The West End theatre district is home to around 40 theatres, many of them housed in historic, ornate buildings dating back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. These venues are mostly located around the areas of Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Soho. Some of the most iconic theatres include that of The Royal Opera House, The Lyceum Theatre and The Theatre Royal.

The West End is famous for its blockbuster musicals like Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia!, Hamilton, and Wicked. Many of these shows run for years or even decades.

The West End theatre experience is a highlight for both tourists and locals. Theatergoers enjoy a mix of grand, classic venues with plush interiors, chandeliers, and rich histories, as well as newer, more intimate spaces. The atmosphere in the West End is electric, especially around areas like Leicester Square and Covent Garden, where theatre marquees, street performers, and bustling crowds create an exciting ambiance.