Royal Opera House

Rich in history, the Royal Opera House is a major venue for performing arts in London

Bow Street entrance to the Royal Opera House
Bow Street entrance to the Royal Opera House cc licensed photo by markhillary

The Royal Opera House, a prominent venue for opera and performing arts in London is located in the district of Covent Garden the building is often referred to by the same name.

The theatre is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and to the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

The original building called the Theatre Royal was built in 1732 and functioned primarily as a playhouse for it's first 100 years. The theatre was destroyed by a fire in 1808 and rebuilt by 1809. It was later destroyed in yet another fire in 1856 and replaced by a new building in 1858, which still forms much of the present building. In 1892 the theatre was named the Royal Opera House or ROH for short. It served as a dance hall during the Second World War. From 1996 through 2000 major reconstruction and enhancement took place which included the old Covent Garden Market creating an extensive new gathering place.

The Royal Opera House has collections of several hundred thousand items that highlight the history of the ROH. You can visit exhibitions of some of these collections on Monday to Friday from 10am to 3:30pm.

For more information about the Royal Opera House as well as performances and schedules visit their official site at the link below.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, UK

Phone: 020 7304 4000

Official Website: Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating The Royal Opera House is truly one of London’s cultural treasures. The building itself is breathtaking — both historic and modern at the same time — and the atmosphere makes every visit feel special. The performances are world-class, whether opera, ballet, or orchestral, with an artistry and precision that leave you in awe. What makes the experience even more remarkable is the attention to detail: from the acoustics and stage design to the warm and professional staff who ensure everything runs smoothly. Even just enjoying a drink or a view from the terraces is a pleasure, with Covent Garden buzzing just outside. An unforgettable experience that combines beauty, history, and excellence in performance. A must-visit for anyone in London who loves the arts.
Robin B. - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating The ROH is our most-preferred opera house for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a beautiful place, with many well-made shows. My wife and I attended a good number of ballet productions and operas, and the ROH seldom disappoints. Then, then ROH is not only an opera house, but has restaurants and a big shop attached to it. So basically you can enter early, and get settled with a glass of Champagne plus buy a gift to take home. Moreover, the boxes are spacious and our most-preferred ticket category. The ROH makes you book an entire box (=4 tickets), so either you come with friends/ family or you have extra room. One big plus: It is possible to cancel tickets (for a small fee) and keep in money in your ROH account for a later purchase. Try doing this elsewhere... What's not to like... not much really... Yes, good tickets are not exactly cheap (but there are good alternatives further from the stage, and other places are even more expensive, see Salzburg, AT). Also, the shop is a little bit stuffed with stuff (but nobody's forced to buy it, so you cannot really be mad about it). Security personnel will check your bags when entering the building (which is a reflection of the overall situation in London, UK, and therefore not related to the ROH as such).
M. - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating My review comes more from an architectural perspective, and I have to say this neoclassical building is truly a work of art. The Royal Ballet and Opera House immediately draw your attention from the street, and stepping inside is a treat in itself. The entrance is free, and you can explore what was once the flower market, now transformed into a beautiful bar, while admiring the stunning details of the iron and glass structure. The blend of history, design, and function makes it an unforgettable space. If you appreciate architecture, this is absolutely a must visit in London.
Daniel Hill - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating What can one say about the Royal Opera House in London? Everything is at a high level, unfortunately the prices are also fair of course. The building is a mix of classic and modern, access from the Underground station Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line
Lazaros Kokkalis - in the last week

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5 Star Rating We made a booking to see the ballet here. What an amazing experience to see it in this historical place. Although we didn’t get a good seat it was good enough to see the wonderful ballet. I really enjoyed the ballet and will never forget this great memory in my life. I remember that once Charles Dickens said “ You never get bored in London” . I think he was right. 😃 There are so many fun things to do in London even though you don’t get drunk. 😋
June Lee - a month ago

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Picadilly LineCovent Garden2 Minutes

How to get to Royal Opera House by Tube

From Covent Garden Tube Station exit onto Long Acre and go right(east), then go right onto Bow Street. The Royal Opera House is just ahead on the right.

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