You can find almost everything in central London areas, which is a bustling hub of culture, history, and business. You can do many things in neighbourhoods with different features. View historic landmarks in Westminster and ramble about the royal parks of St. James’s. Enjoy yourself in Soho night and shop luxury things in Mayfair. With reasonable arrangements and enough budget, you can have an unforgettable experience in Central London. Read on to discover the top areas of Central London and plan your perfect visit.
What are Central London Areas?
Central London is usually referred to as Tube Zones 1 to 3, which are the most prosperous and central areas of London. So, where is central London? Geographically, it is located on the two sides of the Thames River and includes several boroughs like the City of London, the City of Westminster and so on. Central London areas are the most densely populated and accessible parts of London.
In Roman times, the centre of London was just a small village on the River Thames. Now it has developed into one of the most important commercial and financial centres in the UK and the world. You can not only find the London Stock Exchange and the Bank of England but also enjoy extraordinary shopping experiences in Oxford Street and Regent Street.
In addition, Central London is home to many of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning, such as University College London, London School of Economics and Political Science, and King’s College London. These institutions are highly reputable in their respective fields and have produced numerous outstanding talents for London and the world.
London has one of the oldest and most developed subway systems in the world, covering almost most of central London. You can also choose other means of transportation such as buses, cabs and bicycles. Strolling through the streets of London is not a bad way to get around in a simple and environmentally friendly way.
10 Popular Central London Neighborhoods
1. Covent Garden
Covent Garden, located in London’s busiest district of West One, between St. Martin’s Lane and Drury Lane, is close to Chinatown and the SOHO area. This is a must-visit place to go in central London. London Transport Museum is in Covent Garden, which has been attracting tourists from all over the world with its lively street performers, branded stores and well-preserved historical buildings. It’s where George Bernard Shaw’s “The Lady of the Camellias” sold flowers and where “My Fair Lady” starring Audrey Hepburn was set.
There is an interesting market in Covent Garden, which is divided into three parts:
- Apple Market features speciality stores for antiques, art, jewellery and accessories.
- Jubilee Market sells clothing, housewares and handicrafts.
- East Colonnade Market offers a variety of handmade goods and home furnishings.
2. Soho
Soho is the heart of London‘s West End, close to Oxford Street, Regent Street, Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road. Soho has evolved from a red-light district to a leisure and commercial area in central London and has become a major transportation hub for London. Here, you can go from a busy and creative new restaurant to a chilled-out bar to an all-night club that’s full every night without stopping.
Soho does not have its own subway station. However, you can go to many Tube stations close to Soho, including:
Tottenham Court Road
Leicester Square
Piccadilly Circus
Oxford Circus.
3. Marylebone
Marylebone is one of the most vibrant and iconic boroughs in central London. There are many famous landmarks in Marylebone such as the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum and gorgeous Baker Street drawing thousands of visitors each year.
You can’t talk about Mariborne without mentioning its vibrant food scene, which boasts a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to all tastes. Mariborne’s architecture is a true journey back in time, with historic buildings telling fascinating stories and green spaces such as Regent’s Park providing a haven of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.
4. Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is one of the prime central London areas. Its eastern part is in Camden, while the western part is in Westminster. Fitzrovia is notable for several famous streets that add to its charming and unique atmosphere, including Tottenham Court Road, Goodge Street, Charlotte Street, Fitzroy Square, Great Titchfield Street and Great Portland Street.
One of Fitzrovia’s biggest attractions is its prime location. It borders some of London’s most prestigious neighborhoods such as Marylebone, Mayfair, Covent Garden and Soho, which makes Fitzrovia an equally desirable place to go for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a rich cultural experience, high-end shopping or a culinary tour, Fitzrovia is a great starting point for exploring the best that London has to offer.
5. Bloomsbury
Situated in a prime area in central London, Bloomsbury is home to the British Museum, the British Library, and Senate House Library, and the Bloomsbury Press. Some campuses of the University of London System are located in Bloomsbury. Besides, many famous literary figures such as Dickens, Darwin, and Gandhi lived in the neighbourhood.
You can also experience the beauty of its many squares, including Russell Square, Gordon Square and Tavistock Square. Skoob Books may be one of the most famous second-hand bookstores in London. If you are studying in London, you can spend your time here.
6. Holborn
Holborn is located in London’s Zone 1, within easy reach of the City, Clerkenwell, Soho and Fitzrovia. Holborn is well known for its law and is home to the Royal Courts of Justice.
In addition, with many prestigious schools, such as the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of the Arts London and King’s College London (KCL), Holborn has a rich academic atmosphere and cultural heritage.
Nearby, the British Museum is one of the largest and most famous museums in the UK, with a collection of more than eight million objects, including the Katebet mummy, the Parthenon carvings, and the Book of the Dead by Janni, among other treasures. You can also visit Sir John Soane’s Museum in the Central London area.
You may not know that Charles Dickens lived in Holborn, and his former home has now been converted into the Charles Dickens Museum, dedicated to one of the most iconic London writers of the Victorian era.
7. City of London
The City of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames, east of the famous St. Paul’s Cathedral. As early as the medieval period, the City of London became the commercial and financial center of London, attracting a large population for employment. The City of London has its own Mayor and City Council and is administered separately from the other boroughs of Greater London. The City of London is home to many modern and historic buildings, some of which are famous landmarks, such as The Shard, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Walkie Talkie.
8. St James’s
The St James’s is a historically and culturally rich area in the heart of the city, and is home to the popular attraction of St James’s Park, which attracts countless visitors with its beautifully landscaped gardens and rich biodiversity. St. James’s is also known for St. James’s Palace, a magnificent building that was once the home of the British Royal Family and is now home to the Royal Guard and the Royal Family’s personal bodyguards, a testament to the history of the British Royal Family.
9. Westminster
City of Westminster (City of Westminster) is located in the City of London (City of London) west, the north bank of the River Thames, is the seat of the administrative center of the United Kingdom, the Palace of Westminster (Palace of Westminster) is located in the territory of the City of Westminster.
The name Westminster originated from Westminster Abbey. The word “Westminster” is a compound of the words “West” and “Minster”. Westminster Abbey was built in 960 AD and is the largest Gothic building in the world.
10. Belgravia
What is your impression of Belgravia among many different areas in London? Belgravia is the most densely populated area of luxury housing in central London and one of the most expensive residential areas in the world. Belgravia is located on the south side of Hyde Park in London’s Zone 1, spanning the two London boroughs of the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The area is known for its early 19th-century white stucco façades and lush green garden squares, which showcase an elegant exterior. Most of the luxury homes here are renovated old buildings, with a preponderance of townhouses, and most of them maintain a consistent look of old red brick structures.
Conclusion
Central London areas are the heart of London. There are several boroughs in central London with different features. Prestigious and elegant neighbourhoods like Belgravia and Mayfair are known for their luxurious real estate and high-end shopping. There are also something else you may not know about these parts of central London. Whether you’re seeking the tranquillity of a royal park, the excitement of a bustling marketplace, or the inspiration found in world-class museums and galleries, Central London Areas provide an unparalleled experience that showcases the very best of what London has to offer.
FAQ
What area is considered central London?
Central London areas are composed of different parts, including the City of London, Westminster, Holborn, and Finsbury, as well as the inner parts of Shoreditch, Stepney, Bermondsey, Southwark, Lambeth, Chelsea, Kensington, Paddington, St Marylebone and St Pancras.
What zones are central London?
Generally, London is divided into several zones according to the metro line map. Zones 1 and 2 are the core areas of central London. Among them, Zone 1 is the heart of London.
What area to stay in London?
If you’re visiting London for a long stay, begin your journey in central areas like the City of London, Soho, and Covent Garden to explore cultural and historic spots. For those looking to settle down, Paddington and Bayswater are among the most livable neighborhoods, well-connected and rich in diversity.
Is it safe to walk around central London at night?
It is safe to walk around most areas of central London at night, but there are still some potential risks associated with urban living. You still need to have a sense of self-protection. When you go out alone, please let someone know where you’re going and carry a mobile phone in case you need to contact emergency services.
What zone is Big Ben in?
Zone 1.
Big Ben, known as the Elizabeth Tower, is located in Zone 1. It geographically stands in the City of Westminster, which is part of Central London. Big Ben is on the north bank of the River Thames and directly next to the Houses of Parliament.
