15 Best Nightlife in Manchester, Liverpool, and the Peak District, England

Albert Hall

City Centre Fodor's choice
One of the city's most exciting venues, this former Wesleyan chapel was abandoned and forgotten about for over four decades; it's now a superb indie music hall and clubbing venue retaining many of the site's original features, including an organ and stained-glass windows.

The Deaf Institute

University Quarter Fodor's choice
Good acoustics characterize the intimate domed music hall of this landmark building (a onetime institute for those with hearing and speech impairments) that regularly hosts cutting-edge indie acts. There are also club nights, open mics, and quiz nights.

Arts Club

City Centre

Music, art, and science events are all in the mix at this long-standing venue reinvented as a creative space and bar.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Band on the Wall

Northern Quarter

This famous venue has a reputation for hosting both established and pioneering acts.

Camp and Furnace

City Centre

This huge venue in a former Edwardian foundry and blade-making factory retains a suitably industrial vibe for its club nights, live music, food festivals, exhibitions, and art installations.

Cavern Club

City Centre

While not the original venue—that was demolished years ago—this is still a popular music spot, drawing in rock-and-roll fans with its live acts including Beatles tribute bands.

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Gorilla

University Quarter
Nestled under old railway arches, Gorilla is a live-music venue and gin parlor with an intimate vibe.

Heebie Jeebies

City Centre

A roster of local indie bands and talented DJs makes this two-story club with a courtyard a top option for the young alternative crowd.

Live Music
80–82 Seel St., Liverpool, Liverpool, L1 4BH, England
0151-319–2068

Invisible Wind Factory

This quirky entertainment complex in a former warehouse just north of the city center bills itself as a cultural theme park of the future. Expect live music and makers' workshops, as well as on-site artists' studios and a garden. There's now a Rollerdome with skating sessions and classes.

Kazimier Garden

City Centre

Owned by the Invisible Wind Factory, this eccentric outdoor venue (with heaters) hosts live music accompanied by food from its barbecue. It also has a vintage boutique shop and an art gallery.

Manchester Arena

Europe's largest indoor arena by capacity hosts shows by major rock and pop stars, as well as large-scale sporting events.

New Century Hall

Once host to the likes of Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, and the Rolling Stones, this iconic 1960s venue has reopened but retains many of its original features, including vintage wooden paneling and a sprung dance floor, which contrast with newer additions such as a disco ceiling lighting installation. In addition to live music and a full bar, it hosts a street food hall and a creative college in music, games, and computing.

Night & Day Café

Northern Quarter
This was a major player in Manchester's musical history: many bands who played here eventually went on to huge success, including Elbow. Now this venue and café-bar covers all genres, from indie and folk to jazz and electronica.

O2 Apollo Manchester

Ardwick Green

Housed in an art deco venue, the 3,500-seat venue (known by locals as just "the Apollo") showcases live rock and comedy acts before a mixed-age crowd.

The Shipping Forecast

City Centre

Big-name acts mean this intimate venue often gets packed to the rafters, but that only adds to the clubby vibe. There are also club nights that range from hip-hop to indie, vintage fairs, plus a menu of well-executed comfort food.