When you think of London, it’s easy to imagine a sprawling city with skyscrapers and historic buildings, bustling markets and crowded Tube stations. While all those things certainly characterise the British capital, it’s also important to remember that London is not a homogenous city – it has different neighbourhoods and regions, each with its ownlocal flavour. All these unique experience can be yours when you spend some time staying and leisuring at London best Park Grand Kensington accommodation.
One of the most commonly cited divides between areas of London is East London vs West London – and it’s easy to see why. West London is typically seen as the more posh side of the city, while East London is known for being a bit more gritty.
Although these descriptions might make visitors think twice before heading east, it’s also important to note that East London has loads to offer.Its less wealthy past gives it a unique character and parts of the region are becoming very trendy. Pluswith the city’s increasing gentrification, areas that were once very poor are being redeveloped at a fast pace. This means that while the old stereotypes may still be believed, in many cases they are no longer accurate. With the increasing popularity of tourists visit to these places, there had established many 4 star hotels in Kensington London
Defining East and West London
While the East and West divide is a common way of describing parts of London, the city is usually actually split into five sections: Central, North, East, South and West.
East London is usually defined as the boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Greenwich, Hackney, Havering, Lewisham, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.The East End of London is part of East London, and the term is normally used to describethe area around Tower Hamlets, as well as some of southern Hackney.
West London includes the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames.Note that the West End of London is actually part of Central London. It contains many of the city’s main tourist attractions, as well as the West End theatres.
Bars
Whether you’re looking for an exciting night out or a quiet drink at a traditional boozer, the bars and pubs in both East and West London are sure to deliver.
East London
- Hawksmoor Spitalfields Bar – Located below Spitalfields’ Resatuarant, this stylish bar has a gorgeous interior with turquoise tile and plenty of secluded booths, and it serves an array of tasty cocktails too.
- Sager and Wilde – This wine bar on Hackney Road is a trendy spot with an industrial setting and staff that’s well versed in all things vino. There are plenty of delicious snack items too – but with an always-changing menu, you’ll have to find out what’s on offer yourself.
- Peg and Patriot – This bar near Shoreditch offers a unique selection of cocktails with unusual flavours like Marmite, brie and burnt eucalyptus.
West London
- Smiths – This cocktail bar is located in the basement of the Brook Green hotel in Hammersmith. It has a stylish atmosphere with exposed brick walls, velvet upholstery and low lighting, giving it the ambience of a drinking den in Paris or New York.
- The North Star – This cosy traditional pub in Ealing is known for its vibrant crowd and comfortable beer garden. It offers a wide range of real ales, speciality draught lagers, beers and ciders. And if you’re feeling hungry, the menu features delicious pub grub and there’s also a tasty Sunday roast
- The White Cross – A riverside pub in Richmond, this pub offers glorious views of the Thames from its spacious beer garden. Its food and drinks are fabulous too.
Markets
If you want toshop, grab a bargain, sample delicious food or just sit back and watch the world go by, a trip to a London market offers something for everyone. East London is home to many of the bigger markets, but you can find plenty of lively shopping areas in West London too.
East London
- Petticoat Lane –This massive Sunday market in Aldgate comprises more than a thousand stalls covering Middlesex Street, Wentworth Street and the surrounding lanes and walkways. It has been operating for more than a hundred years and offers a broad range of goods from clothing and fabrics to rugs, electronics and bed linen. And if you’re looking for a deal, be prepared to haggle.
- Old Spitalfields –There has been a market on the site of Old Spitalfieldssince 1638 when King Charles gave a license for meat, poultry and vegetables to be sold in what was then a rural area on the eastern outskirts of London. Today, this covered market takes place in two Grade II listed buildings from the late 19th century, as well as an extension that was built in 1926.
- Brick Lane –A massive market in the East End, Brick Lane offers a variety of stalls selling leather goods, crafts, second-hand items, furniture and bric-a-brac. In recent years it has also become known as something of a foodie haven, and at the Old Truman Breweryyou’ll find plenty of specialty food stalls – or you could always try one of the many curry houses that the area is famous for.
- Columbia Road Flower Market –Situated in a road of Victorian shops off Hackney Road, this Sunday market is open from 8am to 3ish. It’s a bright and colourful place to be, even on the drizzliest of mornings, and you’ll find a huge range of beautiful plants and flowers.
- Billingsgate Fish Market –The UK’s largest inland fish market, Billingsgate merchants sell a combined 25,000 tonnes of seafood products every year. While the market may be aimed primarily at the wholesale industry, individuals are welcome to browse the stands, shops and cafes.
- Greenwich Market –Located in the heart of historic maritime Greenwich, this market offers a variety of boutique stalls selling goods from designer-makers, as well as antiques and plenty of delicious food.
West London
- New Shepherd’s Bush Market –This is a colourful community market that reflects the multicultural nature of the local area. Here, you’ll find exotic fish, Halal meats and African-Caribbean produce. You’ll also find a range of other products such as clothing, shoes, jewellery, fabric, linens, music and electronics.
- North End Road Market –At this market in Fulham, you’ll mainly findfresh fruit and vegetables, but be on the look out for deals on clothing, records, crafts and bric-a-brac too.
- Acton Market –Situated in the heart of ActonTown Centre, this market has a number of stalls selling everything from arts and handmade crafts, through to jewellery and candles. There’s also a thriving Farmers’ market where you can get some delicious farm-fresh produce.
Art and culture
Once you’ve finished eating, drinking and shopping, there’s still plenty left to do in both East London and West London, with both areas offering a range of options in terms of art and culture.
East London
- Horniman Museum –This fascinating museum in Forest Hill offers an eclectic mix of ancient artefacts, musical instruments and natural history. It also has beautiful gardens and a large aquarium.
- The Whitechapel Gallery – Designed in a distinctive Arts and Crafts architecture style, this was Britain’s first purpose-built arts gallery. It offers an ever-changing programme of works and has shown works by up-and-coming artists as well as iconic pieces by Picasso, Jackson Pollock and David Hockney.
- The V&A Museum of Childhood – Located in Bethnal Green, this museum houses a collection of objects dating from the 1600s to present day. Items on display include toys, dolls and games as well as objects relating to various aspects of childhood like home, learning and clothing.
West London
- Headstone Manor Museum – This historic site in Harrow is a 14th-century moated manor house, and was formerly the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Built around 1310, the house now contains the Harrow Museum, which hosts a number of temporary exhibitions and permanent displays.
- London Motor Museum –Located in Hayes, this museum boasts the largest collections of classic and custom automobiles in Europe. It has more than 200 vehicles, ranging from sportscars and muscle cars to two styles of Batmobile.
FAQs
What is the difference between East London and West London? ›
While east London is full of tower blocks, west London is home to more celebrities and comes with a more glamorous, wealthy capital city feel. Live in west London and you're a lot more likely to run into famous faces. Some people feel it's worth the price tag.
Why is East London so popular? ›No two streets in east London are the same. As famous for Jack the Ripper as it is for Brick Lane, the area is a cultural melting pot where you can get involved with a diverse range activities from watching sporting events in the Olympic Park to browsing independent galleries in Hoxton.
What is West London known for? ›The most special feature of West London is that it is the home of the city's elite, the rich and the famous. In addition to stunning structures, West London also boasts of spectacular shopping plazas, galleries, museums as well as the royal palace.
What is London known for tourism? ›Big Ben, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St Paul's Cathedral, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life London Aquarium. The most popular tourist places in London include the cultural heart of the city, Soho, the green suburbs of Hampstead and the Royal Parks like Richmond Park.
What kind of place is East London? ›East London (Xhosa: eMonti; Afrikaans: Oos-Londen) is a city on the southeast coast of South Africa in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality of the Eastern Cape province. The city lies on the Indian Ocean coast, largely between the Buffalo River and the Nahoon River, and hosts the country's only river port.
Is West London a good area? ›Home to some of the most beautiful and affluent areas in the capital, West London offers many desirable places for renters. From relaxing riverside views and world-renowned parklands to a bold creative and culinary scene, you'll find a strong sense of community on this side of London.
What is nicer East or West London? ›West London is typically seen as the more posh side of the city, while East London is known for being a bit more gritty.
Is East London worth visiting? ›It has many popular attractions, including Aquarium, Park Game Private Reserve, making it well worth a visit. East london is a city in Eastern Cape, South Africa. It has many popular attractions, including Aquarium, Park Game Private Reserve, making it well worth a visit.
What is the vibe of East London? ›It means the vibe is very different to West and Central London – younger, cooler and a little bit shabbier (in a good way). Come to East London for the best markets in the capital, atmospheric old-school boozers, history, street food, street art and envelope-pushing restaurants (many of them now with Michelin stars).
Is West London fun? ›It's incredible to explore, especially with all the exciting neighbourhoods that are dotted all across the city. From the fun spots in South London, the edgy vibes of East London, to the best things to do in West London – you're going to be spoilt for choice on places to visit.
Why is West London so expensive? ›
West London is home to some of the city's most exclusive postcodes and as a result, prices can be high in this area. However, it's also possible to get a bargain in some of the region's up-and-coming areas, so it's just a case of knowing where to look if you want to buy a more affordable property.
Which area in London has most tourist attractions? ›West End. The West End has it all, when it comes to pleasing tourists: great entertainment, plenty of tourist attractions and shopping. The National Portrait Gallery, the London Transport Museum, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, The National Gallery and The Royal Academy of Arts can all be found here ...
Why is London a popular tourist attraction? ›London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities. Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line medieval laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters. Picturesque streets and avenues connect renowned attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St.
What is the nicest area in East London? ›- Canary Wharf. Whether you're looking for an apartment or a house in East London, Canary Wharf is one of the most popular neighborhoods. ...
- Shoreditch. Shoreditch is one of the best places to live in London. ...
- Bethnal Green. ...
- Isle of Dog. ...
- Hackney. ...
- Tower Hamlets. ...
- Spitalfields. ...
- 8 .
Buying a house in East London is considerably more affordable than in other areas of the UK's capital. Although recent gentrification in some areas like Hackney has led to inflated house prices, it's still possible to get a bargain in cheaper areas, including East Ham, Plaistow and Manor Park.
What is the safest part of London? ›Richmond and Twickenham have been considered as the safest boroughs in 2022. Richmond is the safest place to live in the capital.
Is West London the richest part of London? ›5. Chelsea. Chelsea is one of the richest neighbourhoods in London, a district situated in west London. It's known for its fashionable and expensive shops and restaurants, as well as being home to many of the richest people in the world.
What is the safest area in West London? ›Is West London safe? Much of West London is a very safe place to live. Richmond is the London area with the lowest crime rate of all, according to police figures. Meanwhile, Westminster is often cited as the London borough with the highest overall crime rate.
Is Chelsea in East London? ›Chelsea is an affluent area in West London, England, due south-west of Charing Cross by approximately 2.5 miles.
What is nice about East London? ›Sandy shores, pristine waters, and sensational scenery, East London is known for its nightlife and beautiful beaches which will leave you with endless beach days and tons of fun in the sun for holidaymakers and residents alike.
Is Port Elizabeth in East London? ›
Cities You Need to Visit in the Eastern Cape, Port Elizabeth, East London - South Africa. The Eastern Cape is the second largest province in South Africa.
Is East London cheaper than West London? ›It's cheaper to live in East London
Now we all know that London is the most expensive city in the world, but that doesn't stop the places to the east of Oxford Circus being cheaper than places to the west of Oxford Circus. A recent study reported that a single square metre of property in Chelsea costs nearly £11,000.
- Barking and Dagenham.
- City of London.
- Greenwich.
- Hackney.
- Havering.
- Islington.
- Newham.
- Redbridge.
In 1847 a post, known as Fort Buffalo, was built on the west bank of the river. On 14 January 1848 the new Governor, Sir Harry Smith, formally annexed the port and its surrounding territory to a radius of about 3 km to the Cape Colony and named it East London.
What do you wear on a shopping day in London? ›No matter what time of year you are visiting, if you are planning what to wear in London there are a few key items which are great all year round. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, a small umbrella, comfortable shoes, a jacket, jeans and layers and you can't go far wrong.
How many nights in London is enough? ›For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites.
How much spending money do you need per day in London? ›While London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, it is possible to visit on a budget with an average trip to London costing £75-£180 per day (roughly $89-214 USD). You can budget at the lower end if staying in budget accommodation, cooking your own meals and visiting mainly free attractions.
Where can I walk in West London? ›- West London walks in Notting Hill. The first of my west London walks is in Notting Hill. ...
- West London walks in Kensington. The second of my west London walks is in Kensington. ...
- West London walks in South Kensington. ...
- West London walks in Holland Park. ...
- West London walks in Chelsea.
Cockney is an accent and dialect of English, mainly spoken in London and its environs, particularly by working-class and lower middle-class Londoners.
What does West London include? ›It consists of the London Boroughs of Brent, Harrow, Ealing, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hillingdon, Hounslow and the Richmond upon Thames.
Which side of London is most expensive? ›
The richest and most expensive neighbourhoods in London are definitely Chelsea, Kensington, Mayfair, and Knightsbridge! These neighbourhoods are known for their fashionable and expensive shops and restaurants, as well as being home to many of the richest people in the world.
What is the cheapest area in West London? ›Right now, Hounslow is the West London area offering the lowest average property price. Overall, prices are rising across the borough after a slight drop overall in 2022. It's little wonder prices are on the rise, as Hounslow certainly has a lot to offer.
What is the most expensive town in London? ›- 1.1 1. Kensington and Chelsea.
- 1.2 2. City of Westminster.
- 1.3 3. Camden.
- 1.4 4. City of London.
- 1.5 5. Hammersmith and Fulham.
- 1.6 6. Richmond upon Thames.
- 1.7 7. Islington.
- 1.8 8. Hackney.
1. Eiffel Tower, Paris. Spring flowers in front of the Eiffel Tower. The symbol of Paris and one of the most photographed structures in the world, a visit to the Eiffel Tower is a must for all travelers. Few landmarks inspire such a passion for travel as this single iron structure.
Which part of London is top boy set? ›The series is set in the fictional Summerhouse estate in the London Borough of Hackney and focuses on two drug dealers Dushane (Ashley Walters) and Sully (Kane Robinson) along with others involved with drug-dealing and gang violence in London.
Is the West End of London wealthy? ›Because many of its neighbourhoods and retail districts are among the more affluent of the metropolis, the West End is considered the fashionable end of London.
Where is the cafe used in Top Boy? ›We returned to locations that we established in the previous season, like Café Number One [on Hackney's Well Street], Ridley Road [in Dalston] and the bench that Jamie and his brothers sit on in Victoria Park.
What school is Top Boy filmed? ›Top Boy filming locations: Ark Walworth Academy, Southwark
This co-educational secondary school and sixth-form academy was used for several of the show's school sequences, with real students often appearing as extras.
The hit action film, Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, was filmed in 1986 at multiple San Diego county locations, most notably a home located on Pacific Street in Oceanside.