Great Britain - London, A Taste of Neighborhoods & Shopping

While enjoying all the wonderful sites of London is great, it is also important to take time to slow down and leisurely explore the neighborhoods too. London is an international city and its neighborhoods reflect its diversity. Running from site to site to see everything can be exhausting. I always hit the most important places on my list, but assume I’ll return to see the rest someday. Wandering the neighborhoods, popping into a little boutique or café, joining the locals as they shop at an open market, or enjoying a picnic in a park or on the banks of a river can all be just as rewarding as any site.

Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square

If visiting the National Gallery, spend time in London’s main square and center of national democracy, Trafalgar Square. The Square's name commemorates the Battle of Trafalgar, the 1805 British navy’s victory off the coast of Cape Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars. The square opened in 1844 with the 169-foot Nelson's Column as its centerpiece, guarded by four lion statues. The fountains were added later. In July 2003 a massive transformation was completed. The north terrace was pedestrianized, linking it to the National Gallery. The square is a beehive of activity and is great for people watching.

A Little Opera in Covent Garden

London’s west end is full of interesting areas. Piccadilly Circus is akin to New York City’s Times Square, complete with neon signs and a bit of riffraff. There is some fun shopping in the area and nearby there are theaters and Chinese restaurants offering entertainment and reasonably priced food. Just north of Piccadilly is the trendy Soho district. Good pubs and restaurants share the area with the city’s red-light district.

A few years back we stayed near Covent Garden and found the area to be delightful. The covered marketplace dates to medieval times. Today’s structure was built in 1830 to house stalls of produce. In 1973 the stalls were turned into boutiques and cafés. Street performers, who audition for the privilege, are assigned times to play their instruments or sing in the courtyard. Some amazing opera can be heard here. Not far from Covent Garden is London’s theater district boasting all the latest shows. We saw Lion King a few years back.

Portobello Road in Notting Hill

Hyde Park is to London what Central Park is to New York City. Once Henry VIII’s hunting grounds, the over 600-acre park boasts beautiful green spaces and an impressive man-made lake with rental boats and a lakeside swimming pool. The western half of the park is called Kensington Gardens. The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain honors the late Princess of Wales who used to live at Kensington Palace.

West London is known for its posh department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and Harvey Nichols. Mayfair is a lovely, upscale neighborhood to walk about. If money is no object, these are the areas to shop, but for fun shops and stalls there are much better options.

A Bit of Whimsy in Camden

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is an amusing street to stroll and to pick up some funky items, vintage goods or perhaps an antique or two. We were there on a Friday when, along with Saturdays, the street is turned into a festival full of flea market stalls, food huts and music. It’s fun to spend a few hours browsing about.

For a real kick, the best shopping place is Camden Lock Market. Shoppers can watch boats navigate locks along a pretty canal, enjoy lunch and browse boutiques, food markets and craft stalls all in one place. And did I mention the crazy storefronts lining the street? This is most definitely an amusing place to while away some time.

This, of course, is just a small sampling of neighborhoods and shopping areas worth exploring. There are places for everyone of different tastes to have lots of fun. Next, I'll talk about a couple of easy side trips from London.