Manchester visitor guide
The O2 Apollo is on Stockport Road in Ardwick, about a mile and a half south of the city centre. Manchester itself is full of museums, music venues and places to eat, and the centre is compact and well-served by trams.
Hannah Fry plays O2 Apollo on 21–22 Oct 2027. Here is what to see, where to eat and where to stay.
Things to do near O2 Apollo
- Science and Industry Museum — Free museum on the site of the world's first inter-city railway station. Fitting for a maths and science show.
- Manchester Art Gallery — Free gallery in the city centre with Pre-Raphaelite and contemporary art.
- John Rylands Library — A neo-Gothic library on Deansgate housing rare books and manuscripts, free entry.
- Northern Quarter — Manchester's creative quarter, full of independent shops, cafés, bars and street art.
- Whitworth Art Gallery — A gallery set in a park, run by the University of Manchester. Free entry.
- Castlefield — A conservation area around Roman ruins, Victorian viaducts and canal basins.
- HOME — A contemporary arts centre on First Street with cinema, theatre and gallery spaces.
Source: Visit Manchester. Check each attraction for current opening times before you visit.
Places to eat near O2 Apollo
These areas are recommended by Visit Manchester. We do not rate or review individual restaurants; check availability and menus directly.
- Northern Quarter — Independent restaurants and street food spots; one of the most popular eating areas in the city.
- Deansgate and Spinningfields — Restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining in the western centre.
- Curry Mile (Wilmslow Road) — A famous stretch of South Asian restaurants in Rusholme, on the way to the O2 Apollo from the centre.
- Ancoats — A regenerated area east of the Northern Quarter with a growing restaurant scene.
Where to stay
The city centre and Northern Quarter are the best base: well-connected by tram and bus, and full of places to eat. The O2 Apollo is in Ardwick, a short taxi or bus ride south of Piccadilly.
How long to allow
Manchester has plenty to fill a weekend. If you are coming for the show only, a day trip from most northern cities is practical. An overnight stay lets you explore the museums and Northern Quarter.
Common questions
What is there to do near O2 Apollo in Manchester?
Manchester has plenty to see. Near O2 Apollo: Science and Industry Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, John Rylands Library and more. See the full list above.
Where should I eat before the show in Manchester?
Popular areas for eating near the venue include Northern Quarter and Deansgate and Spinningfields. We list only areas recommended by the Visit Manchester; check individual restaurants for availability.
Where should I stay for the Hannah Fry show in Manchester?
The city centre and Northern Quarter are the best base: well-connected by tram and bus, and full of places to eat. The O2 Apollo is in Ardwick, a short taxi or bus ride south of Piccadilly.
How long should I allow for a trip to Manchester?
Manchester has plenty to fill a weekend. If you are coming for the show only, a day trip from most northern cities is practical. An overnight stay lets you explore the museums and Northern Quarter.
Related pages
Other city guides
- Birmingham visitor guide
- Nottingham visitor guide
- Leicester visitor guide
- Newcastle visitor guide
- Edinburgh visitor guide
- Cardiff visitor guide
- Bath visitor guide
- Portsmouth visitor guide
- London visitor guide
Information sourced from Visit Manchester. Last checked 2026-10-12. We are not affiliated with any of the attractions or restaurants listed.