Royal Opera House Tours

Royal Opera House featuring a bar, heritage elements and interior views
Royal Opera House which includes interior views and modern architecture
Royal Opera House which includes interior views and modern architecture
Royal Opera House showing art, interior views and heritage elements
Royal Opera House which includes heritage elements, a statue or sculpture and interior views


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

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
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
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
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
The Hoxton Holborn

The Hoxton Holborn

4 out of 5
199 - 206 High Holborn, London, England
The Hoxton Holborn
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
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
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street

4 out of 5
20 Mercer Street, Covent Garden, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street
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

Near the Royal Opera House, visitors can enjoy a vibrant theater scene, excellent shopping, and a range of entertainment options. Don't miss exploring the bustling Muttrah Souq for unique finds, and be sure to peek out at iconic London sights. This area offers an exciting blend of culture and leisure, making it a perfect spot for tourists to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.

Food and drinks

Enjoy a romantic meal at Kensington Roof Gardens, located 3 miles from the Royal Opera House. For a unique experience, visit Beefeater Gin Distillery, 2 miles away, or Fuller’s Griffin Brewery, 6 miles away, both offering great vibes and local flavor.

Shopping

The nearest shopping option is Borough Market, just 1 mile away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with local foods and crafts. Harrods is 2 miles away, featuring luxury goods. If you're up for a drive, Westfield London Shopping Centre, 4 miles away, boasts a wide range of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports venue 5 miles from the Royal Opera House, offers exhilarating events and lively energy. For relaxation, visit Hampstead Heath, 4 miles away, where you can unwind amid expansive greenery. If luxury is your preference, the prestigious Wimbledon Tennis Club, 7 miles away, provides an upscale retreat.

Adventure

At Mercedes-Benz World, 19 miles from the Royal Opera House, experience the thrill of motor racing with high-speed driving experiences. The Castle Climbing Centre, located 4 miles away, offers exhilarating outdoor climbing adventures. For karting enthusiasts, Oasis Go-Kart Track, just 3 miles away, promises an adrenaline-pumping race experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Royal Opera House is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the London Eye, just 0.7 miles away, or immerse yourself in the culture at London Palladium Theatre, 0.8 miles away. For a thrilling experience, visit Genting Casino Chinatown, only 0.4 miles away.

Find the best attractions near Royal Opera House

When visiting the Royal Opera House in London, explore nearby attractions like Covent Garden and the historic Tower of London. Enjoy the rich culture with performances at the Royal Opera House or a show at the Palace Theatre. For a breath of fresh air, stroll through urban parks in the area, making it a perfect family-friendly destination filled with history and vibrant city life.

  • Hyde Park: This expansive urban park offers a tranquil escape in the heart of London. Enjoy lush green spaces, picturesque lakes, and vibrant flower beds. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or outdoor activities like cycling and boating.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere, Piccadilly Circus is a lively intersection that embodies the city's energy. It's a great place for people-watching, surrounded by shops, theaters, and restaurants, making it a central hub of entertainment.
  • Buckingham Palace: As the official residence of the British monarch, this historic palace is a must-see for its stunning architecture and rich history. Don’t miss the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, offering a glimpse into British royal traditions.

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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Opera House

Visiting the Royal Opera House can be budget-friendly with some savvy planning. Explore nearby free attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben. For accommodations, consider January to February and November for lower rates, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Check Expedia for last-minute hotel offers and customize your search for the best prices. Combining your hotel stay with flights can yield additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and potential cashback on future bookings, making your trip more economical.

  • 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 February and November, 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: Booking a hotel around Royal Opera House about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Royal Opera House with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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