The Ultimate London Neighborhoods for Every Type of Traveler

Whether you’re visiting London to explore the treasures at the British Museum, shop along Oxford Street, or enjoy a blockbuster performance on the West End, selecting the perfect neighborhood to stay in can greatly enhance your experience. Do you wish to blend in with locals at a pub, grab groceries at a market, and easily hop on public transport to central London for sightseeing? Or would you prefer to be just a short stroll from Big Ben, fully immersing yourself in the vibrant city life by the Thames?

We’ve mapped out the city for you, highlighting neighborhoods and boroughs that cater to various types of travelers, from those eager to uncover historic London to those chasing the latest trends. From the culturally rich Soho to the hidden gem of Bermondsey, these neighborhoods offer a delightful introduction to the diverse character of this bustling city.

1. Islington

Ideal for experiencing local life
Unlike newer cities that were designed from scratch, the historic London has always felt like a collection of smaller (often medieval) communities that evolved over time. In many areas of the city, you can still enjoy a semblance of village life. Islington boasts several of these charming pockets—Highbury, Barnsbury, Tufnell Park—where tree-lined streets and 19th-century homes are complemented by some of the finest neighborhood cafés and restaurants worldwide.

The most delicious biang biang noodles in the city can be found at Xi’an Impression on Benwell Road. Meanwhile, Upper Street—located between Angel and Highbury Corner—offers a constantly evolving selection of dining options, including Yotam Ottolenghi’s flagship restaurant. Iconic pubs such as the Duke of Cambridge, the first organic pub in the country, mean you won’t have to venture far for entertainment. The live music scene is vibrant at Islington Assembly Hall and Union Chapel; historic cinemas like the 111-year-old Screen on the Green add to the charm, while the 325-seat Almeida is a prominent and dynamic studio theater in London. It’s also a fantastic venue to spot celebrities up close, with recent productions featuring stars like Paul Mescal, Saoirse Ronan, and Ted Lasso Emmy-nominee Toheeb Jimoh.

2. Bermondsey

Ideal for beer enthusiasts

Located just across the river from Tower Bridge and to the east of Borough Market in southeast London, Bermondsey blends industrial and residential vibes. Don’t be misled by the simple warehouses; there’s a wealth of options for hungry and thirsty visitors, making it an ideal hub for exploring London, with Tube access to Waterloo, London Bridge, and Westminster.

Maltby Street Market stands out as a notable attraction in Bermondsey, featuring stalls that offer everything from toasties and duck frites to empanadas and Ethiopian cuisine on weekends. Throughout the week, the nearby railway arches host permanent vendors, including the Spanish bodega Bar Tozino, a florist, a barbershop, and Malt Craft Beer, which offers a variety of beer and cider from across the UK. The neighborhood's top-rated restaurant is 40 Maltby Street, situated in the former warehouse of Gergovie Wines, serving straightforward sandwiches during the day (like glazed ham, cheddar, and piccalilli) and sophisticated seasonal British dishes in the evening—just remember to check the opening hours, as it’s not open every day!

For a drink, visit the Bermondsey Beer Mile, where several small breweries nestled under the railway arches welcome you with some of London’s finest beers on weekend afternoons. Noteworthy spots include Hiver Beers, known for its honey beers and sea chantey nights; the environmentally conscious Bianca Road Brew Co.; and London Beer Factory’s Barrel Project, which focuses on barrel-aged beers.

3. Westminster

Ideal for power brokers

When news anchors refer to events in Westminster, they’re referencing both politics and geography. This name has become synonymous with the heart of the British government, owing to the area’s deep-rooted history as a center of power. Standing on Whitehall, the significance of this place is palpable—from the prime minister’s residence at 10 Downing Street, to the hidden bunkers of Winston Churchill’s Cabinet War Rooms, to Banqueting House, where Charles I famously met his end as the only English king to be executed. Recently, after six years of renovations, Big Ben shed its scaffolding and reopened to visitors in July 2023.

Last September marked the debut of one of the most thrilling new hotels in a decade, Raffles London at the OWO (Old War Office). This Edwardian baroque masterpiece, crowned by its iconic cupola, was once the headquarters for Secretary of State for War Winston Churchill and the birthplace of MI5 and MI6. Following an impressive $1.76 billion renovation and expansion, it now features a Guerlain Spa and eateries by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco. Also, in 2025, the city will welcome its first Waldorf Astoria, located just down the street at the historic neoclassical Admiralty Arch, which was completed in 1912.

Adjacent Mayfair and Piccadilly offer a glimpse into the lives of their aristocratic past residents. Hotels such as Claridge’s and the Athenaeum not only preserve their magnificent exteriors but also boast luxurious interiors that have hosted intrigued and affluent guests for centuries. The area surrounding St. James’s Park is an excellent spot to transport yourself back in time. Indulge in gourmet food and wine shopping at Fortnum & Mason (the royal grocer) and Berry Bros. & Rudd (the royal vintner); try on fashionable hats at Lock & Co, the oldest hat shop in the world; or enjoy London’s most prestigious martini at Dukes. To partake in one of the most quintessentially British experiences, savor afternoon tea amidst art deco elegance at the Wolseley or the Ritz.

4. Hackney

Ideal for food enthusiasts
Encompassing trendy areas like Hoxton, Shoreditch, and Dalston, the borough of Hackney remains the launchpad for new ventures in London. Currently, this means an explosion of restaurants. Once characterized by its rough-and-tumble industrial vibe, the area is now home to numerous Michelin-starred venues, including the Clove Club, Lyle’s, Cycene, and Brat, named after the Old English term for turbot. A whole charcoal-grilled version of this flat fish, designed for sharing, is a menu highlight.

Yet beyond these upscale dining venues, chefs are pushing boundaries in exciting ways throughout the borough. For example, Acme Fire Cult is a live-fire restaurant that originated as a pandemic pop-up in a vacant parking lot and now operates from a back alley in Dalston. While there are barbecue dishes on the menu, it also features smoked beets, coal-roasted leeks, and tandoori celeriac. Over by London Fields, the neon-lit vegan Szechuan spot Facing Heaven serves creative dishes like chili oil sundaes and gourmet sandwiches inspired by McDonald’s. This culinary innovation extends to cocktail bars like the Bauhaus-themed A Bar with Shapes for a Name, where staff don colorful uniforms and cocktails are crafted using lab-style equipment such as centrifuges.

5. Greenwich

Ideal for history enthusiasts

Nestled south of the oxbow bend of the River Thames in East London, Greenwich is a favored day trip for visitors, yet few opt to spend the night here. If you choose to stay in an Airbnb in Greenwich, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some of the neighborhood’s highlights without the daytime crowds. This area is steeped in Britain’s maritime heritage, featuring the majestic Old Royal Naval College, the National Maritime Museum, and the historic Cutty Sark clipper—all worth exploring for any history lover. Additionally, you can wander through the Royal Park to spot deer and visit the Greenwich Observatory to see the Prime Meridian line, where regular planetarium shows are also held.

The culinary scene here is equally thrilling, with Greenwich Market hosting 48 food stalls amidst handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Don’t miss the classic British dish of pie, mash, and jellied eels at Goddards pie shop, a local favorite since 1890. One of the great pleasures of Greenwich is the variety of public transport options available: If you're heading into the city, consider taking the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, which glides under Tower Bridge straight to Westminster, or enjoy the front-row view of the city as you ride the Docklands Light Railway.

6. Soho

Perfect for nightlife and cultural experiences
For those who arrive in London eager to soak in all that it offers—and don’t mind staying out late—there’s no better place to begin than Soho, the vibrant, lively district at the city’s core. Spanning just one square mile, Soho is filled with independent shops, iconic old pubs, and a diverse array of restaurants nestled within a labyrinth of historic streets and alleys, making it feel like a miniature version of London itself. Surrounding it are some of the most renowned streets in Britain, including a bustling Chinatown and the retail hotspots of Oxford and Regent streets.

Writers, musicians, artists, and media personalities have long considered this area their second home; reserve a room at Dean Street Townhouse or the Soho Hotel if you wish to see them in their element. Comedy enthusiasts should make a beeline for the Soho Theatre, which hosts several performances each night, showcasing some of Britain’s finest stand-up, sketch, and theater talents, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge. For musicals and plays, the vibrant marquee lights along Shaftesbury Avenue—London’s answer to 42nd Street—signal the start of one of the world’s premier theater districts. To snag discounted tickets, head to the TKTS booth at Leicester Square.

This compact neighborhood is arguably the top spot for drinks in the city, ideal for a pre- or post-show refreshment. Highlights include the cozy Bar Termini Soho, which transforms from an Italian espresso bar by day to a cocktail haven by night, famous for its martinis and spritzes; the double-decker Swift Soho, featuring a walk-in-only upstairs bar and a moodier downstairs bar serving cocktails inspired by the team’s global adventures; and Noble Rot Soho, a beloved wine bar among locals.

7. Peckham

Ideal for creatives
London’s hipsters have ventured beyond the overhyped Shoreditch: Peckham is the true epicenter of creativity. While this predominantly residential area lacks globally recognized attractions, it boasts a vibrant community spirit and an abundance of cultural experiences. Add in some amazing dining options, and you have the perfect spot to settle into a terraced townhouse for a taste of authentic London life.

The Bussey Building—a multi-story warehouse—serves as Peckham's cultural heart, featuring artist studios, galleries, and regular live music events (make sure to catch the South London Soul Train if you’re in town at the right time), along with rooftop yoga sessions. The building is adjacent to Rye Lane, which you might recognize as the title and setting of an award-winning 2023 indie rom-com, offering a South London twist on Notting Hill. Here, you’ll discover independent bars and coffee shops alongside African grocery stores and hair-braiding salons.

Be sure to enjoy sunset drinks in the summer at Frank’s—a rooftop bar atop a parking garage—and when hunger strikes, treat yourself to outstanding Thai tapas at the Begging Bowl.

8. Hampstead

Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts

If you're eager to explore the bustling city but still crave fresh air, Hampstead is an excellent choice. Nestled atop a large hill in the northern part of the city, Hampstead Heath provides breathtaking views of the skyline, and the residents living nearby are among the luckiest (and most peaceful) in London, with 790 acres of public green space right at their doorstep.

In addition to enjoying its diverse flora and fauna—ancient trees and hundreds of bird species, plus hedgehogs, foxes, moles, and bats—you can take a refreshing swim in its renowned ponds (featuring separate bathing areas for men and women). The Romantic poet John Keats once resided nearby (his home is open for visits), and today, the heath is a popular spot for celebrity sightings. Hampstead village, with its cozy pubs and upscale boutiques, exudes an artsy, liberal vibe, and you can often see actors, directors, and musicians strolling about on their daily walks.

9. Bankside

Ideal for families
There are numerous London neighborhoods that are family-friendly and equipped to cater to your double stroller while serving you an overpriced babyccino, such as Stoke Newington, Dulwich, and Battersea. However, if you'd like to take your children to see the sights without wrestling with complex public transport routes, consider a location closer to the Thames. The picturesque 1.5-mile stretch of South Bank between Waterloo and London Bridge is a favorite for both tourists and locals, offering stunning riverside views of iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard. For adults, this area also boasts some of the city’s finest design hotels, including the Bankside Hotel and Sea Containers London, which features the award-winning Lyaness cocktail bar.

Admission to the permanent collections at the Tate Modern is free, as are the captivating installations in the Turbine Hall (think giant swings, slides, staircases, and monstrous spiders). The Southbank Centre often hosts free performances, festivals, and funfairs, or you can opt for something more cultured with an educational tour or play at Shakespeare’s Globe. For those seeking a darker experience, consider visiting the Clink Prison Museum and the London Dungeon.

Borough Market is a haven for food lovers, featuring an endless array of food stalls alongside must-visit brick-and-mortar establishments like the sophisticated Persian eatery Berenjak and the highly sought-after Padella, famous for its ever-changing menu of seasonal pasta that has led to a virtual queue to manage the enthusiastic crowds.

This article was first published online in May 2019 and was last updated on April 22, 2024, to reflect the most current information.