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London is globally known as one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities. And while some of London’s best neighborhoods are well-established tourist destinations, others are still evolving as hotspots.
Our London neighborhood guide will help you to make sense of this large and sprawling capital, with interrelated areas from The City to Soho to Shoreditch. Whether you want to find the best pubs and restaurants or some green spaces to relax in, you’re in luck; the London neighborhoods have it all.
Experience Cutting-Edge Clerkenwell
Situated in Central London’s Islington Borough, North West of the City and only a few stops from Oxford Street, Clerkenwell is an oasis of calm amongst all the bustle. It provides a great escape from the more touristy areas.
Once the tallest building in London, St Paul’s Cathedral dominates the skyline, making the area extremely Instagrammable.
History
This neighborhood was once an important part of London’s industrial center and has a radical history, with ties to working-class political movements and communism.
These days, the old warehouses have been converted into media company HQs, design agencies, and cutting-edge publication houses. The pickpockets of Victorian times have disappeared, and Clerkenwell is now a safe place to visit, with endless cafes and boutique shops to enjoy.
Where to Eat
Clerkenwell’s cozy old pubs and critically acclaimed modern restaurants and bars make this neighborhood one of London’s best destinations for foodies. And, with Smithfield and Exmouth markets in such close proximity, it’s no wonder that Clerkenwell is a popular place to dine.
Try Oriole for a cocktail or one of the amazing restaurants lining Exmouth Market for a lunch to remember.
Chill Out on Hampstead Heath
Long known as one of the most desirable places to live in North London, Hampstead has a village-like feel and is home to Hampstead Heath, one of London’s best green spaces.
Attractions
Head over to spend hours walking on the 791-acre heath with its sprawling woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds, and meadows. Back in Hampstead itself, visitors can spend quiet afternoons searching for rare gems in one of the second-hand bookstores or counting the many blue plaques on the beautiful old houses that signify people of interest once lived there.
Where to Eat
Hampstead has no end of excellent eating options. Taste local brewery produce and get to know British ale at the Brew House in Kenwood House, La Cocotte, for authentic French cuisine or the Holly Bush gastropub for hearty eats.
Accommodation can be limited in Hampstead, but it is easily accessible from central London on the London Underground.
Shop ‘til You Drop in Fashionable Marylebone
In The City of Westminster, Marylebone still feels like an enchanting secret compared to its busy Oxford Circus neighbor. This chic residential area has plenty of quiet streets and intriguing passageways to explore, and many well-heeled visitors choose to visit Marylebone’s luxury boutiques and great foodie spots.
Attractions
There are cultural attractions galore in Marylebone, such as the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds, and beautiful Regent’s Park. For some free entertainment, check out the Wallace Collection, an exceptional collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics occupying Hertford House in Manchester Square.
Where to Eat
If all that action has made you hungry, try the crab doughnuts at the renowned Chiltern Firehouse or Australian-style Artisan coffee and gourmet frozen yogurt at Daisy Green on Seymour Street.
Make Like a Millionaire in Mayfair
Bordering leafy Hyde Park with its open green spaces, Mayfair is an upmarket area of London and home to some of the world’s most exclusive shops, galleries, and restaurants. If you’ve got pounds to burn, head to a bespoke tailor on Savile Row for an expertly-crafted suit, or browse the many designer fashion stores on Bond Street.
Where to Stay
Some of the most luxurious accommodation options in London are located in Mayfair, including The Dorchester, Claridge’s, and The Connaught. These come at a price – there aren’t many bargains if you want to stay in Mayfair! But, if you are looking to experience the posher side of London, Mayfair is the place to come.
Where to Eat
Why not take a classic Afternoon Tea at The Ritz for a real treat? Arguably London’s most iconic hotel, The Ritz, is a symbol of high society and is perfectly located with views overlooking Royal Green Park. And their afternoon tea really is good enough to pay a premium for.
Visit Vibrant Covent Garden
Perhaps one of London’s best-known neighborhoods, Covent Garden is not to be missed. The central marketplace hosts dozens of stallholders selling unique, handmade goods such as soap, jewelry, and handbags, and the beautiful market hall with its 19th-century glass roof makes for a stunning spot to grab a coffee or bite to eat.
Attractions
Covent Garden is in the heart of London’s West End, and The Royal Opera House is in the heart of the neighborhood.
For some cheaper entertainment, spend a lazy afternoon watching the amazing street performers dotted outside the market. The National Gallery, which houses some of the world’s finest paintings and is free to visit, is only a few minutes’ walk away.
Where to Eat
You will be spoiled for choice with restaurants, but we particularly recommend the new addition Sushi Samba. If you’re in the mood for authentic dim-sum, try the much-loved RedFarm.
Experience the Buzz of The City of London
The “City of London” is considered the absolute heart of London and is where the Romans created the original small settlement of Londinium, which grew to become London as it is today.
The City is sometimes called “The Square Mile,” referring to just one square mile of London on the north bank of the River Thames.
This area is home to most of London’s financial institutions, including the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England, but it also has many attractions to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for the iron dragon statues that line the roads and pathways in The City; they mark the ancient border, so you will always know when you are entering or leaving old Londinium!
Attractions
You can’t visit The City and not go to the iconic Tower of London. Get close enough to be dazzled by the crown jewels and the world’s largest diamond, take a yeoman warder tour, and dodge the ravens as you find out more about this fascinating royal palace.
If you’re looking for a birds-eye view of the area, there are options galore. Check out the high-level walkways and glass floors in Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks.
Or, if you’re feeling energetic, climb the 311 spiral steps of The Monument to the Great Fire of London (known locally as The Monument), located just 61 meters from where the fire started in 1666.
The City is also home to London’s highest public garden, the Sky Garden, at the top of the ‘walkie-talkie’ skyscraper (named for its unique shape). The Sky Garden is free to enter, but it’s wise to reserve a time slot to guarantee a space.
Back at ground level, we highly recommend visiting the London Mithraeum, also known as the Temple of Mithras. This Roman temple was discovered in 1954 during the excavation of a Second World War bomb site and is now protected beneath the floors of Bloomberg’s European headquarters.
Also worth checking out is The Barbican, one of London’s leading cultural venues. The Barbican’s brutalist appearance divides opinions, but as one of the largest performing arts centers for music, theatre, film, and art in Europe, its importance is undisputed.
Wander in Westminster
More accurately known as the City of Westminster, this borough is home to the Houses of Parliament and the majority of the British government, including Downing Street, where the Prime Minister lives. Westminster lies on the north bank of the River Thames at the heart of London’s West End.
Attractions
Westminster is home to probably the world’s most famous clock: Big Ben. Having recently undergone the largest and most complex conservation work in its history, the clock and Elizabeth Tower have been restored to their former glory.
Visitors can tour the Houses of Parliament (free for UK residents) to see behind the scenes of the House of Commons, House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. From here, you can walk through beautiful St James’s Park and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
No trip to Westminster would be complete without visiting Westminster Abbey, which has hosted the coronation of 39 British monarchs. Westminster Abbey is a working church, and there is no charge to enter for worship and individual prayer, but tickets can be purchased to explore the Abbey and its rich history.
Where to Eat
Westminster has fewer restaurants and cafes than other central London areas. But if you find yourself hungry while visiting, check out neighboring Chinatown for dozens of authentic East Asian restaurants.
Discover London’s History in Greenwich
The London Borough of Greenwich is located in South London on the south banks of the River Thames. It’s known for its maritime history and is a fascinating place to visit.
Attractions
Most visitors head straight to the Cutty Sark, a restored 19th-century ship and now an award-winning tourist attraction. Nearby is the Old Royal Naval College, part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can discover over 500 years of British history.
Greenwich is famous for its namesake: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). This is where time is measured, and the exact spot can be found at the Royal Observatory. The GMT laser shines across the River Thames at night and is fascinating to see.
Where to Eat
For iconic London views, look no further than Greenwich Park, a fascinating mix of stunning gardens and rich history dating back to Roman times.
Here you can grab something to eat from one of the cafes or take your own picnic. There are plenty of other options for food in Greenwich, with its thriving restaurant scene. Try Greenwich Peninsula, home of the O2 Arena, for an amazing choice of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Get to Know Up-and-Coming Elephant and Castle
You might be disappointed to find that no elephants are roaming the streets of Elephant and Castle. Instead, expect to find one of the most up-and-coming areas in London, with cafes, creative spaces, food markets, and fine dining.
Attractions
Be sure to check out the Imperial War Museum, the world’s leading museum of war, which also happens to be free to enter. Look out for the original piece of the Berlin Wall, housed just outside the museum steps. Also worth a visit is the Southwark Playhouse which has recently moved to the area.
Elephant and Castle is home to The Cinema Museum, one of the quirkiest museums in London. Set in historic surroundings, this museum is dedicated to the spirit of cinema and houses a collection of kitsch memorabilia. If you have time, watch a screening of one of the golden oldies they frequently show.
Where to Eat
Nearby Mercato Metropolitano is an amazing place to find something tasty to eat as well as a delicious cocktail or two. Music and DJs fill the airy market at the weekend, and food ranges from street fare to Italian, Vietnamese, and much more.
Have Fun in Buzzing Soho
For live entertainment, endless shopping, and vibrant nightlife, look no further than Soho. Located in the middle of London’s West End and bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly Circus, Soho is a thrilling maze of theatre shows, bars, music venues, and some of the best restaurants in London.
Attractions
Once known as London’s premier red-light district, today, Soho is filled with pubs whose drinkers spill out into the streets, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Soho is lively and also the center for London’s LGBTQ+ community, with many lesbian and gay clubs and bars to explore.
Soho has been home to many famous faces over the years, including Mozart, Karl Marx, and the Sex Pistols. Grade-II listed pub The French House was used by Charles de Gaulle whilst in exile during World War II, and Francis Bacon and Dylan Thomas also drank in this iconic Soho watering hole.
Today The French House embraces a no-tech rule, with no music, machines, or mobile phones, and it has a superb list of champagnes and wines by the glass.
Where to Eat
If you need a break from Soho’s wild side, visit The Photographers’ Gallery on Ramillies Street, the first public gallery in Britain devoted solely to photography. Here you’ll find a program of exhibitions and a study room, bookshop, and cafe.
Live Like a Cool Londoner in Shoreditch
A favorite among hipsters, Shoreditch is a great place to stay in London. With its vintage shops, hip bars, and amazing nightlife, it is one of our top picks.
The East London district of Shoreditch was once the kind of London neighborhood that visitors avoided. Shoreditch’s industrial past is still visible with many old warehouses, many adorned with the street art this area is famous for.
But Shoreditch has reinvented itself and is now a creative playground, calling itself home to tech start-ups and all things cool and trendy.
Attractions
Local and international artists have used the walls of Shoreditch to showcase their surreal urban art and graffiti, making the area a riot of color. Try Finding Shoreditch’s Cool Street Art, a free guide to 20 Shoreditch street art spots, for a self-guided tour of London’s best urban art.
Where to Eat
By day, offbeat eateries and quirky cafes serve up almost anything you can imagine. Try the Cereal Killer Cafe for an all-cereal experience or street food at Spitalfields Market. By night, check out Brick Lane for one of the best curries in London.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking in Shoreditch, with its endless cocktail bars and nightclubs to party at.
Get Cultural on the South Bank and Experience Foodie Heaven at Borough Market
Staying close to South Bank will give you easy access to Borough Market, famed for its foodie stalls where you can spend hours nibbling delicious samples of British and international cuisine.
Borough Market is one of the best and oldest food markets in London, dating back to the 12th century. Open seven days a week, the market’s atmospheric halls and passageways can be explored at a leisurely pace. For an educational experience, join one of Borough Market’s official tours to learn more about London’s vibrant food scene.
Attractions
The South Bank itself is a hub of theaters, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Southbank Centre (home to Royal Festival Hall), National Theatre, and BFI Film Theatre are all world-class arts venues located here. They are guaranteed to provide excellent evening entertainment for cinephiles and culture vultures.
For an aerial view of the South Bank, climb aboard the London Eye, Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. This is the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK, and it’s easy to see why given the stunning views of London from the top.
Book in advance to guarantee your space. Alternatively, make your way to the top of London’s tallest building, The Shard, for epic views of London from 72 stories up.
World-renowned Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is also located in the South Bank. This reconstruction of The Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote plays, shows productions in the open air.
A Globe Theatre guided tour tells the story of the original 1599 theatre and how it rose again after 400 years. If Shakespeare isn’t your thing, try the Tate Modern, a network of four art galleries housing British and international modern and contemporary art instead.
Fill Your Camera Reel in Colorful Notting Hill
Made famous by the film of the same name, Notting Hill in West London is one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods with iconic pastel-colored houses and a thriving market.
Attractions
Near Notting Hill Tube Station is Portobello Road, home to one of the most famous antique markets in the world. The market is in full swing on Saturdays with over 1,500 stalls, but visit any time for vintage goods, souvenirs, and yummy street food.
Where to Eat
The colorful streets are home to an amazing number of restaurants and cafes serving everything from Michelin-starred meals to cream teas. Check out Granger & Co for one of the best brunch menus in London.
Enjoy London’s Museums in Kensington
Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London, Kensington is an upmarket area with grand Victorian buildings and architecture. For shopaholics, Kensington High Street is one of London’s most famous shopping areas, with a mixture of chain stores, individual shops, and boutiques.
Attractions
Many visitors come to Kensington for its free museums and Royal Parks. The Natural History Museum is a family favorite and is packed with hands-on exhibits, animatronic dinosaurs, and ever-changing exhibitions.
You may also want to explore the magnificent Kensington Palace, which is the former home of the late Diana Princess of Wales. Kensington Palace is surrounded by beautiful Kensington Gardens, which have recently been restored to the original beauty of their heyday.
Stay and Explore London’s Neighborhoods
These neighborhoods are just a few of our favorites. For a taste of the high life, stay in Knightsbridge and visit the world-famous luxury department store Harrods.
Or, for a more budget-friendly shopping experience, stay close to Regent’s Canal, Camden, and Camden Market to enjoy over 1,000 shops and stalls selling fashion, music, and street food.
It’s safe to say that there is no shortage of fun to be had in the many neighborhood areas of London, and you’re sure to have a wonderful time wherever you choose to stay.
