London travel guide of neighbourhoods for you to explore

London is one of those cities where the burden of choice can almost overwhelm you. If you’re stopping off in the British capital for a city break or weekend away you’ll almost certainly wish you’d booked more time to spend in this remarkable city. One of the things that makes London so vibrant and distinctive is the variety of cultures and customs that have come together and sit alongside one another in this melting pot. For this reason, exploring London’s many diverse and distinctive neighbourhoods is one of the best ways to get a sense of the city and those who live in it.

Fifteen really is only scraping the surface when it comes to London’s neighbourhoods but these are some of the best-known and loved by locals for their own distinctive flair.

1 Soho

dinner or ribs and slaw from Pitt Cue Co in London

Image courtesy of Ewan Munro.

Night-life central, Soho is a must see for any first-timer to the city to get a sense of the 24 hour nature of London. From tucked away eateries selling some fantastic cuisine (everything from Italian to Vietnamese and often both on the same street) to late night bars this is the ultimate party spot in central London. Try Bocca di Lupo for a classy Italian dinner or Pitt Cue Co. (pictured above) for a more laid back but equally delicious meal.

2 Shoreditch

street art and disused train carriages on shoreditch high street in London

Image courtesy of Berit Watkin.

The hipster hotspot of London, Shoreditch is on the one hand a start-up/popup/anything-on-the-up neighbourhood but also a haven for night life. There’s plenty of late night bars to keep you going here from the funk-playing The Shoreditch bar on Shoreditch High Street to the nearby bar The Book Club on Leonard Street.

3 Bethnal Green

The neighbourhood of Bethnal Green is home to one of London’s most distinctive streets, Brick Lane. With street signs in the area in both English and Bengali this is one of London’s most vibrant and eclectic neighbourhoods and definitely not to be missed. By night stop off at one of the many top notch curry houses on Brick Lane or by day sample produce at the food market and the Old Truman Brewery for craft and design. If you’re more of a history nut this neighbourhood has an altogether shadier past as the setting for the infamous Jack the Ripper killings with walking tours is another great way to explore this district.

4 Bloomsbury

Georgian townhouse in Bloomsbury London

London is so often famed for its hustle and bustle but Bloomsbury is the neighbourhood that runs contrary to this. Close to the commuter points of Euston and King’s Cross and located just behind the British Museum, Bloomsbury is home to several academic campuses, including University College London, and Senate House and is a great place to wander, sit back and read or just escape the crowds.

5 Hackney

swimmers in London fields lido in Hackney

Image courtesy of Peter Smith.

East London once had a reputation as being the rougher part of the city but that has well and truly changed with the revival of Hackney and the surrounding areas. Hackney is technically a council borough but the area, which is best accessed by overground or by bus has a local, village-like feel that is hard to come by in a city this big. Head for a swim in the Olympic-sized outdoor pool in London Fields or try the Hackney Picturehouse for the best of British film.

6 Islington

islington Street sign in north London close to Angel tube station

Image courtesy of Alastair Rae.

Definitely one of London’s better-known neighbourhoods, the chic area of Islington is a definite spot to hit up for lunch, brunch or pretty much anything involving eating or drinking. Yotam Ottolenghi has a branch of his delicious deli here on Upper Street which is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and people watch.

7 Southwark

Just chillin' with my man Shakespeare.

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Southwark is the council district that is, unsurprisingly, located on the south side of the River Thames. The area’s best known spot is the artsy Southbank walkway, home to the National Theatre, the London Eye and if you journey further down the river, the Globe Theatre and Borough market. This is a great spot to sit out or wander around on a summers evening and if you have a free morning, it’s a great route to go for a run on and take in the skyline of the city.

8 Kings Cross

Much like Hackney, King’s Cross was once an area that was very much off the tourist trail, but in recent years a major regeneration programme has transformed this district. King’s Cross is the name of the domestic train station in the area but the red-bricked St. Pancras International is the station everyone recognises. Arrive by Eurostar and go behind King’s Cross station to what was once a series of rundown warehouses and be pleasantly delighted by what you’ll find. From a major art college, outdoor theatre, a canal walkway and several brilliant breakfast or brunch spots, this is a place you can spend the day with the family. Caravan in Granary Square is busy but delicious and has a priceless sun-kissed spot to sit out in.

9 Camden Town

If you do decide to follow your nose along the canal from King’s Cross you will find yourself in the famous neighbourhood of Camden Town. While it’s not quite as trendy as it once was, Camden is still an area that is heavily involved in the London music scene and worth checking out if you want to catch a live act in the city. The most famous is the Electric Ballroom but try Barfly to catch some up-and-coming talent.

10 Stoke Newington

people outside the Jolly Butcher pub in Stoke Newington in London

Image courtesy of Gordon Joly.

One of London’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, Stoke Newington is definitely a spot to go to if you want to see the real London away from the tourists. Located to the north of Hackney, and known as Stokey by the locals, this is a great spot for a night out that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Head to Church Street by bus and hop into the Jolly Butcher or the Auld Shillelagh for a pint. If you've got kids with you or want to make the most of the outdoors, head to Clissold Park which has a playground and an urban farm.

11 Chelsea

people in the Duke of York Square Chelsea outside the saatchi gallery in summer

Image courtesy of stu smith.

Chelsea is a world away from Stoke Newington but despite the high prices this neighbourhood is known for it’s worth checking out. The market in the Duke of York’s Square has some delicious local produce while the nearby Saatchi Gallery has free admission and is one of the best spots to see contemporary art in the city.

12 Greenwich

close up of the ropes on board the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, London

Image courtesy of Karen Roe.

The furthest of our neighbourhoods in our list, Greenwich is located on the south bank of the river Thames beyond the financial district of Canary Wharf. The city haven for anyone with an interest in sailing or history and is the location of both the Cutty Sark (pictured above) and the National Maritime museum. The area has a completely relaxed vibe and can be accessed by bus, the DLR or if you have the time, by hopping on one of the clipper boats that leave from central London.

13 Brixton

That's my earworm for today sorted then.

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Another South London favourite that is within easy access of the centre of town Brixton is a great place to spend a day, or indeed an evening. From the Ritzy Cinema at Brixton Oval to the fantastic Brixton Market you could spend an entire weekend in this neighbourhood alone. Head to Franco Manca for some of the best pizza in the city and check the listings for Brixton Academy for concerts from major acts or Hootananny for more local talent.

14 Hampstead

If you’re looking for a view of London one of the best places to head is Hampstead Heath. This hilly parkland which is popular with walkers and runners has some of the best views across the city and is an oasis of countryside in a concrete jungle. If you’re really feeling brave, you can take a dip in the famous Hampstead ponds, secluded freshwater swimming lakes that feel a world away from this buzzing city.

15 Notting Hill

close up of pocket watches on sale at portobello road market in notting hill

Image courtesy of Chris Brown.

While Hugh Grant may have made us all familiar with Notting Hill, the neighbourhood is very different from the romcom. If you’re in London towards the end of August, Notting Hill Carnival celebrating the city’s Afro-Caribbean culture is unmissable and the largest street festival in Europe. If that’s not your cup of tea, the weekly Portobello Road market is a more genteel affair and a great place to pick up vintage jewellery and antiques.

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