The West End is the capital’s heart to the best of the City’s theatres, entertainment and shopping. From the cobbled streets and market squares of Covent Garden to the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus, the West End is a place for putting work aside and having fun.

Covent Garden is well known for its street performers, market, piazza, fashionable boutiques and fabulous restaurants. Alive with culture, Covent Garden houses some of London’s most reputable theatres including the famous Royal Opera House. Right in the heart of the theatre district, and surrounded by some of the country’s biggest cinema complexes, Leicester Square is buzzing with vibrant nightlife, home to many restaurants, bars and nightclubs, alongside state of the art cinemas and glittering casinos. There is a park in the middle of the square which is a popular spot for buskers, regaling crowds with their musical or artistic talents. Within the park stands a Shakespeare statue, dating back to the 19th century, along with busts of other British greats including Sir Isaac Newton, Charlie Chaplin and William Hogarth.

On the other side of the theatre district, overlooking the river, Somerset House plays host to a multitude of events and activities throughout the year. This neo-classical building offers an array of contemporary art and design exhibitions, open air concerts and films, family workshops and guided tours.

Don’t miss some of the best galleries and museums in the world including the National Portrait Gallery, the famous waxwork museum Madame Taussauds and the London Transport museum.

The West End is great fun to explore by foot which can often be quicker than travelling by car or taxi throughout the hustle and bustle! If you do want to grab a taxi, they are easy to spot and hail. The area is well served by public transport whether you want to see some more of the wonderful sights by taking a double decker bus or The London Underground which offers stops at Embankment, Piccadilly Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Charing Cross.