By Bridget Castner
Looking to add some of the top neighborhoods in London to your Europe travel itinerary? We've got you covered! This list features London's best destinations for foodies, shoppers, nature enthusiasts, and more. Read on for the best places to explore in London.
The Best Neighborhoods for Museum Lovers
Kensington District is where you can find some of the best museums in London including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. What better way to spend a rainy day in London than by delving into the history of the capital with interactive exhibits!
The Best Neighborhoods for Foodies
If food is your passion, then head to London's Soho neighborhood. Kingly Court, known as Soho's foodie hub, offers a plethora of ethnic cuisines such as North Indian, Korean, and Peruvian dishes. Don't forget to visit Crumbs & Doilies, a two-story bakery located in Kingly Court. Whether you're looking for hidden gems or Michelin star restaurants, Soho has everything you need. And don't miss out on Chinatown!
The Best Neighborhoods for Shopping
London is one of the world's top shopping destinations, with a ton of places that cater to all tastes and budgets. From luxury boutiques to department stores and street markets, London shops have something for everyone. Among the best shopping streets in London include King's Road in Chelsea, Marylebone High Street, Brick Lane, Portobello Road in Notting Hill, and Elizabeth Street in Belgravia. Whether you're looking for food, bookstores, home decor shops, or fashion boutiques, these London neighborhoods offer a shopper's paradise.
The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Neighborhoods
Soho is the epicenter of London's LGBTQ+ community and is one of the best neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ people to explore. Visitors as well as locals of the queer community alike flock to the area and Old Compton Street, which serves as a hub of excitement from dusk until dawn. Central London has queer community staples like Gays the Word bookshop, and Above the Stag, the UK's only LGBTQ+-centric theater. Other queer-friendly neighborhoods in London include Hampstead and Vauxhall.
The Best Neighborhoods for the Outdoors
South West London is one of the best neighborhoods in London to enjoy the fresh air. Wandsworth Common Trim Trail offers a circular trail great for cardio exercises, as well as pull-up bars for those wishing to work on strength training. Kennington Park and Clapham Common are two other great spots in South West London for some outdoor fitness. For those looking to just relax in nature, check out Hampstead Heath Woods in Camden, Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets, or Oxleas Wood located in Greenwich.
The Best Neighborhoods for Bookworms
Calling all literary enthusiasts! One of the best places to go in London, especially for book lovers, is Cecil Court. Nicknamed "Bookseller's Row", Cecil Court is a hidden gem nestled in bustling central London. This cozy street is filled with 20+ secondhand and vintage bookshops as well as historic buildings that have been standing since the 1930s. Visit shops such as Travis & Emery Music Bookshop, and Goldsboro Books to get your fill of books, history, and more.
The Best Neighborhoods for Harry Potter Fans
Many of the Harry Potter movies were filmed in Leavesden, and that is exactly where your first stop should be when looking for the best neighborhoods in London for Harry Potter fans. Here lies the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, where you can tour the actual film sets, learn the special effects tricks used in the movies, and more! Head to London's Kings Cross station to get that perfect Platform 9 3/4 photo, visit Enigma Quests for a Harry Potter themed escape room, and stop by the House of MinaLima in Soho for some truly magical experiences.
The Best Neighborhoods for Nightlife
If you're looking for unforgettable nightlife experiences, Southbank is a great destination. It's home to the famous nightclub The Ministry of Sound and features other great spots, including the OXO Tower Bar. Shoreditch is known for its vibrant nightlife and has some of the best venues such as the rooftop bar Golden Bee, Brazilian bar Floripa, and The Queen of Hoxton. Besides all that, Clapham, Peckhams, and Dalston each have their unique offerings for an unforgettable nightclub experience in London.
