buy the tickets there. It's just a 15-minute stroll from the city centre, and definitely worth a visit!
- Pro tip: If you just want a drink and some local music, their bar is open to the public. You don't need to buy any tickets for that. The vibe and drinks are perfect to get you in the mood for some beer pong and table tennis!
The Comedy Store
This is one of the best comedy clubs if you’re looking for a fun night out and a laugh. Hop on the Pink tram from downtown Manchester and get there in just 15 minutes. They host local artists and popular ones on tour! The ticket prices vary from comedian to comedian but they’re always worth it!
Remember, don't sit in the front row if you don't want to get roasted! Unless, of course, you're into that sort of thing!
Also, bowling and crazy golf are only a few minutes away from The Comedy Store! Make sure to check out the Junkyard Golf Club address online, but don't forget about the Dog Bowl address too. When you do, you’re all set. Have a fun night filled with laughs, bowling, golf, arcade games, and a few beers!
- Pro tip: The Comedy Store has gift vouchers on sale when you want to give the gift of laughter. Surprise your friends with a night of humor right there!
Canal and River Cruise
This is the perfect opportunity to see what the city has to offer! A cruise through Manchester's historic Ship Canal and River Irwell has all the info you want about the architecture of the city! You'll see and learn about everything, from Stephenson's Railway Bridge and the Ordsall Chord to the Theatre of Dreams stadium and Media City.
The cruise has fantastic and educated guides who give commentary about everything you’ll see from the canal and river. Onboard drinks and exciting events like Elvis and Adele impersonators are included! Ticket prices depend on the type of tour, but satisfaction is guaranteed!
- Pro tip: Don’t forget to bring a jacket and pack an umbrella for that pesky British weather while you’re on the cruise and want to enjoy the open air. It can get chilly at night, especially if it rains!
Enjoy an exciting night out without any baggage
If you're taking your family or a group of friends on an exciting cruise, space onboard might be pretty tight. They won't let you bring more than a bag or two, so if you're in a bind and need to leave your stuff, check out our many locations! Stash your baggage with our Bounce partners and don't let it ruin your plans!
Conclusion
Manchester nightlife is full of satisfying and exciting things to do! From great food to fantastic music, a night on the town is perfect for solo adventures, laughs with mates, and fun with the family.