London is steeped in musical history and has produced more iconic bands and artists than most cities. Consequently, it’s brimming with an array of impressive music venues. From rising stars in lively rock clubs to classical music in unrivalled concert halls, along with secret basement shows from arena-worthy bands, we’ve rounded up the best venues, old and new, to help you catch the most unforgettable shows in town.
Central London
Barbican Hall
As one of London’s finest auditoriums, Barbican Hall is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, making it a popular choice for both classical and contemporary music performances. It is part of the Grade II-listed Barbican Centre, known for its Brutalist architecture that divides opinion among locals.
Capacity: 1940
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Ludovico Einaudi, London Symphony Orchestra, Max Richter
Omeara
Omeara is a small, award-winning live music venue under a railway arch in London Bridge’s Flat Iron Square food hall. This venue is perfect for discovering emerging talent while savoring an abundance of pop-up bars, food trucks, and vibrant club nights.
Capacity: 320
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Fickle Friends, Tom Walker, The Maccabees
House of Vans
Located beneath Waterloo Station, the graffiti-lined Leake Street, often called ‘Banksy Street,’ is home to House of Vans. This unique venue consists of five tunnels featuring skate ramps, art exhibitions, and a stage that is little known to the bustling commuters above. Recent secret shows have featured the likes of Metallica, Loyle Carner, and Wiley, often complemented by art exhibitions.
Capacity: 850
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Foo Fighters, Foals, Royal Blood
Wigmore Hall
Regarded as one of the world’s finest concert halls, Wigmore Hall is the ideal destination to experience instrumental and chamber music from the greatest composers. Its beautiful interior makes it a serene escape in bustling London.
Capacity: 545
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Benjamin Grosvenor, Dame Julia Myra Hess, Arthur Rubinstein
Ronnie Scott’s
Established in 1959, Ronnie Scott’s is one of the world’s most celebrated jazz clubs. Located in the heart of London’s West End, this intimate basement venue has hosted jazz musicians from all over the globe. You can catch a headline act or enjoy the Late Late Show, featuring performances starting around 1 am on weekends and 11 pm on weekdays.
Capacity: 250
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Miles Davis, Cassandra Wilson, Kurt Elling
Union Chapel
Tucked away just off Upper Street in North London, this working church and award-winning venue hosts world-class touring acts alongside organ recitals, community events, and comedy shows. Its impressive Gothic grandeur and unbeatable acoustics make it a popular choice for exceptional performances.
Capacity: 900
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Amy Winehouse, Elton John, Frank Turner
The Underworld
A grassroots venue beneath Camden’s streets, The Underworld lies under the World’s End pub and is a favorite stop on the alternative touring circuit. Expect lively mosh pits and the chance to enjoy weekly rock and emo club nights.
Capacity: 500
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Foo Fighters, Slash’s Snakepit, Fall Out Boy
Alexandra Palace
Known as ‘Ally Pally’ to locals, Alexandra Palace sits atop a hill offering stunning views of the city from its surrounding park. Originally a studio for the BBC, this venue now hosts contemporary acts on the UK touring circuit. The recently reopened Alexandra Palace Theatre provides a more intimate setting compared to its main hall.
Capacity: 10,400/1300
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Arctic Monkeys, Björk, Lizzo
Roundhouse
Constructed as an engine house in the 1800s, the Roundhouse is one of London’s best performing arts venues, located in Camden Town. Its high ceilings and iron columns create a festival-like atmosphere without the mud and rain.
Capacity: 3000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears
East London
The O2 Arena
The UK’s largest indoor venue, The O2 Arena, is located within the former Millennium Dome, attracting world-class acts from all genres. Positioned next to the River Thames on the Greenwich Peninsula, the complex also houses another smaller venue, Indigo at the O2, along with a cinema, bowling alley, and exhibitions. Adventurous visitors can even climb the roof!
Capacity: 20,000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Beyoncé, BTS, Drake
Oslo
Opened in 2014, Oslo is among London’s newer venues, offering hope amid the closure of many grassroots locations. Set in a former Victorian railway station in Hackney, this venue features a spacious bar and restaurant, redefining the often dingy stereotype of grassroots venues.
Capacity: 375
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Supergrass, The Temper Trap, Squeeze
Victoria Park
This popular East London park spans 213 acres and transforms into an outdoor arena each summer. Recently, it hosted the All Points East Festival, featuring a ten-day lineup with varied headline acts from Mumford & Sons to Bring Me The Horizon. It has also been the venue for Lovebox Festival and Field Day.
Capacity: 40,000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: The Clash, Radiohead, Christine and the Queens
South London
Brixton Academy
Recognized as a milestone venue that many touring artists aspire to perform at, Brixton Academy boasts a vast Art Deco interior and a stage reminiscent of Venice’s Rialto Bridge, presenting a unique setup in the heart of London.
Capacity: 5000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Stormzy, Madonna, The Smiths
Pryzm
Pryzm in Kingston has been taken over by independent record shop, Banquet Records. This functioning nightclub, situated in a Grade II-listed building, is a hidden gem for witnessing the latest chart-toppers. Tickets are usually inexpensive, with shows including a complimentary CD.
Capacity: 250
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Blink 182, The Jonas Brothers, The 1975
Fairfield Halls
Croydon’s major entertainment venue has undergone a remarkable redevelopment, restoring it to its 1960s glory. With three main venues—a concert hall, playhouse, and a 750-capacity gig space—there’s something for every music enthusiast.
Capacity: 1800/800/750
Acts who’ve graced the stage: David Bowie, The Beatles, Kenny Rogers
West London
Royal Albert Hall
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall is an iconic venue characterized by its distinct terracotta color and grand dome. Despite its stature, it holds approximately 5000 visitors, offering an intimate experience from world-renowned performers, and it is also famous for hosting the Proms, ballet, opera, and live orchestra film screenings.
Capacity: 5000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, The Who
Hyde Park
London’s largest royal park has played host to outdoor concerts since the 1960s and is synonymous with performances from numerous global rock and pop acts. BST Hyde Park is the most notable event, celebrated each July, with renowned artists such as Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Justin Bieber taking the stage.
Capacity: 65,000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: The Rolling Stones, Queen, Madonna
Shepherd’s Bush Empire
The Shepherd’s Bush Empire, built in 1903 and operated by the same company as Brixton Academy, is recognized as one of London’s most important music venues. The tiered seating provides an intimate setting, reminiscent of a classic theatre.
Capacity: 2000
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Prince, Oasis, Westlife
Bush Hall
Once a rehearsal space for musicians in the 1950s, Bush Hall has been beautifully restored to serve as an independent venue. It offers the perfect ambiance for experiencing emerging talent and bigger acts under its ornate chandelier.
Capacity: 425
Acts who’ve graced the stage: Adele, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Karen O
