Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is Manchester's independent district, centred on Oldham Street, Tib Street and Stevenson Square in the city centre of Manchester, England, a short walk from Piccadilly Gardens. The area grew from the old textile warehouses and Smithfield market, and the Victorian brick buildings now house record shops, vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques, comic and book shops, cafes, bars and music venues. It is closely tied to the city's music heritage, and Oldham Street was long the centre of the independent record trade. Street art covers walls throughout the district, especially around Stevenson Square, Tib Street and Thomas Street, and the murals change over time. Entry is free and the streets are open at all times. Independent shops generally open from about 10:00 to 18:00, cafes serve brunch and coffee through the day, and bars and live music venues stay open later into the night. Visitors typically spend one to three hours exploring, longer if they stop for food. Late afternoon into evening is the liveliest time, when shops are still open and the bars start to fill. Weekend evenings are crowded, and quieter exploration is possible on weekday mornings. The district is easy to reach, with Metrolink stops at Piccadilly Gardens, two minutes' walk away, and Market Street, three minutes away. Nearby Afflecks, the multi-storey indie market on Tib Street, is a favourite for alternative fashion and gifts. The compact streets are best explored on foot, wandering side streets for murals, hidden courtyards and small galleries, and the area pairs well with Chinatown and the National Football Museum for a full day in the city centre.