West End

The Basics

Located in the heart of Central London, the West End is frequently the first port of call for out-of-town visitors. The district is arguably best-known for its dozens of theaters and is a rival to New York’s Broadway; its venues attract upwards of 15 million ticket holders every year. In addition to the world-famous musicals and touring plays held on the West End, the area is also renowned for its shopping options (Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden are all retail highlights) as well as its culinary pedigree: A number of London’s top-rated restaurants call the West End home.

Given its size and diversity, there are almost infinite ways to experience the West End. Beyond booking theater tickets, the area can also be discovered on hop-on hop-off bus, walking, bike, and car tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Discounted, last-minute theater tickets can be purchased at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.

• Many of the West End’s top restaurants offer pre- and posttheater menus. Alternatively, Chinatown—one neighborhood in the West End—is rich in delicious possibilities.

• The West End is home to several iconic, independent movie theaters, including the Prince Charles Cinema, Curzon Soho, and Picturehouse Central.

How to Get There

As the West End is a large area of Central London, there are many ways to visit it. The district is served by several major Underground stations, including Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Embankment, and Tottenham Court Road, and can be accessed by dozens of bus lines. It is also very easy to explore by taxi, by bike, or on foot.

When to Get There

The West End is one of London’s liveliest and most vibrant areas and bustles with crowds into the wee hours. Most theater performances start around 7:30pm; arrive a few hours early to do some sightseeing and enjoy a pre-show meal.

West End Monuments

Performance venues aren’t the only attraction in the West End. During your time in the area, spot other highlights ranging from Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery, and the National Gallery to the Royal Academy, Piccadilly Circus’ Eros statue, and St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

Ways to explore

London is known as a city for lovers of performing arts, and if drama is your thing, then you’ll find most of the city’s theaters clustered in the West End–there are around 39 in total. To find out more about them, there are self-guided audio tours that can be downloaded to your phone, or privately guided options that give you the inside track on the city’s theaters, from the historical Theatre Royal Drury Lane to newer venues such as Soho Place.

And, if you want to watch a hit show such as Phantom of the Opera or The Lion King, the West End is the place to see it. Tickets can be bought online through the theaters or resellers, or directly from individual box offices.

Accessibility

Most of London’s West End theaters date back to Victorian times, and so wheelchair accessibility isn’t guaranteed. It’s best to check with the individual theaters. Use Tottenham Court Road tube station for step-free access to the street.

Age limits

Each theater has its own age policies—typically based on the resident show—so check before booking. Everybody who watches a show, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

What to pack

Your show tickets—if the ticket is digital, download ahead of your visit in case you have any signal issues. Opt for a small bag, as some theaters have size restrictions.

What to wear

Heels are not ideal for navigating the tube and busy West End streets. Comfortable, flat shoes are better.

Not allowed

Theaters usually have restrictions on large bags, and you should always stick to good theater etiquette: no arriving late, no cellphone use, no photography during the show.

Amenities

Bars, eateries, nightclubs, shops, theaters, restrooms

Address

The West End is a tourist town, right in the middle of London. It’s easily reached by bus or tube, and public transport is preferable to driving in busy central London.

Driving

You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable for your vehicle. Parking is limited, so it’s better to leave the car behind.

Public transportation

Charing Cross, Covent Garden, Holborn, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, and Tottenham Court Road are all underground stations in the West End. Use Charing Cross Station for mainline trains. Lots of buses pass through the area, and Shaftesbury Avenue and Aldwych are good stops for proximity to many theaters.

Best times to visit

Most evening shows begin around 7:30pm, while matineés start about 2pm. Doors usually open 1.5 hours in advance of the show start time, and it’s best to get there at least 30 minutes in advance for security and ticket checks.

Best days to visit

Weekdays offer better ticket availability and lower prices, but weekends are fun with full theaters. Matineé shows are typically available on weekends.

Best months to visit

There isn’t a best month to catch a West End show, as new productions appear regularly throughout the year. However, if you want to avoid the busiest months, skip July, August, and late December, when there are more tourists in town.