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London: O2 Arena Rooftop Climbing Experience
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Located on the Greenwich Peninsula, in south-east London, the O2 Arena stands as one of the most recognisable symbols of the British capital. With its distinctive dome-shaped structure spanning 365 metres in diameter and rising to a height of 52 metres, this multi-purpose venue has become a leading international entertainment destination, welcoming over 2.6 million spectators annually.
Born from the transformation of the controversial Millennium Dome, built to celebrate the arrival of the third millennium, the arena found its true identity in 2007 when it was completely redesigned as an entertainment complex. Today it is far more than a simple arena: with its 20,000 capacity, restaurants, cinemas, outlet shops and the unique experience of Up at the O2 – which allows you to climb the iconic roof – the O2 Arena has established itself as the world’s busiest music arena.
The O2 Arena is not simply a venue for concerts and sporting events, but a genuine entertainment district offering multiple attractions and experiences. Within the complex you’ll find a range of opportunities that make a visit compelling even beyond the events held in the main arena.
The most distinctive experience is undoubtedly Up at the O2, which opened in 2012 as the most radical external modification since the original construction. This attraction allows you to climb the dome roof along a suspended 380-metre fabric walkway, reaching 52 metres in height with gradients of up to 30 degrees. The entire experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and is guided by experts who share anecdotes about the structure’s history and architecture.
From the viewing platform at the summit, you can enjoy 360-degree views across London that extend up to 15 miles on clear days. You can spot the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, Greenwich Park, the Olympic Park and even the Tower of London and The Shard. Various climbing options are available: daytime, sunset or twilight, each offering a different atmosphere. During winter, from November to January, the platform transforms into the UK’s highest snow globe, an immersive festive-themed experience.
The beating heart of the complex is the 20,000-capacity arena, designed as one of Europe’s most technically and acoustically advanced spaces. The flexible configuration allows hosting concerts in traditional end-stage or in-the-round format, with the artist at the centre of the space. The seating is divided into 53 zones, guaranteeing optimal views from every angle.
The exceptional acoustics were meticulously designed by Vanguardia (now part of Buro Happold), featuring a state-of-the-art sound system that has earned praise from some of the world’s greatest artists. The venue has hosted memorable residencies including Prince‘s 21 consecutive nights, plus performances by legends such as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and Beyoncé.
For those preferring more intimate atmospheres, indigo at the O2 is a 2,700-capacity room dedicated to smaller concerts and club events. Featuring four bars, a VIP area and Kings Row offering the best sightlines in the venue, this space represents the perfect alternative for discovering emerging artists or enjoying more intimate performances.
The complex houses Icon Outlet, which opened in 2018, featuring over 60 brands including Adidas, Nike, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger offering discounts up to 70% off retail prices. The Entertainment Avenue surrounding the arena is dotted with restaurants and bars for all tastes, from international cuisine to British pubs, from cocktail bars to pizzerias. The food and beverage area is managed by Levy UK & Ireland, ensuring high standards and a wide selection of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
Within the O2 you’ll also find ImmotionVR, an entertainment zone with 12 stations offering immersive virtual reality experiences, from roller coasters to interactive games. The Cineworld cinema with modern screens is perfect if you want to round off your evening with a film. For interactive football enthusiasts, TOCA Social combines technology, gaming and dining in a unique experience.
Since 2019, there’s also Mamma Mia! The Party, an immersive experience inspired by the celebrated musical where you can dine in a recreated Greek taverna whilst singing and dancing to ABBA’s greatest hits.
The O2 Arena has cemented its reputation as the world’s busiest music arena, surpassing even historic venues like New York’s Madison Square Garden. In 2024 it sold over 2.6 million tickets, confirming for yet another consecutive year its position as the world’s most-attended arena.
The events calendar has featured artists of the calibre of Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Mumford & Sons, Tate McRae and the historic Rolling Stones.
But the O2 is far more than just music. The arena regularly hosts world-class sporting events: from the ATP World Tour Finals tennis championships to NBA matches, from NHL games to professional boxing and wrestling. In 2012 it hosted artistic gymnastics and basketball events for the London Olympics.
The O2 is also home to major entertainment events: from television shows such as the BRIT Awards to sports award ceremonies, from world-renowned comedians like Kevin Hart and Michael McIntyre to circus and theatrical productions.
To purchase tickets for O2 Arena events, the official partner is AXS, which typically offers the best seat availability. It’s advisable to register in advance on the AXS website to speed up the purchase process. Tickets can also be bought through the official website TheO2.co.uk or at the physical box office located at the main entrance, open from 12:00 to 19:00 (until 21:00 on event days).
The O2 Arena has adopted a completely cashless policy from 2025: only credit cards, debit cards and contactless payments are accepted. This applies to all purchases within the arena, from tickets to food and drinks. The bag policy requires all bags not to exceed A4 dimensions (approximately 21 x 30 cm) and they are carefully inspected at entry.
Regarding Up at the O2, sunset and twilight experiences cost more. Climbs with special events, such as Friday Night Climbs with DJ and cocktails (available July to August), or the winter Snow Globe experience, have dedicated pricing. It’s essential to book in advance as spaces are limited and the experience is in high demand.
All visitors must undergo security checks at entry, with thorough inspections of bags and personal items. Use of professional cameras, unauthorised video or audio recording equipment is prohibited. Mobile phones are permitted for arena events, but during Up at the O2 must be kept in a pocket with a fastening (zip or button) during the climb.
The arena offers full disabled access, with lifts on all levels, dedicated seating and assistance services available. Entrance B is particularly convenient for those with mobility issues. For specific accessibility information, it’s advisable to consult the official website or contact the venue directly.
North Greenwich underground station on the Jubilee Line is just 200 metres from the main entrance, approximately 3-6 minutes on foot, making it the most convenient and quickest option.
North Greenwich station is in zones 2/3 and offers rapid connections across London: Canary Wharf in 5 minutes, London Bridge or Stratford in 10 minutes, Waterloo in 15 minutes and Bond Street in 20 minutes.
Alternatively, the nearest DLR station is IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula, approximately 6-7 minutes on foot from the O2. The DLR easily connects Canary Wharf (one stop) and Canning Town, from where you can continue on the Jubilee Line. There’s also the option of using the IFS Cloud Cable Car, the cable car crossing the Thames and linking Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks, offering spectacular views across the city.
Eight Transport for London bus lines serve North Greenwich Station: 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472 and 486. Three of these run 24 hours a day, guaranteeing late-night connections. The 188 line is particularly useful as it directly connects central London (via Waterloo) to the O2 Arena without changes.
Finally, a picturesque way to reach the O2 is by river with Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. The service operates between central London and North Greenwich Pier (7 minutes on foot from the arena) with departures every 20-30 minutes. On days of major arena events, the Thames Clippers O2 Express runs a special service departing from Waterloo Pier three hours before the event starts and resuming 15 minutes after it ends. The journey from the London Eye takes approximately 35 minutes and offers splendid views across the Thames and historic monuments along the river.
The Greenwich Peninsula area offers several accommodation options, although the area is primarily entertainment-focused rather than oriented towards residential tourism.
For those preferring to stay in more central and touristy areas, the historic Greenwich neighbourhood (10-15 minutes by bus), Canary Wharf (5 minutes on the Jubilee Line) and Docklands offer a wide range of hotels in various categories, from budget accommodation to luxury boutique hotels. Greenwich combines historic charm with excellent transport connections, whilst Canary Wharf offers modern, business-oriented facilities.
To make the most of your O2 Arena experience, here are some practical suggestions. If you’re attending an arena event, arrive at least 45-60 minutes early to pass through security checks without rushing, especially during major concerts when queues can be long. Official artist merchandise is available at stands on the Entertainment Avenue, but prices are generally higher than online purchases.
If you’ve booked Up at the O2, report to Basecamp 15 minutes before your scheduled climb time. Wear comfortable and flexible clothing; equipment (climbing shoes, harness, jacket) is provided free of charge. Bring socks (mandatory for climbing shoes) and tie back long hair. In winter, gloves and a hat are recommended. Remember that mobile phones must be stored in closed pockets during the climb, but a professional photographer will be present to capture your moment.
For food and drinks, bear in mind that prices within the arena are higher than average for London. If you have time before the event, dining in the Entertainment Avenue restaurants offers a wider choice and often better value for money. Remember that it’s prohibited to bring food and drinks from outside into the arena.
If travelling with children, check the age restrictions for the specific event. Up at the O2 is accessible to children from 8 years upwards, whilst some arena areas such as the standing pit require a minimum age of 16. The arena offers family services including baby changing facilities and dedicated areas.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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