How to See Opera in Covent Garden

Sometimes known simply as ‘Covent Garden’, The Royal Opera House in the bustling London district of Covent Garden currently houses Britain’s Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The front of the building dates all the way back to 1858 and it’s probably the most impressive place to enjoy opera in the UK.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Check the Royal Opera House’s schedule. The Opera House plays all the favourites during their season from September to July.
2. Choose the best seats you can afford. The Royal Opera House is an expensive venue to visit by anyone’s standards, but with 2268 seats to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits. The ROH website has quite a helpful seating plan that offers you a photo preview of what your view of the stage will be like (see Resources below).
3. Book your tickets through the Opera House website or by calling the Box Office on 0207 304 4000. You can also book in person between 10am and 8pm at the Royal Opera House in the section between the Bow Street and Covent Garden Piazza entrances.
4. Reach Covent Garden via the London Underground. The Royal Opera House is a couple of minutes walk from Covent Garden tube station on the Picadilly Line. If you are planning on driving there, there is a pay and display car park located nearby in Drury Lane.
5. Arrive in Covent Garden a couple of hours before your show starts to enjoy a meal in one of the Royal Opera House’s three restaurants, one of which offers al fresco dining in the summer months on a roof terrace.
6. Book yourself onto a Backstage Tour of the Royal Opera House to find out what really goes on behind the scenes at the opera. The tours cost about £10 and will give you an introduction to the history of the theatre and the development of current productions.
7. Check into the Covent Garden Hotel for a luxurious stay after your night at the opera. It’s a short walk from the Royal Opera House and you’ll find beautifully decorated rooms and first class service in one of London’s best hotels. There are plenty of other hotels in and around Covent Garden if you’re sticking to more of a budget. Check the Time Out guide for recommendations.

Tips & Warnings

• You can pick up half price standby tickets for Royal Opera House performances up to half an hour before the performance starts. In addition, anybody who is unemployed or receiving benefits may buy tickets at a reduced price.
• The Royal Opera House does not offer binoculars on the seats. You can either buy a paper pair from the gift shop for a few pounds or bring your own.