Today, I decided to take a trip over to The O2 in North Greenwich, London. It wasn’t for shopping or a concert—just a relaxed visit to enjoy the space and see what the atmosphere was like. Sometimes, it’s nice to explore without a specific agenda.
Arrival at The O2
I got off at North Greenwich station on the Jubilee Line, which is super convenient if you’re coming from central London. After heading up the escalators and stepping outside, the first thing I spotted was the iconic O2 dome standing tall in the distance. It was a lovely sunny day—perfect for a stroll.
The walk from the station to the entrance of The O2 takes around five minutes. It’s an easy, enjoyable route with lots of funky buildings, colourful displays, and posters showing upcoming events and activities happening at The O2. Even just the approach builds a bit of excitement—it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like something cool is always happening.
Exploring the Entrance Area
Once I reached the main entrance, I could imagine just how busy this place must get during concerts and big events. On the left-hand side, there’s a ticket collection point, which is handy if you’re attending a show.
I also noticed signs for “Up at The O2” – the experience where you can climb to the top of the dome. That’s definitely something I might try in the future. It looks like a fun and unique way to see London from a different perspective!
Since I visited in the afternoon on a weekday, it was fairly quiet inside. I reckon the vibe changes completely in the evening or on event days—it must really come alive. If you’re carrying bags, just a heads up: there’s an airport-style security check, but if you’re travelling light, you can simply walk through.
As you step in, there’s a huge open foyer where you really get to appreciate the scale and structure of The O2. It’s bright, airy, and modern. There’s also a helpdesk right at the front if you need directions or any info.
Heading Towards the Shops
From the main foyer, I decided to take a left turn. As you walk that way, you get a glimpse of the main arena—this is where all the big concerts, comedy nights, and sporting events happen. Unfortunately, there was no event on today, so I couldn’t see inside, but just standing near it, you can feel how huge it must be when it’s packed with fans.
Just to the left of the arena entrance, there’s a stylish staircase that leads up to the shopping area. For anyone who finds stairs a bit tricky, there are escalators available as well, which is always helpful.
Once I reached the top, I spotted a large map of The O2. It clearly shows all the shops, restaurants, and entertainment spots, so it’s easy to get your bearings. It’s really well thought-out and makes it simple to plan where you want to go next.
Window Shopping and Fun Features
I didn’t really step into any of the shops this time, mainly because I didn’t need to buy anything—but I must say, they all looked really inviting. The O2 has a great selection of outlet stores, which usually means discounted prices compared to regular retail. I spotted Nike, Adidas, Skechers, and even a Tommy Hilfiger—so if you’re after a bargain or just love browsing, there’s plenty to explore.
While walking around, I noticed a few fun things that added to the atmosphere. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of one of the iconic pillars—great for those Instagram moments. There was also a VR rollercoaster ride experience tucked inside, which looked like a lot of fun if you’re into that kind of thrill.
And if you’re looking to make your feed a little more Insta-worthy, there’s a huge red heart installation where people were posing and taking pictures—great for sharing with friends or saving as a cute memory from the day.
Bathroom Check – Clean, Spacious & Monitored
After walking around for a bit, I was quite curious to check out the toilets. If you’ve read some of my other blog posts, you’ll know I have a bit of an interest in the ambience and cleanliness of bathrooms—it’s all part of the overall experience!
As a male visitor, I could only review the men’s toilets, but I’d hope the ladies’ facilities are equally well looked after. The toilets at The O2 were spacious, clean, and well-lit. What stood out was that there was even a toilet attendant actively cleaning, which is always reassuring to see. It’s little touches like this that make the overall experience feel just that bit more polished.
Space to Breathe – Plenty of Room to Relax
One thing I also noticed while walking around was the amount of empty space inside The O2. I’m not sure if these areas are being reserved for new shops or upcoming activities, but it definitely adds to the spacious feel of the venue. It’s actually a great spot if you fancy working on your laptop, taking a break, or meeting up with friends for a relaxed catch-up. There’s something nice about having room to just breathe and unwind, especially in a place that can get so busy during events.
Sparkles, Songs & More – What Else is Inside The O2?
As I wandered around, I couldn’t help but notice a lot of people dressed in sparkly outfits – which definitely added some extra glam to the afternoon! I soon realised why – The O2 is home to Mamma Mia! The Party, an immersive experience where guests enjoy a four-course Greek meal, followed by a full-on ABBA-inspired disco party. It sounds like a lot of fun and is definitely something I’d consider trying one day.
In addition to all the shops and restaurants, The O2 also features a Cineworld cinema and a Hollywood Bowl, so there’s plenty to do even if you’re not here for a concert. Whether you want to catch a movie or knock down some pins, there’s something for everyone.
A Full Circle Around The O2
One of the cool things about The O2 is that it’s built in a loop — so once you’ve walked all the way around, you find yourself right back where you started. It actually made me laugh seeing the O2 sign backwards as I came full circle — like a little reminder of how far I’d walked!
Along the way, I spotted a long line of restaurants to suit every taste and craving. From what I remember, there was Busaba, Chipotle, German Doner Kebab, Jimmy’s World Grill & Bar, KFC, Nando’s, and many more. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick or want to sit down for a proper meal, there’s no shortage of choices.
Final Thoughts
My visit to The O2 in North Greenwich was a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Even though I didn’t go for an event, there was still plenty to see — from outlet shopping and quirky photo spots to just enjoying the vibe of the space. It’s the kind of place where you could easily spend a few hours, whether you’re there for a show, grabbing a bite, or simply wandering around like I did. I’ll definitely be back soon — maybe next time to climb the roof or catch a show!
