Things to do in the West End

Theatreland is home to some of the oldest theatres in the country, which have become some of the most iconic venues thanks to their architecture, history and the historic shows that have been performed there over the years. These include the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest theatre in London, which opened in 1663, as well as the Theatre Royal Haymarket, the Adelphi and the St Martin's Lane Theatre, home to the world's longest-running show The Mousetrap and many other fascinating theatres.

One of the most popular things to do in London's West End is to experience its vibrant theatre scene. Buy tickets to see the latest West End musicals, classic plays and comedies.

• 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 groundbreaking and long-running musicals that continue to fascinate audiences to this day, including Les Miserables, The Book of Mormon and Andrew Lloyd Webber's gothic romance The Phantom of the Opera.
• See award-winning shows, including Olivier and Tony winners, at some of London's top theatres. Enjoy the mesmerising Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club or delve into the underground world of Hadestown. Don't miss the time-travelling blockbuster Back to the Future or the family favourite Matilda the Musical, among many others.
• On a budget or just seat savvy? Make sure to check Visit London's theatre deals and last-minute discounts on theatre tickets, including same-day performances and advance bookings.
• The London Coliseum and Royal Ballet and Opera offer some of the best ballet and opera around – book ahead to get the best seats to some of London's most ground-breaking productions. And in 2026, don't miss the return of the dazzling Kinky Boots musical next year at the Coliseum.
• 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.

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.

• Take a selfie in front of the iconic lights at Piccadilly Circus or stroll along the West End at night and admire the theatres boasting mesmerising neon lights.
• For theatre fans, why not join an expert guide on a Theatreland walking tour? You will stop by some iconic spots, such as the Palladium and St Martin's Lane, as well as many other theatres.
• Admire world-class art at the National Gallery, featuring the works of many masters including Rubens, Holbein and Raphael. Head to the Royal Academy of Arts to explore 250 years of British art, from the works of Constable and Turner to those of Hockney and Emin. If you prefer modern art, the Moco Museum is just around the corner from Marble Arch, displaying more than 100 modern, contemporary, digital and immersive works by artists such as Warhol, Banksy and Kusama.
• Grab your friends and embark on a mind-bending quest to solve clues and collect crystals during the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, based on the popular 1990s TV show.
• Spot your favourite film and TV icons in statue form on the Scenes in the Square sculptural trail in Leicester Square.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to cheap eats galore, the West End is one of London’s go-to dining destinations for any occasion.

Best pre-theatre meals

Going out for a meal before seeing a show in the West End is a classic tradition that many consider a must-do. There are many restaurants offering pre-theatre deals near top London theatre venues.

• Check out Fatt Pundit for authentic Indo-Chinese fusion cuisine. The pre-theatre menu features Bombay chilli prawns, monkfish curry and Szechuan honey duck.
• Visit Gilgamesh, a restaurant and lounge bar that blends flavours from the east and west, with a theatre menu featuring Japanese-style miso aubergine, Thai green curry and grilled sea bass.
• Take a seat at Café Murano in Covent Garden, where chef Angela Hartnett puts a modern twist on Italian fresh seasonal flavours. Highlights of the pre-theatre menu include gnudis, a delicious alternative to gnocchi.
• If you're short on time, try one of London's many food halls and markets, such as the Arcade Food Hall at Tottenham Court Road, where you can enjoy Cantonese, Indonesian and Mexican cuisine, among other options all under one roof. Alternatively, try Seven Dials Market, where you can explore numerous delicious options such as the selection of cheeses at Pick & Cheese, or enjoy Colombian tacos at Los Gordos.

Best for special occasions 

• Splash out on Michelin-starred fare at the likes of Veeraswamy, Alyn Williams at The Westbury and Hakkasan.
• An afternoon tea in the West End is a must! Hotel Café Royal’s Oscar Wilde Lounge, The Langham’s Palm Court and Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms are among the many options.
• Just off Regent Street, Heddon Street boasts some of London’s top eateries, including Spanish-influenced Sabor, North African Momo and Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen.
• Going to a show? Brasserie Zedel and J Sheekey offer dining until midnight – both perfect spots for pre- or post-theatre dining in London.

Best for laid-back treats

• Family favourites Shrimp & Grill, Jungle Cave and Hard Rock Cafe are all handily within the West End.
• Travel the world in flavours, from Japanese delights at Aqua Kyoto to South American fusion at Leicester Square Kitchen, modern Indian dishes at Farzi Cafe or regional Chinese fare at Chinatown’s top eateries.
• Fill up your Insta feed at picture-pretty hangouts Berners Tavern, Brasserie of Light, Sketch and Feya.
• Take your pick from the eight street food traders at Market Hall West End, or visit one of London’s oldest markets, Berwick Street Market, for handheld treats.
• Soak up the summer vibes at alfresco dining spots such as Alto by San Carlo, Hush Mayfair or the many outdoor eateries in St Christopher’s Place, St Martin’s Courtyard and Kingly Court.

Read more about restaurants in London.

If you want to see a film in London, it's likely showing 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.

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.
• Enjoy an evening of world-class acrobatics and choreography at Magic Mike Live.
• 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 grab a drink at Waxy O'Connor and listen to live bands in a setting set to transport you back to Ireland.
• Visit Mr Fogg's Tavern on St Martin's Lane and step back in time to a Victorian tavern where you can enjoy food and drink while listening to live entertainment, including Cockney singalongs on Thursdays.
• Sip on 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, choose from a menu of imaginative creations at quirky London bars including The Lost Alhambra and Swift.
• With many bars and clubs in its historic streets, people party in Soho long into the night. It’s also a renowned hotspot for London's LGBTQ+ bar and club scene.

The West End hosts a number of fantastic events and festivals through the year.

• 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.
• See the West End sparkle with festive light trails and bustling markets during Christmas in London.
• Gaze in awe at the Christmas lights throughout the West End.
• London's New Year's Day Parade also takes place on the streets of the West End.

Check out the London events calendar to discover more events in the city. 

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

• Treat yourself with a stay at one of London's luxury hotels. Stay in five-star One Aldwych, or Hotel Café Royal in buzzy Soho. Experience the glitz of The Ritz London and the glamour of The Savoy, or admire the historic red brick architecture of Radisson Blu Hampshire Hotel. 
• Bed down in the surrealist wonderland at St Martins Lane Hotel, choose modern luxury at W London Leicester Square or visit the ultra-Instagrammable Haymarket Hotel. 
• Sample the Edwardian grandeur of The Waldorf Hilton Hotel London, try upscale Victorian railway hotel The Clermont Charing Cross, or enjoy a stylish stay in Covent Garden at Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street or off Regent Street at The Langham. 
• Book a stay at one of the family-friendly hotels in the West End. Be close to family-focused shops at Hotel Indigo at 1 Leicester Square, get a family room in The Trafalgar, St James, Curio Collection by Hilton, or make use of special services at The Cavendish. 
• 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.
• Opt for a budget-friendly hostel such as SoHostel for young travellers, YHA London Oxford Street 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 also offer great value for money in central London.

Keep exploring accommodation in London.

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 the City of London, Westminster and the South Bank.