Visit the O2 Arena

Claim to Fame

The O2 Arena is one of the world’s busiest entertainment venues, hosting legendary concerts, global sporting events, and immersive experiences inside its iconic dome on the Greenwich Peninsula.

📌 Navigating O2 Arena : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Ample restroom facilities are available throughout The O2.
Hours of Operation: Event times vary; The O2's restaurants and attractions have their own operating hours.
Important Information: Check The O2's website for event schedules, dining options, and other available attractions.
Admission Fee: Ticket required for events; other attractions within The O2 may also have admission fees.
How Long to Visit: Duration of visit can vary widely depending on the event or purpose of the visit.
Parking: Parking is available at The O2, but it's advisable to book in advance due to high demand during events.
Family Friendly: Family-friendly, with a variety of events that cater to all ages, though specific events may have age restrictions.
Photography: Photography policies vary by event; typically, personal use cameras are allowed, but professional equipment may be prohibited.
WIFI: Free WIFI available throughout The O2 complex.
Picnic Area: No picnic areas inside, but various restaurants offer take-away options.
Handicap Accessible: The arena is fully accessible, offering wheelchair spaces and accessible facilities.
Pets: Only assistance dogs are allowed within the arena.
Guided Tours: No guided tours of the arena itself, but there are attractions within The O2 that offer tours.
Restaurant or Cafe: A wide range of dining options is available within The O2, from fast food to fine dining.
Gift Shop: Merchandise for specific events is usually available, along with shops offering a variety of goods.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of O2 Arena

The O2 Arena in London is a colossal entertainment complex that has become a landmark for live music, sports, and large-scale events. Originally constructed as the Millennium Dome to mark the year 2000, the structure was repurposed and reopened in 2007 as a world-class venue drawing millions of visitors annually.

What to Expect

Inside the dome, you’ll find the 20,000-seat arena which regularly hosts international superstars, from Beyoncé and Adele to Elton John and The Rolling Stones. Sporting events such as boxing matches, tennis championships, and e-sports tournaments frequently take over the arena floor. The complex also includes a cinema, bowling alley, restaurants, bars, and a roofwalk experience known as Up at The O2, offering panoramic views over the Thames.

Background and Cultural Context

The structure was initially conceived as part of the UK's millennium celebrations but faced criticism during its early years. Its reinvention into a top-tier entertainment hub has been widely celebrated as a major success story in urban regeneration. Today, the O2 Arena plays a central role in London’s cultural landscape and is among the highest-grossing arenas in the world by ticket sales.

Best Time to Visit

Visit in the evening when events are in full swing. Arrive early to explore the restaurants and entertainment options in the surrounding Icon Outlet shopping area. Booking event tickets well in advance is recommended, as many shows sell out quickly.

How to Get There

The O2 is located on the Greenwich Peninsula and is best accessed via the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich Station, which is just a 2-minute walk away. Riverboats also serve the venue via the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, providing a scenic journey along the river. Limited paid parking is available onsite.

Photo Opportunities

Iconic white dome of the arena from across the Thames
Nighttime concert crowds and stage lighting
Panoramic views from the “Up at The O2” roofwalk
Art installations and event branding inside the arena concourse

Travel Tips

Download the O2 Arena app for event info, digital tickets, and venue maps.
Plan your return route ahead of time—post-event crowds can be large.
Check out the pre-show dining packages and entertainment options in the complex.
Visit during the day for the roofwalk or shopping if you’re not attending an event.

FAQs

Is the O2 Arena wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the venue offers full accessibility and assistance services.

Can I go inside without a ticket?
Yes — the public areas, restaurants, and outlet shopping are open daily to all visitors.

Are there age restrictions for concerts?
Some events may have age limits; check the event listing for details.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're seeing your favorite artist live, watching a thrilling sports event, or simply enjoying the rooftop views, the O2 Arena delivers a high-energy experience in a cutting-edge setting. It’s a must for fans of big events and modern London culture.

Things To Do near O2 Arena

Tower Bridge

The Distance from O2 Arena to Tower Bridge is 8.7 Kilometer(s) / 5.4 Mile(s)

Tower of London

The Distance from O2 Arena to Tower of London is 8.9 Kilometer(s) / 5.5 Mile(s)

Tate Modern

The Distance from O2 Arena to Tate Modern is 11.4 Kilometer(s) / 7.1 Mile(s)

London Eye

The Distance from O2 Arena to London Eye is 13.7 Kilometer(s) / 8.5 Mile(s)

West End Theatre District

The Distance from O2 Arena to West End Theatre District is 14.2 Kilometer(s) / 8.8 Mile(s)

British Museum

The Distance from O2 Arena to British Museum is 14.8 Kilometer(s) / 9.2 Mile(s)

Churchill War Rooms

The Distance from O2 Arena to Churchill War Rooms is 14.8 Kilometer(s) / 9.2 Mile(s)

Buckingham Palace

The Distance from O2 Arena to Buckingham Palace is 16.1 Kilometer(s) / 10 Mile(s)

Hyde Park

The Distance from O2 Arena to Hyde Park is 18.4 Kilometer(s) / 11.4 Mile(s)

Harrods

The Distance from O2 Arena to Harrods is 18.5 Kilometer(s) / 11.5 Mile(s)

📘 London Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT +1, during the summer months.

Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 22°C (72°F), while winters are cool with temperatures averaging 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Rain is frequent but typically light.

Population: London has a population of over 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken.

Size: London spans an area of about 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles) and is divided into 32 boroughs plus the City of London. The River Thames flows through the city, shaping its layout and history.

Language: English is the official language in London. Due to its diversity, many other languages are spoken across the city, including Bengali, Polish, Arabic, French, and Urdu.

Currency: The currency used is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common across public transit and shops.

Safety: London is considered safe for tourists, though petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transport. Police presence is strong in central and tourist-heavy areas.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is common if service is not included. Tipping is less expected in pubs, but appreciated for exceptional service.

Electricity and Plugs: The United Kingdom uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug type G is standard. Visitors from countries with different plug types will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink and meets strict quality standards. It is treated and monitored regularly, and commonly served in restaurants upon request.

Annual Visitors: London welcomes over 20 million international visitors each year. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, with landmarks such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the West End theatre district.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including EU and Commonwealth nations, can enter the UK for short stays without a visa. Others may require a Standard Visitor visa. A valid passport is required for all visitors.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the UK. Travelers should ensure routine vaccines like MMR, flu, and COVID-19 are up to date. Healthcare is excellent, but visitors may need insurance to cover treatment.

Transportation: London has a vast and efficient public transportation system including the London Underground (“Tube”), buses, overground trains, and river ferries. Contactless cards and the Oyster system are widely used for payment.

Food: London’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from classic British fare like fish and chips to world cuisines. Street food markets, fine dining, and multicultural neighborhoods make the city a global culinary hub.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Londoners value politeness, queuing, and personal space. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way. Public behavior is generally reserved, and loud conduct is discouraged in shared spaces like public transport.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent, and prepaid SIM cards with data are easy to obtain at airports and shops.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for visitors to London. While the NHS provides excellent care, non-residents may be charged for services. Insurance also helps with trip interruptions or lost belongings.

Did You Know? - Facts About O2 Arena

The O2 Arena in London is one of The largest indoor arenas in Europe, with a seating capacity of up to 20,000.

Visitors can climb over The roof of The O2 for a unique view of The London skyline, an activity known as "Up at The O2".

The O2 was originally constructed as The Millennium Dome to house The Millennium Experience, a major exhibition celebrating The start of The third millennium.

Since its opening in 2007 as an entertainment venue, The O2 has hosted numerous high-profile events, including concerts, sports events, and award ceremonies.

The arena is part of The larger O2 complex, which includes a music club, a cinema, an exhibition space, and numerous bars and restaurants.