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Manchester Nightlife

Manchester has long been famed for its nightlife. The Northern Quarter is a hip area, attracting alternative, creative types. Deansgate is a lively shopping district and has a more mainstream vibe. To the west, Castlefield is a great spot for canal-side drinking. Centred around Canal Street, Manchester's renowned Gay Village is also popular.

Bars in Manchester

Dusk Til Pawn

This stripped back American–style bar has garnered a big reputation in recent years. Its frontage looks like an old–style pawn shop, but push open the door to find a cool spot that serves some of the city's best cocktails.

Address: Northern Quarter, Stevenson Square, Manchester, M1 1FB
Telephone: +44 871 978 8024.

Epernay

A swanky cocktail and champagne spot, the exposed brick walls and well stocked bar make Epernay a destination for the well–heeled - but don't let that put you off. There's a cracking balcony here too, with views across the impressive Great Northern Square.

Address: , Unit 1a, Great Northern Tower, Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EE
Telephone: +44 161 834 8802.
Website: http://www.epernaymanchester.co.uk

Under New Management

This Salford speakeasy isn't easy to find, but once you locate it (nestled down a Salford alley), you'll find a spectacular watering hole with a range of excellent cocktails. Open late, the weekend sees DJs spinning tunes into the small hours.

Address: Salford, 6 Barlows Croft, Manchester, M3 5DY
Telephone: +44 161 832 6699.
Website: http://www.unm-bar.co.uk

Clubs in Manchester

Bijou

Describing itself, rather pretentiously, as the place for couture clubbing, Bijou attracts a well-dressed and well-heeled crowd of celebrities and wannabes keen to hang out in decadent surroundings, the VIP room or cigar terrace, with a glass of champagne in hand. Make sure you look the part if you want to join the elite party crowd.

Address: , 1-7 Chapel Street, Manchester, M3 7NJ
Telephone: +44 161 834 6377
Website: http://www.bijouclub.co.uk

Cuba Cafe

With an over-25's door policy at weekends, this friendly, popular club tends to attract people who want to escape young drunken revellers. Fridays and Saturdays offer a mix of Motown, soul, funk, rock and roll, pop, disco and even jazz and country - they play just about anything to get people on the dancefloor.

Address: , 43 Port Street, The Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 2EQ
Telephone: 0871 230 4407.
Website: http://www.cubacafe.co.uk

South Club

This tiny basement club has become Manchester's best spot for serious house and techno fanatics. Local heroes, such as Clint Boon, can be found on the decks, but make sure you get down there early as space is limited and queues can form on the city's chilly streets in order to get a slice of the action.

Address: , 4A South King Street, Manchester, M2 6DQ
Telephone: +44 161 831 7756.
Website: http://www.southnightclub.com

Live music in Manchester

Manchester Academy

Part of the University of Manchester complex, the Academy plays host to the larger bands passing through the city, as well as holding regular, riotous club nights. This cavernous sweatbox has seen everyone from the Arctic Monkeys to Prince pass through its doors, with Academy 2 and Academy 3 providing a platform for fresh meat.

Address: , Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR
Telephone: +44 161 275 2930.
Website: http://www.manchesteracademy.net

Manchester Arena

Claiming to be the largest indoor arena in Europe, the Manchester Arena (formerly known as the MEN Arena) has staged a number of big bands, from U2 and The Rolling Stones to Madonna and Take That.

Address: , Victoria Station, Manchester,
Telephone: +44 161 950 5000.
Website: http://www.manchester-arena.com

Manchester O2 Apollo

This well-established Manchester venue hosts bigger bands passing through the city as well as local acts, such as Elbow, that are looking to play smaller venues after touring the arena circuit. Buy tickets before attending though, as gigs often sell out.

Address: , Stockport Road, Ardwick Green, Manchester, M12 6AP
Telephone: +44 161 273 6921.
Website: http://www.o2apollomanchester.co.uk

Classical music in Manchester

Dance in Manchester

Theatres in Manchester

Music and Dance in Manchester

Culture in Manchester

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The Midland

The Midland is a Grade II-listed Edwardian building that exudes elegance and charm, but is reasonably priced. There are 312 en-suite bedrooms decorated in a contemporary style that's in keeping with the building. Rooms are dotted with polished wood furniture and each comes with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs and Internet access.

Great John Street

Housed in a former Victorian schoolhouse, the Great John Street Hotel is one of Manchester's slickest new boutique hotels. Duplex suites come with flatscreen TVs, free Wi-Fi and rainforest showers. Some even have views of the set of Coronation Street. Be sure to try out the swanky bar too.

The Light Aparthotel

If you want a place to hunker down for a longer stay, this apartment hotel is the perfect fit. It's slap bang in the middle of town and rooms are surprisingly good value considering the space offered. There's even a penthouse if you're feeling flush.

Novotel

This hotel is not unlike the others in this well-established chain with contemporary bedrooms featuring in-room entertainment and eco-friendly toiletries. There are also two junior suites should you wish to upgrade. Novotel has extensive dining facilities too plus a fully-equipped gym and relaxation zone featuring a sauna steam room and heated loungers.

Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Housed in the 47-storey Beetham Tower, and occupying the lower 23 floors, this contemporary hotel offers stunning views from floor-to-ceiling windows featured in spacious, elegantly-furnished rooms. There is a gym, a 20m (60ft) indoor pool with underwater viewing panels, a spa, restaurant and a bar on the highest floor.

Premier Inn

This budget hotel chain has several locations in and around the city, but the stay with the best setting is at Deansgate Locks, situated close to Old Trafford. It's conveniently located close to a seven-day free city centre shuttle bus service and also offers free onsite car parking.