Category · Entertainment
London has a diverse events scene, with an eclectic mix of festivals, performances and concerts. From the spectacle of the Notting Hill Carnival to the thought-provoking works of the London Film Festival and fashion and design events, there's always something happening in London that caters to every interest and passion. The musical offerings range from the most prominent stars' stadium concerts to intimate jazz club events. In addition, there are world premieres for movies and exclusive shows in Royal Albert Hall.
The Garrick opened in 1889 under the playwright W. S. Gilbert and is one of the smaller West End houses, seating 656. It is named after the eighteenth-century actor David Garrick, and its size makes it one of the more intimate rooms in the West End.
The Gielgud opened in 1906 as the Hicks Theatre, spent most of the century as the Globe, and took its present name in 1994 in honour of John Gielgud. W. G. R. Sprague designed it as one of a pair with the Sondheim next door, and it seats 986.
His Majesty's Theatre is a French Renaissance-style building on the Haymarket, opened in 1897 and seating 1,216 over four levels. It has been the London home of The Phantom of the Opera since 1986, one of the longest continuous runs in West End history.
The Lyric opened in 1888 and is the oldest surviving theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, predating most of the street around it. C. J. Phipps designed it, and it seats 915 across four levels, down from an original 1,306. It stages plays, musicals and comedy.
Outernet London is a free entertainment district near Tottenham Court Road station, known for its stunning digital displays. Cutting-edge technology and immersive storytelling come together on massive floor-to-ceiling screens, and the interactive visuals make it a hit with visitors of all ages. Since its opening, it has become one of London's most visited free attractions.
The Piccadilly Theatre opened on Denman Street in 1928 and seats 1,232. Its art deco interior is one of the best preserved in the West End, and there is a bar on each of the three levels. It sits on a quiet side street a minute from Piccadilly Circus.
The Prince Edward opened on Old Compton Street in 1930 and is one of the larger West End houses, seating around 1,700. It stages long-running musicals, and its outdoor balcony over Soho makes the interval more interesting than most.
The Prince of Wales Theatre on Coventry Street was rebuilt in art deco style in 1937 and seats 1,148 over two levels. Its wide, shallow auditorium gives good sightlines throughout, and it stages long-running musicals a minute from Leicester Square.
The Sondheim Theatre opened on Shaftesbury Avenue in 1907 as the Queen's Theatre and seats 1,074. It has staged Les Misérables since 2004, and was renamed in 2019 after the composer Stephen Sondheim, and it is the first London theatre to carry his name.
St Martin's Theatre opened in 1916 and has staged Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap since 1974 — the longest-running play anywhere in the world. W. G. R. Sprague designed it in Georgian style, and at 553 seats it is one of the smallest West End houses.
SuperStar BBQ offers an authentic Korean barbecue experience in central London, featuring built-in table grills and large windows. The attentive staff guides diners through the cooking process, and the menu includes a variety of delicious meat dishes, seafood, and traditional Korean specialties. Known for its excellent service and quality ingredients, the restaurant offers both à la carte options and generous set menus for sharing.
The historic Ambassadors Theatre is an intimate venue in London's West End known for its captivating theatrical performances. This charming theatre offers excellent stage visibility and has hosted successful productions like Stomp and Benjamin Button, featuring exceptional acting performances and powerful storytelling that create unforgettable theatrical experiences. The venue's cozy atmosphere and strong productions make it a must-visit destination for theatre enthusiasts.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane is the oldest theatre site in London still in continuous use, with plays staged here since 1663. The present building is the fourth on the site, designed by Benjamin Dean Wyatt and opened in 1812. It seats just under 2,000 across four levels and is the grandest of the West End houses.
The Theatre Royal Haymarket was designed by John Nash and opened in 1821, and its six-column Corinthian portico is one of the most recognisable theatre frontages in London. It seats 888 and has a long association with serious drama and established stars.
Wyndham's opened on 16 November 1899 in the presence of the Prince of Wales, built for the actor-manager Charles Wyndham and designed by W. G. R. Sprague. It seats 759 and stages contemporary work, often with well-known casts.
Located just steps from Camden Town tube station, the historic Electric Ballroom is one of London's most beloved live music venues. This mid-sized venue is renowned for its atmosphere, excellent acoustics, and reasonable prices compared to other music venues. The venue offers a diverse selection of music from various genres, often featuring heavier music.
Jazz Cafe is an intimate and stylish live music venue offering an excellent environment to enjoy performances. The two-level space provides great views of the stage from both the standing area downstairs and the mezzanine level upstairs. The venue is known for its quality food, good service, and reasonable prices.
The Roundhouse is an impressive, atmospheric concert venue offering exceptional music experiences in a unique setting. It maintains an intimate feel with excellent sight lines from every spot, and it's easy to get close to your favourite artists. With its diverse programming and beautiful historic building, it is one of London's most significant music venues.
The Underworld is a popular underground music venue known for its energetic rock and metal performances. With an intimate capacity of 300-500 people, it offers an excellent atmosphere and powerful sound system. The venue is popular, and advance booking is recommended to secure entry. While drinks might be on the pricier side, the venue provides an authentic London rock experience.
Known affectionately as Ally Pally, Alexandra Palace is an iconic venue on a hill in north London, with panoramic views across the city. The hill that Ally Pally sits on top of is about 100 meters high, so it's worth arriving early just for the vista. The area is also known as the birthplace of television, and the old TV masts are still visible on the roof. There’s a rooftop adventure where you can climb to the roof of the building at an altitude of 130 meters above sea level.
Regent’s Park is a large urban park in north London where landscaped gardens, lakes and open green spaces create a peaceful environment in the middle of the city.
O2 is located in North Greenwich, on the opposite side of the river from Canary Wharf. The arena hosts the largest indoor concerts, numerous restaurants, cinemas, and design outlet shops.
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