Background

Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.

4.3

Manchester Arndale is the city’s largest and most central shopping destination, housing over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options under one roof. Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, it offers everything from high-street fashion and beauty to electronics, groceries, and dining, all within a modern, covered environment. The centre is fully accessible, with amenities including restrooms, seating, and information points, making it ideal for families, tourists, and locals alike. Opening hours are generous, with late evenings on weekdays and weekends, and special festive schedules during Christmas and New Year.

A brief summary to Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

  • Manchester Arndale, Manchester, M4 3AQ, GB
  • +441618339851
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 4 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-9 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-9 pm
  • Friday 9 am-9 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-9 pm
  • Sunday 11:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons to avoid the busiest crowds, especially during sales and the festive season.
  • Check the centre’s official website for current store opening times, as individual shops and restaurants may have different hours to the main centre.
  • Use the information desks or digital maps inside to quickly locate specific stores, restaurants, or facilities like restrooms and baby changing.
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Market Street, Piccadilly Gardens, and Manchester’s Christmas Markets for a full day out.
  • Look out for seasonal events, festive decorations, and special offers, particularly around Christmas and New Year, when the centre often hosts free family-friendly activities.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport (Metrolink/Tram)

    From Manchester city centre, take the Metrolink to either Piccadilly Gardens or St Peter’s Square stop; both are within a 5-minute walk of Manchester Arndale. Trams run frequently, and the journey from outlying areas like Salford or East Didsbury typically takes 10–25 minutes depending on your starting point.

  • Bus

    Numerous bus routes serve Manchester city centre, with stops on Market Street, Piccadilly, and Princess Street all within a short walk of the Arndale. Journey times from nearby suburbs such as Cheetham Hill or Withington usually range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific route.

  • Train

    Arrive at Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Victoria station; both are about a 10–15 minute walk to Manchester Arndale. From Piccadilly, head west along Market Street; from Victoria, walk south along Corporation Street and then west along Market Street.

  • Walking from City Centre

    If you’re already in central Manchester, the Arndale is easily reached on foot from Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street, or St Ann’s Square in 5–10 minutes. The centre is fully covered and well signed, making it a comfortable option in any weather.

Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

Heart of Manchester Shopping

Manchester Arndale stands as the city’s premier indoor shopping hub, centrally located just off Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens. Opened in the 1970s and expanded over the decades, it has evolved into a vast, multi-level complex that anchors Manchester’s retail scene. With more than 200 shops, it brings together high-street favourites, department stores, fashion chains, tech retailers, and lifestyle brands, all under one roof. Whether you’re hunting for the latest trainers, a new outfit, cosmetics, or last-minute gifts, the Arndale offers a comprehensive, weather-protected shopping experience that’s hard to beat in the region.

Stores, Food & Leisure

The centre is divided into clearly signed zones, making navigation straightforward. Alongside major anchor stores, you’ll find a wide array of fashion, accessories, footwear, and beauty outlets. The food court and surrounding restaurants cater to all tastes, from quick bites and coffee to sit-down meals, with options ranging from fast food to international cuisine. In addition to shopping and dining, the Arndale includes leisure facilities such as a cinema, arcade, and children’s play areas, adding a strong family-friendly dimension. Seasonal events, festive decorations, and pop-up markets further enhance the atmosphere, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Practicalities & Accessibility

Manchester Arndale is designed for convenience and accessibility. The centre is fully covered, with escalators, lifts, and clear signage connecting its levels. Restrooms, baby changing facilities, seating areas, and information points are located throughout, and there are multiple entrances from key city centre streets and transport hubs. The centre is well served by public transport, with nearby Metrolink stops, bus routes, and train stations, and it is largely wheelchair accessible. Opening hours are generous: Monday to Saturday from early morning until late evening, with shorter Sunday hours, and special festive schedules during peak periods.

Atmosphere & Visitor Experience

The Arndale has a busy, urban energy, especially on weekends and during sales or holiday periods. It’s a place where locals run errands, tourists pick up souvenirs, and families spend a full day shopping, eating, and catching a film. The atmosphere is modern and functional, with a focus on practicality and choice rather than boutique charm. It’s ideal for those who want a one-stop shopping experience with a wide range of brands and price points, all in a central, easy-to-reach location. While it may not have the historic character of Manchester’s older arcades, its scale and convenience make it a cornerstone of the city’s retail landscape.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

Popular Hotels near Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre

Select Currency