14 Famous Streets in London You Shouldn’t Miss
London is undoubtedly one of the most famous cities on the planet, so adding the most famous streets in London to your itinerary in the big smoke is an absolute must for a traveling lady.
This list is purposefully jam-packed full of the most obvious, well-trodden areas (and for good reason) with a helpful pinch of hidden gems, brought to you by proud Londoners.
So if you are planning a trip to London or are already aimlessly wandering in England’s capital, these famous London streets should make you want to come back for more.
Elizabeth Street, Belgravia
Our top pick for our most favourite of all famous streets in London is, predictably and unsurprisingly, our blog namesake, Elizabeth Street.
And we are so not sorry.
Only a stone’s throw away from Victoria Station, Elizabeth Street is a photographer’s dream, and in many ways it doesn’t look or even feel like most of London.
As you walk towards this gorgeous little street in Belgravia, your eyes will be blessed with peaceful pockets of pastel-coloured shopfronts, chic cafés, and flower-filled windows, making the whole street feel softer, slower and more welcoming.
Elizabeth Street is known for its humble wealth with a touch of class and grand townhouses, while remaining intimate and accessible to visitors, winning you over with every detail.
If you can, go in the morning. The light flatters the buildings, shops are setting up for the day, and the street still belongs more to Belgravia than the guidebooks. Weekdays are quieter, weekends busier, but it never loses its composure, and it aches for you to have a lazy coffee there while watching the world go by.
Elizabeth Street won’t shout for your attention, and that’s exactly why it stays with you. It’s not dramatic or monumental like other well-known London streets. It’s simply beautiful in a way that feels natural, not forced.
Parliament Street, Westminster
Parliament Street has a lot more pomp about it.
It is London turned up loud and proud. It looks exactly like you’d expect such an iconic political street to look: Red phone boxes may soon be merely an ornament, but they force you to consider a simpler time as they line the pavement; historic lampposts stretch towards the sky as Big Ben towers over the busy bodies with the authority of something that has watched the world change around it for centuries.
Parliament Street is the ceremonial spine of Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament… you will see protestors gathering here as those in office sheepishly motorcade around it. This is where Britain’s theatrical nature takes place.
Early mornings are quieter and therefore better for photos, but if you want to be in the heart of the action, visit during the early afternoon, when the famously tame Brits (pre-alcohol, of course) show you how they feel about certain current events as you knock back a cheeky cuppa tea.
Tower Hill, City of London
Tower Hill is the kind of street that carries the weight of London’s past on its shoulders. Sitting in the oldest part of the capital, it wraps itself around the mighty Tower of London — a structure so drenched in British history that even its stones feel dramatic. Kings, queens, knights, prisoners, traitors… Tower Hill has quietly watched them all pass through.
Despite its rather dark backstory, Tower Hill today buzzes with a strangely upbeat energy. Tourists spill out of the nearby Tube station, excited chatter bouncing off mediaeval walls, while locals stride past in sleek city-office attire. Old meets new here in the most unapologetically London way.
Visit the Tower of London (obviously), but don’t overlook the smaller joys: watching the famously stoic ravens, strolling along the river’s edge, or grabbing a drink at the nearby historic pubs such as The Hung, Drawn & Quartered. If you like your sightseeing with snacks, you’re minutes from St Katharine Docks, where you can eat by the water.
Go early — ideally right when the Tower opens. The morning light glows beautifully against the ancient stone walls, and you’ll beat the tour groups by a comfortable margin. By afternoon, it gets busier, but that’s when the area feels most electric.
Tower Hill is one of those places where you can feel centuries whispering in your ear in the gentlest, non-haunting way possible.
If London had a heartbeat, Soho would be it, and Carnaby Street has thumped right at its centre since the swinging ‘60s. Once the playground of rockstars, rebels, and rule-breakers, this street helped shape London’s music and fashion scene.
Today, Carnaby is colourful, loud, unapologetically trendy, and just a little chaotic, but in the BEST way. Expect bold shopfronts, neon signage, and playlists loud enough to make window-shopping feel like nightlife.
Some of the places that you must explore are the Carnaby courtyards, independent boutiques, and the legendary fashion stores. Be sure to grab a bite at Kingly Court, a circular food court filled with global cuisines. It’s ideal if you are travelling in groups, as it offers a wide range of snacks so that everyone can pick their own craving.
Evenings are when Carnaby truly sparkles. During this time, fairy lights switch on, crowds thicken, and the street feels like a cocktail without the alcohol. But if you are here to enjoy the calm, you should go in the morning.
No matter how much London changes, Carnaby somehow always stays unbothered, confident, and iconic.
Portobello Road, Notting Hill
Portobello Road didn’t become one of the most famous streets in London by accident. What started as a quiet residential area grew into the world’s largest antiques market. Later, it transformed into a pastel-hued icon thanks to a certain blue door and a movie starring Hugh Grant.
It’s an extraordinary blend of bohemian and sophisticated. Pastel houses line the streets while antique dealers haggle with collectors, and the food stalls fill the air with the warm aroma of Caribbean spices. While the weekends are bustling and full of life, weekdays feel more like a charming village.
To better experience the street, you must hunt for vintage treasures, buy a handmade souvenir, or taste street food from global vendors. But this does not mean that you can skip the quieter corners. You must explore the tiny bookshops and the rows of delicately coloured houses.
Saturday is the big market day, chaotic but electrifying. If you prefer calm, visit early on a weekday when the shops are still waking up.
Portobello feels like London dipped in sunshine, even on a grey day!
Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Neal’s Yard is tucked into a quiet corner of Covent Garden, a small, colourful secret waiting to be found. Once a neglected courtyard, it transformed in the 1970s into a hub that is now known for natural living, alternative therapies, and eco-conscious shops.
Think bold colours, tiny balconies, potted plants, and the scent of natural skincare drifting through the air. That’s how it feels to be roaming around this neighbourhood. This is the kind of whimsical place that makes you instinctively reach for your camera.
Grab a slice of pizza at Homeslice, pick up skincare at Neal’s Yard Remedies, or sip a cosy coffee at one of the courtyard’s quirky cafés. Every corner is photogenic, every experience memorable.
Visit during mid-morning or early afternoon, as this is the time when the light hits the buildings beautifully. During this time, the courtyard feels lively yet not overcrowded.
Neal’s Yard is that moment in London when you suddenly wonder if you’ve stepped into a postcard.
Baker Street, Marylebone
Sherlock Holmes made Baker Street immortal long before tourists ever did. This elegant Marylebone street once housed the fictional detective’s office at 221B Baker Street, and London, in typical London fashion, built a real museum around it.
Baker Street is more polished than theatrical. It’s busy but refined, with the understated charm for which Marylebone is known. Think classic Georgian buildings, tree-lined streets, and a sense of quiet intelligence.
Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, head to the Wallace Collection nearby, or stroll up to Marylebone High Street for boutique shopping and excellent bakeries.
Late morning is perfect, after the commuter rush but before the museum queues get too long.
You don’t have to be a detective to enjoy Baker Street… But it does make you want to walk a little more thoughtfully.
Brick Lane, East London
Brick Lane is London’s street-art capital and one of its most culturally diverse areas. Once home to French Huguenots, then Jewish immigrants, then the Bangladeshi community, it’s a place shaped by constant reinvention.
Streets chock-full of colourful graffiti, curry houses, and indie thrift shops, there is a lot to explore. You must also experience the Sunday market chaos to witness the creative, lively, and wonderfully unpolished Brick Lane. Be sure to try some authentic cuisine, browse vintage stalls, and take photos of iconic murals.
While the weekends are vibrant, they can also be a little overwhelming. Weekdays tend to be a little quieter, giving you a chance to appreciate the street art.
Brick Lane doesn’t just show you London culture; it immerses you.
Charing Cross Road, Bloomsbury
Charing Cross Road has long been London’s book-lovers’ paradise. For more than a century, it’s been lined with bookshops. It is one of those spots where you can come across rare collections and even independent sellers who know more about literature than the internet ever could.
The vibe here is intellectual but never snobbish. Students search for new authors, writers quietly look for inspiration, and tourists drift in and out of bookshops in search of a bestseller.
You must visit Foyles, one of the finest bookshops on Earth. You can also browse the smaller second-hand shops nearby.
To capture the street’s true essence, you should visit during the late afternoon when the vibe gets cosy, especially in winter when lights glow through bookshop windows.
Charing Cross Road is where your inner bookworm finds its happy place!
Abbey Road, St John’s Wood
If one pedestrian is crossing more famous than any other, it’s Abbey Road — the site of The Beatles’ legendary album cover. Fans have recreated that zebra crossing pose for decades, and now it’s your turn!
Calm, leafy, and residential, Abbey Road is surprisingly gentle for a place with global fame. The traffic is slow, the houses are stately, and the air feels almost suburban.
Some of the must-have experiences here are crossing the zebra crossing (you have to), visiting Abbey Road Studios, and signing the wall outside. You can also visit nearby cafés in St John’s Wood that offer a peaceful place to unwind.
Visiting early morning would be a wise decision unless you enjoy being watched by amused taxi drivers as you recreate Beatles poses.
No street makes you feel more like a temporary rockstar.
Piccadilly, West End
Piccadilly is yet another grand, iconic street bursting with heritage. Home to institutions like The Ritz and Fortnum & Mason, this street represents old-school London glamour at its finest.
Here, you expect nothing less than extraordinary architecture, elegant shopfronts, and an electrifying energy that makes you feel like you are in one of the world’s greatest and most charming cities.
To make the best of your visit, you must enjoy Fortnum & Mason’s tea, dine somewhere fancy (the options are endless), wander toward Piccadilly Circus, or stroll into Green Park for a breather.
The best time to visit is during the evenings, when it offers a sophisticated yet elegant vibe. If you want quiet luxury, go mid-morning on a weekday.
Piccadilly is London at her most self-assured — timeless, polished, and just the right amount of fancy.
Leadenhall Market
Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall Market is one of London’s oldest markets and certainly one of its prettiest. Its ornate Victorian roof has made it a magnet for photographers (and Harry Potter film crews).
Despite being in the heart of the financial district, this place is astonishingly elegant and intimate. During lunchtime, it fills with office workers, but in the mornings, it’s slow and magical.
To enjoy this part of the city at its finest, you must shop at the boutiques, enjoy a coffee under the iron-and-glass arches, or visit the speciality food stalls. Don’t forget to wander into the hidden passageways; that’s where all the magic is!
If you wish to get some pictures taken here, go during weekday mornings.
Hampstead High Street
Hampstead has long been a haven for writers, artists, and wealthy Londoners who prefer village charm rather than city chaos. Hampstead High Street is replete with boutiques and cafés, offering you endless options to grab a bite and enjoy the sweeping city views.
The vibe here is rustic yet sophisticated and pleasantly slow-paced. It feels like a countryside escape despite being minutes from central London.
You must explore the boutiques here, enjoy some coffee and snacks in a café, and then wander up to Hampstead Heath.
If you wish to capture the liveliness of this place, visit on weekends. And if you are looking for a calm, serene experience, it is best to go on a weekday morning.
It’s impossible to walk Hampstead High Street without secretly imagining yourself living here.
Columbia Road
Columbia Road is home to London’s most beloved flower market. Every Sunday, the street transforms into a blooming wonderland that you cannot miss.
Busy, fragrant, colourful, and bursting with personality, Columbia Road is definitely one of the most playful streets of all. Flower sellers shout prices, musicians play on street corners, and shoppers wander with armfuls of peonies. This place offers you an experience like no other!
You must visit the independent shops behind the stalls, buy some flowers, or grab a pastry from one of the little bakeries lining the street.
If you want the freshest flowers and fewer crowds, it is best to visit early (8–9 AM). But if you are planning to get a great deal, you should consider visiting late (1–2 PM), as vendors pack up then.
If London had a bouquet, it would smell exactly like Columbia Road.
Final Thoughts
London is a city of grand landmarks. But it’s her streets that reveal her authentic charm, beauty and history. Each one listed here has its own rhythm, personality, and stories tucked between the bricks. Some dazzle you with their vibrancy and liveliness, while some whisper history in your ear. And then others charm you with their impeccably good coffee and prettier-than-necessary shopfronts.
Whether you’re a first-timer falling in love with the capital or a returning visitor who can’t resist discovering “just one more corner”, these famous London streets prove that the magic is often found between the destinations and not just at them.
So wander slowly, look up often, and let London win you over the same way she always does: one street at a time.
