Schmap London Neighborhood Guide

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London - Neighborhood Guide
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The various "villages" of London reflect in their diversity the full spectrum of the city's residents. From exclusively elite establishments to downright dingy dives, tourist-drenched terrain and home-grown habitation, there's something for every visitor. As Dr. Johnson said back in the 18th century: "If you're tired of London, you're tired of life".

Battersea and Clapham

Home to hordes of trendy young things, Battersea and Clapham is the place to go for fun and funky bars and restaurants outside of Central London.

Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is London's literary capital and a walking tour is the best way to discover the haunts of the city's wordy geniuses. A visit to the area is not complete without a wander in the hallowed halls of London's biggest tourist lure-the British museum.

Brixton

Ragga beats and spicy treats prevail in London's largest Afro-Caribbean community. Once a shabby, no-go area, it is now frequented by all kinds of people, including trendy, affluent types who hang out in the myriad of cool bars and happening clubs. The wonderful cultural diversity is visible in the bustling, popular market, and the famous Fridge nightclub.

Camden Town

Crowded streets spill over with shoppers and people-watchers who flock from far and wide to chill out, rather than haggle, at Camden Market. But good cafes, clubs and a top comedy venue make Camden Town much more than a great market area.

The City and the Square Mile

England's coffers are literally in the Square Mile; one of the few places where the streets might as well be paved with gold. Modern blocks, such as the Lloyd's Building and the Daily Express Building, outnumber the more ancient edifices such as Lincoln's Inn, the Bank of England and the Old Bailey. The City encompasses the sacred in St. Paul's and the quotidian in Spitalfields Market and Leadenhall Market.

Clerkenwell and Shoreditch

This emerging area is rife with hip, sofa-strewn hangouts, swanky restaurants and galleries. Most of the action revolves around Hoxton Square, but East London is generally experiencing a property boom, due to its proximity to the City. Once favoured only by struggling artists on the cutting edge, it's now a New Media Mecca and the arty types and savvy internet upstarts make a vibrant mix.

Covent Gardens and Holborn

There's been a clampdown on street performers, but the open-air party atmosphere still pervades in Covent Garden's Piazza. The 18th-century iron and glass former fruit and vegetable market has evolved gracefully and now houses fashion boutiques and other up-market stores. Stroll down Long Acre, Floral Street and the cobbled Neal Street or visit The Royal Opera House. London's Theatreland is just a potato lob away.

Canary Wharf

Heavily bombed during WWII, this area became the incarnation of 80s prosperity. Now Canary Wharf Tower dominates the skyline and the Canary Wharf area is the capital's second economic powerhouse. The Tower of London was a 16th-century prison where some of Henry VIII's unlucky wives were beheaded. Today the Beefeaters are more friendly and you can view the fabulous Crown Jewels. Stroll outside and take in the stunning Tower Bridge.

Greenwich

This neighborhood is at zero degrees longitude and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Take a boat trip down the Thames for a romantic day out or visit the National Maritime museum, the imposing Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark, and the Thames Flood Barrier.

Hampstead

Leafy suburbia with a charming village ambience. Steeped in literary history, the homes of poets, playwrights and actors of past and present are marked by endless blue plaques. An afternoon in Kenwood House or strolling on Hampstead Heath is worlds away from the noise and bustle of London.

Angel Islington

Blair's home ground and now a yuppie playground; Upper Street is one long stretch of restaurants and bars. Seek out antiques in Camden Passage or stroll along Regent's Canal and see why this corner of North London is an Angel.

Kensington and Chelsea

Darling! Chic boutiques, expensive restaurants, snooty aristocrats and whippet-thin IT girls in slick sports cars haunt Brompton Cross, King's Road, Kensington High Street and its environs. The Earl's Court Exhibition centre is always a hub of activity if you want to fit in an exhibition during your visit and it's always a pleasure to cruise across the delightful Albert Bridge at night when it's all lit up.

Knightsbridge and Belgravia

The two reasons to shop in this area have to be Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Down the road is the stunning Baroque Brompton Oratory--its weddings inevitably grace Hello Magazine. Don't miss Kensington Church Street or Sloane Street.

Maida Vale and St John's Wood

An intriguing juxtaposition of massive houses and council estates makes this area a diverse ethnic and economic mix. Worth a visit if you fancy going a bit Mediterranean in England with a visit to the canals and cafes of Little Venice. It's also home to that venerable cricketing institute, Lord's Cricket Ground.

Marylebone and Regent's Park

Walk down Harley Street, renowned worldwide for its medical consultants and cosmetic surgeons. A stone's throw from Baker Street is Madame Tussaud's and Regent's Park, where Princess Diana saved a drowning man. Wigmore Street hosts virtuosos at the legendary Wigmore Hall and the private Wallace Art Collection is housed in Manchester Square. Elegant Marylebone High Street has Conran's latest gastronomic venue, high fashion boutiques, and an Aveda Lifestyle Store (and cafe!). The beautiful interior of St James' Church, around the corner in Spanish Place, was restored thanks to John Paul Getty III.

Mayfair

Full of refined hotels where affluent foreigners stay, the impressive 18th century edifices of Mayfair are resided in by people of fabulous wealth although Arabs, Americans and East Asians outnumber the aristocrats today. First-class shopping can be found along Bond Street and you can pick up a gem or two at Sotheby's. The Jesuit Church on Farm Street is where high society tie the knot.

Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove

Supremely hip district with designer boutiques, retro shops, heavenly delicatessens, and the antique and bric-a-brac stalls of Portobello Road Market. The world famous Notting Hill Carnival at the end of August brings a Caribbean flavour to the streets-with hip-swaying dance troupes and general revelry. Fantastic cafe life, decadent bars and superb restaurants satisfy the gourmands. The gospel choir at Kensington Temple is well-known for its soulful, arm-waving harmonies.

Putney

Riverside pubs, rowing clubs and wealthy stockbrokers. Nearby Barnes is a similarly bucolic, quiet and upscale residential neighbourhood.

Richmond

Richmond Park, one of Europe's largest parks, is home to many deer. 17th century Ham House, Kew Gardens' botanic splendour and Palladian Marble Hill House are all excellent reasons to venture beyond the centre of town. Or why not take a boat to Hampton Court Palace from the Pier?

SOHO and West End

A vibrant fusion of trendy and tacky. This area leads a promiscuous double life: whilst still a Red Light district, it is also a respectable drinking and dining area. China Town is vibrant, while the area also offers a host of other cuisines from British to vegetarian, French and Thai where Londoners from all over congregate. Chinese New Year is always a very colourful spectacle.

Leicester Square and Piccadilly are a tourist frenzy. The revamped Leicester Square is home to several bright and shiny multiplexes and is no stranger to star-studded film premieres. By day see Eros or visit the wax effigies (plus plenty more) at the Rock Circus while by night, a plethora of bars, pubs and clubs keep the punters happy. Stroll down Piccadilly-pop into Fortnum & Mason, take tea at the Ritz or shop in the sartorially elegant Jermyn Street and Regent Street.

Southwark and Waterloo

Watch Shakespearean actors pace the boards at the marvellous reconstructed Globe Theatre. The Tate Modern further boosts the Southbank's shining cultural programme. Amble happily down the riverside walk to Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Cricketing fans will want to pay homage at the Oval, whilst foodies may wish to enter Butler's Wharf-a gastronomic temple. Don't miss the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) near Westminster Bridge. The gigantic Ferris wheel offers unrivalled views of London.

Westminster and St James's

Feel the Power! The British Empire was ruled from Whitehall, but now it serves little more than the UK. Not surprisingly, civil servants and politicians abound in the vicinity. A Big and Bountiful Ben strikes out the hour, loud enough to wake the old Kings and Queens from their tombs in Westminster Abbey. The Pugin-designed Houses of Parliament back onto the beautifully illuminated river. And if you want to get away from it all, take it a stroll in St. James's Park and Green Park.

Victoria and Pimlico

Dominated by Victoria train and coach stations, many visitors use Victoria as a staging post to Central London. However Pimlico is a little-known gem, well worth a visit. Enjoy a romantic meal at La Poule au Pot, top quality nosh at Rhodes in the Square or scrummy inexpensive eats at Brahms.

Wimbledon

There's more to the Village than the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, although it does tend to dominate the summer months. There's a huge Common where you can ride horses or spot Wombles, and visit the Georgian Cannizaro House and the Wimbledon Windmill. This is where Baden-Powell invented scouting and Thomas Hughes wrote Tom Brown's Schooldays.

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Angel Islington

London
United Kingdom

Tony Blair's home ground and now a yuppie playground, Angel Islington has a lot to offer. Upper Street is one long stretch of restaurants and bars. Seek out antiques in Camden Passage or stroll along Regent's Canal and see why this corner of North London is an Angel. The district hasn't always been so fashionable, and as recently as the 1980s was largely written off as a slum. However, this was not to last, as the area has been thoroughly gentrified over the past few decades. Other notable former residents include Charlie Watts, drummer of the Rolling Stones, and the popular singer Dido.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Alister Coyne

Photo: Fabio Venni

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Angel Islington photo by Malcolm Matthews

Photo: Malcolm Matthews

Photo: Paul George

Battersea & Clapham

London
United Kingdom
Home to hoards of trendy young things, Battersea & Clapham is the place to go for fun and funky bars and restaurants outside of central London. The area's offbeat character has deep roots as it has historically been known for its radical politics, including the election of the first black mayor of an English borough in 1913. This is also home to the famous Battersea Power Station, a massive coal burning plant that sits along the Thames. It is no longer in use, but it is currently targeted by a revitalization plan that will convert it to a commercial and entertainment complex.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Bloomsbury

London
United Kingdom
Bloomsbury is London's literary capital, and a walking tour is the best way to discover the haunts of the city's wordy geniuses, like Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Bloombsury owes its lofty intellectual status to the presence of the University of London and other institutions of higher learning. The British Museum adds to the educational atmosphere and makes the area the perfect place for a stimulating tour of British culture and history.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Brixton

London
United Kingdom
Reggae beats and spicy treats prevail in London's largest Afro-Caribbean community. Once a shabby, no-go area, it is now frequented by all kinds of people, including trendy, affluent types who hang out in the myriad cool bars and happening clubs. The area's revitalization and youth movement often overflows into the next morning, when the club crowd crosses paths with church-goers and bargain-hunters at the popular market. The wonderful cultural diversity is visible in this bustling market and the famous Fridge nightclub.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Steve Wilde
Photo: Mike
Photo: Fabio Venni
Photo: Matt Blakemore
Photo: Fabio Venni
Photo: Frank Jordans

Camden Town

London
United Kingdom
Crowded streets spill over with shoppers and people-watchers who flock from far and wide to chill out, rather than haggle, at Camden Market. But good cafés, clubs, and a top comedy venue make Camden much more than a great market area. The area is popular among the gay population, a trait highlighted by the presence of the Black Cap, a late-night bar on Camden High Street. Bars of other genres abound as well, with everything from traditional Irish pubs to goth-themed hideouts to popular dance clubs. Camden Town is a neighborhood where you can simply be yourself.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Central London

London
United Kingdom
Central London does not have an official boundary, but it is often considered to be any area within the underground's Circle Line. This huge area has an abundance of monuments and museums to see. Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the British Museum are all Central London features. But while Central London is famous for its sights during the day, it is also famous for its nightlife. Some make the trip to the famous West End to see theatrical productions and others head to Leicester Square for a spot of bar hopping. Either way, when people want to see London, this is where they come.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Clerkenwell & Shoreditch

London
United Kingdom
This emerging area is rife with hip, sofa-strewn hangouts, swanky restaurants and galleries, and serious dance venues. Two of London's all-night mega-clubs, Turnmills and Fabric, are located here and keep the area thumping all night long. Most of the action revolves around Hoxton Square, but East London is generally experiencing a property boom, due to its proximity to the City. Once favoured only by struggling artists on the cutting edge, it's now a new media mecca and the arty types and savvy internet upstarts make a vibrant mix.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Covent Garden & Holborn

London
United Kingdom
There's been a clamp-down on street performers, but the open-air party atmosphere still pervades in Covent Garden's Piazza. The 18th-century iron and glass former fruit and vegetable market has evolved gracefully and now houses fashion boutiques and other up-market stores. Stroll down Long Acre, Floral Street and the cobbled Neal Street or visit The Royal Opera House. London's Theatreland is just a potato-lob away.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Edgeware Road & Paddington

London
United Kingdom
Famous for its train station and the Peruvian bear named after it (the marmalade sandwich-munching Paddington Bear), this area is a good bet for affordable accommodation that's close to the tranquillity of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Edgware Road, is known as the "street that never sleeps" as it is home to many late-night bars and cafes. The area is also marked by a plentitude of ethnically diverse establishments, with a large number of Arab-themed businesses such as shisha, or hookah, bars.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Hampstead

London
United Kingdom
Leafy suburbia with a charming village ambience. Steeped in literary history, the homes of poets, playwrights and actors of past and present are marked by endless blue plaques. An afternoon in Kenwood House or strolling on Hampstead Heath is worlds away from the noise and bustle of London. Thanks to its illustrious history, the area is populated by some of the more impressive houses in and around London. A delightful treasure found in Hampstead Heath are three beloved swimming ponds, one for men, one for women, and one for both sexes. There is a small charge for use of the ponds that goes toward sanitation, but they are well worth preserving.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Kensington & Chelsea

London
United Kingdom
Darling! Chic boutiques, expensive restaurants, snooty aristocrats and whippet-thin IT girls in slick sports cars haunt Brompton Cross, King's Road, Kensington High Street and its environs. The Earl's Court Exhibition centre is always a hub of activity if you want to fit in an exhibition during your visit and it's always a pleasure to cruise across the delightful Albert Bridge at night when it's all lit up.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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King's Cross

London
United Kingdom
For years, the King's Cross area has been renowned for being an area where a gentlemen could find a lady friend. Many local expressions have been derived from the events that occur in King's Cross and at one time it was even considered a no-go area by tourists. However, that has all changed now and the reason is that a huge multi-billion-pound project has begun construction: the new Eurostar terminal. This will effectively connect King's Cross (and North London) to Europe. This will change King's Cross, from the infamous extended brothel that it used to be, to a brand new rejuvenated transport hub.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Knightsbridge & Belgravia

London
United Kingdom
The two reasons to shop in this area have to be Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Harrods department store occupies an enormous 4.5-acre lot and sells goods of the highest quality--and often the highest price too. Not surprisingly, this area is also home to some of the most expensive real estate in London and, hence, in the world. Down the road is the stunning Baroque Brompton Oratory--its weddings inevitably grace Hello Magazine. Don't miss Kensington Church Street or Sloane Street.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Mayfair

London
United Kingdom
Full of refined hotels where affluent foreigners stay, the impressive 18th century edifices of Mayfair are resided in by people of fabulous wealth although Arabs, Americans and East Asians outnumber the aristocrats today. First-class shopping can be found along Bond Street and you can pick up a gem or two at Sotheby's. The Jesuit Church on Farm Street is where high society tie the knot.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Mark Ferbert
Photo: Mark Ferbert
Photo: Mark Ferbert
Photo: Emma Swann

Notting Hill

London
United Kingdom
Supremely hip district with designer boutiques, retro shops, heavenly delicatessens, and the antique and bric-a-brac stalls of Portobello Road Market. The world famous Notting Hill Carnival at the end of August brings a Caribbean flavour to the streets - with hip-swaying dance troupes and general revelry. Fantastic café life, decadent bars and superb restaurants satisfy the gourmands. The gospel choir at Kensington Temple is well-known for its soulful, arm-waving harmonies.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Regent's Park

London
United Kingdom
Walk down Harley Street, renowned worldwide for its medical consultants and cosmetic surgeons. A stone's throw from Baker Street is Madame Tussaud's and Regent's Park, where Princess Diana saved a drowning man. Wigmore Street hosts virtuosos at the legendary Wigmore Hall and the private Wallace Art Collection is housed in Manchester Square. Elegant Marylebone High Street has Conran's latest gastronomic venue, high fashion boutiques, and an Aveda Lifestyle Store (and café!). The beautiful interior of St James' Church , around the corner in Spanish Place, was restored thanks to John Paul Getty III.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Soho & West End

London
United Kingdom
A vibrant fusion of trendy and tacky. This area leads a promiscuous double life: whilst still a Red Light district, it is also a respectable drinking and dining area. China Town is vibrant, while the area also offers a host of other cuisines from British to vegetarian, French and Thai where Londoners from all over congregate. Chinese New Year is always a very colourful spectacle. Leicester Square and Piccadilly are a tourist frenzy. The revamped Leicester Square is home to several bright and shiny multiplexes and is no stranger to star-studded film premieres. By day see Eros or visit the wax effigies (plus plenty more) at the Rock Circus while by night, a plethora of bars, pubs and clubs keep the punters happy. Stroll down Piccadilly - pop into Fortnum & Mason, take tea at the Ritz or shop in the sartorially elegant Jermyn Street and Regent Street.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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South Bank

London
United Kingdom
Watch Shakespearean actors pace the boards at the marvellous reconstructed Globe Theatre. The Tate Modern further boosts the Southbank's shining cultural programme. Amble happily down the riverside walk to Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Cricketing fans will want to pay homage at the Oval, whilst foodies may wish to enter Butler's Wharf - a gastronomic temple. Don't miss the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) near Westminster Bridge. The gigantic Ferris wheel offers unrivalled views of London.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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The City & the Square Mile

London
United Kingdom
Watch Shakespearean actors pace the boards at the marvellous reconstructed Globe Theatre. The Tate Modern further boosts the Southbank's shining cultural programme. Amble happily down the riverside walk to Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Cricketing fans will want to pay homage at the Oval, whilst foodies may wish to enter Butler's Wharf - a gastronomic temple. Don't miss the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) near Westminster Bridge. The gigantic Ferris wheel offers unrivalled views of London.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Homemade
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Victoria & Pimlico

London
United Kingdom
Dominated by Victoria train and coach stations, many visitors use Victoria as a staging post to Central London. However Pimlico is a little-known gem, well worth a visit. Enjoy a romantic meal at La Poule au Pot, top quality nosh at Rhodes in the Square or scrummy inexpensive eats at Brahms. Cultural attractions in the area include the esteemed Tate Britain, focused on historical and contemporary British art, as well as the Chelsea College of Art and Design, housed in the former Royal Army Medical College.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Borja Iza
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Westminster

London
United Kingdom
Feel the Power! The British Empire was ruled from Whitehall, but now it serves little more than the UK. Not surprisingly, civil servants and politicians abound in the vicinity. A Big and Bountiful Ben strikes out the hour, loud enough to wake the old Kings and Queens from their tombs in Westminster Abbey. The Pugin-designed Houses of Parliament back onto the beautifully illuminated river. And if you want to get away from it all, take it a stroll in St. James's Park and Green Park.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Other Schmapplets in this city related to "London - Neighborhood Guide"
London
London - Historical Background
London - Where to Stay
London - Dining & Drinking
London - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Cambridge (77 miles)
Brighton (79 miles)
Oxford (92 miles)
Southampton (123 miles)
Bath (165 miles)
Birmingham (170 miles)
Bristol (183 miles)
Cardiff (223 miles)
Sheffield (229 miles)
Manchester (266 miles)

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