The best Airbnbs in Manchester, from warehouses to canal boats
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
England’s northern capital still prides itself on being a tough-talking, jagged-around-the-edges foil to gentrified London and traditional Edinburgh. But it's no secret that Manchester has thriving culture, excellent live music, interesting restaurants and a colourful LGBTQ+ scene.
Choose a rental in the right area and you’ll find a treasure trove of Michelin-starred restaurants in the centre of town or some of the UK's best Asian food in Chinatown; quirky, indie boutiques and high-end shopping experiences complete with world-famous bespoke tailoring; architectural grandeur in the shape of renovated Victorian warehouses; world-class art and music offerings at the HOME arts centre and an ever-evolving lively music scene. Take a short drive to the outskirts and you’ll be on the edge of the Peak District National Park, with breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills and atmospheric skies.
We’ve rounded up the very best Airbnbs in Manchester, from apartments in old cotton mills, to farmhouses, mansions and everything in between. Our selection is as eclectic as the blend of pleasures to be found in this dynamic city – there really is something for everyone.
While we have not stayed in every Airbnb featured, we have carefully selected these as recommendations based on their location, design, previous guest reviews and the fact that they have achieved Airbnb's Superhost status at the time of our research. All listings on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Cool apartment, Chinatown
Today, Chinatown in Manchester is one of the most vibrant and lively parts of the city, known for being a gastronomic paradise and home to cultural celebrations throughout the year. But it’s an area of great historic significance too, with roots tracing back to the mid-19th century, making it the second oldest Chinatown in the UK after London.
This open plan, two-bedroom apartment in a listed building couldn't be better placed to explore the atmosphere of this dynamic part of the city and enjoy some excellent Asian cuisine. It’s easy to get around too, with easy access to all public transport and some of Manchester’s key sites. Towering ceilings makes this cosy flat feel more spacious than it is, while the generously sized bedrooms (one king, one double) offer a sense of serenity amidst the bustle below. Be warned, however – the elegant design encompasses glass sliding doors to close off the master bedroom from the living space, which looks great but doesn’t offer much privacy from the rest of the accommodation.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £190 per night, two-night minimum stay
Jack HindsUrban bolthole, close to Manchester airport
Just 10 minutes from Manchester airport, Urban Oasis makes the perfect pad for groups of friends or family coming from further afield, or for layover accommodation that is vastly superior than all airport hotels. There’s plenty of room for eight guests here, across five beds in three bedrooms and a vast open plan kitchen/dining space complete with a breakfast bar island and stocked pantry – ideal for everyone to get together for a morning debrief or to relax after a busy day.
Despite the excellent location for globetrotters, this beautifully designed home with its refined industrial style and private outside space is a great pick for longer stays – both to explore Manchester and the historic suburb, Northenden, where you’ll be situated. Although you’re on the outskirts of the city, you’re just a 25-minute drive from the centre, and only 30 minutes from the Peak District too, so you can flip between immersion in nature one day, and city life the next.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From around £200 per night, three-night minimum stay
Warehouse Studio Apartment, Canal Street
Stood on the corner of Canal Street, famed for being the centre of historic (and current) LGBTQ+ culture and activism in Manchester, this studio apartment is a wonderful option for anyone looking to make the most of Manchester’s Gay Village, its exuberant nightlife and festivals. Of course, people from all walks of life are welcome in this restored warehouse studio and will no doubt make the most of the central location, which is just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station. You can soak in the energy of this part of the world through the floor to ceiling arch window in the central living space, which offers sweeping cityscape views, and enjoy all the original, distinctive architectural features, designer light fittings and additional amenities such as daily housekeeping.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £120 per night, no minimum stay
Double family apartment with gym access, city centre
Best for: Separate groups sharing
You can’t get more central than this high-end apartment, which comes with free gym access, on-premises parking, housekeeping (at an extra cost) and a lift. Based right in the heart of Manchester’s colourful city centre and a stone’s throw from Victoria train station, this is a great base for seeing all the sites of this charming, effortlessly cool destination where opulence and culture co-exist harmoniously.
A light-filled master ensuite bedroom is available here, with a thoughtfully laid out twin alongside it, and an open plan kitchen/living room/dining area. Thanks to the trademark exposed brick, beams and double-height ceilings synonymous with the renovated warehouse buildings in Manchester, you and your co-habitors will feel ever-present to the city’s blend of rich-industrial past and cutting-edge sophistication. But how many people you share this space with can vary depending on your needs. Choose between this stand-alone two-bedroom apartment, or open up additional access to an identical flat on the first floor to accommodate four extra guests.
Sleeps: Four to eight
Price: From around £70 per night, two-night minimum stay
Renovated barn, Peak National Park
A trip to Manchester doesn’t have to mean a city getaway – on the outskirts of the centre lies some of England’s most breath-taking landscapes, and this renovated barn gives you the perfect opportunity to experience it first-hand. Set 1,100ft up on the edge of Peak National Park, you’re in total solitude here, with nothing but rolling hills, misty mornings and a couple of cheery local pubs to keep you company.
This is a place to totally disconnect and the owners have really leaned into that by making the decision to have no TV in the barn. In its place, there’s an upright piano to get your creativity flowing. You’re even disconnected from the water mains, with pure, enlivening water supplied directly to you from a private bore hole. With only one bedroom, this countryside dwelling makes the perfect couple’s getaway or a solo retreat. They welcome pets too, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £170 per night, two-night minimum stay
James Broome PhotographyBreezy apartment with roof terrace, city centre
If you’re the kind of person who needs to be close to nature even when on a city break, the close proximity to the Chorlton Ees nature reserve from to this conveniently placed flat will be a huge draw. As well as being next to this 48-hectare Site of Biological Importance, the perfect place for a morning run, you’ve also got the added bonus of having your own, exceptionally large roof terrace equipped with seating areas and a barbecue. Of course, being in Manchester’s city centre, just off Beech Road, you’re never far away from a plethora of excellent restaurants, cafes, shops, galleries and museums. There’s only one bedroom in this one (with a deep, in-room bath), but if you’re travelling with a companion you’d like to keep nearby, the owner does have another similarly appointed studio apartment in the same building.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £150 per night, two-night minimum stay
Jody HartleyAiry apartment, Northern quarter
Best for: Exploring Manchester’s arts
A Northern Quarter jewel, this stylish second-floor apartment can comfortably accommodate up to seven people (albeit in two bedrooms) on the very central Oldham Street, just moments away from an impressive selection of quirky cafés, independent restaurants and lively bars. Meticulously renovated in a recent high-spec overhaul, this Airbnb rental promises a stylish stay in a prime city position. On top of a modern kitchen area equipped with the essential Nespresso machine and a seven-seater dining table, there’s a king size ensuite bedroom with generous wardrobe space and a second double bedroom which also includes a double sofa bed for flexibility. To make the most of a compact space, the design of this apartment also features a bright, open-plan lounge that’s sizable enough for relaxing and entertaining, with a roomy sofa, a wall-mounted TV and soundbar.
You’ve got easy access to Manchester’s cultural landmarks here, from contemporary art galleries to eclectic boutique markets; and just a 30-minute drive transports you to the breathtaking Peak District National Park, offering a serene escape from urban life.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From around £280 per night, two-night minimum stay
Nicholas WorleyStylish aparthotel, Northern quarter
Behind the terracotta facade of this Grade II-listed 19th century cotton mill you’ll find The Whitworth Locke hotel, a design-led aparthotel with colourful social hubs that weave through its carefully restored bones. Here, there are a variety of rooms and apartments on offer, ranging from snug studios to spacious suites, each with a fully kitted-out Smeg kitchen. This one-bedroom open-plan apartment features a sophisticated blend of Scandinavian and mid-century modern interiors, with wide, open windows and high ceilings. As well as having your own space, you’ll also have access to the hotel amenities, including Perdu Perdu, a South American inspired restaurant collecting rave reviews, Foundation coffee house, a trendy cafe charging its visitors with foamy frappes and gooey poached eggs, and a yoga and fitness studio to burn that all off.
You’ll be based just off Oxford Road, one of the main arteries through Manchester, in an area some might say is the creative soul of the city – Manchester’s civic quarter, known for its architectural beauty, culture and events. Artophiles can travel two minutes by foot to reach the world-renowned Manchester Art Gallery and view an array of Pre-Raphaelite paintings from the hands of Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Ford Madox Brown as well as an abundance of 20th century and modern art. Music lovers, treat yourself to a night out at the nearby Palace Theatre, often providing a feast for your eyes and ears with either musicals, plays or gigs.
Sleeps: Three
Price: From around £115 per night, no minimum stay
Farmhouse with two hot tubs, near the Peak District
With not one but two hot tubs under a twinkling gazebo, partially exposed stonework, original stone fireplaces and wide-spread windows providing a frame for the living canvas of Peak District National Park, this elegant farmhouse is well worth being a short drive from Manchester’s centre for.
Seven beds and seven bathrooms (two ensuite) can be found spread across several floors, with one on the ground floor designed to be accessible, with a walk-in shower and French doors that open out directly to the manicured garden. Despite retaining much of the original charm of this old building, there’s an abundance of high-finish, modern touches, such as underfloor heating and a fully equipped kitchen with gas cooker.
This is definitely a tranquil countryside escape, with direct access to the Peak District National Park, but you’re not totally isolated. A scenic stroll will take you to the quaint village of Uppermill, where you’ll find a selection of local pubs, boutique shops and farm stores.
Sleeps: 14
Price: From around £1500 per night, two-night minimum stay
Bright apartment, Spinningfields
Colour and texture are the watchwords here: inside this traditional Victorian flat, you’ll find all the typical period features, plus a jumbly mix of comfy sofas, cowhide rugs, buttercup yellow walls and parquet flooring. This apartment is best as a central bolthole for two, but a second sofa bed can be set up in the living room – ask your host, Michelle, if you need it. Previous guests have loved the location of this flat; the bright lights of Manchester are within a few minutes’ walk of your door.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £135 per night, with a two-night minimum
Darren Robinson PhotographyModern cottage, Saddleworth
First things first – yes, Saddleworth is 30 minutes away from central Manchester by train. However, by stepping out of the thick of the action, you gain the chance to hole up in a cosy stone cottage with an expansive terrace, fire pit and hot tub for evenings under the stars after a barbecue al fresco. Inside, there’s a rustic, cosy living room, a roomy kitchen with flagstone floors and marshmallow-soft pillowy beds. You’re right on the edge of the Peak District National Park, too, so you can balance city sightseeing days in Manchester with a big dose of fresh air.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From around £450 per night, with a four-night minimum
Stylish townhouse, Sale
Sprays of dried flowers, whitewashed floors and cool monochromes pepped up with shiny gold flashes – this townhouse has been outfitted as prettily as can be. Three roomy bedrooms, a light-filled living space and a big garden mean it’s a fabulous option for families and groups. As a bonus, it’s pet-friendly, and the location couldn’t be better – close enough to the city centre to enjoy all the sights, yet just minutes from the countryside by car, where tranquillity and rolling hills abound (dogs will love it).
Sleeps: Six
Price: From around £190 per night
Whitworth Locke City Studio
Pastel shades, reams of hanging greenery, rattan furniture and shell-pink masonry – all the elements of a Locke property can be found in this 19th-century former cotton factory just opposite buzzy Canal Street. The group of self-described independent aparthotels have spaces in London, Dublin, Edinburgh, Cambridge and even Munich – and the studio apartments at the Manchester outpost are yours to take over via Airbnb. Petite spaces are cleverly fitted with a kitchenette, blush-hued bathroom and king-size bed. Guests have the place to themselves, but there’s also some of the perks of a traditional hotel here – the Conservatory Bar is set in a Victorian glasshouse, plus there’s a co-working space, coffee shop and gym.
Price: £71 per night
Sleeps: Two
Loft conversion, Northern Quarter
The boho Northern Quarter is one of Manchester’s most sought-after urban hangouts. This loft conversion is set right in the middle of the lively streets. Simple interiors create a relaxing retreat away from the busy cafés, restaurants and bars below – pure-white walls, soaring ceilings, wooden floors and matte-black beams. Two bedrooms have lots of windows and high beds, while there’s a dining area for six for dinner parties or drinks before heading out to supper nearby.
Price: from £95 per night (two nights minimum)
Sleeps: Six
Narrowboat, Deansgate
This narrowboat scores highly for novelty, sure, but it’s also a smart and supremely comfortable stay. Stacks of potted plants make the slim space homely, while quirky wallpaper (black-and-white polka dots, deep-navy florals) livens things up. Host Sara has created an honesty bar stuffed with tequila, gin and bourbon, as well as a fancy-dress cupboard and piles of board games for rainy days on the boat.
Price: from £89 per night
Sleeps: two
Five-bedroom home, Spinningfields
Big enough for the whole crew, this house is studded with skylights that let streams of natural light into the capacious kitchen. The living room is all-white simplicity, with striking travel photographs taking up most of the wall space and plump sofas. Bedrooms could be straight out of a Greek-island villa; white-and-blue bed linen, striking metal four-posters and rattan headboards. Best of all, there’s a garden with well-considered shelter for rainy days.
Price: from £238 per night (three nights minimum)
Sleeps: 12
Penthouse, Northern Quarter
Sitting plumb in the middle of the Northern Quarter, this penthouse leans into its born-again retro aesthetic. There’s lots of dark wood – on the floors, covering the kitchen cabinets, on the sliding doors that separate the bedroom from the open-plan living area. A second bedroom sits in a secluded lofted section (reached by a ladder, so not accessible for those with mobility issues).
Price: from £90 per night (two nights minimum)
Sleeps: Five
Colourful conversion, Deansgate
A Victorian conversion in the Deansgate area (near Chinatown and the Gay Village) has been recently renovated to become a candy-coloured hideout for five. The coral-and-navy living room/kitchen has brass fixtures, while plump leather and velvet sofas add texture. Bedrooms are just as colourful – we would bag the calming sage room, but the buttery yellow alternative is just as lovely. Thoughtful eco details include Who Gives a Crap loo roll in the subway-tiled bathroom.
Price: from £146 per night (two nights minimum)
Sleeps: Five