1. Eat & shop in some beautiful heritage buildings!
Sometimes we are all so preoccupied, that we fail to notice the things around us.
The Printworks & Corn Exchange are beautiful buildings, which house shops and restaurants, and I just wanted to mention them because they are worth standing outside just to admire for a few minutes.
2. Head to the Maker’s Market
If you are in town on the 2nd Sunday of the month, head to the northern quarter to experience the Maker’s market. This pop up market brings together local artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and food businesses that you may otherwise not have heard of.
I have a detailed guide to Oxford Road and everything there is to do on this long stretch-check it out!
Also check out my detailed guide to Manchester!
My Offbeat guide to Manchester has all the things that you wouldn't find on a typical list of things to do!
If you want a guide to London that doesn't feature all the same things, read my Offbeat guide to London!
3. Explore Chinatown
There isn't a lot of specialty shopping to do, but Chinatown does have a few gourmet bakeries selling Chinese baked goods & sweets, bubble tea shops, & grocery stores selling asian produce which you won't get anywhere else in the city.
4. Head to Piccadily records
If you are a lover of records or even just a collector, or want to gift it to your parents, Piccadily records has a collection that ranges from local to International artists.
Picadilly records, 53 Oldham Street, Manchester
5. Check out the Craft & Design centre
The craft & Design centre in the Northern Quarter houses artist studios that are open to public-buy original artwork, jewellery, ceramics, and other crafts and support the local artists.
6. Shop till you drop at Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre is near Old Trafford (football stadium), and is one of the biggest shopping malls in the country. They have everything from high street to luxury brands high street brands. They have an amazing Boxing Day sale, where all the luxury brands go for over 50% OFF!! But you need to get there really early and stand in line to be able to get anything, because it's a mad rush!
7. Arndale Shopping Centre
Arndale is home to a range of brands from the Apple store, TopShop, Miss Selfridge, to the Pound Store-so come here for all your shopping needs.
8. Shop on King Street
This is a quiet street with beautiful heritage buildings that house some premium brands like Vivienne Westwood, Cath Kidston, T.M Lewin, DKNY, and others. Even if you don’t plan to shop at these stores, it is well worth the walk through!
There are a few restaurants and bars in this area, which apparently are owned by celebrities, so maybe you spot someone famous here as well!
9. Market Street & Exchange Square
The high street brands like Diesel, Urban Outfitters, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols. Luis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and other luxury brands have their stores here as well.
10. Explore the unexpected in the Northern Quarter
As you walk through the Northern Quarter, you will see a bevy of stand alone, quirky shops, that sell things that are made by local artists, home grown clothing labels, music stores, and more. If you are looking to shop truly Mancunian, you need to come here, and take home something unique.
Affleck’s place is a two storied marketplace where you will find a lot of home grown brands, cafes, and tattoo parlours.
11. Shop at Manchester's Christmas Markets!
Christmas markets may be expensive, but shopping and eating at the eclectic stalls there are so much fun! The experience of walking around with hot chocolate or mulled wine and shopping for Christmas presents & decor can't be described! Don't miss them if you are in town in December.
