London spans many widely-known attractions, being a perfect choice for visitors looking to unravel and create unforgettable memories. From its bustling nightlife, delicious food scene, and impressive cultural spots, there’s no shortage of places to visit and experiences to tick off the list.
It’s even more important to gain a good understanding of what the neighbourhoods here have to offer. In this regard, this article aims to help you familiarise yourself with the areas that attract the most visitors, so you know beforehand where you should head.
Enough beating around the bush; let’s discover the poshest places in the United Kingdom’s capital!
Soho
Full of contrasts and always brimming with life, Soho is a magnet for both Londoners and visitors looking to unwind and have a good time. If you venture into this neighbourhood, a delicious food scene, vibrant nightlife, and live entertainment are on the table.
It’s located at the core of London’s West End and only stretches over an area of a few square kilometres, so you can quickly get around on foot. This is the recommended way to explore the sights in order to make the most out of your trip. However, when visiting a new place, it’s natural to consider your safety and wonder what happens if you suffer from any injuries owing to the negligence of others. In this regard, you can contact a lawyer to see if a claim against the third party who breached their duty of care would turn successful, and check www.howmuchcompensation.co.uk to gain an idea of the amount of compensation you might receive. Soho is a safe place to visit, just like the neighbourhoods presented here, but owing to the beauty of the sights, your “daydreamer” side might come to the surface and distract you.
If you’re into clubbing and live music, you can discover casual, karaoke, or secret bars – depending on the desired activity. And if you’re in for some shopping therapy, Soho spans some of the most eye-catching boutiques and oldest markets in London, most of them located on Berwick Street. For electronics and first-class fashion, you have the widely-known Regent Street and Oxford Street, known for iconic shops like the Apple Store.
London has a well-developed transportation system, offering you a variety of options to explore the city. In Soho, you have four tube stations, the closest railway station within a few minutes of walking, and several buses that travel close to the neighbourhood. This means you won’t put a strain on your budget by taking cabs if you want to explore the city cheaply.
Shoreditch
If you’re into experiencing the sights as a true Londoner, you definitely need to explore the more alternative side of the city – Shoreditch. The neighbourhood will make you fall in love with the UK’s capital as it boasts a thrilling collection of street art pieces and graffiti – some works by world-famous artists such as Banksy and ROA. Today, it is regarded as the hotspot of the art scene, where you can visit art galleries and museums to broaden your cultural repertoire.
Some time ago, the reputation of this area that connects the Old Street Station to Kingsland Road was on the ill-famed side. But Shoreditch started to rise through the ranks of visit-worthy places in London when contemporary artists moved into the neighbourhood. Bustling nightclubs began to appear with their arrival, breathing fresh air into London’s East End.
Many visitors head to Shoreditch to visit the many markets, among which the Old Brick Lane, the Columbia Road Flower, and Old Spitalfields top the list of noteworthy places. Another reason why this neighbourhood is widely-loved is that it loves a good party, with big-name artists of almost every musical genre taking the stages by storm.
Westminster
Westminster may already be on your travel list, and for obvious reasons. What trip to London is complete without taking a pic of one of the most famous clocks in the world – Big Ben? The Tower Clock is among the most iconic attractions in London, which is a reason why Westminster attracts the bustling crowds of tourists you may encounter. Speaking of must-see landmarks, here’s where you’ll also find the Houses of Parliament, where important international decisions are being taken and which you can join a tour. And if the noises and bustle of the capital have you tired, you have a relaxed sanctum built in the Byzantine style just a few minutes of walk – the Westminster cathedral.
Sightseeing so many different spots may call for a break at some point. St James’s Park is a great place to visit at lunchtime and see how pelicans are fed. Or you can marvel at beds of flowers in the Victoria Embankment Gardens while walking down the leafy sidewalks.
Westminster is home to low-key cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants, so if you’re travelling for the food experience, you have the most fantastic variety of options here.
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge attracts visitors with its luxurious boutiques and first-rate hotels, so if you have money to splash, you’ll find several ventures here. The district connects Brompton Road and Cromwell Gardens to Exhibition Road and the South Carriage Drive, being packed up with many Instagrammable spots. Speaking of snapping: you can visit the largest bronze sculpture in Europe at the Wellington Arch, an important English Heritage monument. On the top floor, you can marvel at the view of Apsley House and Constitution Hill. And if you want to discover the history of this landmark, you can enter the museum dedicated to this.
Knightsbridge gathers many bidders at the Bonhams. This salesroom is among the oldest auctioneers worldwide, displaying fine art, antiques, and other eye-catching pieces, with sales events ranging from paintings to jewellery.
Another important attraction in the area is the widely-known Hyde Park, one of London’s most beloved green spaces. You can walk by the trees, paddle on the Serpentine Lake with a rented rowboat, or explore the surroundings from a carriage drawn by horses.
Is there any other neighbourhood in London you would like to discover that should be on this list?