Everybody knows that the majority of studying at university is fuelled by caffeine. If you’re sick of making coffee for yourself and studying in your room, why not try studying in coffee shops? Studying in coffee shops is great for improving productivity, especially considering you can’t just get back in bed when you’re out and about. These are the best coffee shops in Manchester for all of your studying needs.
Blackwell’s Caffé Nero
Caffé Nero is a staple for University of Manchester students. It’s located in the upstairs of Blackwell’s bookstore, making it easy for you to pick up the books you need for your course and grab a coffee. The atmosphere is very cosy and they also offer student discounts. Due to its location in the bookstore, it’s perfect for studying and channelling your inner Rory Gilmore! There are plenty of tables indoors for the winter and outdoors for the spring and summer, offering students choice on where to enjoy their book with a brew.
Ditto
Ditto is a must visit if you like a sweet treat along side your studies. They do great coffee too and I’ve put it on the list of best coffee shops in Manchester for its aesthetic and size. It’s a bit different to your regular cosy corner coffeeshop, here you could manage a study group of three or four friends in the one in Albert Square. The greenery inside offers a more refreshing feel alongside a cup of their house blend. For the sake of convenience, there is also one close by on Oxford Street bringing you close to town but not too far from campus. Perfect for a between lectures cake-break.
Christie’s Bistro
Christie’s Bistro, located in the old Science Library of Owens College on Manchester Campus, it still remains one of the best coffeeshops in Manchester and a hidden gem. The bookshelves along the walls, the old-fashioned paintings, and the elegant busts create a beautiful atmosphere, guaranteed to inspire creativity. The staff are so friendly, there is plenty of space to sit and an added bonus is exploring the gorgeous Christie building. With its windy staircases and hidden passages, I love studying here when I want to forget I’m on campus for 30 minutes but need to be on time to the next class and can’t go too far. It’s an underrated player above any Starbucks or Costa.
Navarro Lounge
Although the Navarro Lounge is more of a bar than a café, it’s still a fantastic place to study and they serve amazing lattes. It’s probably best to go there if you’re looking for an early-morning study space since it gets quite busy at lunch and dinner. You can order on your phone and get your coffee without even having to queue or leave your table!
Feel Good Club
This is my absolute favourite coffee shop in Manchester. FGC offers such a wide variety of drinks, food, baked goods and snacks alongside the aesthetic and such a warm atmosphere. I like to go here for all sorts, socialising, unwinding, studying or just as a solo date! It is located more into the heart of town so I would visit on a weekend. My favourite is their turmeric latter but the simpler the better as their house blend is also fantastic. They do more than just coffee and have events all over their instagram like morning run clubs, art markets, cabaret nights and crochet making! For the artsy and for the newcomer, FCG is a great way to get stuck into all that Manchester has to offer whilst also being one of the best coffee shops in town.
Café Muse
Café Muse, located directly next to Manchester Museum, is a beautiful place to study. The museum atmosphere creates the perfect study space for any student, but humanities students especially may find inspiration here. its perfect for stopping in and out of on the way to class or for a seat outside when the weather is nice. It is one of the best coffee shops in Manchester for some casual coffee and people watching through their big windows facing oxford road. All their food and drinks are locally sourced and is a must visit with an all new Breakfast/Brunch and Lunch hot food menus.
Chapter One Books
Chapter One Books is located closer to the city centre, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants to do a bit of shopping to treat themselves after studying. Keeping on theme so far, another bookstore location offers a quiet atmosphere in contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life. A huge aspect of why this is one of the best coffee shops in Manchester is for the fact it is open in town so late, taking last orders at 8pm. I am definitely not a morning person and sometimes the day just escapes us but we still want to feel productive. Going into town and being able to grab a coffee and do some work after 5pm is a must for reclaiming the day after a late start.
Sometimes coffee just isn’t enough. With studying and socialising day in day out, we need more fuel than caffeine and cake! Check out this article of the best brunch spots in Manchester if you’re more of a foodie, and take your espresso extra hot with a side of bacon and eggs.
Last Updated on August 16, 2025
Published on June 20, 2022
Authors
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I'm Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can't reach me, I'm probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.
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Connor is a seasoned content expert at Unifresher, specialising in publishing engaging and insightful student-focused content. With over four years of experience in data analysis and content strategy, Connor has a proven track record of supporting publishing teams with high-quality resources. A graduate of the University of Sussex with a BSc in Accounting and Finance, he combines his academic background with his passion for creating content that resonates with students across the UK. Outside of work, Connor enjoys staying active at his local gym and walking his miniature dachshunds.
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I’m Mia, a student at Manchester University studying History and Sociology. I love writing all things advice, tips and tricks to maximise your experience here in the big city. When my friends can’t reach me, I’m probably taking pictures at some random rave and dabbling in the world of photojournalism or curled up in bed with my kindle and phone on DND.