
We all know that Manchester is an incredibly creative city, boasting the best in street art, classic and modern art in our galleries, and of course a still-thriving music industry. Something we also do pretty well is transferring that creativity onto skin, and as such Manchester has some pretty impressive tattoo shops, with a huge selection of varied and talented artists waiting to express their lastest creations. There’s so many that we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best tattoo shops in Manchester for when you’re feeling like adding a bit of something to your skin.
1. Holier Than Thou
A much-loved studio in the Northern Quarter, Holier Than Thou offers so many services including piercing and other treatments, as well as tattooing of course. The team are highly trained and absolutely dedicated to maintaining hygiene and wellbeing in the studio, and everything is done by the book, which is often reflected in the quality, and therefore the prices of tattoos.
The variety of designs comes from the amazing artists that are based at Holier Than Thou, so as always, do your research into which artist suits your needs the best! The team are fully showcased over on the Holier Than Thou social media channels, and can be found individually through those.
📍97 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LW.
2. Thomas Street Tattoo
The clue’s in the name with this one, as Thomas Street Tattoo resides slap bang in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the Northern Quarter’s favourite beer garden street. The studio offers walk-in tattoo appointments everyday 11am-7pm, so is perfect for mooching around Manchester and popping in if you’re eyeing up a design. The interiors of the studio are very cool, with a dark and neon palette to guide you through your tattoo journey. Again, the team are incredible and can be found through the Thomas Street Tattoo social media.
📍40 Thomas St, Manchester, M4 1ER.
3. Manchester Tattoo Studio
Manchester Tattoo Studio is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the city, who are available to collaborate with you to create a timeless, individual, and professional tattoo. They offer a wide range of tattoo designs, from custom tattoos to traditional tattoos and everything in between. The professional and experienced tattoo artists are skilled in black and grey, fine-line, blackwork, dot work, and oriential tattoos, offering a satisfying niche of styles. Check out the Manchester Tattoo Studio social media channels for more designs and info on artists.
📍7 Nicholas Croft, Manchester, M4 1EY.
4. Studio 95
Occupying the spot just next door to Holier Than Thou, Studio 95 is another stylish addition to the Manchester tattoo scene. With friendly and creative staff who always want to do what’s best for you, you’re bound to have a great experience. The classic-looking tattoo studio encompasses what tattooing is about, self-expression and just looking really cool. Keep updated on the daily running of things and find out more on the Studio 95 social media.
📍95 Oldham St, Manchester, M4 1LW.
5. The Studio Afflecks
The Studio is made instantly cool by the fact it’s based in Afflecks, the cultural hub of the Northern Quarter. Again, the variety of artists tattooing here make it so easy to book in for exactly the style you want, and it’s where you can get some of the coolest looking flash tattoos around. Think funky, colourful and dainty, as well as your classic florals and skulls. Get the lowdown on appointments and artists on The Studio’s social media.
📍First floor Afflecks, 35-39 Oldham St, Manchester, M1 1JG.
6. Last Supper Tattoo Studio
As you can see, Last Supper Tattoo Studio isn’t afraid to go big. In fact, many of the designs created here are massive and colourful, not to mention the amazing cover-ups they do. The studio specialises in huge, intricate designs that often take hours, if not days over a few sessions, so you know where to go in Manchester if you’re after a significant tattoo. You’ll most definitely be in safe hands, and fans of the studio are extremely positive about their experiences, so see for yourself and book in here.
📍First Floor, The Department Store, 5 Oak St, Manchester, M4 5JD.
7. Swan St Tattoo
With a whole host of amazing artists based at the bright and airy studio, Swan St. Tattoo is widely loved and extremely professional. The studio set out to be a private studio of just two artists, but has grown to be a team of seven that are constantly booked up due to their stellar reputation. Styles range massively depending on the artist, but you’re bound to be in incredible hands as tattoos are seemingly done on any part of the body – including the skull! See more designs and find out more about each artist here.
📍Third Floor, Swan Buildings, 20 Swan St, Manchester, M4 5JW.
8. Bloom Street Tattoo Studio
Specialising in black and white line drawings, Bloom Street Tattoo Studio is an extremely convenient location to get an amazing tattoo. Inks are cute, retro and lovingly created, and bookings are run on an individual basis with potential clients asked to book in with artists directly. There is often also flash available as and when, so do keep up to date and research the artists here.
📍First Floor, 61 Bloom St, Manchester, M1 3LY.
9. Rain City Tattoo Collective
The aptly named Rain City Tattoo Collective functions on an artist-direct basis, with several resident artists based at the studio providing different styles and ways of working. Styles range from colourful flash to traditional floral work and and wildlife, with much more justice done to the variety through photos. Walk-ins are available everyday and the collective artists can be found on the Rain City Tattoo Collective social media.
📍16 Nicholas St, Manchester, M1 4EJ.
10. The Lucky Pig Tattoo
The Lucky Pig is a fresh new tattoo studio surrounded by other bustling businesses in Pollard Yard, Ancoats. Given the name, The Lucky Pig artists of course do a lovely job of tattooing traditional, often Oriental designs, but are incredible at everything they do. Think flash-style, cheeky designs that’ll make you smile, alongside more traditional, dainty linework, amongst a whole host of other specialisms. The four artists that make up The Lucky Pig are extremely passionate, and the studio fits right into this quirky part of town. You can see for yourself on their social media, and luckily Pollard Yard is only a short tram ride away, or even walk, from Piccadilly.
📍Unit 148, Pollard Yard, 15 Pollard St, Manchester, M40 7QX.
11. Salford Tattoos
Salford Tattoos brings up the rear for the ‘Other City’, boasting a shiny new studio at Vimto Gardens on Chapel Street. Custom tattoos are the name of the game, meaning clients are very much invited to come with their own ideas and work with some of the amazing artists to create something special. Most of the designs done at Salford Tattoos consists of linework and delicate techniques such as dot shading, but of course all can be discussed at the lovely studio. See more here.
📍Unit 3, Vimto Gardens, Salford, M3 5JF.
12. Rambo’s Tattoo Parlour
Rambo’s is a Manchester institution to say the least. The city’s oldest running tattoo parlour, customers have been getting tattooed there for more than four decades. And while Rambo himself is tired, the legacy of the shop is being carried on by Dan Allen and Stephen Byrne.
📍42 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF.