Albert Square

Albert Square showing a city, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Albert Square which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and nightlife
Albert Square which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a city
Albert Square which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and a church or cathedral
Albert Square


This public gathering place for football victory parades, festivals and a popular European-style Christmas market is surrounded by Victorian architecture.

Get a feel for Manchester’s atmosphere by visiting Albert Square. Located in the heart of the city, the square is of great importance to the people of Manchester and is celebrated for its architecture, history and cultural events. It’s surrounded on three sides by unique heritage-listed buildings, the most impressive of those being the grand Town Hall.Albert Square was laid out in 1863 to make space for a memorial to Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. His elevated statue, covered by a shrine-like spire, is the biggest monument in the square. Discover smaller statues of former prime ministers and bishops as you take a short walk over the cobblestoned pavement. The benches lining the square and the steps of the fountain are good places to relax in between shopping and sightseeing. You can’t miss the impressive sight of the Victorian Gothic Town Hall, which dates from the late 19th century. On the opposite side of the square, 1980s office blocks house cafés and restaurants. To the right, you’ll see other notable buildings, including Albert Chambers and the Memorial Hall on the corner.The square is absolutely packed during special events. Fans of the city’s two premiership football teams gather in their thousands in Albert Square during victory parades, proudly cheering their heroes. Albert Square is also the site of art and music festivals.By far the most popular event held at the square is the Manchester Christmas Market. If you are here in late December, browse the hundreds of stalls to find handmade gifts or souvenirs, and sample hot herbal wine and sausages. Smaller outdoor markets are held throughout the year check the council’s website for a schedule of events.Catch a taxi, pay for parking at a nearby garage, or take public transport to reach Albert Square. Buses stop on the square and the nearest Metrolink tram stop is at St. Peter’s Square.

Plan a trip to see Albert Square

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Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
Manchester Portland By Sunday
Hotel Indigo Manchester - Victoria Station by IHG

Tours & day trips

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Reviews of Albert Square

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
153
5 - Excellent 35%
4 - Good
213
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
65
3 - Okay 15%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Christmas Markets were excellent

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Town Hall being refurbished, doesn't affect local busnesses

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Tourist bus starts from here. The Town Hall - great building looks like Houses Of Parliament but closed till 2024 for refurbishment

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Things to do near Albert Square

Discover the vibrant atmosphere around Albert Square with a plethora of activities, including captivating theatre performances, inspiring art exhibitions, and delightful shopping experiences. Don't miss the chance to embark on a stadium tour, where you can explore the rich sporting history of Manchester. Whether you're after culture or retail therapy, Albert Square offers something for everyone to enjoy during your visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Albert Square, visit Deansgate Locks and Affleck's Palace, both just 249m away, offering vibrant city and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, the Trafford Centre, located 2.5km away, provides a bustling atmosphere with extensive shopping and entertainment options.

Recreation

Old Trafford, a renowned stadium, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere just 1.2km from Albert Square, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Manchester Academy, located 621m away, provides a vibrant entertainment scene with live music events, while Blackley Golf Club, 2.5km away, invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing amid picturesque landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 249m from Albert Square, where you can tackle challenging tasks in a vibrant setting. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, try the 160ft bungee jump at UK Bungee Club, 1.2km away, or enjoy skiing indoors at Chill FactorE, 3.1km from the square.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife in Albert Square offers a mix of cultural experiences. Catch a show at the Manchester Opera House, only 124m away, or enjoy a film at the Printworks, just 249m away. For a larger performance, the O2 Apollo Manchester is 621m away, ensuring a memorable evening.

Find the best attractions near Albert Square

Albert Square in Manchester is a vibrant hub, surrounded by captivating street scenes, urban parks, and notable churches. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture and family-friendly experiences the area offers. Key attractions such as Manchester Arndale are just a short stroll away, with various accommodation options conveniently located within metres of the square, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's delights.

  • AO Arena: Located 373m from Albert Square, AO Arena is one of the UK's largest indoor venues, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere. Hosting a variety of events from sports to concerts, you’ll experience the vibrant energy that radiates throughout this iconic stadium.
  • Salford Quays: Situated 1.2km away, Salford Quays offers a modern waterfront experience with striking architecture and cultural attractions. Explore the dynamic blend of dining, shopping, and art, including the renowned Lowry Theatre and the Imperial War Museum.
  • Canal Street: Just 249m from Albert Square, Canal Street is the pulsating heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene, lined with lively bars and restaurants. Enjoy a vibrant nightlife experience amidst its colourful atmosphere and welcoming community.

Best time to go to Albert Square

The best time to visit Albert Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July and July are its hottest month on average. At the time of July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy. January and January are its coolest month on average. At the time of January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Albert Square

To save money during your visit to Albert Square, consider travelling in January to February or August when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay on a Monday for the best rates, avoiding Saturdays which are more expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and sort results by price to uncover the best deals. Look for package options that bundle flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to check for special offers, great rates, and free cancellation policies to maximise your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Albert Square are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Albert Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Albert Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Albert Square with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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