Ultimate London Guide by Neighborhood

If you think that London is all about the British Royal Family, Mary Poppins, and fish & chips, think again! The British capital is a lot more diverse than movies and TV series give credit for. It's natural for such programs to only focus on a particular side of London, however, as a visitor, it's important that you know yourself that the city is made up of different ad unique districts. Some mar suit your tastes or interests better than others.

 

Westminster 

Westminster houses the political seat of the British capital. It's here that the country's most important leaders congregate and decide the policies upon which they will govern the country. The area also contains some of the most famous monuments in London, the most famous of which is Westminster Abbey. The beautiful church is where Prince Charles and Princess Diana got married. And decades later, their eldest son Prince William married Kate Middleton in an equally grandiose and beautiful ceremony. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

St James's

Just by its name, you'd think that London's St. James's neighborhood is where a lot of their religious sites are located. But nope, that's actually Westminster, which is actually near this area. However, the reason why many people stay at St. James's is because this is where most of the West End theaters are located. The place is perfect for when people would go to gala performances that start around dinner time and often end at almost midnight. Having a place here won't take you long to go home! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Soho

What was once one of London's most elegant neighborhood, it's not, well still kinda is! But it's a different sort of elegance nowadays. SoHo is the British capital's epicenter for art, as well as one of the more multicultural communities within the upscale areas of the city. Full of galleries and exhibition spaces, it's where some of the best artists of today express their new exciting ideas. Not to mention the fact that it's also the center of London's gay community too. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Covent Garden

You've probably seen or heard about Covent Garden in your favorite movies and TV series that either took place or mentioned London. And this comes as no surprise! Covent Garden is probably the busiest area in all of London. Because of its several restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, grocery stores, and more. Practically every single Londoner in the whole city has, at the very least, visited this neighborhood at least once. And if you stay here during your visit, you'll have everything that you need just a nice stroll away. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Oxford Street 

Now for something a little upscale. Down on Oxford street, you will see some of the biggest fashion brands in the world waiting for you to shop till you drop. Want to know why London is considered a fashion capital? This neighborhood is your answer! Although there are many shopping districts in this city. Oxford street remains the busiest of them all. The famous Harrod's department store, the most famous of its kind in all of Great Britain, for instance, is situated near here. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Mayfair

Out of all the neighborhoods on this list, Mayfair is perhaps the most beautiful! The area houses a series of stunning Georgian houses as far as the eye can see, making it a perfect place for period films to shoot at. These historic marvels alone are worth your staying here, but also the various art galleries and auction houses that line up the streets. If you have some money to spare. Sotheby's is a great place to get your hands on timeless art pieces and new works that are worth a lot! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Marylebone

Another aesthetically pleasing and quaint area in London is Marylebone. Though fairly busy, it's not as bustling as the other areas on this list. In fact, this place is great for really enjoying the more pleasant side of London. Think artisanal coffee shops that sell their own unique and delicious concoctions. Mom and pop food shops where you can get some great produce at a bargain. And a few galleries to introduce you to up and coming artists. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Kensington

Now, if you're aiming for a more upscale area. Kensington might be the place for you. This is where the first-class elite often stays and shop. If you want a Burberry coat or an Alexander McQueen suit, this is the area for you. And if you're staying here, think how easy it will be to shop here! You can buy as many as you want and you'll only have to haul your shopping bags a few blocks from the stores! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Chelsea

The nearby district, Chelsea, is just as chic and trendy. Like SoHo, this area has also become quite the epicenter for artists living and working in the British capital. Along its busy streets, you'll see countless galleries, both big and small, showcasing the works of local and international creatives. It's a fascinating neighborhood to stay at if you're into that sort of thing. There's practically a new opening or party to attend every night while you're here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury, on the other hand, is arguably the polar opposite. Here, instead of the artistic, it's the intellectual that's front and center. If you're in London to attend a lecture or to study at university, this is the place to stay at! In this area, two monuments to British history, culture, and heritage reside. They're namely the British Museum and the British Library. Both have welcomed countless guests and educated them on the history of both the city and the country. 

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Holborn

Holborn as the distinguished reputation of being "legal London." This is because most of the legal courts and other law-affiliated establishments are situated here. Now, what makes this place a good place to stay at? Well, if you have legal issues, at least you're a hop and a skip away from a lawyer's office and from a courthouse. But in all seriousness. the nature of the community make it a peaceful area to stay at. It's not the most exciting here, but at least you're guaranteed a good night's sleep! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

North London

But perhaps, the most peaceful part of London is definitely its northern area. North London has long has had a reputation of being one of the quietest districts in all of the busy capital. With numerous parks on offer, it's also become quite the family-friendly area as well. As beautiful as the places you see in books, There's something to be said about staying here. Even though you may have to commute a lot to go to various tourist sites. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

South London

Don't let the local reputation ruin South London for you. Although yes, the area is notorious for its less fortunate communities, there's still a number of pleasant places that you can stay at and visit in this neighborhood. Greenwich is a perfect example. Full of educational and artistic museums, one thing's for sure: you won't be bored while staying here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

London isn't only what you see in books or watch in movies or TV series. The British capital is more diverse and different than you think. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide which place to stay at during your next trip here!