What should tourists watch in the West End?

Hamilton

Hamilton made history. Both the man and the musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s groundbreaking show popularised the use of rap in mainstream theatre, as well as making Miranda a household name. After an explosive premiere on Broadway (where it was nominated for a record-breaking 16 Tony Awards), it landed in London’s Victoria Theatre in 2017. It fast became the must-see musical and earned praise from audiences and critics alike. Among its accolades, it won seven Olivier Awards in 2018, including the much-coveted Best New Musical. Still not convinced that this is a show tourists should watch in the West End? Let’s break down what it’s about.

Hamilton is the biographical musical of the lesser-known Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. The show takes us through his life - from his rocky start as a poor orphan in the Caribbean to him becoming the Secretary of the Treasury in the newly formed United States of America. The musical shows Hamilton using his intelligence and charm to not only progress in the newly formed government, but in his personal life, too. With a brash personality and an insatiable need to achieve, Hamilton makes enemies as well as allies.

Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre is one of the best musicals in London right now because it’s unique, high-energy, and gripping. With a story based in history, a diverse cast, and some of the most famous songs in musical theatre history, it’s unlike anything else on the West End.

Les Misé​rables

Les Misérables is the longest-running musical in the world. It opened in 1985 and has had over 1600 performances since!

Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo, Les Mis is set in early 19th-Century France and follows an ex-convict called Jean Valjean. After being incarcerated for stealing a loaf of bread, Valjean is imprisoned for 19 years before he’s released back into the world with nothing to his name. On the streets, Valjean is shown kindness and mercy by a bishop, which inspires him to both break his parole and start a journey to redemption. However, a police inspector makes it his sole purpose to find Valjean and bring him to justice.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre is a rousing tale of determination, courage and bravery.

And when we say the songs are good, you don’t have to take our word for it. Les Misérables claimed the top two spots on the BBC’s Greatest Songs From Musicals list. If that’s not reason enough, we don’t know what is!

Cabaret

Let’s be real. When you see one of West End’s best musicals, you’re not just visiting a London theatre. You’re travelling all over the world… and time. So far, we’ve suggested America and France. Now it’s 1930s Berlin.

Nestled on the bank of the Thames is the Kit Kat Club - an immersive space where the audience becomes part of the action of Cabaret. Taking place during the Weimar era in Berlin, Cabaret allows you to experience the electrifying and rebellious fever that hit the underground clubs during the politically turbulent period of history. Discussing themes of war, abortion, and discrimination, it was a daring and progressive show that has lasted the test of time.

The latest production of Cabaret has attracted some of the biggest names in theatre, including Eddie Redmayne, Billy Porter, Cara Delevingne, Jessie Buckley, **Self Esteem **and more. Currently, Jamie Muscato is playing Emcee, and Joy Woods is Sally Bowles.

The Book of Mormon

If you’re still not sure what tourists should watch in the West End, maybe we should step away from hard-hitting politics and embrace some comedy.

The Book of Mormon is a laugh-a-minute musical from Matt Stone and Trey Parker (the creators of South Park) and Robert Lopez (Avenue Q). It takes you on a wild journey from Utah to Uganda and beyond, with delightful and shocking humour.

Join missionaries Elder Price and Elder Cunningham as they try to spread the word of God and the Latter-day Saints to the residents of a small village in Africa. While the villagers are more concerned about warlords, AIDS and the struggles of their everyday life, Elder Price has an identity crisis that leads to Elder Cunningham stepping into a role he’s not fully prepared for.

Packed with sharp satire, dark humour, incredible songs, and outrageous moments, The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre still remains one of the West End’s best musicals, even after 13 years.

Paddington The Musical

If you’re a family travelling to London, you may want something a little more child-friendly. Not only is this show child-friendly, it also features one of the most iconic fictional London characters.

Paddington The Musical won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2026. Based on the iconic bear and his book, A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, Paddington The Musical is a wonderful adventure that will bring smiles to all the family.

With music and lyrics by children’s author and McFly member Tom Fletcher, a story by Jessica Swale, and a whimsical puppet that steals everyone’s hearts, Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre is the best show in London for tourists.

How to buy tickets to London musicals

You can book the best musicals in London right here with us. Just select your show, the date, and the time.

Things to do in London for tourists

Need other ideas of things to do in London as a tourist? If you want some things to do in London with your family, things to do in London in the evening, things to do in London alone, or even things to do in London for free, we have you covered.