London’s coolest neighbourhoods: part two

Here's round two of the capital’s coolest corners — where vintage shops meet rooftop bars, where canal walks lead into warehouse raves, and where you can go from an oat flat white to a tucked away art gallery in less than 30 mins.

Thought we were done? We’re pleased to say — not even close. London’s bursting at the seams with cool corners — and while part one gave you rooftop bars, record shops, and canal-side hangs, round two dives even deeper into a whole host of other neighbourhoods dotted about London Town.

From haunted pubs and hidden galleries to spicy eats and street art trails, these 15 neighbourhoods bring all the weekend energy. Trust us — your group chat plans just got sorted. You can thank us later…

Cool neighbourhoods in Central London

Fitzrovia

Tucked between Soho and Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia is central London with a quieter, more bookish edge. Think cobbled lanes, Georgian townhouses, media types, and design studios sandwiched between old-school pubs and boujee brunch spots. Legendary writers, think Virginia Woolf, once wandered these streets, but now it’s more laptop-carrying creatives sipping flat whites in co-working spaces.

Beyond the coffee and cobbles, Fitzrovia’s packed with hidden gem restaurants serving everything from classic British fare to sleek international dishes. The area’s history hums through spots like the Fitzroy Tavern, where literary legends once toasted, while nearby parks like Regent’s Park offer a leafy escape for lunchtime strolls, romantic dates, Borrow My Doggy walks, or weekend picnics. It’s the perfect blend of old-school charm and modern buzz. Sign us up!

Weekend plans | Swing by famous Charlotte Street for a restaurant crawl that flexes serious foodie credentials – from next-level sushi to melt-in-your-mouth French pastries. Dessert for dinner? Always.

Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell is arguably London’s creative hotspot, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with a buzzing contemporary scene. Known for its cobbled streets, cool markets, and buzzing food scene, this neighbourhood is full of character. From quirky bookshops to artisan cafés, it’s a spot that’s all about good energy and even better eats. Whether you’re hunting for history or cool-as-a-cucumber hangouts, this borough’s got you covered.

Start your day at Exmouth Market, where local shops and cafés serve up top-notch flat whites and Mediterranean bites. Dive into some culture at the Museum of the Order of St John or the Marx Memorial Library, or switch things up with dinner in total darkness at Dans Le Noir.

When night falls, Clerkenwell’s pubs come alive – snug spots like The Holy Tavern and historic gems like Ye Olde Mitre make great hangouts. Craft beer lovers should hit The Three Kings, and if you’re up for dancing the night away until 6am, then Fabric nightclub is just around the corner.

Weekend plans | Stroll through Clerkenwell’s historic, cobbled streets, then settle in for a slow afternoon at a tucked-away wine bar or a hidden courtyard café. It’s London at its most quietly charming and photogenic. Bliss.

London Bridge

London Bridge is where old-school London grit meets shiny new vibes – all wrapped up in one buzzing riverside package. Borough Market is the OG foodie playground, serving everything from scotch eggs to gourmet doughnuts, and the smell alone will pull you in. When you’re not munching your way through stalls, wander along the river for iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London views or hit up The Shard for a sky-high drink with a view that’s ahem totally next-level (get it?).

Culture-wise, catch a cutting-edge show at the Bridge Theatre or soak up some serenity inside Southwark Cathedral, a beautiful, 1,000-year-old historic gem set just around the corner. If you’re feeling brave, jump on one of the spooky ghost tours that dive into the darker tales of this ancient part of London. When you need to chill, Potters Fields Park is perfect for kicking back by the river, and nearby Bermondsey Street is packed with cosy pubs and plenty of world-class restaurants for when hunger pangs inevitably strike.

Weekend plans | Hop on a rooftop yoga class at Vinegar Yard before a hearty brunch and a guided ghost tour. Who says your Sunday can’t start with a sun salutation and end in the supernatural?

Cool neighbourhoods in North London

Camden

Camden is London’s wild, genre-bending playground. From Camden Market, where you can demolish everything from vegan burgers to halloumi fries, to the legendary KOKO — the Grade II-listed venue that’s hosted everyone from Prince to Camden native Amy Winehouse — it’s a place that’s always buzzing. Whether you’re wandering colourful market stalls, hitting up quirky record shops, rocking on to a metal band, or chilling by the canal with a cold can of cider, there’s no shortage of vibes.

The streets are packed with live music spots, wicked thrift shops, and lively pubs that cater to every kind of punter. Fancy something different? Take a street art tour or hop on a canal boat for a laid-back cruise through one of London’s original ‘cool corners’. The energy here is infectious, and you’ll no doubt find new things to do every time you visit.

Weekend plans | Wind down with a canal-side walk past London Zoo to Regent’s Park or swing by Jazz Café for a Sunday session that hits all the right notes – mellow but mighty. The perfect Sunday.

Finsbury Park

Finsbury Park is like North London’s energy plug: effortlessly energetic, unexpectedly leafy, and full of curveballs – in the best way. Picture a sprawling playground-slash-festival field where summer brings world-class DJs, Wireless, and rowdy rave shenanigans, while the rest of the year keeps it real with peaceful pathways down abandoned railways, wildflowers, and a cheeky bit of Banksy flair on Hornsey Road.

Food-wise? We’re talking Max’s towering sandwiches, Turkish-Middle Eastern feasts on Blackstock Road, and Osteria Tufo — a cosy pasta joint whose owner actually comes from Italy…so you know the pasta’s gonna be good. And when you're done, drop into Rowan's for bowling, arcade chaos, or late-night karaoke sessions. Air guitars at the ready.

Weekend plans | Uncover secret spots along the tree-lined Parkland Walk – London’s very own ‘urban jungle’. It’s part woodland trail, part Banksy-hunting expedition. Then follow it up with a pint or two in The Faltering Fallback – an Irish institution.

Hampstead

Hampstead is London’s leafy escape wrapped up in chocolate-box-village-charm. Start with a ramble through the namesake heath, where you can take a bracing dip in the mixed, men’s, or women’s ponds, or just kick back and enjoy panoramic, cityscape views from atop Parliament Hill. Then, head to the historic Spaniards Inn for a pint in a pub that’s been serving locals since the 16th century — and which is supposedly haunted by none other than Dick Turpin.

Back in ‘town’, the cobbled streets are lined with independent bookshops like Daunt Books and quirky cafés, perfect for whiling away the hours during a lazy afternoon. And let’s not forget the famous faces who call this place home – from artists to writers to Academy Award-winning actors, Hampstead’s creative spirit is alive and well.

Weekend plans | After pond swims and pub pints, wrap up with a big slice of cake and a spot of culture at Kenwood House. Free art and Georgian grandeur? Peak Sunday indeed.

Cool neighbourhoods in East London

Dalston

Dalston is the East London cliché in the best way possible: eclectic, multicultural, a little rough around the edges – and bloody proud of it. Ridley Road Market brings all the foodie flair, nightlife spills out of dive bars and rooftops, and there’s always a new art pop-up or secondhand bookshop to stumble across. Not to mention its famous Curve Garden – perfect for getting a spot of R&R – its diverse range of restaurants, and its atmospheric, sweaty gig venues.

The Rio Cinema, a beautifully preserved indie spot, screens everything from cult classics to brand-new releases, making it a cultural hub in its own right. Plus, you can catch immersive theatre shows or pop-up markets that keep Dalston buzzing all year round. In short, you never just ‘pass through’ Dalston. You experience it.

Weekend plans | End your Saturday night dancing in a basement bar, then grab a jollof box during the wee hours. Dalston doesn’t do boring…

Clapton

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Hackney, right between Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, Hackney Central, and Dalston, Clapton has quietly earned its rep as one of London’s ‘cool kids on the block’. And for good reason it has to be said. Start your day with a stroll along Chatsworth Road, lined with independent shops, cafés, and the bustling Sunday market offering street food aplenty, vintage finds, and local produce — not to mention The Castle Cinema too. For a taste of local cuisine, My Neighbours The Dumplings serves up delicious lamb and coriander potsticker dumplings, while Sodo Pizza offers inventive sourdough pizzas and natty wines.

When the sun’s out, Hackney Downs Park is ideal for a picnic or a game of frisbee, and the nearby River Lea towpath offers a scenic walk or bike ride – leading on to the sprawling Hackney Marshes. In the evening, the Round Chapel hosts live music and community events in a stunning Victorian setting – and don’t miss a visit to Bake Street. They whip up seriously next-level tacos and burritos – perfect for curing a hangover – plus ‘smash burgers’, samosas, shakshuka, and a whole load of delectable sweet treats and desserts.

Weekend plans | Spend your afternoon browsing Chatsworth Road Market before a peaceful stroll along the River Lea. Round things off with pizza and natural wine at Sodo. Winner, winner, wood-fired dinner.

Whitechapel

Whitechapel is the East End's cultural melting pot, where street art, curry houses, and vintage shops collide in one vibrant mish mash. The walls around Brick Lane and the Nomadic Community Garden showcase some of the city’s best street art – ideal for a snap or reel on the old Instagram or TikTok. Art lovers can get their fix at the Whitechapel Gallery, which always has fresh, cutting-edge exhibitions to check out. Film buffs will also appreciate the indie-fave Genesis Cinema, where tickets won’t break the bank at just a fiver on Mondays.

Food-wise, BYOB Tayyabs is a straight-up legend for its fiery Punjabi curries, a proper local fave. For a spooky twist, join one of the famous Jack the Ripper guided walks that end at The Ten Bells, a historic pub steeped in East End stories – where the macabre serial killer was rumoured to have met several of his poor victims. Nearby lies the Old Spitalfields Market, where independent stalls buzz with life and where vintage hunters will no doubt find a treasure trove of one-of–kind gems.

Weekend plans | Fuel up on Brick Lane bagels at 3am or browse Columbia Road Flower Market come morning. It’s the ultimate 24-hour spot.

Cool neighbourhoods in South London

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace is like London’s best-kept hilltop secret – leafy, laid-back and lowkey bougie in the very best way. Crowned the ‘best place to live in London’ back in 2022, it’s all sweeping views, artisanal shops, and pubs you’ll accidentally spend a whole bloomin’ in. Its park is a full-on destination (dinosaurs included), while the triangle at its centre serves up everything from vintage vinyls to vegan brunch – not to mention some of the capital’s best boozers.

Add a football cult following, an indie museum and more dog-walkers than you can shake your whistle at, and you’ve got a place that’s as charming as it is quietly cool. A vibe, truly.

Weekend plans | Brunch, browse vinyl stores, and then blow off the cobwebs in the actual Crystal Palace maze. Yes, it has dinosaurs. No, we’re not joking.

Penge

Penge is South London’s ultimate underdog – and it’s having a bit of a moment right now thank-you-very-much. Once overlooked, now quietly (and confidently) on the rise, it blends villagy charm with just enough grit to keep it interesting. There’s a surprising amount going on: community-run cafés with cult coffee, vintage treasure troves, and the gloriously green Crystal Palace Park just a short stroll away.

Add in the thriving arts scene, regular street festivals and a solid pub game – say hello to The Goldsmiths Arms and The Alexandra – and Penge earns its place on the cool list without even trying. It’s low-key, laid-back, and 100% loveable. Plus, it’s way cheaper to live than most of the places on this list.

Weekend plans | Wrap things up at the community art trail or the local cider taproom. Either way, it’s giving creative chaos – in the very best way.

Tooting

Tooting is South London’s spicy little secret – loud, proud, and bursting with flavour. And we’re not just talking about the food.

Kick off with a stroll around Tooting Bec Common or cool off with a dip at the massive Tooting Bec Lido. Then, reward those inevitable hunger pangs at Tooting and Broadway Markets for street food that slaps – think Mauritian meatballs, fresh dosa, and chai that hits differently.

When the sun dips, grab a pint at one of Tooting’s proper local pubs – think cosy vibes and good craic. And if you’re a caffeine fiend, Juliet’s and MUD serve flat whites which are well worth queuing for. But let’s not beat around the bush. Tooting’s crown jewel is the food scene. From Dosa’n’Chutney’s South Indian comfort, to Chatkhara’s late-night naan runs, and Lahore Karahi’s buttery, spicy karahi and BYOB curries that keep everyone coming back for more and more. You’ve been warned.

Weekend plans | Post-curry and BYOB beers, hit up the lively Tram and Social for retro tunes and old school dancefloors. Sunday scaries? Don’t know her.

Cool neighbourhoods in West London

Kensal Green

West London without the millionaire’s price-tag, Kensal Green is a quiet little pocket of north west London, a neighbourhood where leafy streets, canal paths, and strong community vibes come together with just the right amount of edge. You’ve got The Lexi – a volunteer-run cinema in nearby Kensal Rise with plenty of character – plus local favourites like Cable Co. and Gracelands for your caffeine fix.

The real standout, though, is Kensal Green Cemetery: one of London’s original ‘Magnificent Seven’, full of striking mausoleums, weathered statues, and gothic charm. Peaceful, pretty, and guaranteed to haunt you a little bit — just how we like it.

Weekend plans | Take a reflective stroll through Kensal Green Cemetery, one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’, then head to Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise for cosy cafés, boutique shops, and a film at The Lexi – all within easy reach.

Hammersmith

Hammersmith is West London’s all-rounder – think riverside walks, historic pubs, late-night gigs, and just enough commotion to keep things interesting. Hop between theatre shows at the Lyric and stand-up comedy at the Apollo, or settle into a Sunday roast at The Dove – one of the city’s oldest riverside boozers. Need some air after all that pub grub? No problem – we got you.

Head to Furnivall Gardens or stroll along the scenic Thames Path, plastic pint in hand during the summer months. There’s indie coffee (hi, Coffee Station), hidden rooftop bars, a Japanese whisky lounge, and even a Polish deli or two. It’s laid-back but lively – a little London microcosm with a lovely concoction of both energy and old soul charm.

Weekend plans | End a gentle walk with riverside pints at Blue Anchor or live jazz at The Dove. It’s like stepping into a scene from your favourite rom-com (without the heartbreak of course).

Acton

Acton is a friendly, everyday West London neighbourhood that’s quietly blooming with charm. Fancy getting lost in nature? Then hit up Gunnersbury Park or Acton Park – both are lush green escapes with lakes, play zones, mini‑golf, and tennis courts perfect for lazy weekends. Plus, Gunnersbury has some of the best festivals in town come the summer months.

Culture lovers, don’t miss the Transport Museum Depot or W3 Art Gallery for local history and creativity. Local gastropub The Rocket serves pub classics with a modern twist, while Acton Market’s humming stalls offer street food and fresh produce aplenty. If you’re feeling a bit playful, dial up the adrenaline at the local TeamSport Go‑Karting or test out your moves at the local skatepark. Just maybe wear some protective gear…

Weekend plans | Explore local history at the London Transport Museum Depot, then slow things down with a walk through pristine Gunnersbury Park and a bite from one of Acton Market’s food stalls.

Didn’t catch part one? Start here for the OG rundown of London’s coolest ’hoods.

Better yet, why not explore them for yourself on a UK working holiday visa or UK internship?