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Edinburgh After Dark: The Best Places To Visit In The City After The Sun Sets.

Edinburgh, a city steeped in history and culture, doesn’t go to sleep after sunset. Beyond the bustling nightlife of nightclubs, this Scottish gem offers an array of captivating experiences that come to life after dark. Whether you’re visiting old haunts or looking for something new, explore the city’s charming character, check out our inside scoop on our go-to venues.  

 

Monkey Barrel Comedy

Laughter is the best medicine, and Monkey Barrel Comedy on Blair Street is the perfect place to get your dose. This intimate comedy club hosts talented comedians from near and far, promising an evening filled with belly laughs. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link –  https://www.monkeybarrelcomedy.com/) 

Stomp To –  9-12 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR 

 

Summerhall

For the creative and curious, Summerhall in The Meadows District is a hub of cultural activity. Beyond its art exhibitions, this diverse venue frequently hosts late-night art events and workshops, allowing you to explore your artistic side well into the evening. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.summerhall.co.uk/)  

Stomp To – 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL 

 

Pianodrome

If you’re a fan of unique and offbeat experiences, Pianodrome in the Royal Botanic Garden is a must-visit. This quirky venue is made entirely from upcycled pianos and hosts immersive events, making it the perfect place to experience something new. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.pianodrome.org/) 

Stomp To – The Red Bus Depot, 28 West Harbour Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1PN 

 

Ghillie Dhu

This traditional Scottish venue hosts live music evenings, often featuring folk bands and ceilidh dances, providing guests with an authentic taste of Scottish culture. 

Interested? – Find Out More. ( link – https://ghillie-dhu.co.uk/) 

Stomp To – 2 Rutland Place, Edinburgh, EH12AD 

 

Counter Edinburgh

From creative workshops to live music sessions, Counter Edinburgh is more than just a neighbourhood wine bar. Located just off Queen Street, Counter provides the perfect space for a delicious light bite and a signature cocktail. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://nativeplaces.com/counteredinburgh/) 

Stomp To – 74-44 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 4NF 

 

As night falls in this enchanting city, step off the beaten path and scratch beneath the surface to reveal Edinburgh’s diverse nightlife. The city’s after-dark scene has experiences to explore and enjoy.  So, whether you’re enjoying some folk music at Ghillie Dhu or relaxing with a glass of wine at Counter, immerse yourself in Scotland’s capital.  

Glasgow After Dark: The Best Places To Visit In The City After The Sun Sets.

Glasgow, a city of culture and character, doesn’t go to sleep when the sun goes down. If you’re a visitor keen to explore the city’s hidden treasures, we have the inside scoop on Glasgow’s go-to spots. From the laughter-filled comedy clubs to the inspirational art workshops, here’s your guide to a different side of the city’s nightlife. 

 

The Stand Comedy Club 

Laughter is the best way to light up the night, and The Stand Comedy Club on Woodlands Road is the place for it. Hosting both seasoned comedians and rising stars, this intimate venue guarantees a night full of fun. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link –  https://www.thestand.co.uk/)  

Stomp To –  333 Woodlands Rd, Glasgow, G3 6NG 

 

The Burrell Collection 

For the artist in you, The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park offers late-night art workshops. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, you can explore your artistic side in a serene and inspiring environment. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://burrellcollection.com/) 

Stomp To – Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Bellahouston, Glasgow, G43 1AT 

 

The Britannia Panopticon 

Step back in time at The Britannia Panopticon, one of the world’s oldest surviving music hall venues. This atmospheric place in Trongate is perfect for catching live music and comedy shows. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.britanniapanopticon.org/) 

Stomp To – 113-117 Trongate, Glasgow, Scotland, G1 5HD 

 

Dockyard Social 

Located in a converted West End industrial warehouse, Dockyard Social hosts a variety of DJs, themed bars and street food vendors from around the world. This venue is perfect for indecisive visitors who want to try a bit of everything. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://dockyardsocial.com/) 

Stomp To – 95-107, Haugh Road, Glasgow, G3 8TX 

 

Glasgow School of Art exhibitions 

The Glasgow School of Art frequently hosts late-night art exhibitions. This provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in contemporary art and culture well into the evening. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.gsa.ac.uk/visit-gsa/exhibitions) 

Stomp To – The Glasgow School of Art, 167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6RQ 

 

Whether you’re in stitches at a comedy club or exploring your artistic side at a workshop, there’s no shortage of captivating experiences to discover in Glasgow. As the city’s lights begin to dwindle, venture off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Glasgow’s diverse nightlife.   

London After Dark: The Best Places To Visit In The City After The Sun Sets.

As the sun dips below the London skyline, the city transforms into a realm of endless possibilities. Here’s your passport to a different side of the city’s nightlife. 

 

The Comedy Store: The Comedy Store on Oxendon Street is the holy grail for comedy enthusiasts. This centrally located venue hosts world-class stand-up acts that’ll have you in stitches. The atmosphere is electric, and the laughter is infectious.

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://london.thecomedystore.co.uk/) 

Stomp To – 1a Oxendon Street, London, SW1Y 4EE 

 

Leake Street Arches: If you’re staying at Native Bankside, take a short walk to Leake Street Arches. These are eight former railway arches that adjoin London’s longest legal graffiti wall and have been brought back to life with a collection of restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces focused on celebrating urban culture.

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.leakestreetarches.london/) 

Stomp To – Leake St, London SE1 8SW 

 

Mercato Metropolitano: Near Native Mayfair, Mercato Metropolitano is a converted church that is home to a collection of sustainable, authentic food, offering two floors of worldwide cuisine. Mercato Metropolitano brings diverse food practices and ingredients from different countries and cultures into urban spaces. The building hosts a rooftop terrace, wine cellar, German craft brewery and community hub, and its historic architecture makes it a one-of-a-kind attraction to visit.

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://mercatometropolitano.com/) 

Stomp To – St Mark’s, North Audley Street, London, W1K 6ZA   

 

Leadenhall Market: A stone’s throw away from Native King’s Wardrobe, Leadenhall Market is a vibrant and charming marketplace with a distinctive blend of boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars. Dating back to the 14th century, its stunning architecture and unique selection of establishments make it a hidden gem for those seeking a unique experience in a historical setting.

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk/) 

Stomp To – Gracechurch Street, London, EC3V 1LT 

 

The Cheese Bar: Near Native Hyde Park, The Cheese Bar is a cosy restaurant on a canal boat offering rooftop seating and an entirely cheese-based menu. All dishes are freshly made and accompanied by a range of natural wines, local craft beer, spirits and cocktails.

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://www.thecheesebar.com/paddington/) 

Stomp To – Paddington Basin, Sheldon Square, London, W2 6DL

 

There are many things to get up to in London after sunset. Whether you’re giggling at a comedy club, strolling around a market or dining on a canal boat, the city of London has an abundance of things to get up to.  

Manchester After Dark: The Best Places To Visit In The City After The Sun Sets.

When the sun sets in Manchester, the city awakens in a different light, and the options for a memorable night out extend far beyond the nightclub scene of Canal Street or boujee bars in Deansgate. If you’re a visitor eager to dive into Manchester’s unique after-dark experiences, we’ve got you covered.

 

The Frog and Bucket

The Frog and Bucket in the Northern Quarter offers a fantastic lineup of both established and a diverse collective of up-and-coming comedians. Prepare for a night of hearty laughter, hilarious stories and memorable one-liners 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://frogandbucket.com) 

Stomp To – 102 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LJ 

 

The Lowry

For creative souls, The Lowry in Salford Quays is a haven for culture and creativity. Beyond its world-class exhibitions, The Lowry often hosts late-night art events and workshops, allowing you to explore your artistic side long after the sun has set. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://thelowry.com/whats-on) 

Stomp To – Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ 

 

Matt & Phreds

If you’re a fan of jazz and live music, Matt & Phreds is a jazz club that can’t be missed. The intimate setting and soulful tunes create an inviting atmosphere that’s our go to for a relaxing evening. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://mattandphreds.com/) 

Stomp To – 64 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LW 

 

Contact Theatre

Step into the heart of Manchester’s vibrant cultural scene at Contact Theatre, where traditional theatre meets contemporary arts. Enjoy a dynamic and diverse range of artistic experiences, including theatre productions, dance performances, live music, film screenings, and workshops.  

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://contactmcr.com/) 

Stomp To – Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6JA 

 

Ducie Street Warehouse

Set in the very heart of the city, Ducie Street Warehouse is Manchester’s social hub. Whether you’re unwinding with a coffee in the lounge, dining in the restaurant, expressing your artistic side at a workshop or losing yourself in a film at Mini Cini, Ducie Street Warehouse has something for everyone. 

Interested? – Find Out More. (link – https://duciestreet.com/) 

Stomp To – Ducie Street, Manchester, M1 2TP

 

Manchester’s after-dark scene is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, as the night falls, explore these extraordinary venues where there’s no shortage of unique experiences to savour.  

Experience the Best of the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023 from your aparthotel

Manchester’s bustling and vibrant Christmas markets have been a beloved festive tradition since 1999. As one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe with over 300 stalls spanning 10 different city centre locations, it promises festive fun, seasonal delights, and Christmas magic for visitors and locals alike.

Overview of the Manchester Christmas Markets

Dating back to the Middle Ages, outdoor Christmas markets bring light and excitement to dark winter months across Germany, Austria, and other European countries and Manchester imports this festive tradition every November and December.

The 2023 Manchester Christmas markets will run from November 10 to December 22 this year. And its six week run is set to see foot traffic of over 350,000 people browsing the myriad of market stalls.

What’s new for the Manchester Christmas markets 2023? An expanded circus hub at Piccadilly Gardens with street performances and aerialist acts throughout the six week run.

What sets Manchester’s markets apart from other major European cities? Its size, variety and convenient neighbourhood layout across the city centre. Markets in Frankfurt focus on more traditional gifts while Manchester offers more modern and eclectic options, which is what you’d expect from this cultural city.

2023 Christmas Market Dates
November 10 to December 22
Expected 2023 Visitors
Over 950,000

Getting to the 2023 Christmas Markets from your Aparthotel

Staying at an aparthotel in central Manchester allows ultimate convenience for exploring the sprawling Christmas markets on foot.
Use the 2023 Christmas markets map to navigate to the different marked zones from your accommodation:

Walking Routes
Our aparthotel accommodations sit within a 5 minute walk of the nearest Christmas market zone but there are so many, we suggest you bring comfy shoes!

Public Transportation
Manchester’s MetroLink offers a quick tram route to each market area when walking fatigue sets in. Single ride passes are available.

Top Things to See, Eat and Do

Beyond shopping, what awaits you at Manchester’s bustling Christmas markets?

Festive Stalls
Over 300 stalls span 10 neighbourhood market zones offering crafts, gifts, decorations, food, drinks and more. Peak Market hosts an International Christmas Market.

Mulled Wine & Eats
Warm up with hot mulled wine and local Manchester gin while perusing goods. Food stalls offer mince pies, loaded bratwursts, waffles, chocolate strawberries and more.

Special 2023 Events & Activities

In addition to the lively market browsing, special events mark the 2023 calendar at Manchester’s Christmas markets.

Circus Hub at Piccadilly Gardens

  • Nightly circus performers
  • Roving acts and street performers
  • Learn circus skills workshops

Gospel Choir Concerts

  • Nightly gospel choir concerts
  • Festive singalongs

Project Earth Interactive Exhibit

  • 35-metre wide inflatable globe
  • Interactive sustainability exhibits inside
  • STEM workshops for kids

What’s stopping you?

Manchester’s vibrant Christmas markets offer the perfect launchpad for a magical city break this festive season. From the twinkling lights to seasonal sounds, scents and flavours, a cosy aparthotel situated nearby allows you to easily immerse yourself in the festivities by day, then escape the crowds at night.

As you explore interactive exhibits and circus shows new for 2023, savour local food and drinks, hunt for rare artisan gifts, and skate under the stars, creating memories that keep you glowing all winter – long after the markets close up on December 22nd.

Book your room or apartment suite today to experience the very best of one of Europe’s top Christmas destinations from the comforts and charms of your own Manchester home base. The most wonderful time of the year awaits…will you be part of it?

Shop, Eat, and Celebrate: Manchester Christmas Markets 2023

As I stepped onto the bustling cobbled streets of the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023, the scents of mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and sweet waffles flooded my senses. The alleyway was adorned with twinkling string lights as an eclectic mix of locals and tourists alike perused the artisan shops and food stalls. Christmas Market heaven!

What makes Manchester’s Christmas markets so special is the electric energy in the air – a palpable festive spirit brought on by generations of beloved traditions.

After speaking to many vendors and visitors during my trip, I uncovered some fascinating hidden histories, insider tips, and only-in-Manchester experiences at the 2023 winter markets that many don’t know about! I’m going to share all my discoveries with you here.

The Hidden Gems at the Manchester Christmas Markets 2023

While classics like bratwurst and glühwein are must-tries, some of my favourite finds were these under-the-radar items that most tourists walk right by:

  • The Romanian pastry stand on Exchange Street selling cozonac – a sweet bread stuffed with nuts and dried fruit
  • Hot chocolate infused with chilli pepper to warm you from the inside out
  • Locally crafted Manchester bee shaped soaps, candles, and honey products at the Farmer’s Market building

I also got the inside scoop from the artists and craftsmen themselves on the most unique gifts to bring home from the Manchester Xmas markets 2023:

  • Hand carved wooden ornaments depicting Manchester winter market scenes
  • Luxury alpaca wool scarves and hats from a small farm just an hour outside of Manchester
  • Gourmet food hampers featuring award winning goods from local producers. A great gift to bring home!

An Insider’s Guide to Navigating the Manchester Christmas Market 2023 Crowds

The Manchester winter markets attract over 300,000 visitors per year, so the crowds can feel overwhelming. Use this insider guidance to avoid congestion:

  • Weekdays before 1 pm are least busy
  • Head to the smaller Sheriff Street or New Cathedral Street Xmas markets
  • Cut through Exchange Arcade to leapfrog from New Cathedral to Albert Square quicker
  • Link up with a local friend who knows the shortcut side streets!

After uncovering so many local secrets and stories from this year’s Manchester Christmas markets 2023, I can’t wait to come back next year to discover even more of its hidden gems! The sparkling lights and infectious festive cheer create an utterly magical atmosphere that makes Manchester the perfect winter break.