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A complete guide to the prettiest neighborhoods in London to visit, walk around and stay – from posh areas to street art neighborhoods, you’ll find them all here!
When you’re on holiday, you want to satisfy your eyes and be overwhelmed with the beauty of the huge city that is London.
And you’re in luck, because finding new free views, secret gardens, hidden gems and rooftops is one of my favorite things to do.
So whether you’re looking for the neighborhoods to stay with your family or really just sophisticated areas to walk around…
Keep reading and you’ll know everything there is to know about beautiful and romantic spots!
25 Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Visit & Walk Around
There are plenty of artsy, really underrated neighborhoods in London that deserve a second, and heck, even a third glance.
In this guide, we’ll focus on all the prettiest neighborhoods in London to walk around, stay, and visit over and over again.
They’re mostly located in some of the poshest areas in West London, and are usually very safe if you’re looking for places to stay with your family.
For all those interested in finding aesthetic free views in London and instagrammable places, you’re exactly where you need to be!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Chelsea
Chelsea is best known for being one of the poshest areas in London, and offers anything from luxurious coffee shops to perfect mews.
The colorful streets in Chelsea itself are enough to make you come again, and if you’re ever looking for places to do shopping in London, that’s the perfect area.
For those looking for neighborhoods in London for families, Chelsea is one of the safest.
And there are many charity shops in Chelsea that are really worthwhile, especially if you’re looking for find cheap, secondhand designer clothes!
Read: The Prettiest East London Neighborhoods
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: South Kensington
One of my favorite nontouristy things to do in London is walking around South Kensington.
Of course, I love paying a visit to the free museums like the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.
But if you’re just looking for the prettiest neighborhoods in London to walk around without a defined goal, you’ll love this posh area.
Some of the cutest bakeries in London are located in South Kensington, too, from Molly Rose to Aux Merveilleux de Fred.
Two must tries if you’re just looking to enjoy London with your tastebuds!
Most Beautiful Areas in London: Dulwich
Another one of the most beautiful areas in London is Dulwich, located in the South East, after Brixton.
And if you’re ever looking for the cutest villages in London, Dulwich is one of them.
One of the main attractions is the famous Dulwich Picture Gallery, but beyond that, whether you’re looking for a quaint high street or beautiful shops, you’ll love this spot.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Hampstead
Hampstead is undeniably one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, with its tree-lined streets and beautiful pergola.
One of the most secret places in London, Hampstead offers picturesque, knuckly streets, minimalist and instagrammable cafes, and beautiful nature.
It’s not easy to find beautiful nature in London, but when you know the spots, you can have the loveliest walks in town.
And if you’re looking for places to see flowers blooming in London, Hampstead and the Hill Garden & Pergola definitely are two perfect places.
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: Mayfair
There are lots of amazing halal restaurants in Mayfair, lots of art galleries and high-end shops.
And that’s here one of the prettiest neighborhoods to visit in London, especially if you’re planning to spend Christmas here.
Mayfair becomes one of the hotspots for the best Christmas decorations in London around the end of November.
From Fendi to Cartier, you have lots of beautiful shops and pretty photography spots all around New Bond Street.
Burlington Arcade, one of the most beautiful shopping centers in London, is located really close too, on Piccadilly.
All in all, whether you’re looking for posh areas in London to visit or safe places to stay safely while visiting, Mayfair has something for you.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
Most Beautiful Areas in London: Covent Garden
Covent Garden is another one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, especially during the spring and the fall.
Some of the best makeup stores in London are located there, and it’s both peaceful and hectic to walk around Covent Garden.
And if you’re ever looking for the best cheap eats in Central London, there are a couple around Covent Garden you’ll love!
Read: A Quirky Foodie Itinerary in Covent Garden
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Chiswick
If you’re ever looking for really hidden gems in London, pop by the Carrie Reichardt’s house in Chiswick.
That’s not the most famous landmark in London, is it, but it’s highly instagrammable and not too far from Chiswick House and gardens.
Located in West London, Chiswick is probably one of the most secret neighborhoods in London, with its many local stories.
Perfect if you’re looking for cute villages inside London and really break away from the city life!
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: Marylebone
The gorgeous Marylebone neighborhood is located close to Oxford Street, and yet, when you’re there, you feel a world away.
Some of the cutest mews in London are located in Marylebone, like Devonshire Mews South.
Anyone looking for the most beautiful, upper class neighborhoods in London would do well to check out Marylebone.
There are also lots of cool things to do in Marylebone, and if you’re a student or freelancer, some really good study cafes.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around: Stoke Newington
Stoke Newington is another one of the lesser-known neighborhoods in London – at least, from a tourist attraction point of view.
And yet, it’s another one of those really quiet London villages where it feels amazing to walk around and take the time to live.
There are some really cute cafes in Stoke Newington, as well as lots of artisan shops and even some street art.
And for those looking for some other really underrated, bohemian areas of London, check out Dalston nearby!
It offers some of the best charity shops in London, and offers countless options for ethnic food as well as lots of street art and colorful houses!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Canary Wharf
One of my goals in life is to rent my own studio in Canary Wharf, and that says a lot about how picturesque this whole area is.
If you’re more into finding scenic, secret gardens in London rather than seeing the sun set on the skyscrapers every evening, that’s probably not for you.
However, if you pay a visit to Westferry Circus, and you see the view on the Thames and Canary Wharf…
You’ll easily understand why this is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London.
There are also some good halal restaurants in Canary Wharf, if you’d like to end the day by seeing the view of London!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around: Greenwich
I used to live in Greenwich and always felt like it was indeed one of the cutest villages inside London.
From Greenwich, you can see some of the best views of Canary Wharf, and even get vegan doughnuts at Ruby’s of London.
Artisanal shops and one of the best places to spot the sunset in London?
This is indeed one of the most underrated, prettiest neighborhoods in London to visit with friends, family, or your partner on a relaxed date.
Most Beautiful Areas in London: Belgravia
Chelsea is one of the most famous areas of London when spring comes around, but one shouldn’t forget Belgravia.
I mentioned Belgravia briefly before, as Belgrave Square hosts a beautiful sculpture of Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.
You’re also close to one of the best shopping centers in London, none other than Harrods.
When spring comes around, floral installations are set up for the Belgravia in Bloom event, which only last a few days.
However, anyone ever looking for the most instagrammable places in London should definitely pay it a visit – with your phone charged!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is known as one of the most colorful places in London, and easily accessible from Chalk Farm and Covent Garden.
Pay a visit to Chalcot Square, walk around and discover new colorful houses…
Primrose Hill is simply one of the quietest and pretty neighborhoods in London, perfect if you’re looking for romantic places to discover.
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: Fitzrovia
Some of the most scenic places in London are the mews, and you can find them in many different areas in London.
That includes Marylebone, that includes Chelsea, Paddington, and that also includes Fitzrovia.
In addition, there are plenty of cute study cafes in Fitzrovia near Tottenham Court Road, and cool gardens to sit and relax for a while.
Read: Fitzrovia’s Hidden Gems: A Quirky Itinerary in London
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London: Bloomsbury
Now with Bloomsbury, if you’re looking for upper class London neighborhoods, you’ll be served.
One of my favorite things to do in Bloomsbury is paying a visit to the Sicilian Avenue.
The architecture there is beautiful, and it’s very much a hidden gem right in Central London.
If you want to have breakfast and coffee, Sicilian Avenue is lined with shops and restaurants so make sure you enjoy every moment!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is obviously another one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, and filled with restaurants, instagrammable cafes, green spaces and art galleries.
One of my favorite free art galleries in London, Saatchi Gallery, is located close by.
Elan Cafe Hans Crescent is close to Harrods, which offers some of the best luxury brands in London.
There are plenty of cool things to do in Knightsbridge, beyond it being just another aesthetic photography spot.
PS: if you want to see the Christmas lights in London, Harrods is always a good idea!
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: Richmond
Now for those looking for secret villages in London, you have Richmond upon Thames.
From the station to the river, you have a few minutes walk, and you’ll see, you’re in one of the prettiest places in London.
It does feel like a village there.
Plus, there are lots of small artisan shops, restaurants and coffee shops and riverside terraces that would almost make you believe you’re in a riviera.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London: Highgate
Highgate is another one of the most famous – and prettiest neighborhoods in London to walk around, and even to stay if you find an Airbnb.
I used to rent a room in North Finchley and passed by Highgate almost every day on the bus to go to Central London.
And if there’s one thing you need to check there, it’s the Highgate Cemetery.
It’s one of the most beautiful cemeteries in London, and well, you must know by now I’m strangely attracted to cemeteries and ruins.
Yet another really posh area in North London to walk around and chill while having a drink!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Muswell Hill
I used to pay a visit to charity shops in Muswell Hill pretty often when I used to live in North Finchley, and I love this area.
The Edwardian architecture can be spotted for a long way away, and on clear days, you have some of the most beautiful views of London from Muswell Hill.
Lots of small bakeries and coffee shops, beautiful Italian restaurants and charity bookshops, too…
Muswell Hill simply is one of the prettiest villages in London.
Upper Class London Neighborhoods to Visit: Vauxhall, Battersea, Nine Elms
Aside from Battersea Power Station, the shopping center that opened a few months ago and looks absolutely stunning, I don’t see many London guides talking about Battersea.
Or Vauxhall.
Or Nine Elms.
All three offer some of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, as well as places to see the sunset over the Thames.
Also, one of the most hidden gems in London, a tiny replica of St Paul’s Cathedral, is attached to Vauxhall Bridge.
That’s always something cool to know aside from enjoying the water and the view on the London eye!
Most Beautiful Areas in London: Southbank
Yes, I do spend most of my time around London Bridge in study places in Southbank.
But I do still enjoy the fact that you have one of the most secret rooftops in London at the Oxo Tower.
I do enjoy the fact that when you’re looking for secret beaches in London, you go to Southbank (and there are plenty around town).
From sunrise to sunset, Southbank and the Thames gliding smoothly are just one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London to walk around and relax.
And some hot chocolate and Crosstown Doughnuts at Coffee Academy are always a must when I’m walking around Southbank!
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: City of London
The whole City of London area always impresses me to my core.
From Liverpool Street to Fenchurch Street and Bank, I absolutely love it and I do feel it’s one of the most scenic places in London.
Well, if you’re looking for places to stay in London, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the City of London, since it’s mainly offices in there.
And the price would be incredibly painful.
However, if you’re looking for beautiful, secret photography spots in London, there are a couple close to Bank station.
With free views of the Sky Garden, Leadenhall Market and St Dunstan in the East, there’s clearly a lot to see here.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Bermondsey
Bermondsey is really central, since it’s located close to Vinegar Yard and London Bridge Station.
If you’ve been here before, you know that some of my favorite cafes to work in London are located around Southbank, London Bridge and Bermondsey.
And well, if you’re looking for beautiful posh areas to walk around in London, Bermondsey is it.
You have some trendy cafes in Bermondsey that are worth a try, too.
But beyond that, some of the best Italian restaurants in London Bridge are located in that area.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Holland Park
Holland Park, with its picturesque rows of white houses, is another one of the purest, prettiest neighborhoods in London.
Adjacent Holland Park, with the beautiful Dutch Garden and Kyoto Garden, makes for the perfect background for a romantic date in London.
You’re not too far from Notting Hill Gate and South Kensington, and you have here two of the most secret London gardens on top of the cake.
Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Walk Around & Stay: Notting Hill
Last in this guide to the prettiest neighborhoods in London, you have Notting Hill.
Portobello Market, for starters, is one of the best markets in London for ethnic specialties and delicious street food.
And then, you also have all the colorful streets in Notting Hill, street art at the end of Portobello Road, and so much more!
For those who like finding deals, you’ll find charity shops in Notting Hill that almost exclusively sell secondhand designer clothes.
But before you go shopping, have some breakfast in Notting Hill from one of the French pastry shops – or have a proper British brunch!
Read: Rotherhithe’s Hidden Gems: A Unique London Itinerary
25 Prettiest Neighborhoods in London to Visit & Walk Around
There you have them, all the prettiest neighborhoods in London to visit, walk around, and stay with your family or your partner!
Hopefully, from Bloomsbury to Highgate, you’ll have found here some scenic places to visit.
There are lots of other cool, secret places to see for a first time visit in London, so make sure you do have some variety!
Until next time!
Quirky Themed London Itinerary Ideas
- Italy in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Italian Places in London
- Paris in London: An Unusual Itinerary to French Places in London
- Morocco in London: An Unusual Itinerary to Moroccan Places
- London Foodie Itinerary Around Piccadilly & Soho
- A Local’s Fashion in London Itinerary from Museums to Shops
- Dark Academia in London: A Secret London Itinerary
- A Quirky Bookish Itinerary in London
- The Old London: A Historic Itinerary in the City of London
- How to Spend 10 Days in London: A Complete Itinerary
- How to Spend 3 Days in London: A Fun Itinerary
- How to Spend 24 Hours in London: A Full Itinerary
Curious Traveler’s Guides
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Spitalfields, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Canary Wharf, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Covent Garden, Central London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Smithfield, City of London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Liverpool Street, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Bethnal Green, East London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Fleet Street, City of London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Instagrammable Places
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Secret and Free Museums
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to Multicolor Places in London
- The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Best Restaurants
Other London Life
- Living in London: Things I Have Learned Over the Years
- The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
- The Best Supermarkets and Food Shops in London
- How to Save Money on Groceries in London
- How to Live in London on a Budget
- How to Eat in London on a Budget
- How to Make Friends in London
- How to Move to London – and Survive as an Expat
- The Best Tips for Student Budget in London
- The Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to London
- First Time Travel to London: All There is To Know
- London Travel Guides for Tourists and Locals
- How to Pack Your Suitcase for Digital Nomads
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Life in a Hostel
- How to Survive Life in a Hostel
Other London Travel
- The Cutest Pink Places in London
- The Prettiest Places for Nature in London
- The Most Colorful Places in London
- The Best Christmas Decorations in London
- The Poshest Areas in London
- The Prettiest Mews in London
- The Prettiest Streets in London
- The Prettiest Streets in Covent Garden
- The Most Colorful Streets in Camden
- The Most Colorful Streets in Notting Hill
- Why Are There Colorful Streets in London?
- Where to See Christmas Decorations in London?
- Where to See Autumn Colors in London?
- The Best Harry Potter Locations in London
Secret London
- Artistic Hidden Gems in London, Statues & Secret Views
- The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
- The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
- The Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden
- The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
- The Best Hidden Gems in North London
- The Best Hidden Gems in South London
- The Best Hidden Gems in East London
- The Best Hidden Gems in West London
- The Best Hidden Gems in London Bridge
- The Best Free Secret Gardens in London
- The Most Secret Gardens in Central London
- Chalcot Square Primrose Hill, London’s Most Colorful Spot
- St Dunstan in the East Church Ruins, A Must Visit in London
Other Things to Do in London
- The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf
- The Best Things to Do in Soho
- The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
- 7 Things To Do in London Bridge in One Hour
- The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
- The Best Romantic Date Ideas in London
- The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London
- The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
- The Best Things to Do on London’s Piccadilly Line
- The Best Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line
- The Best Things to Do During Summer in London
- The Best Things to Do in London When It Rains