London Streets: The Top 11 You Must Visit
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Take a Walk Down London’s Streets and Squares
The list of the most popular streets in London starts with all the streets and squares that appear on the UK version of Monopoly and extend from there. Suffice it to say, London has more than its fair share of roads and public spaces that are known the world over.
From historic squares with statues of epic proportion to luxurious shopping streets, royal roads, trendy hangouts, and popular celebrity hotspots, there are so many iconic places to experience in London. If you’re planning a trip to the UK’s capital any time soon, check out the list below for an idea before you take a walk down London’s streets and squares.
1. London Streets: Piccadilly Circus
London’s answer to Times Square
Good for: Budget, Photo
Piccadilly Circus is undoubtedly one of the most famous squares in London. It’s renowned for its bright lights and neon signs, giving New York’s Times Square a run for its money. Connecting the likes of Piccadilly, Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue, the name ‘Circus’ comes from the Latin word for ‘circle’ and refers to a round, open space situated on a street junction. In other words, don’t go expecting to see clowns and acrobats.
People flock to Piccadilly Circus to capture that all-important neon-lit selfie and, as you approach and see the glow from the brightly-coloured video display advertising some of the world’s best-known brands, it’s easy to see why. While you’re there, take a seat by the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, with its winged statue of Anteros, and indulge in some people watching.
Location: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 0DA, UK
Where to Stay
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2. London Streets: Leicester Square
The UK capital’s home of entertainment
Good for: Budget, Food, Nighitlife, Photo
Leicester Square is the iconic heart of London’s vibrant entertainment scene, located in the world-famous West End. Centred around a small park, the pedestrianised square is surrounded by theatre ticket booths, lively bars, excellent restaurants and, most importantly, one of the largest sweet stores in the world – M&M World.
People come to Leicester Square to experience unforgettable shows – and there’s certainly no shortage, with over 40 incredible West End theatres in the vicinity and some of the best cinemas in the city right there in one place. Time your visit right and you might be lucky enough to spot celebs on the red carpet, attending a star-studded film premiere at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square or Vue Cinema London.
Location: Leicester Square, West End, London WC2H 7LU, UK
Where to Stay
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3. London Streets: Brick Lane
The place for colour, culture, creativity and curries
Good for: Budget, Food, History, Photo, Shoppers
Brick Lane is a quirky and colourful street, located in the East End borough of Tower Hamlets. If you’re into culture, creativity and incredible curries, then we can confidently say that you’ll fit right in around here.
The historic lane is famous for its impressive street art murals, as well as independent shops to browse, and fascinating vintage markets to explore. A visit to the Dark Sugars chocolate shop is a must, as is a jaunt around the Old Truman Brewery. Then, when it’s time for a bite to eat, take your pick from an abundance of tantalising curry houses – easily some of the best in the capital. If the choice overwhelms you, you won’t be disappointed with City Spice.
Location: Brick Ln, London, UK
Where to Stay
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4. London Streets: The Mall
The royal road to Buckingham Palace
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Mall is easily one of the most famous streets and squares in London, even if you’ve never visited the city before. If you’ve ever watched any big event being broadcast around the world from the UK’s capital, be it a royal wedding, jubilee celebrations or the renowned London Marathon, chances are that shots of The Mall dominate the screen.
The tree-lined royal road paves the way from Trafalgar Square, all the way up to Buckingham Palace, and its coloured surface gives the impression of a red carpet leading up to the palace gates. Watch the Changing of the Guard, see if the Royal Standard flag is flying to symbolise the Queen is in residence or take a stroll around beautiful St James’s Park.
Location: The Mall, London, UK
Where to Stay
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5. Carnaby Street
The birthplace of Swinging London
Good for: Budget, History, Photo, Shoppers
Carnaby Street is a trendy shopping street in the heart of London’s vibrant Soho district. Its history dates back to the 1600s, but it really started making a name for itself in the 1960s when it became popular with mods, punks and hippies, bringing about the birth of Swinging London. Famous icons such as Elizabeth Taylor, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Sex Pistols were all regulars on the cobbles of Carnaby Street.
These days, the pedestrianised street is still lined with popular fashion retailers, with everything from independent boutiques to well-known brands such as Dr. Martens, Sweaty Betty, and Swatch. Plus, its famous ‘Welcome to Carnaby Street’ arched sign provides the perfect photo opportunity for all its visitors.
Location: Carnaby St, Soho, London, UK
Where to Stay
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6. Abbey Road
The scene of The Beatles’ iconic album cover
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Abbey Road is a mecca for music lovers as it’s where The Beatles took their iconic cover photo for their chart-topping album of the same name. The image of the Fab 4 on the pedestrian crossing was taken in an effort to save money but has since become famous the world over. It’s among the most popular streets in London and fans pilgrimage to this spot from far and wide.
The street is also home to Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded the aforementioned album and the likes of Oasis and Adele have recorded there since. Visit the free studio museum and, of course, recreate the album cover while you’re there. Just remember that this is a fully-functioning zebra crossing, so pay attention to the traffic around you!
Location: Abbey Rd, St. John’s Wood, London, UK
Where to Stay
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7. King’s Road
Brush shoulders with the rich and famous
Good for: Food, History, Luxury, Photo, Shoppers
King’s Road is a high-end shopping street stretching almost 2 miles from Chelsea to Fulham and steeped in history and splendour. As the name suggests, it was once a private road used by King Charles II. These days, it’s a vibrant hub where shopaholics brush shoulders with the rich and famous.
One of the most expensive streets in London, it’s home to the magnificent Saatchi Gallery and is lined with luxury independent boutiques and distinguished designer fashion stores. Dotted between these are trendy cafés and bustling bars, with big open windows and seating spilling out onto the streets, making it one of the best places in the city for people-watching. Have your credit card at the ready and see how many celebs you can spot while you’re there.
Location: King’s Rd, Chelsea, London, UK
Where to Stay
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8. Trafalgar Square
A bustling square commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Trafalgar Square is one of the most recognisable squares in central London, with the unmistakable Nelson’s Column taking centre stage. It’s 169 ft tall, with the marble column and statue of Admiral Lord Nelson. It was built in 1843 and is guarded at the bottom by the 4 famous bronze lions. There are a number of other statues in the square, 2 beautiful fountains that are illuminated at night.
The square hosts a number of rallies and events throughout the year. It’ s close to some of the city’s top galleries and attractions. The remarkable National Gallery overlooks the square itself. Just a short walk down The Mall leads you to Buckingham Palace.
Location: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, UK
Where to Stay
Find Hotel B&B or Apartments near Trafalgar Square with our official partners.
9. Savile Row
London’s Internationally Famous Shopping Street
London’s Internationally Famous Shopping Street
Savile Row is a street in central London famous for its top-quality traditional tailoring. Since the early 19th century, tailors on this street have outfitted illustrious names from literature, theatre, science and politics. Even some members of the royal family dress up here. The street is also the home of the dinner jacket. It was invented by tailor Henry Poole in his shop on Savile Row.
The original tailors were followed by a new wave of fashion designers like Ozwald Boateng and Richard James. The shopping street also has branches of several major fashion brands, including Alexander McQueen and Abercrombie & Fitch. Modern cuts and colours stood alongside traditional tweeds and pinstripes, and Savile Row welcomed women-only tailors.
Today, shoppers come from all over the globe to get their suits custom-made by some of the world’s best tailors.
Location: Savile Row, Mayfair, London, UK
Where to Stay
Find Hotel B&B or Apartments near Savile Row with our official partners.
10. Downing Street
Home to the UK’s Prime Minister
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Downing Street is where you’ll find the UK Prime Minister’s home and office. More specifically, 10 Downing Street, often just referred to as ‘Number 10’. With its famous black door and iron railings that are familiar sights in UK politics. The building itself has over 100 rooms. The Prime Minister taking residency on the 3rd floor and the Chancellor living next door at Number 11.
Though it’s one of the most popular streets in London, it’s not actually possible to walk along it anymore. Police guard the black steel gates at the top. Even so, that doesn’t mean it isn’t still a great place to stop by for a photo. It’s located just off Whitehall and a short walk from the Houses of Parliament.
Location: Downing St, Westminster, London, UK
Where to Stay
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11. Bond Street
One of the most popular shopping streets in London
Good for: Luxury, Photo, Shoppers
Bond Street is famous around the world as being one of the best retail streets in all of London. Dating back to the 1700s, the street oozes class and elegance. It boasts luxury shops, designer fashion brands and exclusive jewellery stores. For example Burberry, Chanel and Louis Vuitton, not to mention places to find fine art and antiques, too.
Despite being one of the most famous streets in London, many people don’t’ know his real name. The southern section is Old Bond Street while the long northern bit is New Bond Street. The street leads from Piccadilly to Oxford Street – the heart of London’s incredible shopping scene. Even if you can’t afford all the Bond Street prices, what’s the harm in a bit of window shopping if you’re already browsing the area? It’d surely be rude not to.
Location: New Bond St, Mayfair, London, UK
Where to Stay
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