Cloud 23 Manchester
Glitzy sky bar
When Manchester's Beetham Tower opened in 2006, it divided the city's residents in two. Half consider it a bizarrely-shaped eyesore and the rest believe it to be a unique addition to the city's silhouette.
The building may be divisive, but one thing is certain. The 23rd-floor bar that divides the Hilton hotel from its residential top-half serves up a mean cocktail and offers the best views in town.
A daytime visit to the bar Cloud 23 for afternoon tea is a worthwhile treat. It allows an unbeatable 360-degree vista of the Northern landscape for miles around.
However, the views really come to life during the evening. The city pulses and sparkles beneath your feet (quite literally - there is a square of glass floor that braver visitors can take their chances on).
It's always advisable to book your visit. Weekday evenings may be OK for an impromptu drink, but on weekends, snaking queues to the one elevator stretch through the lobby.
Cloud 23 may look glitzy but you don't need to be in a suit to enjoy it. Beers range from £ 5 to £ 7.50 and glasses of wine from £ 8 to £ 18. Take afternoon tea from £ 30.
Cocktails are legendary and priced between £ 12 and £ 23. They rotate regularly and are named after references to Manchester culture, such as Wanna Bee and Vimtonic.
Splash out a little, enjoy the view and make your mind up about Beetham Tower - love it or hate it, you can at least decide over a killer cocktail.
About this spot
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester
ManCoCo
Manchester's best coffee, full stop
With a modest social media presence and a reputation built on hard work and word-of-mouth, "ManCoCo" has taken the title of Manchester’s best coffee.
by
Denise
Tench
The Corner Plaice
MCR's best fish and chips
Reliable and consistent, "The Corner Plaice" has become known as this part of Manchester's best and friendliest chippy dinner fix...
by
Denise
Tench
Kim's Kitchen
Local hangout with heart and soul
"Kim's Kitchen" in Manchester has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and down-to-Earth crowd.
by
Denise
Tench
Hulme Garden Centre
Soothing green haven
"Hulme Garden Centre" in Manchester is a green haven, a remedy to all the concrete - a community-led project that's designed to promote well-being...
by
Denise
Tench
Kro Bar
An unbeatable breakfast game
Denmark-inspired "Kro Bar" presents one of the best slow breakfasts in Manchester. The only problem is knowing where to start - eggs are always a good bet!
by
Denise
Tench
Heaton Park
Grade II listed park
"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Islington Mill
Creative arts hub
"Islington Mill" in Salford, close to Manchester, it's one of my favorite industrial hubs-turned-creative spaces. Its events deserve a special mention!
by
Denise
Tench
Vinyl Fiction
A rock n roll nerd's paradise
"Vinyl Fiction" in Manchester has a simple concept: they sell vinyl and books. I love how it's not stuffed to the gills and doesn't feel claustrophobic...
by
Lauren
Rochford
Whitworth Park and Gallery
Art in the park
"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Longford Park
A bit of everything
"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.
by
Lauren
Rochford
The Peterloo Massacre Memorial
200th anniversary
"The Peterloo Massacre Memorial" in Manchester marks the 200th anniversary of when 18 people were killed & 700 injured protesting for parliamentary reform.
by
Alice
Hunter
Highfield Country Park
A wonderful picnic getaway
"Highfield Country Park" in Manchester is a nature reserve I've been going to for as long as I can remember. It makes me feel like I'm outside the city.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heading to Manchester?
63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 63 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Manchester
Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester
As featured on:
