The Ultimate London Travel Guide For Beginner’s Visiting the Capital

Find a guide to London and neighbourhoods to visit!

London Travel Guide for Beginner’s: Things to See & Do

Find a guide to London and neighbourhoods to visit!
Find a London travel guide to the best neighbourhoods!

Here is a detailed guide of London by neighbourhood. Find a list of all the major areas, attractions, places to eat, drink and shop. I have included links to my own personal posts – including photos, tips and advice.

 

The Main Neighbourhoods

The West End

Considered the centre of London, this is the go to place for theatre-lovers. Find Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Soho, Chinatown, Covent Garden and the National Gallery.

West End of London
West End of London

 

The City of London

The oldest part of the city and often referred to as “The City”. Find St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

City of London
City of London

 

The South Bank

Here you will find the London Eye where you can get an amazing view of London from above. Also find Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the London Dungeon and Borough Market (open Thurs-Sat).

London's South Bank
London’s South Bank

 

East End

Made up of the Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney, this area is experiencing a lot of growth and development. Smaller sub-neighbourhoods include Hoxton, Spitafields, Wapping and Whitechapel. This is where you can find the young artistic types. You might want to check out Columbia Road Flower Market, Whitechapel Bell Foundry, the Wiltern Theatre and Dennis Sever’s House.

East London Street Art
East London Street Art

 

Smaller Neighbourhoods

Westminster

Here you can find the centre of the government. Find Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Parliament. You might also want to stop by the house of the Prime Minister and Queen Elizabeth II.

Westminster
Westminster

 

Notting Hill

Where you will find Portobello Market (open every Saturday). There are two adjoining markets – an antiques market and street market (food, clothes & crafts).

Portobello Road in Notting Hill
Portobello Road in Notting Hill

 

South Kensington

If you are interested in the history of London, you can find all the museums here. Find the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum. Expect the museums to be busy on weekends and free entry to most (tickets for special exhibitions). Also, you might like to explore pretty nearby parks like Holland Park and the Kyoto Peace Garden.

Natural History Museum London in South Kensington
Natural History Museum London in South Kensington

 

Hyde Park

Perfect for a peaceful walk or boating on the Serpentine Lake. Visit Speaker’s Corner on Sundays. Nearby parks include Kensington Park and Green Park.

Boating in Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park
Boating in Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park

 

Camden Lock

This area is known for it’s alternative atmosphere (punks, piercings & nonconformity). Camden High Street and Camden Lock Market are full of personality, shops, pubs and street food. Nearby is Abbey Road Studies where you can take a photo of yourself crossing the street like the Beatles.
—> Best Pubs in Camden
—> Best Places to Eat in Camden Town

Camden Lock, London
Camden Lock

 

Hampstead

A relaxed upper class area in North London offering plenty of shops, bookshops and leafy green areas to walk around. A popular destination is Hampstead Heath, Keats House and Freuds House.
—> Bull & Last Pub

Keats House in Hampstead
Keats House in Hampstead

 

Shoreditch

This area was once a cheap place for struggling artists to live and has now become at the forefront of the art world. Shoreditch has a unique character with bars, galleries, good food and an international presence.
—> 10 Best Places to Eat in Shoreditch

Shoreditch Boxpark
Boxpark in Shorditch, a pop-up mall

 

Further West London

Here you can find Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, Chiswick and Barnes. Take a walk near Hammersmith Bridge and along the River Thames. Or you might like to visit The Dove, one of London’s oldest pubs.

The Dove Pub in Hammersmith
The Dove Pub in Hammersmith

 

Greenwich

Located in South East London, you can find Greenwich Park, the National Maritime Museum, The Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory.

The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich
The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich

 

Walthamstow

In North East London, you might like to visit the William Morris Gallery or the Vestry House.

The William Morris Gallery in Wathamstow
The William Morris Gallery in Wathamstow

 

Chelsea

An extremely posh neighbourhood with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants.
—> Top 10 Best Pubs in Chelsea London

Wellington Square, Chelsea, London
Wellington Square, Chelsea, London

 

Bloomsbury

This is considered the academic hub of London.

University College London in Bloomsbury
University College London in Bloomsbury

 

Seasonal Activities

—> Things to do in London in Winter
—> Things to do in London on Christmas Day

More London Articles

—> Best Views of London
—> Most Haunted Places in London
—> Beautiful Country Walks Near London
—> Best Walks in London

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Amy Pritchett

Amy Pritchett

If you truly love nature like me, you will find beauty everywhere.

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