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Gay Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city in the North of England, and it is known nationwide for its acceptance and LGBTQ nightlife. Its Gay Village, based around Canal Street, is known across the world, but there are events and spaces outside of the nightlife that allow everyone to enjoy themselves, making Manchester a hub for pride and celebration in the North. The city hosts one of the biggest annual Pride events in the UK, a trans celebration weekend every Summer, and other events throughout the year.

Manchester Hotel Deals

Grab a great deal on your trip with GayMapper's hotel partners

3* Pendulum Hotel
4* DoubleTree by Hilton
4* Dakota Manchester
3* Ibis Styles Portland

Manchester Gay Bars

GayMapper brings you information about gay bars and cruising bars in the city. Here are the top choices, read more about these bars or click below to see listings of all gay venues in this city.

New York New York

New York New York

Drag, Outdoor Seating

For over thirty years New York New York bar has been the beating heart of Manchester's Gay Village. It's known for its hands-in-the-air nights with music that you can't help but sing along to, outrageous drag queens and, of course, a welcoming atmosphere. The cocktail bar is open every day, and there is also a stylish function room and 'The VIP suite'. Located on the first floor, this suite is fully kitted out and perfect for parties.
Satans Hollow

Satans Hollow

Gay Friendly, Dancing

Satans Hollow is an LGBTQ friendly club in Manchester's Gay Village, which specialised in live alternative, rock, and metal music. For anyone who loves these genres, the Satans Hollow club is a must-visit venue, with themed decor, affordable drinks, and everyone's favourite rock bands.
The Church

The Church

Drag, Outdoor Seating

In the heart of Manchester's Canal Street, The Church (formerly Churchills) offers a range of cocktails, wines, shots, and coffee. It's open to everyone for a casual and fun experience, offering karaoke, drag performances, and cabaret. Alongside regular entertainment, there's outdoor seating along to canal where you can enjoy your drinks and meet as a group.
The Brewers

The Brewers

Cocktails, Dancing, Drag

The Brewers Manchester offers both a bar and club experience in its two floor venue. In the bar you can sample a wide range of cocktails and shots in a fun atmosphere complete with live entertainment, while in the Back Room club there is always something different going on. The Back Room offers cabaret and drag nights, and is available for booking if you want an incredible night all to yourself.
The Lounge By EVA

The Lounge By EVA

Cocktails, Drag

This brand new lounge bar in Manchester's Gay Village creates the perfect atmosphere with background music, and an extensive range of spirits, bottled and Draught beers. This bar specialises in shots and cocktails, so coupled with DJs and drag performances this is the perfect place for a fun night out as a group.
The Rem Bar

The Rem Bar

Bear, Older Crowd, Fetish, Drag

This bar is one of the oldest venues in Manchester's Gay Village, situated right by the canal. It hosts events popular with bears, leather and rubber crowds. There's bearaeoke every Sunday after cabaret, and other events catering for a wide range of fetish interests such as the furry community.
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Gay friendly hotels in Manchester

GayMapper brings you a curated selection of accommodation gay destinations around the world, which are in preferred locations and are welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers. Grab a great deal on your hotel stay when you book via GayMapper!

3* Pendulum Hotel

3* Pendulum Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value

Just 200 m from Canal Street and 300 m from Manchester Piccadilly Station, Pendulum Hotel features a stylish restaurant and conservatory bar. In the bustling city centre, the hotel is 1.6 km from O2 Apollo. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Each room has a private bathroom, free WiFi and a flat-screen TV. Rooms also feature a power shower and work desk, and tea/coffee facilities are provided. Pendulum Hotel features a peaceful courtyard garden, and reception is open 24 hours a day. There is a convenient public car park located opposite the hotel. The property's The Hub Restaurant serves cooked breakfasts and a varied evening menu. The outdoor Garden Bar offers light snacks and a selection of beverages in a heated seating area. With Manchester Conference Centre located on the lower floor, the hotel offers a range of business facilities including 18 meeting rooms. Pendulum Hotel is 10 minutes' walk from the city centre and popular nightlife. Manchester Academy is 500 m away, and The Trafford Centre is a 15-minute drive. Manchester Arena is a 25-minute walk from the hotel, while Etihad Stadium, Old Trafford and Old Trafford Cricket Ground are all within a 30-minute drive.
4* DoubleTree by Hilton

4* DoubleTree by Hilton

GayMapper Favourite, Near Gay Nightlife

Located just steps away from the gay village and Piccadilly railway station, The DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly is a GayMapper favourite in Manchester. The modern and spacious rooms are decorated in light colours and luxurious fabrics. They feature flat-screen TVs, a 24-hour room service menu and bathrooms with power showers and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. Guests can enjoy British cuisine including 21-day aged steaks and rotisserie chicken and lamb using local produce at Store Street Exchange, and craft beer and cocktails in the Store Street Craft Bar.
4* Native Manchester

4* Native Manchester

Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique

This property is winner of The Sunday Times 2019 Best Place to Stay in the North award, and GayMapper knows why! These unique serviced boutique apartments have both location and the wow factor, perfect for a trip to Manchester's gay village, which is just a few minutes walk away. Set in the very heart of the city, Native Manchester is found in Ducie Street Warehouse, just 92 m from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station. Originally one of four iconic warehouses and the only one still standing, this historic building was originally designed to store cotton bales from the US before they were shipped to London. Today we have lovingly transformed the building into an icon for Manchester, whilst staying true to its original past. When you stay with us you'll discover wide columns, powder blue wrought-iron girders and brick barrelled ceilings. There are 166 apartments with 7 types to choose from, starting from large studios to spacious two bedroom duplex Penthouse apartments. While the premium options offer extra room and special perks, every apartment is surprisingly spacious and showcases impressive architectural features. Each apartment comes with its own fully equipped kitchen, lounge space and king-size beds and many have loft-style ceilings with exposed beams. Native Manchester is great for groups who want to book apartments that connect via a private outer hallway or interconnecting apartments that are adjoined by a two-way door in the living room. Some of the bedrooms even have zip and link beds to create a twin room. On the 7th floor, the two-bedroom penthouse apartments offer large private terraces and panoramic views of the city. With floor to ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light, these enormous duplex apartments are one of a kind in Manchester. On the ground floor is the independently run CULTUREPLEX, Manchester's newest hangout and a community centre for a modern city. It's a space for whatever you need: meeting people, watching films, taking classes, working, drinking, dining, anything. On the ground floor you'll also find BLOK, a multidisciplinary workout space renowned for fusing fitness with fashion, art and design. Whether it's sunrise yoga or a killer cardio session - workout in style with BLOK Manchester.
2* New Union Hotel

2* New Union Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Great Value

In Manchester's vibrant gay village, the New Union Hotel is a great budget option which offers en-suite rooms above a lively bar and nightclub. You can enjoy drinks deals, cabaret, karaoke and disco nights. Manchester Arndale shopping centre is a 12-minute walk away. The New Union offers guests 24-hour access to the hotel. Rooms feature free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, tea/coffee making facilities. Hairdryers and irons are available on request. In a very lively, central district, New Union hotel is close to Manchester's bars, shops and restaurants. Manchester Coach Station is a 4-minute walk away and Manchester Piccadilly Train Station is an 8-minute walk away. Oxford Road Train Station is just a 5-minute walk away.
4* Velvet Hotel

4* Velvet Hotel

Near Gay Nightlife, Boutique

Located on Canal St in The Village, Manchester's most vibrant district, a short walk from Piccadilly Railway Station. Each stunning bedroom and penthouse suites are individually designed to an exceptionally high 4* standard offering indulgent luxury in one of the largest cities in the UK. All rooms enjoy elegant furnishings and offer a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The modern bathrooms are equipped with steam-free mirrors and luxury toiletries. Each room also includes a fully-stocked minibar and hospitality tray. Located downstairs in the hotel's lower ground floor is Velvet Brasserie serving classic British cuisine and boasts a extensive drinks list with a fine selection of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits.In warm weather, guests can enjoy outdoor dining. Velvet Lounge Bar has live DJs on weekends and offers a range of drinks in fashionable, relaxed surroundings. The bars and restaurants of Manchester's diverse Northern Quarter are less than a 10-minute walk away. Manchester Airport is 15 km from Velvet Hotel.
4* Dakota Manchester

4* Dakota Manchester

Near Gay Nightlife, Luxury

Dakota hotels is a luxury lifestyle brand synonymous with style and impeccable service, and the Dakota Manchester is just a 6 minute walk to the Gay Village on Canal Street. The fully air-conditioned rooms all offer a Smart TV and media hub with full Sky HD package, in-room safe, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and en suite bathrooms with rainfall showers and toiletries. The Grill offers a sophisticated menu with seasonal ingredients and brasserie-style service. Private dining areas with waterside views will be available for exclusive use, accompanied by The Champagne Room. The stylish cocktail bar offers a variety of classic and in-house creations alongside a comprehensive wine list.

Tours & Experiences in Manchester

Manchester wears its history and nightlife equally proudly. Visit the John Rylands Library, tour Old Trafford or explore the Northern Quarter, then wander towards Canal Street when the sightseeing is done and let the city’s famous LGBTQ village take over from there.

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