London is the capital of England, spanning 607 square miles. In a city this size, there's so much to enjoy that the sheer wealth of attractions can easily overwhelm you. Select a few key London neighborhoods to highlight on your trip and focus your itinerary on these memorable places. Here's a rundown of some of the top areas in London to target on your next visit.
Experience the Thrill of the West End
The West End is always buzzing with energy and excitement. This is London's prime entertainment district, home to Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. Oxford Street is known as the busiest shopping corridor in London, while Carnaby Street houses a string of distinctive boutiques.
- The British Museum: Great Russell Street
- SEA LIFE London Aquarium: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road
- The National Gallery: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross
Explore the History of Southwark
Shakespeare staged his earliest plays in Southwark. This richly historic neighborhood offers an abundance of galleries for art lovers. You may also enjoy an intriguing visit to the 12th Century Crossbones Graveyard or the Victorian Nunhead Cemetery.
- Shakespeare's Globe: 21 New Globe Walk
- Tate Modern Museum: Bankside
- The Bridge Theatre: 3 Potters Fields Park
Enjoy the Beauty of Greenwich
Home to the oldest royal park in London, Greenwich has long been considered a quiet retreat from the busier bustle of other London neighborhoods. Greenwich is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and longitude zero for the Prime Meridian. You can enjoy stunning views of the London skyline from Greenwich Park, browse the Greenwich Market or attend a concert at the O2 Dome.
- Greenwich Park: Greenwich
- Greenwich Market: 5B Greenwich Market
- O2 Dome: Peninsula Square
Root for Football in Chelsea
Situated along the banks of the Thames, Chelsea commands a covetable spot that delights a diverse range of residents. The Beatles and Rolling Stones earned this area its fame in the 1960s, but today Chelsea is home to well-heeled professionals in elegant townhomes. In addition to boutique shopping and upscale dining, Chelsea is also known for its world-famous football played at Stamford Bridge.
- Stamford Bridge: Fulham Road
- Ella Boutique: 137 Fulham Road
- Restaurant Gordon Ramsey: 68 Royal Hospital Road
Stroll the Movie Set of Notting Hill
Best known for its appearance in the film by the same name, Notting Hill is a popular tourist destination. You can view the blue door from the film at 280 Westbourne Park Road or stroll the popular Portobello Road market, provided that you don't mind the crowds.
- Portobello Road Market: 306 Portobello Road
- The Electric Diner: 191 Portobello Road
- Notting Hill Arts Club: 21 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington
Experience the Hip Vibe of Soho
Soho boasts a popular LGBT scene and a busy hub of entertainment venues. You'll find plenty of hip record stores, glittering musicals and charming cafes. For delicious dining and a busy nightlife, you can't do better.
- Soho Theatre: 21 Dean Street
- Village: 81 Wardour Street
- The Yard Bar: 57 Rupert Street
See the Famous Sights in Kensington
Kensington is packed with famous highlights including the historic royal Kensington Palace and picturesque Hyde Park. Take a stroll through Harrods to browse the luxury wares or enjoy high tea at The Berkeley. The museums here aren't to be missed. You can easily fill an entire vacation in this popular part of London.
- Science Museum: Exhibition Road
- Victoria & Albert Museum: Cromwell Road
- Natural History Museum: Cromwell Road
Shop and Dine at King's Cross
Kings Cross is best known for its train station, but it has also become a popular hub for dining and music. You'll find the British Library here as well, which houses over 150 million items. You can apply for access to the reading room to explore some of the books or browse the exhibits in the John Ritblat Gallery.
- The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4: King's Cross, Pancras Road
- Caravan: 1 Granary Building, Granary Square
- St. Pancras Old Church and Gardens: Pancras Road, Camden Town
View the Landmarks of Westminster
Westminster is home to some of the best-known icons of London including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Stop by Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard or visit the pelicans of St James's Park.
- Westminster Abbey: 20 Deans Yd
- Buckingham Palace: Westminster
- St James's Park: London
Pick one or more of these neighborhoods for a London visit you'll never forget. From historic landmarks to mouthwatering dining, there's no end to the highlights you can discover in this bustling European destination.