Highlights of London's West End
The West End of London is the entertainment centre of the capital and one of the busiest spots in the city. If you're planning a trip to London, here are some of the best places to visit while you're there:
Leicester Square
Leicester Square boasts a wide variety of shops, bars, nightclubs, cinemas, theatres and restaurants, including the famous Haagen-Dazs restaurant. The Trocadero shopping centre, just west of the square in Picadilly Circus, is fantastic. Visit the Designer Sale Shop for fashionable designer clothing at knock-down prices. Leicester Square is a nice place to sit and have lunch while engaging in a spot of people-watching or even some celeb-spotting, as Capital Radio is broadcast from here.
Trafalgar Square
Just south of Leicester Square, this is where you'll find Nelson's Column. The square used to be full of pigeons but this is becoming less common as it's now forbidden to feed them. In Trafalgar Square you can sit and eat by the fountains, take fascinating photos or meet up with friends. The Cafe on the Square sells great food as well as hot and cold drinks at reasonable prices.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is an Italian-style piazza packed with cafes, pubs, theatres, boutiques and the Royal Opera House. The only area of London licensed for street entertainment, it's full of jugglers, mime artists and musicians. In the middle of the piazza is the famous Covent Garden Market where you can buy almost anything, from clothes to food to arts and crafts.
Oxford Street
Europe's largest high street, and arguably the best. It has over 300 shops and department stores, including the world-famous Selfridges where you can buy anything imaginable. Just off Oxford Street you'll find Bond Street, home to the most expensive shops in London: Gucci, Chanel, Versace, Armani and Tiffany's to name but a few. Even if you can't afford the designer labels, go and have a browse.
Ferry ride down the Thames
A trip to England's capital wouldn't be complete without taking a ferry ride down the Thames. It's a lot more scenic and relaxing than catching the Tube. You're able to see all the main sights: Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Seen from the water, they look beautiful during the day, and even better at night.