Place

The Royal Opera House

Based in Covent Garden theatre, The Royal Opera House is one of the largest performing arts venues in London. It is home to the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera.

City guideBow St, London WC2E 9DD

The Royal Opera House, London. Source: Irhal legacy editorial archive.Irhal legacy editorial archive

Why visit

Based in Covent Garden theatre, The Royal Opera House is one of the largest performing arts venues in London. It is home to the Royal Opera, the Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

What to see

The building has been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1732, but it is still considered a historical landmark and worth a visit even if you’re not planning to watch any of the performances. The Royal Opera House boasts performances from some of the world’s most renowned opera composers including Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland.

Plan your visit

The Royal Opera House seats 2,256 people and consists of boxes, balconies and amphitheatre galleries. For a full listing of show dates and timings visit the Royal Opera House website.

Good to know

Public areas are open from 10am – 3:30 pm but for performance timings and tickets visit the Royal Opera House website

Good to know

Tube: Covent Garden tube station on the Piccadilly Line.

Good to know

Bus: 1, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 26, 68, 76, 87, 91, 168, 171, 176, 188, 501 (southbound only), 505, 521, X68 all go to the Aldwych, which is close to the Theatre.

Sources and updates

References used by Irhal's editors to verify this page.

Irhal legacy London guide

Last editorial review: 2026-06-11

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What to see