Royal Opera House
Seating Plan

The Royal Opera House has a traditional proscenium arch layout with five levels of seating facing the stage, plus Slips curving around the sides of the upper levels and over 20 Boxes at the sides of the Stalls Circle. As one of the largest venues in London, this grand auditorium is not built for intimate performances, but it excels at its namesake. Productions of opera and ballet, with sweeping choreography and rich orchestrations, are an experience to behold here. 

Sightlines vary across the Opera House. The Stalls Circle, Grand Tier, Balcony, and Amphitheatre have a horseshoe shape, meaning seats curving around at the ends have restricted, side-on views of the stage. Some seats are better for listening and enjoying an overview than for appreciating the finer details of a performance, so keep this in mind when choosing between ballets and operas. Prices will reflect this, with the most expensive seats in the centre of the Stalls and Stalls Circle. 

Acoustics tend to be good even in the upper levels but anyone who suffers from vertigo should avoid the Amphitheatre, which is steep and a bit more cramped than other sections.

Tips from SeatPlan Members

• Briane16 (Amphitheatre V61) says acoustics are “absolutely fine,” from the upper levels
• The Slips are better for listening to opera than watching ballet, says R-S in Upper Slips CC22
• Amphitheatre seats don’t have armrests and the section is steep, according to DC1234 in Amphitheatre B55

Updated April 2026 by Alice (SeatPlan Content Team)

Good Value Seats

Some of the best value seats are in the front half of the Amphitheatre, but be aware that it is quite steep. Although you lose the finer details from up here, the cheaper price can make it a fair option, especially if you rent a pair of opera glasses. Seats at the sides of the Stalls are another good value option if you don’t mind a side-on view of the stage in exchange for being closer.

Premium Seats

The best seats at the Royal Opera House are in the centre of Orchestra Stalls G-L and Donald Gordon Grand Tier Row A. These two areas are highly recommended by opera fans because they ensure the best views of the entire stage without feeling too far away for more nuanced details. Acoustics are also brilliant from these sections, making them all-round top picks for a ballet or opera. If you prefer sitting slightly above the stage, pick the Grand Tier.