Seven Dials is one of Covent Garden's most characterful corners, a star-shaped junction where seven narrow lanes radiate from a slender pillar topped with sundials. Laid out in the 1690s, it has shed its once-notorious reputation to become a beloved enclave of independent boutiques, restaurants and theatres.
Why visit
It captures the village-like charm hidden within the West End: pretty streets, distinctive shops and a genuine sense of history, all moments from the bustle of Covent Garden and the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue.
What to see and do
The seven streets reward an aimless wander, lined with fashion, beauty and lifestyle stores, plus a strong line-up of cafes and restaurants. The central sundial pillar is a popular meeting point.
Visiting tips
It is free to explore at any time. Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations are a short walk, alongside the Royal Opera House and the West End.
