London is one of my favorite cities - there is always something new to see or do, whether it is your first or one-hundredth visit. Getting around is easy, thanks to the fabulous “Tube”, those iconic double-decker buses, and the legendary Black Cabs. People are friendly, and they speak English – although a little oddly.😉 History, art, shopping, theater, architecture, nightlife. You name it, it’s in London. Plus, free museums!
Here some tips on the best neighborhoods of London to find what you’re looking for.
Sightseeing. When it comes to sightseeing, South Bank and Bankside are excellent for access to big attractions – London Eye, Tate Modern, the Shard – and the City of London. South Kensington is great for museums and shopping. Covent Garden and Soho are good all-rounders due to their proximity to the river, Westminster, and other top sights.
Nightlife. The best area in London for nightlife is in Soho. The neighborhood is a good mix of trendy cocktail bars (many of which also do great food, traditional English pubs, theatres, and basement clubs with DJ nights, including several gay venues. Other good areas for nightlife include Camden with its live music venues and East End, with its legendary clubs.
Food and Restaurants. Some of London’s best eating is done around Covent Garden. The dense cluster of streets is packed with restaurants ranging from inexpensive Indian, Mexican and Brazilian mini-chains to upscale fine dining and traditional pubs serving excellent local food. Covent Garden is a 5 min walk to Chinatown and Soho, jam-packed with artisan coffee shops and global offerings. Camden, the East End, and King’s Cross are great for street food.
First Timers. If it’s your first time in London, then Covent Garden is where you should base. It is centrally located, has a great dining and theatre scene and is within an easy walking distance of numerous big attractions, such as the National Gallery, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. There are excellent public transport connections to other parts of London and it’s easy to take a boat along the Thames to reach other places of interest. Accommodation for all budgets, too.
Walking. The Covent Garden/Leicester Square/Soho area is very popular with visitors on foot – it’s a neighborhood made up of numerous little streets lined with restaurants, bars and shops, some of them completely pedestrian, and there’s little in the way of traffic. Right in the heart of London’s West End, you’ll find Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery, and you can easily walk to the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the London Dungeon (just across the river). Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum are all within 15 to 20-minute walk, though not in the same direction.
Are you ready to visit London? I’d love to help you plan your visit and make sure you stay and play in the right ‘Hoods for you!
Call or email today: 888-429-1929, terri@sevenwondersgrouptravel.com