London

**London** is the capital and largest city in Britain, and one of the largest cities on Earth.

## Neighborhoods

London can be divided up into a few main regions, each of which is made up of distinct neighborhoods.

### Central London

This is the heart of the city, characterized by historic landmarks, major museums and cultural institutions. It encompasses key areas like the City of London (the financial district), Westminster (home to major government buildings), the West End (known for entertainment and shopping), and Bloomsbury (noted for cultural and literary traditions). The West End includes such areas as Soho, Mayfair, Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

Central London includes most of the city's most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, the British Museum, the Old Bailey, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Savoy Hotel. It is home to most of the important British government institutions, including the Houses of Parliament, No. 10 Downing Street, the Bank of England, Scotland Yard and Whitehall. It contains many notable streets, including Oxford Street, Regent Street, Drury Lane, Charing Cross Road, Fleet Street, Savile Row, Bond Street and Carnaby Street. London's best-known parks are in the Central region, including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park and St. John's Park. Area train stations include Kings Cross Station, Saint Pancras, Paddington Station and Victoria Station.

### West London

This sector is known for its affluent neighborhoods like Kensington and Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Hammersmith. It includes areas with high-end shopping, numerous embassies, and well-maintained parks like Hyde Park. King's Road is in West London.

### East London

Traditionally the working-class heartland of the city, with neighborhoods like Whitechapel and Limehouse, it has undergone significant regeneration, especially in areas like Shoreditch, Canary Wharf (a major business district), and Stratford (site of the 2012 Olympics). It's known for its vibrant street art, diverse communities, and trendy cafes and bars. Two of London's most recognizable landmarks, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, are located in East London.

### North London

Characterized by a mix of urban and residential areas, it includes trendy and culturally diverse neighborhoods like Camden and Islington, as well as quieter, leafy suburbs like Hampstead and Highgate, which have large parks and open spaces. Grub Street is in North London.

### South London

Known for its diversity, it includes large residential areas, diverse communities, and attractions like the Southbank Centre, Borough Market, and Greenwich. Places like Clapham, Brixton and Wimbledon are part of this sector, each with its unique vibe and attractions. Waterloo Station and the London Eye are in South London.

### Outer London

This encompasses the suburban areas that ring the more central sectors. It includes parts of Greater London that are more residential and less densely populated, with neighborhoods varying significantly in character, from affluent suburban to more middle-class and working-class areas.

## External Link

**Coordinates:** 51°30′26″N 0°7′39″W

**Wikipedia:** London