What do Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea, the City of Westminster, Islington, and Southwark all have in common? These are some of the central boroughs in
London. You may recognize some of them as among the city's most popular districts too, but they're also some of the main boroughs too. In a way, they define the different parts of the British capital, allowing you to get a better grasp of what the city is all about. From the historic City of Westminster to the upscale Kensington & Chelsea, discover what makes these central boroughs so fascinating!
Camden
Located in West London, Camden is now one of the hipster havens of the British capital. This is the place to listen to live music, scour through racks upon racks of old records, and get your hands on amazing finds in some of the best
vintage stores in London. Naturally, these are all for the youth, specifically for teenagers and young adults who want to stay on top of or even start new trends. But what about families? What can they expect in Camden? The London Zoo! There's no beating a lovely day in the London Zoo with all your loved ones!
City of London
Make no mistake: all of these boroughs are within the Greater London area. They're all officially part of the British capital even if they're not within the City of London borough. Hence, the borough itself is often simply referred to as “City.” So what separates “City” from the other
neighborhoods in London? Well, the borough serves as the city's historic financial district. This is where you'll find the London Stock Exchange and the Bank of England, two of the most important financial institutions in the country. You'll also see the historic St Paul's Cathedral here, one of the most famous churches in London.
City of Westminster
While the City of London is the financial center of the British capital, the City of Westminster is more so the heart of the city. Specifically, the historic heart of London. Right off the bat, this is the borough of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British Royal Family. You can't get any more historic than that! There's also the iconic Big Ben clocktower, arguably the symbol of London (and by extension, Great Britain too). And finally, there's the grand Westminster Abbey, the very place where countless British monarchs were crowned. It's a sight to see regardless of whether you're a history buff or not.
Greenwich
The Royal Greenwich Borough in London is perhaps the newest on the list. Many of the other central London boroughs on this list and much more beyond have held their statuses for decades, others even centuries. Greenwich, on the other hand, only became an official borough in 2012, in commemoration of the late Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee. Nevertheless, the neighborhoods here, Greenwich & Woolwich, have been around longer than that. The former is even known for having some of the
best pubs in London, including the iconic Old Brewery, the Trafalgar Tavern, the Greenwich Tavern, Cutty Sark, and more.
Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is so big, it's popularly known for its two main parts. The first is in North London, a largely residential part of the British capital. While it's not exactly part of the
London Suburbs, it's fairly near in terms of vibes, nearby facilities, and even the kind of people who live here. Then there's East London, the second half of Hackney. The districts here are grittier but not necessarily rough. Its edginess comes from its alternative culture and youthquake vibes, similar to those in Camden. Here, you can eat in lively pubs, shop at vintage stores, and hang out in hipster bars.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Tudor courtyards, 18th-century gardens, and austere museums define what Hammersmith & Fulham is all about. Though the City of Westminster is the historic heart of London, this borough can easily rival it. Tradition reigns supreme here, from the centuries-old sites that never fail to draw in history buffs to the institutions that have stood the test of time. At the same time, the borough is another of the more residential on the list. From community-based districts to some of the most amazing
luxury homes in London, you ought to consider settling down in Hammersmith & Fulham if you get the chance!
Islington
Don't let the London Borough of Islington's size fool you. While it's undeniably one of the smaller areas on this list, it still takes up a significant part of the city. It's also one of those boroughs that have two sides. The first side is for the history buffs, offering a peek into what Victorian-era London was all about, especially the Charles Dickens-esque corners. The second is the modern and sporty side, since this is the home of the much-beloved Arsenal Football Team, You can't miss their games at the Emirates Stadium!
Kensington & Chelsea
Fashion and style are alive and well in the Kensington & Chelsea borough. Undoubtedly the trendiest area on this list, this place defines and upholds London's status as the British fashion capital Especially the world-famous Chelsea district, home to the best-known designers, the biggest luxury brands, and the best shopping in the city. Practically every day looks like a fashion show here, whether it's
London Fashion Week or not! Kensington, on the other hand, is the more posh side of the borough. Celebrities, politicians, and star athletes have townhouses and penthouses here, relishing in the timeless glamour of the British capital.
Southwark
If you ever
move to London, consider settling down in the Southwark borough. The place offers the best of both worlds. There are many areas that are strictly residential, perfect for starting a family and raising your kids in peace. And other parts are much more lively, filled with trendy restaurants and crowded pubs that have been around for centuries. The well-maintained balance between the two makes Southwark such a coveted address, even for the rich and famous. Don't be too surprised if you suddenly bump into a movie star or a legendary football player here!
Do you know about the central boroughs of London? These are the main districts that characterize the hustle and bustle of the British capital. Some have iconic sites while others have the hottest spots in this cosmopolitan city.
