The Quays: Greater Manchester’s Premier Waterfront Destination

Explore The Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with culture, sport, shopping, and stunning waterside views all in one dynamic destination.

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The Quays is a vibrant waterfront area in Greater Manchester, encompassing Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, Trafford Wharf, Old Trafford, and the Trafford Centre. It offers a rich blend of cultural landmarks, shopping, sports venues, and dining options, all set along the historic Manchester Ship Canal. With iconic attractions like The Lowry theatre and gallery, MediaCityUK’s media hub, and renowned sports stadiums, The Quays is a dynamic urban space ideal for culture, leisure, and entertainment.

A brief summary to The Quays

Manchester, GB
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit The Lowry for world-class theatre performances and art exhibitions celebrating local and contemporary artists.
Explore MediaCityUK’s dining scene with diverse options from modern British to Pan-Asian and lively bars.
Catch a football match at Old Trafford or a cricket game at Emirates Old Trafford for an iconic British sports experience.
Enjoy shopping deals at Quayside MediaCity outlet mall with up to 60% off designer brands year-round.
Use the Metrolink tram for easy access from Manchester city centre, with frequent services running throughout the day.

Getting There

Metrolink Tram

Take the Metrolink tram from Manchester city centre, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes. Trams run every 6-10 minutes during the day, connecting directly to Salford Quays and MediaCityUK. A single fare costs around £2.80. The tram stops are fully accessible.
Bus Services

Several bus routes serve The Quays area, including Go North West's Orbits 53 and Stagecoach Manchester's 50. Travel times vary from 20 to 40 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Buses provide links to key locations such as Oxford Road and Salford Shopping Centre. Tickets typically cost £2-£3.
Car Access

Driving via the M60 motorway is convenient, with junctions 9, 10, and 11 providing access to Old Trafford, Trafford Centre, and Salford Quays respectively. Parking is available but can be limited during major events. Expect parking fees ranging from £5 to £15 depending on location and duration.

The Quays location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Windy Conditions

Discover more about The Quays

A Waterfront Transformed: From Industrial Docks to Urban Hub

Once the bustling Manchester Docks, The Quays area has undergone a remarkable transformation into a modern, vibrant waterfront destination. Situated along the historic Manchester Ship Canal, this area now blends striking contemporary architecture with its industrial heritage. Salford Quays, the heart of The Quays, features restored dock basins and waterside promenades that invite visitors to explore scenic walking, jogging, and cycling routes with panoramic views of the water and Manchester skyline.

Cultural and Artistic Highlights at The Lowry

A centerpiece of The Quays is The Lowry, an award-winning arts complex named after the famous local artist L.S. Lowry. Opened in 2000, it houses two theatres, including the 1,730-seat Lyric Theatre and the 466-seat Quays Theatre, alongside extensive gallery spaces showcasing Lowry’s works and contemporary exhibitions. The Lowry’s striking design and riverside location make it a cultural beacon, offering theatre productions, art exhibitions, and dining at Pier Eight, its stylish restaurant overlooking the water.

MediaCityUK: A Creative and Media Powerhouse

Adjacent to Salford Quays, MediaCityUK is a 200-acre mixed-use development focused on creative industries. Home to the BBC and ITV studios, it is a hub for media production and innovation. The area buzzes with a diverse social scene, featuring numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes such as 11 Central and The Salmon of Knowledge, offering everything from modern British comfort food to lively Irish bar experiences. MediaCityUK combines work, leisure, and entertainment in a dynamic waterfront setting.

Sporting Excellence and Iconic Venues

The Quays is synonymous with world-class sport, hosting the legendary Old Trafford football stadium, home to Manchester United, and the Lancashire County Cricket Club’s Emirates Old Trafford ground. These venues are major draws for sports fans, offering thrilling live matches and official merchandise shops. The area’s sporting heritage adds a vibrant energy to The Quays, complementing its cultural and leisure offerings.

Shopping and Leisure at Quayside MediaCity

Quayside MediaCity is Manchester’s only outlet mall, featuring 85 stores with discounts on designer brands year-round. Visitors can enjoy a 400-seat food court, a seven-screen cinema, and a health and fitness centre, making it a comprehensive leisure destination. The retail and entertainment options here provide a perfect complement to the cultural and sporting attractions nearby.

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

The Quays is easily accessible from Manchester city centre via the Metrolink tram network, with frequent services connecting key points in about 15-20 minutes. The area is compact and walkable, with excellent transport links and a range of amenities including restrooms, seating areas, and information boards. Its blend of historic charm, modern architecture, and lively atmosphere makes The Quays a must-visit destination for a day trip or weekend getaway in Greater Manchester.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

0.9 km

Towering steel sculptures marking Trafford Park’s industrial heritage with humor and monumental design.

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

1.1 km

Old Trafford, the legendary Theatre of Dreams, is Manchester United’s iconic home since 1910, blending rich football history with modern innovation.

Salford Lads Club

1.4 km

A Victorian youth sanctuary where music history, social purpose, and community spirit converge.

LS Lowry birthplace

2.4 km

Discover the humble origins of LS Lowry, the iconic painter of industrial Manchester, at his birthplace in Old Trafford.

Bahnhof Manchester

2.5 km

Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

2.5 km

Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

2.6 km

Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

2.6 km

Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

2.7 km

Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

2.7 km

Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.

Friedrich Engels Statue

3.1 km

A bold Soviet-era statue honoring Friedrich Engels stands proudly in Manchester, bridging industrial history with modern radical spirit.

Free Trade Hall

3.2 km

Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.

Abraham Lincoln Statue

3.2 km

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Statue in Manchester - a magnificent tribute to a legacy of freedom and equality amidst serene park settings.

Hotspur House

3.3 km

Historic Hotspur House blends Manchester’s industrial past with bold modern redevelopment, preserving heritage amid vibrant urban renewal.

Peterloo Massacre Monument

3.3 km

A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.

An elegant cable-stayed swing bridge linking MediaCityUK with cultural landmarks across the Manchester Ship Canal.

Salford quay’s

0.4 km

Discover Salford Quays, Greater Manchester’s vibrant waterfront with iconic culture, sport, shopping, and stunning architecture all within a walkable urban oasis.

Gnome Island

0.6 km

Discover the enchanting miniature world of Gnome Island, a playful gnome colony perched on a historic concrete island in Salford Quays.

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

0.8 km

Step inside Old Trafford to explore Manchester United’s legendary museum and stadium in an immersive football journey.

Manchester United

0.9 km

Experience the legendary 'Theatre of Dreams,' home to Manchester United since 1910, where football history and passion come alive.

Old Trafford

0.9 km

Explore Old Trafford, the iconic 'Theatre of Dreams' and largest football club stadium in the UK, home to Manchester United's legendary legacy.

Essential places to dine

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

0.0 km

Flame-grilled favorites and endless fresh salads on Salford Quays, where family dining meets MediaCityUK's creative buzz.

Unagi

0.0 km

Experience the North West’s largest sushi bar with vibrant pan-Asian street food, crafted cocktails, and a lively atmosphere at MediaCityUK’s Unagi.

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

0.0 km

Casual Italian dining with diverse menu options in Manchester’s vibrant Salford Quays waterfront setting.

Lime

0.0 km

Savor grilled delights and Asian fusion by Salford Quays' waterfront, where relaxed lunches flow into lively nights in a spacious, vibrant venue.

Nando's Salford Quays

0.1 km

Savor flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken in a lively, accessible setting at Nando's Salford Quays, where Portuguese and South African flavors meet Manchester’s vibrant quayside.

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

0.1 km

Escape to Caribbean flavors and reggae beats at Salford Quays' vibrant jerk pit and cocktail haven, moments from MediaCityUK.

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

0.1 km

Experience innovative cocktails and global cuisine in a striking futuristic setting overlooking Salford’s historic quays at MediaCity UK.

The Botanist Media City

0.3 km

A botanical-themed restaurant and bar in MediaCityUK offering creative cocktails, hanging kebabs, live music, and striking Salford Quays views.

Quay House Beefeater

0.4 km

Classic British steakhouse and family-friendly pub offering scenic waterside dining with a cosy, modern atmosphere in Salford Quays.

The Banyan Tree

2.2 km

Bohemian bistro in Castlefield serving fusion bites, brunch, cocktails, and live events amid murals and canal vibes—Manchester's go-to for eclectic dining.

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

2.6 km

Modern European dining with generous portions and lively canal-side ambiance in Manchester’s historic Castlefield district.

Dukes 92

2.6 km

A vibrant Manchester hotspot blending generous dining, lively music, and versatile event spaces in a stylish city centre setting.

Dom's Italia

2.8 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Manchester at Dom's Italia, where tradition meets vibrant city dining.

Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road

2.8 km

Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm with freshly made pasta and unique flambéed dishes in the heart of Manchester.

Tattu Manchester

2.9 km

Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.

Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Craftbrew

0.0 km

Salford Quays' craft beer haven: artisan brews, tapas, and coffee in industrial-chic style, from dawn brunch to midnight pours.

11 Central

0.1 km

Riverside bar in MediaCityUK serving craft brews and bites amid Salford's creative quayside energy—ideal for relaxed evenings with canal views.

SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Media City

0.3 km

Craft beer haven in MediaCityUK: house-brewed IPAs, pizzas, and lively vibes await at Seven Bro7hers' Salford outpost, perfect for post-work pints or casual hangs.

The Dockyard

0.3 km

Rugged dockside pub in MediaCityUK: cask ales, hearty pies, and industrial charm for after-work vibes and Quays camaraderie.

Reflexion Lounge Manchester Shisha

0.5 km

Luxury glass-fronted shisha lounge on Salford Quays, blending waterfront views, flavorful hookahs, Moroccan teas, and plush VIP vibes for unforgettable evenings.

Matchstick Man

0.7 km

Waterside, budget-friendly pub serving hearty classics and live sport in a modern, family-friendly setting at Salford Quays.

The Wharf

2.5 km

Cosy canalside pub in Manchester's Castlefield, where real fires, craft ales, hearty roasts, and patio views create an unmissable waterside retreat for all.

Bar Eight

2.5 km

Lively Irish pub on Manchester's Castle Quay, blending sports screens, hearty grub, and canalside cheer for unforgettable nights out.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

2.5 km

Canal terraces, stylish drinks, and Castlefield vibes—Manchester's waterside bar for every occasion.

Barça - Canal-side Bar, Castlefield - Manchester

cask

2.8 km

Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.

Atlas Bar

2.8 km

Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.

The Deansgate

2.9 km

Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.

Lock 91

2.9 km

Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.

Cloud 23

2.9 km

Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.

The Blues Kitchen Manchester

3.0 km

Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

Ark Manchester

2.9 km

Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.

Royal Vida Night Club

2.9 km

Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.

Popworld Manchester

2.9 km

Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.

History Nightclub

3.0 km

Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.

42's

3.1 km

Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.

Bliss Club Manchester

3.1 km

Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.

Venue Nightclub

3.2 km

Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.

Club Liv Manchester

3.2 km

Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.

Viva Manchester

3.4 km

Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.

Kable

3.5 km

A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.

Bijou Club

3.6 km

Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.

Hidden at Downtex Mill

3.6 km

Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.

Satans Hollow

3.7 km

Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.

FAC251 - Factory Manchester

3.8 km

Experience Manchester’s legendary Factory Records heritage with three floors of indie, rock, and electronic music at FAC251 - The Factory.

Cargo

3.8 km

Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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The Quays: Greater Manchester’s Premier Waterfront Destination

A brief summary to The Quays

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Metrolink Tram

Bus Services

Car Access

The Quays location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of The Quays

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about The Quays

A Waterfront Transformed: From Industrial Docks to Urban Hub

Cultural and Artistic Highlights at The Lowry

MediaCityUK: A Creative and Media Powerhouse

Sporting Excellence and Iconic Venues

Shopping and Leisure at Quayside MediaCity

Accessibility and Visitor Experience

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Sky Hook Statue 1

5 Sir Matt Busby Way

Salford Lads Club

LS Lowry birthplace

Bahnhof Manchester

Rochdale Canal Lock 92

Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall

Roman Gardens

Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort

Castlefield historical zone

Friedrich Engels Statue

Free Trade Hall

Abraham Lincoln Statue

Hotspur House

Peterloo Massacre Monument

Unmissable attractions to see

Quayside MediaCityUK

Pier Eight Restaurant

Salford Riviera

The Lowry

Salford Quays Community Gardens

Salford Watersports Centre

IWM North

BBC Dock House

Quayside Tours Meeting Point

Media City Footbridge

Salford quay’s

Gnome Island

Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour

Manchester United

Old Trafford

Essential places to dine

Harvester Quayside Mediacityuk

Unagi

Bella Italia - Salford Quays

Lime

Nando's Salford Quays

Turtle Bay Salford Quays

The Alchemist MediaCity UK

The Botanist Media City

Quay House Beefeater

The Banyan Tree

Albert's Shed Restaurant Manchester

Dukes 92

Dom's Italia

Italiana Fifty Five Liverpool Road

Tattu Manchester

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Next Outlet

The Works

Flock and Gaggle

M&S Outlet

The Sweet Emporium

The Body Shop

SPAR Salford Quays

Salford Shopping Centre

Science and Industry Museum Shop

INFINITE RUNNING

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