Manchester Opera House

Manchester Opera House
Manchester Opera House


Catch a show at one of the city’s most interesting and charming venues for concerts, musicals and theatre.

See dazzling theater shows, listen to classical music and laugh during a comedy act in the iconic Manchester Opera House. While this much-loved local venue regularly hosts touring concerts, high-rating West End musicals, ballet, children’s shows and Christmas pantomime, opera is in fact rarely performed here. The building has been part of Manchester’s cultural landscape since 1912 and has changed hands numerous times. It has nearly always been a touring theater, but briefly functioned as a bingo hall in the 1980s. Today, the Manchester Opera House remains very popular both for its performances and its architecture.The Opera House is far more intimate than other Manchester podium venues. It was designed by the teacher Sir Albert Edward Richardson, who at the time was an inexperienced architect. He failed to create sufficient room for the large crowds the shows attract. Perhaps he predicted that its cosy, old-fashioned charm would be part of the reason why so many people visit today.Duck into the small foyer and climb the steps of the steeply raked seating to be rewarded with a spectacular view. The auditorium has an immense high-vaulted ceiling and some of the best theater acoustics in the city.Order a drink at one of the bars inside the building or head out for a meal afterwards at one of the surrounding restaurants in this nightlife hot spot. The central location of the Opera House on Oxford Road makes it easily accessible by public transport. The nearby Oxford Road station is serviced by the free Metroshuttle bus, which services city center train stations as well as some car parks and bus stops. Trams and buses stop at St. Peter’s Square, which is just over five minutes’ walk away. If you are driving, pay a fee for a space in the nearby undercover garages.When booking tickets, online or through the box office, keep in mind that the cheaper seats at the rear or top of the rows have poor sightlines, so pay a bit more if you are keen to make the most of your visit.

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Things to do near Manchester Opera House

At Manchester Opera House, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant theatre scene, explore local art, and indulge in shopping nearby. One of the must-do activities is the backstage tour, offering a unique glimpse behind the scenes of this historic venue. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the cultural offerings, there's plenty to experience in and around the Opera House.

Shopping

At Manchester Opera House, enjoy nearby shopping at Deansgate Locks, only 483m away, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Affleck's Palace, 1.1km away, is a quirky market perfect for unique finds. If you're up for a drive, Trafford Centre, 6.4km away, boasts a vast selection of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

At Old Trafford, immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of a premier sports venue, just 3.2km from the Opera House. Enjoy live music at the Manchester Academy, located 1.6km away, or embrace the outdoors and unwind at Northenden Golf Course, 8.0km away, surrounded by lush greenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 161m from Manchester Opera House, where you can tackle challenges and puzzles. For the adrenaline junkies, the UK Bungee Club offers a 160ft jump 3.2km away, while Chill FactorE, 8.0km away, provides indoor skiing fun for all the family.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Manchester Opera House is vibrant and diverse. Just 1.6km away, O2 Apollo Manchester offers a lively atmosphere with cultural performances. Closer, at 805m, the Manchester Palace Theatre presents captivating shows, while Printworks, 966m away, combines cinema with romantic vibes for a perfect night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Opera House

When visiting the Manchester Opera House, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to cultural enthusiasts, families, and urban explorers alike. Discover charming streets, beautiful urban parks, and historic churches, all within reach. Whether you're seeking a rich cultural experience or a leisurely day out, the area surrounding the Opera House offers plenty to see and do for every type of traveller.

  • AO Arena: Experience the electrifying atmosphere of AO Arena, a premier venue for sports and live entertainment. With a capacity of over 21,000, it hosts everything from concerts to sporting events, making it a vibrant hub of activity just 1.1km from the Opera House.
  • Salford Quays: Dive into the lively waterside community of Salford Quays, located 3.2km away. This rejuvenated area boasts modern architecture, shops, and cultural venues, perfect for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront with a city vibe.
  • Deansgate: Just 483m from the Opera House, Deansgate is a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's an ideal spot to soak in the lively urban atmosphere while exploring the heart of Manchester.

Best time to go to Manchester Opera House

The best time to visit Manchester Opera House can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Manchester Opera House falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Manchester Opera House falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manchester Opera House

To save money during your visit to the Manchester Opera House, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February and August, with Monday being the least expensive day for stays. Utilise Expedia's search tools to find affordable hotels and combine your bookings for potential discounts on flights and activities. Additionally, explore the city’s efficient public transport system for budget-friendly travel, and look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manchester Opera House are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manchester Opera House is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Manchester Opera House is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can make some savings by combining your hotel stay at the Manchester Opera House with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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