A Guide to Manchester Nightlife: Best Student Bars, Pubs & Late Nightclubs
The home of "Madchester" and 24-hour party people, Manchester is a cultural city with a vibrant music and nightlife scene, perfect for tourists and students alike. Every year, the city attracts thousands of people specifically to enjoy its nightlife, with frequent stag and hen parties, as well as birthdays. With a yearly student population of over 100,000, many may choose to study in Manchester due to its abundance of bars, pubs and nightclubs.
In this guide, we'll explore the best Manchester nightlife as a student, and how to ensure you have a safe night
Does Manchester have good nightlife?
Manchester is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly with a strong focus on student-oriented venues and events. Celebrated for its diverse and inclusive atmosphere, Manchester city centre is home to some of the best clubs and bars - with something on every night of the week.
Students from different universities (including the University of Manchester and Metropolitan) can easily mingle until the early hours of the morning.
Popular Manchester nightlife areas include:
· Northern Quarter: With a bohemian flair, this area is known for its independent and quirky bars, including Crazy Pedros and NQ64 gaming bar.
· Oxford Road: A great place lined with bars and live music venues, including the Deaf Institute and Gorilla.
· Deansgate: Centrally located with countless venues all within walking distance - especially for indie music lovers.
· Gay Village: One of the most popular LGBTQ+ areas, featuring a diverse range of bars and clubs that foster a safe and inclusive community, with Canal Street at its core.
Where are the best student bars and pubs in Manchester?
Manchester's nightlife consists of places aimed specifically at students, whether on a university campus or a recognised hotspot. Big Hands is located in the University of Manchester and is a firm student pub favourite. Manchester Metropolitan students frequent Boundary, located in the heart of their union. Expect socials, student events, gigs, sports, and club nights at these student bars.
For mature students, The Liquor Store in Deansgate has a vast selection of craft beers and spirits to relax and socialise with friends.
Why not start the night with friends at student accommodation? Mansion Student looks for properties with socialising opportunities, including shared and modern spaces. Our City Edge and Moss Court properties are a short walk from the city centre.
Arrange a viewing at one of our Manchester properties for the next university year here!
Where are the best student bars and pubs in Manchester?
Manchester's nightlife consists of places aimed specifically at students, whether on a university campus or a recognised hotspot. Big Hands is located in the University of Manchester and is a firm student pub favourite. Manchester Metropolitan students frequent Boundary, located in the heart of their union. Expect socials, student events, gigs, sports, and club nights at these student bars.
For mature students, The Liquor Store in Deansgate has a vast selection of craft beers and spirits to relax and socialise with friends.
Why not start the night with friends at student accommodation? Mansion Student looks for properties with socialising opportunities, including shared and modern spaces. Our City Edge and Moss Court properties are a short walk from the city centre.
Arrange a viewing at one of our Manchester properties for the next university year here!
Where are the best cocktail bars in Manchester?
For your next cocktail night, Manchester areas , such as the Northern Quarter and Oxford Road, are perfect, with student-friendly 2 for 1 deals and happy hour prices. From quirky and classy cocktail bars to popular bottomless brunches, there's a place that's ideal for your taste.
Try Mean Eyed Cat; a Johnny Cash-themed cocktail bar with a special drinks menu including "I Walk the Lime". For something to eat, consider Dirty Martini at Deansgate, which offers an impressive drinks menu along with small plates and sharing boards.
Tucked away in the Northern Quarter and a homage to 1920s Prohibition in the US, Manchester is also home to many speakeasies, which serve customised and unique cocktails. Check out The Fitzgerald for cocktails and live jazz and blues bands.
What are the best nightclubs in Manchester for students?
Living in Manchester as a student has many benefits, especially for night owls. The city is renowned for its late-night clubs, DJ sets, and lively dance floors. Based on Deansgate Locks, ARK is a fun and cheap student bar with a wide range of drink deals available. For alternative and metal lovers, 42’s is also a popular destination. Also on Longworth Road, Deansgate, History is on the list of best clubs in Manchester, sporting a popular student night on Tuesdays (“Twosday”) with 2-for-1 drinks all night.
The Factory (FAC251) is a student hotspot with various events throughout the week, including Quids-In Mondays and Rewind Tuesdays. On Oxford Road, look for YES – an incredibly popular (and Instagrammable) nightclub in Manchester. YES has the downstairs Pink Room, which often has live bands performing.
For a vibrant and inclusive community, head over to Canal Street and the famous Gay Village. With late nightclubs including Oscars Bar, Via, and Iconic Bar, expect drag performances and cabaret all week long.
How Mansion Student can help
Mansion Student provides conveniently located, purpose-built student accommodation in some of the UK’s best student cities. We look for areas that are most suitable for students, including those with proximity to the best bars, pubs, and nightclubs.
Our Manchester student accommodations are within walking distance or a short bus ride to the city centre, based in Rusholme and Ardwick.
Frequently asked questions
What are safety tips for enjoying Manchester nightlife?
Though it’s important to enjoy yourself, certain steps should be taken to prioritise your safety. Always stick with your friends and avoid walking to or from a club on your own. Never leave your drink unattended, or with someone you do not fully know. Try to stick to well-lit and busy streets, and make sure your route is planned before a night out.
Read our tips for promoting student safety for more guidance.
What is the oldest pub in Manchester?
Originally built in 1552, The Old Wellington Inn is considered the oldest pub in Manchester. It is located at the Shambles Square, and shares a popular beer garden with Sinclair’s Oyster Bar next door.
