Your guide to Manchester / Neighbourhoods: Manchester

Ancoats Neighborhood Map 

Packed with coffee shops, Asian fusion restaurants, independent theaters and artist studios, Ancoats is arguably one of the hippest neighborhoods in Manchester. A stroll through the neighborhood presents endless opportunities for people-watching as well as the chance to soak in its vibrant street art. The chic hipster vibe also provides a respite from the historical sections of the city or the central business district. 

To get the most of your visit to Ancoats, stop by for a slice of pizza from Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza, which is often regarded as one of the best slices in the world. For a little pick-me-up, walk over to Ancoats Coffee Co. and indulge in a cup of caffeinated bliss. Jungle Jazz is one of the city's favorite bars, with lively entertainment and strong drinks making it the quintessential nightcap location. 

• Rudy's Neapolitan Pizza: 9 Cotton St. 
• Ancoats Coffee Co.: 17 Redhill St. 
• Jungle Jazz: 44 Oldham Road

Northern Quarter Neighborhood Map

Hop across Ring Road to the west of Ancoats, and you'll find yourself in the heart of the Northern Quarter. This sprawling neighborhood has some of the most intriguing architecture in the city, with many television shows and films using it as a stand-in for New York City. However, the true gems are the dozen or so record stores nestled in the neighborhood. If you want to stay right in the thick of it, the Holiday Inn in the city center is your best bet, as it sits right on the edge of the Northern Quarter. 

At places like Piccadilly Records, you can find rare releases or immerse yourself in Manchester's famous music scene. Artists like The Rolling Stones, Oasis, the Smiths, Simply Red and Herman's Hermits all hail from Manchester, so there's a certain hometown pride you can feel in the air. After going through the record stores, grab a pint at the Northern Monk Refectory. Finish off your trip with a surprisingly sweet, juicy burger from Almost Famous. 

• Piccadilly Records: 53 Oldham St.
• Northern Monk Refectory: 10 Tariff St.
• Almost Famous: 100-102 High St.

Levenshulme Neighborhood Map

Located 3 miles southeast of Manchester's city center, the up-and-coming Levenshulme area has transformed from a working-class neighborhood into a vibrant community known for its weekly market, bakeries, antique stores, restaurants and coffee shops. 

According to locals, no trip to Manchester is complete without a stop at Trove Bakery and Cafe in Levenshulme. Fresh breads, decadent cakes and daily brunch should cure your hunger pangs. Once you've fueled up, head over to Levenshulme Antiques Village. Located within the Old Town Hall, this antique emporium is the ideal place to find a souvenir or a gift. If you're around on a Saturday, don't miss the famous Levenshulme market, which features 40 stalls of vendors hawking handmade jewelry, food, beer and other unique items. 

• Trove Bakery and Cafe: 1032 Stockport Road 

• Levenshulme Antiques Village: 965 Stockport Road 

• Levenshulme Saturday Market: Stockport Road

Chorlton Neighborhood Map

Situated just over 3 miles south of the city center, Chorlton is one of Manchester's most famous neighborhoods. This bohemian area has plenty of independently owned shops, as well as more green spaces than anywhere else in the city. Chorlton Green feels miles from the city, demonstrating how the area looked hundreds of years ago and allowing you to soak in some nature while you're in an urban area. Grab a pint at Horse & Jockey and sit outside to enjoy the greenery. 

Sports fans can also rejoice in Chorlton. With Manchester United's famed Old Trafford only a mile down the road, Man U fans are everywhere come gameday, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. St. Lawrence's Gaelic Football Club offers a chance to see Gaelic football as well. When you're done celebrating a victory with locals, go to Zaytoon for some Lebanese fare at one of the best restaurants in Chorlton. 

• Chorlton Green
• Horse & Jockey: 9 Chorlton Green  
• St. Lawrence's Gaelic Football Club: Turn Moss Road
• Zaytoon: 352 Barlow Moor Road