While the definition of 'terrace' is roughly translated to 'level paved area next to a building', our definition stands something along the lines of 'boozy, lovely, sunshine-soaking seating area'. Scattered about the city, these divine destinations are a hubbub of activity; whether they host cracking views, buzzing crowds, cool concoctions or botanical spaces. Check out our recommendations for some of the best outdoor terraces in Manchester here.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 8th July 2024
Found in the leafy neighbourhood of West Didsbury, The Woodstock Arms is home to one of the city's best beer gardens with plenty of outdoor seating and a separate bar area. When it comes to refreshments? Think classic pub grub and thirst-quenching pints of real ale.
Terrace bars with a view in Manchester don't get much better than 20 Stories. As the name suggests, it's pretty high up and those skyline views are topped off by the changing look outside; that's garden vibes come summer and winter pergolas across the cooler months.
One of the biggest outdoor drinking spaces in the city, the terrace at Dukes 92 is a thing of beauty come the summer months. Plotted next to the canal and surrounded by industrial charm, the popular bar is one of our top picks for alfresco drinks.
With a prime location in the heart of Castlefield, Barca Bar has four unique function rooms, a restaurant, and a large outdoor area. The stunning canal side terrace and outdoor bar are perfect for if you feel like going on vacay without taking a step outta' town.
For summer drinking in the city, The Lawn Club is one of Manchester's prettiest terraces. The outdoor venue is located on the green grass of Hardman Square and comes complete with cosy dining pods, comfy deck chairs and a gorgeous pergola space - perfect for a post-work tipple or some lazy Sunday lounging with barbecue fare up for grabs. You can even nab two for £12 cocktails from Sunday to Thursday, served at their outdoor bar, including their refreshing range of spritzes.
Look out over the water on Central 11's expansive terrace with a tipple or two and be glad you picked this joint for a pint stop. The restaurant and bar also boasts live entertainment throughout the week, as well as a slapping roast menu featuring heavenly potatoes and truffle cauliflower cheese. There's even a gin school you can enroll in to have the ultimate immersive tasting experiences.
The Old Wellington is a charming, traditional English pub right by The Printworks. When it comes to outdoor space? The square its found in has a secret terrace feel to it, thanks to its tucked away location and surrounding buildings looming overhead.
The Oxnoble is a traditional pub serving British dishes alongside a wide choice of delicious drinks. On the hunt for Manchester's best terraces? This spot has a small space made up of streetside tables that are perfect for topping up your tan in the warmer months.
When you need a Manchester rooftop restaurant with a terrace, DogHouse has your back. Their sky-high space is offering up the chance to not only sip their usual lineup of craft beers, but to also nab some tacos.
Head over to The Oast House in Spinningfield's patio area for some serious sun-soaking and sipping on tasty drinks. With plenty of outdoor seating that's perfect for people-watching, you can enjoy fantastic views of Manchester while you sip on Aperol spritzes and spicy margaritas.
Sunset by Australasia may have pretty in pink interiors... but wait until you see the terrace. Lined with foliage, fairy lights and plush furnishings, it caters to all seasons - think heaters for winter and an open-air feel when summer rolls around.
The best way to enjoy fully loaded burgers and craft beers? From the comfort of a pretty little roof terrace. Join Honest Burgers for all that and more, as their city centre outpost promises sun-soaked feels alongside signature buns and plenty of beer.
The Alchemist has its own heated outdoor terrace in Spinningfields, making it ideal for outside dining all year round. Tuck into a menu of international cuisine and weekend brunches while sipping on their range of famous concoctions that fizz, bubble and smoke at your table.
Located off the side of a 19th century lock keepers cottage, Lock 91's canalside terrace is all kinds of cool. From frozen strawberry daiquiris to spritzes, craft beer and more, the menu here isn't half bad either.
After outdoor restaurants with terraces in Manchester? The Botanist is a waterside destination that has you covered for grilled grub and British dishes across its outside space. Better yet, you'll wash everything down with gin-laced cocktails.
A family-run restaurant and bar outside of Manchester, Tre Ciccio is your one-stop shop for authentic Italian delights in a stylish setting. Grab a table in the pretty dining room or out on the terrace to enjoy a feast of bruschetta, arancini, pizza and burrata.
One of the city's most luxurious restaurants, The Dakota Grill specialises in premium steak and fresh seafood. Finish your dinner here by heading to the hidden cigar garden, where you can sip on Champagne surrounded by hanging plants and twinkling fairy lights, the stuff of date night dreams.
The range of terrace rooftop bars in Manchester city centre are topped off by YES, which pairs vegan kebabs and pizza slices from resident kitchens with a lineup of gigs or club nights. Nab a drink up top, before going below for all the entertainment.
Not only is Simon Shaw's acclaimed tapas restaurant bringing you plates like line-caught baby monkfish and braised ox cheek, but it's also one of the most gorgeous rooftop terraces in Manchester. From dreamy date nights to special occasions, this place is ideal for soaking up the sun while you dig into a feast of Spanish cuisine.
Hole up in style as Deansgate's The Ape & Apple welcomes you for cask ales, pub grub and beer garden vibes. As well as being dog-friendly, there's live music, quizzes and sports screenings throughout the week.
Situated on Thomas Street, Terrace NQ is the best rooftop bar in Manchester's Northern Quarter. The secret sky-high garden is home to lush plants, shady umbrellas a selection of classic cocktails and local ales. Swing by on the weekend to catch some of the city's finest DJs spinning tracks 'til late.
No list of the best outdoor terrace bars in Manchester would be complete without mention of The Ivy Spinningfields. Loved by A-listers and influencers, this oh-so-gorgeous spot's top floor has a retractable roof, indoor trees and plenty of lush foliage.
Atlas Bar might be best known for its huge lists of gin, but they aren't doing things by halves on the terrace front either. This hidden rooftop is a quaint little space, one made for sipping G&Ts alongside your pals.
So you managed to snag a spot at this exclusive rooftop members club? Treat yourself to brambles, bar snacks and beaut Champagne cocktails at the bar with a view, which is found on the 7th floor of Hotel Gotham.
