Things To Do In Manchester At Night

You haven’t truly lived like a local Mancunian until you’ve eaten a curry in Rusholme. Home to Manchester's famed Curry Mile, Rusholme boasts many restaurants, and many shisha bars have also taken over the strip in recent years. In the 1970s and 80s, Curry Mile was a boomtown, full of enterprising immigrants from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. An area of diverse housing, Rusholme includes large, Victorian villas plus tower blocks, social housing and student accommodation. It’s an interesting area to walk around for a glimpse of local life in Manchester. Curries at Rusholme are a huge part of local nightlife and you haven't properly seen Manchester without a trip to this area. Check out the University grounds, enjoy some delicious must-eat Manchester food at Mughli, one of the Curry Mile’s most highly-regarded restaurants, and soak up the vibe where all cultures and flavors mix.

I love going to Charles Street to see the upcoming bands and artists playing at many of the older outlets of music from the 80s, and the new venue YES Manchester. At a time when music venues and clubs are closing at a startling rate in the city, the recent opening of YES was music to the ears of gig-goers. The former auction house has been transformed into a four-story sanctuary for musicians and music-lovers, with a different vibe on every level and live music every day. Downstairs, there's a basement space that gives a platform to emerging artists, with a free entry weekend club night. On the first floor is a bigger, 250-capacity gig venue hosting some great live music. Between these is a ground floor with a kitchen and bar serving up delicious food offerings; vegan burgers, pizzas, and craft beers. There’s also a rooftop terrace with hanging plants. Kickstart your night out in Manchester at YES with great food, good booze, and top Manchester music.

Band On The Wall, near the Northern Quarter and the Ancoats, is an iconic space that has been showcasing great music and Mancunian spirit through time. One of the cornerstones of Manchester's music scene for the greater part of the last century, Band On The Wall shows the real passion, and dialogue of the Mancunian connection to music. It was the center of Manchester's punk scene in the late 70's where artists like Joy Division first played. Since then it has played host to many internationally acclaimed artists, showcasing a vast array of musicians. It's also known as a venue that promotes equality and diversity through music. One of my favorite Manchester night activities, Band On The Wall is not to be missed for music and history lovers in the city.

There are many hidden gems in town; many of them being great old pubs or funky little bars. You might miss them if you don't wander through the streets and weave around the little secret corners. I particularly like Twenty Twenty Two, for its fun ping pong tables. 17Below is great for arcade games and pool tables. There's also the Old Nags Head, where you can uncover Manchester's history while you sip a pint. If a visitor had only one night in Manchester, I would tell them to try and see Chetham’s Library and John Rylands Library. Take a wander around the Manchester Cathedral and The Corn Exchange Square. Then have a drink at The Old Wellington, see the Town Hall, do a quick art run at the Manchester Gallery. Grab a little snack in Chinatown if you're feeling hungry. Finally, take a stroll around Castlefield and check out the vibrant music scene in the Northern Quarter. Sounds like a busy night, I know!