4 Neighborhoods to Visit in London

Since so many of London’s most popular tourist attractions are located in the city's central core, it can be easy for travelers to forget about London’s numerous neighborhoods.

To do so would be a big mistake.

Like other global cities of its stature, London is full of vibrant and character-rich neighborhoods worth exploring or even staying in.

London’s neighborhoods run the gamut from posh ‘hoods full of famous folks to hipster havens, immigrant enclaves and everything in between. Spending time in one of London’s neighborhoods will give you a real feel for the city, and the following are some of the best ones to visit on your next trip.

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Brixton

Brixton has been a cultural hub for decades, but this gritty district has become one of the most popular places to be seen in all of London during recent years.

Originally made trendy by West End performers, following World War II, Brixton became home to many Caribbean immigrants. Both of these histories are alive and well today in the form of several cracking concert venues and a host of Caribbean supermarkets, restaurants and nightclubs. 

A great place to get your bearings is Brixton Village, which offers a mash-up of modern and classic with workaday market stalls sitting next to hip food vendors selling an array of global food.

Islington

Feeling more like a village than a district in one of the world’s largest cities, Islington offers an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of inner London. You don’t lose any of London’s sophistication and style on the quick journey here, however, as Islington is awash in classy gastropubs and exclusive boutiques.

The neighborhood has gained a reputation for being home to intellectuals and politically-liberal residents, but regardless of your standing or interests, you are bound to enjoy the breath of fresh air Islington provides.

While Upper Street is the center of activity in Islington, hidden away at 69 Colebrooke Row is the ‘the bar with no name’, a cocktail-connoisseurs' dream come true. 

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Notting Hill

It has been nearly 20 years since Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts made this West London neighborhood a household name, but the charm that attracted Hollywood to its colorful streets largely remains the same. While Notting Hill has become a very exclusive address over the years, visitors still mingle with locals along the bustling Portobello Road and in leafy Holland Park.

The neighborhood is famous for its market, which sprawls over the aforementioned Portobello Road on Fridays and Saturdays while providing plenty of opportunities to score a second-hand or antique trinket.

READ MORE: Local Tips for London Off the Beaten Path

Shoreditch

East London has always had a reputation as the most cutting-edge corner of the British capital, and Shoreditch has become of East London's coolest sections in recent years. This is home to a very artsy vibe—hardly a section of the wall within it is devoid of a street mural, including some from Banksy—which perfectly balances out the industrial nature of the neighborhood.

Boxpark is the ideal place to capture the vibe, as this pop-up mall’s independent retailers are all located inside shabby-chic shipping containers.