20 Most Beautiful and Famous Streets in London
Did you know there are over 60,000 streets in London? The city is so large and has so much to offer, from the bustling city streets to the quieter hidden corners. I’ve compiled a list of the most famous streets in London as well as the most beautiful streets. The most famous streets in London span from Oxford Street right in the heart of London to Kings Road in Chelsea. Both are popular streets for the wonderful shopping they have to offer. Regent Street is another well-known shopping street that also has the most fantastic Christmas light display during the holiday season. However, if you are looking for those picturesque hidden streets full of color or charm, try visiting Kynance Mews in South Kensington or Perrin’s Court in Hampstead. When I moved to London I had to buy this book from Pretty City London as it helped me find some of the most picturesque streets and places in London. It is my favorite London book for sure. I’ve put together this great list of streets in London for you to read. No matter what you’re looking for, this little guide will cover the highlights so get ready to explore!
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Most Famous Shopping Streets in London
1. Regent Street
By Paulina of the UK Every Day
Regent Street which spans from Oxford Circus Station to Picadilly Circus is one of the main shopping areas in London. It is famous for its luxury stores such as Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs. Located in the heart of London, it is one of the busiest roads but has something to offer for everyone.
The most beautiful part of the street starts by the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain where urban buildings follow the curve of the road. James Burton and John Nash were mainly responsible for designing Regent Street. It was also one of the first projects after the Great Fire of London to rebuild the city. You can walk down the street in just 10 minutes, but there are many great restaurants that are worth stopping by. Visit Veeraswamy if you love Indian cuisine or try unique desserts in Cakes & Bubbles. Check out delicious pancakes in Reg n’ Stop or spoil yourself in the chocolate shop – Läderach.
Also, various events take place on Regent Street which attracts many visitors every year. One of the famous and long traditions dating back to 1954 is the Christmas lights display on Regent Street. So, if you are looking for things to do in London in winter, admiring the most impressive decorations of 45 angels over Regent Street is an attraction that cannot be missed.
📍Regent Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus & Picadilly Circus
🏨 Hotel nearby: One of the most luxurious hotels with views over Regent Street is Hotel Cafe Royal. If it is too hefty of a price to stay at be sure to visit for a cocktail or an afternoon tea.
2. Oxford Street
Oxford Street runs parallel to Regent Street and is possibly Europe’s busiest shopping street. Nearly 9 million tourists visit this street yearly. In the 19th century, the street evolved with many retailers including Selfridges, John Lewis, and HMV. Sadly, during WWII, the street was a warzone and many of the stores were destroyed and later rebuilt. It is considered the best shopping street in London due to the plethora of stores with more than 300 on this road alone. The street stretches 1.2 miles long or 1.9 km. Interestingly enough, there are 9 American Candy shops on Oxford Street all within such a short distance from one another. The original opened and had many copycats from there – all selling overpriced American sweets.
📍Oxford Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus & Picadilly Circus
3. Kings Road
By Anna Merabishvili of No Space In My Passport
King’s Road is one of the main streets in Chelsea. It is best known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife options. It is also one of the most affluent areas in London where you will find the most beautiful homes and streets. However, its history of it is a lot more interesting than it appears. The street was built in 1694, and it was established to be a private road for King Charles II to get around easily between St James’ and Hampton Court. It was only in 1800 that the road became open to the public. Before then, access was restricted to Royalty and aristocracy only!
Some things to do here include shopping in some of the most exciting high street brands, including the likes of Zara, Maje, and many more. Explore some of Chelsea’s best restaurants, or enjoy the Duke of York’s Square Market on Saturdays. Stop by Peggy Porschen Cakes for a cupcake and admire the beautiful pink facade on Kings Road. You can also visit Saatchi Gallery where some famous restaurant exhibitions take place, the latest one being the Bob Marley Exhibition. Every May, you’ll find the streets in the area transformed with many retailers decorating their storefronts with flowers for the famous Chelsea in Bloom.
📍Kings Road (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Sloane Square
🏨 Hotel nearby: Stay in the stylish Sloane Square Hotel in the heart of Chelsea.
4. Carnaby Street
By Martina of PlacesofJuma
Carnaby Street is certainly one of the most worthy streets to visit in London. It is located in the north of the Soho district and is a real magnet for visitors from all over the world. Although not much of the former 1960s flair is left, the pedestrian zone has reinvented itself and has become a real jewel of the city.
The colorful facades on this street are endless and the shopping is also numerous. Carnaby Street attracts thousands of tourists and is also one of the most Instagrammable places to take pictures. Really amazing is the passage with the inscription “Welcome to Carnaby Street”! The awning is always changing periodically with different displays. Many of the side streets are decked with lights giving energy to the lively streets.
Carnaby Street is full of numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants making it a great place to go out. You can reach Carnaby Street either by bus, or the subway stations Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus are not far away.
📍Carnaby Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
🏨 Hotel nearby: The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels is a stunning 5-star hotel located in the heart of London but down a quieter side street.
5. Marylebone High Street
Marylebone High Street is one of the poshest neighborhoods in London and features some of London’s best shopping. Running parallel to Baker Street, the Marylebone area is one of the nicest places to explore. It still holds a charming village feel although it’s in such close proximity to the busy street of Oxford Street. With stores like Whistles and British brands like Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater, the shopping here is endless. Don’t miss Daunt Books especially if you’re a literary lover – it is one of the most beautiful bookstores in London.
There are many cafes and great restaurants in Marylebone too. Be sure to stop by Blandford Comptoir or The Grazing Goat for lunch or dinner. The most incredible cheese shop is La Fromagerie and the best spot for a coffee is Monocle Cafe.
In the Marylebone area, be sure to see the pretty surrounding streets including Marylebone Lane and Chiltern Street home to the famous Chiltern Firehouse which is one of the fanciest London hotels & restaurants. Madame Tussauds is also a famous attraction featuring wax replicas of celebrities, politicians, and more.
📍Marylebone High Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Baker Street
🏛 Visit the nearby Wallace Collection, a beautiful free museum with a collection of art and decorated rooms.
6. Piccadilly Street
By Greta of Love The Surf Life
If you’re looking for the most famous streets in London, you have to add Piccadilly Street to your bucket list. Piccadilly Street goes from Piccadilly Circus all the way to Hyde Park Corner, and is bordered by Green Park on one side and Mayfair on the other. Being located in the heart of London, Piccadilly Street is one of the most visited streets in London. It’s a popular shopping street, famous for the colorful electric billboards of Piccadilly Circus. Nearby you’ll also find the West End, with its theaters and musicals. This is a popular area for people to visit before or after watching a show, where they can wander around and grab a drink or a bite to eat.
Piccadilly Street becomes quieter as you go towards Hyde Park Corner. It’s still busy in terms of traffic and pedestrians, but there are fewer shops, bars, and restaurants compared to Piccadilly Circus. Historically, it has always been a very important street, as it used to be the “road to Reading” and was called Portugal Street. The name Piccadilly came from Piccadilly Hall, the home of Robert Baker, a trader who became rich by making and selling piccadills, the lace collars that were popular at the time.
📍Piccadilly Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus, Green Park & Hyde Park Corner
🏨 Hotel nearby: The Soho Hotel is a comfortable and very central hotel to base yourself for the perfect trip to London.
Important Roads in London
7. The Mall
By Victoria of Guide your Travel
The Mall is one of the most famous streets in London, connecting Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace. The road is often the location of parades and ceremonies connected to the royal family. For this reason, The Mall regularly receives a significant amount of media attention and is sometimes blocked off for special events. Make sure to research this before your trip to London so you can know what to expect if you visit the area. On Sundays and holidays, the road is generally closed to cars.
This is a great place to take photos and the tree-lined road is very photogenic. Make sure to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and traffic. On one side of the road, you’ll find the large St James’s Park, one of London’s tourist highlights which is well worth a visit if you have time.
The Mall was designed during the 17th century and largely attributed to King Charles II. It gained importance during the reign of Queen Victoria when Buckingham Palace became the royal home and the Mall the preferred route to reach it. Today, royal weddings, funerals, and parades are held here and thousands of locals and tourists gather regularly to get a glimpse of the royals.
📍The Mall (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross
⭐ Check out this tour which lets you go inside Buckingham Palace for a limited time each year. You also get a walking tour of the surrounding area.
8. Downing Street
Downing Street is the home to the UK Prime Minister and therefore a well-known and important road in London. The street dates to 1680 when it was built by Sir George Downing, a soldier and a diplomat under Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II. For more than 300 years it has been the residency of the First and Second Lord of the Treasury. 10 Downing Street is the exact address of where the Prime Minister resides and 11 Downing Street is where the Chancellor’s official residence is. This short street is 200 meters long (or 660 feet).
📍Downing Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross Station
9. Pudding Lane
By Sarah Nash of Slow Travel
Pudding Lane is an important road to remember in London, as it was the foundation of the modern city. It was here in 1666 that a fire broke out in Thomas Farriner’s bakery. Initially small, the Great Fire of London was soon out of control and burned for four days, causing the destruction of a significant part of medieval London, but it ultimately led to the creation of the current St Paul’s Cathedral and over 50 other beautiful London churches designed by Christopher Wren.
Pudding Lane today is home to the Monument, a column 61 feet tall topped with a copper urn with flames coming out. Designed by Wren as a memorial to the fire, you can climb to the viewing platform at the top; it is a hard climb up a spiral staircase but the impressive views make it all worthwhile, as does seeing the ancient graffiti carved into the walls on your way up. Nearby you will see a plaque on the spot of the original bakery, and some benches carved with words from the famous nursery rhyme, ‘London’s Burning’.
📍Pudding Lane (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Monument
⭐ Fun activity: Take a private walking tour to learn about the history of the Great Fire of London (Book here)
10. Abbey Road
By Sydney of A World in Reach
If you’re planning a trip to London, make sure to add Abbey Road to your list of places to visit! This world-famous street is located in the St John’s Wood neighborhood and is best known for being the location where The Beatles recorded their 1969 hit album Abbey Road. Abbey Road is definitely worth a visit for Beatles fans, or anyone who’s interested in music history. Visiting Abbey Road Studios (where The Beatles recorded) is a must. The studio isn’t open for public tours, but you can take a photo of the outside, sign your name on the famous graffiti wall, and visit the shop to pick up some Beatles souvenirs.
The most famous attraction on Abbey Road is none other than the iconic zebra crossing, which is featured in the Abbey Road cover photograph. All day long, tourists do their best impressions of John, Paul, George, and Ringo to recreate one of the most famous album covers of all time. Snapping your own photo here is one of the top things to add to your London bucket list.
📍Abbey Road (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: St John’s Wood
⭐ Fun Activity: Take a Rock ‘n Roll History Bus Tour to visit Abbey Road and other iconic music spots around London (Book here)
Streets in London with Markets
11. Brick Lane
By Ashley of Culture Snapshots
Brick Lane is located in the edgy neighborhood of Shoreditch and is home to many markets including the famous Brick Lane Market as well as the Backyard Market. The vendors in the stalls along Brick Lane and its buildings sell a huge variety of wares – from vintage clothing and jewelry to vinyl records and home goods. Brick Lane Market features a range of international food stalls, particularly on the street (follow Brick Lane north of Hanbury Street to around Grimsby Street) and in the Old Truman Brewery.
The Brick Lane area has historically been home to various groups of immigrants, and today is well-known for being a center of the Bangladeshi community. So one of the first things you’ll notice about Brick Lane is the multitude of curry houses. This makes Brick Lane the perfect place to grab a delicious curry.
With its diverse cuisine, markets, funky shops, and street art, Brick Lane is worth visiting time and time again. And thanks to its excellent location, you can easily make a day out of visiting stuff around Brick Lane.
The streets all around are covered in graffiti and you can even take a 2 hour street art tour to discover all the hidden alleyways decorated in street art.
📍Brick Lane (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High Street, or Aldgate East
🎨 If you venture down the side streets near Brick Lane you’ll find a lot of street art. In fact, you can take a 2 hour street art tour here!
12. Portobello Road
By Gabrijela Zec from Under Flowery Sky
Portobello Road is a vibrant street, which hosts one of the most prominent city markets. It’s one of the most colorful streets in London, taking place at Notting Hill. The market happens every Saturday selling items like second-hand clothes, pastries, and antiques.
Portobello Road bursts with a rich history, known as Green Lane in 1740. The country’s feelings prevailed in these early years. Nearby Portobello farm inspired the name but also the town of Puerto Bello in Panama. This town got into the hands of Brits in 1739. The Victorian Era in the 19th century gives the current fame to Portobello Road.
Portobello Market started around 1940 and was a simple food hub for locals and one of the most famous markets in London. It is now the world’s most famous site to search for antiques. The food choice at the market stretches all the way to Golborne Road. Fresh fruit and vegetables as well as various snacks and hot international food are available.
Among several films taking place at Portobello Market, Notting Hill from 1999 is the most popular. The Blue Lamp features this colorful street already in 1950. The musical film Bedknobs and Broomsticks from 1971 is a cheerful celebration of the popular market. Paddington Bear movies also took place at Portobello Market near Alice’s Antique shop.
📍Portobello Road (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Ladbrooke Grove or Notting Hill Gate
⭐ Don’t Miss: The Portobello Market which sells jewelry, furniture, vintage clothes, street food, and more.
Portobello Market Hours: Monday – Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm
13. Columbia Road
By Rebecca of Veggies Abroad
If you love fragrant blooms and pots overflowing with lush greenery, you need to head to London’s famous Columbia Road. Lady Angela Burdett established the market in the late 1800s to improve East London, as farmers regularly used this route to send animals to slaughter. Today, the charming road is taken over by countless vendors selling everything from fresh-cut hydrangeas to potted cacti. The market was initially held on Saturdays, but today it runs every Sunday from 8 AM – 3 PM. Although the market runs from 8 AM – 3 PM, you should arrive as early as possible, as the area becomes very busy as the day wears on.
Aside from flowers, the street, and surrounding area are lined with many independent shops, galleries, and cafes — it’s a lovely area to enjoy on a Sunday. Once you’ve finished flower shopping, head down to Shoreditch to enjoy some of London’s best vegan food — burgers, donuts, ice cream, and more!
📍Columbia Road (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Bethnal Green
🏨 Hotel nearby: Mama Shelter London Shoreditch is a modern and stylish hotel located nearby in the edgy Shoreditch neighborhood (check prices & book here)
14. Camden High Street
Clotilde of A Princess Travelling with Twins
Camden High Street is famed for its charming canal that flows through the heart of Camden Town and surprisingly, it’s not as old as you might think. The Regent’s Canal opened in 1820 and is the cause of the incredibly fast expansion of the area. With the canal, trade increased and transport developed which brought a constant influx of people to the area. Even when canal transport began to decline, Camden High Street was not afraid to change its skin again and from an industrial center, it became the world-famous cultural and alternative center known today.
The Camden Town Market is the vital center of Camden High Street and since 1970 when it timidly opened its doors as an artisan market, it continues to attract tourists from all over the world. Walking on Camden High Street you will be captivated by the succession of shops that over time have customized their facades in the strangest ways, the singular characters, the canal, and obviously the market, where once you enter it will be easy to spend at least 2-3 hours getting lost in the maze of narrow streets. When you are tired, do not miss adding a boat tour from Camden Town to Little Venice to your London itinerary.
📍Camden High Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Camden Town
⛵Fun activity: Take the boat from the Camden market to Little Venice. Along the canal, they tell you the story of Regent’s Canal while used to move goods (Tour Link Here).
15. Wardour Street
By Greta of London Dreaming
Wardour Street is one of the most notable streets in London, recognized by the ornate gate in Chinatown. Wardour Street connects Leicester Square to Oxford Street, crossing Chinatown and Soho in the process. Here you will find the famous Chinatown Gate, one of the most Instagrammable spots in London, just waiting to welcome you into one of the coolest areas of the city. Soho is one of the main entertainment districts in London, with loads of trendy restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs dotted all over the area.
Similarly, in Chinatown, you’ll find loads of Chinese restaurants and bars as well as Asian supermarkets and bakeries. It is definitely a great place if you’re a foodie looking for some great cheap eats. Not only that, it’s a very lively part of the city, with countless people discovering it at every time of day. There’s never a boring moment to be had on Wardour Street and its surroundings. This is also a popular area for pre-theatre meals. The famous theatres and musicals of the West End are just around the corner, and many people pop by Wardour Street for a bite to eat and a drink before or after watching a musical.
📍Wardour Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square
🎶 Learn about the famous performers and marvel at the theatres of the West End during this West End Musical Theater Walking Tour.
Prettiest Streets in London
16. Perrin’s Court
Perrin’s Court is one of the most picturesque streets in London located in Hampstead – a village nestled a very short distance from central London. On Perrin’s Court, you will find a white house with a purple door and window frame – it might be one of the cutest facades in London. Be sure to visit the cafe Ginger & White for a toastie and iced latte. If you fancy a nice dinner, go to Villa Bianca, a long-running Italian restaurant.
The cobblestone narrow pathway takes you back in time. Wandering this street and the neighboring streets in this charming area will put a smile on your face. It sits adjacent to Hampstead High Street where you will find many boutiques and restaurants. Flask Walk is another noteworthy street nearby. Hampstead is famous for the many neighborhood pubs so be sure to also head to the Holly Bush to unwind after your walk.
It’s my favorite neighborhood to explore solo in London.
📍Perrin’s Court (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Hampstead Station
⭐To learn more about what to do in Hampstead, read my dedicated blog post here!
17. Kynance Mews
Kynance Mews is one of the prettiest streets in London located on a mews which is an old horse stable. There are several mews streets around London, especially in South Kensington, and they are always the most picturesque hidden streets.
It is one of the most instagrammable locations in London and you will often find photographers flocking here, especially during the season changes. However, it usually tends to be a quiet residential street so be sure to be respectful of those that live here when taking pictures. So many films have also taken place on this historic road including the 1982 film Who Dares Wins and the 1974 film The Black Windmill,
Kynance Mews is especially beautiful during autumn and wisteria time. Around April, you will see the pretty purple flower known as wisteria covering the exteriors of the houses along the charming alleyway. In fall, you’ll see the awned entrance full of red beautiful leaves draping down.
📍Kynance Mews (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Gloucester Road
18. Chalcot Square
Tucked away around a corner some may not know of is Chalcot Square located in the prestigious neighborhood of Primrose Hill. In fact, the average house price here is over 1 million pounds. Here you will find a private residential garden with houses in pastel shades all around! The square was designed between 1849 and 1860 and was home to many famous residents including Robert Plant, an English songwriter.
The best thing to do in the area is visit the park in Primrose Hill as it offers stunning views of the city. You can grab a cupcake from Primrose Bakery and hang out in one of London’s best parks. Cowshed offers the best spa to relax in after or before your neighborhood stroll. In the evening be sure to drink at one of the pubs like Princess of Wales or Queens Primrose.
📍Chalcot Square (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Chalk Farm
🚶♀️Check out this private walking tour from a local of Primrose Hill and Camden!
19. Bywater Street
Another colorful street in London is Bywater Street located in Chelsea. It is possibly one of the most instagrammable spots in London too! Pick your shade of the rainbow and grab your camera to take many photos on this cute street. But just be really mindful and respectful when it comes to taking photos as it’s a residential street.
Chelsea is a stunning London neighborhood too. Don’t miss getting cupcakes at Peggy Porschen’s famous for its pink facade and delicious homemade cakes.
📍Bywater Street (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: Sloane Square
20. Thurloe Square
Curious to see one of the thinnest houses in London? Then head over to Thurloe Square just minutes away from High Street Kensington Tube station. From the side, it looks super thin but in reality, this house widens up because it’s triangular. Despite the small size, flats in this building run for a hefty £800K plus! The size of a flat inside is actually pretty decently roomy at 600 square feet and the widest part is around 34 feet.
South Kensington is full of cafes and is also home to many of London’s museums which are all amazingly free to visit. Two of the most known museums here are the Natural History Museum and the V&A museum. In the wintertime, the Natural History Museum has an ice skating rink with a Christmas tree in the center.
📍Thurloe Square (Google Maps Location)
🚇 Closest Tube Station: High Street Kensington
🎥 Check out my Instagram video to see the street view
I hope you enjoyed reading about the most beautiful and famous streets in London. If you have a favorite street, be sure to let me know what it is in the comments below!
For more reading, you may also like these posts:
🇬🇧 Non-touristy things to do in London – from a local!
💛 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Primrose Hill
📆 A Locals Guide to 4 Days in London
🏠 Hampstead Neighborhood Guide
🏠 Notting Hill Neighborhood Guide
🏠 Primrose Hill Neighborhood Guide
🌳 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Belsize Park
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
☕10 Best Coffee & Brunch spots in London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
📸 The 5 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
🍺 The best Pubs in Hampstead, London
