Whether you want to cheer on your favourite team, watch some theatre or listen to music acts, the numerous venues around London have you covered.
The O2 Arena, Greenwich
While it may be an obvious choice, the O2 Arena is the ultimate multi-purpose venue in the capital. It was transformed from emblem of the millennium into a premium arena for large-scale events. Not only can you sing along here to some of the biggest music acts in the world such as Beyonce, Drake or The Rolling Stones, comedy acts also fill the 20,000 capacity stadium and sporting events draw people to south east London.
In recent years, popular American sports events have even come to London. This year Basketball’s NBA London 2019 was held in January at the O2 where the Washington Wizards edged out the New York Knicks 101-100 and was a roaring success with fans.
Keep a close eye on the O2 schedule – it’s always packed with varied events.
Roundhouse, Camden
Considered one of the best music venues in the city since 1966, the Roundhouse in famous Camden Town is a must-visit. Pink Floyd were the first act to ever perform here, before they became the famous act they’re known as today. This paved the way for this venue to become known as a space for legends as Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and The Doors who all also graced the Roundhouse stage. It’s not just music showcased here now though – catch theatre, spoken word performances and circus acts here all year round.
Barbican Centre, Moorgate
While the Barbican Centre has in the past been considered an unattractive building, the magic that happens inside the building is nothing short of amazing and more than makes up for that. When it comes to the arts, this is absolutely the venue for visitors to gravitate towards. It’s a breathtaking almost year-round programme (the building is only closed two days a year!) and that starts with being home to the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Barbican hosts all kinds of music from classical, jazz and rock. Not only this but the two theatres offer a packed programme of performing arts, there’s a curve cinema and also two galleries to spend time admiring everything from architecture to photography.
While this is a tiny list from a city packed with a diverse entertainment options, these are three of the best venues offering programmes packed full of quality and variety. We’ve not even mentioned the Southbank Centre, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Opera House, Brixton Academy, Shakespeare’s Globe and so many more. But no matter your interests, destinations spread out across the beautiful capital will entertain and inspire – where’s your favourite London venue?
