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 theatre that has been popular since the 1700s.

The Royal Opera House is a theatre 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 theatre 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 theatre’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

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Royal National Hotel

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3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
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Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

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The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

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Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

4 out of 5
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Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 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 Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

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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

When visiting the Royal Opera House in London, immerse yourself in exceptional activities like attending an opera performance or taking a guided theatre tour. Explore nearby attractions, including the Utopia Spa for relaxation and a variety of shopping options to enjoy. The vibrant arts scene enhances your experience, making it a must-visit destination for entertainment and culture enthusiasts.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping near the Royal Opera House with Borough Market and Selfridges, both 1.6km away, offering a mix of local foods and luxury goods. For a family-friendly vibe, visit Brunswick Centre, located 1.3km away. If you're up for a drive, check out larger malls further afield.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, 8.0km from the Royal Opera House, buzzes with sports energy perfect for active visitors. Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, invites relaxation amidst nature, ideal for unwinding. Meanwhile, the ABBA Arena, also 8.0km distant, offers a lively entertainment experience to enhance your stay.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Vertical Chill, a climbing venue located 161m from the Royal Opera House, perfect for adventure seekers. For a unique view of the city, try the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, 9.7km away, or race at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, situated 4.8km away.

Nightlife

In the Royal Opera House area, experience vibrant nightlife at the Dominion Theatre, just 644m away, with its cultural and family-friendly atmosphere. The Savoy Theatre, a mere 322m away, offers a romantic entertainment vibe, while the Sondheim Theatre, located 805m away, continues the tradition of captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Opera House

If you're visiting the Royal Opera House in London, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions nearby, including charming streets, lively piazzas, and lovely urban parks. Engage with the local culture through experiences like the Royal Orchestra and the Royal Ballet, or catch a performance at the historic Theatre Royal. There’s plenty to explore for families and culture enthusiasts alike, making it a perfect destination for an enriching vacation.

  • Piccadilly Circus: A vibrant hub in the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus is famous for its bright neon lights and bustling atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to soak in the city's energy, surrounded by shops and theatres, making it an ideal starting point for your London adventure.
  • Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit for its rich history and stunning architecture. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the beautiful gardens that embody the grandeur of British culture.
  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower, officially known as the Elizabeth Tower, is a symbol of London's heritage. Standing tall beside the Houses of Parliament, it offers a picturesque view and represents the city's blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy.

Best time to go to Royal Opera House

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
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 RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
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

To save on your visit to the Royal Opera House, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March when hotel prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best deals, and aim for Sunday nights, which are typically cheaper. Use Expedia's search tool to find affordable accommodations by filtering for budget options and eco-certified hotels. For added savings, bundle your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package deal. Lastly, keep an eye out for last-minute deals for spontaneous travel 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 May to July, 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Opera House is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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