10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in London

Greenwich lies on the south bank of the River Thames. Until the construction of the DLR and Jubilee Line extension, it was a little too cut off to appeal to many visitors. Now though, this is a significant plus, as the result of that historic isolation is a village vibe and strong sense of community.

The neighbourhood is packed with interesting things to do. Hop aboard the Cutty Sark, the world’s only surviving tea clipper, or visit the National Maritime Museum. It is housed in the Old Naval College designed by Sir Christopher Wren of St Paul’s Cathedral fame. Straddle the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park. Take a stroll through Greenwich Market, a vibrant arts and crafts space. When you’re done, the O2 is the ideal place to dine or catch a gig.

Notting Hill is one of West London’s most appealing neighbourhoods, a fact which hasn’t escaped movie location scouts. Notting Hill is best known for its annual carnival, hosted by the West Indian community over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s probably Europe’s biggest street party and is not to be missed.

Year-round, it’s a fun place to be. During the day, admire elegant mansions painted in pastel tones or haggle over antiques at the popular Portobello Market. Visit the Museum of Brands for a nostalgic trip down memory lane or catch a film at the historic Electric Cinema, an Edwardian picture house built in 1910.

Shoreditch is only a short walk from the steel-and-glass skyscrapers of the City of London, but it couldn’t be more different from the financial district. Together with its equally trendy neighbour Hoxton, it’s crammed with hipster bars, indie restaurants, and stylishly cool hotels.

Take a walk through the streets of Shoreditch and you can’t fail to notice its street art, not least the Banksy poodle at the Cargo nightclub. The area is also convenient for a visit to Spitalfields, once London’s biggest fruit and vegetable market, now home to vintage clothing, modish homewares, and more. Nightlife is also a huge part of the Shoreditch experience, with a host of trendy bars and clubs along Brick Lane.

Camden and counterculture go hand in hand despite efforts to gentrify the area. In the 1970s, this was the birthplace of punk. Bands like The Ramones, The Sex Pistols, and The Clash headlined at the Roundhouse. They made way for successful singers Amy Winehouse and Adele.

There’s no shortage of alternative merchandise on sale but Camden Market has long been one of London’s top mainstream tourist attractions, particularly on a Sunday. It encompasses Camden Lock Market, which focuses on crafts, and Stables Market, a former horse hospital trading mostly clothes. Camden is a great neighbourhood to stay in London if you're looking for hip galleries, lively bars and an eclectic mix of street food.

South Bank is synonymous with culture and the arts. Here, on the riverfront, you’ll find the Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, and BFI Southbank. Before or after a performance, dine at elegant restaurants such as OXO Tower or tackle the boutiques at Gabriel’s Wharf.

Not every South Bank attraction is a highbrow one, however. Some of the best views across London are to be enjoyed from the pods of the London Eye. The Houses of Parliament are just across the water. At ground level, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a family-pleaser, as are the amusements at Namco Funscape.   

Kensington’s red-brick mansions, now subdivided into luxury apartments, are a reminder that the rich and privileged have long made this their home turf. Nowhere is this truer than at Kensington Palace. Its State Rooms are a fascinating visitor attraction, but its private apartments are home to several of the Royals, including Prince William. 

This is also the neighbourhood in which you’ll find some of London’s most important museums, including the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. The Royal Albert Hall, across from Hyde Park, is another much-loved London landmark.

Little Venice lies at the junction of the Regent’s and Grand Union canals. If you’re keen to peek into the everyday lives of Londoners, then you’ll appreciate Little Venice. But although it is mostly residential, you’ll also find a quirky puppet show theatre and several pretty gardens.

Aside from a stroll along the towpath or a leisurely coffee in one of its many cafés, a selling point of Little Venice is its proximity to Paddington and Camden. Hop aboard a traditional narrowboat for a relaxing boat trip along the Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock Market. 

Hampstead might not be the most central of neighbourhoods but it’s definitely worth the schlep. It’s most famous for Hampstead Heath. High on the hill overlooking not only Hampstead but the whole of London, this is one view over London you won’t want to pass up.

Architecturally, there are several buildings worth seeking out. Hungarian architect Ernö Goldfinger built a Modernist home here. In doing so, he angered neighbour Ian Fleming so much that the novelist named a Bond villain after him. Less controversial is St John’s Church. In the graveyard, you’ll find graves of the great artist John Constable and another John: Harrison, the father of longitude.

Covent Garden is a fantastic place to stay in London if you're looking for busy and bustling streets. Street entertainment, shopping, and dining make this centrally located district a magnet for visitors. It centres on the Covent Garden market which originally sold fruit and vegetables. Today the market specialises in arts and crafts, selling everything from original watercolours to handmade soap.

Drury Lane Theatre, Lyceum, Novello and of course, the Royal Opera House, are just some of the historic performance venues in this West End neighbourhood. Many restaurants in the area cater to theatregoers. For a more leisurely meal, book a table after the shows commence or instead, wander over to nearby Chinatown for an authentic taste of The Orient.

Knightsbridge is synonymous with wealth – this high-class neighbourhood abuts Hyde Park and is where international highflyers love to splash their cash. They flock to Harrods, with its famous green awnings and Egyptian staircase, and to Harvey Nichols, once the favourite haunt of Diana, Princess of Wales.

A few centuries ago, this was a rough part of town, but these days you’re more likely to encounter embassies and exclusive boutiques. Now, it’s a place to stop and stare: the streets are full of pimped-up supercars while estate agent windows advertise multi-million-pound homes. It doesn’t hurt to dream.