Whether you’re new to the city or you’ve stayed at the Montcalm Hotel London City before, the English capital spans a staggering 1700 square kilometres and consists of 32 boroughs, meaning that just one trip won’t see you getting a full picture of the city’s expanse. London’s got a lot to it and with almost 2000 years of history, the city has become one of the most popular tourist attractions thanks to the famous figures, stories and mystique that surrounds it.
In turn, this has meant that there are a few key streets across London that stand out as hallmarks of the city. Whether due to historic government institutions stationed on them or thanks to local legends that have exploded out from the paved paths, the city of London is packed with must-visit streets, whether for their landmarks or for their amenities. This blog will outline some of the must visit streets for guests of our London hotel special offers, spanning from east to west and north to south. This guide to London’s favourite streets will help you plan your next London itinerary and give you a few tips for things to tick off your list.
Abbey Road
Best known for being the home of the famous recording studio, Abbey Road has featured as the name of a Beatles Album and has been the recording studio for other famous musicians including Elvis Presely, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones. Abbey Road is located between Swiss Cottage and Camden, and though its main feature may be a privately owned recording studio, there are tours you can book of its premises.
Baker Street
Baker Street is probably most famous for being the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes’s address, and even has a museum charting the life of his writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as well as imagined depictions of Sherlock’s apartment at 221B Baker Street (an address that doesn’t actually exist). Other attractions on Northwest London’s Baker Street include Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum, a highly popular museum that recreates wax figurines of famous celebrities, historic figures and fictional characters from literature, film and television.
Electric Avenue
Made famous by the 1983 Eddy Grant song of the same name, Electric Avenue is a market street in the centre of Brixton that has long been remembered for being the focal point of the 1981 Brixton Riots. Though the area is far less tumultuous than it was in the early 80s’, Brixton is still an energising and exciting area to visit, especially for a stellar night out.
Bermondsey Street
Bermondsey Street is just a 10 minute walk from London Bridge and is home to art galleries, artisan cafes and museums, a popular meeting place for tourists in London interested in art, culture and of course, coffee! Furthermore, local secret - The Bermondsey Beer Mile - is a must for fans of artisan brews looking for locally made ales and beers, and the selection of breweries and taprooms actually stretches for more than a mile!
Peckham High Street
Peckham High Street is a favourite among music and art lovers and young people, representing a medley of different cultures brought together by the street’s markets and music venues. Check out the entertainment complex of Bussey Building and Peckham Levels for an unforgettable night out in southeast London.
Cable Street
This East End icon is situated between Stepney Green and Whitechapel and was made famous for the protest that occurred here during the 1930s’. In opposition to a march by the British Union of Fascists in 1936 under the Nazi sympathiser Oswald Mosley, the Anti-Fascist Movement of London rallied against them in a counter protest that boiled over on Cable Street. The “battle” that took place has been commemorated by murals and plaques now installed on Cable Street as a testament to the inclusive and multicultural ethos of the city.
Columbia Road
This scenic road in East London’s Bethnal Green area is famous for its historic flower market that has been running since the 1860s. This beautiful area of East London is festooned with multicoloured houses and sees a Sunday morning flower market take over the terraced street. Expect bouquets, house plants and much more, all sold by London plant growers and traders in an area of East London abundant with bars, cafes and charm.
Brick Lane
Another East London staple, the many curry houses and bars of Brick Laner are enough to rival even our restaurants near Finsbury Square. Alongside the Bangladeshi and Jewish eateries lining this famous Shoreditch lane, you’ll find vintage fashion, record shops and bars that make Brick Lane one of the most happening weekend streets. For foodies, don’t miss the Sunday food markets in Truman’s Brewery, and for music lovers Rough Trade East is a record store and music venue that often hosts album launches and record signings.
Downing Street
Home to the Cabinet Office and Prime Minister's residence, the gated street near Parliament might not be accessible for any one but police and civil servants, but it’s certainly photographable from outside.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the busiest high streets in Europe and spans about a mile through central West London. A stone’s throw from Soho and Picadilly Circus, Oxford Street’s many flagship department stores are must-visits for shopaholics looking to hit up the boutique fashion chains of the city.
Portobello Road
Though it mainly sold fresh food up until the 1940s’, Portobello Market has ended up as a symbol of London’s market culture, not least because of its pleasing aesthetic and high end neighbourhood. Here you’ll find antique markets on a Saturday whilst clothes, bric a brac, food and more are sold throughout the week on this famous market street.
Exhibition Row
Named after the Great Exhibition of 1851, Exhibition Row is part of Albertopolis, a collection of public institutions developed and planned by Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert. On Exhibition Row, visitors will find three of the city’s most famous museums, including the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum of Design, all free to visit!
