Best seats at The O2 arena: floor, Level 1, Level 4

The O2 arena, inside the famous white dome on the Greenwich Peninsula, holds up to around 20,000 people for a concert. It is built as a bowl: a floor in the middle (standing or seated, depending on the show) surrounded by tiers of seating. The best seat depends on what you want from the night: the floor for the atmosphere and proximity, the tiers to take in the whole production.

Seating plans change a lot from one show to the next (end stage, centre stage, reduced configuration, standing or seated floor): always check the plan shown by the ticket seller at the time of purchase.

How the arena is laid out

The O2's own terms and accessibility pages refer to the following levels:

• The floor: the arena floor, which is a standing area for many concerts and has seated blocks for others;
• Level 1: the lower tier of seating around the floor, which is also where the main customer service desk and the Changing Places toilet are located;
• Levels 2 and 3: the suite levels, used for private suites and hospitality, not general sale;
• Level 4: the upper tier, high above the floor.

Block numbering on ticketing plans generally follows the level (100s for Level 1, 400s for Level 4). The exact blocks on sale depend on where the stage is placed for each show, so rely on the plan for your event.

The best seats for what you want

To be close to the artist

The standing floor, as near to the front as you can get, or the front rows of seated floor blocks for a seated show. For standing, arrive early if you want to be near the barrier.

To see the whole show

Level 1, facing the stage. You are high enough to see over the floor and take in the lights, screens and staging, while still being relatively close. Level 1 blocks at the side, nearest the stage, give a closer but more angled view.

For the sound

Aim for the axis of the stage. On the floor, the area just in front of the sound desk is the classic benchmark for a balanced mix. In the tiers, seats facing the stage are generally better than seats at the extreme sides.

On a budget

Level 4 is usually the most affordable part of the arena, and from the front-facing blocks you still see the whole production. It is, however, very high: The O2's terms state that Level 4 seats are not recommended for people with a fear of heights, and that alternative seats will not be offered to people who bought them.

Seats to think twice about

• Level 4 if you have vertigo or struggle with steps (see above).
• Side blocks right next to the stage for an end-stage show: the angle is steep and part of the stage or screens may be out of view.
• Blocks beside or behind the stage, when they are on sale: check the plan to see whether they are sold as restricted view.
• The back of the standing floor if you are short: the floor is flat.

Children

The O2's ticketing terms set out age rules, including that children under 16 may only attend with seated tickets and cannot enter standing areas, and that children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Individual events can set their own restrictions: check the event page before buying. A seat on Level 1, facing the stage and near an aisle, is a comfortable choice for a family.

Accessible seating

According to The O2, accessible seating is available on every level, including aisle seats, seats with few or no steps and seats near accessible toilets, plus wheelchair-accessible platforms whose locations are shown on the venue's virtual arena map. The main concourse is level and step-free, and lifts serve all levels. Accessible tickets for arena events are booked using the Nimbus Disability Access Card; The O2 has a dedicated access booking line for guests who need more than one personal assistant ticket (details on its accessibility booking page). At some events people may stand up in front of you: if standing is difficult, mention it when booking, as the viewing platforms may be more comfortable.

Coming soon? Read our guides to getting to The O2, parking at The O2 and where to eat near The O2. And after the show, write a review to tell others what your seat was like.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best seats at The O2?

For the full show, Level 1 facing the stage. For proximity and atmosphere, the standing floor. The plan depends on each show, so check it when you buy.

Is Level 4 at The O2 too high?

It is the upper tier and it is high: The O2's own terms say Level 4 seats are not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights. From the front-facing blocks you still see the whole stage and screens.

Why are there no Level 2 or Level 3 tickets at The O2?

Levels 2 and 3 are the suite levels, reserved for private suites and hospitality. General admission seating is on Level 1 and Level 4, plus the floor.

Can children stand on the floor at The O2?

According to The O2's terms, children under 16 may only attend with seated tickets and cannot enter standing areas. Check the event page, as some shows set their own age rules.