This bustling, cosmopolitan area of London is one of Europe’s busiest retail areas. Discover Britain’s eclectic shopping scene or catch a popular musical.

Once reserved for London’s privileged few, this hub of commerce and retail activity is bursting with life, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

A universal name for the shopping areas surrounding Oxford, Regent and Bond Street, the West End refers to the entertainment districts of Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Westminster. All connected by various Underground lines, the West End includes the major attractions of Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Carnaby Street and Hyde Park.

Dive headfirst into shopping heaven at Oxford Circus and explore the many designer boutiques and franchise outlets that make this street famous worldwide. Discover the best of British high street department stores such as Selfridges & Co. and Marks & Spencer. Oxford Street is perfect for seasoned shoppers, families and anyone looking for a slice of authentic British culture.

For a more tranquil shopping experience, head down to Market Place, St. Christopher’s Place or Newburgh Quarter and stroll through the district’s bohemian malls and quirky shops.

With over 30 museums and galleries, there is plenty of rainy day entertainment on offer if the weather isn’t so good. Visit the National Portrait Gallery or one of the many other fabulous galleries in the area./p>

As night falls in the West End, this bustling area transforms into a lively hub of entertainment. No trip to the West End would be complete without first sampling the area’s thriving theatre culture. With over 50 live venues, the theatres’ diverse programmes range from comedies and musicals to Shakespearean classics. Visitors can join the History of Theatreland Walking Tour, a great way to experience some behind the scenes drama. Afterwards, spend some time relaxing in one of the many bars or sit down to a meal in one of the nearby restaurants.

Located to the west of Charing Cross, there are numerous underground stops in the area along with many bus stops.