London is pretty big, and navigating it can be a challenge. In saying that, its intriguing feature is that, while being a massive city, London neighbourhoods feel like a collection of little villages, each with its own character, vibe, and peculiarities. London locals often categorise the city into neighbourhoods, whereby the boundaries are often a little more abstract than the official borough term. We say we’re going to shop in Shoreditch, instead of “Tower Hamlets” and going to Soho for drinks rather than “The City of Westminster”. This is your guide to neighbourhoods in London so you can be as pro as locals are. We also have an article about free things to do in London; follow this link.
Central London areas
Westminster
Westminster is one of the most iconic and historically significant places in London. It’s the hub for the main monuments that tourists like to see. Here, you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. It’s all near the River Thames, with Westminster Bridge connecting the area to the Southbank. You can cross through Trafalgar Square, home to The National Gallery, into St. James’ Park and finish at Buckingham Palace. St. James’ Park is a beautiful place to take a breath from trekking whilst still getting views of sights like the London Eye and Buckingham Palace.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a lively little area, great for shopping, dining and entertainment. The historic Covent Garden Market building is the central piazza with three floors of boutiques, some of London’s best al fresco dining, and a vibrant market atmosphere. You’ll find street performers and everyone just generally having a good time. Round the corner from Covent Garden, you can discover Seven Dials, which consists of renowned international flagships and concept locations, pubs, cafes and a market. Seven atmospheric streets, with the famous Seven Dials Monument at its core, offering a slower-paced escape from the city’s hectic streets. Don’t forget Neal’s Yard, the most colourful corner of Covent Garden located within Seven Dials.
Soho
Neighbouring Oxford Street, Leicester Square and Chinatown, you’ll find Soho. An area full of culture and entertainment. Nightlife is Soho’s superpower, with a plethora of bars, pubs and clubs at every street corner. Soho is also the place for theatre, presenting everything from West End musicals to thought provoking dramas. The music scene is nothing short of exciting, with legendary venues like Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club entertaining lively crowds. Soho has a significant LGBTQ+ presence and is home to many LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and community organisations. It plays a significant role in the city’s LGBTQ+ history. For sights in Soho, check out Carnaby Street, famous for its light exhibitions.
Mayfair
Bordering Hyde Park and Green Park, you’ll find upscale Mayfair; home to many high-end stores, fine dining restaurants, and grand hotels. Its lavish streets, like Bond Street and Mount Street, are flooded with exclusive boutiques and high-end designer stores; it’s the place to be if you have money to spend. With prominent art galleries and cultural organisations like the Royal Academy of Arts, Mayfair is also a centre of the arts. Its culinary scene is equally impressive, with many Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining establishments such as Hakkasan, Le Gavroche and Veeraswamy. This area is also known for its luxurious real estate; it’s one of London’s most affluent and desirable neighbourhoods, where grand townhouses and luxury apartments line the streets.
North London areas
Camden
Camden is well known for its distinctive fusion of alternative lifestyle, music, and culture. At the heart of Camden’s allure lies the famous Camden Market, where small boutiques, vintage stores, and street food vendors come together to offer an infinite variety of goods and flavours. In particular, the Camden Lock is a well-liked spot for both locals and visitors, serving as a centre for all things handcrafted. Camden isn’t just a shopping mecca, but also the place for music enthusiasts. It’s been crucial to the development of British music, with countless iconic performances taking place at renowned locations like the Electric Ballroom and the Roundhouse. The area is closely linked to the punk and alternative music scenes, and is still a hub for up-and-coming musicians. Moreover, Camden is bordered by the charming Regent’s Canal, which offers a peaceful diversion from the city’s hustle and bustle. Regent Park is round the corner too; head up Primrose Hill to hang out amongst the locals and enjoy the beautiful skyline view.
Angel
Angel gets its name from the iconic Angel Islington statue, which stands guard over the area from its distinctive location at the Upper Street and Essex Road intersection. This 1903 statue symbolises the area’s identity and lends a touch of historic grandeur. Angel is a trendy and eclectic neighbourhood with lots of different shops, restaurants, and cafes. It has a sense of timeless beauty with its cobbled streets and Victorian-era architecture. Yet the modern spirit is demonstrated by the vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, hitting one of the many pubs is a great way to have a good time in true Angel fashion. The Almeida Theatre, a well-known cultural institution in Angel, regularly presents cutting-edge productions, adding to the areas cultural appeal.
South London areas
London Bridge
The area by London Bridge is a dynamic and vibrant district that unites history and modernity, culture. One of London’s oldest and most famous food markets, Borough Market is a culinary haven that has been serving the city for more than 1000 years. It’s tucked away beneath the arches of London Bridge station. The tallest skyscraper in Western Europe, the Shard, sits proudly just outside London Bridge Station. Inside, you’ll find world-class restaurants, luxury residences, office spaces, and the famous Shangri-La Hotel. However, its most renowned feature is its observation deck, suitably named “The View from The Shard. From London Bridge, you can also reach the Tate Modern Gallery on foot, one of the world’s most renowned contemporary art museums.
Greenwich
Greenwich, a beautiful area, home to the famous cable cars and O2 arena. One of London’s eight royal parks, Greenwich Park is located in the heart of the area and is also home to the Royal Observatory, which marks the Prime Meridian. All of the world’s time zones are measured from this meridian line, which tourists frequently like to cross to experience what it’s like to be in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres simultaneously. The view from this hill is also spectacular so make sure to visit! Due of its proximity to the River Thames, Greenwich has a strong connection with maritime history. The iconic 19th-century tea clipper, the Cutty Sark, is on display and has been created into a museum. In addition, the National Maritime Museum has a sizable collection of maritime relics, including old navigational devices, art and ship models. Don’t forget to check out Greenwich Market, where you can shop for crafts and vintage goods and feast on some delicious street food.
East London areas
The City
The City is the superstructure part of London, home to giant banks, law firms, and the London Stock Exchange. The architecture here contrasts the rest of London because it’s a skyscraper strip possessing many of the city’s buildings, the rest being further east in Canary Wharf. One of the most interesting skyscrapers in London can be found here at 30 St Mary Axe, and is lovingly known as the Gherkin. The Walkie-Talkie, aka The Fenchurch Building, is another fun one, where you can also find the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. Make sure to visit iconic monuments like the Tower of London and St. Pauls Cathedral. And if you head further north, you’ll discover the legendary Barbican Centre, one of the UK’s most significant and iconic arts and cultural institutions.
Shoreditch
In the lively and vibrant Shoreditch, art, creativity, and culture come together. One of Shoreditch’s defining features is its street art and graffiti scene; the streets serve as the ever-changing canvas of London. The area is dotted with galleries, such as the Whitechapel Gallery, that feature contemporary art and foster a thriving art community. The creative energy extends to the fashion sector. Shoreditch is the place for independent boutiques, vintage stores, and design studios. Brick Lane is a vintage fashion lovers goldmine. Another hightlight of Shoreditch is its diverse culinary scene. The area is home to several restaurants serving a wide variety of international cuisine, but Bengali food is especially great and celebrated.
West London areas
Kensington
Kensington is another sophisticated part of London, one of the most sophisticated areas of London actually. Kensington High Street is a lively commercial centre known for its upscale boutiques, luxurious department stores, and sophisticated restaurants. World-class cultural institutions, such as the Design Museum, can also be found on the street, exhibiting cutting-edge architecture and design. Situated on the outskirts of Kensington, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are components of the well-known “Albertopolis” cultural and scientific complex. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens make up a sizable green space in the centre of London filled with gorgeous walkways, lovely fountains, and the tranquil Round Pond. The gardens are popular spots for strolls and picnics. Closeby, you’ll find Knightsbridge, home to the famous Harros department store
Notting Hill
Notting Hill, renowned for its vibrant homes, bustling market, and multicultural population, has become one of London’s most iconic areas. The main road, Portobello Road, is known for its charming homes and its eclectic mix of independent shops, boutiques, and antique stores. The heart of Notting Hill is the legendary Portobello Road Market. Every Saturday, this vibrant market attracts people from all over the world looking for antiques, unique clothing, vintage finds, and mouthwatering street cuisine. The smells of several different cuisines flood the streets on a typical market day while live music fills the air. The Electric Cinema, a historic cinema located on Portobello Road, adds to the areas cultural richness. This exquisitely refurbished cinema is one of London’s oldest and provides a cosy and luxurious movie-watching experience.
