Ask Londoners to name their favourite part of the city and chances are you’ll receive a different answer every time. Much like the people who live in each area, the many diverse London districts all have unique personalities. To grasp just how eclectic this city is you should try to visit a few different areas, so here are five London boroughs well worth a visit.
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Southwark
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Stretching from the south side of the Thames down towards Dulwich is the large borough of Southwark. Focus on the ancient part of Southwark known as ‘The Borough’ and you’ll come face-to-face with an unbeatable mix of history, as you amble along the River Thames. Here you can take in the magnificent Tower Bridge, the bustling Borough Market, Shakespeare’s rebuilt Globe Theatre, The Old Vic and the Tate Modern art gallery.
During the evening, the bustling South Bank precinct comes alive to the sound of packed bars and restaurants. It may veer a little to the touristy side, but it always feels like the real London.
History is alive in the borough of Southwark
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Westminster
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Westminster is full of all the wonderful London things you’ve come to see, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral. It’s on the opposite side of the Thames to Southwark and is iconic for completely different reasons – namely that it has a far more regal vibe than the artsy Southwark!
The centrally-located Westminster also includes hip haunts such as Soho and Carnaby Street, where Londoners and tourists alike love to let their hair down. For a taste of this fashionable enclave, head on over after dark and grab a few pints at one of the many bars and pubs that dot the area.
An ethereal London skyscape from the Westminster Bridge
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Hackney
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Located in London’s rapidly gentrifying east, Hackney is where you’ll find the city’s young, hip and creative types mixed in with some genuine 10th-generation ‘East Enders’.
The area and its surrounds have seen a lot of change in recent years thanks to the hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics. Head to Hackney for Broadway Market, real English pubs, the Picturehouse (coolest cinema for miles) and an eclectic mix of locals who make this borough special.
Join the East Enders in Hackney
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Camden
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It would be a shame to visit London and fail to make a stop at bustling Camden Market. Renowned for its size, vibrant atmosphere and the quality of goods on offer (from boutique clothing to jewellery made out of circuit boards), Camden is where you’ll find some of the most creative and hyperactive minds in the city.
It’s crazy, friendly and a little eccentric, but also beautiful (the converted stables are now filled with giant bronze horse statues). If you need some time out it’s also a short walk from pretty Primrose Hill where you might spot some local celebs.
The colourful houses of Camden Town
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Kensington & Chelsea
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Upscale Kensington and Chelsea is where you’ll find some of London’s best shopping. Kensington High Street has all the stores you’ll recognise – Zara, H&M, Topshop and the like – whereas King’s Road and Sloane Street in Chelsea are where you’ll want to dust-off your best designer outfit while pretending you can afford the clothes in store.
Harrods is also located here and car enthusiasts tend to enjoy spotting the many luxury vehicles parked close by. If shops aren’t your thing, then this area should still be at the top of your list for the Natural History Museum, the V&A Museum and the Science Museum, which are all within a stone’s throw of each other.
The stunning facade of the Natural History Museum
