Recently updated on November 27th, 2023 at 03:38 pm
London has been the heartbeat of England and the United Kingdom for nearly 2,000 years and in that time has developed into one of the most vibrant, metropolitan cities in the world. Within London, each neighbourhood has its own identity and atmosphere that makes it unique from the other 48 neighbourhoods. Here, we’ve put together a list of some of the coolest neighbourhoods in London, just waiting to be explored!
North
Hampstead
Hampstead is well-known as one of the more upmarket neighbourhoods in England’s capital. Leafy open spaces, a languid day walking on the heath and browsing the local bookstores and ceramic shops make this north London enclave one of the most desirable London neighbourhoods to live in.
Canonbury
This north London neighbourhood combines the relaxed atmosphere of a rural village with the culinary delights of the cosmopolitan scene. Cosy cafes and refined Georgian architecture make Canonbury perfect for a long stroll on a Sunday morning, followed up with the perfect Sunday roast at one of Canonbury’s many pubs.
South
The South Bank
The South Bank is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in London. Home to some of London’s most iconic attractions, including Shakespeare’s Globe, a working replica of Shakespeare’s original Elizabethan theatre, where you can watch performances of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. The South Bank is also home to London’s famous Borough Market. While it would be easy to while away hours wandering through the market building (built in the 1850s) nibbling on the many delicious samples on offer, you will also find the continuously expanding Tate Modern and many more delights nearby.
Saunter past the buzzing stalls of Borough Market, London’s most renowned food market which has been feeding locals for centuries, when you travel with Trafalgar on the London Explorer tour.
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Wimbledon
Famous for the eponymous tennis tournament, Wimbledon offers much more to the visitor who is less inclined towards tennis. One of the chicest neighbourhoods in London, this south London gem is still somewhat of a secret. You will find one of London’s largest green spaces; an oasis amongst the hubbub of the city. Sweet neighbourhood cafes, small boutiques and stables add to Wimbledon’s charm, making this south London neighbourhood an untouched gem.
East
Shoreditch
Reinvented in the 1990s as a thriving creative hub, Shoreditch is one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in London with a vibrant art scene, shabby chic pubs, thriving bars and many of the world’s coolest hotels. Many restaurants in this east London neighbourhood have Michelin stars, making it the must visit culinary destination in England. In addition to its fabulous restaurants, Shoreditch is also home to vintage boutiques, the world-famous Spitalfields Market, and Rivington Street which features the best street art in Shoreditch.
Bethnal Green
This east London jewel is perhaps a less obvious destination for visitors to London, but as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in London, Bethnal Green has loads of culture, coffee, and creativity. A former industrial area, Bethnal Green boasts a grunge attitude and robust community spirit. Art exhibitions occur beneath railway tracks and industrial warehouses host concerts and gigs regularly. In recent years some of London’s best coffee shops have set up shop in Bethnal Green, set amongst cafes that have filled local bellies since the turn of the century. A small neighbourhood, Bethnal Green is certainly lovable.
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West
Soho
One of the most iconic London neighbourhoods, Soho is forever evolving and always busy. Located right in the centre of London’s West End, Soho offers up an invigorating labyrinth of theatres, wine bars and some of the best restaurants in London. Bordered by iconic London streets, Oxford Street, Regent Street, Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road, Soho is well-known to seasoned travellers. You may be tempted to skip Soho, looking for the ‘real’ London but there are hidden gems waiting to be found, nonetheless. As one of the key must-see neighbourhoods in London and rich in the city’s history, check out Soho for a cultural and gastronomic experience you’ll never forget.
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Bloomsbury
If your tastes take a more literary inclination, Bloomsbury is one of the must-see neighbourhoods in London. Home to historic institutions, the British Museum and the University of London, Bloomsbury has a reputation as the city’s most intellectual quarter. The long list of famous former literary inhabitants includes Virginia Woolf, TS Eliot, and Charles Dickens, among others. The home of world-renowned publishing house, Bloomsbury publishing, this neighbourhood is filled with history and art in every corner. Literature, fashion, and art are the name of the game here. But not to worry, bars and restaurants are aplenty to whet your appetite after a long day wandering through Bloomsbury’s Georgian squares.
London has many attractions to offer to the seasoned traveller, from Michelin star restaurants to the theatres of the West End, and every pub and gallery in between. Each neighbourhood has something special to offer. Whatever your inclinations, you’ll find something amazing in London with Trafalgar.
Have you ever visited London? Or, do you want to visit in the future? What is your favourite London neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments below! Or, visit our website to learn more about how you can travel to England with Trafalgar.