Looking for things to do at The O2 before a show? Or maybe heading there for a day out? Whatever your reason for visiting the world famous venue you can be sure you’ll be entertained.
Perched on Greenwich peninsula, in the south-east of London, The O2 started life as The Millennium Dome. Built to celebrate the turn of the century, the dome (and exhibition) didn’t quite live up to expectations attracting around half of the visitors expected during the year 2000.
Thankfully, someone somewhere had the bright idea to develop the dome as an entertainment district. Named The O2 in 2005, the venue opened to the public, with a concert by Bon Jovi, on 24 June 2007.
Nowadays, most people know The O2 thanks to its status as one of the world’s most famous music venues. However, with plenty more on offer at the entertainment complex, it is a destination in its own right. In fact, you could easily spend a whole day there.
So, if you were wondering what there is to do at The O2 you’ve come to the right place.
The O2: Things to do
Dance the night away at a show
Of course, you can’t talk about The O2 without starting with the arena itself. From pop royalty to rock gods, many (if not all) of the world’s top artists have played here. Going to a show here is definitely one of the best things you can do in The O2.
Some of the memorable gigs held here include Prince’s 21 night sell out run, the return of the Spice Girls (the first reunion) in 2008 and all Take That’s 34 headline shows (ok maybe just my friends and I for that one).
Inside the O2 arena you’ll find a number of bars, food stands and lounges to start your evening off.
If you prefer a more intimate venue, the Indigo at The O2 (next door to the arena) has a capacity of just 2,800. As well as concerts the venue has played host to comedy nights, award shows and some of London’s biggest club nights.
TIP: Looking for tickets for a show? View my handy guide to buying tickets for concerts for some tips and tricks on how to get the best seats.
Find out what’s on at The O2 arena.
Be part of the action at a sporting event
While the O2 is known for hosting amazing concerts, it also holds world class sporting events. Tennis, boxing, basketball and darts are just some events that have been held here. It was also the home of women’s gymnastics and the basketball final at London 2012.
Find out about the latest events at The O2.
Climb The O2 and see a different view of London
Get a unique view of London by climbing to the top of The O2.
The 90 min climb takes you to the very top of the tented dome and then down the other side. You’ll be rewarded with a 360 degree view over London including Greenwich, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park in Stratford.
If you are celebrating a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary or even just super excited to see your favourite band play at the arena (that’ll be me then), why not celebrate in style? The celebration climb includes a glass of champagne when you reach the top.
If you’ve seen a show at The O2 there is definitely a novelty factor in standing on top of the venue. It certainly is one of the more unique O2 activities you can do.
You can book tickets directly with the Up at The O2 or via Get Your Guide who offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance should your plans change.
Get some (designer) retail therapy at Icon
If you like a bargain, then the ICON designer outlet is for you. With 60 outlets to choose from you’ll be spoilt for choice. Retailers include Nike, Adidas, Kurt Geiger and Skechers.
Less crowded than London’s main shopping areas, it is also undercover so you don’t have to worry about any dodgy weather.
Before you hit the shops, if you are going to a show in the arena in the evening, remember you are limited as to what you can take in. Usually just a small bag. If you have travelled by public transport or don’t have a car to store your goodies there is an ICON bag drop facility.
Drop your bags off and collect after the show for a cost of £5. Larger bags can be left at the bag storage facility outside the main entrance. However, there is a charge of £10 per bag.
Eat and drink on Entertainment Avenue
Running alongside the Arena is Entertainment Avenue, home to over 20 restaurants and bars. With pretty much every high street restaurant represented (well almost) there is no shortage of places to eat and drink.
Enjoy sunset views at the Eighteen Sky Bar at the Intercontinental Hotel, O2
Connected to the O2 by a short walkway, the Intercontinental Hotel is the ideal place to grab a post show drink while enjoying a bit of luxury.
The Eighteen Sky Bar, unsurprisingly on the 18th floor of the hotel, overlooks The O2, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier offering spectacular views at sunset and night. The cocktails are pretty good too.
Access the bar via a dedicated lift on the ground floor. Advance booking is recommended.
Take afternoon tea at the Intercontinental Hotel O2
Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea served in the swish Meridian Lounge. Tasty sandwiches, freshly baked scones and divine cakes. Washed down with a fresh pot of tea. The perfect way to relax after a morning spent exploring The O2.
Glow up your instagram feed at the Selfie Factory
One of the more fun things to do in the O2, is the Selfie Factory.
If you are looking to up your Instagram game, this is the place to head too. The quirky selfie factory pop up will give you enough inspiration to fill up your instagram feed for months. Highlights include a replica pink tube train and supermarket.
Watch the latest blockbuster at one of London’s biggest cinemas
The O2 is home to London’s biggest cinema (based on number of seats) and offers a number of ways to watch the latest films.
Try the VIP experience which allows you to watch films in an intimate screening room with luxury seats. You’ll also be treated like a true VIP with access to an exclusive lounge with complimentary food and drink.
Bounce around at the Oxygen Freejumping Trampoline Park
With connected trampolines, reaction walls and foam pits, Oxygen FreeJumping’s trampoline park is the ultimate playground.
Roll with it at the Hollywood Bowl
Show off your bowling skills on one of the 12 state of the art bowling lanes. Then celebrate your win in the on site American diner.
Looking for things to do near The O2 Arena?
While you could easily spend a day wandering around The O2, being in Greenwich means plenty of London’s top tourist attractions are just down the road. Here are a few suggestions of things to do around The O2 and in Greenwich so you can make the most of your day.
- The Cutty Sark – step back in time with the world’s oldest surviving tea clipper
- Royal Observatory – stand on the historic Meridian Line, learn about time and space or just enjoy the views over London from the park
- National Maritime Museum – discover Britain’s vast maritime history in the latest museum of it’s kind in the world
- Greenwich Market – stroll around one of London’s most historic and vibrant markets
- Fly across the River Thames on the Emirates Airline – the cable car gives you a unique view of London. For a bit of fun, try the night experience where the journey is slowed down so you can take in the view and see the city light up.
- Walk under the River Thames via the Greenwich Foot Tunnel – created as a way for workers who lived in south London to get to work at the docks and shipyards on the Isle of Dogs, the tunnel is 1,215 feet long and 50 feet deep. The south side entrance to the tunnel is near the Cutty Sark and the north side entrance is at Island Gardens, at the southern edge of the Isle of Dogs.
Some of the highlights over the river include
- Wandering around Canary Wharf, one of London’s financial districts
- Visiting the Museum of London’s Docklands site
- Get an early start at the Billingsgate Fish Market
- Take in the greenery at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Tips for visiting The O2
- Check if it is a show day
If you are going just to have a wander round or to visit one of the other attractions there, be warned it can get very crowded in the afternoon/early evening on a show day. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit on a non show day or get out before the concert goers arrive. - Be prepared to put your bag through airport style scanners
You may get asked to put your bag through a security check at the main entrance. Remember it’s to keep us all safe.
If you are visiting The O2 for an event at the arena…
- Get there early (or just before the show starts).
Obviously, with up to 20,000 people attending events at the arena, things get very busy on show nights. So get there nice and early to get in first and avoid the worst of the queues. Alternatively, if you are not worried about seeing the support acts, get there just before the main act starts and you can usually walk straight in. - Think carefully where to eat and drink before the show
The restaurants and bars along Entertainment Avenue are super busy on show nights. Don’t be surprised to see long queues at most, if not all, restaurants. You may have to wait as long as an hour or so to get seated. Check to see if the restaurant you want to eat at takes pre bookings or get there early to get a table.
Tip: Canary Wharf is just one stop away on the Jubilee Line and Elizabeth Line. You’ll find many of the same restaurants there but none of the queues. - Check if you can access any of the lounges or bars for O2/Amex/Sky customers
If you are a customer of O2/American Express or Sky you may be able to access one of the bars reserved exclusively for their customers. A perk of being a customer. You can grab a pre (and sometimes post) show drink and avoid the crowds on the main concourse of the arena.
- Don’t forget your ticket!
Perhaps the most important tip of all. In all the excitement of show day you rush out and only realise on the way (or worse still when you arrive at The O2) that you’ve forgotten your ticket. It does happen!
How to get to The O2
Getting to The O2 couldn’t be easier. Located in Greenwich, in the south east of London, it is very well connected by all forms of transport.
LOCATION: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX
TUBE: North Greenwich, Jubilee Line (the grey line), Zone 2 and 3.
The easiest way to get to The O2 is by tube. Just 20 minutes from Central London you can pick up the Jubilee Line at Bond Street, Westminster, Green Park and London Bridge.
From East London, you can get from Stratford to the O2 by jumping on the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich.
CAR: The O2 has four car parks with over 2,100 parking spaces available.
If you are attending an event, head to Car Park 1 (follow the directions). As you’d expect it is very busy on event nights so guarantee a parking space by pre booking. Valet parking is also available so why not be a VIP for the night? Leave your keys and your car will be parked near the VIP entrance and reappear ready for you after the show.
For non event parking head to car parks 2, 3 and 4. Charges here are per hour.
BOAT: Uber Thames Clipper
Arrive at The O2 in style with the Uber Thames Clipper. With stops at 23 piers along the River Thames you can enjoy the sights of London on your way. The boat drops you off just a short walk from the arena. And it’s more scenic than getting the tube!
The last word
If you were wondering what to do at The O2, I hope I have given you enough ideas to get started.
Whether you are there for a few hours before a gig or are having a day our, there is something for everyone at London’s greatest entertainment venue.
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- Go Behind the Scenes: Backstage at The O2
- Guide to BST Hyde Park
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