Royal Opera House
Royal Opera House
4.5
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
About
Experience all the Royal Opera House has to offer – stunning performances from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, delicious food and drink, inspiring interactive events and a perfect place to relax in the heart of Covent Garden.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Covent Garden • 2 min walk
- Leicester Square • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Cafe de Provence
385
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • European • British
Drury 188-189
693
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Cafe • European
The Wine Place Covent Garden
250
485 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
Pizza Union Holborn
93
0.3 mi$ • Italian • Pizza • Fast Food
Frog By Adam Handling
653
0.2 mi$$$$ • European • British • Contemporary
Da Mario Covent Garden
1,570
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European
All Bar One Covent Garden
1,073
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Vegetarian Friendly
Bella Italia
776
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
28-50 Wine Bar & Kitchen Covent Garden
368
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • European • British • Wine Bar
Monmouth Kitchen, Covent Garden
1,465
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Peruvian • Mediterranean
Attractions
2,196 within 6 miles
Young Dancer
11
107 ftMonuments & Statues
Covent Garden
25,064
459 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
1,268
505 ftTheaters
The London Film Museum - Covent Garden
1,259
478 ftSpeciality Museums
Pineapple Dance Studios
215
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
The Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition
135
0.1 miSpeciality Museums • Exhibitions
London Transport Museum
2,842
518 ftSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Apple Market
192
471 ftFlea & Street Markets
Fortune Theatre
455
464 ftTheaters
New London Theatre
419
0.1 miTheaters
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,958 reviews
Excellent
2,248
Very good
533
Average
101
Poor
42
Terrible
34
Brianthelion
Birmingham, UK2,268 contributions
Solo
With a £230 seat bagged for just £50 via a brilliant Time Out offer I got my first ever close up here rather than my usual spot in the cheap seats.
The difference was not a surprise, a better view, better clarity etc etc but being able to see the facial expressions up close was stunning.
Madam Butterfly a difficult opera in modern times but this is a well thought out version.
Star performances a plenty but when it was announced before curtain up that the lead lady was I'll but had decided to carry on one wondered what impact this would have. No one needed to have worried, what a star and a phenomenal reception at the end clearly provoked an emotional response. Brilliant.
The difference was not a surprise, a better view, better clarity etc etc but being able to see the facial expressions up close was stunning.
Madam Butterfly a difficult opera in modern times but this is a well thought out version.
Star performances a plenty but when it was announced before curtain up that the lead lady was I'll but had decided to carry on one wondered what impact this would have. No one needed to have worried, what a star and a phenomenal reception at the end clearly provoked an emotional response. Brilliant.
Written July 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason C
2 contributions
We listened to the security man and it was worth it! We popped in to check out the "new wing" for the first time since it was built decades ago, but the tills were down. It was the security guy at the door, Thierno, who somehow engaged with us discreetly just as we were leaving (having only just arrived). He heard us speaking French and gently encouraged us to stay and visit the place, especially the Terrace "that has to be seen". We were amazed! I've lived in London for decades and this huge open space gave me a spectacular aerial view I had never seen before of somewhere I thought I knew really well and have loved most of my life. I used to come to Covent Garden as a child for the incredible street performer, even came to the opera house one or twice.
We will definitely be coming back for drinks or a meal at the terrace, and definitely a place to bring family or friends visiting London for an easy way to impress. We are film photographers and the promise of a sunset over the Covent Garden rooftops... Had to go and thank the security man for this discovery and his warm welcome, had a brief chat and we left happy customers even though we hadn't eaten or drunk anything as the tills were down.
We will definitely be coming back for drinks or a meal at the terrace, and definitely a place to bring family or friends visiting London for an easy way to impress. We are film photographers and the promise of a sunset over the Covent Garden rooftops... Had to go and thank the security man for this discovery and his warm welcome, had a brief chat and we left happy customers even though we hadn't eaten or drunk anything as the tills were down.
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Colin W
Abingdon, UK1,174 contributions
A fabulous performance of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.
We had a pre ordered bite to eat at the Paul Hamlyn Hall – and I have to say despite being a little costly (what isn’t in London, and the ROH isn’t exactly inexpensive) it was great to have a one stop shop for food and the wonderful opera.
The whole building and experience was superb from beginning to end. If I were to criticise I’d say that finding the toilets was something of a task despite multiple signs pointing you in roughly the right direction. Finding the toilet and getting back in time for the rest of the performance is not something you want to worry about!
The cast, the orchestra, the lighting – everything was just wonderful – what really delighted me were the ‘subtitles’ displayed above the seats, to I was able to follow the story, and to have a synopsis of it in the program really helped the experience.
Top tip - pre book everything you can - take away all the stress.
Would I go back - of course
We had a pre ordered bite to eat at the Paul Hamlyn Hall – and I have to say despite being a little costly (what isn’t in London, and the ROH isn’t exactly inexpensive) it was great to have a one stop shop for food and the wonderful opera.
The whole building and experience was superb from beginning to end. If I were to criticise I’d say that finding the toilets was something of a task despite multiple signs pointing you in roughly the right direction. Finding the toilet and getting back in time for the rest of the performance is not something you want to worry about!
The cast, the orchestra, the lighting – everything was just wonderful – what really delighted me were the ‘subtitles’ displayed above the seats, to I was able to follow the story, and to have a synopsis of it in the program really helped the experience.
Top tip - pre book everything you can - take away all the stress.
Would I go back - of course
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martyn S
Norfolk, UK57 contributions
Oh dear. For well over a decade, we have enjoyed a meal in the Amphitheatre Restaurant before the ballet.
Earlier this month we paid £185 for an indifferent meal for two with limited alcohol. The service was adequate but everything else substandard. We decided not to eat there again.
Sadly, the ROH has simply not got its act together post-covid. On our previous visit the Amphitheatre cloakroom was not open while the restaurant was: we had to sit with the coats on the back of the chairs. On this occasion it was opened, after we asked at 1730 and the grudging staff member made it clear she was doing us a favour. Programmes at £8.00 no longer include a cast list, and you are invited to download a QR code.
Mercifully the performance was as exquisite as ever – marred only by a delay because of a scenery malfunction.
This is our most expensive evening out. Room for (considerable) improvement!!
Earlier this month we paid £185 for an indifferent meal for two with limited alcohol. The service was adequate but everything else substandard. We decided not to eat there again.
Sadly, the ROH has simply not got its act together post-covid. On our previous visit the Amphitheatre cloakroom was not open while the restaurant was: we had to sit with the coats on the back of the chairs. On this occasion it was opened, after we asked at 1730 and the grudging staff member made it clear she was doing us a favour. Programmes at £8.00 no longer include a cast list, and you are invited to download a QR code.
Mercifully the performance was as exquisite as ever – marred only by a delay because of a scenery malfunction.
This is our most expensive evening out. Room for (considerable) improvement!!
Written February 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Binman62
Binfield, UK592 contributions
I took my daughter to her first Opera in December for a performance of Tosca.
Covid protocols were in place requiring masks to be worn at all times. We had amphitheater seats which are not the most comfortable but it was the cold that I really noticed. The large vents in the roof were open and between the masks and temperature it would have been a thoroughly miserable experience. It was saved by an excellent production of Puccini's masterpiece though I did think the staging was a little pedestrian.
£15 for a glass of champagne and no alternatives makes and expensive evening very expensive indeed.
Covid protocols were in place requiring masks to be worn at all times. We had amphitheater seats which are not the most comfortable but it was the cold that I really noticed. The large vents in the roof were open and between the masks and temperature it would have been a thoroughly miserable experience. It was saved by an excellent production of Puccini's masterpiece though I did think the staging was a little pedestrian.
£15 for a glass of champagne and no alternatives makes and expensive evening very expensive indeed.
Written January 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Binman62
Binfield, UK592 contributions
Couples
Cosi Fan Tutti
I have been keen to see this opera for a long time and so bagged the best possible seat for this production.
The music is sublime and the cast were wonderful is each of their roles. Fabulous voices.
The staging however was minimalistic and confusing. The opening period is conducted in front of closed house curtains like a Morecambe and Wise show. Frequently the stage was empty with just a few props including at one point, a mannequin with glasses which were indeed wiggled up and down at a la Mr Morcambe!
When there was staging it varied from cast off pieces from the musical 9-5, to a tree of life complete with serpent, through to 1930’s broadway. It was a mess and provided no visual accompaniment to the music and voices, indeed it was, a distraction and by the end of act 1 I found it really annoying.
Cosi is a comic opera and the cast played on this well but the staging meant they too seemed to be a bit lost at times. The ROH stage is vast and a solo performer, performing from the rear in clothing that blended into to the minimal set, almost vanished. Deliberate metaphor? Perhaps! But it just left me bewildered.
I can’t help wonder if in an attempt to recover lost pandemic income that low budget staging is being resurrected to allow multiple productions to be produced and staged in a short period.
I have been keen to see this opera for a long time and so bagged the best possible seat for this production.
The music is sublime and the cast were wonderful is each of their roles. Fabulous voices.
The staging however was minimalistic and confusing. The opening period is conducted in front of closed house curtains like a Morecambe and Wise show. Frequently the stage was empty with just a few props including at one point, a mannequin with glasses which were indeed wiggled up and down at a la Mr Morcambe!
When there was staging it varied from cast off pieces from the musical 9-5, to a tree of life complete with serpent, through to 1930’s broadway. It was a mess and provided no visual accompaniment to the music and voices, indeed it was, a distraction and by the end of act 1 I found it really annoying.
Cosi is a comic opera and the cast played on this well but the staging meant they too seemed to be a bit lost at times. The ROH stage is vast and a solo performer, performing from the rear in clothing that blended into to the minimal set, almost vanished. Deliberate metaphor? Perhaps! But it just left me bewildered.
I can’t help wonder if in an attempt to recover lost pandemic income that low budget staging is being resurrected to allow multiple productions to be produced and staged in a short period.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Connector724884
8 contributions
Couples
Prior to my visit I was concerned about sitting in a fully booked theatre with the growing risks associated with Covid. I was reassured by the information provided by ROH that the wearing of masks/face coverings was required.
This was also announced before the performance (Giselle - stunning and breathtaking!!!) began.
BUT - where were the masks?
I was surrounded by maskless people, and it appeared that ROH were doing nothing to reinforce this requirement. There was also no obvious requirement to participate in ‘track and trace’.
Given such a large, international audience in such confined (albeit beautiful) proximity, despite wearing my own mask I spent much of the performance feeling rather vulnerable and that the risk of covid was not something being taken seriously either by ROH or by my fellow theatre goers.
This was also announced before the performance (Giselle - stunning and breathtaking!!!) began.
BUT - where were the masks?
I was surrounded by maskless people, and it appeared that ROH were doing nothing to reinforce this requirement. There was also no obvious requirement to participate in ‘track and trace’.
Given such a large, international audience in such confined (albeit beautiful) proximity, despite wearing my own mask I spent much of the performance feeling rather vulnerable and that the risk of covid was not something being taken seriously either by ROH or by my fellow theatre goers.
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chrissie H
13 contributions
I booked tickets for this tour to go with a friend as a birthday gift. I had been previously and thought it was wonderful. Due to COVID the tickets had to be refunded and I was finally able to take my friend last week.
Sadly the tour is now very different to what was on offer before. The most notable aspect being they no longer take you backstage, where you could see the dancers rehearsing, the rooms where costumes are made etc. However, we were able to sit for 10 mins in the auditorium and watch a rehearsal of the opera that was being performed that day, which was great. Other than that, we walked around the main areas of the Opera House and at one point the tour guide spoke about famous cases that had been held at Bow Street which is opposite the Opera House, not really relevant! The icing on the cake was being shown the plug sockets that are used to light up the stage! Whilst I’m sure for some this technical information would be of interest, I felt it was just being used as a time filler. The real joy of this tour was being able to have a glimpse and the behind the scenes workings of such an iconic institution, but sadly due to COVID that is no longer the case.
At the end if the tour, I asked the guide why we hadn’t been backstage and he said, rather tight lipped…..that hasn’t been the case for 2 years(I got the impression he had been asked the same question more than once!) Another visitor asked the same question and be said……It clearly state on the ROH website that the tour does not include backstage access…..and he is correct. Unfortunately, I missed that when I rebooked my tickets.
Sadly the tour is now very different to what was on offer before. The most notable aspect being they no longer take you backstage, where you could see the dancers rehearsing, the rooms where costumes are made etc. However, we were able to sit for 10 mins in the auditorium and watch a rehearsal of the opera that was being performed that day, which was great. Other than that, we walked around the main areas of the Opera House and at one point the tour guide spoke about famous cases that had been held at Bow Street which is opposite the Opera House, not really relevant! The icing on the cake was being shown the plug sockets that are used to light up the stage! Whilst I’m sure for some this technical information would be of interest, I felt it was just being used as a time filler. The real joy of this tour was being able to have a glimpse and the behind the scenes workings of such an iconic institution, but sadly due to COVID that is no longer the case.
At the end if the tour, I asked the guide why we hadn’t been backstage and he said, rather tight lipped…..that hasn’t been the case for 2 years(I got the impression he had been asked the same question more than once!) Another visitor asked the same question and be said……It clearly state on the ROH website that the tour does not include backstage access…..and he is correct. Unfortunately, I missed that when I rebooked my tickets.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vesper K
Watford, UK12 contributions
Booked Piazza restaurant based on the website advertised a la carte menu. On arrival we found that they were only serving small plates/tapas. No prior notice of this had been given. In response to my complaint, I was offered a bottle of wine on my next visit! As an infrequent visitor to the ROH, this was fairly worthless gesture.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David C
4 contributions
Couples
The music tonight wonderful as always. We have been going for 30 years. Since the remodelling we have always eaten at the Balcony restaurant. The food used to be delicious and the service second to none with French staff with great personality.
Since lockdown they have left and been replaced by terrible food and terrible service. Indian staff who haven’t a clue and who see nothing, other than to deliver food as quickly as possible. The food is now very poor and the price has jumped from £250 for two (well worth it with the previous operators) to £275 for two now.
A lot of money for mediocre at best. We were asked how was our food before we’d even picked up our cutlery. Just going through the motions.
Avoid, avoid, avoid. We were regulars every time and we saw most of the season. We won’t be returning until they replace these incompetent staff and kitchen with what was there before. OR charge £100 for two because it’s not even worth that.
So disappointed at what used to be such an excellent venue for eating before and during the interval. ROH her your act together!
Since lockdown they have left and been replaced by terrible food and terrible service. Indian staff who haven’t a clue and who see nothing, other than to deliver food as quickly as possible. The food is now very poor and the price has jumped from £250 for two (well worth it with the previous operators) to £275 for two now.
A lot of money for mediocre at best. We were asked how was our food before we’d even picked up our cutlery. Just going through the motions.
Avoid, avoid, avoid. We were regulars every time and we saw most of the season. We won’t be returning until they replace these incompetent staff and kitchen with what was there before. OR charge £100 for two because it’s not even worth that.
So disappointed at what used to be such an excellent venue for eating before and during the interval. ROH her your act together!
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carol&Gerard
Washington, UK766 contributions
I’ve just bought tickets in Row A in the balcony seats 50 & 51 but cannot find the “view from my seat” on the website. any ideas? I hope we can get a good view for the ballet.
John L
Matlock Bath, UK186 contributions
It seems to me from memory that you should be OK from that position I came here alot years ago when in London, as a matter of course but from my last recent visit I think visibility is OK where you are, you are right website indistinct about some seating and when I booked rigoletto recently had a similar problem I checked with theatre the old fashioned way by phone. But that was a bit of a job too.
Kimberly 🌺
14 contributions
Is it possible to meet a dancer/singer after the performance? Thanks
John L
Matlock Bath, UK186 contributions
Usually not unless you have a personal connection drop very lucky or are in a wine bar afterwards and they come in gone are the days of stage door jonnys I'm afraid I think security issues have killed off those possibilities now.
lisadrew82
Basingstoke, UK659 contributions
Would should I wear (female) thanks
John L
Matlock Bath, UK186 contributions
First night at an opera was always white tie or black, by tradition and ladies the same formal wear, after that still formal but some thing less grand if so wanted unfortunately as the previous comment anything goes now, I personally as my partner does follow the old rules by preference and its lovely to dress up maintains a standard, I would say however wear what you are comfortable in after all it is at the end of the day the performance you come to see that matters, dress is a matter now of choice hope this helps a little
Estarei em Londres de 2 a 9 de outubro. Tenho visto que acontecerá um espetáculo de balões com a peça Manon. Como devo proceder p adquiri ingressos?
AlessioTa
Leporano, Italy309 contributions
Ciao,mi recherò il mese prossimo per vedere un'opera.Dovrò mettere obbligatoriamente giacca e cravatta?Grazie mille.
I would like to know if there is any opera on august 2019-and if so which one
Kingstonclan
Feurs, France6 contributions
Dispose t-on d'écrans individuels de sous-titrages avec choix de la langue? (Comme à l'Opéra National de Vienne par exemple pour ceux qui connaissent)
Merci pour vos réponses
Jody S
Scarborough, UK355 contributions
While the amphitheatre bar is under renovation should I assume it won’t really be feasible to manage interval drinks, or are there alternatives where you can pre-order? We have amphitheatre seats and not the end of the world if it’s going to be too far to go to one of the other bars, but I also use a crutch so not very fast to get up/down stairs
platinum_maverick
Istanbul, Turkey170 contributions
There are alternatives but not as good
Jarvmeister
Manchester, UK111 contributions
I'm hoping to book tickets for the summer season to see Swan Lake - does anyone know what the raking is like in the stalls? I know the ROH website has view from the seat photos, but I've also seen pictures taken from the stalls that appear to show people's heads in the way of the bottom of the stage, which obviously can be an issue for observing footwork in ballet.
Selina K
London, UK116 contributions
I sat stalls circle right A90 for Carmen and although not central, it was an excellent, clear view. Got fantastic advice from the box office, so I recommend booking through them for expert help.
Enjoy!
Royal Opera House (London) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Opera House
- Royal Opera House is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM
- We recommend booking Royal Opera House tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 20 Royal Opera House tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Royal Opera House:
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- Hotels near Royal Opera House:
- (0.03 mi) Hanover Apartments
- (0.04 mi) Interlude House C - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom
- (0.04 mi) Interlude House D - DIH Amazing Location in Covent Garden One Bedroom with sofa
- (0.04 mi) Interlude House E Penthouse - sleeps 6 guests in 2 bedrooms
- (0.04 mi) Interlude House A - sleeps 2 guests in 1 bedroom
- Restaurants near Royal Opera House:
- (0.01 mi) Restaurant Level 5,
- (0.01 mi) Masala Zone Covent Garden
- (0.01 mi) Crush Room
- (0.01 mi) Piazza Restaurant
- (0.02 mi) Kastner & Ovens
- Attractions near Royal Opera House:
- (0.02 mi) Young Dancer
- (0.09 mi) Covent Garden
- (0.06 mi) Rock Tours of London
- (0.07 mi) SANDEMANs NEW Europe - London
- (0.11 mi) London Guided Walks