Specialist contributor covering new media, digital art and interdisciplinary practices.

By Tessa Nolan

The 2024 Olympic Games are just around the corner, and London, always a city that embraces sporting spectacles, is ready to celebrate the athleticism and passion of the world’s best athletes.  Whether you’re a seasoned Olympian enthusiast or a casual spectator, there’s a spot in London where you can soak up the excitement and cheer on your favorite competitors.  From iconic pubs to sprawling outdoor screens, here are 8 of the best places to catch the Olympic action in London:

1. The  Big  Screen  at  Trafalgar  Square:

The iconic Trafalgar Square transforms into a massive open-air arena, with a giant screen broadcasting the Games’ most captivating events.  This is the place to be for a truly immersive experience, with a vibrant atmosphere and a sea of cheering spectators.  Gather your friends, pack a picnic, and get ready to celebrate the Olympic spirit amidst the grandeur of London’s most famous public space.

2.  The  O2  in  North  Greenwich:

The O2, a futuristic entertainment complex with its iconic dome, is another excellent spot to catch the Olympic action.  With multiple screens and a dedicated viewing area, the O2 offers a  family-friendly environment where you can enjoy the Games with your loved ones.  The venue also boasts a variety of food and drink options, ensuring that your Olympic viewing experience is as enjoyable as the Games themselves.

3.  The  British  Museum:

The British Museum, a global treasure trove of history and culture, becomes a hub for Olympic viewing.  The museum’s expansive courtyard transforms into a communal viewing area, with a large screen showcasing the day’s highlights.  Combine your love for the Olympics with a visit to one of the world’s most fascinating museums.  It’s a unique way to experience the Games and soak up the history and culture of London.

4.  The  Southbank  Centre:

The Southbank Centre, a vibrant arts and culture destination on the banks of the Thames, offers a range of Olympic viewing options.  The venue’s outdoor spaces,  including the  Queen’s Walk and the  Undercroft,  are transformed into vibrant fan zones,  with big screens, live music, and a variety of food and drink stalls.  Enjoy the Olympic action amidst the  Southbank’s  iconic  architecture  and  buzzing  atmosphere.

5.  The  Serpentine  Bar  and  Kitchen:

Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park, the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen offers a picturesque setting to catch the Olympic Games.  Enjoy  the  action  on  the  venue’s  large  outdoor  screen,  with  a  background  view  of  Hyde  Park’s  serene  beauty.  The  Serpentine  Bar  and  Kitchen  is  known  for  its  delicious  food  and  drinks,  making  it  the  perfect  spot  for  a  relaxed  and  refined  Olympic  viewing  experience.

6.  The  Prince  of  Wales  Pub:

For a more traditional pub experience, head to The Prince of Wales, a  beloved  local  pub  in  Kensington.  Known  for  its  friendly  atmosphere  and  its  warm  hospitality,  The  Prince  of  Wales  will  be  a  hub  of  Olympic  excitement.  Grab  a  pint,  order  some  pub  grub,  and  join  the  locals  in  cheering  on  their  favorite  athletes.  

7.  The  Clapham  Junction:

The Clapham Junction, a popular live music venue, is transforming into an Olympic hub.  With multiple screens broadcasting the Games,  the  venue  will  be  a  vibrant  and  energetic  space  where  you  can  catch  the  action  and  enjoy  the  company  of  fellow  sports  enthusiasts.  The  Clapham  Junction  also  boasts  an  extensive  selection  of  food  and  drink  options,  ensuring  that  you  have  everything  you  need  for  a  memorable  Olympic  viewing  experience.

8.  The  Battersea  Power  Station:

Battersea Power Station,  London’s  iconic  landmark,  is  reborn  as  a  vibrant  shopping  and  entertainment  complex.  The  venue  is  hosting  a  range  of  Olympic  events,  including  a  dedicated  viewing  area  with  a  giant  screen.  Immerse  yourself  in  the  Olympic  atmosphere  amidst  the  historic  architecture  of  Battersea  Power  Station,  enjoying  the  games  with  a  touch  of  London’s  industrial  heritage.

Beyond  the  Screens:

While these venues offer fantastic opportunities to watch the Olympics, London is a city that truly comes alive during major sporting events.  Explore the city’s parks, pubs, and cafes, where you’ll find  locals  and  visitors  alike  gathered  around  screens  and  celebrating  the  Olympic  spirit.  Whether you’re watching the action live or enjoying the replays, the 2024 Games are sure to be an unforgettable experience. So get ready to cheer, celebrate, and experience the magic of the Olympics in London.