Sunday, 3 February 2013

London's West End highlights for visitors

By Curtis Lacombe


One can't properly visit the capital without having been to the West End. Originally, it was a broad collection of upper-class world's features, such as all the beautiful, but expensive town houses and palaces, fashion-shops and high-end entertainment at it's best. When talking about London's West End today there are many different things one could be referring to.

One could describe West End in the following way: Entertainment is located around Leicester Square or Covent Garden. The shopping is at Oxford St., Regent St., and Bond St. For other people The West End means the whole City of Westminster area west of London's historic centre.

The West End of London is where some of the best hotels can be booked. The most famous Mountbatten, St Martin's Lane Hotel, Trafalgar, Hampshire, The Charing Cross Hotel or the Langham can be found in the West End.

Also, visitors wouldn't want to miss out on the West End's theatre scene. The West End theatres can easily compare to New York City's Broadway. The West End's 40 theatres offer absolute world class. The performances featured in West End theatres are usually of the classic, musical or comedy kind. Billy Elliot, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked or Les Miserables are to be seen alongside other grand classics like The Woman in Black, War Horse or The Mousetrap. The capital's West End theatres are a must-see for anyone taking their London visit seriously.

Alongside the big-name shopping locations like Ralph Lauren, Topshop, Selfridges or Fenwick and the Apple Store, the West End of London also features lovely less-known shopping opportunities like the ones on St Christopher's Place, Carnaby Street or St Martin's Courtyard. Those looking for the above will however head towards Oxford Street, Bond Street or Regent Street.

Don't miss out on the opportunities to explore the rich choice of excellent restaurants and bars. London's West End has a lot to offer in this field. Whether the evening is only starting and you wish to enjoy a quick meal before going to the theatre, or simply wish to make new gourmet experiences, the West End can give you what you are after.

Whether you are looking for a diner in Regent Street or near Carnaby, or want to try Covent Garden, the St Martin's Courtyard and Opera Quarter, the West End has much to offer. While the first are renowned for Jamie's Italian restaurant or the Opera Tavern with its great tapas, the latter can offer Japanese tastes at the Aqua Kyoto, or new taste experiences at Polpo's.

The West End has many trendy locations to offer all night long. Be it for a late drink or for the dancefloor, the city never sleeps. Keep the Albannach or the Dirty Martini in mind. Dancers will head for the Cafe de Paris, for example.

At Christmas, the streets of The West End of London are nicely decorated. The New Year's Day Parade takes place there too. During summer, West End Live lets you enjoy for free the best of the capital's live music. Regent Street and Oxford Street are traffic-free on many occasions.




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