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London is enormous. An array of diverse districts dot the landscape from one end to the other. The city’s massive size can be intimidating. No worries! We are highlighting the best London neighborhoods for sightseeing to help you easily plan your vacation.
Since we started traveling full time in 2014, we have landed in London on dozens of occasions. Not shy about exploring new places, our frequent trips to London have given us the opportunity to discover several neighborhoods.
While we’re consistently impressed by the landmark attractions and certainly enjoy re-visiting our favorite haunts, we are always eager for new London experiences and uncovering hidden gems!
Top Sightseeing Neighborhoods in London
Planning a vacation to London is not so simple. It’s absolutely heaving with intriguing things to do! We believe breaking down sightseeing in London by neighborhood makes planning a less formidable task.
Our list of the best London districts to visit on vacation is designed to help travelers make the most of their time. Rather than bouncing from one place to the next while ticking off sights, exploring by district encourages a bit of wandering.
Understanding Cities, Boroughs and Districts in London
As often as we visit London, we still find it a bit confusing – at least in terms of neighborhood names and boundaries. London is a megalopolis, but the City of London is a square-mile enclave. The Borough of Westminster takes up a much larger territory than the iconic District of Westminster.
Some neighborhoods have set boundaries, while other districts are defined by fuzzy ambiguities. The areas that we highlight may or may not have official borders, but we believe organizing London sightseeing by neighborhood makes it much easier!
Sightseeing London Itineraries
Need some guidance on how to plan your London vacation? We have created multiple itineraries for London that showcase different ways to see the city!
Organize your London Trip
As you start making plans for what to see in London neighborhoods, organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details!
Best London Neighborhoods for Sightseeing
Based on our personal experiences, we have selected 12 of the best districts in London for tourists to explore. We pinpoint each neighborhood on the map at the end of the article.
#1 Westminster
The epitome of power and prestige, Westminster is a must-see London neighborhood. From Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey to the astounding Parliament building and Big Ben, the area is marked with some of the most sought-after sights in the city.
Additionally, some of the top Free Museums in London are located within the district. Visitors could spend an entire day admiring the collections at The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain.
Westminster is one of the districts that we return to time and again. Although very little changes in the age-old neighborhood, we are no less enthralled by it.
Top Travel Tip: Visitors can get a formal introduction to Westminster on a guided tour – or use our Free Self-Guided Westminster Walk.
#2 West End
Known for theaters, cinemas and red-carpet events – as well as festive markets, famous shops and street performers – the West End is a hub of entertainment. Only about 1.5 square miles in size, it punches well above its weight in things to do!
Several districts fall under the unofficial umbrella of the West End, making it all the more fascinating to explore.
Things To Do in Soho, Mayfair and Marylebone
London Soho is an atmospheric neighborhood of high-end shops and late-night revelry. We like to route our way through Soho by passing Piccadilly Circus (marked with flashing billboards and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain), before walking north along Regent Street.
The Soho thoroughfare is lined with dazzling stores, with Hamleys Toy Shop and Liberty London being two of our favorites. However, Regent Street is worth walking down – especially during Christmas in London – even if you don’t intend to buy anything.
In adjacent Mayfair and Marylebone, the retail extravaganza continues. The flagship Selfridge’s department store provides a luxurious shopping experience and Daunt Books offers bibliophiles a cozy space for browsing.
Visitors can stroll down Mount Street in hopes of glimpsing a celebrity or admire the Wallace Collection of artworks. Then walk up Baker Street to 221B, the fictional home of Sherlock Holmes and the current location of the museum dedicated to the detective.
Nightlife in Soho
Carnaby Street in Soho is firmly rooted in the music culture of London. It has had a front row seat to top cultural revolutions, from the London Swinging Sixties to the late 70s punk scene to modern day hip hop.
In fact, there is nothing quite like a night out in London’s Soho district! From ridiculously fun karaoke bars to the iconic basement jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s, Soho is bursting with fun things to do in London at night. Cahoots is a chic cocktail lounge that serves delicious concoctions and Thirst Soho is another fun club with great drink specials.
What To Do in Chinatown, Leicester Square and Covent Garden
London’s Chinatown is marked by an ornamental gate and the bustling streets are draped with red lanterns. The best thing to do in Chinatown is to eat – and there are a number of great eateries in the district. Lido, open since 1969, is our preferred place for a classic meal of dim sum and roasted duck.
Leicester Square marks the center of the Theater District. Visitors can buy day-of show tickets at the TKTS Booth – or shop at one of the commercial empires (like the Lego Store and M&M World). For a glimpse at the exteriors of theaters, take a stroll along the famed Shaftesbury Avenue.
Covent Garden is a menagerie of marvelous markets, major retail outlets, tempting restaurants and engaging entertainers. For shoppers, it’s paradise; for foodies, it’s heaven; for tourists, it’s enchanting.
Besides watching street performances, our favorite thing to do at Covent Garden is to wander through the markets and relax with a beverage. The Craft Beer Co and Seven Dials Market are two excellent spots!
There is no doubt that the West End has a late-night appeal – but there are plenty of reasons to visit during the day. In addition to the markets, department stores and matinee theater performances, visitors can also tour the Transport Museum (ticket required) and Sir John Soane’s Museum (free).
Sightseeing Tip: Another fun thing to do in the West End is to strike a pose on Abbey Road. The crosswalk depicted on the cover of the famous Beatle’s album is in Marylebone, near Abbey Road Studios.
#3 City of London
Steeped in history but shaped by the 1666 Great Fire and modern architecture, the City of London is the best place to learn about the storied past and witness the ever-growing skyline.
The City occupies the site of a former Roman Fort, called Londinium. Evidence of the 2000-year-old settlement has been unearthed and pieces are on display (like remains of the Roman Amphitheater and Mithraeum Temple). The ancient Tower of London, dating to 1078, stands on the border of the district near the dazzling Tower Bridge.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – and its recognizable dome – was built in 1675. It stood as the tallest building in the city until 1963. Today, shiny skyscrapers have sprouted up and some of them (like Sky Garden) open their rooftops to visitors for free.
For history nerds, like me, the City of London is a treasure trove of relics. Travelers more inspired by modern marvels, like Kris, will revel in the rooftop views. We both agree, however, that the district has some of the Best Pubs in London!
Tip for Sightseeing: Use our guide to the Top City of London Attractions for more ideas!
#4 South Bank, Southwark and Bermondsey
Southwark and South Bank sit side-by-side along the River Thames. These adjoining neighborhoods in London host an exceptional number of attractions that regularly lure in visitors.
South Bank Sights
Standing right on the riverside in South Bank are two top ticketed draws: the London Eye and Sea Life Aquarium. Meanwhile, the nearby free Imperial War Museum offers insight into the UK military operations during the World Wars.
On the other hand, those looking for things a bit off-beat in South Bank might want to check out the Leake Street Arches (also known as The Graffiti Tunnel), which is covered in colorful murals by local artists. The nearby Mercado Metropolitano is a fun and thriving food market. It’s especially popular in the evening, but open for lunch, too.
Things To Do in Southwark
The top reason for our frequent visits to the Southwark neighborhood is the fantastic Borough Market. The space has been used for the trade of goods since the mid-1700s. Today, it’s an absolute culinary feast for those tracking down some Famous London Food.
Sitting right next to Borough Market is one of the most striking churches in London: The Southwark Cathedral. With more than 1,000 years of history, the high vaulted, Gothic cathedral features exceptional stained-glass windows and an intricate altar.
Overshading the cathedral spire, is The Shard. Ranking as the tallest building in Western Europe, visitors can ascend to the viewing platform for unsurpassed views of London (buy tickets in advance).
Shakespeare’s Globe is a superb re-creation of William Shakespeare’s 1599 theater. In addition to performances, the open-air playhouse welcomes guests on tours. The nearby Tate Modern Museum hosts an extensive collection of contemporary artworks – but we often visit for the views from the 10th floor.
Bermondsey
Unlike South Bank and Southwark, Bermondsey, which is just to the east, doesn’t have major attractions…and that’s actually what makes it so appealing. It’s just steps from some of London’s busiest tourist areas but retains a very local feel.
Bermondsey is best known for the craft brewers that have inhabited the brick arches under the train tracks. This stretch is dubbed the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Visitors can also peruse the goods and sample the fare at the Weekend Maltby Street Market before strolling through Southwark Park.
For a traditional meal, ease into a booth at one of the pie houses. The classic ambiance at M. Manze is hard to beat! Alternatively, dine at one of the international eateries on Bermondsey Street (like Casse-Croûte for French cuisine, José for Spanish food or Hakata for ramen).
Travel Tip: Connecting all three districts is the Thames Riverside Walking Path. The wide and flat promenade is, in our opinion, the best place to walk in all of London!
#5 Battersea and Brixton
Moving further south, Battersea and Brixton are two London neighborhoods that were once overlooked by tourists. We have stayed between the two in Clapham (on our first international pet sitting gig) and have spent many days discovering the greater area.
Why Visit Battersea
Long an industrial space, the Battersea Power Station has been revitalized into a hip place to go. Transformer into a mixed residential complex and entertainment hub, visitors are invited to soar to the top of one of the chimney stacks (ticket required).
Sitting right next to the Power Station is Battersea Park. Opened in 1858, the green space is crisscrossed by trails and features a Peace Pagoda, Boating Lake, formal gardens and a children’s zoo.
What To Do in Brixton
Brixton is home to many of London’s ‘Windrush Generation’ – settlers from the British West Indies. There is definitely a sense of community spirit in this London Neighborhood. With a boisterous market, cafes galore and a handful of craft breweries, Brixton has evolved into a medley of long-time residents, young families and Gen Y singles.
Unlike any other marketplace in London, Brixton Market celebrates diversity with exotic goods and enticing flavors. Chic coffeeshops – like Café on the Hill, Stir Coffee and F. Mondays – cluster together on Brixton Hill. However, classic San Marino remains a firm local favorite.
Bar hopping is fun in Brixton, too, as there are plenty of places to imbibe. The Brixton Brewery Taproom gets our top vote, but London Beer Lab and Pop Brixton container complex are great, as well. Lastly, don’t forget to pay tribute to Brixton born David Bowie at his memorial mural.
Further Off The Beaten Path: Travelers eager to really ditch the tourist trail can head further west to Wandsworth, Putney and Fulham.
Offering a good look at how many Londoners really live, these communities feature a typical High Street of shops, restaurants and pubs. The one attraction in the area is Fulham Palace. The building served as the home for the Bishops of London for hundreds of years.
#6 South Kensington and Chelsea
Occupying the space between Hyde Park and the River Thames are two exceptional London neighborhoods to discover: South Kensington and Chelsea. The delightful and charming districts are sprinkled with sights – but beckon visitors with attractive lanes and chic cafes.
What To Do in South Kensington
Hosting an iconic department store and a few of the best museums in London, South Kensington is firmly on the tourist trail. Harrod’s, which claims to be the biggest department store in Europe, sits on 5 acres of land and boasts more than 1 million square feet of retail space.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (or just The V&A) houses an impressive collection of wonders, including ancient artifacts and modern artworks. Both the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are tailored to children, but they can be just as fascinating for adults.
The London landmark Royal Albert Hall (which hosts performances and offers tours) is another South Kensington cultural institution worth visiting.
Chelsea Things To See
Chelsea is an affluent London neighborhood that is bright and walkable. In fact, wandering through the district among the pastel-painted houses is one of the top things to do in Chelsea.
When roaming around the area, we route our way along King’s Road (the main thoroughfare), onto Pavilion Road (cute shops and eateries), and down Bywater and Godfrey Streets (rows of colorful houses).
There are a few formal attractions in Chelsea, too – like the contemporary Saatchi Gallery, the National Army Museum and St. Luke’s Church and Gardens.
Itinerary Tip: On the far west side of Chelsea is Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC. Fans of football (soccer) can tour the stadium and on-site museum (ticket required).
#7 Notting Hill and Kensington
West of Westminster, Notting Hill and Kensington are popular neighborhoods to visit on a London vacation. Marked by sprawling green spaces, quaint mews and a royal palace, the districts exude elegance and host lively community events.
What To Do in Notting Hill
Picturesque and delightful, Notting Hill is often used as a backdrop for movies. Scenes from Love Actually, Cruella and of course, Notting Hill, have been filmed here. Seeking out set locations, lingering over a long brunch and browsing at a locally owned bookshop are leisurely ways to spend a day in the neighborhood.
However, what Notting Hill is most famous for is the outstanding Portobello Road Market. Crawling through the streets of the district, the market is a dizzying spectacle. Saturdays are, by far, the busiest – but the market is open six days a week (closed Sundays).
Things To See in Kensington
The most striking attraction in Kensington is the namesake palace. A royal residence since the 17th century (and once the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Will and Kate), Kensington Palace welcomes visitors to see a portion of the property (ticket required).
Kensington Gardens, which are open to the public for free, sit behind the palace and mark the far west end of Hyde Park. The largest of the Royal Parks, Hyde features walking paths, ponds, an art gallery, statues (such as the Peter Pan Statue) and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Albert Memorial.
Holland Park is lesser known, but no less beautiful. The Kyoto Garden in particular is a highlight. At the south end of the park, The Design Museum is a fascinating space dedicated to innovation.
Top Tip: Another popular spot in Kensington is The Churchill Arms. The exterior of the pub is covered with blooming flowers in springtime and Christmas trees during the holidays. Inside, patrons squeeze into the cluttered bar and nibble on…Thai food. It’s definitely odd, but it totally works! Those looking for a more local vibe, check out The Mall Tavern just around the corner.
#8 Camden Town and King’s Cross
The north-central London neighborhoods of Camden Town and King’s Cross are dazzling places to visit. A hodge-podge of sights are sprinkled throughout both districts.
Things To Do in Camden Town
Vibrant, colorful and exuding a quirky vibe – Camden is an eclectic neighborhood in London that begs to be explored. The area is best known for its exuberant market.
Vendors at Camden Market sell everything from alternative wares to unique souvenirs. However, the delectable street food is what lures many to the marketplace.
A visit to Camden wouldn’t be complete without strolling along Regent’s Canal to Little Venice. A once integral part of the city’s thriving trade, the 8-mile tow path is full of charm, boasting beautiful houseboats and waterside cafes.
Regent’s Park – to the west of Camden Town – is another one of London’s eight Royal Parks. Inclusive of the London Zoo, an outdoor theater, a boating lake and pristine gardens, we believe it’s one of the premier green spaces in the city. Primrose Hill, on the north side of the park, offers nice panoramic views, too!
What To See in King’s Cross
A major transit hub, King’s Cross is often overlooked as a destination – but this district in London actually has quite a lot to offer.
The King’s Cross Station itself is a pilgrimage site for Harry Potter fans who pose on Platform 9 ¾. Potterheads who want to find more sites from the series and filming locations can use this self-guided tour.
Just outside the neighboring Pancras Station, visitors can take in the grandeur of the Renaissance Hotel (step inside to get a glimpse of the fancy lobby). Next door is the British Library, which hosts a fantastic literary collection – including the Magna Carta, handwritten Beatles lyrics and ancient manuscripts.
Coal Drops Yard – a repurposed warehouse complex – has been transformed into buzzy marketplace of independent retailers and well-known fashion brands. Fun bars and restaurants are on site (Babel Beerhouse and Beer+Burger are among our favorites). If it’s a weekend, check out the street food eats at the Canopy Market.
Those looking for a respite from the lively crowds can escape to Gasholder Park. Or, to really find some breathing space, go to the peaceful St. Pancras Gardens and the 12th century Old Church.
Museums in the Area: A copious number of museums are located close by. If we had to pick just one, it would be the world-renowned British Museum (free). Fellow travelers might also be interested in the Charles Dicken’s Museum, The Postal Museum and The Wellcome Collection.
#9 Hampstead and Highgate
The northern London neighborhoods of Hampstead and Highgate are polished and refined. Home to the city’s well-to-do crowd, the districts feel like small villages, yet the London skyline is still within sight. We’ve been fortunate to stay in both areas while housesitting.
Hampstead Heath, a nearly 800-acre grassy parkland, separates these two posh neighborhoods in London. The area marks one of the highest points in the city, providing a phenomenal vantage point of London from afar.
In Highgate, the top things to do are to shop at the local boutiques on the High Street, visit the gorgeous Highgate Cemetery and stroll through Waterlow Park.
The historic Flask pub has been a favorite watering hole of Highgate’s most famous residents for decades. In fact, tourists go to Highgate just in hopes of spotting a celebrity. The late George Michael, Jude Law, Kate Moss and Harry Styles have all owned homes in Highgate.
While Hampstead is less prestigious than Highgate, it is equally atmospheric with gorgeous architecture and mature trees lining the sidewalks. Among the cobblestone streets, colorful doors and hidden gardens, Hampstead has a handful of attractions. Keats House (home of poet John Keats), Burgh House (historic mansion with a café) and Kenwood House (a country estate with artwork on display) are three cultural institutions in Hampstead.
Travel Tip: Highgate and Hampstead are on different branches of the Northern Line. Depending on your route, it may be best to use the buses to sightsee in these London enclaves.
#10 East End: Spitalfields, Shoreditch & Bethnal Green
Just like the West End, the London East End does not have formal boundaries. It generally refers to a conglomeration of London neighborhoods, including Spitalfields, Shoreditch and Bethnal Green.
It’s long been a working-class district and home to many migrant communities. Some areas are edgy, some are gentrified and all are bursting with international flavor.
Spitalfields Things To See
This area is awash with fun and funky spaces, making it an exceptional place to start exploring the East End. Spitalfields Market originated as a produce bazaar in 1682, but today vendors sell everything from designer threads to vintage records to antique jewelry. Visitors will also find a few of London’s best-known food stalls at Spitalfields.
Other shopping spots that we like to visit are the Truman Brewery Markets, the Upmarket Food Hall and the well-established Brick Lane Market (which is best on Sundays).
For fans of the macabre, the Jack the Ripper Museum details the history of the notorious East End murderer – but we think the guided tours are much more thrilling.
If you are traveling with the family, head to Spitalfields City Farm. It’s a free community space where kids (and adults) can interact with the animals.
Brick Lane and Shoreditch Sightseeing
The East End and Shoreditch celebrate street art – and much of the district is decorated with evocative murals. Constantly changing, the best examples are found along Brick Lane and in Shoreditch on alley walls, under bridges and covering doors. Look along Pedley and Hanbury streets, as well.
Don’t miss Ely’s Yard, where more murals and food trucks abound. Travelers can search on their own or join one of the guided tours in Shoreditch – like this one.
Either way, walking the length of Brick Lane is a must in the East End. It’s the beating heart of this eclectic neighborhood of London. Pop into a vintage store, sample spicy cuisine or sink your teeth into a Salt Beef Beigel. Brick Lane is a mashup of cultures and religions, which makes it one of the interesting and unique places to see in London!
However, Brick Lane is not the only attraction in Shoreditch. The Museum of the Home is an insightful space that showcases how Londoners have lived through the decades.
In the end, the top reason people flock to Shoreditch are the trendy restaurants, cool bars and fun entertainment spaces. Boxpark is great for groups, Dishoom is our pick for (quite literally) a spicy date night and Barrio makes tasty tapas.
For something a bit different, go to Bounce, where patrons can play ping pong and other table games. What’s our favorite spot? Tough call, but check out Commercial Tavern and let us know what you think!
Things To Do in Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green has a dark history, but many bright spots today. The Sunday Columbia Road Flower Market is a fresh and fragrant affair that is best capped off with a delicious Sunday Roast at The Birdcage. Local establishments, such as E Pellicci and The Sun Tavern, are solid options for food and drink (respectively).
Museums – like Young V&A (fun for kids) and Viktor Wynd’s Museum of Curiosities (an odd taxidermy extravaganza) – are fabulous for rainy days. Meanwhile, the neighborhood’s green spaces (as well as nearby Victoria Park) attract residents and visitors alike when the sun is shining.
London Like a Local: For more local experiences, head into nearby Hackney or hop on the Overground to Stoke Newington or Walthamstow.
#11 Greenwich and Canary Wharf
Further to the east are two spectacular London neighborhoods for sightseeing and are divided by the River Thames.
On the south bank is the Royal Borough of Greenwich, and to the north is modern Canary Wharf. While these two London districts are drastically different, we group them together for their close proximity.
Sightseeing in Greenwich
Just 6 miles from the city center of London, Greenwich feels a world away. The neighborhood features opulent architecture, wide-open spaces and a quaint village vibe. Yet, it plays host to a number of the top attractions in London.
The Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Old Royal Naval College are all exceptional institutions that nod to the area’s nautical past. The Queen’s House – bedecked in seafaring artworks – adds panache to the already up-scale neighborhood. We detail everything to see and do in our Guide to Visiting Greenwich.
What To Do at Canary Wharf
Considered to be London’s second Business District, Canary Wharf is characterized by towering skyscrapers – including One Canada Square. It’s the 3rd tallest building in the UK, after the Shard and 22 Bishopsgate. However, Canary Wharf was once one of the busiest ports in the world – and bits of the past remain.
The prime place to learn about the history is the incredible (and free) Museum of London Docklands. Telling the story from the origins of the docks to the slave trade to how the city grew – the interactive and immersive museum is interesting to both kids and adults.
One of the modern places to visit is the Crossrail Place Roof Garden, a lush and tranquil park right in the heart of the bustling district. As the Prime Meridian crosses through the site, plants from each hemisphere are displayed accordingly.
Trip Planning Tip: These London neighborhoods can be reached by several modes of transit – but riding the Thames Clipper is the most exciting. For a unique way to get between the two, use the Greenwich Foot Tunnel and walk under the Thames. Alternatively, hop on the DLR (Dockland Light Rail) using Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf stations.
#12 Richmond and Kew Gardens
Sitting to the west of central London, Richmond evokes the feel of a bucolic village…and it’s as pretty as a postcard. Our visit to Richmond was inspired by Ted Lasso and the London suburb is certainly worth the hype!
Fans of the television series can quite literally walk in the footsteps of the show’s characters. The Green and Paved Court were regularly featured in the show. The Prince’s Head is the stand-in pub for the fictional Crown and Anchor, where Ted often had a pint and die-hard fans watched the matches.
Other reasons to visit are the pleasant Richmond Riverside, the verdant Terrace Gardens and the expansive Richmond Park, where hundreds of deer roam free.
On the north side of Richmond, nestled along the Thames, is the astounding Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kew is a vast park boasting a collection of more than 50,000 plants.
Trip Tip: From Waterloo it’s just a 20-minute train ride to Richmond. You can also reach this London neighborhood by Tube from Westminster (District Line/40mins).
Map of Best Neighborhoods in London for Tourists
Use this Google Map for an online version of our London Neighborhood Map below.
Vacation Guides for London and the UK
- Money-Saving Tips for London
- Plan Your Own Day Trip to Windsor Castle, beautiful Bath and buzzing Bristol
- What To See in Manchester and Birmingham
- 2 Weeks in London, Paris and Rome
- Best of Scotland in 10 Days
- What To Do in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- One Day in Cardiff, Wales
- Tips for Planning a Trip to Europe
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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