London is known as one of the nicest cities in Europe. London is of course known for its most famous sights such as the London Eye and Big Ben, but London consists of more than these sights. The neighborhoods of London are very diverse. Some neighborhoods are hip, others are more chic and touristy. Whether you like shopping or sightseeing, there is something for everyone. These are all neighborhoods that are definitely worth a visit.
- Notting Hill
- Camden
- Westminster
- Knightsbridge and Kensington
- Mayfair and St James
Notting Hill
The Notting Hill district is located in West London and is best known for the 1999 film of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Another well-known image of Notting Hill are the small, colored houses that fill the street scene. There is something for everyone in Notting Hill. Notting Hill Carnival is also highly recommended, which you can visit if you happen to be in London.
Portobello Rd
The most famous street in Notting Hill is Portobello Road, this street is mainly known for the market of the same name. This street not only has the daily market, but also restaurants, delicatessens and souvenir shops. Not only the market but also the shops on Portobello Road are recommended.
Portobello Market
People who like exclusive clothing, antiques or beautiful scarves, for example, can visit the Portobello Market. This market is open every day and is also very popular with tourists. However, you won’t find the standard souvenirs here that they have everywhere in London. You can definitely take a look if you like beautiful things that are a little more exclusive than the rest of London.
Notting Hill Carnival
A well-known phenomenon in London is The Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place every year on the last weekend of August. During this weekend, Notting Hill will be transformed into a real Caribbean atmosphere. Women, men and children dress up in beautiful costumes including feathers and other extras. This Carnival is also called the largest street party in Europe. Recommended.
Camden
Camden is a neighborhood characterized by diversity. Diversity in markets, homes and people. If you are looking for nice second-hand clothes or want to find nice places to eat, you can certainly find it in Camden.
Camden market
Camden market consists of many types of (hip) stalls, whether you want that one record or CD or dirt-cheap clothing, you can find it all in Camden. They also sell good food here, so it’s definitely worth grabbing something to eat after an afternoon of exploring among the nice stalls.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is officially no longer in Camden, but is highly recommended if you want to find some peace and quiet. Primrose Hill is located in Regents Park. As the name suggests, Primrose Hill is a hill. As you climb up the slope you will get a beautiful view of the London skyline. Primrose Hill is often used in films because it offers such a beautiful view of London.
Westminster
The London of postcards can be found in the Westminster district. A must see, especially if it is your first time visiting London. As cliché as it sounds, a photo of Big Ben and a ride on the London Eye are part of a visit to London.
London Eye
One of the most famous images of London is the Ferris wheel, the London Eye. From the London Eye you have a beautiful view of the rest of London. With a drive of about thirty minutes, you will have plenty of time to see London from different points. You can visit the London Eye during the day or at night, both are worth it.
Big Ben
Big Ben is the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The beautiful clock tower adjacent to the popular Westminster Bridge has been the focal point of London for years. Try to take a nice photo or selfie early in the morning so that you are less likely to have a lot of tourists in your photo.
Westminster Palace and Abbey
Adjacent to Big Ben is Westminster Palace. Westminster Palace is also called Houses of Parliament. The British government is located in this building. Although there is no tourist access to the building, you get a good idea of where the government is in Britain. Westminster Abbey is located next to the Westminister Palace and is a famous church. Many marriages have taken place in this church, of which one of the last known marriages is that of William and Kate.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth. The traditional changing of the guard is also held here, including horses and beautiful costumes. The Changing of the Guard can be seen every day at 11:30 am from April to July. Outside these months this can be seen every other day. It’s completely free, so it’s nice to drop by if you’re in the area.
Knightsbridge and Kensington
Knightsbridge and Kensington are one of the most chic areas of London. Here are the most beautiful white houses. It is not surprising that these neighborhoods are so popular, they have beautiful parks here, including Hyde Park and the museum district. Harrods is the chicest department store in London. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, it is fun to look at the architecture inside. You will visit these neighborhoods if you have a little longer time in London, but they are definitely worth it.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London. You can easily spend a whole day here. Here you will mainly find local residents picnicking, jogging or children playing in the playground. Hyde Park is so big that you can always find quiet spots in the park.
Museums
London’s museum district is located in the Kensington district. You will find the most beautiful museums in the static buildings. To start with the Victoria and Albert museum (abbreviated as V&A). The museum has many collections, from ancient times to the present. Think of mummies, but also pots from ancient times or beautiful Japanese tableware. In addition to the permanent collections, there are also temporary collections, including music collections from David Bowie and Pink Floyd. The Science Museum is especially fun for children. Finally, you have the National History museum with many fascinating history collections. All museums are free, so it’s fun to pop in.
Harrods
One of the most chic stores in London is Harrods. Rich Londoners make their move here. But Harrods is not just for the richer people, it is also an experience for tourists to visit this department store. You have products in all kinds of categories here, but more expensive products are especially popular here. Taking a look at one of the floors is definitely worth it and is therefore almost indispensable for a visit to London.
Mayfair and St James
Mayfair and St James are two neighborhoods that are mainly characterized by their beautiful parks, but also by their shopping paradise. In Mayfair you can find many shops for shopping. In the area around Piccadilly Circus you will find many musicals that are performed almost every day. There couldn’t be a better end to a day in London.
Oxford Street-Bond Street-Regen Street
The three largest shopping streets in London are Oxford Street, Bond Street and Regen Street. In these streets you will find countless brands, enough for a day of shopping. Bond Street and Regen Street are a bit more chic than Oxford Street. In these two streets you have more exclusive brands, such as Prada and Burberry. Oxford Street focuses more on average tourists. Oxford Street is the busiest street of these three, where you will find well-known brands such as Topshop, Primark and H&M.
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is known for its many billboards around this square. Piccadilly Circus is also characterized by the many musical theaters that are just a stone’s throw away. If you have not yet purchased your ticket for a musical, you can still do so at the many stands that often offer affordable last-minute tickets. This should certainly not be missed when visiting London.
St James Park
St James Park is a beautiful park in the heart of London. This park is special because it is close to Buckingham Palace and Downing Street but is still relatively quiet. There are also nice beach chairs in the summer that are often used by local residents. Nice to walk through if the hustle and bustle of the city is too much for you.