Most Instagrammable Places for Students in Manchester

22 Jul 2025 | By Sixes Cricket

Manchester is packed with visual contrast. From gothic libraries and bright murals to rooftop gardens and industrial canals, there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops for students to explore and photograph.

Whether you’re capturing your campus routine, building a portfolio, or just out with friends, these spots stand out on any feed. You don’t need a fancy camera or a lot of planning — just your phone, good light, and the right vibe. These are the most Instagrammable places for students in Manchester.

1. Sixes Manchester

Inside the Corn Exchange, Sixes Manchester is where cricket meets social content. With vivid neon lights, massive high-tech batting nets, and a laid-back food and drink lounge, it’s as camera-ready as it is fun. You don’t have to be sporty to enjoy it — just step into a net with your mates and let the action shots fly.

The venue’s design does a lot of the work for you: bold wall patterns, striking light contrasts, and open spaces that frame your group photos. There’s usually music playing and plenty of movement, which helps keep things feeling candid and unposed. Whether you’re filming a reel, trying to break your personal best, or just laughing through missed swings, it makes for engaging, energy-packed content.

Students can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on batting sessions and combo deals, making it a perfect weekend spot or post-exam release valve.

2. John Rylands Library

John Rylands Library isn’t just for reading — it’s pure architecture goals. Located near Deansgate, this neo-Gothic building delivers heavy Hogwarts energy with its vaulted ceilings, arched windows, and rows of ancient books. The natural light that filters through the tall, narrow panes creates moody shadows, perfect for thoughtful solo shots or literary-themed flat lays.

It’s free to enter, quiet, and full of intricate corners, from ornate staircases to deep alcoves. Whether you’re an English student chasing aesthetics or just someone who appreciates an old-world setting, it’s worth carving out time for a visit. Just be mindful of others using the space — it’s still a functioning library.

3. Northern Quarter Street Art

The Northern Quarter is arguably Manchester’s most expressive district. Every wall, alley, and roller shutter seems to feature some form of street art. Bright color palettes, raw textures, and layers of stickers or paste-ups make this area a visual feast. If you’re shooting portraits or outfit photos, there’s no better backdrop.

Graffiti evolves regularly here, so you’ll never run out of fresh angles or themes. Places like Stevenson Square, Newton Street, and the alley behind Afflecks are hot spots for mural hunting. You might even catch artists in the middle of a spray session. It’s an easy stop on the way to uni or after a coffee run, especially with so many cool cafes to break up the shoot.

4. Castlefield Viaduct

A recent addition to Manchester’s visual landscape, the Castlefield Viaduct is a repurposed railway bridge turned urban sky garden. It floats above Castlefield and offers raised views of the city’s industrial side. Metal beams intersect with greenery, and the walkway snakes through planter beds and lookout points.

There’s something cinematic about this place — especially at golden hour. Lines of perspective guide your shots, and the natural-meets-urban setting is subtle but powerful. It’s a calm, open-air spot that feels a little off the beaten path, even though it’s not far from the city centre. Entry is free, but timed slots are sometimes required during peak hours.

5. Piccadilly Gardens

While it’s often busy, Piccadilly Gardens still offers moments of visual charm. The sunken green area, stone benches, and central fountain create a public square energy that lends itself well to spontaneous snaps. It’s a good spot for people-watching, group selfies, or just catching a dramatic skyline as trams slide past.

Because it’s right near key transport hubs and surrounded by shops and eateries, it naturally becomes a mid-day pit stop for students. The trick here is timing — go early morning or golden hour to avoid harsh shadows and heavy foot traffic. The light bounces well off surrounding buildings if you catch it right.

6. The Whitworth Art Gallery and Park

If you’re after the perfect mix of culture and calm, The Whitworth delivers both. The gallery itself is a clean, modern space with floor-to-ceiling glass and curated exhibitions, but it’s the back extension that steals the show for student photographers. Large windows overlook green lawns and a scattering of sculptures, letting you frame creative shots that combine nature with structure.

Outside, Whitworth Park offers a mellow escape from the city rush. The trees change beautifully with the seasons, and there’s space to sprawl on the grass or wander under dappled sunlight. It’s a go-to spot for photography students and casual creatives alike, especially when the weather plays along.

Whether you’re inside capturing textures and shadows or outside getting wide-angle portraits with leafy backdrops, this area makes everything look curated. And with the on-site café full of natural light, you don’t even need to leave the grounds for a mid-shoot break.

7. Deansgate and Barton Arcade

Step into Barton Arcade and it feels like a different world. This Victorian-style indoor arcade is full of elegant detail — think stained-glass ceilings, patterned tiles, iron balconies, and mirrored shop fronts. It’s not just photogenic; it’s cinematic.

From fashion shoots to coffee date edits, this place gives your content a timeless charm. Everything reflects beautifully here, especially after a bit of rain when the tiles glisten and the light streams in from the high roof.

Just outside, Deansgate brings a more urban feel, with tram lines, tall buildings, and that classic Manchester energy. It’s the ideal contrast to the refined arcade interior — gritty city scenes one moment, glass elegance the next.

Grab a drink from one of the indie cafes nearby and you’ll have props, location, and atmosphere all sorted for your next post.

8. Castlefield Viaduct (Sky Garden)

Tucked above Manchester’s industrial core, Castlefield Viaduct is an elevated urban park built on a repurposed railway line. You’re walking through layers of steel and greenery, where sharp shadows hit planted borders and metal beams frame the skyline just right.

Students head here for the contrast — concrete below, nature above — and it makes for moody golden-hour shots, crisp minimalist portraits, and wide-angle cityscapes. The path winds past curated planters and gives a bird’s-eye view of Manchester’s more rugged edges. It feels peaceful but raw, photogenic but unpolished.

Entry is free most days, though timed slots are sometimes required, especially on weekends. It’s a good pick when you’re looking for something quieter but still striking, and it pairs well with reels, slow pans, or day-in-the-life content that’s a bit more off-grid.