Olympia, London

Step inside Olympia in Kensington, a landmark events venue that has reopened as west London's new cultural destination.

Famous for its Victorian-era Grand Hall exhibition centre, the estate has undergone a £1.3 billion regeneration to transform its offering and cater to a projected footfall of around 10 million visitors each year.

From al fresco dining and rooftop bars to a new theatre, hotels and music venue, find out all the top things to do and plan your visit to this new creative hub packed with entertainment.

Why you should visit Olympia

• It's London's newest destination for entertainment, culture, hospitality and events and one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the world! 
• Catch live music, theatre and more at multiple state-of-the-art event spaces.  
• Stay, eat and drink at several food spots, two hotels and bars.  

Top things to do at Olympia

Eat at a variety of restaurants

Fuel up at one of the many restaurants at Olympia, with plenty of options whether you're visiting for an event or just passing through. 

• Admire the elegant surroundings of the Grade II-listed Pillar Hall at Idalia, an all-day restaurant and bar that offers afternoon tea and a menu of modern British delights.
• Take your pick at Arbour Bar and Food Hall, a casual hangout with fried chicken, stacked burgers, salad bowls and a cafe, perfect for quick eats and walk-ins. 

Sip drinks at a rooftop bar

Cheers to good times at one of Olympia's many rooftop bars with excellent food menus and panoramic views of London and beyond.

• Pair neon lights with artistic cocktails at Wolves of Tokyo, a Japanese Noir-inspired restaurant and rooftop bar with sleek interiors and sweeping views of the city. 
• Grab seats on the rooftop at Bar Arriba and stay for the mouthwatering Mexican bites, from crispy tostadas to melt-off-the-bone meats, tacos and salsa. 
• Raise a glass together at Lillie's, a wine bar and restaurant inspired by the vineyards which once grew on-site, serving up a menu of seasonal British small plates.

Sing along to live musicians

Catch live musicians and performers at this creative hub, which hosts several music and entertainment venues. 

• See famous musicians take to the stage at British Airways ARC, a state-of-the-art 3,800-capacity music venue with balcony seating and a bar. 
• Bag tickets to a series of shows taking place at the revamped Grand Hall, starting with its Winter Music Series. 
• Dance to live jazz and rock at Pepperbird, a speakeasy bar tucked beneath Pillar Hall with stylish decor inspired by the 60s and 70s.

Enjoy a day at the theatre

Bring friends and family along for a day at the largest new permanent theatre to be built in London in 50 years!

• Get ready for world-class live productions at the British Airways Theatre, a 1,575-seat venue set to open in 2027. 

Make use of the public spaces

Wander around more than 2.5 acres of public space open to all, featuring a host of year-round experiences. 

• Head to Olympia Way, a pedestrianised street with a programme of events and activations to get involved with.
• Enjoy the buzzy atmosphere at the public Emberton Walk, lined with restaurants, bars and venues. 
• Stop by The Canvas, a striking 83-metre (25 ft)-long immersive screen for digital art, live content and activations. 
• Discover your new favourite musician at The Square, which hosts free live performances and events. 

Stay at this prime location

Whether you're watching a show, attending an exhibition or visiting London for the weekend, Olympia makes a fantastic base with everything you need on your doorstep and easy transport links to the rest of the city.

• Check out CitizenM London Olympia and Hyatt Regency London Olympia, two premium hotels available to book on the estate.
• Book a stay at Hilton London Olympia, which is ideally located between Olympia and Kensington (Olympia) station.

Insider tips for visitors

• Make a day of it. Olympia is a destination packed with everything you need for a long stay. From a choice of food spots, outdoor spaces and multiple entertainment venues to a fitness centre and hotels, plan a visit here that makes the most of all the amenities available.
• Book dining in advance. Popular venues including Idalia and Wolves of Tokyo fill up fast on event days and weekends, so be sure to book your table in advance to avoid disappointment, especially if you're after a rooftop table.
• Arrive by public transport. Kensington (Olympia) station is a short seven-minute stroll from the venue, and with limited parking options, public transport is the quickest and easiest way to travel to and from the area.

Where is Olympia in London

Olympia is located on Hammersmith Road in Kensington, west London. 

How to get there

• Tube/train – Kensington (Olympia) is a seven-minute walk from Olympia and is served by the Mildmay and District lines. Baron's Court is a nine-minute walk and is served by the District and Piccadilly lines. West Kensington is an eight-minute walk away and is served by the District line. And Shepherd's Bush is a 27-minute walk and is served by the Central line. Southern Rail operates between Kensington (Olympia) and Watford Junction.
• Bus – Olympia is served by multiple buses, with many stops just a short walk from the venue. Check the official website for more information on specific bus routes. 
• Cycling – Check TfL cycling to find out more about suggested cycling routes and nearby docking stations.  
• Car – Parking is only available for visitors with blue badges attending an event. We advise that you secure your space in advance. Parking restrictions are in place on the streets surrounding Olympia. 

Opening times 

Opening times vary depending on the venue and event timings. Check the official venue or event you plan to attend for specific opening times.

Things to do nearby

Enjoy plenty of activities near Olympia. Stroll the scenic grounds of Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Soak up the culture at The Design Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. Stop for a spot of shopping at Westfield White City, Kensington High Street and Notting Hill.