Alexandra Palace, London - Alexandra Palace
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Alexandra Palace London

4.6
·22k reviews·, United Kingdom

Iconic Victorian palace and parkland offering stunning London views, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and funfairs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better sound

CrowdLow
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Alexandra Palace, London - Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace London

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better sound

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Victorian palace and parkland offering stunning London views, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and funfairs.

4.6
(22k reviews)

"A breathtaking Victorian marvel with stunning views, though acoustics can be a letdown for concerts."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Bus Up, Walk Down

Take the bus up the hill to save your legs, then enjoy a scenic walk down afterwards. :bus:

🎟️ Check Bag Policy

Venue bag policy can be strict and change. Minimize your bag or use pockets for concerts. :handbag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Hall

The Great Hall

Main Building

A breathtaking Victorian marvel, often hosting concerts and exhibitions. Its grandeur is truly awe-inspiring.

TikTok
Palace Grounds & Views

Palace Grounds & Views

Parkland surrounding the Palace

Stroll through expansive parkland offering panoramic views of the London skyline. Perfect for a relaxing escape.

Reddit
The Palm House

The Palm House

Gardens

A beautiful Victorian glasshouse, a tranquil spot to admire exotic plants and architecture.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Conquer the Hill!

Alexandra Palace is famously situated atop a steep hill. While walking offers scenic park views, many visitors recommend taking a bus or train to minimize the strenuous climb, especially after a long event. Plan your transport accordingly to save energy for enjoying the venue itself. Reddit+1

Bag Policy & Entry

Alexandra Palace has a notoriously strict and sometimes inconsistent bag policy. For concerts, consider minimizing what you bring or using pockets to avoid issues. Check the venue's official policy before your visit, as it can change. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, better sound
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy park views peacefully
Crowd
Medium
When
Event nights
Why
Experience the buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Alexandra palace #alexandrapalace #tartarian #tartaria #london #tartarianempire
@onefoulwow
57.8K likes • 904.3K views

🎯 Bus Up, Walk Down

Take the bus up the hill to save your legs, then enjoy a scenic walk down afterwards. Reddit :bus:

🎟️ Check Bag Policy

Venue bag policy can be strict and change. Minimize your bag or use pockets for concerts. Reddit :handbag:

reddit.com

any tips for ally pally for first timers?

reddit.com

Ally Pally Advice

🚆 Train to Ally Pally

Direct trains from King's Cross or change at Finsbury Park make getting here easy. Reddit :train2:

🎶 Sound Experience

Acoustics can be hit or miss; some find them poor. Manage expectations for concerts. Reddit :musical_note:

reddit.com

Ally pally first timer

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Bus Up, Walk Down

Take the bus up the hill to save your legs, then enjoy a scenic walk down afterwards. Reddit :bus:

🎟️ Check Bag Policy

Venue bag policy can be strict and change. Minimize your bag or use pockets for concerts. Reddit :handbag:

🚆 Train to Ally Pally

Direct trains from King's Cross or change at Finsbury Park make getting here easy. Reddit :train2:

🎶 Sound Experience

Acoustics can be hit or miss; some find them poor. Manage expectations for concerts. Reddit :musical_note:

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Park Walk

Consider walking through Finsbury Park and Parkland Walk for a beautiful approach. Reddit :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(22k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Alexandra Palace is a visually stunning Victorian landmark with breathtaking parkland views. While its grandeur and event facilities are praised, concertgoers often note that the acoustics can be disappointing. Navigating the steep hill and adhering to the strict bag policy are common challenges for visitors. Reddit+1

"Saw the Kaiser Chiefs here recently and had such a good time. The venue’s great, loads of food vans with lots of variety. Te building itself is nice although we never went in as it was set outside. That said the views over London are really amazing. Once you’re there, there’s plenty of space and we were able to get a great view from most angles.

It’s a bit of a walk up from the station, but not too bad. When leaving it does get very busy so worth taking an extra 10 minute walk to use the underground.

Would definitely go back to see more artists and events."

Louis

"Went to Alexandra Palace for a Teskey Brothers concert — my first time there, and I really liked it. The venue's great in good weather ☀️, with a natural slope so everyone gets a clear view of the stage 🎶. Two warm-up bands played, and the setup worked well.

Plenty of food options and a solid range of drinks 🍔🍺, with lots of bars so queues weren’t bad. The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. Definitely planning to come back for future events. Ally Pally is a great spot for live music. 👌"

Roman Gudkov

"Absolutely stunning building would love to go and watch something at the theatre. We were visiting the ice rink as our sons had an ice hockey match. The rink was in great condition we look forward to going for a skate session there at some point. If you park in the car park and go into the foyer you can enter the registration of your car and park there no charge for the rest of your visit. After hockey we walked to the pub right next door to the AP and they sell delicious stone baked pizza. 🍕"

Lisa Smith

What People Like

Grand Victorian architecture
Panoramic London views
Expansive parkland

What People Dislike

Hit-or-miss acoustics
Steep hill access
Strict bag policy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Many visitors recommend taking the train to Alexandra Palace station (direct from King's Cross) or Wood Green station (with a shuttle bus on event nights). Buses are also a good option to avoid the steep hill. Reddit+1 Some prefer walking through Finsbury Park for scenic views. Reddit

Getting home can be a challenge, especially after concerts. The train station can get very busy, and the hill is a significant factor. Some suggest leaving slightly earlier to beat the rush. Reddit+1

Driving is an option, and some visitors have found decent street parking nearby or used the official parking area down the hill. However, traffic can be a factor. Reddit

Yes, there is often a shuttle bus service from Wood Green underground station to Alexandra Palace on event nights, which can be a convenient option. Reddit

The walk from Alexandra Palace station involves a steep hill, which some find challenging. Taking a bus directly to the venue is often recommended to avoid this. Reddit+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Alexandra Palace has a strict bag policy that can be inconsistent. For concerts, it's advised to bring minimal items or utilize pockets, as larger bags may be refused. Always check the latest official policy before attending. Reddit

Unless you aim for barrier spots, arriving at doors open (e.g., 5 PM) isn't usually necessary. Bands often perform a few hours later. Arriving too early can mean a long wait. Reddit

Some events have age restrictions (e.g., 16+). While checks can vary, it's best to ensure you meet the requirements or have a companion who does. Reddit

For a good spot, especially if you want to be near the front, arriving earlier is recommended. However, for general admission, you don't need to be there at doors open. Reddit

Entry usually involves a security check, which may include a brief bag search. Be prepared for this process, especially during busy event nights. Reddit

🎫 🎤 Onsite Experience

The acoustics at Alexandra Palace are often described as 'shit' or 'hit or miss' by concertgoers. While the venue is grand, sound quality can be a drawback for some. Reddit

Despite acoustic concerns, some visitors praise the venue's facilities, noting efficient toilet and drinks stations in the lobby area. Reddit

Alexandra Palace hosts a wide range of events, including live music concerts, sports, exhibitions, circuses, and funfairs, making it a versatile venue. TikTok

Information on accessibility can vary by event. It's advisable to check the specific event details or contact the venue directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information. Reddit

Beyond concerts, you can explore the stunning Victorian building, enjoy the parkland with its city views, visit the Palm House, or check for ongoing exhibitions and events. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary depending on the event. For concerts, personal use photos are generally allowed, but professional equipment or flash photography might be restricted. Always check event-specific rules. TikTok

The Great Hall's architecture is a prime photo opportunity. The parkland offers stunning panoramic views of London, especially during golden hour. TikTokReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in public spaces like Alexandra Palace and its parkland due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly authorized. TikTok

Lighting varies greatly. The Great Hall can be dimly lit during concerts, while the park offers natural light. For events, stage lighting can create dramatic effects. TikTok

Absolutely! The panoramic views of London from the parkland are a major draw, offering a fantastic backdrop for photos and a pleasant experience even without attending an event. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Alexandra Palace offers a great day out for families. The vast parkland is perfect for kids to run around and explore, with plenty of open space. Reddit The views of London from the park are also a hit with all ages. Reddit Consider checking the venue's schedule for family-friendly events like circuses or funfairs, which are often held here. TikTok Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for the hill if you plan to walk from the station – a bus might be easier with little ones. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting the grounds and enjoying the panoramic views of London from Alexandra Palace parkland is a fantastic free activity. Reddit You can pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the scenery, saving money on food. Reddit For events, keep an eye out for less popular concert nights or standing tickets, which are usually more affordable. Reddit Utilizing public transport like buses and trains is generally more cost-effective than driving and parking. Reddit+1

🎶 Concert Enthusiasts

Alexandra Palace is a legendary venue for live music, attracting major artists. TikTok While the acoustics can be a point of contention for some, the sheer grandeur of the Great Hall and the vibrant atmosphere make it a memorable experience. Reddit Be prepared for the venue's bag policy and consider your transport options carefully, as getting home can be busy. Reddit+2 For the best experience, research the specific stage setup and sound system for the artist you're seeing. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Journey to Alexandra Palace

Getting to Alexandra Palace often involves tackling a significant hill. While the venue is accessible by train to Alexandra Palace station (direct from King's Cross) and via various bus routes, many visitors find the ascent challenging. A popular strategy is to take a bus or train up and enjoy a leisurely walk down through the parkland afterwards. Reddit+1 Some Redditors suggest walking through Finsbury Park and Parkland Walk for a more scenic, albeit longer, approach. Reddit On event nights, shuttle buses from Wood Green station can also be a convenient option. Reddit

For those considering driving, parking is available, either in official lots or on nearby streets. However, be prepared for potential traffic congestion, especially during peak event times. Reddit Planning your transport in advance, considering the hill, and checking public transport schedules will significantly enhance your arrival experience. Reddit+1

The Alexandra Palace Concert Experience

Alexandra Palace is a renowned venue for live music, but experiences can be mixed. While the sheer scale and Victorian architecture of the Great Hall are impressive, the acoustics are frequently cited as a downside, with some attendees describing them as poor. Reddit This means that while the atmosphere can be electric, the sound quality might not always be optimal for every performance. Reddit

Beyond the sound, practicalities like the bag policy are a recurring topic of discussion. Visitors are often advised to bring minimal belongings or utilize pockets due to strict and sometimes unpredictable rules. Reddit Despite these challenges, many still find the venue offers a unique concert experience, with efficient facilities like toilets and drink stations noted positively by some. Reddit Arriving early is generally only necessary if you're aiming for front-row spots, as bands typically play a few hours after doors open. Reddit

Exploring the Palace Grounds and Views

The expansive parkland surrounding Alexandra Palace is a significant attraction in itself. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and photography. Reddit The grounds offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle, with ample space to relax and take in the scenery. Reddit

Within the palace complex, the Palm House is a charming Victorian glasshouse that provides a tranquil environment to admire exotic plants. Reddit The Great Hall, with its magnificent architecture, is also a highlight, often used for major events and exhibitions. Reddit Whether you're attending an event or just visiting for the day, exploring the palace grounds and soaking in the views is a highly recommended experience. TikTokReddit

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