Perhaps after the Gallagher brothers and Guy Garvey, Manchester is best known for its rain. On average it rains around 140 days in a year in our northern city. And if you live here, you’ll already know that. Sometimes it feels like it only rains at weekends, ruining your plans to sunbathe in Castlefield bowl or rent a boat in Heaton Park. Luckily, Manchester is a city well geared up for rainy day activities and there is plenty to do when your BBQ gets rained off (again)

Affleck’s

If you’re new to Manchester or haven’t yet explored the depths of the Northern Quarter, you may not have discovered the self-titled ‘emporium of eclecticism’ that is Affleck’s. Affleck’s has been a Manchester staple since the 1980s and with 73 businesses set across 4 floors, Affleck’s truly is a treasure trove that you’ll lose a couple of hours of your life in. From vintage clothes and vinyl to top hats and tattoos, ice cream parlours, vegan cafes and an abundance of Manchester artwork, Affleck’s is a place where the Mancunian spirit reigns strong. There’s even a tarot reader located on the 3^rd floor, who might be able to tell you when it’ll stop raining…

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: Little Lever Street, approximately a 3-minute walk.

Flight Club

££

Looking for something slightly less energetic but no less competitive than your average 10-pin bowling? Definitely plan a visit to Flight Club. Situated just off King Street, Flight Club promises to offer a “social experience like no other” and with a thoughtfully designed venue, bespoke cocktails and tasty sharing platters, Flight Club certainly deliver on their promise. Flight Club have reinvented darts, with five different games and food and drink delivered directly to your playing area, it’s one for the Manchester bucket list when the rain starts to pour.

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: King Street, approximately a 2-minute walk.

Mackie Mayor

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Situated next to Band on the Wall, Mackie Mayor is Altrincham Market’s younger sibling and a relatively new establishment housed in a former grade II-listed meat market. Aside from the delicious food and drink on offer, the real shining star of Mackie Mayor is the interior design. After lying empty for years, the building has been sympathetically restored, retaining the heritage features that give the food hall its charm. All in all, Mackie Mayor is a glorious space that is the perfect place to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: Little Lever Street, approximately a 7-minute walk.

Spinningfields

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Spinningfields is largest business district in the city, in the week it’s awash with so many suits that you’d easily be fooled into thinking Spinningfields was strictly all business. By night (and weekend) this buzzing district really comes to life with high-end eateries and instagrammable bars alike. Nestled between Spinningfields’ shiny new skyscrapers are the old buildings that hint at Manchester’s illustrious past, and the old truly is beautiful. John Ryland’s library should be at the top of everyone’s Manchester bucket list. The Neo-gothic building is one of the finest libraries in the world and a world away from modern Manchester. Walkthrough the doors and you’ll be quickly transported to Game of Thrones’ citadel or Hogwarts (if you’re a Harry Potter fan.)

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: Byrom street, approximately a 1-minute walk.

The Makers Market

On any given Saturday or Sunday, you’ll probably find The Makers Market running somewhere in Manchester. From Stephenson Square to Burton Road in West Didsbury, The Makers Market operates across central Manchester and the surrounding areas, just check their timetable before you plan a trip. Discover hand-crafted cheese, live music, artisan bread, quirky prints, handmade clothes and seasonal local produce at each market. Also keep a lookout for the abundance of cute dogs in attendance.

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: depends on which market you choose!

Frog & Bucket

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Since its humble beginnings in 1993 as a small city centre pub, the Frog & Bucket has long held the title of Manchester’s longest-running alternative comedy venue. The Frog & Bucket showcases the best international and national talent from Thursday to Sunday, hosting sell-out shows with top comedians alongside nurturing new talent with weekly ‘Beat the Frog’ competitions. Ticket prices start from £6 and there’s usually an offer on food to be found. With previous acts including Peter Kay, Johnny Vegas, and Jack Whitehall, who knows if you’ll be there when the next James Acaster gets discovered…

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: Little Lever Street, approximately a 7-minute walk.

Basebar

If you grew up addicted to watching American TV and films, no doubt you’ll have seen the ‘batting cages’ that frequented American popular culture. Basebar are the north’s first batting cages, so if you’re in the mood to hit a ball really hard alongside American snacks and tasty cocktails then this is the place for you. Situated next to Manchester Arena, Baseball is easily accessible by foot from Manchester city centre.

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: Little Lever Street, approximately a 14-minute walk.

Home, First Street

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Home is still a relative newbie to Manchester. After a merger of Cornerhouse on Oxford Road and Manchester’s Library Theatre Company in 2012, the concept of Home was born. Home is Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, art, film, music, and more. Discover independent films from across the world, uncover new art and enjoy never seen before theatre and dance shows. If you’re looking for something different than the latest Marvel film, pay a visit to Home.

Closest Manchester Apartments accommodation: 90 Princess Street, 121 Princess Street, 123 Princess Street and Basil House, all are approximately a 9-minute walk away.

Central Bark / The Beach Dog Café

If cat cafés aren’t your thing and your tenancy agreement doesn’t allow for four-legged friends, take a trip to Central Bark in Wythenshawe. You’re welcome to attend dog-free or bring your pup along. If you aren’t content watching from the sidelines, Central Bark offers a ‘meet and greet’ service for £5 where you can spend supervised time with their dogs.

How to get there: get the Metrolink from Deansgate, St Peter’s Square or Market Street towards Manchester airport and get off at Baguley

Hopefully we’re in for a rain-free weekend, but in case the inevitable happens you can always use the above list for backup. Have we missed off any of your favourite rainy-day places in Manchester? Head to Twitter to let us know if we’ve missed off any hotspots!