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

Near Manchester Opera House, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of theatre performances, art exhibitions, and shopping experiences. A highlight during the festive season is the much-anticipated Christmas pantomime, offering a delightful blend of entertainment for all ages. With its rich cultural scene, the area promises a memorable visit filled with excitement and creativity.

Shopping

Only 186m from the Manchester Opera House, Deansgate Locks offers a vibrant city atmosphere, perfect for family outings. Just 435m away, Affleck's Palace provides a unique market experience with eclectic finds. If you're up for a drive, head to the Trafford Centre, located 2.5km away, for extensive shopping options.

Recreation

Explore Old Trafford, where you can soak up the electric sports atmosphere and perhaps catch a match. Enjoy live music at Manchester Academy, just 1.6km away, or unwind with a round of golf at Northenden Golf Course, perfect for outdoor relaxation and sport amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 62m from the Opera House, where you can solve puzzles and compete in challenges. For adrenaline seekers, the UK Bungee Club offers a heart-pounding 160ft bungee jump, situated 1.2km away. Chill FactorE, 3.1km away, provides indoor skiing fun for all the family.

Nightlife

The nightlife around Manchester Opera House is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at O2 Apollo Manchester, just 621m away, or catch a film at Printworks, 373m away. For more theatrical charm, Manchester Palace Theatre is only 311m away, offering a delightful evening experience.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Opera House

Manchester Opera House is surrounded by a vibrant mix of attractions, including urban parks, charming streets, and historic churches, perfect for those seeking a cultural or family experience. While visiting, be sure to explore the local theatre scene and immerse yourself in the rich offerings of the opera house itself, along with nearby theatres that highlight Manchester’s artistic heritage.

  • Salford Quays: Located 1.2km from the Manchester Opera House, Salford Quays offers a vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Explore the modern architecture, relax by the water, and enjoy cultural hotspots like The Lowry, which features galleries and theatres.
  • AO Arena: Only 435m away, AO Arena is one of the largest indoor arenas in Europe. Experience the electrifying energy of live sports events and concerts, making it a must-visit for thrill-seekers and music lovers alike.
  • Canal Street: Just 373m from the Opera House, Canal Street is the heart of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community. This lively street is lined with vibrant bars, restaurants, and clubs, offering a unique nightlife experience.

Best time to go to Manchester Opera House

The best time to visit Manchester Opera House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 CloudySlightly HighAverage
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 CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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 HighAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

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, February, and August, with Monday being the most affordable day for accommodation. Avoid Saturdays for the best rates. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by filtering for Eco-certified options and sorting by price. Additionally, you can save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package for great rates. Take advantage of Manchester's public transport, which is efficient and economical, or enjoy free activities nearby to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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 tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Manchester Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.