Lifestyle

On our radar: Best walkable neighbourhoods in Central London​

Fitzrovia Quarter
Lifestyle and things to do in Fitzrovia Quarter

Central London is where that’s perfect for walking. Its lively streets, hidden courtyards, and rich history make exploring on foot a true adventure.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the best walkable neighbourhoods in Central London, where you can soak in the city’s charm, culture, and vibrant atmosphere without needing to rely on a car.

Fitzrovia Quarter

Where to find it: Google Maps – Fitzrovia

Uniqueness: Peaceful squares, creative studios, and local cafés tucked away from the crowds

Best for: Walkers seeking a quiet escape near busy areas like Oxford Street

Best time to walk: Mon – Wed 10 AM – 6 PM for calm streets, less traffic

Nearest tube stations: Goodge Street, Tottenham Court Road, Warren Street, Oxford Circus

Best places that you can walk to:

Fitzrovia Quarter is a part of central London. It sits just above Oxford Street East. Newman Street marks Fitzrovia Quarter eastern edge, and it stretches up toward Great Portland Street station. You can get there quickly by walking from the Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road Tube stops. Nearby places like Bloomsbury, Soho, and Marylebone are also close enough to visit on foot. There’s so many things to do in Fitzrovia that suit every taste.

Soho

Where to find it: Google Maps – Soho

Uniqueness: Compact streets with a lively atmosphere, filled with bars, cafés, and theatres

Best for: Night walkers who enjoy the vibrancy of Soho’s streets at night

Best time to walk: Thu – Sat 5 PM – 11:30 PM when the area is alive with energy

Nearest tube stations: Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: Fonda, Donia, Algerian Coffee Stores
  • ★ Art galleries: Frith Street Gallery, The Photographers’ Gallery, The Smallest Gallery in Soho
  • ★ Green spaces: Soho Square Gardens, Phoenix Garden, Golden Square
  • ★ Walkable attractions: The Photographers’ Gallery, Frith Street Gallery

Soho shines at night. Walking here offers the chance to explore its pedestrian-friendly streets while enjoying the buzz of its many pubs, jazz clubs, and unique spots tucked away from the main thoroughfares.

To help plan your outing, we’ve put together a curated list of things to do near Soho for you to explore!

 

 

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Covent Garden

Where to find it: Google Maps – Convent Garden

Uniqueness: A lively pedestrianised piazza surrounded by shops, cafés, and cultural sites

Best for: Walkers who love to explore vibrant areas full of street performances and history

Best time to walk: Mon – Fri 11 AM – 4 PM when crowds are thinner and performances are happening

Nearest tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: Balthazar, Dishoom, Ave Mario
  • ★ Art galleries: Clarendon Fine Art, National Portrait Gallery, Somerset House
  • ★ Green spaces: Phoenix Garden, Victoria Embankment Gardens, Jubilee Gardens
  • ★ Walkable attractions: The National Gallery, Somerset House, The Royal Opera House

Covent Garden is perfect for strolling. The pedestrianised piazza is a haven for street performances, boutique shops, and open-air dining, making it an ideal spot for walkers who enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.

Need more ideas besides walking? There are plenty of things to do in Central London waiting for you to explore!

 

 

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Westminster & South Bank

Where to find it: Google Maps – Westminster & South Bank

Uniqueness: Iconic landmarks along the river with scenic walking routes

Best for: Walkers who want to experience London’s historic heart and river views

Best time to walk: Mon – Wed 9 AM – 1 PM for a quieter walk along the Thames Path

Nearest tube stations: Westminster, Waterloo, Embankment

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, The Riverside Cafe, The Wharf
  • ★ Art galleries: Tate Modern, The National Gallery, The Hayward Gallery
  • ★ Green spaces: St. James’s Park, Victoria Tower Gardens, Jubilee Gardens
  • ★ Walkable attractions: Big Ben, London Eye, Houses of Parliament

Westminster and South Bank are perfect for those who enjoy walking along iconic riverside landmarks. The paths here offer stunning views of London’s most famous buildings, and the quiet early mornings make for peaceful walks before the crowds arrive.

 

 

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Marylebone

Where to find it: Google Maps – Marylebone

Uniqueness: Upscale shopping streets and peaceful green spaces

Best for: Walkers who enjoy a calm stroll through stylish, relaxed surroundings

Best time to walk: Sat – Sun 10 AM – 5 PM when the local cafés and markets are in full swing

Nearest tube stations: Baker Street, Marylebone

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: The Ledbury, Fischer’s, The Chiltern Firehouse
  • ★ Art galleries: The Wallace Collection, Pace Gallery, The Royal Academy of Arts
  • ★ Green spaces: Regent’s Park, Paddington Street Gardens, Wigmore Street Gardens
  • ★ Walkable attractions: Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park, The Sherlock Holmes Museum

Marylebone offers a peaceful and stylish walking experience with its mix of green spaces and independent shops. It’s perfect for those who want a quiet, charming stroll through upscale streets, far from the busy rush of Central London. After your walk, you’ll find plenty of restaurants near Marylebone that can take your dining experience to the next level, and who knows, they might just become your new favourites!

 

 

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St James’s & Mayfair

Where to find it: 

    – Google Maps – St James’s

    – Google Maps – Mayfair

Uniqueness: Elegant streets lined with royal landmarks, parks, and luxury shops

Best for: Walkers who enjoy high-end surroundings and quiet royal streets

Best time to walk: Tue – Thu 11 AM – 6 PM when the streets are less crowded

Nearest tube stations: Green Park, Bond Street, Oxford Circus

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: The Ledbury, Sketch, The Wolseley
  • ★ Art galleries: The Royal Academy of Arts, Gagosian Gallery, Pace Gallery
  • ★ Green spaces: Green Park, Hyde Park, St. James’s Park
  • ★ Walkable attractions: Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Hyde Park

St James’s and Mayfair are best for those seeking a sophisticated, quiet walking experience. Explore royal landmarks, luxury boutiques, and serene parks while avoiding the crowds of other central spots.

 

 

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Clerkenwell

Where to find it: Google Maps – Clerkenwell

Uniqueness: Historic district with modern design, arts, and food culture

Best for: Walkers who love authentic, local experiences away from the tourist trails

Best time to walk: Thu – Sat 12 PM – 8 PM for the vibrant food and design scene

Nearest tube stations: Farringdon, Barbican

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: St. JOHN, The Eagle, The Zetter Townhouse
  • ★ Art galleries: The House of Illustration, The Crypt Gallery, The Museum of London
  • ★ Green spaces: Clerkenwell Green, Spa Fields, Exmouth Market
  • ★ Walkable attractions: Exmouth Market, Smithfield Market, Clerkenwell Green

Clerkenwell is perfect for walking if you enjoy discovering new creative spaces, street art, and local markets. It’s an up-and-coming area with a vibrant feel, perfect for those who love to explore on foot without the usual crowds.

City of London

Where to find it: Google Maps – City of London

Uniqueness: Ancient financial district with medieval streets and modern skyscrapers

Best for: Walkers who enjoy history mixed with modern architecture

Best time to walk: Sat – Sun 9 AM – 6 PM when the streets are quieter and more relaxed

Car-free time: Many lanes around St Paul’s and the Bank are car-free at weekends

Highlights: Walk along the historic alleys of the Square Mile, explore hidden courtyards, and admire the modern architecture around Leadenhall Market.

Nearest tube stations: Bank, Monument, St. Paul’s

Best places that you can walk to:

  • ★ Food & drink: Duck & Waffle, The Ledbury, The Shard’s Aqua Shard
  • ★ Art galleries: The Courtauld Gallery
  • ★ Green spaces: St. James’s Park, Victoria Tower Gardens, Jubilee Gardens
  • ★ Walkable attractions: St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Tower of London, Borough Market

The City of London offers a mix of ancient streets and modern buildings, ideal for those who enjoy walking through history. The pedestrian-friendly alleys are full of surprises, and weekends bring a quieter atmosphere for those who prefer a relaxed stroll. It’s also a great area to explore with friends, check out our guide to things to do in Central London with friends.

 

 

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