It does not require great powers of imagination to understand the universal appeal of London's West End. It is here that the city's most famous names in the entertainment and hospitality industry congregate with just one purpose in mind - to infuse verve and spark into the dull and dreary life of the average visitor. You may be a Londoner in search for some respite from the humdrum of everyday life, or a starry-eyed tourist looking to experience the true spirit of the place, West End never ceases to amaze with its incredible collection of high-end shops, prestigious hotels and restaurants and packed theatres.

The area gained prominence almost 300 years ago when it came to be known for its veritable collection of stately palaces, plush mansions, renowned shops and a host of entertainment hot spots. In today's more contemporary times, the reach of West End has expanded to include the entertainment district surrounding Convent Garden and Leister Square, the shopping havens of Bond Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street and the area within the City of Westminster.

Let Your Hair down West End Style

Think West End and the first thing that suffuses your mind is its brimming theatre scene. West End theatre is known the world over for its absolutely impeccable standard of commercial theatre. From soulful classics to riveting musicals and rip roaring comedies, this theatre goldmine has something for all ages. So even though you might want to enjoy the melody of plays like Mamma Mia and Billy Elliot, visitors looking for something serious in tenor will fall in love with the War Horse.

You may not be inclined to theatre, but there are many more surprises in store for you at London's West End. Shopping happens to be the most earnestly followed pastime in arguably the finest shopping streets in the city. Get ready to let your wallet do all the talking at celebrated flagship stores of Fenwicks, Hamleys, Topshop and Selfridges. But if you do not have the resources to invite yourself into these prestigious environs, then you could walk on the lesser known shopping streets like Carnaby Street, St Christopher's Place and shopping arcades near the Seven Dials.

A year-end trip to West End means that you can begin your journey into the New Year on a high. From eclectic Christmas celebrations to high octane New Year parades, the streets of West End assume a new colour and charisma at every year end.

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