At the centre of the West End â Londonâs physical, cultural and social heart â the neighbourhood around the National Gallery and Covent Garden is a sightseeing hub. This is Londonâs busiest neighbourhood, with a grand convergence of monumental history, stylish restaurants, standout entertainment choices and classic pubs. And if youâre in town to shop, youâll be in heaven.
Start with the National Gallery. Trafalgar Sq is perfect for a break and sublime views, and the nearby National Portrait Gallery has some outstanding exhibits. Lunch can be expediently supplied by its splendid Portrait restaurant. Walk off your meal, heading east along the Strand to browse around Covent Garden Piazza, shopping, exploring and watching the street performers. The London Transport Museum is excellent, especially if youâre with kids. Take the lift up to 5th View on Piccadilly, or get in line for tapas at Barrafina. If post-dinner drinks are in order, make it the Lamb & Flag or Gordonâs Wine Bar; otherwise buy tickets for a West End musical, theatre performance or opera to round out the night.
t Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Sq and Covent Garden (all Piccadilly Line), or Leicester Sq, Charing Cross and Embankment (all Northern Line).
Top SightNational Gallery
With some 2300 European paintings on display, this is one of the worldâs richest art collections, with seminal paintings from the mid-13th to the early 20th century, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian, Van Gogh and Renoir.
