There Isn’t Just One ‘Downtown London’: Simple Visitor’s Guide 

Looking for ‘downtown London England’? We all know what you mean, but there isn’t just one London downtown area.

You’ll be in for a rude awakening if you’re looking for one small city center, then come to find out just how far apart everything is.

There are many, many areas in London that could be considered “downtown”.

Let’s do a quick overview of why there is no single London city center, what areas could be considered ‘downtown London,’ and how to identify the places you’re looking for. 

Informative map of central London with a series of red pinpoint markers and a large yellow question mark, accompanied by the text 'Downtown London' isn't where you think. Below, the caption reads 'Easy Guide to Key Areas,' suggesting a tourist's guide to London's downtown attractions.

Downtown London England Doesn’t Exist: Here’s Why 


London is an ancient city dating back about 2,000 years, and because of this ancient history, it’s uniquely comprised of multiple centers rather than a single downtown.

This is due to its expansion outwards from the historic “City of London” (now home to landmarks like the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral).

Surrounding villages and rural areas grew over centuries, merging into today’s sprawling metropolis.

As a result, ‘downtown London’ is really a collection of several areas, each with its own unique character and offerings. 

Downtown London vs Central London 

Comparative maps of 'Downtown London' versus 'Downtown Seattle' illustrating the scale difference between the two cities. The London map highlights the central area in pink, while the Seattle map marks the downtown core near the Space Needle. The text underscores 'Don't underestimate the amount of choices you'll have. "Central" London alone is huge.

“Downtown” is primarily an American term, which is another reason why you won’t hear London’s key areas referred to as ‘Downtown London.’ 

When Americans say “downtown,” they generally mean the area of any city where most attractions, office buildings, and touristy areas are. 

In the map above, you can see the downtown area of Seattle (where I’m originally from) with the London downtown area (what we call “Central London”).

In Seattle there is a small, well-defined downtown. But in London, these areas are not concentrated in one single place, but spread out over many miles.

Even though these areas are considered “central”, don’t underestimate the size and sprawl.

Central London is in itself a really big place, bigger than any American downtown (yes, even New York City).

TIP: Londoners use the term ‘Central London’ to refer to a large area in the centre of the city, and refer to specific neighbourhoods within Central London by their names. 

Okay, so Where is Downtown London? 

  • Illustrative map of Greater London, emphasizing its vast size with the declaration 'Greater London is Massive' and a bold measurement of '600+ square miles' across its colorful boroughs. The map highlights the difference between downtown London, England, and the larger Greater London area.
  • Educational map of London with a red scribbled circle highlighting the central area often referred to as 'Downtown.' The caption 'Where is 'Downtown'?' at the top, and 'As a tourist, you'll usually stick to this smaller area' at the bottom, guides visitors to the focal points of their London exploration.


    • The historic City of London, within the original Roman boundaries, is often seen by visitors as London’s “downtown,” but this is only one small part of Central London.

    Greater London is vast, encompassing over 600 square miles. For visitors, focusing on Central London is your best bet.

    Since there isn’t a singular “downtown,” searching for attractions, restaurants, or hotels requires being a bit more specific.

    Understanding the key areas of Central London is essential for navigating and finding what you need.

    Overview of Key Areas that Are ‘Downtown London’ 

    Annotated map of Central London, pinpointing 'Key Areas for Tourists' with numbered red circles. It highlights five major areas: Westminster, the West End, the City of London, Southbank & Southwark, and Kensington, each with specific attractions labeled on the map. The title 'Central London' is scripted across the top, suggesting a navigational guide for visitors.

    As a tourist, here are the major areas that you could consider the ‘London downtown area’.

    Keep in mind that we don’t call these areas “downtown” – we call these neighbourhoods by their names, so if you want to get to the right place, you should too! 

    Please note: I’m not including every single neighbourhood here, just the ones that most tourists will want to visit. 

    For my full guide to every single London tourist attraction, see my London attraction map here. 

    1. Westminster 

    A colorful map highlighting the Westminster area of downtown London, showcasing key landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. Iconic symbols mark places of interest, including royal parks and historic sites, over a light background with the words 'Westminster & Surrounds' prominently displayed at the top.
    The map pictured above is from my Ultimate Attraction Map of London – use it right here!

    Westminster is the area that sits on the northern bank of the Thames.

    This is the area where the Monarchy is based, and Kings and Queens have lived in various palaces in this area for centuries. It’s regal, and beautiful, and a lovely place to visit.

    Westminster contains Green Park and St. James’s Park, and is just to the south of Hyde Park and the neighborhood of Mayfair.

    Why Westminster Could be Considered ‘Downtown London’

    Westminster features a ton of popular London tourist attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, The Churchill War Rooms, St. James’s Palace & Park, and much more. 

    It’s also a busy 9-5 business district, with many governmental buildings here.

    Is Westminster a Good Area for Tourists who want to stay in London Downtown? 

    Yes. Westminster is convenient for both attractions and transport, though hotels will be very expensive in this area. 

    Tube Stations in Westminster

    • Victoria
    • St. James’s Park
    • Charing Cross
    • Embankment
    • Green Park
    • Hyde Park Corner

    2. The West End 

    Map overview of the West End area in downtown London, pinpointing cultural hotspots such as theaters, Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus with colorful icons and labels. The title 'The West End & Nearby' is featured in stylish script at the top against a serene map background.

    The West End is the area where you’ll go if you have theatre tickets. You’ll also come here for shopping, dining, and many of London’s attractions.

    Why The West End Could be Considered ‘Downtown London’ 

    The West End encompasses a huge array of attractions, landmarks and neighbourhoods. This includes Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus, and more. 

    The West End is also referred to as “Theatreland,” as most of London’s major theatres are in this area. 

    It’s a bustling, constantly busy area for tourists and locals alike.

    Is the West End a Good Area for Tourists who want to Stay in London Downtown Areas?

    Yes. The West End is very convenient for getting everywhere, and has a lot of attractions, entertainment, and dining right at your doorstep. Hotels in this area will be expensive, however. 

    • Covent Garden (several markets and shops all over this area) 
    • Neal’s Yard
    • Seven Dials Food Hall 
    • Forbidden Planet 
    • Oxford & Regent Street area (major, large shopping & dining neighbourhood)
    • Carnaby Street
    • Berwick Street Market 
    • Chinatown
    • Heddon Street 
    • Fortnum & Mason 

    Tube Stations in The West End 

    • Piccadilly Circus
    • Oxford Circus
    • Leicester Square
    • Tottenham Court Road
    • Covent Garden

    3. The City of London 

    Detailed map showcasing the City of London and nearby attractions, with icons representing the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Sky Garden, and Roman London ruins. The map is labeled with 'City of London & Nearby,' and the number '3' in a red circle suggests a sequence in a visitor's guide.

    The City of London is the historic center of the city where the Romans first established Londinium.

    This area is also called “The Square Mile,” and the borders of the City of London correspond with the original Roman walls of the City!

    Why The City of London Could be Considered ‘Downtown London’

    If anything would be considered the rightful London city center, it would be here! 

    The City of London and surrounding areas contain much of London’s history and cultural attractions, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Wall and other Roman ruins, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall and much more. 

    Is the City of London a Good Area for Tourists who want to stay in London Downtown? 

    Yes. The City of London is very central and has good transport connections.

    However, hotels in this area will be expensive, and on evenings and weekends this area tends to be a bit more empty as it’s primarily a 9-5 business district. 

    Tube Stations in the City of London Area 

    • Tower Hill
    • Aldgate
    • Liverpool Street
    • Monument
    • Bank
    • Cannon Street
    • Mansion House
    • St. Paul’s
    • Blackfriars
    • Moorgate

    4. Southwark & Southbank 

    Map of London's downtown Southbank and Southwark areas, featuring notable attractions such as the London Eye, The Shard, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern, marked with colorful icons. The number '4' within a red circle indicates its place in a series, with 'Southbank & Southwark' written in elegant script above.

    Southbank is the southern bank of the Thames across from Westminster and The West End. Southwark is the southern bank of the thames across from the Tower of London and Monument.

    Why Southbank & Southwark Could be Considered ‘Downtown London’ 

    Even though these areas are south of the Thames, they’re still very close to Central London and have a ton of attractions and features tourists enjoy. 

    In these areas are The London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, Tate Modern, The Shard, SeaLife Aquarium, and much more. 

    There’s shopping and dining galore, as well as cool museums and lovely streets to walk.

    Are Southbank & Southwark Good Areas for Tourists who want to stay in London Downtown?

    Yes. These areas are very convenient for access to all London attractions and the rest of Central London. Hotels in this area can still be expensive, but sometimes a bit cheaper than north of the Thames. 

    Tube Stations in Southbank & Southwark 

    • Waterloo
    • Southwark
    • Lambeth North
    • London Bridge
    • Borough

    5. Kensington 

    Map detail of Kensington in the London city center, noted for its cultural landmarks with icons for museums and nearby Hyde Park. The map highlights Kensington Palace and areas renowned for upscale shopping and dining experiences. 'Kensington Areas' is prominently featured at the top with a numbered circle indicating its sequence in a guide.

    Kensington is not only home to Kensington Palace, but it’s also where you’ll go if you visit some of the big London museums. It contains the iconic and beautiful Hyde Park.

    Why Kensington Could be Considered ‘Downtown London’ 

    Kensington contains many of London’s major large museums, as well as the massive Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and several other attractions that tourists come to this area to see.  

    There are posh and lovely streets to wander, iconic white columned homes, and fancy shopping areas.

    Is Kensington a Good Area for Tourists who want to stay in London Downtown?

    Yes. Kensington is convenient for transport and for access to major attractions, as well as having many charming features of its own.

    Keep in mind that most of Kensington is very posh and hotels here will be expensive. 

    • Harrods & Brompton Road 
    • Harvey Nichols
    • Duke of York Square
    • Kensington High Street 

    Tube Stations in Kensington  

    • Hyde Park Corner
    • Knightsbridge
    • South Kensington
    • Gloucester Road
    • Holland Park
    • Notting Hill Gate

    Final ‘Downtown London’ Tips

    Here’s some essentials for navigating the areas of Central London to find exactly what you’re looking for.

    I’m Searching for Downtown London Restaurants; Where Should I Look?

    If you’re looking to dine somewhere in London downtown, first figure out what you mean by “downtown.”

    Will you be at an attraction and you’re looking to dine nearby? Will you be meeting up with a friend, and just want a central location? 

    Here’s some tips to help you find ‘downtown London’ restaurants that are convenient for you. 

    1. Don’t search for “Downtown London restaurants.” Search for restaurants in a specific neighbourhood or near a specific attraction. 
    2. If you’re meeting up with a friend, figure out what Central London neighbourhood is convenient for both of you. You can use Citymapper or Google Maps to figure this out. 
    3. Narrow by cuisine. London has every kind of restaurant at every price point imaginable. Do you want a casual Indian meal? Search for that. Do you want a posh afternoon tea? Search for that. 
    4. Always calculate travel time. Never underestimate how spread out London is – even Central London is massive. 

    Public Transportation Tips for Navigating Downtown London England 

    All of Central London is easily navigable by tube, walking, and using the bus. Unless you have mobility issues or are travelling with a lot of luggage, public transport is always the easiest and fastest way to get around Central London. 

    Some distances may be farther than others, so always pull out your favourite mapping app to figure out how long it will take and the best route for you. 

    More on Visiting London: 

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    London Postcodes: How they Work and How to Use Them

    Ultimate Attraction Map of London: See it All, Efficiently! 

    What NOT to do in London: The Truth About these 15 Tiring Tourist Traps 

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    Is the London Pass Worth it? Use the Calculator

    Super Simple London Neighborhood Guide: Where’s Best for You?

    27 Quotes about London that are True, and 17 that are Total Lies 

    Iconic London Landmarks Quiz: Can you Pass these 25 Fun Trivia Questions?

    67+ Easy & Free Things to do in London for Families Right Now

    31 Exclusive and Unusual Things to Buy in London, and 15 Things to Avoid

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