Afflecks

Four-floor independent shopping emporium open since 1982, packed with vintage clothes, records, alternative fashion and local artists' stalls. Each floor has a different character, from goth gear to handmade jewellery. It sits in Manchester's Northern Quarter, close to the other main sights. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to Manchester, especially paired with nearby Pen and Pencil. Tickets cost Browse free, items £5-200 and 1-2 hours is enough to see everything without rushing.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: find unique items you won't see elsewhere in Skip if: Only interested in mainstream shopping Cost: Browse free, items £5-200

Climb narrow stairs between floors crammed with stalls selling everything from band t-shirts to handmade soaps. Music plays from different vendors while you browse through racks of vintage leather and alternative fashion.

Accessibility: Narrow stairs and limited wheelchair access to upper floors

Afflecks works well for visitors with a genuine interest in find unique items you won't see elsewhere in manchester. With a single day in Manchester, the bigger names take priority, but add a second day and this earns its place. It pairs naturally with Pen and Pencil - together they fill a solid half-day. Afternoon tends to work best here.

Skip if: Only interested in mainstream shopping

• Bargain in smaller stalls.
• Check all four floors for different styles.
• Bring cash for some vendors.

Insider tip: The top floor often has the most unusual and handmade items

Check with individual stall holders before photographing their products