The two main opera houses in London are the Royal Opera House and the London Coliseum. Both also stage ballet.

The Royal Opera House is located in Covent Garden and is often referred to as simply "Covent Garden". The current building complex is the third theatre on the site. it was reconstructed and renovated in the 1990s and only the facade, foyer and auditorium date back from 1858. The Royal Opera House is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The world famous theatre is open during the day to general public, as well as being open to ticket holders during performances. Pre-booked guided tours are available daily. If you are lucky enough to see a production, the classic opera performances (often in their original language) are widely regarded as first-rate.

Despite lacking the grandeur of Covent Garden's restored Royal Opera House, the centrally located London Coliseum is nonetheless a major seat for opera in London. Home to the English National Opera the venue not only brings more populist programming, but also more affordable prices. Originally founded as the Vic-Wells Opera, the Company performs all works in English, and productions tend to be more innovative than on the Royal Opera House.