Neighborhoods at a Glance

London is not a city to "check off" — it is a collection of villages that have grown together over the centuries. Each neighborhood has its own character:

Westminster & City of London

For whom: First-time visitors, history, pomp
The political and historical heart: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the City of London with the Tower and St Paul's Cathedral. Here beats the official heart of Britain.

South Bank & Southwark

For whom: Art lovers, strollers, foodies
The south bank of the Thames: Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, London Eye, and the fantastic Thames walk. Modern, lively, less stiff than the north side.

Camden & Notting Hill

For whom: Subculture, markets, Victorian charm
Camden Town with its legendary market, street food, and punk heritage. Notting Hill with pastel-colored houses, the Portobello Road Market, and the carnival (August).

East London & Shoreditch

For whom: Hipsters, street art, nightlife
London's most creative district: Shoreditch with street art and rooftop bars, Brick Lane (curry mile and vintage), the Docklands with Canary Wharf, and the hip east with Victoria Park and Hackney.