NQ Mural, Northern Quarter, Manchester
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
The NQ Mural is a vibrant and iconic street art piece located at 100 High Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter. This mural is part of a dynamic open-air gallery that celebrates the area's rich creative culture, featuring bold colors and striking imagery that reflect the spirit of Manchester's artistic community. Situated in a lively district known for its independent shops, cafes, and nightlife, the mural is a must-see for art lovers and cultural explorers.
A brief summary to NQ Mural
- 100 High St, Manchester, M4 1HP, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday afternoons for a quieter experience to fully appreciate the mural and surrounding street art.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby streets like Tib Street and Stevenson Square to see more murals and vibrant street art.
- Explore local independent cafes and boutiques in the Northern Quarter to immerse yourself in the area's creative culture.
- Check for any street art tours or events in the Northern Quarter to gain deeper insights into the artists and stories behind the murals.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take a tram to Shudehill or Market Street stops, both within a 10-minute walk of 100 High Street. Trams run frequently with tickets costing around £3-£5. Buses from Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria stations also serve the area regularly.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Manchester Piccadilly train station, then enjoy a 15-minute walk through the city center to reach the mural. Walking is straightforward on flat, pedestrian-friendly streets.
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Car and Parking
If driving, use nearby multi-storey car parks such as the NQ Multi-Storey Car Park on Tib Street. Parking can be limited and costly, around £2-£4 per hour, so plan accordingly.
NQ Mural location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about NQ Mural
A Living Canvas in Manchester's Creative Heart
The NQ Mural stands as a prominent example of the Northern Quarter's reputation as Manchester's unofficial cultural hub. This mural is more than just a static artwork; it is part of an ever-evolving outdoor gallery that transforms the streets into a vibrant display of creativity. The Northern Quarter (NQ) is renowned for its street art scene, where walls, shutters, and even street furniture are canvases for local and international artists. The NQ Mural embodies this spirit, offering a visual narrative that captures the area's dynamic energy and artistic diversity.Artistic Significance and Community Impact
Street art in the Northern Quarter, including the NQ Mural, plays a crucial role in revitalizing the district. Many murals here are commissioned as part of projects like the Cities of Hope, reflecting social themes and community stories. The NQ Mural contributes to this tradition by engaging viewers with its bold imagery and thoughtful design, often sparking conversation and reflection. The mural is a testament to the power of public art to enhance urban spaces and foster a sense of identity and pride among residents and visitors alike.Exploring the Northern Quarter's Street Art Landscape
Located at 100 High Street, the NQ Mural is easily accessible within the compact and pedestrian-friendly Northern Quarter. This area is a treasure trove of street art, featuring works from renowned artists such as Akse and Qubek, alongside emerging talents. Visitors can wander through streets like Tib Street, Oldham Street, and Stevenson Square to discover a constantly changing array of murals and graffiti. The NQ Mural is a highlight on these art walks, drawing attention with its scale and vibrancy.Cultural Vibes and Local Flavors
The mural is set amidst a lively neighborhood filled with independent boutiques, quirky cafes, and vibrant nightlife. The Northern Quarter is celebrated for its inclusive food scene, artisanal coffee culture, and eclectic bars, making it a perfect complement to the artistic experience. The area’s creative atmosphere is palpable, with the mural acting as a colorful landmark that enhances the district’s unique character.Seasonal and Social Rhythms of the NQ
The Northern Quarter buzzes with activity year-round, with weekends bringing markets, street performers, and special events that add layers of excitement to the mural’s surroundings. Weekdays offer a quieter, more contemplative environment ideal for appreciating the art without crowds. The mural’s visibility and impact are heightened during these times, inviting visitors to pause and engage deeply with the artwork and its context.Preserving a Dynamic Urban Gallery
Street art in the Northern Quarter, including the NQ Mural, is subject to change and renewal, reflecting the district’s evolving cultural landscape. This fluidity ensures that the area remains fresh and relevant, with new works continually adding to the narrative. The NQ Mural thus represents both a moment in time and an ongoing story within Manchester’s vibrant urban art scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Owen Statue
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Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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The Undamaged Red Post Box
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Murrays' Mill
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Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Arch of Chinatown
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Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
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John Bright Statue
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A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Dalton Entry
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Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Manchester City Council
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Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Albert Memorial
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Mulberry Passage
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St. Peter's Square
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Victory Over Blindness
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Abraham Lincoln Statue
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Alan Turing Memorial
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Unmissable attractions to see
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.1 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
The Makers Market
0.1 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.1 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.2 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Band on the Wall
0.2 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
Shops
0.2 km
Discover Oldham Street, Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter hotspot for vintage fashion, indie shops, live music, and authentic urban culture.
Afflecks
0.2 km
Explore Manchester’s legendary alternative indoor market, home to over 60 independent traders and a vibrant hub of creativity and culture.
DRY BAR
0.2 km
Discover the lively ambiance and eclectic music scene at DRY BAR, a premier bar and nightclub in Manchester's vibrant nightlife.
Blue Rinse Manchester and Kilo Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion treasures by the kilo in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, blending style with sustainability.
Stevenson Square
0.3 km
Manchester’s Stevenson Square: the energetic Northern Quarter hub for bars, culture, and vibrant nightlife in the city centre.
Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Manchester’s largest indoor shopping centre, with over 200 stores, restaurants, and leisure options in the heart of the city.
Express Building
0.4 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Market St
0.4 km
Manchester’s bustling pedestrian retail street linking major stations with iconic shops and vibrant city life.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
0.4 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
National Football Museum
0.4 km
Explore the world’s greatest football collection and interactive exhibits in Manchester’s iconic National Football Museum.
Essential places to dine
Liquor and Burn
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Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
63 Degrees
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Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.0 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.1 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Cane & Grain
0.1 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.1 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Almost Famous NQ
0.1 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.1 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
Evuna NQ
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Pieminister Manchester
0.2 km
Savor award-winning British pies in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter, where tradition meets modern comfort food in a lively, welcoming setting.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
0.4 km
Contemporary Italian dining with cocktails in Manchester's vibrant Corn Exchange.
Cosy Club
0.4 km
Eclectic British dining and vibrant bar in Manchester’s historic Corn Exchange with stylish 1970s flair and a welcoming atmosphere.
Tariff & Dale
0.5 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Deadstock General Store
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Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
&made
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Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Jessica6 Designs
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Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
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Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Hoot
0.2 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Amazonas Gifts
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
0.2 km
Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Kiku Boutique
0.2 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Cow Vintage Manchester
0.2 km
Discover trend-led vintage fashion and sustainable style in Manchester’s creative Northern Quarter at Cow Vintage.
Pop Boutique
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Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
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A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Red and Blue Umbrella
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Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Thunder Egg
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Dive into a rainbow of quirky fashion and gifts at Thunder Egg, Manchester's colorful boutique for unique vintage-inspired styles and playful outfits.
The Manchester Shop
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Discover Manchester's soul in bee motifs, music tees, and proud souvenirs at this Northern Quarter gem within Afflecks Arcade.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
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Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wolf at the Door
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A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Science And Industry
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The Washhouse
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The Daisy
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Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Behind Closed Doors
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Wilson's Social
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All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
NQ64 Northern Quarter
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Retro arcade bar blasting 80s-90s nostalgia with neon cocktails, token games, and basement buzz in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Night & Day Cafe
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Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
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Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Bar Fringe
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A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Dusk Til Pawn
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Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Flok
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Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
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A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
The Crown & Kettle
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Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
The Fitzgerald
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Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Funkademia
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Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Mint Lounge
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Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Cargo
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Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Aatma
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Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
Twenty Twenty Two
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Bijou Club
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Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
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Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Satans Hollow
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Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Liv Manchester
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Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Club Tropicana
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Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Venue Nightclub
0.9 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
1.0 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
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Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
History Nightclub
1.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
FAC251 - Factory Manchester
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Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
