There’s something quite special about the view of Manchester from above: a younger skyline meets remnants of industry. The city’s rooftop scene has really come into its own in the past few years, offering the ideal blend of skyline views, creative drinks and laid-back elegance. And just below, the historic quarter of Castlefield offers a slower pace as canals and cobbled walkways tell the tales of Manchester’s past. This guide takes you from rooftop bars to waterside vantage points, offering you different perspectives on the city.
Rooftop Culture in Manchester
Manchester’s rooftop offering is fast becoming one of the most exciting in the North. What began as a smattering of glossy sky bars has now blossomed into an entire culture, a way of life, even. Residents clock off and head up for drinks amongst the clouds; visitors are given an entirely different twist on this city of architecture, mood and energy. Whether it’s a Friday sunset or Sunday brunch, there is always a rooftop to set the mood.
The city’s rooftop bars and restaurants offer a blend of cosmopolitan cool and Northern warmth. Anticipate muted chatter and espresso martinis, laughter bouncing off glass panels glistening with the sunset light, and urban views from Spinningfields to Salford. It has less to do with showing off and more with soaking it all in.
Manchester’s rooftop renaissance fuses urban design with comfort, through everything from open-air terraces with heaters and blankets to green gardens in the sky. These rooftops are now more than just places to drink; they are where people come to relax, celebrate, and feel part of the city’s movement.
The best time to visit depends on your vibe. During brunch hours, you’ll get sun and city hum; at the golden hour, Manchester’s rooftops turn into something truly cinematic. Bring a camera: the city’s industrial skyline lights up magnificently at sunset.
Top Rooftop Venues
20 Stories
Address: 1 Hardman St, Manchester M3 3AQ
If it’s a view over Manchester at its dressiest you’re after, then Spinningfields’ 20 Stories is hard to beat. A sleek terrace on the 19th floor, soaring above the city and offering panoramic views that extend miles beyond the skyline, you can see the Pennines in the distance on a clear day. Though inside is all cool, urbane splendour, outside the terrace buzzes with clinking glasses and soft house beats. Whether you come for the fancy dinner or a post-work cocktail, it’s an experience that is both exclusive and welcoming. The menu is modern British with inventive twists and beautifully presented plates that complement the view perfectly.
The Ivy Roof Garden
Address: The Pavilion, Byrom St, Manchester M3 3HG
A popular Manchester haunt that transports guests to a secret garden, The Ivy Roof Garden is effortlessly stylish. Housed within The Ivy Spinningfields, this flower-filled haven provides a luxurious yet playful respite from the bustling streets below. Cue cascading greenery, glowing lights, and inviting banquettes beneath a retractable roof (and therefore graced with year-round appeal). The menu matches the décor in its incredible variety, from traditional British dishes to global influences, and the cocktails are as fashionable as the surroundings. It’s ideal for date nights, celebrations, or catching up with mates over brunch and bubbles.
The Lawn Club
Address: Hardman Square, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3HG
If you fancy something a bit more chill, but no less picturesque, the garden-style Roof Garden Lounge at The Lawn Club Spinningfields is ideal. Between its outdoor terrace, private pods and lawn-inspired decor, it feels more like an urban oasis than a bar. And it’s become an excellent place for casual drinks, alfresco dining, or an afternoon hangout that slides easily into the evening. Weekends are buzzing without feeling overcrowded, with DJs, street-food-style snacks, and plenty of room to sit back and watch the city hum far below. The vibe is friendly and unpretentious, and perfect for those who like their skyline views with a side of fresh air.
The Black Friar
Address: 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB
Nestled in Salford, this stylish gastropub has been given a breath of fresh air with its modern reinvention. Its roof terrace offers a more personal take on city views, perfect for long lunches or evening drinks in an informal setting. Look for quality pub classics that are given an extra twist or two, a solid wine list, and service that genuinely feels warm. And while it’s less glitzy and more comfort-oriented, The Black Friar’s roof space offers a quieter appeal, ideal after exploring Manchester’s busier nooks.
Castlefield: Heritage with a View
If you’ve got your rooftop skylines filled, it’s worth dropping down again to Castlefield, one of Manchester’s prettiest districts. It is where the city’s industrial past meets tranquil waterways, and converted warehouses now house sleek apartments, bars and cafés. There are canals to walk along, old bridges to cross, and reflections of red-brick buildings flickering across the water.
Castlefield’s Roman roots ripple through its structure and soul. It’s the sort of place where history seems alive but not frozen, the perfect antidote to the city’s modern roofs. For more relaxed afternoons, park yourself on a canalside terrace or grab coffee at one of the neighbourhood’s tucked-away cafés. The Castlefield Bowl and the neighbouring Science and Industry Museum add to the area’s cultural draw, while the tranquil walking paths or green spaces make it perfect for breaks from the action and photo ops.
From Rooftops to Riverside
The best way to get a feel for Manchester is from both up top, over the rooftops, and along its canals. From Spinningfields’ shiny terraces to Castlefield’s casual charm, each scene has something to say about the city’s rhythm and evolution. Spend one evening sipping cocktails as the sun sets, and the next morning wandering beside calm waterways and old brick bridges.
To really take advantage of it, plan a short city escape that combines the two experiences, modern energy and old-soul calm. Try to stay somewhere that both sides are easily accessible.
To make the most of Manchester from an elevated perspective, rent a luxury short-term Veeve let. Their fashionable centrally based homes will put you right in the heart of the city’s rooftop and riverside action, a great base to explore Manchester’s skyline after dark and history by day.
