Hotels near Exchange Square

Exchange Square sits between the main shopping streets and the Cathedral Quarter, and its Christmas stalls lean towards food and drink. It is a good place for lunch on a market day, with hot dishes, sweet treats and mulled drinks from around Europe.

The square is surrounded by large stores and the Corn Exchange, so it is easy to combine with shopping. The Exchange Square Metrolink stop is right on the square, which makes it a practical starting or finishing point.

The 2026 market runs from 6 November to 22 December. From here, Cathedral Gardens and its ice rink are a two-minute walk north, and New Cathedral Street leads back towards St Ann's Square.

Pro Tip: Use the Exchange Square Metrolink stop to arrive and leave; it avoids the crowds walking from Piccadilly. Grab lunch here before walking to the quieter Corn Exchange next door.