Even at first glance, you can already tell that Bloomsbury is a very stately and elegant
London neighborhood. This treasure trove of Georgian townhouses, posh town squares, and impressive academic institutions highlights the British capital's historic and societal significance. In a way, it represents the grandeur of London, especially the city's role in human and social advancement. You can get a sense that many important things happened here. Nevertheless, Bloomsbury remains a lovely district in which you can stay in London. Learn more about its vibe, the best places to eat around here, and why it's a great option for families to settle down in the city.
Where is Bloomsbury in London?
Located in the famous West End of London, Bloomsbury is part of Camden, one of
London's central boroughs. Its proximity to the city center makes it a popular neighborhood, especially since it's easily accessible through public transport. At the same time, Bloomsbury isn't too far from London's other beloved districts, namely Marylebone, SoHo, Fitzrovia, Clerkenwell, Holborn, Farringdon, and more. It also makes sense that Bloomsbury is a fairly accessible area since this is where many of London's best hospitals and most prestigious universities are located. The neighborhood is supposed to be easy to get to no matter where you're coming from in London.
How Safe is Bloomsbury, London?
Don't let
London's crime rates fool you! Though they tend to be high, there are still many neighborhoods in the city that are generally safe, and one of them is Bloomsbury. As the academic hub of the British capital, Bloomsbury is far from the most dangerous parts of London. Many would even go so far as to say it's one of London's safest districts, especially since the people here are mostly university students, employees of the nearby embassies, and families who live in the area. Bloomsbury is even safe enough for anyone to go out at night on their own, provided that they remain aware of their surroundings.
Is Bloomsbury London Posh?
The jury is still out as to whether Bloomsbury is posh or not. It's undoubtedly one of the more affluent among
London's central neighborhoods, but to say that it's “posh” is somewhat of an exaggeration. Belgravia, Fitzrovia, and Knightsbridge are undeniably posh, but what about Bloomsbury? As the home of prestigious universities, important hospitals, and foreign embassies, there's no denying that the area has a stately significance to it. It's the intellectual center of the British capital but it's far from the most expensive parts of the city. Even the hotspots here are as upscale as those in other districts.
What is Bloomsbury, London Famous for?
As already mentioned, Bloomsbury is the academic hub of London. This is where University College London, one of
London's top universities, is located. Not only is it the most famous part of the neighborhood, but it has also set the overall vibe of Bloomsbury. For example, the university's medical students study and work at the nearby Great Ormond Street Hospital, making it one of the go-to healthcare institutions in the city. The famed British Museum is also located here, serving as a notable place for further academic research in the area. At the same time, many of the other hotspots in Bloomsbury cater to universities, scholars, and the like. They're quieter and not as expensive as other popular places in London.
What to Do in Bloomsbury, London
Bloomsbury is arguably the best place to calm down, broaden your horizons, and discover more about the city (and the world) at large. London tends to be an overwhelming city and Bloomsbury provides a much-needed break from its more stimulating districts. As mentioned, the famous British Museum is located here. It's a great place to explore and learn more about London, the UK, and the rest of the world at a slower pace than normal. You can also go to the cafes and pubs that The Bloomsbury Group—which includes the likes of Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, and Lytton Strachey, among many others—frequented.
Is Bloomsbury a Good Place to Stay in London?
If you're
moving to London, you should consider Bloomsbury as your next hometown. For one thing, it's near the city center so it's an easily accessible location. As the academic hub of London, Bloomsbury is also one of the safest and most peaceful parts of the British capital, making it a suitable place for families. The more chill and slow-paced vibe provides a sense of comfort in the hectic metropolis, so much so that it's practically a slice of the London suburbs near the center of the city. And finally, though it's an affluent district, Bloomsbury is far from the most expensive part of London. Many can easily afford to live here.
Bloomsbury, London's Best Restaurants
Similar to the other central districts, Bloomsbury upholds the city's excellent culinary scene. From some of
London's finest Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional pubs with a fascinating history, the area has some of the best places to eat. What many of them have in common is that they're mostly sophisticated in various ways. Some are high-end hotspots, the kind you'll bring your client to when you want to seal the deal. Others are sophisticated in that they offer the perfect space for various discussions and debates within London's academic hub. Their vibes are highly intellectual but they don't take away from the delicious food served here too. Here are some Bloomsbury restaurants worth checking out.
- Bloomsbury Street Kitchen at 9-13 Bloomsbury St.
- Savoir Faire Restaurant at 42 New Oxford St.
- Honey & Co. Bloomsbury at 54 Lamb's Conduit St.
- Noble Rot at 51 Lamb's Conduit St.
- Salt and Pepper at 5 Bloomsbury St.
- Nonos at 112 Judd St.
- Abeno at 47 Museum St.
- Dalloway Terrace at 16-22 Great Russell St.
- Noizé at 39 Whitfield St.
- Pitted Olive Cafe Restaurant at 3 Leigh St.
What to Know About Bloomsbury, London Apartments for Rent
As already mentioned, Bloomsbury is an affluent part of London but it's not one that people would describe as posh. It's not even that expensive of a place to live either.
Renting a luxury apartment in London is usually expensive and doing so in Bloomsbury is no different. With that said, the average rent here ranges from £2,200.00 and £3,878.00 per month, not too far from the city-wide average, which is about £1,500.00 to £2,100.00 per month. The expenses in Bloomsbury are far from low, but they're also not as high as how much it costs to live in places like Belgravia, Chelsea, and more.
Bloomsbury in London reflects the significant history and academic appeal of the British capital. This elegant district is home to numerous international embassies, prestigious academic institutions, and some of the best hospitals in the city, among many others.
