Manchester Opera House Tours and Activities

Manchester Opera House


Take in a musical or some theatre at the city’s most charming performing arts venue.

The iconic Manchester Opera House hosts a wide variety of different performances, from musical theatre to comedy to classical music. Catch the latest top hit from London’s West End, some graceful ballet, an entertaining children’s theatre show or the crowd-pleasing Christmas pantomime.

Opened in 1912, the much-loved opera house has been under several different owners and directors over the last century. There was even one point in the 1980s when it was used as a very fancy bingo hall! The Manchester Opera House holds a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents, both for its beautiful architecture and the shows it hosts.

What sets the Opera House apart from other performance venues in Manchester is its cosy, old-world feel and intimate charm. Designed by Sir Albert Edward Richardson, who was an inexperienced architect at the time, the venue doesn’t have quite enough room for the large crowds that the shows draw here, although you can argue that that just adds to its unique charm.

With some of the best theatre acoustics in the city, the auditorium’s high-vaulted ceiling means visitors are rewarded with a wonderful view after climbing the steep stairs alongside the seating area.

Grab a drink at one of the building’s bars before the show starts, and when the show is over, enjoy a tasty meal at one of the many good restaurants in the immediate vicinity.

The Opera House is located on Oxford Road, and its central location means that it’s easily reached via public transport. You can hop on the free Metroshuttle bus to nearby Oxford Road station, or take a tram or bus to St. Peter’s Square and then walk the rest of the way. If you want to bring the car, then head to the paid multi-storey car parks nearby.

Always book your tickets in advance, either through the box office or online. Bear in mind that the cheaper seats are towards the back of the theatre and don’t offer the best views.

Popular places to visit


Top Manchester Opera House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Britannia Hotel Manchester
Britannia Hotel Manchester
3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
Britannia Sachas Hotel
Britannia Sachas Hotel
3 out of 5
Tib Street, Back Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Britannia Sachas Hotel
voco Manchester City Centre, an IHG Hotel
voco Manchester City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
59 Portland St, Manchester, England
voco Manchester City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Oxford Street, Manchester, England
Kimpton Clocktower, an IHG Hotel
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
4 out of 5
Charles Street, Manchester, England
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
5 out of 5
Free Trade Hall Peter Street, Manchester, England
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Motel One Manchester Piccadilly
Motel One Manchester Piccadilly
3.5 out of 5
34 London Road, Piccadilly, Manchester, England
Motel One Manchester Piccadilly
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
4 out of 5
3 Dickinson Street, Manchester, England
Wilde Aparthotels, Manchester, St. Peter’s Square
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.