The O2 Arena
London's 20,000-capacity entertainment powerhouse — world-class concerts, comedy and sport beneath the iconic Millennium Dome
London's 20,000-capacity entertainment powerhouse — world-class concerts, comedy and sport beneath the iconic Millennium Dome
Beneath the distinctive white canopy of the former Millennium Dome sits London's busiest entertainment venue. The O2 Arena has hosted over 30 million visitors since opening in 2007, staging everything from sell-out concerts by Adele and Prince to UFC title fights and NBA games.
The 20,000-seat arena is the centrepiece of a wider entertainment district that includes a 2,800-seat theatre, an eleven-screen cinema, over 25 restaurants and bars, and the Up at The O2 rooftop climbing experience. Getting here takes just 20 minutes from central London on the Jubilee line.
The O2 Arena sits beneath one of London's most recognisable structures — the former Millennium Dome, built to house a grand exhibition celebrating the year 2000. When the original exhibition closed, the dome stood empty for several years before Anschutz Entertainment Group transformed it into a world-class entertainment complex. The arena itself opened on 24 June 2007 with an inaugural concert by Bon Jovi, and within its first year it had become the busiest music venue on the planet.
The dome's design is laden with symbolism. Its 12 yellow support towers, each standing 100 metres tall, represent the months of the year. The structure spans 365 metres in diameter — one metre for each day — and rises to a height of 52 metres, matching the number of weeks. The white tensile fabric roof is just one millimetre thick, making it lighter than the air it encloses. Architect Richard Rogers designed the original structure, which remains the largest dome of its kind in the world.
The arena holds up to 20,000 for concerts, making it the third-largest indoor venue in the United Kingdom. The seating bowl wraps around the stage in a horseshoe configuration, with no seat more than 68 metres from the performance area. Premium options include private suites, the American Express Lounge and floor-level hospitality. The sound system and lighting rigs are among the most advanced in Europe, designed to handle everything from intimate acoustic sets to full-scale arena productions.
Beyond the main arena, the wider O2 complex offers plenty to fill an evening. The covered Entertainment Avenue runs the length of the building and houses over 25 restaurants and bars, from casual chains to independent kitchens. The 2,800-capacity indigo at The O2 hosts smaller gigs, comedy shows and club nights. For the adventurous, Up at The O2 offers a guided climb across the outside of the dome to a viewing platform with panoramic views of the Thames, Canary Wharf and central London.
Tickets for O2 events are available through the official website, Ticketmaster and AXS. O2 mobile customers get 48-hour priority access to many events through the O2 Priority scheme. For popular acts, tickets sell out within minutes, so signing up for pre-sale alerts is advisable. The venue recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before doors to allow time for security checks.
North Greenwich station on the Jubilee line is a three-minute walk from the entrance, making the journey from central London quick and reliable. Thames Clippers river buses also stop at North Greenwich Pier. The nearby Greenwich Peninsula has several hotels, and historic Greenwich — home to the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Market — is a short bus ride or 25-minute walk along the Thames Path.
Ticket prices vary significantly by event — book early for the best seats at lower prices
North Greenwich station is just a three-minute walk from the entrance. Trains run late after events and the journey to Waterloo takes 12 minutes.
The Entertainment Avenue has over 25 restaurants open before events. Arrive an hour early to avoid the pre-show rush and enjoy a proper meal.
O2 mobile customers get 48-hour priority booking on many events. If you are not on O2, consider their pay-as-you-go SIM for access.
The rooftop climb runs during the day regardless of arena events. Book a sunset slot for the best views across the Thames and Canary Wharf.
Car parks fill up fast on event nights and traffic on the peninsula is heavy. Public transport or river bus is quicker and less stressful.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
