London’s Top 10 Neighborhoods

Red telephone booths on a city street in London

The city of London is made up of diverse neighborhoods all with distinct energy. Home to almost 9 million people, the bustling capital city of England and The United Kingdom is a must-see travel destination. From historical architecture and the flavorful Borough Market to the regal Buckingham Palace and private tours along the Thames River, there’s so much to explore and experience in London.

LuxEurope can take you beyond the tourist traps and behind the scenes to uncover the authentic heart and soul of this vibrant city. Discover our picks for the 10 top neighborhoods in London and their not-to-miss attractions.

#1 Soho

Soho’s history includes secret meetings, Mozart performances, and Casanova’s home. Today, the neighborhood blends creativity and culture with mouth-watering street food, vibrant street art, chocolate cellars, and some of London’s best coffee. Stroll along the famous Carnaby Street, the birthplace of the miniskirt. Learn about the history of British cartoon art at The Cartoon Museum. Bite into some classic British pub food in the Victorian-style Red Lion where Karl Marx and Friedrich Engle were asked to write the Communist Manifesto.

Music lovers should treat themselves to a Beatles Tour and visit The London Palladium where they played their first show and Beatlemania was born. Catch live performances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club where legends like Miles Davis, Curtis Mayfield, and Eric Clapton have all played.

#2 Notting Hill

The colorful houses along a street in Notting Hill

This must-see neighborhood is as quirky as it is charming. This cosmopolitan area boasts pastel-colored houses, vibrant markets, and antique shops. Find delicious food and shop for vintage finds at one of the world’s most famous street markets on Portobello Road. Buy your next page-turner at the independent bookstore, The Travel Book Company.

Notting Hill is a vibrant, trendy neighborhood with Instagrammable moments around every turn. There are high-end restaurants, charming cafes, and an eclectic charm. Movie buffs can go on a curated tour to see filming locations of famous films including Notting Hill and Love Actually. With romance in the air, stroll the peaceful Rosmead Garden.

#3 Chelsea

This affluent neighborhood of London is brimming with high-end eateries and boutique shops. Stroll down the Victorian-era blocks of Pavillion Road dotted with fashion boutiques, al fresco restaurants, and artisanal shops. Art lovers will appreciate the contemporary collection in the Duke of York’s headquarters at the Saatchi Gallery. Visit the glass houses, plant collection, and 4 acres of green space of London’s oldest botanical garden at Chelsea’s Physics Garden. In late May, admire the vibrant floral displays at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Explore the area on your own or opt for private guided tours to see the area’s top attractions like the retired British Army soldier's home, the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

#4 Covent Garden

The outside of the cute Neal's Yard Remedies organic boutique in London

London’s Covent Garden offers a mixture of history, art, and culture. Located in London’s West End, Covent Garden is a shopping and entertainment hub. There’s upscale dining, street performers, and theaters showcasing musicals and plays. This area of London is a must-visit for fashionistas and foodies, stretching across 17 streets with a historic Piazza. Inside the Market Building & Piazza, under the glass-roofed section, is the Apple Market showcasing local handcrafted artisan goods.

Head to the Royal Opera House for world-class ballet and opera performances. History and car lovers will appreciate the collection of vintage vehicles and history at the London Transport Museum. Taste London’s best street food in Seven Dials Market; it’s perfect for pre and post-theater dining. Neal’s Yard is a vibrant corner of Covent Garden with shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants; you can access this not-so-hidden gem from Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street.

#5 Kensington

A statue of Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and Prince William in Diana's Garden in London

This upscale neighborhood is dotted with colorful houses, hidden pubs, and boutique shopping. Admire the elegant architecture and cobbled mews as you stroll the city streets and the lawns of Hyde Park. Kensington Church Street is the perfect place to stop for afternoon tea, shopping, and dining.

For art, design, and performance plan a stop at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The Kensington Palace has exhibitions, State Apartments, and gardens to tour. Embrace London’s garden legacy by admiring the Lost Gardens of London, the unique memorial to the Princess at Diana’s Garden, and the award-winning designer Todd Lang's work at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

#6 St. James and Mayfair

Status, prestige, and heritage converge in the St. James and Mayfair neighborhoods. The old and new worlds meet in this exclusive area, home to some of London’s most luxurious hotels. Indulge in incredible dining, the area’s restaurants have a total of 26 Michelin Stars, including Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester and Gymkhana. For an extraordinary time make a reservation at the 18th-century townhouse tearoom and cocktail lounge, Sketch. Experience elegance at the all-day cafe at The Wolseley.

Centrally located, these neighborhoods are full of history and glamour. Treat yourself to high-end shopping at the Burlington Arcade. To create a custom fragrance visit the expert perfumers at Floris London. In Piccadilly, Fortnum & Mason was founded in 1707 and is the place for afternoon tea, chocolates, biscuits, and extraordinary food. Consider a private tasting and tour of the 300-year-old cellars at the wine and spirits merchant, Berry Bros. & Rude, founded in 1698. History and architecture fans will love the 18th-century aristocratic palace, Spencer House, and admire the latest art exhibitions at The Royal Academy of Arts.

#7 Belgravia and Pimlico

This part of town is London’s regal heart. It’s full of history and the home of Buckingham Palace. Stroll the historic streets and explore garden squares, boutique shops, charming cafes, and landmark restaurants. History and cultural lovers can witness the 300-year-old tradition of the guardians of Buckingham Palace, stables, and farrier at the Household Cavalry Mounted Regimen. Opt for a private tour of Kensington Barracks to embrace the pomp and pageantry of British traditions.

Enjoy a cup of afternoon tea at the Bvlgari Hotel amongst the art of sculpturist Hannah Lim. If shopping and design are top priorities, the unique Pimlico Road Design District showcases world-renowned designers and entrepreneurs. Admire the exceptional craftsmanship at David Lindley’s luxury design company, book a fashion consultation with designer Louise Kennedy, and shop hand-poured candles at Rachel Vosper.

#8 Marylebone and Bloomsbury

The traditional meets the trendy in the neighborhoods of Marylebone and Bloomsbury. Recognized as London's culture and literary center, it’s brimming with independent bookstores. Home to the world’s first national public museum, the British Museum is a must-see. Step into the worlds of mystery and literary history at the Sherlock Holmes Museum and with the Charles Dickens Tour. When walking the streets, keep your eyes out for the blue plaques, honoring the area's past and indicating the famous residences and histories of William Butler Yeats, Virginia Woolf, Charles Darwin, and more.

One of Europe’s finest art collections can be admired at Wallace Collection where Canaletto, Gainsborough, and Rembrandt are all on display. Sit down to a performance at Wigmore Hall to enjoy chamber music in an intimate concert hall surrounded by Renaissance-style architecture.

#9 London Fields and East London

Vibrant street art on the side of a bar on Whitby Street in London

Located in the eastern end of London, this bustling neighborhood draws artists from around the globe. The area boasts famous street art like the colorful murals of Shoreditch. Opt for a private guided tour to see historic areas of the city including Brick Lane and art by Banksy.

London Fields is full of young entrepreneurs, creative types, and independent designers. Catch the best of them at Fashion Street, Spitalfields, and the Columbia Road Shops. Indulge in good food, old pubs, and coffee shops, and be sure to explore the Victorian streets of The Broadway Market. Sports fans should include a private tour of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the itinerary.

#10 Bankside

A boat travels under the famous London Bridge on the Thames River

Bankside is a vibrant and creative neighborhood. It’s one of the oldest areas in Britain, perfectly blending history and modernity. People have been living, dining, and entertaining here for over 6,000 years. It’s home to the world’s most visited art gallery, the Tate Modern.

Experience exciting entertainment and delectable dining. See a live performance at the cultural landmark and educational center, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. Foodies will love the Borough Market with over 100 stalls, restaurants, shops, bars, and a history dating back 1,000 years. To see some of the city’s best views including the London Bridge and the Tower of London, charter a private cruise down the Thames River.

Curate the Ultimate London Itinerary with the Top 10 Neighborhoods

Luxury awaits in London. Enjoy the best shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and museums in the top 10 neighborhoods in London. With over two decades of travel experience, your LuxEurope travel designer will curate an itinerary that ensures you experience the very best that London has to offer. Reach out and start the process today.