In 1066, William the Conqueror granted the city of Manchester the right to host marketplaces. Residents began trading in everything from meat to clothes, vegetables to fish, and it wasn’t long before the city became known for the buying and selling of goods. We’re pleased to say that, over 900 years later, very little has changed.

Today, Manchester is still revered for its retail stalls. Only now, shoppers have a much broader range of options. From vintage finds to fresh produce, the best markets in Manchester are dotted across the city: all you have to do is find them!

1. Affleck’s 

Shoppers searching for all things indie should venture to Affleck’s, a four-floored indoor marketplace. This sprawling market will take a couple of hours to conquer, but in that time, you’ll find 70 stalls selling everything from handmade jewellery to unique paintings, clothing and furniture.

Take your time as you pass by retro trading card stalls, themed cafés and merch stores with goods imported from across the globe. If you’re brave enough, you can even stop by one of their tattoo or body piercing studios!

Address: 52 Church St, Manchester M4 1PW, UK

2. Levenshulme Market

As a volunteer-led space, Levenshulme Market offers South Manchester residents the chance to connect with the community. Every year, from March to December, hundreds gather their goods and offer them for sale (at excellent prices!) Visitors can sample street food from local restaurants or browse for vintage homeware, clothing, books and even plants!

That’s without highlighting Levenshulme Market’s fantastic roster of family-friendly entertainment. With live music and kids face-painting, a day out at Levenshulme Market puts feel-good fun first.

Address: Stockport Rd, Levenshulme, Manchester M19 3PJ, UK

3. Arndale Market

All food lovers should experience the flavours of Arndale market! Home to some of Manchester’s best-kept gems, the Arndale market allows foodies to taste-test dishes from around the world. Peckish for pasta? Journey to Italy with an authentic selection of dishes from M’ama Italian. Across the way, at Tokyo Tokyo, you’ll find some of the best chicken ramen and Japanese street food in the city.

If it’s Greek food you want, Zorba’s delicious Gyros will not disappoint. You can also find fusions of Brazilian and African cuisine, Mexican delights and traditional British fish and chips: comfort food personified.

Address: 49 High St, Manchester M4 3AH, UK

4. Stockport Market

Bargain hunters with a penchant for history should find themselves at Stockport market, a trading hub that’s been operational since the Middle Ages! Manchester residents have a long history of selling locally grown goods at this location, dating as far as the 1860s. Stockport market stalls offer everything from fresh produce to second-hand goods and collectables.

It’s the perfect place to sample authentic Manchester cheese, meat, and vegetables, all of which you can purchase for budget-friendly prices.

Address: Market Hall, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1ES

5. Bury Market

With food on the brain, it’s only right we recommend Manchester’s award-winning Bury market. Voted ‘Market of the Year’ an impressive 4 times, this 200,000-square-foot venue is full of characters, products and plenty of facilities! Browse its 60 stalls and find fresh ingredients for your weekly meals. Sick of cooking? Dine out at one of Bury market’s delicious food stalls and get the British fry-up you’ve been thinking about for weeks.

With a full stomach, you can move on to shopping for all things homeware, hardware and souvenirs.

Address: 1 Murray Rd, Bury BL9 0BJ, UK

6. Northern Quarter Makers Market

Mark your calendars: on the 2nd Sunday of every month, Manchester creatives come together for a celebration of all things eclectic! Based in the city’s Northern Quarter, it’s here shoppers can find trinkets and gifts galore. Manchester’s foremost ‘makers’ offer freshly baked bread and delectable doughnuts, with stalls like the Cumbrian Pie Company serving up hearty vegetarian pie dinners.

Get a one-of-a-kind necklace for your jewellery collection, or handmade, organic soaps. Whatever your fancy, the Northern Quarter Makers Market is nothing short of artistic!

Address: Stevenson Square, Manchester M1 1DB, UK

7. Grub

Nestled in Manchester’s Green Quarter is ‘Grub’, a food market where cold pints and bites to eat are the number one priority. If you’re planning in advance, Grub lets diners pre-book a table in their beautiful beer garden. But if you just happen to wander in, don’t worry: the event space boasts two floors of indoor seating amongst the market’s many independent food stalls.

Traders range from pop-up fried chicken shops to vegan bakeries, catering to all tastes and dietary preferences. The market even hosts an independent event area where musicians, comedians and thespians gather to entertain the masses.

Address: 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF, UK

Looking for an apartment near Manchester? 

Marketplaces are a huge part of Manchester’s rich, historical tapestry. They’re not only the perfect way to upcycle vintage goods and sample local cuisine: they’re also a way for communities to share their collective knowledge.

If you’re looking to be closer to the action, consider our Bromley Street complexes or Crown View Apartments. These deluxe properties will make marketplace hopping easier, and more convenient, than ever.