London's West End is one of the most visited spots in the city. With popular squares, monuments, entertainment districts, and more there is truly a lot to see. But there is far more to the West End than the standard scene as the region is full of unique attractions that make it the best spot for those looking to get off the beaten track to explore the more unusual side of London! (Photo "Views of Picadilly Circus" by bugdog)The following are three of our favorites.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is widely considered to be the entertainment district due to its number of shops, bars, and restaurants. But while there are plenty of ways to spend an evening in this particular district, the attractions to be seen during the day are equally as exciting. It is because of this that many visitors book their Hotel Direct accommodations to stay in the heart of the neighborhood!
One such attraction is the Benjamin Franklin house, the only remaining property that the founding father lived in anywhere in the world. As Ben Franklin was famous for moving around quite a bit in his day, it may come as a surprise to learn that he spent nearly 20 years at this particular residence, between the years of 1757 and 1775! (Photo "Ghost of Sweet Chariot" by tones)
Theater District
The theater district is one of the more notable features of the West End, found mainly in Covent Garden and nearby Leicester Square. This part of London's West End boasts dozens of theaters, each hosting their own production at any given time! In addition, it is not uncommon for world premieres to occur in this district, leading to thousands of visitors descending on the district to take in the spectacle!
Visitors on a budget should check out the TKTS booth located in Leicester Square to find out what performances are offering discounted tickets for last minute purchases. Many times you may not get your first choice, but a deep discount is a reward for those who are flexible.
Soho
The allure of Soho is not a particular destination like the previous neighborhoods but the entire neighborhood itself! Most visitors enjoy purely wandering around the back streets and exploring the beautiful buildings while trying to find a cafe or jazz club to spend a few hours relaxing and taking it all in. After spending a few days exploring the Theater District and Covent Garden, a bit of relaxation will be most welcomed. (Photo "Urban Cycle" by amb67)
As getting out to all of these great neighborhoods in London's West End may take up a large chunk of your stay in the city, it may be worth checking out TFL for great transportation options in London!
