Central London is the heart of the capital and the area that contains many of the most popular London attractions. London city centre is made up of a collection of vibrant neighbourhoods each with its own distinct personality. This local’s guide includes things to do and places to stay in the key neighbourhoods of central London. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
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I’m a London local, I’ve lived and worked here all my adult life, and now my children work in central London too. If you’re planning on visiting London or just want to know the city better then this guide is for you. Here are the key neighbourhoods in the central area of London with things to do and suggestions for places to stay in each.
Where is Central in London?
So where exactly is Central London in London? From a visitor point of view central London is just that: the city centre, radiating out from its middle point at Charing Cross. This central area of London is where you’ll find all the major London landmarks, along with the shops, businesses and institutions, restaurants, theatres, galleries and parks that make up the soul of the UK’s capital city.
You can roughly define central London by the Central line tube route as shown on the diagrammatic TfL map. The Central line takes a large loop around central London, running north of the river Thames, and passing through the major railway stations around the edges of the centre area of London. It includes Paddington station in the west, Euston and King’s Cross to the north, Liverpool Street in the east and Victoria station to the south.
You could also argue that central London lies within Transport for London’s Zone 1, which extends south of the river to include Waterloo, the South Bank, Bankside, and London Bridge station.
Whilst the Mayor of London and London Assembly define a Central Activities Zone for city centre planning.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the best known neighbourhoods in central London. Once a wholesale fruit and veg market, this elegant piazza is now a hub for upscale shopping, crafty stalls, vibrant restaurants and crowd-pulling entertainers.
The original square and church were designed by Inigo Jones in 1630 as an aristocratic neighbourhood. But a market grew up there and its presence, along with a growing theatre scene, deterred wealthy homeowners. By 1830 a new permanent market building ensured that Covent Garden became a commercial hub, until the fruit and vegetable market outgrew its premises and moved to Nine Elms in 1976.
Luckily the gorgeous classical buildings of Covent Garden were saved and re-developed into today’s elegant shopping and entertainment district in the heart of central London.
Things to do in Covent Garden
There’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in Covent Garden. From the glossy stores in the Market and nearby streets to the crafts and antique stalls that come and go throughout the week. Beyond the porticoed market building you can explore the narrow streets and courtyards around Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials.
You could spend all day here, sampling London’s coffee scene at the Covent Garden cafes, browsing the shops, watching the street performers in the Piazza and taking in a show in the evening.
This area is in the heart of London’s Theatreland with the Royal Opera House and historic theatres like the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on the doorstep. And it’s the perfect place to find a special restaurant for a celebration, pre-theatre meal or a cosy dinner.
Covent Garden is very central in Central London: it’s in walking distance of Soho, Piccadilly and Whitehall. If you want to stay in the heart of the action this neighbourhood has great hotels too.
Central London Hotels in Covent Garden
NoMad London Opposite the ROH in the historic Bow Street Magistrates Court building. New York flair and Covent Garden history combine. Check out the dramatic atrium restaurant.
Fielding Hotel Competitively priced boutique hotel in a period building in the heart of Covent Garden.
Soho
Buzzy Soho has shaken off (most!) of its risqué image and these days is a vibrant, multicultural district in the heart of Central London. Come here to find great food, interesting shops, and lots of nightlife. Only a square mile in size, Soho is boundaried by Regent Street to the west, Oxford Street and Fitzrovia in the north and Charing Cross road to the east.
Start your shopping at heritage Liberty London on Regent Street, then browse the independent shops around 60s-famous Carnaby Street. Soho is a great place to wander the streets and take in the atmosphere.
Centred on Gerrard Street and Lisle Street, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chinatown, lies on the south side of Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho. It’s a hub for central London’s Chinese community with restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets.
Soho attracts a creative community, it’s the heart of the the British film industry, and is also LGBT+ friendly. This may not be the best place to stay if you’re hoping for an early bedtime. But it’s the place to be for a night on the town whether you choose historic pubs or basement bars, a West End show or an evening at Ronnie Scott’s jazz club.
Hotels in Soho in central London
The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels Luxury hotel with individually designed rooms and suites, a gym and personal trainer, in the heart of Soho.
The Resident Soho Contemporary style 4 star hotel with pocket sprung beds and mini-kitchens with microwaves. Just 2 mins from Oxford street.
St James’s and Mayfair
Traditionally the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Central London, St James’s and Mayfair are home to palaces, parks and some of the city’s most exclusive shops. Along with the glam’est of hotels and boutiques you’ll find international auction houses and galleries here along with some quaint glimpses of old-style London.
The Palaces of St James’s
Historic St James’s is home to not one but two palaces. Both Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace are approached along the Mall. The road surface of this wide boulevard is coloured red for full regal effect. This is the place to watch the historic Changing the Guard ceremony as mounted soldiers and bandsmen march between the palaces and Horseguards Parade. And also Trooping the Colour, one of the key celebratory events in London in June.
This is one of the greenest neighbourhoods in central London. St James’s Park alongside the Mall is the perfect place for a stroll with views of Buckingham Palace and Horseguards. Or instead head north through Green Park to Piccadilly.
Here you’ll find the Royal Academy of Arts and the Ritz hotel. Fine Victorian arcades off Piccadilly are packed with tiny upscale boutiques. Whilst Jermyn Street and St James’s Street are famous for menswear and heritage shops holding royal warrants. Piccadilly is also home to posh food hall, Fortnum and Mason.
Trafalgar Square
The largest square in London, Trafalgar is named after Lord Nelson’s famous sea battle. The admiral himself is remembered with Nelson’s Column, his statue standing on a pedestal that towers above Trafalgar Square, with four lions at its base. The National Gallery overlooks Trafalgar Square and in front of Nelson’s Column stands a statue of Charles I on horseback. This statue is significant as it marks the traditional centre of central London. In medieval times the original Charing Cross monument stood in its place.
Mayfair
Just north of St James’s, Mayfair lies between Hyde Park to the west and Regent Street to the east. The shopping streets here are literally some of the best in the world. Bond Street is super chic, Savile Row is renowned for fine tailoring, whilst Cork Street is famed for its art galleries. Oxford Street to the north is less rarified and draws the crowds. But discerning shoppers know to head to Selfridges department store and to visit Liberty London on Regent Street too.
Mayfair lives up to its Monopoly board fame. Beyond the luxury boutiques and discreet offices are some of the most sought-after addresses in central London. Prime pied-à-terres abound here, some with superstar views of Hyde Park across Park Lane. And Mayfair has its fair share of exclusive hotels. It’s a prime central London neighbourhood if you’re looking for an indulgent stay with easy access to the West End. The best of the best London hotels are here, but you’ll find some more affordable options too.
Claridge’s The ne plus ultra on Brook Street. Elegant Claridge’s is a Mayfair legend. Wonderful afternoon teas too.
London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square 5 star hotel with Gordon Ramsey Bar and Grill and on-site gym.
Westminster and Whitehall
Westminster is the heart of London’s sightseeing action with iconic views at every turn. It’s the hub of UK political power and many major sights are within walking distance of each other.
Stand on Westminster Bridge and you’ll see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to one side of you and the London Eye to the other. Big Ben is actually the name of the bell that strikes the hours, rather than the clock tower itself. But don’t worry, locals call it Big Ben too.
The Palace of Westminster aka the Houses of Parliament has been a seat of government since Anglo Saxon times. Westminster Abbey nearby is another integral part of London’s history. Every monarch has been crowned here since William in 1066.
From Parliament Square you can walk up Parliament Street, which becomes Whitehall, and leads to Trafalgar Square. Whitehall isn’t just the name of the street, it also refers to the whole district of government buildings and departments. On your left you’ll pass the heavily gated entrance to Downing Street, the official residence and offices of the British Prime Minister.
Also on Whitehall is the Cenotaph war memorial and Horse Guards. Here you can see the Household Cavalry museum and watch part of the Changing of the Guard ceremony on Horse Guards Parade.
St James’ Court, A Taj Hotel 4 star heritage hotel with two restaurants including Michelin starred Quilon for Indian cuisine.
South Bank
Just across Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament stands the old County Hall building and the London Eye. As the name suggests, the South Bank is south of the river Thames, but it’s still pretty much in central London. It’s a cultural hub that’s grown up around the National Theatre and Southbank arts complex. Visitors come to South Bank for the riverside walkway and the theatres, concert halls and arts events as well as the London Eye views and Southbank Christmas market.
From the South Bank you can walk over the bridge to Westminster or along the river to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe. Waterloo station is just a few minutes away with four tube lines as well as trains to Windsor and the south west of England.
On the south side of Westminster bridge are some good value hotels which are very convenient for central London sightseeing. You might even get a room with a view of Big Ben!
Central London hotels in South Bank
London Marriott Hotel County Hall Historic 5 star hotel with swimming pool in fabulous position by Westminster Bridge with views of Big Ben and the Thames.
Park Plaza County Hall Family-friendly 4 star hotel near the London Eye.
Knightsbridge and Belgravia
Lying to the west of Buckingham Palace and St James’s are more elegant central London neighbourhoods. Both Knightsbridge and Belgravia have classic London streets and squares with tall white stuccoed houses, leafy gardens and a refined and peaceful air.
Belgravia
Home to embassies and an international crowd, Belgravia is a lovely place to stay if you’re looking for elegant surroundings and peace and quiet in central London. In Belgravia you can enjoy living like a local, window shopping and stopping for coffee in pretty Elizabeth Street, or browsing antiques in Pimlico Road. Handy for Buckingham Palace as well as Hyde Park, Belgravia is a great base to explore London’s regal heritage. It’s also close to Victoria station and has excellent transport connections by train, tube and coaches. So it’s a good choice if you’re planning to head out of town on a day trip to the Cotswolds, Stonehenge or Windsor.
Belgravia has a broad mix of hotels from the very upmarket to more affordable stays in period streets.
The Goring Hotel – Classical English style in a family-owned luxury hotel. It’s a favourite of the Royal family.
Rubens at the Palace Traditional 5-star family-friendly hotel (with red-uniformed doormen) opposite the Royal Mews and close to Victoria station.
Knightsbridge
Just north of Belgravia and on the borders of Hyde Park lies Knightsbridge. Most people know Knightsbridge for Harrods, the mammoth luxury department store, but this bijoux and deluxe neighbourhood in Central London has lots more to offer. Londoners love neighbouring designer store, Harvey Nichols. While Sloane Street, which links Knightsbridge to Sloane Square, glitters with luxe labels from Chanel to Valentino.
Knightsbridge has upscale restaurants and luxury hotels as well as shopping. The famous Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is here, in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park hotel.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park London Stunning and newly restored luxury heritage hotel between Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.
The Capital Hotel Elegant boutique hotel and apartments in the heart of Knightsbridge.
Little Venice and Paddington
Lying side by side on the north west edge of central London these two neighbourhoods are worth knowing about when you’re visiting the capital.
In Little Venice you can hardly believe you’re in central London. And strictly speaking it is just outside the boundaries of the Circle line. But this canalside neighbourhood with its pretty Regency villas is full of charm and tranquillity and just down the road from Paddington station. Walk along the towpath past the painted narrow boats or take a boat trip along the Regent’s canal to London Zoo and Camden. The Canalway Cavalcade is a special event in London in May. And Little Venice is just a 10 minute walk to Paddington.
Paddington
Famous for its fictional Bear of course, as well as its excellent transport links, this neighbourhood in central London has great access to Heathrow airport and trains to the west of England. Paddington is unashamedly a travel hub, and from here you can catch a train to Windsor, Bath or Plymouth.
But you can also walk from Paddington to Hyde Park, Marylebone and Mayfair too. This makes Paddington’s affordable hotels attractive to visitors on a budget, along with its wide streets, period architecture and lively new canalside development in Paddington Basin. You’ll also find plenty of cafes in Paddington whilst you’re waiting for your train!
Central London stays near Paddington
The Westbourne Hyde Park Hotel Contemporary boutique hotel in grand period terrace close to Hyde Park.
Wilde Aparthotels Studio, one and two bedroom apartments with kitchenettes by Paddington Basin. Combines modern home comforts with hotel services.
Europa House Apartments One, two and three bedroom apartments in Little Venice with direct access to a communal garden and children’s play area.
Bayswater
Convenient for the wide open spaces of Kensington Gardens and close to the transport hub of Paddington, Bayswater is a popular and diverse neighborhood in central London. Its grand Victorian architecture and quiet garden squares are a restful respite from the bustling city centre on its doorstep. With Notting Hill to the west and Oxford Street to the east you can easily walk from Bayswater to see many of London’s sights. Factor in local restaurants with lots of global food options, reasonably priced hotels plus the proximity to the park and Bayswater makes a good choice for a family visit to London.
Central London hotels in Bayswater
Royal Lancaster London Contemporary 5-star hotel on the edge of Hyde Park near the Italian Gardens, with bird’s eye London views.
Caesar Hotel Small 4 star hotel in quiet neighbourhood in a classic white Victorian terrace.
Marylebone
Pretty Marylebone is a wonderful area of central London. Its upscale streets have a village feel with independent boutiques and desirable restaurants. Just north of Marylebone, across the Euston Road is expansive Regent’s Park where you can find rose gardens, a highlight in London in June, and even an outdoor theatre. To the south of Marylebone is more luxe shopping and living in the exclusive streets of Mayfair. And you’re only a 15 mins walk from Oxford Circus and Regent Street.
This central London neighbourhood has some hidden gems too. The splendid Wallace Collection is an 18th century collector’s treasure trove of art, furnishings and even armour in a grand Georgian mansion. It’s one of the many free museums in London and has a lovely courtyard cafe where you can get away from the West End crowds.
Central London hotels in Marylebone
The Landmark London Historic luxury hotel with pool and towering 8 floor glass-roofed atrium – with palm trees!
Durrants Hotel 4 star family-run hotel in an 18th century property. Classic style with period features like its open fire.
Map of Central London neighbourhoods
Here’s a link to an interactive map showing the central London neighbourhoods
Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is a lesser known name in central London but that doesn’t detract from its charm. Just north of Oxford Street and Soho it’s a residential area that’s flanked by better known Marylebone to its west and Bloomsbury to the east.
Fitzrovia’s fashionably bohemian reputation in the mid 20th century attracted artists and intellectuals. Augustus John, Dylan Thomas and George Orwell all drank at the Fitzroy Tavern in Charlotte Street which eventually gave the area its name. These days the historic streets of Fitzrovia are home to advertising and media agencies and architectural practices. It’s still a diverse neighbourhood, but Fitzrovia has seen some rapid development.
The BT Tower is the key landmark in Fitzrovia and the area around Charlotte Street is well known for its great restaurants, bars and pubs. You’ll still find beautiful old mews and cobbled passages when you explore Fitzrovia, as well as some of London’s best hotels!
Central London hotels in Fitzrovia
Sanderson London Hotel A Philippe Starck design brings wit and style to this luxury boutique hotel, 5 mins from Oxford Circus.
Charlotte Street Hotel Contemporary design combines with period features in this boutique hotel which has a cinema room, gym and brasserie.
Bloomsbury
Like neighbouring Fitzrovia, Bloomsbury is a great place to stay in central London. It has peaceful garden squares, great transport links and is convenient for lots of other London neighbourhoods. Bookish Bloomsbury, famous for its academic clout, is neighbour to theatrical Covent Garden, so there’s lots to explore in these parts.
Bloomsbury is home to the University of London and also the British Museum, one of the largest museums in the world. You can walk to Soho, Covent Garden, Holborn and Clerkenwell from here which makes Bloomsbury a handy escape from the bustle of the city centre.
It’s worth visiting Russell Square, an historic and pretty garden square beside the British Museum. And Bloomsbury has several small museums too.
Hotels in Bloomsbury, central London
Kimpton Fitzroy Grand and opulent Grade II listed landmark hotel in Russell Square. Contemporary interiors, bars and restaurant.
The Montague on the Gardens 4 star boutique Georgian townhouse with two restaurants, gym and sun rooms.
Holborn
For centuries Holborn has been London’s legal quarter, conveniently lying just west of the City of London. It’s also close by Covent Garden making it an easy place to access and explore. And it’s worth doing just that because Holborn is something of a secret in central London.
London’s four Inns of Court are here, and every UK barrister belongs to one of these professional bodies. Step away from the bustle of the city into another world of narrow cobbled streets, beautiful old buildings and peaceful garden squares. You can’t go inside the Inns of Court but the gardens are often open to the public on weekday lunchtimes.
You can also still see the impressive 16th century facade of Staple Inn, incongruous between modern buildings, on the busy main road that crosses the neighbourhood.
Also adjacent to Holborn is Fleet Street. For centuries it was the epicentre of London’s printing trade. The newspapers have moved on but Fleet Street is still a nickname for the British press. Holborn and Fleet Street have some impressive historic pubs between them. While to the north of Holborn is Hatton Garden, diamond centre of London. You can have a ring designed by an independent jeweller here and it’s said to be half the price of the high street!
Where to stay in Holborn
Rosewood Like a traditional country manor in central London, Rosewood has a grand courtyard entrance. Glamorous and elegant it has a spa, sauna, restaurant and the fashionable Scarfe’s Bar.
The Hoxton Holborn Buzzy, stylish 4 star hotel in convenient location with all day restaurant and free bicycles for guests to use!
Clerkenwell
Just up the road from Hatton Garden is Clerkenwell’s Leather Lane, one of the best street food venues in central London. One of the oldest neighbourhoods in London, Clerkenwell is currently one of the most fashionable. It is home to some of London’s best restaurants as well as historic pubs. And with many of its old warehouses converted into offices and apartments, it has a lively creative vibe.
Clerkenwell is a neighbourhood of contrasts. You can see a contemporary dance performance at Sadler’s Wells. Or explore St Bartholomew the Great, the oldest church in central London. Foodies will love browsing the hip restaurants and food stalls at Exmouth Market. Or dining at the chic and simple, Michelin-starred St John, famous for its nose to tail eating.
For centuries Clerkenwell’s Smithfield meat market defined the area. But the wholesale trade has been moved out of central London and in 2025 the fine Victorian market buildings will re-open as the new home of the Museum of London.
North of the Square Mile and east of Holborn, Clerkenwell hasn’t been the most convenient of central London locations. But it has stellar transport links now that the Elizabeth line has opened at nearby Farringdon station. With trains running every few minutes you can be whisked from Farringdon to Bond Street in the heart of Mayfair in just 5 minutes. This really puts Clerkenwell on the map as a place to stay when you visit central London.
Where to stay in Clerkenwell
The Zetter Clerkenwell This quirky boutique Georgian townhouse with just 13 rooms is set in a cobbled square. It has a traditional English home-from-home feel with eclectic decor, antique furniture and a cocktail lounge.
The City of London
The City, aka The Square Mile, is the financial and economic heart of London. It lies to the east of Holborn and south of Clerkenwell with the river Thames forming its southern boundary. Within the City you can still see the powerful contrasts of historic alleyways and contemporary skyscrapers.
Just outside the City boundary, but built to defend it, the Tower of London overlooks the Thames at Tower Bridge. Here you can view the priceless Crown Jewels and meet the equally distinctive Yeoman Warders who share its history on daily tours. Further west, The Monument is Charles II’s memorial to the Great Fire of London and St Paul’s Cathedral is Sir Christopher Wren’s post-Great Fire masterpiece. Despite the ever-increasing height of the city high rises, the dome of St Paul’s is an intrinsic part of the London skyline.
Affluent city workers ensure the Square Mile has lots of interesting restaurants and some good shopping too. And you can sample high rise life at the Sky Garden on the 43rd floor of the Walkie Talkie building at 20 Fenchurch Street. This jungly viewing platform is free to enter if you book in advance. It has a choice of restaurants and bars to enjoy with the city centre views.
Where to stay in the City of London
Vintry & Mercer Modern luxury boutique hotel in the City, with fitness centre, restaurant and bar.
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City – Tower of London 4 star hotel with pool and spa close to Tower Bridge. Reviewers love the views!
Notting Hill
Long before Hugh Grant’s famous walk through the Portobello Road market in hit rom-com Notting Hill, Portobello has been loved by Londoners. And movie fame has not diminished its colourful houses, lively market and jumble of antique stalls. But these days you’ll also find designer boutiques and tempting contemporary cafes and restaurants here too.
Notting Hill is a diverse and cosmopolitan neighbourhood with a creative vibe. It attracts media types, expats and celebrities and some of its grander streets are very upscale. Once a year at August Bank Holiday the neighbourhood is turned on its head by the uproarious Caribbean Notting Hill Carnival. The rest of the time Notting Hill has quite a village’y feel.
Lying on the western edge of central London, Notting Hill isn’t as convenient for tourist attractions as some other London neighbourhoods. But you can enjoy living like a local here as well as easy access to Kensington Gardens to the south.
Where to stay in Notting Hill
The Laslett In a street of classic stucco-fronted Notting Hill mansions this boutique hotel has 51 rooms and stylish London townhouse decor. Bar and coffee shop on the ground floor.
Ruby Zoe Hotel London Modern value-for-money hotel with Caribbean-style notes in the decor inspired by the Carnival. Ruby Zoe says it offers ‘lean luxury’ .
Kensington
Leafy and upmarket Kensington is located to the west of central London. It may not be as convenient for the city centre as some other London neighbourhoods but it makes up for this with three of the country’s finest museums, chic white stucco terraces and lots of green spaces. Kensington is one of my favourite neighbourhoods and it’s a lovely place for a stroll on a sunny day in London in April when the cherry blossom is out.
If you’re looking for a world-class museum, South Kensington has three. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are all show-stoppers on Cromwell Road. They were masterminded by Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria. He’s remembered in the beautiful Royal Albert Hall, the concert venue on the south side of Kensington Gardens.
Queen Victoria was fond of Kensington. She grew up in Kensington Palace which is now home to several members of the Royal family. It’s a working palace but also has fascinating historic areas open to the public. It overlooks Kensington Gardens, the western wing of Hyde Park, which has a pretty lake, the Serpentine, and the Princess Diana memorial walk. Kensington High Street’s shops and tube station are nearby, or you can head north across the park to Notting Hill and Bayswater.
And just in case you’re planning a trip to the Harry Potter Studios from London you can get to Watford Junction in 30 mins from Kensington Olympia station.
Kensington has some lovely boutique hotels and some very affordable options too.
The Ampersand Hotel Cosmopolitan, stylish and comfortable, this 111-room boutique hotel has gym, games room and Mediterranean restaurant.
Ember Locke Kensington Newly refurbished aparthotel close to the museums and Earl’s Court tube station. It has a communal laundry, co-working space, restaurant and private garden.
Chelsea
Just south of Kensington and stretching to the banks of the Thames, posh and upmarket Chelsea has pretty streets with shops and restaurants to match. Once a boho hangout for writers and artists it became the centre of Swinging London in the 60s and punk life in the 70s. Chelsea has become rather more mainstream these days. But it’s a real residential area and a peaceful place to stay. Though check you are close enough to transport links into central London.
Chelsea, like all the upscale neighbourhoods of London, has fabulous shopping. From Sloane Square you can walk along the King’s Road and find plenty of fashion and home design shops to keep you happy. There’s a huge array of tempting restaurants, historic pubs and pretty cafes too.
One of the best things to do in Chelsea is go for a walk! Wander through the pretty residential streets to Chelsea Green or take in the river views along Chelsea Embankment. Football fans will want to head to Stamford Bridge in Fulham, home of Chelsea FC.
Where to stay in Chelsea
11 Cadogan Gardens Four Victorian townhouses make up this luxurious and stylish hotel beside Sloane Square. It offers bedrooms, suites and contemporary apartments.
Sloane Place Chic, modern 4 star boutique hotel and restaurant in a handsome red brick period building.
FAQs about Central London
London is made up of 32 boroughs, divided into Inner and Outer London. These are local government definitions and each encompasses several different neighbourhoods. So the borough of the City of Westminster in central London includes Belgravia, Mayfair, St James’s, Soho and Covent Garden, as well as the district around the Houses of Parliament which is also, confusingly, known as ‘Westminster’.
The West End is a colloquial term for the fashionable retail and entertainment districts in London. It loosely covers the areas of Marylebone, Mayfair, Soho and Covent Garden and of course Theatreland.
There are around 40 theatrical venues in London’s Theatreland in the heart of central London. The name loosely defines the famous theatre streets like Shaftesbury Avenue and Drury Lane where many of London’s historic theatres are grouped. The area of Theatreland lies between the Strand and Oxford Street, and is spread across Soho and Covent Garden. But it isn’t a strict geographical definition: Theatreland includes theatres near Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Victoria.
What to read next
Check out the Weather in May in London + Things to Do. It can be the perfect time of year to visit the capital.
When you’re exploring central London’s neighbourhoods, drop into at least one of the wonderful Free Museums in London.
Consider a trip to one of these pretty and historic Nearby Cities to London
To experience London like a Londoner: Best Non-Touristy Things to do in London
To plan an itinerary for history lovers: 40+ Historical Places in London and why you’ll want to see them.
If you’re in London out of season then check out our guide to Fun Things to do in London in Winter.
And if you’re going to Windsor make time to see The Long Walk by the castle. It’s a stunning landmark that’s free to enjoy.
After your walk take a break at one of Windsor’s historic old pubs.
Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
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