London area of West End guide

What to do and where to stay in London's West End neighbourhood

Taking in Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, Soho, Theatreland, Chinatown, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Edgware Road, the West End really does have it all. This buzzing city centre location has over 15 million tourists visiting each year with hotels at every turn to cope with the flow of visitors. With so much going on it's the one part of the capital that never sleeps. As the heart of London's Theatreland, the West End is home to 40 of the capital's best-loved and long-standing theatres. Like Broadway in New York, London's West End is the place where a playwright of any standing would dream of staging a show. It also boasts a kaleidescope of cafes, restuarants and bars as well as every type of clothes shop you could hope for, from designer labels on Bond Street to the high street brands on Oxford Street. In summer months, the parks and squares get packed with tourists and shoppers seeking a calming oasis. Whatever you're looking for... respite in a street-side respite, a cultural outing or a shopper's paradise, the West End cannot fail to satisfy your search. You can follow the guide books and plan your West End trip if you like but by far the best way to enjoy the delights of the area is to wander around the winding back streets and discover the secrets for yourself.

See our recommended nearby West End Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.