The O2 is a prominent entertainment venue located in the Greenwich Peninsula of London. This iconic arena hosts a wide range of events including concerts, sports, exhibitions, and more, attracting millions of visitors each year. Besides the main arena, the complex houses restaurants, bars, and a cinema, providing a comprehensive entertainment experience. The structure, originally built as the Millennium Dome, features a distinctive dome shape and is one of the largest enclosed spaces in the UK. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the London skyline from the nearby Greenwich area.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.5 78,733
- Tripadvisor 3.5 5,318
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Diverse Entertainment Options Beyond concerts, the O2 offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and experiences, including climbing activities and a cinema. This makes it a great place to spend time even if you're not attending an event.
- Excellent Transport Links The O2 is easily accessible via the London Underground, with the station just a short walk away. Despite large crowds, the venue manages the flow of people well, minimizing delays.
- Good Seating and Views Comfortable seating and generally good views of the stage enhance the concert experience. Even seats on the sides or in boxes provide decent viewing angles.
- Helpful and Friendly Staff Many reviewers have noted the friendliness and helpfulness of the O2 staff. They provide assistance with directions, accessibility, and any other needs.
- Well-Organized Events The O2 is known for efficient security and ticket checks, ensuring quick entry. The venue is well-maintained and easy to navigate, making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Criticised
- Bar Service Issues Slow bar service and early closing times can be frustrating for concert attendees. Poor communication about closing times and rude staff exacerbate the issue.
- High Food and Drink Prices Food and beverage prices inside the O2 are significantly higher than average. Expect to pay a premium for even basic items like water or soda.
- Inconsistent Security Some reviewers have reported inconsistent security checks upon entry. This may cause concern about safety and security measures within the venue.
- Overcrowding The O2 can get very crowded, especially during and after large events. This can lead to long queues for the tube and other facilities, requiring patience.
- Seating Discomfort Some seats, particularly in the upper tiers, can be very steep and uncomfortable. Legroom can also be limited, which may negatively impact the enjoyment of the show.
The longer read
The O2 Arena is a large entertainment venue that hosts concerts, shows, and sporting events, and also contains restaurants, bars, shops, and a cinema. Reviewers highlight the O2's organization, cleanliness, and atmosphere, creating an enjoyable experience. Security is visible and helpful, contributing to a safe environment. The venue is easily accessible via the tube, though post-event queues can be long, but are generally well-managed. Some reviewers suggest allowing extra travel time due to potential overcrowding at the tube station. The O2 provides good access for disabled patrons, with helpful staff and convenient parking options if booked in advance.
Inside the arena, acoustics are generally praised, providing excellent sound quality for performances. Seating comfort and views vary; some seats, particularly in the upper tiers, may be steep and cause vertigo. Some found leg room limited and recommend consideration be given to seat selection when booking. Box seats offer a particularly good experience. Staff inside the venue are generally helpful in directing patrons to their seats.
A common concern is the high cost of food and beverages inside the venue, with reviewers describing prices as "immoral" and a "rip-off". Several recommend eating or drinking outside the arena to avoid these high costs, or bringing your own refreshments from shops like WH Smith. Some reviewers noted that the bars close 30 minutes before the end of a concert, which they found inconvenient, and signage regarding closing times is lacking. The quality of food from the outlets has mixed feedback, with some describing the options as grossly overpriced for the quality.
The O2 offers a variety of experiences beyond the arena itself. There are many restaurants and shops, including an outlet shopping center with bargain opportunities. Activities such as climbing the O2 roof and taking a cable car ride provide additional entertainment options with great views of London. The area around the O2 is considered pleasant for walking, with views of the Thames. For concerts, the O2 enhances the atmosphere by playing the performing artist's music and displaying billboards, creating photo opportunities. Merchandise shops are available both inside and outside the venue, with varying opening times.
Some reviewers reported negative experiences with bar service, describing it as slow and the staff as rude. Others reported issues with vaping inside the arena, which was not being addressed by security. A few reviewers mentioned incidents of disruptive behavior during concerts, such as people standing on seats or fights breaking out, with a perceived lack of security intervention.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 8463 2000
- Website
- theo2.co.uk
| Mon | 10:00 - 22:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 22:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.6 across the 15 venues we hold for Blackwall, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What types of events and concerts are typically held at The O2 in London?
- What is the best way to travel to The O2 using public transportation in London?
- What are the main attractions and activities available for visitors inside The O2?
- What kinds of restaurants and food options can visitors find at The O2?
- What is the history and significance of The O2 building in London?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.