Manchester.

A city idolised for its pioneering music scene, global industrial influence, and (of course) thriving student scene.

The pace of development happening in our rainy city is pretty spectacular. Look up from Manchester’s city centre pavements, and you’re promised a polarising view of old and new; a blend of time’s gone by and moments soon to be.

But that does mean costs have risen. Especially for students.

Don’t worry, there’s still a lot of free things for students in Manchester to do, and we’ve cherry-picked the best.

Here are our favourite hangouts and hidden gems. All Mancunian approved, of course.

The Northern Quarter

The darling of downtown, the Northern Quarter is an obvious choice but always worth a mention.

Considered the youth culture yolk of Manchester, the Northern Quarter is where the characters of the city come out to play (and slay). With its buzzy atmosphere, colourful urban art and side streets steeped in history, the NQ is the favourite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Whether you’re unearthing thrifted treasures or rifling through racks of records, the Northern Quarter is a trip back in time. And once you’re all shopped out, there are dozens of cool coffee shops to sit back, sip and see the city’s best dressed people. Prepare to do some of the best people-watching ever.

But the real colours of the Northern Quarter glow the brightest at night. Here, you’ll find some of the best nightlife the city has to offer. Whether you’re after a few quiet pints with pals or something more lively, the NQ has a corner for everyone. There’s also plenty of late-night kebab shops for those 3am cravings.

Our favourite way to experience the Northern Quarter? Start on Oldham Street with no plans and see where the wind takes you. You may even bump into a film crew or two.

Ancoats / New Islington Marina

Feeling a little out of touch with nature?

Disconnect from the concrete jungle of the city and enjoy the waterway wonder that is Ancoats Marina. You won’t have many trees to hug here, unfortunately, but you will have something green to look at (which is hard to find in Manchester’s city centre.)

Nestled beside the iconic cotton mills and cobbled streets of Ancoats, the Marina is the perfect spot to chill, caffeinate, and coo at the swans. It’s a welcome respite from the hustle-and-bustle of town, making it a popular spot all year round.

With the award-winning bakery Pollen, neighbourhood wine bar Flawd, and the beer slinging Cask to pick from, the Marina is always a good shout.

Our top tip: come here on a sunny day with a blanket and a picnic. The vibes will be immaculate.

Affleck’s Palace

If you haven’t already visited Affleck’s Palace, this is your sign to change that. Immediately.

Affleck’s Palace coins itself the ‘Emporium of Eclecticism’, and honestly, never has a more fitting description existed. This indoor market is the spirited offspring of Manchester’s indie, goth and punk culture. Even if you don’t belong to these subcultures, the Affleck appeal is hard to resist.

Affleck’s boasts a prodigious plethora of independent stalls ranging from fancy dress suppliers, tattooists and piercers, to more niche markets such as neon rave wear, corsets, and some pretty phallic décor. Each to their own, eh?

Regularly voted one of Manchester’s ‘must sees’, the mystique of Affleck’s Palace is something every student simply must experience.

(And whoever came up with the name ‘Vinyl Resting Place’ deserves a raise).

The Oxford Road Corridor

There’s no debate. Oxford Road Corridor is the student stomping ground in Manchester.

Just a stone’s throw away from the University of Manchester campus, it’s home to some of the city’s most coveted bars, pubs and venues. Expect back-to-back student classics including Bold Street Coffee, Big Hands, Zaytoni, Federal, and a whole lot more.

Whether you’re stopping for a pre-lecture coffee, coursemate catchup, or a few drinks in the evening, Oxford Road’s the one.

But what makes Oxford Road truly unique is its incredible architecture. A masterclass of Manchester’s world-renowned gothic allure, the pavements are lined with one iconic structure after another. Names include the Holy Name Church, Oxford Road Station, The Refuge Tower, Whitworth Building, and more.

While the novelty of Oxford Road may get a little lost on the daily frequenter, it’s undoubtedly one of the best student streets in the country.

Arndale Shopping Centre

A far cry from the miscellaneous musings of Affleck’s, the Arndale is your typical British shopping centre but amped up. Packed full of the high street’s biggest names, including Next, B&M, JD, Boots, Waterstones and even Aldi (avoid like the plague during the hours of five to seven), the Arndale houses every shop a student could ever need.

But what sets the Arndale apart from other soulless shopping centres is its Food Court. From Quebec-style poutine to Vietnamese street food, there’s a stall to please every craving. Look out for Just Natas for some of the best Pastel del Natas outside of Portugal.

However, the Arndale on the weekends is overstimulation city, so try and run your errands early in the morning to beat the crowds.

First Street

We’re going to come out and say it… First Street deserves more flowers.

A part of town that’s often overlooked, First Street has a lot more to offer than most city dwellers realise. With an assortment of restaurants, bars, and of course, the new kid House of Social, First Street is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the city centre.

The best part? It’s all on your doorstep.

Round up your mates for a Sunday viewing at HOME Cinema, locals’ favourite artsy spot. Afterwards, head to House of Social Food Hall for some post-viewing pints and pizza.

And don’t forget, House of Social residents get 15% off at the Food Hall.

Deansgate/Castlefield

The red-bricked Roman district of Manchester, Deansgate and Castlefield have a lot to offer.

From mega music venue Castlefield Bowl and the 250-year-old Science and Industry Museum, to Friday night favourites Albert’s Shed and Duke’s 52, there’s a lot to see and do in just a few steps.

Whilst this area isn’t notorious for its student scene, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. Round up your friends and enjoy a lovely walk along Rochdale Canal, starting at Castlefield Junction and finishing at Ducie Street. Treat yourself to a coffee, if you’ve got some pennies to spare. Go on. You’re worth it.

And for you keen runners out there, Castlefield has some of the best routes away from the city crowds. Look out for one of Manchester’s many running clubs. They’re usually in big groups, so you can’t miss them (no shade).

Manchester Art Gallery

Who doesn’t enjoy looking at beautiful things, especially when it’s free?

Manchester Art Gallery boasts over 6500 pieces of art including paintings, ceramics, glass and more. There’re monthly and resident exhibitions, so no two visits are ever the same. It’s the perfect place to spend a solo afternoon or take visitors.

And if art is really your vibe, the Gallery runs groups and workshops for students to get involved in. Check their website to see what’s coming up soon!

People’s History Museum

Recognised as the national museum of democracy, Manchester’s People’s History Museum is most certainly worth a visit. Plus, it’s free!

Prepare to walk around and wonder at some of the most interesting, close-to-home exhibitions you’ve ever seen (the original Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners banner is a real standout). Learn about everything from Thatcherism, The Welfare State, and the party politics of Northernness past, present and future.

You can also explore the museum self-guided or as part of a tour, if you want to get a closer perspective.

We guarantee you’ll come intrigued, and leave charged-up to fight for a fairer world…

Gay Village

…which leads us nicely into the topic of Canal Street, the epicentre of Manchester’s world-famous gay scene. A haven of clubs, pubs and perfectly painted drag queens, the infectious atmosphere of Manchester’s Gay Village is a must-see for any visitor.

Whether you’re getting low to G-A-Y’s girlypop bangers, throwing the campest tea party at Richmond Tea Rooms, or singing along with New York New York’s cabaret night, there really is something for everyone.

Plus, a lot of bars offer drinks promotions, making it a budget-friendly for fun-seeking students.

Mayfield Park

It may seem a little far off the beaten track, but Mayfield Park is most certainly worth the trek. Spanning nearly seven acres, it’s one of the biggest green spaces in the centre.

Perfect for a sunny picnic or Sunday stroll, there’s a coffee van and sometimes a Mr Whippy van.

Plus, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the likes of Freight Island and SUPERMASSIVE if you do fancy making more of an occasion out of it.

John Ryland’s Library

John Ryland’s Library is always an honourable mention. You don’t have to be a history marvel to appreciate the grandeur of this place.

Over 125 years old, this gothic library is an architectural marvel. It even has one of the world’s rarest collections of books and manuscripts, making it a hot stop for literary buffs across the globe. Even though Harry Potter wasn’t filmed here (yep, we’re disappointed too), the Hogwarts vibes are undeniable.

The best part? Entry is free and you can even work in the library, if you can focus with the muffle of visitors around you.

And there we have it – our favourite city centre haunts, from one local to a soon-to-be another.

Enjoy!