Global Major Cities Guide

Concert halls, arenas, and smaller venues hosting live music performances ranging from classical to pop.

Sections

Popular Music Venues in London

1. The O2 Arena

Type of Music: Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, R&B, Classical, and large-scale international tours.
Description: One of the world’s premier entertainment venues, The O2 Arena hosts major global artists and events. It’s a state-of-the-art indoor arena with a capacity of 20,000.
Ticket Prices: £40–£150+ depending on the artist and seating.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased via official platforms like Ticketmaster, AXS, or directly through The O2’s website. Early booking is recommended for popular events.
Accessibility: Fully accessible with step-free access, wheelchair seating, and hearing assistance systems. Accessible tickets can be booked via a dedicated helpline.
Nearby Amenities: The O2 complex includes restaurants, bars, a cinema, and the ICON Outlet shopping mall.
Local Tip: Arrive early to explore the venue’s attractions, such as the "Up at The O2" rooftop climb for stunning views of London.

2. Royal Albert Hall

Type of Music: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, and special events like the BBC Proms.
Description: A historic and iconic venue, the Royal Albert Hall is renowned for its stunning architecture and acoustics. It seats around 5,200 people.
Ticket Prices: £20–£200 depending on the event and seating.
Booking: Tickets are available on the venue’s official website or through authorized resellers. Memberships offer priority booking.
Accessibility: Step-free access, wheelchair spaces, and hearing loops are available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Nearby Amenities: Located in South Kensington, it’s close to the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Hyde Park.
Local Tip: Dress smartly for classical performances, as it’s a more formal setting. Consider dining at the venue’s on-site restaurant for a pre-show meal.

3. Roundhouse

Type of Music: Indie, Rock, Alternative, and experimental performances.
Description: A former railway engine shed turned cultural hub, the Roundhouse in Camden is known for its edgy and eclectic programming.
Ticket Prices: £20–£60 depending on the artist.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased via the Roundhouse website or major ticketing platforms.
Accessibility: Step-free access, wheelchair spaces, and accessible toilets are available. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Nearby Amenities: Located in Camden, it’s close to Camden Market, Regent’s Canal, and a variety of pubs and eateries.
Local Tip: Explore Camden Market before the show for unique shopping and street food.

4. Brixton Academy (O2 Academy Brixton)

Type of Music: Rock, Indie, Hip-Hop, and Dance.
Description: A legendary venue with a capacity of 5,000, Brixton Academy is famous for its sloping floor and electric atmosphere.
Ticket Prices: £30–£70 depending on the artist.
Booking: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, See Tickets, or the venue’s website.
Accessibility: Limited step-free access; contact the venue in advance for assistance.
Nearby Amenities: Brixton Village offers a range of international cuisines, and Electric Avenue is a short walk away.
Local Tip: The venue gets very lively, so be prepared for a high-energy crowd.

5. Union Chapel

Type of Music: Acoustic, Folk, Indie, and Classical.
Description: A working church and music venue, Union Chapel offers an intimate setting with incredible acoustics.
Ticket Prices: £15–£50 depending on the artist.
Booking: Tickets are available on the Union Chapel website or through authorized resellers.
Accessibility: Step-free access is available, but some areas may be challenging. Contact the venue for specific needs.
Nearby Amenities: Located in Islington, it’s close to Upper Street’s restaurants and bars.
Local Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the venue’s café, which supports homeless charities.

6. Jazz Café

Type of Music: Jazz, Soul, Funk, and R&B.
Description: A cozy venue in Camden, the Jazz Café is perfect for intimate performances and features a mix of established and emerging artists.
Ticket Prices: £15–£40 depending on the artist.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased on the Jazz Café website or through major ticketing platforms.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility; contact the venue in advance for assistance.
Nearby Amenities: Close to Camden Market and Regent’s Canal.
Local Tip: Opt for a dining ticket to enjoy a meal while watching the performance.

7. The 100 Club

Type of Music: Punk, Rock, Indie, and Blues.
Description: A historic venue on Oxford Street, The 100 Club has hosted legendary acts like The Rolling Stones and Oasis.
Ticket Prices: £10–£30 depending on the artist.
Booking: Tickets are available on the venue’s website or through authorized resellers.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility; contact the venue for details.
Nearby Amenities: Located in central London, it’s close to shopping on Oxford Street and Soho’s nightlife.
Local Tip: The venue is small, so book early for popular shows.

General Ticket Booking Tips

Platforms: Use trusted platforms like Ticketmaster, See Tickets, Dice, or the venue’s official website.
Resale Tickets: For sold-out events, platforms like Twickets or StubHub offer resale tickets at face value or slightly higher.
Memberships: Some venues offer memberships that provide priority booking and discounts.
Apps: Download apps like Dice for last-minute tickets and exclusive events.

Accessibility Considerations

Most major venues in London are committed to accessibility, offering step-free access, wheelchair spaces, and hearing assistance systems. Always check the venue’s website or contact them directly to confirm specific arrangements.
Assistance dogs are generally welcome, and many venues provide water bowls and relief areas.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Dining: Many venues are located near excellent restaurants and bars. For example, The O2 and Royal Albert Hall have on-site dining options, while Camden venues are surrounded by eclectic food markets and pubs.
Transport: London’s public transport system (Tube, buses, and trains) makes it easy to reach venues. Check the Transport for London (TfL) website or app for real-time updates.
Accommodation: For late-night events, consider staying nearby. Budget options like Premier Inn or Travelodge are available, as well as luxury hotels like The Ritz or The Savoy.

Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

Timing: Arrive early to avoid queues and enjoy pre-show amenities.
Dress Code: Most venues are casual, but upscale venues like the Royal Albert Hall may require smart attire for certain events.
Etiquette: Respect the audience and performers by keeping noise to a minimum during acoustic or classical performances.
Transport After Shows: Check the last Tube or train times, as some services stop around midnight. Night buses and ride-sharing apps like Uber are good alternatives.
Weather: London’s weather can be unpredictable, so bring a jacket or umbrella, especially for outdoor venues or queues.

London’s music scene is as diverse as its population, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re into grand arenas or intimate clubs, planning ahead will ensure you have an unforgettable experience.