Royal Opera House Tours and Activities

Royal Opera House showing interior views, a bar and heritage elements
Royal Opera House featuring 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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Top Royal Opera House Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
Middle Eight - Covent Garden - Preferred Hotels and Resorts

Middle Eight - Covent Garden - Preferred Hotels and Resorts

5 out of 5
66 Great Queen St, Covent Garden, London, England
Middle Eight - Covent Garden - Preferred Hotels and Resorts
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Z Hotel Strand

The Z Hotel Strand

3 out of 5
Heathcock Court, 415 Strand, London, England
The Z Hotel Strand
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

4 out of 5
97 Great Russell Street, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road
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

At the Royal Opera House, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of theatre and art. Enjoy a variety of operas and take part in an exciting backstage tour to discover the secrets behind the scenes. Guided theatre tours offer insights into the building's rich history, while nearby shopping and dining options enhance your visit. Experience the unique atmosphere that makes the Royal Opera House a must-see destination in London.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots to the Royal Opera House include Borough Market and Selfridges, both 1.6km away, offering vibrant city vibes. Brunswick Centre is even closer at 1.3km, perfect for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, head to other malls further afield for more options.

Recreation

O2 Arena, a vibrant sports stadium 8.0km from the Royal Opera House, offers an energetic atmosphere. For a tranquil retreat, visit Hampstead Heath, located 6.4km away, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Experience live entertainment at ABBA Arena, also 8.0km away, for a lively night out.

Adventure

At the Royal Opera House, embark on an exhilarating adventure at Vertical Chill, a thrilling climbing venue merely 161m away. For a unique experience, hop on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 9.7km away, offering stunning views. Don't miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 4.8km away, for adrenaline-pumping karting fun.

Nightlife

The Royal Opera House area buzzes with nightlife, featuring the Dominion Theatre, 644m away, and the Lyceum and Savoy Theatres, both 322m away. Each venue offers a blend of entertainment and culture, perfect for a romantic night out or a family-friendly experience.

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

Find the best attractions near Royal Opera House

When visiting the Royal Opera House in London, you'll find a vibrant mix of attractions nearby, including charming streets, lively piazzas, and urban parks. This area caters to culture lovers, families, and city explorers alike. Don't miss the chance to experience performances at the renowned venue, and immerse yourself in the rich artistic atmosphere of the Royal Opera House. It's a perfect spot for a memorable cultural getaway in the heart of London.

  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower is a symbol of London, standing tall at 1.4km from the Royal Opera House. Its striking Gothic architecture and the rhythmic chime resonate with the vibrant culture of the city, making it a must-see attraction.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Located 966m away, this bustling street is famous for its neon lights and lively atmosphere. It serves as a central hub for entertainment and shopping, embodying the energetic vibes of London.
  • Buckingham Palace: Situated 1.6km from the Royal Opera House, this historic palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Its grandeur and rich history offer a glimpse into royal culture, making it a spectacular sight for visitors.

Best time to go to Royal Opera House

The best time to visit Royal Opera House is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 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 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 travelling between January and March for the best hotel rates. Book your accommodation a month in advance and aim for Sunday stays, as they tend to be cheaper. Use Expedia's tools to find budget-friendly options and package deals that combine flights and activities. Take advantage of last-minute deals for spontaneous trips, and explore free activities in the area. Lastly, check for eco-friendly hotel options to support sustainability while saving some dollars.

  • 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, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display the lowest prices first, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down 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 dollars by combining your Royal Opera House hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.