Sydney Hertz and Alexandra Warren of allthingsabroad.com take DT365 through the streets of London’s most-happening area: the West End. The West End, which includes Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Covent Garden and Leicester Square, among other neighborhoods, is filled with delicious restaurants, popular attractions and beloved shops, as well as London specialties such as down and dirty pubs and high-end tea rooms. All Things Abroad: a go-to resource for all things traveling, living and studying abroad, presents you with how to spend a day eating, drinking, shopping and site-seeing in London’s world-famous West End.
Breakfast: Start off your day with a quick and scenic walk to The Wolseley. At this popular London restaurant, enjoy British favorites such as haggis with fried duck eggs, to the American classics like granola parfaits and omelets. Order the mixed basket to share with your table. This is the perfect start to a morning.
Galleries: Make your way over to the National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square. There, you can either check out the permanent collection or purchase tickets to the temporary exhibits. If you visit between now and January 10th, you will be able to see Goya: The Portraits, a very impressive and informative exhibit. Afterward, head over to the art galleries that line New Bond Street and other neighboring streets, where you can view and purchase artwork from various time periods.
Shopping: Treat yourself to some shopping on London’s famous Regent Street. There, you will see familiar American shops as well as London specialties. Be sure to explore the streets surrounding Regent Street, where you will find smaller boutiques and designer shops.
Light Lunch: Treat yourself to a healthy lunch at The Detox Kitchen. It's hard to choose from their long list of available juices and smoothies. Be sure to try at least one of their light dishes. We love both the cauliflower and quinoa dishes.
West-End Show: You can’t visit the West End without watching a musical or drama. Try to snag a few tickets to a matinee of Photograph 51, starring Nicole Kidman. Otherwise, we recommend The Book of Mormon or London favorite, Billy Elliot.
Tea-time: Nothing says London quite like a cup of tea. Treat yourself to a leisurely high tea either at Fortnum & Mason or Sketch. Fortnum & Mason offers a word-class, posh and sophisticated high-tea experience, while Sketch offers something out of the ordinary and hip. Be sure to make a reservation at either one.
View: Take an obligatory walk along the River Thames and burn off some of those high-tea calories. Enjoy views of the river, the London Eye and other London sites.
Dinner: The West-End is home to some of the best restaurants in London. Make your reservations early as tables book up in this central part of London. We recommend Nopi, The Ivy and Coya.
Late-Night: If you find yourself unable to adjust to the local time because of jet-lag, be sure to check out these late-night options. The Hippodrome Casino is always a fun time (as long you’re winning). Go for drinks and a fun experience at Ice Bar London.
