Royal Albert Hall
Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, Greater London, SW7 2AP
When it comes to iconic London theater venues, the Royal Albert Hall is hard to beat. Dating back to 1871, when it was opened by Queen Victoria and named after her husband, this magnificent venue has become a staple in London’s cultural scene. Known for its distinctive domed architecture, it hosts many world-renowned events, from classical concerts to televised award ceremonies and banquets.
The Basics
There are two ways to get inside Royal Albert Hall: book tickets to a concert or take part in a guided tour of the venue. The 1-hour Grand Tour takes place several times a day and provides access to the gallery, the auditorium, and the Royal Retiring Room. Themed tours, including architectural tours and secret history tours, take place on select dates. Packages that include a guided tour as well as afternoon tea or a meal at the on-site Verdi Restaurant are also available. Because of its royal connections, Royal Albert Hall is a frequent inclusion on royal-themed sightseeing tours of London, as are other royal attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
Royal Albert Hall is a must-see for royal aficionados and music fans.
Tours of the venue include a lot of steps, so wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
The venue is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Royal Albert Hall is located on Kensington Gore in central London. The closest Tube stations are South Kensington (District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines), and High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines). Both stations are about a 10-minute walk from the venue.
When to Get There
Grand Tours run most days from around 10am to 4pm, departing every 30 minutes. Consider choosing a day when an artist you admire is due to play, as occasionally you can see performers rehearsing during guided tours of the premises.
The Proms at the Royal Albert Hall
Every year the Royal Albert Hall plays host to the BBC Proms, a wildly popular classical music festival that runs for around eight weeks every summer. You can book tickets for specific events in advance, or wait in line on the night to get one of 1,350 inexpensive standing-only tickets. These standing spots—or Promming places, as they are known—are part of the Proms tradition.
Ways to explore
There are two ways to get inside the Royal Albert Hall: book a concert ticket or join a guided tour. Tours offer access outside performance times and offer insight into the venue’s rich history. Thanks to its ties to royalty, the venue often features on royal-themed sightseeing tours, along with landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Kensington Palace. If you plan to cover many London sights in a day, you might see the hall on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, river cruise, bike ride, or black cab tour.
Accessibility
The Royal Albert Hall is wheelchair accessible with entrance ramps at Doors 1, 3, 8, 9, and 12. There are also lifts inside, accessible restrooms on every level, and wheelchairs available for loan.
Age limits
Some performances may have age restrictions, so check before booking tickets.
What to pack
One small bag, contactless payment, refillable water bottle
What to wear
Most shows don’t have a dress code, but occasionally there’s a formal dress code, and this information is provided on the events page.
Not allowed
Flash photography, e-bikes, bringing in food and drinks, selfie sticks
Amenities
Cloakroom, bars, restaurants, restrooms, water fountains, stroller storage area
Address
The Royal Albert Hall is located in central London near Kensington. It’s easily accessible by car and public transport, with nearby stations and bus routes. For convenience, consider taking public transport or booking a guided tour.
Driving
From Westminster to the Royal Albert Hall, it’s a quick 10-15 minute journey via Knightsbridge. You can park at Imperial College nearby for £11 (prebooked), with a 5-minute walk to the venue.
Public transportation
The closest tube stations to Royal Albert Hall are South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly lines) and High Street Kensington (District, Circle lines), both a 10-15 minute walk. Green Park is the nearest station with step-free access. Alternatively, take bus routes 9, 52, 452, or 702 to Kensington Gore, or the 70 to Queen’s Gate.
Best times to visit
The best time of day to visit depends on whether you’re attending a show or a tour. Matinee shows are typically quieter, as are morning tours.
Best days to visit
Visiting the Royal Albert Hall on a weekday, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, helps you to avoid the peak afternoon crowds, when the theater is usually busiest.
Best months to visit
The hall is wonderful year-round, so it really depends on what show you’re seeing. London is lovely in the summer (July and August) or during the festive period.
Special events
The Proms is an annual classical music festival held between July and September. Tickets to this televised event allow you to enjoy award-winning acts and world-class renditions of classical masterpieces.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!