Opera House Manchester
Historic Manchester theatre hosting world-class musicals, opera, and performances in a stunning early 20th-century venue.
The Opera House Manchester, located at 3 Quay Street, is one of the city's premier performing arts venues. Opened in 1912, this historic theatre boasts a seating capacity of approximately 1,920 across its Stalls, Circle, and Gallery sections. It hosts a wide range of performances including musicals, opera, dance, comedy, and concerts, making it a cultural cornerstone in Manchester's vibrant arts scene.
A brief summary to Opera House Manchester
- 3 Quay St, Manchester, M3 3HP, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- For the best views, choose seats in the mid-front Stalls or mid-front Circle sections.
- Consider upgrading to the Ambassador Lounge for a more relaxed pre-show and interval experience.
- Use the delivered-at-seat service to enjoy drinks and snacks without missing any part of the show.
- Wheelchair accessible seating is available in Circle Row B with adjacent carer seats.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Tram
Take the Manchester Metrolink tram to St. Peter's Square stop, approximately a 7-minute walk from the Opera House. Trams run frequently throughout the day, with tickets costing around £3-£5 for a single journey.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve the city centre near Quay Street, with stops within a 5-10 minute walk. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4 depending on the route and ticket type.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at the venue entrance. Travel times vary by traffic but generally take 10-20 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly station. Expect fares from £6 to £12.
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Walking
If staying nearby in central Manchester, walking to the Opera House is convenient and scenic. The terrain is flat and accessible, with a walk from Piccadilly Gardens taking about 15 minutes.
Opera House Manchester location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Opera House Manchester
A Storied Venue in Manchester's Cultural Heart
The Opera House Manchester first opened its doors on Boxing Day in 1912, originally named The New Theatre. Over the decades, it has undergone several transformations, including a period as a cinema during World War II and later a bingo hall, before reclaiming its identity as a theatre in 1984. Today, it stands as a grand testament to Manchester’s rich theatrical heritage, hosting an eclectic mix of performances from West End musicals to opera and comedy.Architectural Layout and Seating Experience
The theatre accommodates around 1,920 patrons, divided among three primary seating areas: the Stalls, Circle, and Gallery. The Stalls offer over 800 seats with a gentle rake ensuring excellent sightlines, especially in the mid-front rows. The Circle and Gallery, each with over 500 seats, are designed in a horseshoe shape, providing intimate views despite their elevated positions. The Gallery seats from Row C onwards provide clear stage views, although legroom can be limited. The venue also features bars adjacent to the Stalls and at the rear of the Gallery, along with conveniently located restrooms.Programming and Performances
The Opera House Manchester is renowned for a diverse program that includes large-scale musicals, ballet, opera, concerts, and family pantomimes. It regularly attracts high-profile tours and productions, such as the Olivier Award-nominated shows and performances by internationally acclaimed artists. This variety ensures there is something to captivate every theatre enthusiast.Visitor Amenities and Experience Enhancements
Visitors can enhance their experience by accessing the Ambassador Lounge, offering a relaxing pre-show retreat and interval escape. The venue also provides a delivered-at-seat service for drinks and snacks, allowing patrons to enjoy refreshments without missing any part of the performance. The theatre's box office opens 90 minutes before shows, facilitating last-minute ticket purchases.Accessibility and Inclusivity
The Opera House is committed to accessibility, with designated wheelchair seating located in the Circle, Row B, including carer seats adjacent to these spaces. The venue’s layout and services aim to accommodate guests with varying mobility needs, ensuring an inclusive environment.Location and Surroundings
Situated in Manchester’s city centre on Quay Street, the Opera House benefits from proximity to public transport hubs, including the nearby St. Peter's Square tram stop. Its central location places it within easy reach of restaurants, bars, and other cultural attractions, making it a key destination for both locals and visitors seeking a rich live entertainment experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Free Trade Hall
0.3 km
Historic landmark on the Peterloo Massacre site, blending Victorian architecture with a rich legacy of music and political activism.
Mulberry Passage
0.4 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Dalton Entry
0.4 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
Albert Memorial
0.4 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
John Bright Statue
0.4 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Roman Gardens
0.4 km
Discover Manchester’s Roman past through tranquil gardens featuring reconstructed fortifications and ancient pathways in the heart of Castlefield.
Reconstruction of Mamucium Roman Fort Wall
0.4 km
Explore Manchester’s Roman roots at Mamucium, a reconstructed fort showcasing ancient military might and early urban life.
Peterloo Massacre Monument
0.5 km
A powerful stone memorial in Manchester honoring the victims of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the fight for democracy.
Bahnhof Manchester
0.5 km
Manchester Piccadilly Station – Historic gateway and bustling hub connecting Manchester to the UK and beyond.
Remains of eastern wall of the Roman fort
0.5 km
Explore the evocative remains of Mamucium’s eastern wall, a cornerstone of Manchester’s Roman heritage and ancient military might.
Manchester City Council
0.5 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Castlefield historical zone
0.5 km
Explore Castlefield, Manchester’s vibrant urban heritage park where Roman ruins meet industrial canals and lively cultural scenes converge.
St. Peter's Square
0.5 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Rochdale Canal Lock 92
0.6 km
Final lock on the historic Rochdale Canal, linking Manchester’s waterways and embodying two centuries of industrial heritage.
Canada House, Manchester
0.6 km
Discover Canada House, a majestic Grade II listed cotton warehouse in Manchester, embodying the city’s rich industrial heritage and architectural splendor.
Unmissable attractions to see
Saint John's Gardens
0.1 km
A serene urban oasis in Manchester preserving historic churchyard remnants and offering peaceful green space near Deansgate.
Great Northern
0.2 km
A lively blend of historic charm and modern entertainment in Manchester’s premier shopping and leisure plaza.
Albert Hall, Manchester
0.2 km
Historic Wesleyan chapel turned iconic music venue with stunning stained glass and vaulted ceilings in Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
0.2 km
A neo-Gothic architectural gem housing one of the UK’s largest rare book collections and a vibrant research institute in the heart of Manchester.
Alcotraz Manchester: Cell Block Three-Four
0.3 km
Discover the thrilling cocktail experience at Alcotraz Manchester, where immersive storytelling meets masterful mixology in a unique prison-themed bar.
Science and Industry Museum
0.3 km
Explore 250 years of innovation and industrial heritage at Manchester’s historic Science and Industry Museum, housed in the world’s oldest passenger railway station.
Abraham Lincoln Statue
0.3 km
A powerful bronze tribute in Manchester honoring Abraham Lincoln and the city’s courageous support for abolition during the American Civil War.
People's History Museum
0.3 km
Britain's national museum of democracy, celebrating radical stories of people fighting for a fairer world.
Upper Campfield Market Hall
0.3 km
Historic Victorian market hall in Manchester’s Castlefield, now a vibrant artisan market and creative hub blending heritage with modern innovation.
Mural - Peterloo.
0.3 km
A vivid street art mural in Manchester commemorating the 1819 Peterloo Massacre and the enduring fight for democracy.
The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
0.3 km
Dive into the ultimate immersive adventure inspired by the iconic 90s TV show, where teamwork and fun collide in Manchester’s thrilling Crystal Maze LIVE Experience.
St Mary's RC Church
0.4 km
Discover St Mary's RC Church, Manchester's historic 'Hidden Gem' blending Victorian artistry and deep Catholic heritage since 1794.
Beetham Tower
0.4 km
Manchester’s tallest skyscraper outside London, Beetham Tower combines luxury living, stunning views, and bold modern architecture in the heart of the city.
Castlefield Urban Heritage Park
0.4 km
Explore Manchester’s historic heart where Roman ruins, scenic canals, and vibrant culture converge in the UK’s first Urban Heritage Park.
Albert Square
0.4 km
Manchester’s grand civic heart, framed by Gothic spires and alive with markets, monuments, and city life.
Essential places to dine
20 Stories
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from 20 Stories, a glamorous rooftop restaurant blending Modern European cuisine with stunning city views.
Hawksmoor Manchester
0.1 km
Experience exquisite British steaks and seafood in a historic Victorian courthouse with impeccable service and elegant private dining.
Bill's Spinningfields Restaurant
0.1 km
Cozy British dining with eclectic charm and seasonal flavors in Manchester’s lively Spinningfields district.
Tattu Manchester
0.2 km
Modern Chinese cuisine and theatrical design in Manchester's Spinningfields district.
Italiana Fifty Five Great Northern
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in Manchester’s stylish Great Northern Warehouse setting.
Gusto Italian
0.2 km
Experience elegant Italian dining in Manchester’s historic Elliot House, where 1920s charm meets fresh, contemporary cuisine.
Australasia
0.2 km
Stylish Pan-Asian dining in Manchester’s Spinningfields with vibrant flavors, chic design, and a lively atmosphere for special occasions.
Almost Famous GN
0.2 km
A lively Manchester burger bar serving bold, indulgent American-style burgers with loaded fries in a vibrant, casual setting.
Albert's Schloss - Manchester
0.2 km
A lively Bavarian-inspired beer hall in Manchester blending hearty food, live music, and vibrant nightlife in a unique social setting.
Masons
0.2 km
Elegant Modern British dining with art deco charm and a refreshingly simple menu philosophy.
Another hand
0.2 km
An intimate modern British restaurant in Manchester’s Deansgate Mews, celebrated for inventive seasonal dishes and natural wines.
James Martin Manchester
0.3 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in an elegant casino setting, where seasonal ingredients and expert service create a memorable Manchester dining destination.
Evuna Deansgate
0.3 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and award-winning wines in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Deansgate district.
Dimitri's - Tapas Meze Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Greek tapas and meze in Manchester’s lively Deansgate district, perfect for sharing and savoring Mediterranean flavors.
Don Marco
0.3 km
Contemporary Italian dining with warm service and fresh flavors in Manchester’s lively Campfield Arcade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
TVSeriesJackets
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Explore TVSeriesJackets in Manchester, where iconic TV show jackets come to life, blending style with your favorite characters' adventures.
Catch my Thrift
0.3 km
Sustainable designer vintage at £25 and under – Manchester's thrift haven for slow fashion lovers in the city centre.
Science and Industry Museum Shop
0.3 km
Discover science-infused souvenirs in the heart of Manchester's industrial birthplace, where history meets hands-on innovation at the Science and Industry Museum Shop.
Manchester Souvenirs Gifts & Presents Geek Elf Elux Bars Luggage storage locker
0.3 km
Authentic Manchester souvenirs and gifts with local charm, plus convenient luggage storage in the heart of Deansgate.
Pulse
0.5 km
Discover unique local treasures and artistic gifts in the heart of Manchester’s historic St Anne’s Square at Pulse.
Søstrene Grene
0.6 km
Discover Danish-inspired creativity and cozy home treasures in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Branded Like A Boss
0.7 km
Discover Manchester's spirited souvenirs and artisan crafts at this vibrant Owen Street gift shop, blending trendy flair with local soul.
ItsFetch
0.7 km
Unleash your fashion potential at ItsFetch, a stylish accessories shop in Manchester, featuring unique pieces for every trendsetter.
Deansgate Square General Store
0.7 km
Futuristic cornershop at Deansgate Square's base: craft coffee, local brews, zero-waste refills, and artisanal bites amid Manchester's iconic towers.
Curvilicious Clothing
0.7 km
Empowering plus-size style in Manchester's beating heart: Curvilicious Clothing celebrates curves with trendy, authentic fashion on Owen Street.
Rams Gift World
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and local crafts at Rams Gift World, Manchester’s vibrant and eclectic souvenir shop on Market Street.
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
0.7 km
A vibrant Chinese art and craft gallery in Manchester’s Chinatown, showcasing handcrafted treasures and cultural heritage in a warm, welcoming space.
INFINITE RUNNING
0.7 km
Elevate your run with Infinite Running's premium gear: sleek half tights, breathable singlets, and weather-ready layers for Manchester's relentless athletes.
Stare Society
0.8 km
Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.8 km
Discover playful Danish design and quirky everyday essentials at Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant Market Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Blues Kitchen Manchester
0.1 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue, soulful live music, and vibrant vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields.
The Alchemist Spinningfields
0.1 km
Innovative cocktails and contemporary dining in Manchester’s vibrant Spinningfields district, blending theatrical flair with a lively social scene.
Speak In Code
0.3 km
Discover Speak In Code, Manchester’s innovative cocktail bar blending artisanal mixology, sustainable practices, and a uniquely immersive atmosphere.
The Gas Lamp
0.3 km
Discover Manchester’s atmospheric basement pub with a rich history, exceptional craft beers, and a cozy, characterful vibe beneath Bridge Street.
MOJO
0.3 km
Eclectic cocktail bar in Manchester’s heart, blending creative drinks with a lively, urban nightlife vibe.
Three Little Words
0.3 km
A stylish gin distillery and cocktail bar under historic arches, blending craft cocktails, seasonal food, and immersive experiences in Manchester’s heart.
cask
0.3 km
Authentic Manchester pub pouring cask ales amid Castlefield's historic canals and warehouses—timeless brews in a revolutionary setting.
Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
0.3 km
Vibrant cocktail bar and restaurant in Manchester’s Albert Square, perfect for lively brunches, evening drinks, and social celebrations.
Arcane
0.4 km
Discover Arcane, a cozy Victorian-inspired cocktail bar in Manchester’s city centre, blending inventive drinks with a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
Cloud 23
0.4 km
Experience Manchester’s skyline from the stylish 23rd-floor cocktail bar with innovative drinks and panoramic city views.
The Deansgate
0.4 km
Historic Deansgate pub revived with cask ales, hearty eats, rooftop terraces, and Manchester buzz—perfect pit stop since the 18th century.
Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
0.5 km
Dive into Salt Dog Slim's Manchester for bold cocktails, American-style hot dogs, and a vibrant nightlife experience in the heart of the city.
Lock 91
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Historic charm meets inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Lock 91, a versatile bar and events venue beneath the city’s Metrolink station.
Atlas Bar
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Discover Manchester’s iconic gin bar with 570+ gins, award-winning service, and a year-round heated terrace in the heart of Deansgate.
The Britons Protection
0.5 km
Historic Manchester pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and welcoming community spirit.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
History Nightclub
0.1 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
42's
0.1 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
Royal Vida Night Club
0.2 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
Venue Nightclub
0.2 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
Club Liv Manchester
0.3 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Ark Manchester
0.5 km
Multi-room beats and canal-side cocktails fuel Manchester's electric Deansgate Locks nightlife at Ark—dance, drink, repeat till dawn.
Popworld Manchester
0.5 km
Dance to cheesy pop anthems amid neon lights and poptail cocktails in Manchester's ultimate throwback nightclub.
Bliss Club Manchester
0.5 km
Experience Manchester’s authentic late-night vibe at Bliss Club, where music and local energy blend into a spirited urban nightlife hub.
Viva Manchester
0.8 km
Compact stage-driven nightclub on Whitworth Street West — theatrical themed nights, DJ sets and group-friendly table service.
Satans Hollow
0.8 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Bijou Club
0.9 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Kable
0.9 km
A compact, late‑night basement club on New Wakefield Street, favoured for punchy electronic nights and close‑up DJ sessions.
Cargo
0.9 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Club Tropicana
1.0 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
The Cockatoo Club
1.0 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife at The Cockatoo Club in Manchester, where vibrant cabaret performances meet an unforgettable atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
