Manchester is a city of transformation. The third-largest city in the UK had humble beginnings as a small Lancastrian town before becoming the first proper industrialized city in the world during the Industrial Revolution. And it's been pretty much uphill from there. The first atom was split in Manchester, the first English canal was constructed there, and the gay scientist Alan Turing, who deciphered the encryption of German Enigma machines during the Second World War, was born in Manchester.

Now it remains a constantly evolving city and is a hotbed of culture, music, art, and sport – who hasn’t heard of Manchester United? Most importantly of all, though, Manchester is one of the big three “gay cities” of England – the others being London and Brighton. The legendary Canal Street, part of Manchester’s Gay Village, was the setting for much of the groundbreaking '90s TV show Queer as Folk—the original UK version, that is. The show helped men across the UK—and possibly the world—come out as they saw themselves in the characters and how joyous being gay could be, especially in Manchester.

There’s a lot for LGBTQ+ tourists to do within Manchester's streets and canalsides. Just be sure to pack an umbrella, as there’s a reason Manchester is also known as the “rainy city.” But then, who goes to England for the weather anyway?

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Manchester
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Manchester
5. Gay Tours and Activities in Manchester
6. Restaurants & Cafes in Manchester
7. Manchester Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Manchester Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Events in Manchester
19. Day Trips from Manchester

General Tips

Manchester is one of the most gay-friendly places in the UK, which is itself a very progressive country. For LGBTQ+ travelers, the best place to stay in Manchester is anywhere near the Gay Village around Canal Street. This allows you to fully experience what makes the city so special for LGBTQ+ folks, and not because the rest of the city isn’t welcoming.

Manchester can be explored over a long weekend—and probably a long night out or two—because the truth is there isn’t a lot going on for tourists outside of Manchester city center. Much of ‘Greater Manchester’ is very residential. For a longer stay, Manchester makes a great base to explore Northern England, with cities like Liverpool, Blackpool, and Leeds within reach.

The weather in Manchester is famously not great, but that’s part of its charm, giving it an industrial English feel. Despite this, Mancunians (people from Manchester) and “Northerners” in general are known for being extremely friendly. In any given bar—or even just at a bus stop—you’ll often find strangers striking up a conversation out of nowhere. Note that ‘you alright?’ is a common greeting in England—especially up north—and is not, in fact, an implication that you look a bit rough around the edges.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Manchester Airport is the second largest in the UK—after London—with flights connecting the region to a range of international destinations such as Beijing, Singapore, Hong Kong, New York, Houston, and Toronto. The airport's three terminals are conveniently connected by a free shuttle bus.

Manchester Airport is twelve miles from the city center, with trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly Station (the most central of the stations) taking around twenty minutes and costing about £20 per trip. Trains run every ten minutes, seven days a week, through train operators TransPennine Express and Northern Rail.

Alternatively, coaches can be caught from Manchester Airport Coach Station, which is only a ten-minute walk from the airport terminals via the indoor Skylink walkway. There are seven coaches a day, with the average ticket costing around £6, making it a much cheaper option than the train. The cheapest option, however, at £4.60, is the Metrolink Tram Service, which can be caught after a ten-minute walk from the terminals and stops at Manchester Victoria Station. The tram takes about an hour. Information on buses, trains, and trams can be found through the Bee Network.

Getting around Manchester is simple, as the city center isn’t very big and is easy to walk around. Within the city center, there’s also a bus—the yellow ones with ‘free bus’ signs in the window—providing a free ‘hop-on, hop-off’ service and linking all the main rail stations, shopping districts, and business areas.

For longer distances—or if you don’t like waiting for buses—consider using the Metrolink tram (Manchester's metro equivalent). You must pay before boarding the tram, and you can either buy a ticket from the machines at the station or use a contactless payment method (smartphone, smartwatch, credit card) to tap in. Singles cost £1.40, but day travel cards can be purchased for £2.70. Don’t forget to use the same device you used to tap in to tap out at your destination.

Gay Hotels in Manchester

There are no official gay hotels in Manchester, but all hotels seek to embody the gay-friendly vibe of the city. In truth, you’d be hard-pressed to find any hotel that isn’t welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.

Luxury

The Midland –Perhaps the most iconic hotel in Manchester, this award-winning 4-star hotel has been delivering British excellence for around 120 years. The rooms exude classic elegance, with luxurious suite options available. On-site, guests can enjoy a spa (for an additional cost), two award-winning restaurants with bespoke menus, a fully stocked bar, and even their own tearoom.

Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel – This luxury 4-star hotel had humble beginnings as a warehouse, built in 1844 during the Industrial Revolution. Since then, it has been converted into a rather stylish hotel on the canal—a metaphor for Manchester itself! The wooden paneling and brick walls left over from the warehouse give it a homey feel that blends beautifully with more modern furnishings. It’s also in a quieter side of town but still within an easy walk of the city center and its nightlife.

Hotel Gotham – A luxury 5-star boutique hotel with a twist: the hotel has a Gotham City theme—yes, from Batman. There’s no actual Batman in sight, but the interior and its rooms have a moody 1920s vibe, with props like faux newspapers and vintage decorations scattered throughout the building, helping your imagination transport you to the Dark Knight’s home city. The bellboys certainly add to the atmosphere as well. The theme doesn’t detract from the luxury, though. The rooms are spacious and equipped with all the facilities one would expect from a five-star hotel. Their on-site AA Rosettes restaurant and adjoining bar also maintain the hotel’s distinctive style.

Midrange 

Whitworth Locke – An aparthotel just across the canal from the gay area. Their studio units include kitchens and dining areas, making it great for those who want to cut costs by not eating out every night. There’s also a stunning, plant-filled restaurant, café, and bar below with reasonable prices. An atrium often serves as a co-working space for those combining work and travel.

Velvet Hotel – Nothing says class and sophistication like velvet, and that’s exactly what this hotel embodies. This hotel offers luxury at an affordable price while being right on Canal Street itself. The rooms feature huge beds and are ornately decorated with winning views over the canal, making it a great romantic option. A glass of prosecco on arrival seals the deal. Downstairs there’s the “Brasserie,” which serves classic British dishes alongside a variety of cocktails and wines. 

Leven Manchester – Just 60 meters staggering distance from Canal Street, this red-bricked building was once a cotton factory, but the interiors couldn’t be more different. The rooms have an undeniably homely feel with modern facilities, including a fridge and a dishwasher, plus the bathtubs are massive. 

BrewDog DogHouse Manchester – If you’re looking for a quirkier option in the center of Manchester, you certainly wouldn’t be in the doghouse for booking this hotel. BrewDog DogHouse is located above a beer bar with industrial-style decor and a hipster feel—some rooms even have oddities like acoustic guitars and neon light signs. An à la carte, continental, or Full English/Irish breakfast can be enjoyed downstairs, and there's a restaurant serving American and Mexican cuisine.

Budget

Holiday Inn Manchester, City Centre – A well-known chain around the world that’s hard to beat when it comes to value on a budget. This one in Manchester also has the good fortune of being right next to Canal Street, where all the gay nightlife action centers. The rooms are simple yet stylish, and there’s a jazzy-looking open lobby that combines a restaurant, bar, and lounge. The restaurant offers modern international cuisine and has a terrace overlooking the canal. 

New Union – One of Manchester’s first-ever gay pubs is now also a hotel, and it’s super cheap at only £60 a night for a triple room. The rooms are simple but clean and surprisingly spacious for the price. Being above one of the city’s most popular gay bars and clubs, this hotel is ideal for those coming to Manchester for a night out…or two.

Sightseeing & Activities in Manchester

Canal Street (The Gay Village) – “Iconic” is an overused word, but it certainly fits Manchester’s Gay Village—especially Canal Street, the heart of the gayborhood. This vibrant street, lined with gay bars, clubs, and restaurants running alongside the canal, is undoubtedly the main attraction for LGBTQ+ visitors to dive straight into—though not literally, of course. Canal Street is always bustling with LGBTQ+ folks, but by night, the energy is particularly palpable. Simply strolling along the canal at night makes you feel like part of something truly special. Don’t miss the street sign where the “C” has humorously—and perhaps aptly—been wiped clean.

Sackville Park – At the top of Canal Street, you’ll find a charming little park that’s perfect for a picnic on a nice day, but it holds significant importance to the LGBTQ+ community for several reasons. First, it features a memorial statue of one of the most important gay men in modern history, Alan Turing, seated on one of the benches. Turing, the father of modern computing and the man who cracked the German Enigma Code, effectively helped win the Second World War. Despite his immense contributions, he was tragically subjected to the gay conversion therapy of his time. The park also contains the Beacon of Hope, a steel column memorial dedicated to people who have lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. Book tour →

Science and Industry Museum – Manchester boasts a rich history in both industry and the sciences, and this museum offers a fun and engaging way to learn all about it. They host a variety of exhibitions and galleries—some permanent, others temporary—covering topics from Manchester’s industrial innovations to hands-on science experiments. Highlights include “Operation Poo,” an interactive journey through the digestive system. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

Manchester Museum – The largest university museum in the UK, this institution has been around since 1821. It’s free to enter, open every day except Mondays, and features exhibitions on anthropology, archaeology, and natural history. Notable sections include displays on dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, and Chinese culture. The museum is located just a 15-minute walk from Oxford Road Train Station.

Manchester Art Gallery – Home to the largest collection of works outside London, the Manchester Art Gallery boasts over 46,000 objects, including fine art, decorative art, and costumes. The gallery showcases nearly every type of art, but its largest collection is of Victorian art. It’s open every day except Mondays and is located a short walk from St. Peter’s Square.

Manchester Cathedral – Any self-respecting big city has a cathedral, and Manchester is no exception. Located right in the city center, it may not rival St. Paul’s in London, but it’s still well worth a visit. The cathedral is free to enter, though they suggest a donation of around £5. Book tour →

The John Rylands Library – This stunning neo-Gothic building houses one of the world's finest collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. Located in the Spinningfields neighborhood, the library is a treasure trove of priceless artifacts. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday and, like most of Manchester’s attractions, is free to enter. Book tour →

Castlefield Canal Walk – At the southern basin of Manchester’s canal system is Castlefield, a quieter, artsy area with bars and restaurants lining the canal. The one-and-a-half-mile walk along the canal—and following the circular route in the center—runs through the heart of the city, passing former mills and warehouses. This offers a unique perspective of Manchester’s industrial past and vibrant present. Book tour →

Queer Lit – In the spirit of Paris Is Burning, reading is fundamental. No trip to Manchester is complete without a visit to Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ bookshop. With over 4,500 books by queer authors and a range of other queer accessories on sale, it’s a must-visit for book lovers and LGBTQ+ travelers alike.

Afflecks – This indoor market—or “independent shopping emporium,” as it calls itself—is located in Manchester's Northern Quarter. Inside, you’ll find an explosion of creativity with around sixty shops owned by independent traders, including tattoo artists, fashion boutiques, and artistic spaces. The space exudes a welcoming, queer-friendly vibe.

Gay Tours in Manchester

Manchester LGBTQ+ Walking Trail – Around the Gay Village, you’ll find the Heritage Trail, marked by street mosaics designed by artist Mark Kennedy. The trail showcases examples of queer life in Manchester, encouraging visitors to remember, reflect on, and celebrate the city’s LGBTQ+ history. Commissioned for EuroPride, it offers insight into Manchester’s gay rights movement and its legacy. Book tour →

Si Manchester – This free afternoon walking tour of Manchester is offered in both English and Spanish and is run by a local gay couple. Their adorable dog, who sometimes joins as the tour mascot, is quite the selling point too. Book tour →

Gailytours – This international gay tour operator offers two tours in Manchester. Their principal day tour explores the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the cathedral and John Rylands Library, and concludes in the Gay Village. Their night tour highlights the nightlife of the Gay Village and includes a complimentary drink at one of the area’s best gay bars. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

Richmond’s Tea Room – Afternoon tea and cream scones might seem like a dated English stereotype, but hey, when it works, it works! This café is the best place to have an authentic experience. Located in the Gay Village, this quirky spot has an Alice in Wonderland theme, with its garish and kitschy décor making you feel like you’re at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. In addition to the classic tea and scones, they serve breakfasts, sandwiches, pies, and baked delicacies. They also host burlesque shows.

The Mollyhouse – Situated in the Gay Village, this restaurant has the charm of a classic English pub but serves a delicious range of tapas that would make Spain proud.

The Village Fish & Chip Shop – Fish and chips might be mocked as a “British delicacy,” but sometimes it’s exactly what you need. There’s no better hangover cure than battered cod and greasy chips dipped in curry sauce. This fish and chip shop, conveniently located in the Gay Village, is the best you’ll find outside of England’s coastal towns.

Kampus – This newly constructed area across the canal from Canal Street combines historical architecture—Victorian brick canal-side warehouses and a 1964 concrete tower—with modern spaces. It houses several great eateries, including Yum Sha (a Chinese restaurant with great Dim Sum), Nell’s Pizza (for cheap Pizza) and Great North Pie Co (for delicious homemade pies).

Arnero – Indian food is immensely popular in the UK, ranking as the third most-ordered takeaway after pizza and Chinese food. Arnero is the top Indian restaurant in Manchester, offering authentic dishes paired with exceptional cocktails.

Happy Seasons Restaurant (China Town) – Like most big cities in the UK, Manchester boasts its own Chinatown packed with fantastic Chinese restaurants. Happy Seasons stands out as the best. The service is excellent, and the food is exquisite, with the Hong Kong-style duck being a particular highlight.

Manchester Gay Bars and Clubs

Via – This bar is one of Canal Street’s most popular drinking spots. The place is massive, with décor resembling a traditional Irish pub rather than a typical gay bar. Ornate, church-like balconies wind around the venue, complemented by gaudy chandeliers and large dark wooden tables. Despite its traditional look, the atmosphere is pure gay bar, buzzing every night of the week. The fun vibes are amplified by the drag and cabaret shows frequently held downstairs.

The Rembrandt (The REM Bar) – REM bar is a staple in the Gay Village and one of the oldest. The friendly community bar has a terrace on the canal and is always busy with a mixed crowd. It also has a hotel and a nightclub attached to it. The nightclub, Club Tropicana, found behind the bar often has drag DJs who play cheesy 80s/90s music on the weekends. 

The New Union Pub – This classic English pub—except for the bumblebees and rainbows painted on its exterior—was the very first gay venue on Canal Street and even hosted drag shows during the Second World War. It continues the tradition today with DJs, karaoke, drag cabaret, and themed nights.

G-A-Y – Exactly what it sounds like, this bar/club attracts a younger crowd with its cheap drinks and cheesy pop music played over two floors. Open most nights until 4 a.m., it’s especially popular Sunday through Thursday when all drinks are just £3—so go ahead and make it a double! Be mindful that the bouncers are notorious for turning away people they deem too drunk or not gay, so keep this in mind if you’re bringing straight ally friends.

Bar Pop – Drag is the lifeblood of Manchester’s Gay Village, and Bar Pop on Canal Street is no exception. It’s a lively venue where drag queen shows or DJs are almost always entertaining the crowd. On most nights, you’ll find a queen—or a whole group of them—on Canal Street encouraging passersby to join the fun inside.

Oscar’s – For something a little different from the usual pop music on Canal Street, head to this underground film- and theater-themed cocktail bar. Oscar’s plays musical theater songs, Disney classics, and, of course, pop hits. It’s a unique choice for a sit-down bar and features an extensive cocktail and wine list. The venue also hosts cabaret, local music performances, and drag queen acts.

The Brewers – This bar/club is another favorite on Canal Street. The exterior is adorned with Union Jacks and rainbow flags, while the Edwardian windows light up with rainbow lights by night. Inside, you’ll find a retro dance floor and no-nonsense fun.

Eagle Manchester – The Eagle is a popular men-only gay bar/club, located in an industrial-style basement, is a favorite among bears and fetish enthusiasts. It’s not exactly a cruising bar but offers themed nights like JOCK and Deviant, along with drag shows and even bear karaoke (yes, that’s a thing on Canal Street). It’s a members-only venue, but membership can be easily purchased at the door.

Cruise 101 (Cruz) – Cruz holds legendary status, partly thanks to its appearance in the original Queer as Folk, where it was known as “The Babylon.” It’s also Manchester’s longest-running gay club and remains one of the most popular clubbing spots in the area. Cruz features a spacious lounge, two dance floors, and plenty of dance/house music to keep the party going.

The Deaf Institute – For a night with a touch more queer flair, venture outside the Gay Village to the Deaf Institute on Oxford Road near the university, about a 15-minute walk from Canal Street. This incredible venue, housed in a mansion dating back to 1878, boasts three floors and two outdoor terraces. Its Nowt But Love night is the most popular, featuring DJs playing everything from pop to house to techno and live performances showcasing local queer talent.

Manchester Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Basement – Located just north of the Gay Village in Ancoats, Basement is Manchester’s only gay sauna. It has been around for over 20 years and is situated in the basement of an old Victorian mill—though you’re probably not there for its history. The sauna includes a large dry sauna, steam room, two spas, a bar, and a sprawling dark room maze with private cabins. Entrance prices range from £15 to £20 depending on the day, and on Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open until 8 a.m. the following day.

Gay Events in Manchester

Manchester Pride – Pride in Manchester is an epic celebration and one of the most exciting in the UK. Running since 1989, it takes place in August, right in the heart of Pride season. The event features a huge parade through the city center, balanced by a poignant candlelit vigil to reflect on those lost to the HIV/AIDS crisis. For an entire week, the Gay Village becomes party central, with three main stages: The Village Stage, The Alan Turing Stage in Sackville Park, and the Indoor Arena. Note that the street party now requires an entry fee.

Day Trips from Manchester

Liverpool – Most famous as the hometown of the Beatles, Liverpool is easily accessible for a day trip from Manchester, just an hour away by train. The city offers plenty to do, including visiting the Beatles Museum, the Museum of Liverpool, the Royal Albert Docks, the famous Cavern Club music venue, and Stanley Street Quarter—Liverpool’s very own “gay village.” Good luck understanding the Liverpudlian accent, though!

Blackpool – The coastal town of Blackpool is only a 90-minute train journey from Manchester. A historical vacation haven since the Victorian era, Blackpool remains a quintessential symbol of British beachside culture steeped in nostalgia. It’s renowned for the Blackpool Tower—modeled after the Eiffel Tower—its piers, beaches, and one of the UK’s most popular amusement parks, Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

Lake Windermere (The Lake District) – The Lake District is England’s most stunning secret. This serene region of forests, mountain peaks, countryside, and—of course—lakes is a perfect escape. Lake Windermere, one of the largest and most beautiful in the region, makes an ideal day trip from busy Manchester or a romantic getaway. Book tour →

Chester – This historic city along the River Dee is renowned for its rich history, dating back to Roman times. Chester is famous for its well-preserved Roman walls, which encircle the city and provide a scenic walking route for visitors. At its heart are the medieval Rows, unique two-tiered shopping galleries offering a distinctive retail experience. Other highlights include the Chester Cathedral, a stunning example of medieval architecture with Roman origins, and the Roman Amphitheatre—the largest in Britain, showcasing the city’s ancient significance. Additionally, the Eastgate Clock, prominently standing in the city center, is one of the most photographed clocks in England after Big Ben. Book tour →

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