The Best Places To Shop In Manchester
Are you looking for the best shops to visit in Manchester? Well we have you covered, there are quite a few options to pick from when visiting Manchester so it’s important to know what you’re looking for and how to get there.
It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, Manchester has something for everyone and we’ve had a lot of fun exploring them. Take a look below for some of the main shops that Manchester has to offer.
Shops In Manchester City Centre
Manchester city centre is host to a whole plethara of shops that you just have to visit. Take a look below at some of the best shops in Manchester city centre that hundreds of people flock to every single day.
Here are six of the best shops in Manchester city centre, including Primark and the LEGO Shop:
- Primark Manchester
Located on Market Street, this is one of the largest Primark stores in the UK. It offers affordable fashion, homeware, and beauty products, along with a Harry Potter-themed section and a café. - The LEGO Store
Situated in the Arndale Centre, this shop is a dream for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. It features exclusive sets, a Pick & Build Wall, and interactive displays. - Selfridges
Found in Exchange Square, this luxury department store is ideal for high-end fashion, beauty, and accessories, along with a curated range of home and lifestyle products. - Afflecks
A unique and quirky shopping destination, perfect for finding vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and alternative gifts. It’s a creative haven in the heart of the city. - Waterstones Deansgate
A book lover’s paradise, this iconic multi-story store features a vast collection of books, a cosy café, and frequent author events. - Arndale Centre
This massive shopping mall is home to a variety of popular high-street stores, including Zara, H&M, and JD Sports, making it a central hub for shoppers.
These shops offer a mix of affordability, creativity, and unique experiences, making them stand out in Manchester’s vibrant retail scene.
Coffee Shops In Manchester City Centre
Manchester is host to a whole range of coffee shops that you can enjoy. Perfect little cafes in Manchester City Centre mean you’ll be able to find the best places to grab a bite to eat, and have a hot drink and all at affordable prices.
Here are six of the best coffee shops in Manchester city centre, including Black Milk Cereal, Social Refuge, and Cocoa-Cabana:
- Black Milk Cereal
Located in Afflecks, this quirky café is famous for its indulgent cereal creations, decadent milkshakes, and sweet treats. It’s a fun and nostalgic spot to satisfy your cravings. - Social Refuge
A stylish and vibrant café known for its specialty coffee, delicious pastries, and cozy atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot to unwind or catch up with friends. - Cocoa-Cabana
A chocolate lover’s paradise, this café offers incredible hot chocolates, handcrafted truffles, and cakes alongside a great selection of coffee. - Takk
A favourite among coffee aficionados, this Nordic-inspired café serves exceptional coffee and a range of fresh pastries in a relaxed, industrial-style space. - Foundation Coffee House
A sleek, minimalist café offering expertly brewed coffee, teas, and a delicious menu of light bites. Its spacious interior makes it perfect for work or relaxation. - Ezra & Gil
A popular urban café with a buzzing atmosphere, known for its great coffee, hearty brunch options, and friendly vibe. It’s a Manchester institution for locals and visitors alike.
These coffee shops bring together creativity, quality, and variety, making Manchester city centre a coffee lover’s haven!
Gay Book Shops In Manchester City Centre
Here is a detailed list of LGBTQ+ bookshops and places where you can find LGBTQ+ books in Manchester city centre:
- Queer Lit
- Location: Northern Quarter, Manchester
- Details: Queer Lit is an independent bookstore dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature. It offers a wide selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books. They specialise in works by queer authors and focus on providing a space for the LGBTQ+ community to find representation in literature. It’s a welcoming and inclusive shop with a carefully curated collection for readers of all ages and interests.
- Chapter One Books
- Location: Northern Quarter, Manchester
- Details: While Chapter One is primarily known as an independent café and bookshop, it also carries a great range of LGBTQ+ literature. The store offers a comfortable, cozy atmosphere to browse through a variety of books, including queer fiction and non-fiction. It’s a great spot for those looking to discover new LGBTQ+ authors or just want a relaxing place to enjoy a good book.
- Waterstones Deansgate
- Location: Deansgate, Manchester
- Details: Waterstones Deansgate is a large, well-known bookstore in Manchester city centre that has a dedicated LGBTQ+ section. This section offers a wide range of queer fiction, memoirs, poetry, and academic works. While not an LGBTQ+-exclusive store, its LGBTQ+ section is extensive and provides a selection of literature representing a variety of queer identities and experiences.
- Afflecks (Various Indie Stalls)
- Location: Afflecks, Northern Quarter, Manchester
- Details: Afflecks is a multi-story emporium of alternative and independent shops in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. While it’s not a dedicated LGBTQ+ bookstore, many of its independent stalls offer LGBTQ+ literature, zines, and art books. These independent vendors often curate collections that focus on queer culture, identity, and stories. It’s a unique space to find a variety of LGBTQ+ reading material, especially self-published works and smaller indie publications.
These shops in Manchester city centre offer a mix of specialised LGBTQ+ books and inclusive spaces for readers seeking diverse perspectives. We will say that we’re biased and think Queerlit is one of the best gay books shops in Manchester!
The Best Shopping Centres In Manchester City Centre
Manchester city centre is home to a variety of shopping centres, each offering a unique experience, from high-street fashion to luxury stores and independent shops. Here are some of the best shopping centres in the heart of the city:
- Manchester Arndale
- Details: One of the largest shopping centres in the UK, Manchester Arndale is located in the city centre and boasts over 200 stores. It offers a diverse selection of high-street fashion brands, electronics, beauty products, and food outlets. Popular stores include Zara, H&M, Boots, and Apple. The centre is also home to a variety of eateries and cafés, making it a great spot for shopping and dining.
- The Printworks
- Details: Situated near Victoria Station, The Printworks is an entertainment complex with a mix of shops, restaurants, and cinemas. It offers a selection of fashion, beauty, and sports stores, with brands like Superdry and H&M. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife, including bars and restaurants, and is a great place to shop and unwind.
- Selfridges Exchange Square
- Details: For luxury shopping, Selfridges at Exchange Square is a must-visit. This department store features high-end fashion, beauty, and homeware from top designers and international brands. It’s also known for its iconic yellow bags and offers a stylish shopping experience with exclusive collections, making it perfect for those looking for a more upscale retail experience.
- The Triangle
- Details: Located on Exchange Square, The Triangle offers a mix of fashion, homeware, and dining. It’s home to a range of independent stores and high-street brands, offering a more intimate shopping experience compared to larger malls. Popular stores include the Manchester branch of the renowned fashion chain, Urban Outfitters, and a variety of restaurants with outdoor seating perfect for people-watching.
- Royal Exchange Manchester
- Details: Known for its impressive architecture, the Royal Exchange is a historic shopping centre with a boutique feel. It features a selection of high-end stores and unique boutiques, along with the Royal Exchange Theatre. Its elegant design, surrounded by glass domes, makes it a pleasant place to shop for designer fashion, accessories, and gifts.
- Spinningfields
- Details: While not a traditional shopping centre, Spinningfields is an upmarket district with a collection of luxury boutiques and designer stores. It’s home to high-end retailers such as Mulberry, Harvey Nichols, and The Kooples, alongside trendy cafes and stylish bars. Spinningfields offers a more refined shopping experience with a focus on designer fashion and exclusive products.
Each of these shopping centres offers something different, whether you’re looking for mainstream fashion, luxury goods, or unique independent stores, making Manchester city centre a prime shopping destination.

Manchester Shops Summary
Manchester is filled with excellent shopping spots across various categories! Here are some popular choices in different types of shops:
Antique Shops
- Junk Shop (Northern Quarter) – Known for unique vintage finds.
- The Vintage Emporium (Levenshulme) – Great for antique furniture and home decor.
Asian Clothing Shops
- Anmol Boutique (Cheetham Hill) – Specialises in traditional Asian attire.
- Bombay Stores Manchester (Longsight) – Offers a wide range of Asian fashion, from sarees to kurtas.
Baby Shops
- JoJo Maman Bébé (Trafford Centre) – Baby clothes and maternity essentials.
- Little Lamb Baby Boutique (Chorlton) – Independent shop for unique baby outfits.
Coffee Shops (Northern Quarter & City Centre)
- Foundation Coffee House (Northern Quarter) – Spacious with a creative vibe, great for working.
- Takk (City Centre) – Icelandic-inspired coffee shop, ideal for serious coffee lovers.
Vintage and Thrift Shops
- Blue Rinse (Northern Quarter) – Famous for trendy vintage clothing.
- Cow Vintage (Northern Quarter) – Popular for unique vintage pieces and accessories.
Shopping Centers
- Manchester Arndale – Central, with a huge variety of high-street stores.
- Trafford Centre – Iconic, with luxury and high-street stores, plus entertainment options.
Let me know if you’d like details on any other categories, or help finding specific shops within these categories! If there are any shops you think we should cover or mention in this article please do let us know!