Dive into the city's rich industrial heritage at Art Gallery and the Manchester Crafts and Design Centre or explore its musical legacy with a visit to the vinyl stores. Wander through vibrant neighborhoods like the Northern Quarter, brimming with street art and independent stores. Indulge in the city's culinary diversity at bustling markets and innovative eateries. Mercure Hotels invites you to experience Manchester's fusion of history, innovation, and culture through our carefully crafted local journeys.

Discover Local in Manchester - EN

The Trafford Center is a glorious shopping temple. It's not just a shopping mall; it's an experience, a statement, and quite possibly a new religion for those who worship at the altar of retail therapy. You'll find must-have brands, high street favourites, delicious food, and exciting leisure under one spectacular roof. Adventurous types can head to Laser Quest for a thrilling laser game. Get into your futuristic body pack, grab your laser gun and fire over 100 laser beams a minute! Looking for peace of mind? We love visiting Sense Aroma, where they display and sell a wonderful collection of contemporary ultrasonic aroma diffusers. Sit back, experience the tranquil sounds and aesthetic appeal of their indoor water fountains, and discover the latest fragrance innovations.

Shop till you drop at The Trafford Center

If you’re strolling around Manchester and end up on the corner of Mosley Street and Princess Street, you’ll be looking at a 200-year-old building that stood its ground while the city around it changed with time. Since the Manchester Art Gallery moved in, it has become a place that has evolved and grown, shaped by the competing influences of idealism and realism, opportunity, and frustration. It has become a place of civic thinking and public imagination and promotes art to achieve positive social change. The good news is that the Manchester Art Gallery is free and open to all. One of our favourite exhibitions running is ‘Trading Station: How Hot Drinks Shape Our Lives’. It’s about the changing social use of tea, coffee, and hot chocolate, beverages we all cherish, right? The art show runs until January 31, 2025.

Wander around Manchester Art Gallery

Hear the vinyl spinning and look at hipsters flourishing at Manchester's several independent record stores. These sanctuaries of sonic nostalgia are more than just shops; they're secret societies for music snobs. With shelves teetering under the weight of obscure gems, they're a refuge for the retro audiophile. Want that obscure '70s punk album that only three people have heard of? You'll find it here, along with the thrill of feeling like a musical archaeologist. So, step into the hallowed aisles, where the air is musty with authenticity, and let the hunt for sonic treasures begin. From hidden gems in the quirky Northern Quarter boutiques to iconic classics in legendary record shops, every crate holds a note of musical magic waiting to be rediscovered.

Visit Manchester's musical treasure-holds

The National Football Museum is the place to learn more and share stories about everybody's favourite game. It features events and exhibitions and displays the world's most extensive public collection of football objects and archives, known as the Football Heritage Collection. There are currently over 40,000 items within the collection, of which around 2,500 objects are displayed at the National Football Museum at any one time. From vintage jerseys to goal-scoring legends, this museum is a shrine for the devout footy fanatic. Beware, you might leave with a newfound obsession with goalie gloves and a desire to dribble through history. With two of the world's most prominent teams calling Manchester home, the National Football Museum is a must-visit. Well, if it's up to us…

Dive into Manchester's pride: football

The fresh fish, meat and vegetables of the late 1800s and early 1900s are now replaced by designs and artworks by Manchester locals. Since the Seventies, the colourful and artsy corner building in the buzzing North Quarter has turned into a creative space for local makers and visitors after it functioned as a daily market for years. Here you can wander around the works of 30 independent artists, creators, and designers with stalls under one roof. This is definitely the best way to experience Manchester’s unique culture since MCAD is a creative community of locals that provides a home to some of the region’s most talented designers and makers. Looking for unique textiles, jewellery, accessories, ceramics, glass, prints, or homeware? You’re at the right place! Meet Natalie Laura Ellen, for example. Discover her bespoke prints and patterns inspired by nature for a range of home textiles, lighting, upholstery, gifts, and stationery.

Get surprised at Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Exploring a city on foot allows you to discover new horizons in a relaxing manner. Well, in tempo that is, because your tour guide Ed Glinert will shake things up with his energetic and entertaining walking tours through Manchester. As he is the city's most prolific tour guide, you will stay energized while listening to his stories about different historical neighbourhoods, exciting timelines, and thrilling events. Soak up Manchester's exciting architecture and discover hidden gems with the author of Penguin's 'Manchester Compendium' and compiler of the long-awaited 'Manchester Encyclopaedia'. Some of the New Manchester Walks with Ed are free of charge, while others require a small donation. Pick your favourite and immerse yourself in the city of Manchester. Please note this is not the starting point for the tour, please check upon booking.

Discover Local in Manchester - EN

Wander around Manchester Art Gallery

Get surprised at Manchester Craft and Design Centre

Explore Manchester with author Ed Glinert

Shop till you drop at The Trafford Center

Dive into Manchester's pride: football

Visit Manchester's musical treasure-holds