Royal Opera House Tours and Activities

Royal Opera House featuring heritage elements, interior views and a bar
Royal Opera House showing modern architecture and interior views
Royal Opera House featuring modern architecture and interior views
Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House


Marvel at the graceful movements of the ballerinas on stage and hear the sweet music of the orchestra in a theater that has been popular since the 1700s.

The Royal Opera House is a theater of world renown in the heart of London, where the troupes of the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet often grace the stage. With its six imposing columns and strong pediment, the current 19th-century building is a wonder to behold. Take a look around the structure for free in the afternoon for a sense of its majesty.

Today’s theater stems from tumultuous origins, this being the building’s third incarnation. Fires in 1808 and 1856 destroyed the formers sites, the first of which was constructed in 1732.

Book a guided tour in advance for a detailed understanding of the opera house, its history and its shows. Stop for lunch or hot drinks and snacks at the Amphitheatre Restaurant. Its terrace offers an excellent vista of the Covent Garden Piazza.

Ballet and opera are among the upscale events that regularly take place here. Listen to the collective sound of the myriad performers that make up the Royal Opera House Orchestra. Red seats pack the auditorium, which is flanked by golden balconies and a flurry of lights. Its main gallery and four tiers of balconies and boxes combine to seat 2,256 people.

Browse the array of items on sale at the Royal Opera House Shop, where you’ll find DVD box sets, books and recordings relating to the opera. Inspect the Young Dancer statue by Italian-born sculptor Enzo Plazzotta in front of the theater’s majestic façade. It depicts a ballerina preparing to dance.

Book tickets Monday through Saturday from morning to evening at the box office near the main building.

Find the Royal Opera House in the Covent Garden area, a little west of central London. Arrive at the Covent Garden stop of the London Underground and walk east for a few minutes to get here. See other nearby attractions such as the London Film Museum, the Lyceum Theatre and the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Opera House

Strand Palace Hotel

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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

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The Z Hotel Holborn

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Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

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Sea Containers London

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3 out of 5
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Middle Eight - Covent Garden - Preferred Hotels and Resorts

Middle Eight - Covent Garden - Preferred Hotels and Resorts

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The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

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The Z Hotel Trafalgar

The Z Hotel Trafalgar

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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.

Things to do near Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House in London offers a captivating blend of activities including opera performances and exciting backstage tours. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of theatre, explore the vibrant shopping scene, and enjoy diverse entertainment options nearby. Whether you're attending a stunning opera or experiencing the thrill of a backstage tour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this cultural landmark.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant shopping scene near the Royal Opera House. Visit Borough Market for a local vibe, only 1.6km away, or head to Selfridges, also 1.6km from the opera house. For family-friendly fun, explore Brunswick Centre, located 1.3km away.

Recreation

Experience exhilarating events at the O2 Arena, a premier sports venue that energises your spirit. For a tranquil retreat, head to Hampstead Heath, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty. Enjoy vibrant performances at the ABBA Arena, immersing yourself in entertainment and joy.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a remarkable cable car gondola 9.7km away, offering spectacular views. For a more hands-on adventure, try Vertical Chill, a climbing venue located 0.1.6km away, or zoom around the Oasis Go-Kart Track, which is 4.8km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Royal Opera House is vibrant and enchanting. Enjoy a show at the Dominion Theatre, just 644m away, or immerse yourself in the charm of the Savoy and Lyceum Theatres, both 322m away, each offering a delightful blend of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Royal Opera House

When visiting the Royal Opera House in London, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Discover the vibrant streets and charming piazzas nearby, or relax in urban parks. For theatre lovers, the renowned Theatre Royal and the broader London Theatreland offer fantastic performances. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural experiences available in this iconic area.

  • Piccadilly Circus: Experience the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus, a bustling street famous for its neon lights and lively atmosphere. This iconic location serves as a hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a perfect spot to soak in the essence of London.
  • Buckingham Palace: Discover the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. With its stunning architecture and rich history, you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, immersing yourself in British culture and tradition.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at the iconic clock tower, Big Ben, a symbol of London. Its impressive Gothic architecture and chimes are a must-see, providing a picturesque backdrop for photos while reflecting the city's historic charm.

Best time to go to Royal Opera House

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

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Opera House

When visiting the Royal Opera House in London, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, and Big Ben. For budget accommodation, plan your trip between January and March when prices are lower, and book about a month in advance for the best rates. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to compare room rates and filter by budget, and consider package deals to save on flights and activities. Don't forget to look for last-minute deals for spontaneous savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Opera House are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Opera House about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Opera House is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Opera House is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Royal Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.