Hotels near Royal Opera House - Covent Garden London

Can accommodate for up to 3854 people.

Architecturally stunning home of the Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.

Home of the Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, this impressive building in the heart of Covent Garden has been playing host to every major star of the classical music world since 1858. The third theatre to be located on this site, most of the existing venue – with the exception of the auditorium, façade and foyer which are originals from 1858 - is the result of a detailed reconstruction in the 1990s. Claimed to be the most modern theatre facility in Europe, notable productions by internationally renowned choreographers such as Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s ‘Swan Lake’, and Natalia Makarova's production of Tchaikovsky’s ‘Sleeping Beauty’, have been held here. If you’re heavily into ballet and opera then this is the place to come for high-quality performances in grand surroundings (incidentally, there are rarely performances on Sundays but on Saturdays you usually have the choice between a matinee or evening performance). If you’re not, and just want to explore the building itself (especially Floral Hall - the building’s dramatic glass atrium) and get a small taster of what goes on here you can wander around the spectacular construction for free during the day. One of London’s most esteemed, iconic and architecturally stunning performance venues the Royal Opera House is worth a visit regardless of whether you’re interested in ballet or opera. It’s beautiful and in the heart of the capital, so there’s no excuse not to pop in.

Best for:
The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty.

Did you know?
During the First World War the theatre was used as a furniture repository, while during the Second World War it functioned as a dance hall.