11 best markets in Manchester to visit on your next weekend adventure
When I was younger, weekends meant visiting Manchester markets with my family. My parents were always on a mission to find something specific. Me? I just loved seeing all the things people were selling, especially since they put so much care into what they sold.
So, when the team said we’d be writing about Manchester markets, I was really excited. Not only do the markets fascinate me, but it’s also nice to have a little trip down memory lane.
And so, if you want to know more about what we found, keep on reading!
1. Arndale Market
Media credits: arndalemarket
Address: 49 High St
Contact details: +44 161 832 3552
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: ££
Arndale Market is a place full of energy. There were a lot of people when we came here, but it was manageable.
The market also has Manchester’s multicultural vibe because of the different cuisines they offer. There were so many options that we couldn’t resist trying out some foods, from Thai street food to Turkish gozleme. The aroma from the food stalls pulled us in from the start.
All of the vendors and stores offer so much, too. We wandered through the craft section, and one of our team members picked up a beautiful handmade bracelet from a local artisan.
Pro tip:
It’s more crowded during the weekends, so visit on weekdays instead if you get overwhelmed by crowds easily. This will help you have a more relaxed experience exploring the market.
2. Northern Quarter Makers Market
Media credits: northernquartermakersmarket
Address: Stevenson Square
Operating hours:
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Monday to Saturday: Closed
Price: ££
Northern Quarter Makers Market is the market for the creatives. There were colourful stalls packed with handmade treasures and musicians playing live. The whole place gives off a festival vibe.
As someone into art, it was also nice chatting with the local artists and getting tips. It was inspiring to hear about their creative journeys.
The market was easy to get around too. We saw some people in pushchairs roaming around. There were also plenty of spots to sit and enjoy our finds for the day.
Pro tip:
The market happens every second Sunday of the month. So, if you want to visit, make sure to schedule it.
3. West Didsbury Makers Market
Media credits: mr_andy_l
Address: Withington Hospital Car Park M20 2LR
Operating hours:
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday to Saturday: Closed
Price: ££
It was a fun day out when we visited West Didsbury Markers Market on the last Sunday of the month. We didn’t feel tired quickly while browsing the stalls because the live music kept us up and engaged throughout the day.
It’s well laid out, and there’s plenty of space to walk around, even though it does get busy. It was also nice seeing a lot of visitors strolling with their dogs.
It’s a good thing most of the vendors here accept both cash and cards, so we managed to buy some stuff. We bought the tasty sauces from Dady Sauces and some fresh meat and sausages from Brenda’s.
Pro tip:
There are no toilets on-site, so be sure to take a bathroom break before going to the market.
4. Gorton Market
Media credits: gorton.market
Address: Gorton District Centre on Garratt Way, Gorton, M18 8LD
Contact details: +44 161 231 3522
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: £
The day we visited Gorton Market, we started at the clothing stall near the Garratt Way entrance. There were some cool shirts that we got for a good deal since we bought a ton as a group.
The market was a bit of everything but we mainly went for the meat. We bought from The Butchers Bar and we picked up sausages and steaks at great prices.
When you visit, don’t leave without trying some food. One of the Indian stalls there has a really good lamb samosa. It was crispy, flavourful, and super affordable.
Pro tip:
Don’t be shy about bargaining with the vendors here. Many stallholders are happy to offer a deal, especially if you’re buying in bulk or close to closing time.
5. Longsight Market
Media credits: northern_banal
Address: Dickenson Road/St. John’s Road, Longsight, M13 0WG
Contact details: +44 161 225 9859
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Friday: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: £
Longsight Market has an impressive clothing selection, especially modest and traditional outfits. Most of the stalls that we saw featured Western and Asian clothing, like dresses. Aside from that, some of us got some jewellery pieces and shoes.
While roaming around, we also found some shops that sell bedding. They are still in good condition and also at an affordable price.
When we visited, the market was quite packed. We even saw a lost child trying to find her parents. Thankfully, her mom eventually found her.
Pro tip:
If you’re bringing kids to the market, make sure to keep a close on them since the market always has many visitors.
6. Platt Fields Market Garden
Media credits: plattfields_marketgarden
Address: Platt Fields Park, Platt Fields Market Garden, Fallowfield
Contact details: +44 7538 860488
Operating hours:
- Friday to Saturday: 9 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Monday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
We visited Platt Fields Garden on a Sunday during their farmers’ market and had a good time. The market had such a friendly, community vibe. It’s really easy to talk to the vendors and ask questions about their produce.
We signed up for one of their Veg boxes after hearing rave reviews from a regular customer. Everything is organically grown in the garden, so we couldn’t miss that.
In addition, we enjoyed wandering through the beautiful vegetable patches while folk singers performed in the distance. We really loved it here because the market experience wasn’t as stressful and crowded as the others we visited.
Pro tip:
Join a workshop or event during your visit. They sometimes have a gardening class or a craft session. It’s a fun way to learn something new and make your visit even more memorable.
7. The Piccadilly Street Food Market
Media credits: piccadilly.streetfood.mcr
Address: Piccadilly Gardens, City Centre, Market St.
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: £
When we spent an afternoon at the Piccadilly Street Food Market, we knew our team was in for a feast. We could smell all of the sizzling street food around us.
The market had a fantastic mix of cuisines, like Asian, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean. I got a massive, juicy burger and crispy chips from a store for only £8. Some of my teammates had birria tacos, jerk chicken, and corndogs.
Everything was delicious, and all of the servers were kind and quick to prepare our food. Even though the space was a bit tight, we still enjoyed our experience here.
Pro tip:
Get there early. You’ll skip the long queues and have the first pick of the most popular dishes before they sell out.
8. Sunday Market
Media credits: steve8mmg
Address: Whitworth Street East, Off Ashton Old Road, Openshaw
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Sunday: 7 AM – 1:30 PM
Price: £
Sunday Market has that outdoor car boot sale that gave us a classic treasure-hunt experience. People were selling everything here, from household goods to random finds.
We did notice a few stalls selling cheaper, lower-quality items, so you just have to find and examine all the items.
When we got hungry, we followed the crowd straight to the samosa stall. They were crispy and packed with flavour, and we all agreed that they were absolutely worth the hype.
Parking was our problem here since it gets busy. We paid £2.50 and managed to find a spot, but it’s worth getting there early because the area gets congested.
Pro tip:
Stay alert and keep your belongings secure. There have been reports of pickpocketing at this market.
9. Afflecks
Media credits: afflecks_manchester
Address: 52 Church St
Contact details: +44 161 839 0718
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:30 AM – 6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Price: ££
Afflecks is, by far, my favourite market that we visited. Even from the outside, the murals were so captivating that we couldn’t help but take some photos.
There were selections ranging from alternative fashion to vintage vinyl and handmade jewellery. I personally bought some crystals and incense to cleanse my space. One of us even tried dog reiki and tarot reading.
We also loved chatting with some stall owners because we really saw how passionate they were about their crafts. You should visit this one if you’re quirky and love some weird creativity.
Pro tip:
Don’t just stick to one level but explore every food. The ground floor is perfect for fashion and accessories, but head upstairs for art, homeware, and quirky cafes. Each level has its own vibe so take your time to soak it all in.
10. New Smithfield Wholesale Market
Media credits: organicnorthwholesale
Address: Whitworth Street East, Off Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, M11 2WJ
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Saturday: 2:30 AM – 11 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
We visited New Smithfield Wholesale Market, a hub for fresh produce, meats, and fish. We got there around 5 AM, and the place was already packed with traders, chefs, and bulk buyers. Everyone was already making rounds and calling out their latest deals.
We came mainly for fresh vegetables and fish because the selection was impressive. We picked up a box of mackerel and some fresh cuts of meat, all at prices much cheaper than in supermarkets. If you want to buy in bulk to stock up, this is definitely the market for you.
We also found some booths selling yams, plantains, and exotic spices. The market also has a vintage and antiques section, which we would’ve explored if we weren’t carrying bags of meat around.
Pro tip:
Bring some cash with you. While many vendors accept cards, some smaller stalls prefer cash-only for quick purchases.
11. Conran Street Market – Northern Markets
Media credits: raphoxy_resin
Address: Conran St, Harpurhey
Contact details: +44 7599 276030
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday: 5 AM – 3 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 5 AM – 3 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: £
While we were roaming around Conrad Street Market, we could literally smell fresh bread and fruits in the air.
There’s a bit of everything here, like secondhand clothes, handmade crafts, and loads of household essentials. If you’re setting up a new place or just looking for a bargain, this is the spot for you since everything is affordable.
We also stopped for a quick coffee at the little cafe on-site, and it was enough to wake us up again after a tiring walk the whole day.
Pro tip:
If you want more variety, go on Saturday since the market is packed with stalls. But if you want a quieter experience but can still score some deals, go on Tuesdays.
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