The 30 Best Lively nightlife in Manchester

“Swing north is a fun and friendly place to go to learn to swing dance and meet new people. It is brilliantly run, totally inclusive, with new fun lessons and events being introduced regularly! A fantastic community of kind and musical people. A joy to be part of!”

“Amazing home cooked food, such great balanced flavours and truly delicious, healthy menu. Tasted like real Eastern European cooked in the home, which is actually what the lovely host told us: all cooked by his wife. Unbelievable desert, nothing was too heavy, but rich and layered tastes. Wine didn't disappoint either. Looking forward to trying again!”

“Had an amazing time at Hawksmoor Manchester. The team’s hospitality was spot-on — friendly, genuine, and made us feel really well looked after. Started the evening with a few cocktails at the bar, which were fantastic. The steak was the real highlight — perfectly cooked medium rare, juicy, and full of flavour. Honestly one of the best I’ve had in a long while, and I’ve been to quite a few steakhouses! Lovely ambience too — perfect for a relaxed date night.”

“Fantastic night at Whittles. Its a great live music venue and highly recommended. Great night with live band Rio Gold. They are a brilliant Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran tribute. Loved it...”

“My experience at Las Iguanas was truly exceptional! From the moment we walked in, the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff made us feel right at home. The food was incredible – the buritto with steak and chicken was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavour, and the presentation was beautiful. We can't wait to return to try more! Highly recommended for a wonderful dining experience.”

“Great spot for always having at least one gluten free beer on tap, usually a couple. I'm a big fan of when they've got locals like Brightside. Generally a good atmosphere whenever I come. Sometimes a lot busier than others, probably event related as it's very close to a number of live venues. That said, I can often find a seat in the second, quieter room pictured below. I would appreciate GF food options, but I understand this is exceptionally difficult considering they do pizzas. The music is almost never particularly loud, which means you can always converse. The only setback would be that some of the beers can be pricey, but this is absolutely to be expected given they are quality craft beers rather than mass products, and I say this is one of the few spots where it's worth it”

“Cocktails were 10/10!! It’s hard to make a delicious Pornstar Martini but they so good we went back for seconds!! Lovely atmosphere and our server V was very friendly and made the best cocktails! Cant wait to go back! So good to have a local fab cocktail bar!!”

“Attended Suburban legends gig on 15 March As a disabled person I had high anxiety about going to the venue for the first time, however, the staff could not have been more helpful and welcoming. Welcomed outside by a lovely gent who walked us into the venue via the ramp access to the left of the venue and then made sure we were good and knew where bar / toilets etc where A small barriered off space to the right of the stage with basic dining chairs for those who are able to move around which can be moved for those with wheelchairs etc A really nice touch is above the area is a small speaker which gives you excellent sound (for me this would mean 6 stars for the thought gone into by the venue!) Accessable toilet was nice and clean Will certainly return to this venue !!!”

“It was my first teppanyaki experience and I absolutely loved it. The food and service was great. The chefs were really entertaining and it was fascinating to see the food being prepared. I will definitely go back.”

“Mr. Zeeshan provided exceptional service, ensuring a positive experience. The cuisine was outstanding, offering a diverse selection of choices at reasonable price points.”

“We stayed at Native Manchester for one night and I would definitely stay here again. For the price, it felt like excellent value compared to other options in the area, especially considering the size of the studio and the quality of reviews. Communication was seamless, I received WhatsApp updates throughout my journey, from details about the room number and PIN code to notifications that the room was ready and a reminder for check-out. The process was essentially self-service, though there is a reception available if needed. I found the whole system very streamlined and convenient. We parked at Dale Street car park, which cost around £20 for 24 hours, and from there it was just a short walk to the hotel. The building itself is really impressive, it used to be a cotton factory, and they’ve done a great job blending the original industrial character with modern design. We booked a studio apartment, which came with a bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. The bathroom had towels and toiletries (shampoo and shower gel), while the kitchen had all the day-to-day essentials, plus tea, coffee, and even a small bottle of milk in the fridge. There was also an iron, ironing board, and hairdryer in the room. The bed was very comfortable, big, and overall, the space felt well thought out and homely. One small piece of feedback from my partner is that a larger mirror, or a mirror in better lighting, would have been useful for doing hair and makeup. As well, it would have been useful if there was some tissues, like kitchen roll etc. All in all, the studio had everything we needed, the atmosphere was great, and I would happily recommend Native Manchester to anyone visiting the city.”

“I recently stayed in this studio apartment and it was exactly what I needed for my short stay. The space was clean, well-maintained, and well-equipped. The location was also great, with easy access to public transportation and plenty of nearby amenities. I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone looking for a convenient and comfortable stay”

“Chapel Wharf is amazing – beautifully designed apartments with modern finishes and great natural light. The facilities are top-notch, including a well-equipped gym and 24/7 concierge. Building management is responsive and professional, and the property team genuinely cares about residents. Clean, secure, and brilliantly run – highly recommend.”

“We overall love this bar and have been coming on and off for years. We first visited many years ago before they installed air con, and our complaint then was how warm it got when busy, the adding of the air con is brilliant. In recent days, we've become regulars. Where to start with the praise? Great vibe, musicals on the screens and lovely clean toilets. Lee, the doorman, is brilliant. A model bouncer and doorman. Last year, we unfortunately had an experience with a straight man who became aggressive to us and we told the bar staff who got Lee, whom proceeded to kick him out with 0 hassle to us and made us feel safe. This is our only bad experience in 5+ years of coming here as the place is great. The cocktails are inventive, delicious and bright to look at. Their new movie night Mondays is a great initiative and their changing boards of cocktails often based on musicals that have come to the city, are brilliant. The bar staff are so smiley, pleasant and love a laugh. One remembers my order every time which is special to us to be remembered. Our only complaint now, is that they're so busy some nights we never have anywhere to sit. But we're so happy they're full and business is booming!”

“Very friendly and helpful staff. We were running late for our booking and they helped delay it for when we arrived. The food was delicious and a place to definitely go to again.”

“Really good Chinese with very tasty dishes and good service. They have a separate bar and some high tables for people who want to eat small plates. Free parking behind the restaurant. Recommended.”

“Had a bottomless brunch with manager Cameron and it was the best brunch we've been to. Some of the best food we've had as well, absolutely mouth watering. Whether it's for brunch or a meal out I'd highly recommend coming here. The staff and service was 10/10 and lovley atmosphere, will definitely come again”

“I just celebrated my birthday and book release ("Sun-Kissed and Sidetracked") here, and I couldn’t be happier! The service was top-notch; the team greeted me warmly and made me feel really special. The food and drinks were delicious, and everything came out super fast. A lovely complementary dessert plate made my day. I can’t recommend this place enough for anyone wanting a memorable meal! Looking forward to our next visit!”

“A very nice bar with a great atmosphere in the center of Manchester. Mostly Brewdog beers of course. We were served by Jordan and James, they were really nice”

“Absolutely loved this hotel. It is a short walking distance from the train station, easy to access. The building looks amazing and the rooms are just fab! It is a proper hotel room but very well equipped even had a small kitchen installed giving a feeling of an RBnb so you can cook your own meals if you want. Nice and clean bathroom with some nice brands of shampoo and body wash. Also had iron and hair dryer. Oh, and the view was stunning, staff was superfriendly. Wifi was quick, easy to connect and even the staircase looks beautiful. Highly recommended accomodation if you visit Manchester.”

“I literally forgot to put a review a month ago right after I came back from the opera house, I only had one drink there since I can’t have too many due to my medication. The staff were friendly, I talked to one of them and told them that the bar is really cozy and cool. Might go back there one day…☺️”

“Amazing night out music was fantastic, DJ played all our requests!!!!”

“Had an amazing time here the other week, the DJ was absolutely amazing had the whole room bouncing! Guys on the door were boss and got in quick and easy, no fuss. Bar staff inside so kind and even helped me find my phone when I lost it! Would absolutely recommend anyone a night out here!”

“We came for the Sunday Lunch offer, it was absolutely delicious!! My new favourite local roast, I will definitely be returning.”

“I luv this place respect the staff and they respect me recommend jo as the 1 nicest managers all staff a fab berry clean pub atmosphere is amazing xxx”

“We had a fantastic time at bottomless brunch! The drink and food selection was excellent — plenty of delicious options to choose from. The setting itself is lovely, relaxed, and perfect for a weekend treat. Our server, Jasmine, was absolutely brilliant — so attentive, friendly, and made sure we were well looked after from start to finish. We honestly couldn’t fault a single thing. Highly recommended!”

“I don't live in the UK for ten years but here on the news pubs closing in the UK but was in Manchester found this great boozer from friendly staff to great food excellent selection of ciders but best of all the bloody Mary superb so give it a try next time in the UK I'll pop in”

“Nice local pub friendly staff, cheap beer huge beer garden, made to feel very welcome”

“Ghelila served us in the bar and was amazing! Completely re corrected the mistakes of the bar tenders and made sure we had an amazing night. I’ve been multiple times and she’s been amazing and memorable each time. Such a credit to the company the only reason me and my family come back. The hospitality from HER.”

“YHA Manchester is an example of how a good hostel doesn't have to cost a lot. Large, bright and airy room for four people. The beds were solid, the only thing missing was curtains on the bunk beds for more privacy, but that's a minor detail. The bathroom was a good size, clean and looked new. The common areas are large and beautiful. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The location near a train and tram station is great for a city the size of Manchester. The hostel has a view of part of the river canal, and having breakfast with this view was a bonus. I would definitely stay at this hostel again”