London areas are made up of different boroughs and neighbourhoods, each with its own character, culture and things to see and do. Tick off legendary landmarks and attractions in central London. Visit neighbourhood pubs, stadiums and parks in north London. Head to south London for its diverse culture and vibrant food scene. Explore the creative pockets of east London filled with markets and nightlife. And head to west London for Royal experiences, galleries and museums.
London in numbers
London boroughs¹
parks²
Tube stations³
museums⁴
- ¹ Source: London Councils
- ² Source: Mayor of London
- ³ Source: Transport for London
- ⁴ Source: Greater London Authority
Popular London areas
Start by exploring some of London's most popular neighbourhoods, from the theatres and restaurants of Covent Garden, Soho and Chinatown to the iconic sights of Westminster and riverside attractions of South Bank. Use our London neighbourhoods map to see where they are, then discover what makes each area unique in our local guides.
Explore more neighbourhood guides
Getting around London's different areas
London's extensive public transport network makes it easy to travel between different parts of the capital. Use the London area map to understand where neighbourhoods are located, then plan your journey by Tube, bus, rail, walking or cycling.
Discover more London neighbourhoods
London areas FAQs
What are the 32 boroughs of Greater London?
London has 32 boroughs, plus the City of London, which is a separate local authority. The boroughs are Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth and Westminster.
Which London areas are best to visit?
The best areas in London depend on your interests! Explore the West End for theatres, shopping and restaurants; Shoreditch and Hackney for independent shops, street art and nightlife; Notting Hill for colourful streets and boutiques; South Bank for family activities; and Richmond for village charm, cafes and leafy walks.
What are the most popular London neigbourhoods?
Some of London's best-known neighbourhoods include Kensington and South Kensington, Soho, Covent Garden, the City of London, Notting Hill, Camden, Chelsea, Marylebone, King's Cross and Greenwich. Each offers something different, from world-class museums and shopping to live music, markets, historic attractions and outdoor spots.
What are the best London areas for first-time visitors?
Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank and Westminster are great, central bases, with major attractions, restaurants and transport links close by. Choose Covent Garden for theatre and shopping, Soho and Chinatown for restaurants and nightlife, South Bank for riverside walks and family activities, or Westminster for easy access to London's famous landmarks.
How do I choose the best area to stay in London?
The best area to stay in London depends on your itinerary. Plan your trip in advance and see where is best for you, taking into account the distance, ease of transport, cost and atmosphere. Central areas such as Mayfair, Westminster and Covent Garden offer convenience, while areas such as Greenwich, Camden, Islington and Brixton and Clapham suit those seeking more local experiences.