You can stay in the fanciest of 5 Star Hotels in London and drink in the finest West End Bars, but until you’ve explored all of Central London’s boroughs, you’ll always be missing out. If, as a first-timer to this enormous city, think about how much there is to do right in the centre. Now, just imagine how many hidden gems are scattered around the other boroughs. We’ve made it easy for you by breaking it up into a borough-by-borough guide of the key boroughs and what to eat, drink and do within them.
Camden
Eat
Sometimes people don’t realise just how popular Indian cuisine is in the United Kingdom – in fact, the UK even celebrates National Curry Week in October. One of the best spots to grab Indian food in Camden borough is at Dishoom at Kings Cross, who specialises in small plates and describe their food as being “from Bombay, with love”. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon chai tea, dinner or just a snack you’re after, Dishoom is open all day with varying menus to suit your needs. The naans they serve up are mouth-wateringly delicious and the chai tea deserves some kind of medal.
Museum
Probably one of the most iconic museums in the world in terms of sheer size, expanse and displays, and certainly one of the most important to visit whilst in London: The British Museum. It’s nestled just on the edge of the borough, by Russel Square. It is more than simply a museum of historical significance, but also a tribute to humanity, art and culture. The permanent sections are brandishing eight million pieces, with regularly changing exhibitions too, giving a comprehensive show of society and the British empire from its founding in 1753 until today.
Entertainment
The borough of Camden goes much further south than a lot of people expect, and so inside this borough are the Cambridge and the Shaftesbury Theatre. The Cambridge Theatre is an elegant 1930s theatre which is currently showing Matilda – The Musical. It’s a small but authentic and cosy theatre with great ticket deals available if you book in advance. The Shaftesbury Theatre is the largest independent theatre in the West End and does a bit of everything, from musicals and revivals to dance shows and drama. Fitting to its sophisticated mood, decor and interior, the ageing Edwardian building in which it resides has been refurbished to 21st century standards without losing any of its old-school aesthetic.
Park
Hampstead Heath is a large heath in the north of Camden borough, filling 320 hectares with lush, green parklands, swimming pools and impeccable London views. The view from your perch at Parliament Hill will make you feel like you’ve experienced the whole of London from within one borough, sat in one spot. Take a picnic and your swimming costume down to the communal swimming areas and you’ll forget you’re in the middle of a buzzing metropolitan city.
Market
Camden Market currently has thousands of stalls with food, clothes, decor, sunglasses, arts, crafts – if you can think of it, Camden Market probably has a stall for it. This is a remarkable feat considering that in its conception in 1974, there were only 16 stalls in total. Whether you’re just hoping to mosey along the stalls until something catches your eye, or wanting to find something in particular, you can do this all with delicious street food in hand and often a view of Regent’s Canal and the quirky little houseboats that float along it.
Greenwich
Eat
Head to The Greenwich Tavern for some hearty, freshly prepared pub food like their crispy fish and chips, while overlooking Greenwich Park. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter meal, like a fresh garden salad or a fresh bowl of bubbling soup, then walk right to the middle of the park and you’ll find a little scattering of restaurants, but the best one to park yourself in is The Pavillion Café. Reminiscent of a little observatory, you’re surrounded by light and greenery.
Museum
Not to be missed when exploring the Royal Borough of Greenwich is the Royal Observatory, overlooking Greenwich Park and the River Thames. Once Wren’s 18th-century astronomical observatory, it is now a museum with a planetarium. Learn all there is to understand about this journey through space and time at the Prime Meridian.
Entertainment
At the turn of the century, if you asked a Londoner where they thought the best venue for music, football and entertainment would be, they’d never have answered the O2 Centre in Greenwich. Yet, after its opening in 2007, the O2 has done nothing but climb in stature and is now one of the best arenas to see live performances and sport. More than that, it’s an entire centre for entertainment – there’s trampolining, bowling, films, climbing, dining and more.
Park
As you may have guessed from the references previously made, Greenwich Park is the biggest park in the area and a lovely experience for the whole family. Further south of and attached to this green expanse is Blackheath Common, though, which is also well-worth a visit and well-known for its pumping music festival, On Blackheath Festival.
Market
Greenwich Market was established in 1737, so it’s safe to say people have been going and loving it for a while now. It’s located in Greenwich town centre, making it London’s only market within a world heritage site. It’s open every day of the week from 10am to 5.30pm and is bustling with food, antique stores and little cafés worth popping into as you wander.
Hackney
Eat
Head to Jidori in Dalston if you’re in the mood for some authentic Japanese cuisine in Hackney borough. They’re well-known for the yakitori sticks, which are essentially skewered chicken but much more – they’re packed with flavour. If you’re thinking you might be more in the mood for some Mexican flavours, then head to Del74 in Dalston and order their mouth-watering tacos and margaritas.
Museum
Hackney Museum is unlike some of the other recommended museums, because it’s very specific to the borough itself. That doesn’t take away from the historical impact and emotional response it induces in its visitors, though. The museum shows experiences of people through the ages who have found themselves in Hackney, starting with the Anglo-Saxon settlers, moving onto the early Victorian villas that were built and finishing with recent refugees.
Entertainment
Hackney Picturehouse takes film-watching to a whole new level. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill cinema, but rather an artsy, quirky, individual experience. There’s an expansive bar area, great snacks, comfy chairs and it is a unique, memorable experience for everyone.
Park
Hackney Downs, Clissold Park and Abney Park will tick all the boxes you’re checking when looking for a green, outdoor area to unwind in. However, a truly special outdoor experience can be had at the Woodberry Wetlands. This is a lovely place to relax by the water, or do some water sports from the West Reservoir Centre.
Market
Broadway Market in Hackney is a Sunday market which dates back as far as the 1890s, long before the likes of the Apollo Theatre or The Montcalm London was built. Expect to find delicious food, trendy stores with fashionable, quirky items and plenty of cool people and good music. It gets really busy, but that mainly adds to the hustle and bustle attached to exploring London’s east side on the weekends.
Hammersmith and Fulham
Eat
Bistro Mirey, a French-Japanese restaurant in Hammersmith, is as interesting as it sounds. Whether it’s a glass of Bordeaux or Sake you’re after, this hybrid of culture and cuisine always delivers. The flavours of the two regions shine through the cooking without ever feeling like they’re clashing.
Entertainment
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire is a landmark live music venue that has become known as the best place in London to see incredible performers live as well as up-and-coming stars. Their comedy nights are also an excellent way to see who’s on the comedy circuit this year.
Park
Wormwood Scrubs is often overlooked when contemplating the best outdoor spots to hang out in London. Though it’s a great spot for a perch or picnic, it’s also well-known for its wildlife and bird-watching. So take a pair of binoculars and check out some of the wildlife that London has to offer! If you’re into horses, then check out the Wormwood Pony Centre.
Market
No matter where you are in London, people flock to the Shepherd’s Bush Market. So, if you’re looking to explore the Hammersmith and Fulham borough anyway, then you’re in luck. It’s on the east side of the railway viaduct for the Hammersmith and City line, so you won’t miss it. You’ll find food from nearly every country you can think of, beautiful jewellry, trinkets, clothes and fabrics, as well as fresh fruit and vegetable stands.
Islington
Eat
Just off the train from Drayton Park, you’ll find Holloway’s Westerns Laundry. Westerns Laundry is a modern European restaurant namely specialising in Spanish and British small plates and wine. Though all the food on their menu is delicious and fresh, their seafood is noteworthy, to say the least. No matter what you have off of their daily menu, you won’t be disappointed and the seafood will always be of the freshest variety.
Museum
Similarly to Hackney, Islington Museum pays tribute to the borough and its history. There are regular free exhibitions, talks, events and guided tours displaying the museum’s passionate for the area, its development and about showing other people what the area has had and continues to have to offer.
Entertainment
Not only does O2 Academy Islington host regular live music events and concerts, but there is also a weekly club night that people queue down the street to attend. Whether you’re headed back to The Marble Arch by Montcalm London after your night of partying, or to the local chip shop, you’ll wake up with a smile on your face and an itch to go back as soon as you can.
Park
Highbury Fields Park and Garden are an unmissable stop when visiting and exploring the borough of Islington. The 11.75 hectares of lawn seem even bigger when you’re surrounded by lines of trees, because you realise that there’s so much space, green and such an absence of city-scape that you could be in the middle of nature rather than a bustling city. You can relax on the grass, bring some sports equipment along and kick a ball around whilst having a picnic, or take a stroll and observe the Islington Boer War Memorial. The options are plentiful!
Market
In 1999, the first farmer’s market opened in Islington. Today, numerous people head to the Islington Farmer’s Market to get their plants, cheese, fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. But you don’t need to be shopping to cook to enjoy the spread that’s on offer. You might just want to get a coffee and a freshly baked cake or bread roll. If you were planning a picnic in Highbury Fields Park, then this would be an ideal pitstop.
Kensington and Chelsea
Eat
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a great spot to be hungry, because there are so many options. If you liked the sound of Kings Cross’ Dishoom but only have time to unpack Kensington and Chelsea, then don’t worry because there’s another branch in Kensington that’s just as incredible. Otherwise, head to Melabes for chic European small plates that embrace the rustic setting while still offering a modern take on classic Mediterranean cuisine.
Museum
If it’s a museum you’re after, then this is the borough for you. There’s the world-famous Natural History Museum, which sits alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum in Kensington. Kensington also attracts visitors to the Design Museum and Leighton House Museum. Then there’s the National Army Museum and the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea.
Entertainment
Cadogan Hall, a short walk from Sloane Square station, is one of London’s finest live music venues for orchestral performances. Though home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and their classical music programme, the venue sometimes doubles up as a venue for events such as the Women’s Prize for Fiction Reading night in 2019. This 20th-century hall’s acoustics ensure that the music will sweep you off your feet.
Park
Kensington Gardens is everything you could ask a borough to provide. Inside, there is ample grass and relaxing space, as well as art galleries, cafés, ponds, swans and Kensington Palace itself, ready and waiting to be photographed for your holiday albums.
Market
One of London’s most impressive markets, as well as the world’s largest antiques market is Portobello Road Market. The riches of ages can be found along the quaint and colourful streets of Nottinghill. There are over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectable. It’s also scattered with incredible pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés to keep you well fuelled for your day of exploration. The market can now be split into the following sections: secondhand goods, clothing, household essentials, fruit, vegetables and other food, and antiques.
Wandsworth
Eat
Augustine Kitchen is the kind of candle-lit French bistro you can expect to find in a tiny village in the French Alps and yet here it is, nestled on the Battersea riverside, offering up small plates and mains of an incredibly high standard. The restaurateurs behind the menu have put great effort into making this restaurant something special and memorable, and the service staff make sure that this is mirrored in the experience guests have from the moment they arrive until they leave the building. The set-price menu is reasonable and a great way to sample the restaurant’s food without breaking the bank too much. But be warned: after a sample, you’ll be wanting to bring back everyone you know for special occasions.
Museum
Though there are none of the big-name museums you’ll read about before coming to London, Wandsworth has some incredible niche museums that are bound to pique your interest. The London Sewing Machine Museum has a series of vintage sewing exhibitions, showcasing the industry and craft hobby through the years and the developments therein. There’s also the Wandsworth Prison Museum, which is arguably the smallest museum in London as it’s simply a small garage of memorabilia, but also one of the most fascinating. See London’s history through the eyes of its prison system.
Entertainment
Head to Putney Comedy Club to get your gut-aching laughs in for the trip. It’s a new addition to Putney and has been vitally instrumental in the entertainment life in the area. Comedians and cabaret artists get the crowds flocking to this club to hear funny, diverse comedy shows every Saturday night.
Park
This area is certainly not lacking when it comes to open, green areas to wind down and enjoy nature. There’s Clapham Common, Wandsworth Common, Tooting Bec Commons, Putney Heath and the northern tip of Wimbledon and Putney Commons. Picnickers, children, dogs and walkers can all be found having a grand time most of the day in these top spots.
Market
Get yourself to Tooting Market. This long-running, covered market is one of Tooting’s finest draws for tourists. It’s South London’s finest market and has won numerous awards. The fact that it’s primarily (if not completely) indoors makes a big difference in London and means that you can visit anytime and know you’ll have a wonderful experience, unaffected by weather issues. It has just expanded, adding Yard Market, which just goes to show how much traction and popularity the area is gaining over time.
Westminster
Eat
Home of The Marble Arch by Montcalm London, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, Westminster borough has been saved for last because it is probably the area that most first-timers to London are dying to visit. But before heading to Buckingham Palace, you’ll need something in your stomach to ready you for the exploration that’s awaiting you in Westminster. This area is brimful of restaurant options, whether you want to go all out with the world-famous chef and visit Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, or whether you’re looking for more of a relaxed but delicious pizza at Sicily Restaurant in Belgravia.
Museum
Sightseeing will be top of your to-do list when visiting Westminster, so here are the unmissables: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tate Britain and Marble Arch. Once you’ve checked off all these famous landmarks, there are museums that are mind-bogglingly enriching and entertaining. Head to any of these for a great time: The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Madame Tussauds London and The National Gallery. Arts, culture, tourism and history is overflowing out of Westminster, so make sure to make the most of it.
Entertainment
It depends on what sort of entertainment you’re after, but Westminster usually has a bit of everything. If you’re looking to listen to classical music from within the walls of a Victorian masterpiece of architecture, then look no further than the Royal Albert Hall. The London Palladium is where to B-line for if you’re wanting to see some musical theatre. Lord’s Cricket Ground is an inspiring spot to watch one of England’s favourite sports, while fans of The Beatles ought to head to Abbey Road Studios for a tour or an event they’re hosting.
Park
While you could have visited some of Hyde Park when in Kensington and Chelsea borough, the bulk of this impressive, expansive park sits in Westminster. The café and restaurant in the middle, Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, is a great spot to look at The Long Water and admire the birds and swans. Alternatively, head north of the borough to visit Regent’s Park, yet another green space that makes you forget you’re in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. Admire the flowers, sculptures and water features whilst admiring the royal housing that runs alongside it. It backs onto London Zoo, which is a real treat of an activity.
Market
Shepherd Market – not to be confused with Shepherd’s Bush Market in Hammersmith and Fulham – is nestled in Westminster borough’s Mayfair area. Shop, eat and drink in one of London’s most high-class areas, admiring the architecture and boutique stores as you go.
With so many boroughs to navigate, what will you explore during your next visit to London? Wherever you decide to go, The Montcalm has a range of 5 star hotels in London, from Marble Arch to Shoreditch.
To make the most of your stay, join The Montcalm Club to start racking up points and reaping the rewards.
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