London is rich in history and culture, and its streets reflect that. It’s a bustling metropolis with a seemingly endless supply of things to see and do, whether you’re a local or a visitor.
Whether you’re looking to do some shopping, sightseeing, or simply people-watching, there is something for everyone.
From the bustling Oxford Street to the iconic Piccadilly Circus, each street has its own unique character.
We’ve put together a list of the most famous streets in London and the best things you can do and see in each.
So without further ado, let’s dive into the history of old London through its most famous streets!
A Brief History of London
London’s history dates back thousands of years.
The first evidence of human occupation in the area dates to the Mesolithic period, and the city has been continuously occupied since that time.
The first written record of London dates to the Roman period when the city was known as Londinium.
Over the centuries, London has been through many changes, both in terms of its physical appearance and its role in the world.
The Great Fire of 1666 destroyed much of the city, and the subsequent rebuilding resulted in the creation of the iconic Georgian architecture that is still a feature of London today.
During the Industrial Revolution, London became a major global center of trade and commerce, and its population exploded.
The city continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, and today it is one of the most populous cities in the world.
The streets of London have also changed dramatically over the centuries. The narrow, winding streets of the medieval city gave way to the wide, straight boulevards of the Georgian era.
Today, London’s streets are a mix of old and new, with narrow alleyways and medieval lanes sitting alongside modern thoroughfares.
Despite all the changes that London has undergone, it remains one of the world’s most iconic and beloved cities. Its rich history and diverse culture make it a truly unique place!
Top 12 Streets in London to Visit
Check out these 12 must-see streets if you’re planning a trip to London.
1. Baker Street – The Home of Holmes and Watson
The fans of the famous fictional British detective ‘Sherlock Holmes’ will immediately recognize the name!
Baker Street is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Sherlock Holmes Museum and a Sherlock Holmes-themed pub.
Also, it’s just a really cool street to walk down, with a ton of great shops and restaurants.
You can find everything from high-end designer stores to more affordable chain stores. There is also a good selection of independent shops, so you are sure to find something unique.
Things to See in Bake Street
- Sherlock Holmes Museum – See some of the iconic artifacts from the stories, like Holmes’ pipe and magnifying glass.
- Madame Tussauds – The famous wax museum. Here you can see incredibly realistic wax figures of some of the world’s most famous people, from politicians to movie stars.
- The Regent’s Park – A beautiful green space perfect for a leisurely stroll. Be sure to check out the park’s rose garden.
- Baker Street Station – One of the busiest tube stations in London.
- The Sherlock Holmes pub – A traditional British pub decked out with Holmes-themed décor.
2. Piccadilly Circus – Famous for Lights and Glitz
Piccadilly Circus is in the West End of London, close to Regent Street, a popular shopping hub in London.
Piccadilly Circus is also close to the theatres of the West End, making it a popular place to visit in the evening.
The street, designed by John Nash and completed in 1819, was named after the Piccadilly Hall, a popular venue for balls and other events in the 17th century.
The most notable feature of Piccadilly Circus is the colourful billboards, the neon signs, and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, which was erected in 1893 in memory of the philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury.
Places to Visit in Piccadilly Circus
- The Criterion Theatre
- Hard Rock Café
- Lyric Theatre
- Apollo Theatre
- The Comedy Store
3. Bond Street – Hub for Luxury Shopping in London
Full of high-end shops and restaurants, Bond Street is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. There are a few reasons why Bond Street is so popular.
Bond Street is in the heart of London, near many of the city’s most popular attractions, which makes it a convenient place to people-watch, window shop, or grab a bite to eat.
Also, Bond Street has a great atmosphere. It always attracts a pretty good crowd, and there’s a lot of energy and excitement in the air.
Places to Visit on Bond Street
- World-famous Selfridges department store – A great place to pick up some luxury goods or just browse through the latest collection of high-end fashion.
- British Museum – One of the world’s most famous museums and is home to countless ancient artefacts
- The south side of Bond Street is where you’ll find many of the city’s best designer stores. They are the perfect places to pick up a new outfit.
4. Oxford Street – Busiest Shopping Street in London
There are few streets more iconic or popular than Oxford Street in London.
This world-famous shopping destination is home to over 300 stores, making it one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe.
Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, budget-friendly stores, or just a bit of window shopping, Oxford Street has something for everyone.
And, with a central location in the heart of London, it’s easy to get to no matter where you’re staying in the city.
Things to Do in Oxford Street
- You can do some serious shopping in Selfridges, H&M, and Topshop. John Lewis is an affordable option, with a variety of items across categories such as home, fashion, and more.
- And, if you need a break from all the shopping, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars dotted along Oxford Street, so you can refuel and rest your feet before heading back out to tackle some more shopping!
5. Charing Cross Road – Famed for Its Specialty Bookshops
This street has been around since the 13th century, and it’s named after the iconic Charing Cross statue that stands at its southern end.