“When a man is tired of London he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” This quote says it all. London is unique, is vibrant, is exciting, is cosmopolitan and traditional at the same time, and with no doubts is one of the fashion capitals of Europe. You could live a whole life in London yet you will never be able to discover it all for there will always be some hidden, beautiful corners that will escape your attention. However, there are some spots and neighborhoods that one can simply not miss out on, whether you are there for a weekend, a month or a lifetime.
Shoreditch
Known as the hipster area, Shoreditch is the place to be if you are a fan of vintage as well as street style. Starting from the Old Spitafields Market, the area is full of vintage shops where you can both sell and buy the best clothes at the cheapest price. Plus, I like to think of it as the area of creatives: a lot of concept cafes are based here like Ziferblat, the only place where everything is free, you only pay for the time you spend in, or Cereal Killer Café where they sell over 100 different cereals from around the world to give you the sugar rush you need. The neighborhood is also known for its good food, from street food to the Antipodean-inspired café Ozone. Shoreditch will also offer you great drinks and pumped up clubs for a night to remember.
Portobello Road
If you love the movie Notting Hill then you already know what I am talking about. Portobello Road is well famous for its lovely market that offers vintage clothes together with some antiques. The experience of Portobello Road is one to make as the market is surrounded by beautiful and pastel-colored houses that will make you feel as if you are living in a fairytale… while shopping!
Camden Town
Camden Town is one of the most loved and visited neighborhoods by tourists from all over the world. Here you can find London’s most popular open-air market area with stalls, over a thousand shops, pubs and restaurants. It also offers a good range of Goth clothing, if you are into that. Camden will also entertain you with a fun nightlife thanks to its great variety of pubs and the amazing KOKO, a concert venue and a former theatre that becomes a lively- and cheap- night club together with hosting international artists.
Knightsbridge
Whether you are more of a Valentino girl or not, you cannot miss out on Knightsbridge, one of the most glamorous areas of London and in the whole world. Defined as “the epicenter of prestigious vocations and inimitable style”, the area is truly one of a kind for it is a real international retail center. Harrods, the world’s most famous department stores, are located here, surrounded by boutiques and high street brand shops.
Covent Garden
Right in the center of the city, a two Underground stops from Piccadilly Circus, you can find this little corner of magic. Here you can enjoy a wide range of shops, theaters (highly recommended), bars, restaurants and culture. If you are planning to visit London during Christmas time or Easter, you will be astonished by the beauty of this district, especially of the market. I don’t want to add more as I don’t want to spoil the surprise but you will really feel like you are living in a world of fantasy.
Carnaby Street
If the history of fashion is you passion then you must know that this pedestrianized shopping street is where designers such as Mary Quant (and her famous miniskirts), Marion Foale and Sally Tuffin were located. Just a few minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus, the street was also home to Lady Jane, the first ladies’ fashion boutique in the street. Today Carnaby is still a major shopping area and hosts a large number of independent fashion boutiques together with more famous fashion and lifestyle retailers.
Savile Row
Located in Mayfair, in the heart of London, Savile Row is better known for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men. If you are also a Beatles fan you will be excited to know that it was on the rooftop of the building at 3 Savile Row that the iconic band held its final live performance.
These are just a few of London’s coolest and fashionable spots. The city will offer you a wide variety of things to do, places to shop, museums to visit. It is definitely not a cheap city but the feeling you will experience while strolling around London is something priceless and that will stick unto you forever.
