Looking for the most famous streets in London? From buzzing Oxford Street to the iconic Abbey Road, here are the top popular streets in London you don’t want to miss!
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One of the best ways to know London intimately is through its streets.
From the historic Strand to the pulse of Picadilly every London street holds a story, but it’s up to you to turn the pages. Here’s 23 uber famous streets in London you simply can’t miss.
P.S – I’ve attached a handy downloadable map at the end so you can take yourself on a ‘famous streets of London tour’ across the city!
1. Oxford Street
London’s most famous shopping street
It’s hard to start off with anything other than London’s most iconic and busiest shopping street—Oxford Street.
The 1.2 (1.9km) street houses the UK’s most prominent retailers like Houses of Fraser, Primark, JD, Top Shop, and of course, the ever-lastingly chic Selfridges (pick me up something why you’re there, hey? Thanks!).
The best time to visit Oxford Street is definitely for the holidays when Christmas lights breathe joy into the city, making it one of the most famous streets in London to celebrate the holidays, too (usually from mid to late November until early January).
P.S – Charles Dickens loved this street!
Closest Tube: Oxford Circus
2. Abbey Road
The Beatles Street
Unless you’ve been living under a rock your whole life (no shame…little shame) you’re bound to know the Beatles. But if the fandom is real, you’ll also know Abbey Road, one of the most famous streets in London, made everlastingly famous by—you know who!
The zebra crossing lies right outside Abbey Road Studios, where the iconic band’s hit album ‘Abbey Road’ was made in 1969.
I’ll admit, it is a bit of a tourist attraction now, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find empty crowds. But if you want a laugh for the day I highly suggest sitting alongside Abbey Road and watching eager fans try to recreate the photos (me included).
P.S – Fun fact—the iconic Abbey Road shot was taken in a ten-minute shoot. It’s also been awarded a Grade II Listed Building status for its cultural and historic significance.
Closest Tube: St John’s Wood
3. Brick Lane
The Best Street for Curry (and street art) in London
East London’s most famous street deserves every piece of street cred it gets.
From humble beginnings as a brick and tile manufacture to London’s most thriving Bangladeshi community— filled with droves of curry houses, vintage shops, street food and the ever-so-iconic Brick Lane Market.
Read More: 19 Best Things to do in Shoreditch
Don’t leave without grabbing a Salt Beef Beigel (or just a yummy treat) from Beigel Bake (check out my visit here!) or dipping into Dark Sugars for some sinfully delicious chocolate.
Oh, and don’t forget to check out all the street art around the area!
Closest Tube: Shoreditch High Street
4. Carnaby Street
London’s most famous boutique fashion street
Make a short hop from Oxford Street and you’ll jump right into the arms of Carnaby street—an inviting people-zone filled with London’s coolest independent boutiques.
Carnaby Street got its claim to fame in the Swinging Sixties, buzzing with the hippies and ‘mod fashion’ of the time, and attracting some pretty well-known clientele (hey Rolling Stones!).
The street is 100% pedestrianised, so no pesky cars to get in the way of exploring its 14 glorious streets in the West End.
P.S – Although Carnaby Street is a gem all year-round, I’d especially suggest coming here for Christmas time when everything’s lit to a T, and of course, très Instagrammable
Closest Tube: Oxford Circus
5. Piccadilly Street
London’s most popular (and busy) tourist streets
I have a love-hate relationship with Picadilly, but today, let’s make it love.
The ‘Times Square of Europe’ as I like to call it was originally built as a connector between the busy shops of Piccadilly and Regent Street; today, it boasts as London’s most popular streets and tourists attractions.
Watch the statue of Eros sit centre-stage while visitors and locals alike gather around to catch eager street performers. Or maybe just have a chat along the fountain and take in the iconic-ness of the city on one of the most famous streets in London.
P.S – While here, you can also check out London’s most chi-chi establishments at the Burlington Arcade, Fortnum & Mason (where the Queen shops), the Ritz Hotel, the Royal Academy of Arts and Hatchards —the U.K’s oldest bookshop.
Closest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
6. Bond Street
James Bond’s favourite street (I think)
The name’s Bond. James Bond. Okay, well, it’s Bond Street, but still.
As London’s hotspot for high-end shopping since the 1700’s, if you’re one for the finer things in life, this is your place.
Funnily enough, “Bond Street” isn’t really “Bond Street”, but ‘Old Bond Street’ and ‘New Bond Street’, but Londoners adopted the name, and it stuck!
The .8 kilometre stretch is perfumed with scents of luxury, including everything from Prada and Cartier to Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton just waiting to tempt your next shopping spree.
Closest Tube: Bond Street
7. Baker Street
The Sherlock Holmes Street
Even a slight Sherlock Holmes fan will have heard of Baker Street.
Made famous by the world-famous series and tv show you can relive your detective days right on Sherlock’s stomping grounds.
Designed in the 18th century by builder William Baker, Baker Street has become a bit of Marylebone treasure. Although ‘221b Baker Street’ doesn’t actually exist, you can still visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum and peek at the commemorative blue plaque at the location.
Closest Tube: Baker Street
8. Savile Row
London’s Gentleman Shopping Street
If you’re a man with a taste for the finer thing (or know someone who is 😉) you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to Savile Row.
Home to London’s finest fashion brands including Ozwald Boateng, Huntsman & Sons, Hawkes and many more, Savile Row is filled to the brim with famous shops and bespoke clothing for the traditional man.
P.S – In 1969 the Beatles played one of their most famous impromptu concerts right on 3 Savile Row
Closest Tube: Piccadilly Circus
9. Regent Street
London’s Most Beautiful Christmas Street
Regent Street has been stealing the hearts of Londoners since the 19th century.
Named after Prince Regent the street boasts a royal (and expensive) charm with Armani, Ted Baker, Coach and the likes all lined up and ready for shoppers.
But outside of its shopping hub and stunning winter lights (seriously, look at Regent Street at Christmas! ), there’s also tons of festivals going on here year-round (including Pride!) so be sure to stay updated on the latest.
P.S – You’ll also be able to pay a visit to Hamleys here, one of the oldest (and largest) toy shops in the world.
Closest Tube: Oxford Street
10. Jermyn Street
Home of Isaac Newton (and Napolean III)
There’s not too many streets you can say Isaac Newton lived. Or Napolean III, but somehow they both found their way to Jermyn Street.
Another London sanctuary for menswear you’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to bespoke suits, classy hats, snazzy shirts and the likes.
P.S – Very random, but the oldest cheese in London is here too! Paxton & Whitfield anyone?
Closest Tube: Green Park
11. The Mall
London’s Most Historic Street
Not that kind of Mall! The historic processional and ceremonial route is one of the most recognizable streets in the world, leading up to Buckingham Palace.
If you’ve been there before you may notice that the streets are red (very strange for London roads). This is because, in royal fashion, they wanted to create a “red carpet effect” to lead up to the Palace. Who knew!
P.S – While here, don’t forget to explore the rest of Central London!
Closest Tube: Charing Cross
12. Whitehall
Central London’s Most Famous Street
Tangling through Downing Street and Trafalgar Square Whitehall is where Central London’s government comes to gather (and protesters too).
Whitehall is home to the Foreign and Commonweath Office, the Cabinet Office and many war memorials and monuments. If you’re into history and politics, don’t miss a visit!
Closest Tube: Westminster
13. Downing Street
London’s Most Political Street
I know this shouldn’t be why I care about Downing Street. But what’s more intriguing than Hugh Grant’s fictional office? (and well, Hugh Grant).
Just off of Whitehall—Downing Street is London’s White House. You know, where things like “does clotted cream come first, or jam?” are discussed. And other more serious matters.
If you’re looking to get up close and personal, don’t get your hopes up—Downing Street is very limited to the public, but you can peek at the famous black door at 10 Downing Street to take in the 300+ years of history.
It’s also only a short walk from Buckingham Palace—so don’t forget to pair your visits!
P.S – Check the latest on Downing Street here
Closest Tube: Westminster
14. Portobello Road
London’s Most Instagrammable Street
You’d be hard-pressed to find a street quite as pretty as Portobello Road.
West London’s most prized possession started out as a humble residential street, but it’d be hard to tell with the bustling Portobello Road Market and all the others bits that make it one of the most famous streets in London.
I’ll admit, the local feel can sometimes feel a bit lost here (thanks to the Notting Hill movie) but nothing wrong with being a tourist for the day!
Read More: 19 Best Things to do in Notting Hill
Luckily, if you keep walking past the main street market and antique shops you’ll find it’s a bit more quiet—with the Portobello Arcade Market and plenty of independent coffee shops, pubs and restaurants.
P.S – Don’t forget to take yourself on a Notting Hill movie tour while you’re there!
Closest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
15. Columbia Road
London’s Best Street for Flower Markets
For my fellow flower fiends, Columbia Road is where you’re guaranteed to find the perfect buds.
Filled with Londoners looking to spruce up their flats with a new plant collection Colombia Road has been hosting the iconic Columbia Road flower market for hundreds of years.
A great way to spend a Sunday in London and try out some artisan bakeries and coffee shops!
Closest Tube: Bethnal Green
16. Electric Avenue
London’s Coolest Street
It doesn’t get cooler than a street named Electric Avenue. The South London street dates back to the 19th century, originally named for having the first street market (Brixton Market) lit by electric lighting—pretty cool huh?
While here you’ll have a very worthy excuse to visit the rest of Brixton, including Pop Brixton and Brockwell Park.
Closest Tube: Brixton
17. The Strand
London’s Grandest Street
The Strand is one of London’s most high-class streets.
The word ‘strand’ means ‘the edge of the river’ a very practical name for the Thames River hotspot filled with West End theatres like the Adelphi and Vaudeville, luxury hotels, the Royal Courts of Justice and the grand Somerset House.
Closest Tube: Shaftesbury Avenue
18. Shaftesbury Avenue
The Most Famous Street in Soho
Pretty much everywhere in Soho is a good time, but it’s especially so on Shaftesbury Avenue.
The theatre scene comes alive here with the Apollo, Queen’s and Giegud all within walking distance. You’ll also be ridiculously close to Covent Garden and Chinatown while you’re here (perfect for enjoying the nightlife after).
Closest Tube: Leicester Square
19. Old Compton Street
London’s Most LGBTQ Friendly Street
Old Compton Street is one of the most famous streets in London and the unofficial hub for the LGBTQ community, smack-in-the-middle of Soho.
Come Pride the streets are fully pedestrianized (and I can’t begin to emphasis how much of a good time it is). But if you can’t make it here for pride, no worries! The street boasts a year-round party scene with drag and cabaret nights at clubs like G-A-Y and The Admiral Duncan.
Closest Tube: Leicester Square
20. Bedale Street
The Bridget Jones’ Diary Streets
Okay, I’ll admit, Bedale Street isn’t significant by any historic standards, but as a die-hard Bridget Jones fan, it is in my book.
At 8 Bedale Street Bridget Jones sang out her fictional heart to ‘All by myself’ with a scandalously large glass of red wine. And who could possibly forget the fight scene between Mark and Daniel at 5 Bedale Street (can you tell I’m a super fan yet?).
P.S – If you love Bridget Jones as much as I do, be sure to take yourself on a self-guided film tour!
Closest Tube: London Bridge
21. St. Luke’s Mews
London’s Most Romantic Street
It didn’t take long for St. Luke’s Mews to become London’s most romantic street after its spotlight appearance in Love Actually. T
he incredibly Instagrammable pink house still stands today and is one of London’s most charming hidden gems. This one’s in Notting Hill as well, so you can visit Portobello Road on the way!
P.S – As with any mews or pretty houses in London, please be mindful when you take photos; i.e never sit or touch their property 🙂
Read More: Love Actually Filming Locations in London You Can Visit Now!
Closest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
22. Neal’s Yard,
London’s Most Colorful Street
Neal’s Yard is the kind of place all too easy to miss. But once you reach the secret hideaway you’ll be instantly impressed (and immediately want to rip your phone out for the Gram).
Just a short jaunt from Seven Dials the colourful cove is filled with quaint restaurants, famous shops and a vibrant ambience, there’s truly nothing else like it in London.
Read More: A Local’s Guide to Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden, London
Closest Tube: Covent Garden
22. King’s Road
London’s Most Royal Street
It doesn’t get more royal than having your own private street, welcome to King’s Road.
Originally only privy to King Charles II, the road was graciously opened to public in 1830. If you can believe it, there was actually quite a counter-culture here, but that ended in the 1970s, with all of London’s fashion and art scene swarming in to take over.
Regardless, from the Saatchi Gallery to the most Instagrammable bits in London a visit here is one of the books.
Closest Tube: Sloane Square
23. Camden High Street
London’s Most Edgy Street
Oh, Camden. I’ve had far too many nights on Camden High Street (and days in Camden Market) but somehow someway, it never gets old.
I like to think of Camden as the unofficial capital of London’s rebels—consider High Street the main square.
Read More: 17 Cool Things to do in Camden (for Day & Night!)
Keen for a tattoo? Sorted. Really good vegan food (hey Buck Street Market)? On it. Street performers, eccentric bars, jazz cafes and street art? Of course! You’re on Camden High Street remember!
Closest Tube: Camden Town
Map of the Most Famous Streets in London
Quick Tips for Visiting the Most Famous Streets in London
• Make sure you download the map to see which streets are close to each other, you’ll definitely be able to hit multiple in one day!
• Don’t forget to explore London’s neighborhoods while you’re exploring the famous streets
• Wear comfortable walking shoes (and don’t say I didn’t warn ya!)
Happy exploring,
