The Ultimate London Showdowns: How to Choose the Best Places to Go in London

March 23, 2026

Choosing from the countless places to go in London is enough to make any travel planner’s head spin. Should you spend your Saturday afternoon in quiet Camden or charming Notting Hill? Is the view from the Shard really worth the ticket price compared to London’s free attractions?

I spent years traveling around this city as an American living in London. And I realized that most “best of” lists aren’t useful because they don’t actually help you. choose. In this guide, I take on London’s biggest rivals. I’ve even included my “This or That” videos for each spot so you can see the vibe for yourself before you dedicate your afternoon.

1. The market showdown: Camden versus Notting Hill

The atmosphere

  • Camden: Avant-garde, loud and world-famous for its punk roots. It is the essential place for international street food (especially in Hawley Wharf). Ideal for those who don’t mind bustling crowds and alternative fashion.
  • Nottingham: The “Instagrammable” dream. It’s chic, refined and home to the Portobello Road Antiques Market. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic stroll through some of London’s most famous colorful lanes and streets.
Functionality Choose Camden for Choose Notting Hill for
Best food Street food Brunch and coffees
Purchases Alternative fashion and crafts Antique and souvenir shops
Best day Saturday/Sun, high energy and crowds Saturday (main market day)

2. Places to go in London: Soho vs. Covent Garden

Although they are next to each other, they are two very different places to visit in London. I wrote a full article comparing Soho and Covent Garden, but here’s a quick analysis:

  • Soho: It’s not just about “nightlife.” It’s a diverse center of incredible restaurants, bars and historic pubs. It tends to be louder and high energy. If you want a nightlife vibe and a “cool” food scene, Soho is what you need. If you’re going here for the bars, make sure you know the unwritten rules of visiting London pubs. Soho is also known for being one of London’s must-visit places for the LGBTQ community.
  • Covent Garden: Best for families and couples who want to get away from the nighttime ruckus. It is beautifully maintained, theatrical and home to the Apple Market and street performers. It seems much more “classic London”.

Hotels

If you haven’t yet booked your hotel for your trip to London, here’s an interactive map to help you get started! It is based on the most central location in the city.

3. The gourmet duel: Borough Market versus Maltby Street

The atmosphere

  • District market: It’s an iconic choice, but it’s often criticized for being “social media hype.” It’s a real zoo on weekends and on weekdays after 12 p.m. I love Borough Market and visit several times a year, but I plan strategically to avoid the crowds. While you’re there, be sure to research the specific foods to eat in London that this market is famous for.
  • Maltby Street: This is the “insider’s secret”. Nestled under the railway arches, it is only open at weekends and is a little out of the way, but that is its appeal. It’s quieter, allowing you to talk to independent traders.

4. The clash of cultures: V&A versus British Museum

Both of these museums are worth adding to your London itinerary. And they’re free but they offer completely different experiences.

  • The British Museum: It is a “cultural institution”. You go here for the big hitters: The Rosetta Stone, The Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian mummies.
    • Professional planning tip: The British Museum is the perfect starting point for a winter morning. It is centrally located and puts you within walking distance of the huge Christmas displays at Covent Garden, Mayfair and Westminster. If you’re visiting London at Christmas, start here and wander south under the lights.
  • The V&A (Victoria & Albert): It is a “cultural day”. It focuses on art, design and performance. Here you’ll find incredible sculptures, the Theater and Performance gallery and even costumes worn in famous stage and television productions. Although the museum is free and generally does not require reservations, its exhibits sell out quickly.

5. Architectural titans: Westminster Abbey versus St Paul’s

  • Westminster Abbey: The site of coronations and royal weddings. Because it is one of the most popular locations in London, it requires strict timed entry.
  • Saint Paul Cathedral: Large, airy and home to the famous Whispering Gallery. Pro tip: Because St Paul’s is one of the few major attractions that doesn’t require timed entry, I always suggest my clients planning a trip to London to visit later in the day. There are many activities nearby, free and paid, to occupy your morning.

6. Places to go in London: the battle for the best views

  • Sky Garden (my favorite): I’ve been here 6 or 7 times. Whether it’s rain or shine, the atmosphere is fantastic. It remains one of the best free things to do in London that is well worth it.
  • Horizon 22: Currently the highest free view in Europe. This can be perceived as a little “cold” because the viewing rooms are quite sparse.
  • The London Eye: This seems to appeal more to teenagers due to the “driving element” of the capsules.
  • The view from the fragment: Ideal to pair with a morning at Borough Market, although expensive and a bit touristy.

7. Speed ​​versus scenery: ThamesRocket versus river cruising

  • ThamesRocket: For thrill seekers. You will sail the Thames to the sound of James Bond music in a high-speed RIB boat. It’s about rhythm and adrenaline. It’s a thrill-seeker’s dream when traveling to London.
  • River cruise: For the quiet tourist. It’s a relaxed way to discover the city and attractions of London. The City Cruise boat can take you to Greenwich, which makes a fantastic day out.

Plan your trip without the crowds

The secret to a successful trip to London isn’t just knowing where to go, it’s knowing When go. Most people waste hours waiting in line because they visit the biggest tourist sites at the wrong time.

My London Travel Guides are built around a “crowd avoidance” strategy. Each itinerary starts with the attractions you should visit first to avoid the crowds: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and the British Museum.

If you want a transparent plan that tells you exactly how to group them places to go in London so you spend more time exploring and less time waiting in line, check out my digital guides and planners below.

London Trip Planners

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1:1 travel consultations

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Iconic London 2026 3 Day Trip Planner

Trip-Planner-London-SunnyinLondon-Christmas-in-London-Travel-Planner

Ultimate Guide to Christmas in London

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London Restaurant Guide

Related articles on things to do in London

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