12 London Neighborhoods for Tourists to Roam

Known for its colorful houses, cobbled streets and Hugh Grant's blue door (so iconic), Notting Hill is a postcard-perfect part of West London. It’s also home to the famous Portobello Road Market and plenty of independent boutiques.

A paradise for music lovers and fans of alternative culture, Camden Town is bursting with street art, cool bars and the ever-popular Camden Market. Nearby Primrose Hill and Regent's Park offer stunning views and serene escapes.

Located in Central London, Soho Square and nearby Carnaby Street host a nightlife scene that lasts into the wee hours. It’s also a hotspot for street performers, art galleries and rooftop bars.

Along the River Thames, South Bank is a cultural hub with attractions like the London Eye, Tate Modern and the National Theatre. It's ideal for weekend strolls, riverside views and street food.

A true hidden gem of East London, Shoreditch is known for its creative energy, vibrant markets and independent shops. Don’t miss Brick Lane for its famous bagel shops and an unbeatable curry scene.

Just steps from Oxford Street and Regent Street, Marylebone is home to Marylebone High Street, a go-to for great shops and cozy cafes. It’s a quieter yet stylish alternative to the bustle of Oxford Circus.

Famous for its lively street performers and central location near Leicester Square, Covent Garden is perfect for tourists and locals alike. It’s a short walk from Trafalgar Square and ideal for catching a show in the West End.

Near Kensington Palace and Holland Park, South Kensington is rich with history and elegance. It's also home to many top museums and is a great base for visiting Buckingham Palace.

Once gritty, now trendy, King's Cross Station and nearby Granary Square are pulsing with new restaurants, art spaces and canal-side leisure. It’s a modern gateway to North London.

Home to Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, this area is packed with historic significance and royal landmarks (including Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site). It's the core of British governance and pageantry.

Stretching along the Chelsea Embankment and centered around King’s Road and Sloane Square, Chelsea oozes sophistication. It’s also a haven for fashion and art that has attracted cultural icons from Virginia Woolf to Queen Elizabeth.

Nestled on the north bank of the Thames, just east of the City’s Square Mile, this borough includes medieval landmarks like the Tower of London alongside vibrant high streets offering a mix of traditional and global flavors.

This is where you can find the famous Tower Bridge (often misidentified as the London Bridge).

Whether you’re chasing Charles Dickens history in Charing Cross Road or people-watching near Piccadilly Circus, finding the right neighborhood is all about matching your vibe. Every corner of London has its own story.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.