With 32 boroughs, and multiple neighbourhoods and villages, it can be hard to figure out where to go in London. Some neighbourhoods are historic, some are up and coming, some are catered for tourists. What they all have in common is that they make London the amazing city that it is today. Check out your favourite London neighbourhood based on your travelling style.
Go with the flow: Hackney
Located in East London, Hackney is an underrated neighbourhood. It has a real community feel making it perfect for a relaxed day out. Its eclectic vibe is driven by a host of creatives that call Hackney home. From its weekend market and vintage shops to underground nightlife and amazing restaurants, Hackney is for the easygoing traveller.
On-the-go: South Bank
If you’re an on-the-go traveller, South Bank is the right place for you! Indulge in one of London’s largest, and oldest, food markets – Borough Market – with juicy sandwiches, fresh donuts and hot coffees. Spend an afternoon at the Tate Modern ogling contemporary art in a former power station. Get your culture fix at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. And top off all these activities with a walk alongside the Thames River, taking in many of London’s iconic landmarks like the Millenium Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.
Travelling in style: Mayfair
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With top hotels like Claridge’s and The Dorchester, Mayfair is for those after a little luxe in their holiday. It’s picture-perfect with its red brick apartment buildings, high-end shops, art galleries and fine dining restaurants. This is the place to treat yourself!
On a mission to eat it all: Shoreditch
Calling all foodies, Shoreditch is the London neighbourhood for you! Founded in 2010, Bombay-inspired restaurant, Dishoom, has gone from strength to strength with its divine food. It was featured on the Netflix series, Somebody Feed Phil, with Phil Rosenthal, and now has several locations including Shoreditch. Keen on street food? Head to Boxpark, a space built from old containers with a host of delicious street food vendors (as well as pop-up retailers). While not quite Shoreditch (but very nearby), Brick Lane is a London institution, a street full of Indian restaurants to cater to every budget and taste. There is also Old Spitalfields Market just a hop and a skip away, showcasing food from around the world.
Photography whiz: Hampstead
Lovely Hampstead features green spaces and an upmarket vibe. It’s an idyllic mix that will fill your camera roll with beautiful photos. Meander through Hampstead Heath, one of London’s leafy parks, where you may choose to stop for a swim on a sunny day. From here, we recommend getting lost on Hampstead’s streets that are lined with local bookstores, florists, homeware stores and cosy cafes and pubs. If you’re in Hampstead on a Sunday, don’t miss the quintessential Sunday roast at The Holly Bush.
Shop ’til you drop: Soho
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Did you know that Soho, London is the world’s original ‘Soho’? Surrounded by Oxford and Regent Streets, Soho is perfectly situated for a spot of shopping. From the Tudor-esque Liberty department store to retail giants like Uniqlo, you can shop to your heart’s content.
It can be hard to pick your favourite London neighbourhood, but we hope this inspires you to visit. Discover London on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or as an extension with Avalon Waterways.
