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Things to do in the West End

Famous for shopping, shows and iconic sights, London's West End has a spirit all of its own.
Outside of theatre with billboard and view of street in the West End.
Explore all that London's West End has to offer. Credit: visitlondon.com/Jon Reid. Image courtesy of Jon Reid.

No visit to London would be complete without taking in the buzzing atmosphere of the West End. One of London's most vibrant areas for shopping, shows, culture and food and drink, this lively central London area also houses many historic and hip hotels for a memorable stay in London.

Find the best things to do in the West End below and top tips on how to get there and where to stay. 

Where is the West End?

When people refer to London's West End, they are talking about:

West End shopping hotspots

Regent Street in London's West End on a sunny day with red London buses driving past.
Regent Street is lined with shops and boutiques. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Iconic London shopping streets filled with flagship stores, courtyards crammed with pretty boutiques, department stores with a difference… shopping in the West End is unlike anywhere else. 

 

  • Find more than 80 flagship stores on Oxford Street, including Zara, Vans and Primark.
  • Enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping experiences at the likes of Adidas and Nike, or take the kids to the Disney Store.
  • Delve into department stores, from historic Selfridges, to relative newcomer Flannels – which has a whole floor dedicated to pop-ups.
  • Seek out heritage and pioneering brands along Regent Street, including Hamleys, Lulemon and L’Occitane.
  • Combine a visit to the world’s largest LEGO Store with chocolatey treats at M&Ms World, both in Leicester Square.
  • Get your tech fix (quite literally) at The Apple Store. Or check out the latest products at Microsoft, which even hosts its own esports zone.
  • Sharpen up your look at exclusive Bond Street boutiques. You’ll find the world’s leading designers here, including Chanel, Dior and Hermes.
  • St Christopher's Place is a great spot for a shopping pit stop with its cafes and small-scale shops.
  • Wander along Piccadilly, home to royally approved Fortnum & Mason, the UK’s largest Waterstones and pretty Burlington Arcade.
  • Discover more shopping gems in the wider area: Carnaby is home to mock-Tudor department store Liberty; elegant Mayfair and St James’s host upscale boutiques; while Seven Dials and Covent Garden are full of fashion, beauty and lifestyle hotspots.

West End shows

The Aldwych Theatre building lit up in red and purple light at night in London's West End.
Enjoy the fantastic theatre scene in London's West End. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Among the most famous things to do in London's West End is to enjoy its theatre scene. Bag tickets to see West End musicals, classic plays and comedies on the London stage.

  • Take your pick from the 40-or-so theatres in London's "Theatreland", which show top London musicals and plays most nights of the week.
  • Enjoy ever-present musicals such as Les Miserables and The Book of Mormon; and London’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap.
  • On a budget or just seat savvy? Visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discount theatre tickets for on-the-day performances and advance booking shows.
  • The London Coliseum and Royal Ballet and Opera offer some of the best ballet and opera around – book ahead for tickets from as little as £10.
  • Add a note in your calendar for the annual West End Live festival in Trafalgar Square, which puts on free West End performances from the casts of top musicals in London.

Find more London theatre.

Must-visit attractions in the West End

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, also known as Eros, on Piccadilly Circus in London's West End.
Visit the iconic Piccadilly Circus in London's West End. Credit: visitlondon.com/Jon Reid. Image courtesy of Jon Reid.

The West End is home to some of London’s top attractions, including much-loved museums, gorgeous galleries and fun things to do for all ages.

Glitzy West End cinemas

People walking past the Odeon cinema in Leicester Square at night in London's West End.
See the latest box-office hits at the Odeon Leicester Square. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

If you want to see a film in London, the chances are it’s on at one of several cinemas in the West End.

  • Go to London’s “home of film” in and around Leicester Square, where some of London’s best cinemas roll out the red carpet for Hollywood stars during film premieres.
  • See the latest box-office hits at the Odeon Leicester Square.
  • Grab some popcorn for cult films, all-nighters and dedicated seasons at independent Prince Charles Cinema.
  • Or discover new films, old classics and world cinema at Regent Street Cinema.
  • Put your feet up after some serious shopping at Selfridges’ very own cinema.

West End restaurants for your bucket list

Darkly lit interior with dark wooden tables and chairs at Hakkasan Hanway Place.
Hakkasan Hanway Place. Image courtesy of Hakkasan Group.

With enough Michelin stars to be the envy whole countries and cheap eats galore, the West End is one of London’s go-to dining destinations for any occasion.

Best for special occasions 

Best for laid-back treats

Read more about restaurants in London.

West End nightlife

A music venue filled with people while a pianist is playing live music under pink, purple and blue spotlights.
Live music at The Piano Works Farrington. Image courtesy of The Piano Works.

There’s never a dull moment in London’s West End bar and nightlife scene, with things to do throughout the evening and into the early hours.

  • Request your favourite tunes at audience-led The Piano Works.
  • Struggle to keep a lid on your laughter during a night at The Comedy Store.
  • Get a head for heights at some of the capital’s trendiest rooftop bars, including John Lewis Rooftop’s seasonal pop-ups, LSQ Rooftop and Aqua Spirit. 
  • Dance the night away at Cafe de Paris or Tiger Tiger. 
  • Enjoy a romantic cocktail or two in the swanky surroundings of hotel bars, including Artesian at The Langham and The May Fair Bar at The May Fair Hotel.
  • Or, sip on quirky creations at The Lost Alhambra and Swift.
  • With many bars and clubs in its historic streets, Soho parties long into the night. It’s also the place to go to find the most lesbian and gay bars and clubs in London.

Special events in the West End

London West End buildings lit up with Christmas decorations, with a Christmas tree in the foreground.
See the West End sparkle with festive decorations at Christmas. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.
The West End hosts a number of fantastic events and festivals
  • Get snap-happy in Trafalgar Square, home to special events throughout the year including Chinese New Year, St. George's Day and the Trafalgar Square Festival.
  • Both Oxford Street and Regent Street have family-friendly and traffic-free days during the year. 
  • Spend Christmas in London, and see the West End sparkle with festive decorations and attend seasonal special events.
  • Gaze in awe at the Christmas lights throughout the West End, which always prove popular with Londoners and visitors alike.
  • London's New Year's Day Parade also takes place on the streets of the West End.

Hotels and hostels in London's West End

The Waldorf Hilton Hotel London entrance.
Sample the Edwardian grandeur of The Waldorf Hilton Hotel London. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Some of London's finest hotels can be found in the West End. Take your pick from the following, or browse our hotels section for more options:

Luxury

Quirky

Stylish

Family

Budget

  • Experience the best of the action on a low budget by choosing a cheap hotel in London's West End. Z Hotel Piccadilly or sibling hotel Z Hotel Soho are among the options.
  • If you're keen on hostels, SoHostel is great for young travellers,YHA London Oxford Street is in the heart of the shopping area, or book in at The Generator London in Russell Square.
  • The Central London YHA hostel and LSE Grosvenor House’s self-catering studio rooms offer great value for money in central London.

Read more about accommodation in London.

Travel to and around the West End

Piccadilly Circus London Underground sign with red buses and taxis driving past in the background.
Get the Tube to travel to London's West End. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

London’s West End is a large area. You’ll need to travel around by bus, Tube or taxi. Or, if you’re feeling fit, on two wheels under the London Cycle Hire Scheme.

There are many underground stations around the West End. The major hotspots for exiting include:

More about the West End

Learn more about London's West End at newwestend.com.

Or find out more about neighbourhoods in and around the West End, including historic Carnaby, eclectic Chinatown, charming Covent Garden, elegant Mayfair, quirky Seven Dials, lively Soho and stylish St James's.

Nearby areas to explore include City of London, Westminster and the South Bank.

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