London’s Royal Opera House (ROH) is the home of the UK’s opera and ballet scenes. Operatic performances have been enjoyed on its Covent Garden site since 1732 (over 260 years ago!).
Formerly known as the Covent Garden Opera Company, the Opera House was awarded a Royal Charter in 1968 for its world-leading performances. The Opera House’s impressive main auditorium was built in 1985, and it is the third largest in London, seating 2,256 people.
Thinking of heading to the Royal Opera House for a show? Our guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip.
Where is the Royal Opera House?
The Royal Opera House is located in Covent Garden in London’s West End, at the heart of Theatreland.
The Royal Opera House address is Bow Street, London, WC2E 9DD.
How to get to the Royal Opera House
Getting to central London by car is never easy, so public transport is your best bet. South Western Railway services take you directly to London Waterloo. It’s a 20-minute stroll over Waterloo Bridge or a 10-minute bus ride from the station.
Travelling by train
With South Western Railway services, you could save time and money if you live near Woking, Basingstoke, Guildford, Winchester or Southampton Central.
Find the right ticket for you by browsing our range of ticket types and discover cheap train tickets by booking early and travelling off-peak. You could pay even less if you’re eligible for Railcards and discounts.
Travelling with friends and family? Check out GroupSave for more great savings. Travel on any train after 19:00 with our new flexible Evening Out ticket.
Travelling within London
Live in the outer zones of Surbiton, Wimbledon, Staines, Earlsfield, Putney or Rayes Park? Hop on the train directly to London Waterloo. Then enjoy seamless travel within London using a London Travelcard, Oyster card or contactless payments.
Things to do at the Royal Opera House
It’s not just opera and ballet fanatics that can enjoy the Royal Opera House. It’s a cultural institution, and tours can take you on a deep dive behind the scenes and into its history.
1. Buy tickets to a show
Tickets are available online and through the box office via phone or email. Prices vary (£9-£200+!), and booking in advance can help save money. You’ll have ample time to choose your favourite performance as tickets typically appear online a few months before the event.
Looking for last-minute tickets? Join the Friday Rush! At 1pm weekly, 49 last-minute tickets are released online for performances on the main stage the following week. Up to two Friday Rush tickets are available per performance at various prices.
The Opera House’s Young ROH scheme offers concessionary tickets £30 tickets on select performances and exclusive Young ROH nights for those aged 16-25. Or, check out the ROH’s Young Friend scheme (ages 16-30). For £5.83 a month, you’ll get even more deals plus access to exclusive events.
Browse upcoming events and book now via the ticketing site.
You can’t beat the greats! But it’s not all Gershwin and Wagner at the Opera House. The main stage of its impressive four-tiered auditorium showcases a diverse range of musical and theatrical experiences.
From the psychological drama of Guiseppe Verdi’s La Forza Del Destino
to the witty comedy of Laurent Pelly’s L’elisir d’amore, there’s something for everyone at the ROH. It stages contemporary tales of grief, such as Picture a Day Like This, and timeless classics, such as Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
3. Take a tour
Book a guided tour to learn more about the rich heritage of the Royal Opera House and the history of London’s opera scene. Pull the curtain back with a behind-the-scenes theatre tour or delve into the stories of the people who made the Opera House what it is today with a historical tour.
Recent tours have included a walking tour of Covent Garden exploring the links between crime and theatre with Bow Street Police Museum and a theatre tour highlighting the impact of LGBTQ+ icons in opera and ballet.
Tours typically last just over an hour, and prices range from £10 to £20.
For more information, visit the Royal Opera House website.
4. See The Royal Ballet
Opera gives the ROH its name, but it’s by no means the only art performed on the main stage. The Royal Ballet is one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Often partnering with international or regional companies, like the Australian Ballet or the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Royal Ballet brings spectacular dance performances to the Opera House.
Standout shows from the past include an adaptation of Miguel de Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote and a 50th-anniversary performance of George Balanchine’s masterpiece, Jewels.
5. Visit in Cinema Season
Since 2008, the Royal Opera House Cinema has brought its main stage performances to cinema screens worldwide – and it’s getting bigger and better every year!
During Cinema Season, shows at the ROH are projected in over 1,500 cinemas globally. The season typically starts in September and runs through June the following year, bringing the best of the Opera House to the big screen internationally.
ROH Cinema breathes new life into the works of diverse artists, from Shakespeare to Sting, through live performances.
Things to do near the Royal Opera House
In the bustling hub of Covent Garden, there are plenty of things to do near the Royal Opera House while you wait for the show.
1. Shop ‘til you drop at Covent Garden
While in Covent Garden, why not treat yourself to some retail therapy? Browse the best high-end and high-street brands all in one place, one of the best shopping spots in London.
2. Admire the art at the National Gallery
What better way to explore London than through its museums? They’re in no short supply in the West End. The National Gallery is a stone’s throw from the ROH and completely free to visit.
Marvel at masterpieces by van Gogh and Michelangelo before heading to the show. Visiting The National Gallery is one of the best free things to do in London, and it’s even better if you can catch one of the city’s best exhibitions.
3. Grab a bite at Seven Dials Market
Hungry? Seven Dials Market is just around the corner from the Royal Opera House, an indoor food market with stalls operated by independent businesses showcasing some of the world’s best street food.
If you like food markets, treat your tastebuds at some of the other best food markets in London.
Tips for enjoying the Royal Opera House
Visiting the Royal Opera House is bound to be a breeze – but guarantee your day goes without a hitch with our tips for the best experience:
- The Royal Opera House opens at 12:00 daily and closes after evening performances.
- Complimentary cloakrooms are available for audiences and tour ticket holders, but avoid bringing large bags where possible. Pushchairs and e-scooters cannot be stored in the cloakroom.
- Bring a reusable bottle for free refills at one of many water stations.
What to wear to the Royal Opera House
There is no formal dress code for the Royal Opera House, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Food and drink at the Royal Opera House
Opera’s no fun on an empty stomach! Thankfully, there are several restaurants onsite.
On the 5th floor, Piazza Restaurant is a stylish casual dining restaurant serving a seasonal menu with specials inspired by the week’s best produce. Ask for a seat on the weather-proof terrace for light bites and views over Covent Garden, whatever the weather.
Looking for somewhere fancy? Try Balconies Restaurant in the grand surroundings of Paul Hamlyn Hall. Balconies serves ROH ticket holders only, and booking is required. Order ahead and enjoy a fine three-course meal in ample time for the show.
The Hall’s lower floor is a champagne bar open to all, serving sharing plates and, of course, lots of bubbly! The Dorfman and Linbury Bar are also open for drinks before and after performances, ideal for meeting friends to chat about the show.
Places to stay near the Royal Opera House
Looking for an overnight stay nearby? You’re in luck! There are loads of fantastic hotels near the Royal Opera House.
Those looking to save should consider Travelodge London Covent Garden and hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden, both excellent budget stays within walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall.
If you’re looking to treat yourself, try the four-star Chesterfield Mayfair. This luxury hotel is stylishly decorated and ideally located between Hyde Park and Soho, just over ten minutes from Covent Garden via tube. The best part? You could get 10% off your stay booking with SWR Rewards.
Royal Opera House accessibility
The ROH strives to make all its performances accessible to everyone.
Wheelchair users have ground-level access to the building via Bow Street or Covent Garden’s Piazza, and all bars and restaurants onsite also have step-free access. Lift and step-free access is available to over 100 seats in the Stalls Circle, Balcony and Amphitheatre of the Main Stage Auditorium. There are accessible toilets on every level of the auditorium; the ground floor, Linbury Foyer and Level 5.
The Access Box Office team meets all your access and seating requirements, and those with accessibility issues can request a free companion ticket. Book accessible seating in advance by email or phone through the Opera House’s box office. Once there, Front of House will guide you where needed.
For more accessibility information, visit the Royal Opera House online.
