The ultimate city guide: London
London is one of the few cities you could spend a lifetime exploring and still find something new. Whether you’re a foodie, marathon shopper, history buff, theater lover, culture connoisseur, or architecture enthusiast, it’s a one-stop shop for everyone.
Our abridged guide below highlights more than 125 of our favorite things to do and see, organized by neighborhood, and complete with a map to help you plan your own adventure.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Why we love – If you picture London at its most glamorous, you’re probably thinking of Knightsbridge. This is one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, with stunning Edwardian brick buildings, streets lined with sports cars, and some of the most expensive real estate in the country. For shoppers, it’s heaven.
What to do – Stroll down Exhibition Road to hit three of London’s most iconic museums: the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum.
Where to shop – Start at the legendary Harrods. We always make the food hall our first stop. Then wander Sloane Street, one of the city’s most beautiful thoroughfares, lined with designer boutiques, Victorian townhouses, and lush private gardens. At the top of Sloane Street, you’ll find Harvey Nichols, the more refined, local-favorite alternative to Harrods (and immortalized in Absolutely Fabulous).
CHELSEA
Why we love – Chelsea is all about the atmosphere take in the architecture and leafy streets that scream POSH. It’s the kind of place where you could wander for hours, just admiring the buildings and window displays.
Where to shop – King’s Road is the heart of Chelsea life, where you’ll find everything from high-street favorites, designer boutiques, hardware stores and restaurants from high to low.
At Sloan Square you’ll find Peter Jones, the beloved department store that’s been a Chelsea staple for over a century. If you’re looking for something for your home, pop into The Conran Shop, worth visiting for the design inspiration alone. One of our favorite places to get truly British souvenirs is at Smythson, Stationer to the Royal Family. Known for their leather goods and personalized stationery, the Chelsea location is one of the largest and best stocked.
WESTMINSTER
Why we love – Westminster is London’s political heart, and jam packed with iconic landmarks and a deep sense of history. It’s where you come for the iconic views, grand architecture, and the history that made the UK what it is today.
What to do – Start on Westminster Bridge for incredible views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Wander into Parliament Square, lined with statues of world leaders, before stepping inside Westminster Abbey, the site of every British coronation since 1066. Stroll up Whitehall, past the solemn Cenotaph and Women of WWII Memorial, the guarded gates of 10 Downing Street (home to the Prime Minister), and the grand Banqueting House with its Rubens ceiling. Lookout for the horseback guards at the Horse Guards Parade, then continue to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, lion statues, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery. From here, follow The Mall, a union jack lined ceremonial avenue framed by royal parks, to Buckingham Palace. On the way you’ll pass the lake and pelicans of St. James’s Park, the red-brick St. James’s Palace, and the understated Clarence House. Heading up Constitution Hill, you’ll find the towering Wellington Arch and Apsley House, the former residence of the Duke of Wellington.
KENSINGTON & HYDE PARK
Why we love – Hyde Park is to London and Central Park is to NYC. This massive park is a great place to step away from the hustle and bustle of central London streets and is located next to the stunningly refined neighborhood Kensington. Kensington is more residential than other parts of Lonon but is a must see with its stately Victorian homes and the Kensington High Street. Kensington is highly accessible by tube, however because its less central location, hotel rooms tend to be more affordable.
What to do – Walk through Hyde Park’s 350 acres of gardens, lakes, and open lawns. Visit the ornate Italian Gardens, a romantic gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria, and the towering Albert Memorial just across the path. Wander toward the Serpentine lake and the Diana Memorial Fountain, then slip into the quieter Kensington Gardens to see the Round Pond. Kensington Palace, home to royals past and present including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana is a must visit. For architecture and music lovers, take a moment to see the Royal Albert Hall. Kensington is also home to Holland Park, offering peaceful trails and the Kyoto Garden with koi ponds and waterfalls.
Where to shop – Kensington High Street is lined with upscale boutiques and British brands, offering a calmer alternative to Oxford or Regent Streets.
MARYLEBONE
Why we love – Pronounced mahr-lee-bone, this stylish pocket of London feels like a chic village in the middle of the city.
What to do – Marlybone is a shoppers paradise, but is also home to several attractions like the Sherlock Holmes Museum and Madame Tussauds.
Where to shop – Marylebone High Street is all charm, from independent boutiques to the wood-paneled beauty of Daunt Books. Just beyond, Oxford Street deliver BIG shopping: Selfridges for designer splurges and the best window displays, John Lewis for top-notch service, Marks & Spencer for the food hall, and Primark for the ultimate high street finds.
NOTTING HILL
Why we love – Colorful and eclectic, Notting Hill is famously recognizable for its pastel-painted terrace houses, leafy streets, and more down to earth atmosphere compared to Mayfair or Chelsea.
What to do – We LOVE a European department store, and Notting Hill is home to some incredible (almost unknown) department store history. The Whiteley, a former grand department store from 1911 and the inspiration for Selfridges, is being converted into an ultra-luxury mixed used development with shops, hotel and apartments. But the main attraction are the candy-colored townhouses and hidden mews, you could spend the whole day wandering around.
Where to shop – Westbourne Grove is the neighborhood’s polished shopping street, with a mix of independent designers and high-end boutiques. On weekends, follow the crowds to Portobello Road Market, one of the most famous street markets in the world. Saturdays are the best days to visit, with antiques, vintage fashion, artisan goods, and food stalls stretching for over a mile.
MAYFAIR
Why we love – Like Knightsbridge and Chelsea, Mayfair is another elegant and polished neighborhood, where luxury hotels, high-end shops, and historic squares meet. Even if you’re not checking in to Claridge’s or The Ritz, it’s worth stepping inside for a peek at the grandeur.
What to do – Grosvenor Square, lined with stately townhouses and the soon-to-open Rosewood Hotel in the former US Embassy. At the far end of Bond Street, the Royal Academy of Arts showcases exhibitions ranging from old masters to bold contemporary works.
Where to shop – Bond Street is the address for designer flagships and pristine window displays, while Mount Street blends luxury fashion with art galleries. Wander through the historic Burlington Arcade, then make your way to Fortnum & Mason—our can’t-miss stop for teas, hampers, and all things British. If you’re looking to do an afternoon tea, Fortnum’s is your best bet for an authentic British experience. Just next door, don’t miss Hatchards, London’s oldest book store.
SOHO & COVENT GARDEN
Why we love – With theaters, cobbled streets, and mix of high-street and indie shops, you’ll find an exciting more bustling energy on this side of town compared to haughty Knightsbridge or Mayfair.
What to do – Leicester Square, in the heart of the West End, is a theater lover’s dream. Here you’ll find star-studded plays and musicals running in the countless theaters. Wander into Covent Garden, where the central piazza and Apple Market are perfect for some shopping and people-watching. Tucked to one side is St. Paul’s Church, Covent Garden—the “Actors’ Church,” built by Inigo Jones in the 17th century. You also can’t miss Piccadilly Circus, with its flashing neon signs, often called the Times Square of London.
Where to shop – Regent Street, a grand curve of Georgian façades, is lined with major brand flagships and is especially magical during the holidays with Christmas lights strung across the road. Cut over to Carnaby Street, a pedestrian lane famous for it’s fashion scene since the 60’s . You can’t miss visiting Liberty London, the mock-Tudor department store with mixed assortment of fashion, beauty, and homewares where you’ll find the famous Liberty prints printed on everything from fabric, notebooks and tote bags. For book lovers, Foyles is a five-story haven, equally good for browsing or hunting down a rare find.
Just North of Covent Garden is the Bloomsbury neighborhood where you’ll find the must visit British Museum, home to treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles.
EAST LONDON
Why we love – East London is a mix of old and new, high and low, sleek and gritty. You’ll find medieval fortresses next to skyscrapers and luxury shopping mixed with underground vintage shops.
What to do – Begin along the Strand and Fleet Street, passing storied pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and landmarks such as St. Clement Danes Church and the Gothic Royal Courts of Justice. Make your way to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece and one of the most recognizable landmarks in London. If you’re feeling adventurous, climb the dome for sweeping city views (or head to the free rooftop at One New Change across the street). Venture into The City of London, the historic financial district, to see the Bank of England and the BOE museum. From here, it’s a short walk to the Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, and the iconic Tower Bridge. The bridge has some of the best views in the city with Canary Warf on one side and the Tower and St Paul’s on the other.
Where to shop – East London has incredible vintage shops and street wear brands, but some of the best shopping is at the old markets, like Leadenhall Market or Spitalfields Market. Spitalfields is in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood and blends fashion, art, and food under one roof. Nearby Brick Lane comes alive on Sundays with vintage stalls, street food, and local designers. For a special treat, stop at Fortnum & Mason at the Royal Exchange, a smaller outpost with an incredible champagne bar and restaurant.
SOUTH BANK
Why we love – Stretching along the Thames, South Bank is a cultural playground, home to world-class museums, theaters, food markets, and some of the city’s most famous views.
What to do – Starting at The Shard, the tallest building in the UK, where the 72nd-floor observation deck offers unobstructed views (we prefer this vantage over the more popular London Eye). Wander downriver to Borough Market, a foodie heaven of gourmet produce, street food, and artisanal treats. Just beyond, step back in time at Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan theater still hosting open-air performances (where you stand to watch the performances). Continue along the riverside path to the Tate Modern, housed in a converted power station and don’t miss the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian only bridge that connects the Tate to St. Paul’s across the water. Farther along, the National Theatre showcases everything from Shakespeare to modern plays, and the Imperial War Museum is a must stop for any World War history buffs.
NORTH LONDON
Why we love – With a more laid-back vibe, head this direction a refreshing break from the busier central neighborhoods. We might be taking some liberties in what we describe as North London but
What to do – We love the greenery in North London, like Regent’s Park, with the boating lake and Queen Mary’s Gardens, where over 12,000 roses bloom each summer. Or Primrose Hill, one of London’s best panoramic views, on a clear day you can spot the Shard, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Where to shop – In King’s Cross, Coal Drops Yard blends strikingly restored Victorian warehouses with boutiques and restaurants. For a more eclectic mix, explore Camden Market, a sprawling collection of vintage stalls, handmade crafts, and global street food.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
GREENWICH – While accessible via subway, Greenwich is almost a day trip, blending maritime history with incredible views. Tour the Cutty Sark, the world’s last surviving tea clipper, visit the National Maritime Museum and explore the Old Royal Naval College, an absolutely stunning campus designed by Sir Christopher Wren. In Greenwich Park, head uphill to the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian Line, where you can have one foot in each hemisphere at the same time. The hilltop is another amazing location for panoramic views across the Thames to the City. The Greenwich Market is perfect for shopping and and global street food, but we always love to stop for fish and chips whenever we’re visiting.
BATTERSEA POWER STATION – An old powerplant build in the 1930s, this industrial landmark has been reborn as a vibrant riverside mix-use development, with shops, restaurants, hotels and apartments all set inside its Art Deco shell. Even if you skip the shopping, the architecture alone is worth the trip. Nearby Battersea Park offers riverside paths, gardens, and views across to Chelsea.
KEW PALACE & GARDENS – Inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Palace is a charming 17th-century royal residence once home to King George III, with painstakingly preserved Georgian interiors, giving a glimpse into royal domestic life of the time.
WESTFIELD LONDON – On a rainy day, escape to what is probably our favorite mall in the world, it’s also one of Europe’s largest with over 300 stores ranging from high-street to luxury and plenty of restaurants.
WIMBLEDON LAWN TENNIS MUSEUM – For tennis fans, this museum offers memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and a peek at the famous grass courts of the All England Club.
HAMPTON COURT PALACE – A short train ride from central London, this Tudor palace was once home to Henry VIII. Explore the grand Great Hall, lavish Baroque apartments, famous hedge maze, and riverside gardens for a step back into England’s royal history.