The comprehensive guide to the O2 Arena London — the largest arena in Britain with 20,000 seats. Tickets, getting there, seating, restaurants, and tips for Israelis.
The O2 Arena in London is the largest indoor arena in Britain, with a capacity of up to 20,000 people for concerts and up to 23,000 with a standing floor. If you're planning to attend a show by Adele, Drake, Taylor Swift, or a sports event like the ATP Finals or UFC — this guide will prepare you for the perfect experience.
The O2 Arena isn't just a concert venue — it's a whole entertainment complex. Around the arena you'll find restaurants, cafés, a cinema, a music museum, and even climbing on the dome itself (Up at the O2).
The O2 is excellently accessible by public transport — in fact, it's one of the most accessible spots in London for entertainment events.
The Jubilee line to North Greenwich station — the train stops right outside the entrance to the O2. Central London (Westminster, Waterloo) — about 20 minutes. From London Bridge — 10 minutes. From Canary Wharf — only 4 minutes.
The station is directly connected to the dome — no walking outside.
A river boat (Thames Clippers) from Embankment, Waterloo Pier, Tower Pier — about 30–45 minutes. Very convenient after a show in summer. A great option if you want to experience the River Thames. Price: about £8.
From Royal Docks (DLR line to Royal Victoria station, then the Emirates Air Line) — an unusual route with an amazing view. Takes longer but worth the experience.
The O2 Arena is divided into main zones for concerts:
Closest to the stage, the most intense experience. Arrive early to be in the front rows. Not for everyone — standing for 3–4 hours, high density. Recommended for anyone who wants the full experience of the show.
Around the floor, there are seats. Blocks 101–106 and 113–118 are the frontmost (facing the stage). 107–112 and behind them — still a good view. This is the most popular area for most concerts.
The top tier — a full panoramic view. The price is lower but there's a sense of distance from the stage. However, at the O2, because of the enclosed shape, the sound is excellent here too. Recommended for sports events (NBA, UFC, darts).
Recommendation for Israelis: For a big concert (Taylor Swift, Adele, Drake) — Floor Standing for the experience, Lower Tier blocks 103–105 for comfort with an excellent view. For sports events — the Upper Tier allows a view of the whole arena.
Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster UK by default. O2 Priority — O2 mobile (Telefónica) customers get early access to purchase, sometimes 48 hours before general sale.
At TikTik You'll find guaranteed tickets for the O2 Arena — including shows that are officially sold out.
One of the O2's great strengths is the restaurant complex surrounding it — 20+ restaurants and cafés right inside the complex:
Tip: Arrive an hour and a half before the show and eat in the complex — the restaurants are busy but worth the wait. Inside the arena itself, prices are higher.
An excellent alternative: a hotel in Canary Wharf (10 minutes by train) — more choices and varied prices.
After the O2, consider also checking outthe Wembley Stadium guide for football matches in London, and check outour sports news for ongoing updates.
It depends on the style you're looking for. For the experience closest to the artist — Floor Standing (standing), but it requires arriving early. For comfort with an excellent view — Lower Tier blocks 103–106 (facing the stage) are the preferred option. The Upper Tier offers a panoramic view at a lower price — great for sports events. Avoid Lower Tier blocks 112–118 if the stage is positioned on one side.
For big concerts with Floor Standing — arrive at least an hour before doors open (usually 2 hours before the show). For seated events — 45–60 minutes is enough. Arrive earlier if you want to eat at the complex's restaurants — 90 minutes before. The door-opening time is stated on the ticket.
Yes — the O2 complex has more than 20 restaurants and cafés, including Wagamama, Nando's, Pizza Express, Five Guys, and more. It's recommended to eat there before entering the arena. Inside the arena itself there are stalls with fast food and drinks — higher prices (beer £7–£9, a meal £12–£16).
The O2 is located in Greenwich Peninsula, southeast London — about 20 minutes by Jubilee Underground line from Westminster. It's not exactly “central”, but accessibility is excellent. North Greenwich station is right at the entrance to the complex, so there's no walking outside. From London Bridge — only 10 minutes.
Yes, there's a Cloakroom cloakroom inside the arena — storage of coats, bags, and more at £3–£5 per item. Bag policy: bags up to A4 size are allowed in for free. Larger bags require storage. It's recommended not to bring suitcases to the event.
