Royal Opera House

Royal Opera House

Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD

Getting here

Closest Tube Station

Covent Garden

Closest Train Station

Charing Cross
Get Directions

The Royal Opera House is a monumental venue, offering some of the world’s finest operatic experiences, right in the heart of London. Known for its stunning productions and rich history, it is a must-visit for any opera enthusiast. As a cornerstone of the cultural scene, it’s the perfect gateway to explore the vibrant offerings of London opera, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary works.

It is the home of The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Originally called the Theatre Royal, it served primarily as a playhouse for the first hundred years of its history. In 1734, the first ballet was presented. A year later Handel's first season of operas began. Many of his operas and oratorios were specifically written for Covent Garden and had their premieres there.

The current building is the third theatre on the site following disastrous fires in 1808 and 1857. The façade, foyer and auditorium date from 1858, but almost every other element of the present complex dates from an extensive reconstruction in the 1990s. The Royal Opera House seats 2,268 people and consists of four tiers of boxes and balconies and the amphitheatre gallery. The proscenium is 12.20 m wide and 14.80 m high. The main auditorium is a Grade 1 listed building.

Royal Opera House Seating Plan

Giselle is the current production at Royal Opera House. The upcoming booking period for Giselle at Royal Opera House starts 14/02/2026 00:00:00 and runs until 20/03/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Giselle start at £43 and are available to book now.

Boris Godunov is the current production at Royal Opera House. The upcoming booking period for Boris Godunov at Royal Opera House starts 29/01/2026 00:00:00 and runs until 18/02/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Boris Godunov start at £50 and are available to book now.

Woolf Works is the current production at Royal Opera House. The upcoming booking period for Woolf Works at Royal Opera House starts 17/01/2026 00:00:00 and runs until 13/02/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Woolf Works start at £43 and are available to book now.

Rigoletto is the current production at Royal Opera House. The upcoming booking period for Rigoletto at Royal Opera House starts 25/03/2026 00:00:00 and runs until 23/04/2026 19:30:00. Tickets for Rigoletto start at £56 and are available to book now.

Royal Opera House is located in London. The full address is Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London WC2E 9DD.

Yes, you can wear jeans to The Royal Opera House. Like most modern theatres, the Royal Opera House doesn't have a formal dress code. So wear what you feel comfortable in.

Tall Seats refer to the seats in the back row of the Balcony. The Balcony is the section at the top of the theatre. 

The majority of theatregoers regard the centre of the Grand Tier, specifically rows A-C, as the best seats.  This level offers a great view of the stage without being too far back, and is considered the most desirable section for an optimal viewing experience. Of course, everyone's tastes and preferences are different.