5 February 2025
5 minutes
Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, an original gift or simply a fun day out, immerse yourself in Manchester's local culture through bustling markets that contribute to the city's vibrant and diverse atmosphere.
5 February 2025
5 minutes
Manchester has long been known as one of the UK's most innovative cities. Beginning with its 18th-century roots as a textile powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution, the people of Manchester have long carried the banner of creativity and innovation. Often dubbed Britain's “creative capital”, it's no surprise that this intriguing city is bursting with a wide array of original artworks, trinkets, delectable food and other hidden gems waiting to be discovered at Manchester's vintage and artisan markets. From the bohemian vibe of the Northern Quarter Makers Market to the international flavours found in Arndale Market and The Piccadilly Street Food Village, Manchester's vibrant market scene is a feast for the senses and a testament to the city's spirited past and dynamic future.
"I came to the conclusion that the inhabitants here are of a different spirit which makes them want to enjoy life a little more." - Johann Georg Büsch, 1777
Just 13 km southwest of Manchester city centre lies the historic town of Altrincham. As one of England's oldest market towns, having been granted a charter by King Edward I in 1290, a visit to Altrincham Market is a little piece of history. While this lively covered marketplace offers everything from sweaters to portraits, it's best known for the wide array of eats from local food producers and delivers unique culinary experiences for food enthusiasts. Altrincham is set in an area known as the Cheshire farm belt, and this market specialises in presenting these fresh, regional delicacies.
While the outdoor market is open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Market House is open Tuesday through Sunday and features food stalls from the most popular independent food operators. Greater Manchester crowds flock to the market for treats such as rare-breed flat-iron steak from Tender Cow, decadent desserts and handmade chocolates from Sam Joseph, award-winning savoury pies such as the Lancashire Cheese & Onion from the Great North Pie Co, and a variety of other traders.
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - Virginia Woolf
In the heart of the city centre lies Arndale Market Manchester, where you can travel the world one bite at a time. Set within the sprawling Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre, a mall filled with high street shops and chain eateries, the food hall at Arndale Market serves up a plethora of international street food. Pancho's Burritos offers meat, veggie and vegan recipes crafted by its Mexico City-born owner, and was recently voted one of the top 10 places to eat in Manchester by the Guardian newspaper. Flavours of West Africa and the Caribbean mingle at Onje, which means “food” in the Yoruba language — think jerk chicken, jollof rice and vegetable stew with pounded yam. Asian food vendors are plentiful, with the colourful rolls at Sushi Dragon, bao buns and banh mi at Viêt Shack, and traditional curries and noodle dishes at Hong Thai.
In Greater Manchester, 18 km north of the city centre, lies Bury Market. This world-famous market dates back over 500 years and is recognised as the largest in northwest England — for good reason. The extensive open-air emporium features over 200 stalls selling everything from shoes, textiles and jewellery, to flowers, plants, meat and local produce. For a real taste of Manchester, check out stalls purveying local delicacies such as Bury Black Pudding Company, English Farm Foods or Purdon's Cheese Stall. The sheer number of stalls at Bury Market means it's imperative to plan your time wisely. The massive market hosts hundreds of thousands of shoppers weekly and is a tourist attraction in its own right, with coach tours arriving throughout the day.
The once-monthly Chorlton Makers Market is worth the trip into Manchester's leafy southern suburb of Chorlton. Taking place in the Oswald School Car Park come rain or shine, this easygoing al fresco bazaar on the third Saturday of each month has a laid-back atmosphere filled with families and dogs. Grab a flat white from one of the little coffee carts before perusing the stalls of over 100 merchants, abounding with items such as silver jewellery by Moon & Sixpence, small batch honey from Hive & Honey and locally crafted stoneware from Chorlton Potter. When lunchtime comes, choose from a wide selection of options such as The Indian Elephant, The Vegan Picnic Basket and Mel's Turkish Deli. The markets taking place in November and December have a decidedly festive air, with mulled wine, holiday decor and even more vendors offering goodies to complete your Christmas shopping list. Each market day also features a rotating schedule of live music and local artists, as well as crafts for children.
"To shop or not to shop, that's not even a question." - Unknown
Running from early November to just before Christmas, the Manchester Christmas Markets have been a highlight of the festive season for over 25 years. Set in nine locations throughout the city centre, the Manchester Christmas Markets are the top seasonal markets in Manchester that visitors should not miss. Over 200 pavilions are a sight to behold, decorated with lights and bursting with seasonal treats and handmade gifts. Sample gastronomy such as Christmas Cracker Burgers, Yorkshire pudding wraps, mini Dutch pancakes and mince pies, and for the adults, wash it all down with a cup of mulled wine.
Set amid the redbrick buildings of Manchester's artsy Northern Quarter, the Northern Quarter Makers Market is a Manchester Sunday market worth marking your calendar for. This whimsical makers market in Manchester is known for its fiercely Mancunian vibe, evidenced throughout the 120 stalls featuring the wares of local small businesses. Amidst a background of live music and a buzzing crowd, you'll find everything from toothsome treats like donuts, cakes and brownies, to stalls filled with eclectic artwork and other unique finds that make this market truly special. Check out the screen-printed T-shirts, jewellery made from pieces of broken china, vintage items, and hand-painted cards featuring local cityscapes and nature scenes. The Northern Quarter Makers Market is also known for seasonal treats, making it a great place to shop for holidays such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas.
At the southern edge of the Northern Quarter lies Piccadilly Gardens. This large green space is home to what is perhaps the best food market in Manchester, The Piccadilly Street Food Village. From spicy to mild, savoury to sour, carnivorous to vegan and everything in between, look no further than this delicious destination that brings together the best of global street food and dishes it up in one easy-to-reach locale. Start with a Korean corn dog doused in panko breadcrumbs or potato chips at BangGaBangGa, one of Manchester's highest-rated burgers at the Bearded Feeder, or fried chicken and waffles at Nashville Chicken. Finish with a decadent cookie or brownie from Piccadilly Bakers. There are plenty of plant-based options in the market as well.
"There is no love sincerer than the love of food." - George Bernard Shaw
Set in a Manchester suburb with medieval origins, the Urmston Artisan Market takes place in the town centre on the first Saturday of every month. This artsy market hosts a collection of local craftspeople who gather to ply their wares from over 100 stalls. The Urmston Artisan Market only offers products that are local, ethical and original, making it the perfect location to scout for souvenirs and gifts such as handcrafted jewellery, baby clothes, antiques, and bath and body products. Be sure to bring your appetite and grab some edible treats like pies, cheesecakes, sweet and savoury scones or scotch eggs.
Whether you're a local Mancunian or visiting England's northwest for a weekend break, Manchester's markets are a must-visit for discerning travellers eager to experience the city's creative spirit.
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