Originally a convent garden and subsequently a residential district conceived by Inigo Jones in the 17C, this is now an area of continuous hustle and bustle. It was already renowned for pleasurable pursuits by the 18C, which saw the opening of the Royal Opera House and a proliferation of coffee houses and clubs. Around its ever-busy Piazza, its cafes draw in the sightseers by day, while its restaurants feed the theatre-goers by night.