One of London’s greatest charms is that, rather than it being one vast city, it actually feels like a collection of distinct villages, each with its own character, quirks, and atmosphere.

Although London is officially divided into 32 large boroughs, Londoners define areas of the city by smaller neighborhoods with more abstract boundaries. Though this guide doesn’t include every London neighborhood, I cover the most emblematic ones with a comprehensive view of what each has to offer (yeah still a long read but I promise it's worth it!)

📍 Soho

Known for: independent boutiques, endless restaurants and bars, rich cultural scene (music, theatre, etc.), lively nightlife and LGBTQ+ community

Top things to do in Soho:

• Shop till you drop on Regent Street and Oxford Street. For independent boutiques, head to Carnaby Street and the side streets while Liberty offers high-end shopping. The kids will love the M&Ms & LEGO stores on Leicester Square or Hamleys on Regent Street but your wallet not so much!
• Taste international food at the top dining spots in the city, from Spanish tapas, to Indo-Chinese or Persian cuisine. In summer, enjoy the courtyard at the lively Kingly Court and for cheaper, on-the-go street food during the day, head to Berwick Street Market
• Explore Chinatown for dim sum, bubble tea and Asian pastries
• Enjoy a free audio-visual show at the Outernet
• Catch a show at one of the many theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue. Go to the Soho Theatre for edgy comedy and drama or Prince Edward Theatre for big West End productions

Explore further:

• Go on a guided Rock'n Roll tour of Soho and learn how legends like Jimi Hendrix, Queen, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones have left their mark on the city
• Visit the Photographers’ Gallery, a brilliant place to escape the madness of Soho and enjoy contemporary photography by established and up-and-coming artists
• Shop for quirky finds: vinyls at Sister Ray or Phonica Records, comic books at Gosh! Comics, or art deco film posters by the graphic design duo who worked on the "Harry Potter" movies at House of MinaLima
• Spend a night out at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, one of the world’s oldest and most renowned jazz clubs (book well in advance!)

📍 Covent Garden

Known for: historic market, high-end shopping, countless restaurants and bars, and rich cultural scene (street performance, theatre, opera)

Top things to do in Covent Garden:

• Explore the historic Covent Garden Market, which is now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and daily markets. Don't miss the Apple Market for unique crafts and souvenirs and watch the street performers near the piazza
• Shop at independent boutiques in Seven Dials and make a stop at Neal's Yard for a great photo op
• Catch a world-class opera or ballet performance at the Royal Opera House
• Attend a West End show at one of the many theaters in the area. Popular shows include "The Lion King" at the Lyceum Theatre and "Matilda the Musical" at the Cambridge Theatre

Explore further:

• Indulge in street-food style eats in Seven Dials Market’s food hall
• Learn about Freemason history and architecture at the stunning art deco Freemasons' Hall
• Get some quiet time at St Paul's church, a peaceful spot away from the crowds, with a lovely little garden
• Dive into art and culture at Somerset House or go for a candlelight concert at St Mary le Strand church
• Explore the abandoned Aldwych Tube Station on a guided tour
• Stop at Cecil Court, an esoteric alley home to antiquarian booksellers, fine-art dealers, and unique shops

📍 Westminster

Known for: iconic landmarks, rich history and political significance, world-class museums and royal parks

Top things to do in Westminster:

• Admire the famous Big Ben (public tours up the tower are extremely hard to come by and are reserved for UK citizens) and take a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster
• Make a stop at Trafalgar Square and admire world-class art at the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
• Explore Westminster Abbey where British monarchs are crowned
• Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (get ready for the crowds!)
• Stroll through St. James’s Park and get a break from the hustle and bustle of the city

Explore further:

• Discover where Churchill directed WWII operations at the Churchill War Rooms
• Visit Westminster Cathedral (not to be mistaken with Westminster Abbey!)
• Learn about the UK’s legal system at the Supreme Court (it's free and you can even attend an actual hearing!)
• Attend a service or concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, which also houses a restaurant in its crypt

📍 South Bank & Southwark

Known for: historic landmarks, scenic riverside walks, panoramic views, food market, rich history and top-tier museums

Top things to do in South Bank & Southwark:

• Enjoy a ~1h30 scenic Thames stroll from Westminster Bridge (next to Big Ben) to Tower Bridge
• Get stunning views of the city from the London Eye or the Shard (although you can get similar views for free at other observation decks in the City, read more below)
• Check the Tate Modern for world-class contemporary art or attend a Shakespeare performance at the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
• Sample international street food and buy fresh produce and gourmet treats at Borough Market
• Climb to the top of Tower Bridge and step on the glass-floor walkway

Explore further:

• Explore Leake Street Arches, a hidden graffiti tunnel under Waterloo Station, constantly changing with new street art
• Visit the The Old Operating Theatre Museum, a quirky and slightly macabre medical museum tucked away near London Bridge
• Explore the Golden Hinde, a full-size replica of the 16th-century ship that Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe. Kids will love it!
• Visit the HMS Belfast for a unique insight into life at sea during World War II
• Catch a show a the National Theatre
• Enjoy some international street food on-the-go at the South Bank Food Market

📍 City of London

Known for: historic landmarks, panoramic views, rich history and financial district

Top things to do in the City of London:

• Visit the iconic Tower of London, housing the Crown Jewels and offering a glimpse into British history
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the London skyline at one of the many free observation decks such as Sky Garden, Horizon 22 or the Lookout (book well in advance!)
• Climb to the top of St Paul's Cathedral and visit the crypt
• Make a stop at the Victorian Leadenhall Market and get some Harry Potter vibes
• Explore the City of London with Terry to learn about the origins of London’s financial heart. Terry is an amazing and engaging storyteller, you'll learn a ton!

Explore further:

• Escape the bustle of the city at the small Postman's Park or at St. Dunstan in the East, a stunning church ruin turned into a public garden
• Learn about the history of British banking and even try lifting a real gold bar at the Bank of England Museum
• Explore the Guildhall Art Gallery featuring Victorian art, plus a surprise underground Roman amphitheatre
• Climb to the top of the Monument offering great views over the surrounding area

📍 Holborn & Bloomsbury

Known for: world famous and niche museums, prestigious academic and legal institutions, numerous parks and squares

Top things to do in Holborn & Bloomsbury:

• Spend hours admiring artifacts from around the globe at the British Museum. If you want a different perspective and an engaging discussion around the controversies surrounding the acquisition of some of the artifacts on display, you have to go on a tour with Dan!
• Explore the beautiful Inns of Court, where London’s barristers train and work or go on a guided tour of the Royal Courts of Justice
• Visit Sir John Soane's Museum, followed by a stroll in the beautiful Lincoln's Inn Fields next door
• Visit the Wellcome Collection, exploring the intersection of science, medicine, art, and human experience

Explore further:

• Visit the Hunterian Museum, featuring a wonderful collection of medical oddities inside the Royal College of Surgeons
• Explore other niche museums including the Grant Museum of Zoology, Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology or Charles Dickens Museum
• Take a break in the numerous squares and gardens including Russel Square and the hidden St. George's Garden
• Grab a pint in a historic pub like the Cittie of York, a wood-paneled pub that feels like stepping back in time or The Seven Stars, a small pub with 1602 origins. For stunning interiors, head to The Old Bank of England or The Last Judgment

📍 Kensington

Known for: world famous museums, royal parks, elegant residential area and numerous shops and restaurants

Top things to do in Kensington:

• Visit the famous Natural History Museum and its equally fascinating neighbours, the Science Museum and the V&A Museum (there is no way you can visit all 3 in one day, do not even think about it!)
• Explore Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, home to the royal residence Kensington Palace
• Catch a concert, ballet, or film screening at the Royal Albert Hall, one of London’s most iconic venues
• Shop along Kensington High Street, offering a mix of high-street brands, luxury boutiques, and unique shops. You'll also find the Japan House there, a cultural space about everything Japan

Explore further:

• Explore the woodland areas and gardens of Holland Park, including the beautiful Kyoto Garden
• Learn about contemporary design at the Design Museum
• Visit Leighton House, a hidden gem showcasing the home and art of Victorian painter Frederic Leighton
• Grab a pint at the Churchill Arms, a famous pub covered in flowers, with an unexpectedly great Thai restaurant inside

📍 Notting Hill

Known for: elegant residential area and colorful houses, bustling markets and numerous shops and restaurants

Top things to do in Notting Hill:

• Explore the streets filled with colorful houses that make Notting Hill such a unique neighborhood. Lancaster Road, St. Luke’s Mews, and Westbourne Park Road are among the prettiest
• Shop for vintage clothes, quirky finds, and delicious street food at Portobello Road Market (some stalls sell mass-produced items disguised as vintage, check what you're buying!)
• Take a picture by the Notting Hill Bookshop, featured the movie Notting Hill if you're a fan!
• Attend the Notting Hill Carnival if you're visiting in August. It's Europe's biggest street festival with music, food, and vibrant parades!
• For trendy cafes and upmarket retail therapy, head to Westbourne Grove

Explore further:

• Catch a film at the Electric Cinema (one of London's oldest and most beautiful cinemas with plush seating and a cozy atmosphere) or the Gate Picturehouse. Perfect for a rainy day or a cozy evening!
• Visit the the Museum of Brands, a quirky and surprisingly fascinating museum showcasing over 150 years of branding and packaging history
• Head North-East towards the canal for a waterside walk leading to Little Venice where you can hop on a boat to Camden. If you prefer to be the one in charge of navigating the boat and exploring at your own pace, you can rent your own electric boat in Paddington

📍 King's Cross & Camden Town

Known for: bustling markets, numerous shops and restaurants, lively music scene, creativity and counterculture hub

Top things to do in King's Cross & Camden Town:

• Explore the iconic Camden Market, offering a mix of food stalls, clothing shops, and unique boutiques. For even more stalls and food choice, cross the road to the more recent Camden Market Hawley Wharf
• Go on a scenic walk alongside the Regent's Canal. Heading West will lead you to Regent's Park and Little Venice while heading East will lead you to Coal Drops Yard and Islington
• If you're a Harry Potter fan, make a quick stop at King's Cross Station for a photo op next to the trolley leading to the Platform 9 3/4 (expect to queue)
• Visit the British Library, housing some of the world's most important literary and historical artifacts
• Go for a drink on Granary Square or shop at Coal Drops Yard next door

Explore further:

• Visit the small but fascinating London Canal Museum, showcasing the history of London's canals
• Stop at Word on the Water, a charming bookshop located on a barge in the canal. It's a cozy and unique spot to browse for books
• Take a nature break away from the crowds at Camley Street Natural Park
• Experience an audiovisual art show at Lightroom
• Go on a brewery tour at Camden Town Brewery to learn about the brewing process

📍 Fitzrovia & Marylebone

Known for: elegant Georgian streets, royal parks, rich cultural heritage and abundance of high-end shops, restaurants, and bars

Top things to do in Fitzrovia & Marylebone:

• Explore Regent's Park and its stunning Queen Mary’s Rose Garden. Rent a boat on the lake in summer and head to Primrose Hill for a stunning view of the city at sunset
• Meet your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds (it's crowded and gives heavy tourist vibes but kids will love it)
• Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum if you're a fan of the detective (I personally think it's overpriced for what you get)
• Shop at independent boutiques and high-end fashion stores on Marylebone High Street (more relaxed and upmarket than Oxford Street)

Explore further:

• Visit the stunning Wallace Collection, filled with fine art, period furniture, and an elegant glass-roofed courtyard cafe
• Head to Charlotte Street for some of London’s best small restaurants, a great sport for foodies!
• Experience art in a different way at Frameless

📍 Mayfair

Known for: luxury shopping, five-star hotels, fine dining and elegant Georgian architecture

Top things to do in Mayfair:

• Shop on Bond Street and Mount Street if you've got cash to splash. It's home to designer stores like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier. Alternatively, you can head to Burlington Arcade, one of London's oldest and most luxurious shopping arcades
• Enjoy an upscale (and pricey!) afternoon tea at the Claridge's or the Connaught
• Bring home exquisite tea and elegant gifts from Fortnum & Mason
• Visit the Royal Academy of Arts, a fantastic gallery showcasing world-class exhibitions in a stunning setting

Explore further:

• Have a meal at Mercato Mayfair, a food hall housed in a beautifully restored church and serving international street food
• Explore Shepherd Market, a charming little enclave with independent shops, old-fashioned pubs, and small restaurants
• Visit the Handel & Hendrix Museum, dedicated to the famous composer George Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix, who lived in the same building centuries apart
• Take a break at Mount Street Gardens, a small, secluded garden offering a quiet retreat from the bustling shopping streets. Make a quick stop at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception next door to admire the ceiling
• Visit the Faraday Museum, dedicated to the life and work of Michael Faraday, located in the basement of the Royal Institution

📍 Spitalfields & Shoreditch

Known for: bustling markets, international cuisine, artsy vibe, street art, vibrant nightlife and unique blend of industrial history and contemporary creativity

Top things to do in Spitalfields & Shoreditch:

• Go vintage shopping at the Brick Lane Vintage Market or taste international street food at Old Spitalfields Market and Upmarket Brick Lane
• Look out for street art by Banksy and other well-known artists on Brick Lane and the neighbouring streets. Going on a guided street art tour is the best way to make sure you're not missing any of the good stuff!
• Browse Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays only), offering a beautiful array of flowers and plants, along with charming shops and cafes. Expect crowds, but the atmosphere makes it worth it!
• Dance until late at one of the many bars and clubs in Shoreditch. Notable clubs include XOYO or Village Underground while Queen of Hoxton offers a rooftop bar with fun themed nights and live music

Explore further:

• Relax at the Spitalfields City Farm, a peaceful oasis featuring greenhouses full of vegetables and friendly farm animals. The kids will love it!
• Visit the Dennis Severs’ House, offering a one-of-a-kind historical experience where you step into a time capsule of an 18th-century Huguenot home
• Make a stop at the Boxpark, a pop-up shopping and food space built from shipping containers
• Visit the Museum of the Home, offering a fascinating look at how Londoners have lived through the centuries by re-creating domestic interiors from 1600 to the present

📍 Greenwich

Known for: rich maritime history, beautiful parks, vibrant markets and stunning riverside views

Top things to do in Greenwich:

• Learn about the history of timekeeping and astronomy at the Royal Observatory while enjoying panoramic views over Canary Wharf and the Thames from the hilltop in Greenwich Park
• Explore Greenwich Market, full of independent traders offering everything from vintage goods to delicious street food
• Step aboard the Cutty Sark, a beautifully restored 19th-century tea clipper, great for maritime history buffs
• Visit the National Maritime Museum covering Britain’s seafaring past. Kids will love the interactive exhibits!
• Explore the Old Royal Naval College and admire the ceiling of the Painted Hall (dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of London")

Explore further:

• Visit the Fan Museum, a quirky little museum dedicated to the history and artistry of fans
• Visit the Ranger's House, housing the Wernher Collection, a stunning private art collection
• Watch a space show at the Peter Harrison Planetarium and engage in Q&A with astronomers
• Attend a free lunchtime recital inside the beautiful Chapel of St Peter and St Paul