Manchester, the birthplace of British manufacturing, has risen from its post-industrial decline to emerge as a world leader in culture, music, and sport. To soak up the best that this city steeped in history has to offer, avoid the soulless hotels and book a stay at one of Manchester’s best and most characterful Airbnbs. Tucked away among the towering mills and Victorian townhouses are stylishly furnished lettings by their proud Mancunian owners with details that pay homage to the city’s industrial heritage and deliver on the full Manchester experience.
We hope you love these Airbnb Manchester vacation rentals! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay, and listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
American-style converted warehouse
Groups hoping to revel in Manchester’s legendary nightlife need to look no further than this ten-bed converted warehouse. Up to sixteen people can sleep comfortably in this spacious flat, which is only a short walk from the Northern Quarter and a ten-minute taxi ride to the popular clubbing hot spot of Deansgate. The party needn’t stop when the lights go on in the clubs; pile back into a taxi and take things back to your place, where the outdoor terrace sports a bar, a DJ booth, and, yes, a hot tub.
Sixteen guests, three bedrooms (ten beds)
Price: $834 per night
Luxe New York boutique apartment
This contemporary one-bedroom flat is situated in a waterside haven that strafes two of Manchester’s trendiest modern neighborhoods, Ancoats and New Islington. The apartment has a cool, airy feel courtesy of a stylish white interior and large windows that bathe the kitchen and living area in sunlight during the day; ideal for the solo remote worker admiring the canal-side views from the comfort of their home office. Wind down in the evenings by exploring the host of independent shops, cafes and pubs that line the city’s waterways, or take in a show at the award-winning Hope Mill Theatre, right on this apartment’s doorstep.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $139 per night
The Bank Vault in West Didsbury
You can’t get more central to Manchester at a better price than with this fashionable studio apartment. For couples on a weekend retreat, this cozy retreat offers the perfect jumping-off point to explore Manchester by foot, with plenty to do in every direction: within a few blocks, you’ll find Chinatown and the Manchester Art Gallery to the north, the Grand Palace Theatre to the west, and the beating heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene on Canal Street to the east. After a long day’s exploring, you’ll welcome the walk-in shower like an old friend before retiring to your king-size bed — or get suited and booted and dance the night away back in the Gay Village.
Luxury Deansgate two-bed loft apartment with free parking
This two-bedroom loft apartment in Deansgate in the city center is quite close to the action. Inside, the industrial furnishings are a nice touch, as is the free parking. History buffs will enjoy the nearby John Rylands library, as well as the reconstructed remnants of an old Roman fort near Deansgate station and the People’s History Museum — or National Museum of Democracy — which explores the history of ideas worth fighting for. This was, after all, the city that birthed the women’s suffrage movement. Those of more party-going persuasions might prefer to get dressed to the nines and go celeb-spotting at one of Manchester’s high-end nightclubs. The Bijou Club just about trumps Club Liv thanks to its riverside terrace.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $195 per night
Boutique city centre penthouse apartment
You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a New York penthouse upon arriving at this gorgeous apartment in Manchester’s most bohemian neighborhood, the Northern Quarter. Light pours in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the hardwood floor and furnishings complement the walls’ crisp white tones to give the apartment that chic, minimalist feel of a New York-style loft. The comparisons with the Big Apple don’t end with this apartment’s interior design. Step outside and the red-brick facades of former industrial buildings so closely resemble parts of downtown NYC that filmmakers have turned to the Northern Quarter to double as New York for films such as the Jude Law remake of Alfie and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $132 per night
Central city apartment with two kingsized beds
Also tucked away in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is this hotly-reviewed apartment in a converted mill. The host, Manchester-born Amy, is lauded by her guests for her attention to detail, tremendous local knowledge, and her creative energy that manifests itself in little decorative flourishes such as an antique gramophone and a pop-art portrait of Margaret Thatcher. In the heart of a city once laid low by Thatcher’s policies of deindustrialization, the latter piece of artwork somehow finds a way to work, and it serves to give the apartment a quirky personality befitting of the bohemian neighborhood it’s situated in. With its street art exhibitions, Scandinavian-chic coffee shops, craft-beer pubs, and vintage clothes stores, the NQ certainly attracts a certain clientele. But don’t let its reputation as a hipster hangout put you off; there’s something for everyone in this fashionable corner of the city.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $257 per night
130-ft classic yacht
If you and your friends would prefer to push the boat out, why not hire out a luxury yacht moored in Clipper’s Quay, Salford? Beautifully fitted out with luxury trimmings that belie the owner’s background in interior design, this alternative Airbnb experience is perfect for groups of up to eight looking to share in Manchester’s classier side. Media City is within walking distance, as is the excellent Lowry Theatre. Follow dinner with a show, then drink in the views at one of the many swanky quay-side bars before retiring to your luxury cabin for a nightcap of prosecco (compliments of the owner). But remember that this is a sophisticated venue, not a party boat, so try not to go overboard.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $681 per night
Penthouse apartment with rooftop terrace
There’s a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a dining area with an extendable dining room table, and comfortable sleeping accommodations, including one king-size bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a twin bedroom with two single beds. A sofa in the living room transforms into a king-sized sofa bed and a large family-size bathroom to share.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $149 per night
Duplex penthouse with rooftop terrace in the City Centre
There are two large roof terraces to spend time on, two modern and clean bathrooms, and two large bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows — each outfitted with a king-size bed and fitted wardrobe space for luggage. The fully outfitted kitchen offers all the necessary appliances and cookware for making a meal, and there’s a separate dining area with a dining room table. The living room has a large, plush couch and a flatscreen TV backed by enormous windows featuring a view of the surrounding buildings.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $224 per night
Bright, boutique-feeling two-bedroom Victorian in the city center
There’s a living room area with a large flatscreen smart TV equipped with streaming services, a fully equipped and well-stocked kitchen, and even universal power adapters as a bonus. Lounge in the Chesterfield wingback chair while asking Alexa to turn the flickering fire on and play some jazz to unwind — it’s a well-blended mix of old and new that feels comforting but satisfying. Both bedrooms are outfitted with king-size beds and bamboo fiber pocket-sprung orthopedic mattresses with memory foam, and feature Smart TVs with Netflix.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $181 per night
One-bedroom apartment in historic, converted former printing press
The open-plan living space includes a fully equipped kitchen hosting everything needed to make a home-cooked meal, a dining table, and a living room area with a cozy sofa and large flatscreen TV with streaming capabilities. The bedroom features a comfortable king-sized bed and a clean, bright bathroom with complimentary toiletries and fluffy towels. It’s walkable to some of central Manchester’s best attractions, including excellent dining, bars, and cultural landmarks.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $91 per night
Stylish, luxury penthouse with a private balcony and sweeping city views
Bold colors decorate the spaces, adding a pop of vibrant energy within. The living room features an oversized pink couch against a bright navy blue wall backdrop, perfectly angled toward the large flatscreen TV with streaming services. The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances and cooking tools and is also outfitted in navy blue tones, adding a sense of coolness. Both bedrooms offer comfortable, full sleeping accommodations, and the balcony is a great spot to see the views or get some sunshine.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $88 per night
Ancoats duplex with ample sunshine and cozy living spaces
Guests can spend time on the apartment’s outdoor terrace, which gets ample sunshine from midday until late afternoon, or relax in the sizable living room with its cozy couch and flatscreen TV.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $159 per night
Charming and vibrant newly renovated Victorian
Guests will enjoy access to a fully equipped kitchen outfitted with luxury cookware and appliances, a dedicated dining area, a chic living room with a sofa bed, a double bed, a second bedroom with a king-sized bed, and two clean full bathrooms.
Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $213 per night
Welcoming, redesigned Victorian with industrial-chic vibes
The open floor plan boasts industrial chic vibes encompassing its interior, with elements like exposed brick and floor-to-ceiling windows. The living room features a large couch and a flatscreen TV, with a big window facing the courtyard, allowing for plenty of natural light. The kitchen has a full set of appliances, and the bedroom features a large, comfortable bed.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $101 per night
Chic, clean city apartment in the heart of Manchester
Three guests, one bedroom
Price: $140 per night
Luxurious, bright, and modern two-bedroom apartment
The walls of each room are painted in blocks of bright colors, adding a vibrant sense of life to the interior spaces. A chic velvet couch in the living room and chic wooden island breakfast bar space in the full kitchen create a nostalgic feeling blended with contemporary design elements like white tiled bathroom spaces and two comfortable beds. The kitchen has upscale cookware and appliances offering choices, like a Nespresso machine and a French press. It’s in a great location for exploring the city, within walking distance of plenty of shops and restaurants. 
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $179 per night