22 Iconic Roads To Visit In 2026

Updated on August 8 2026

What Are the Most Famous Streets in London?

Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping street, drawing around half a million visitors per day and stretching 1.5 miles across the West End. Knightsbridge, Piccadilly, Regent Street, Bond Street, and Downing Street round out the most iconic addresses. For culture and history, The Mall, Baker Street, and Fleet Street are unmissable. Most of these famous London streets cluster in the West End, making it easy to visit several in a single day.

Did you know that there are over 60,000 streets in London? Although it’s a large city, many of the most famous London roads are located within the West End, right in the centre. You’re likely to see quite a few of them when you travel around London.

There are a few streets of London that are further from the centre, such as Abbey Road and Portobello Road. Brick Lane and Columbia Road are just a few minutes away from each other and good to visit on a Sunday for the market. 

22. Camden High Street

This famous shopping street in London maintains an edgy, unconventional vibe. The eccentric thoroughfare is located in the heart of Camden Town.

Camden High Street is lined with mind-bending sights – gothic fashion emporia, punk rock clothing stores and vintage record shops, all jammed together in a delirious blast of color. The Camden markets are a sprawling labyrinth of stalls hawking retro clothing, antiques, music memorabilia and cutting-edge arts and crafts.

On weekends, the street hums with buskers, urban artists, and vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to vegan street food. With its roots in the 1960s counterculture, Camden High Street draws free-spirited Bohemians, rockabilly youths and urban explorers from across the globe. It is a living embodiment of London’s vibrant, avant-garde personality.

21. Fleet Street

Fleet Street has been synonymous with the British press for centuries, giving it a unique place among London’s most celebrated streets. Once home to the city’s major newspapers like the Times, Daily Telegraph, and Daily Express, this short thoroughfare just off the Strand was at the beating heart of UK journalism and publishing for decades.

The term “Fleet Street” became shorthand for the news industry itself. Though the last major publications have now left for other headquarters, Fleet Street retains an unmistakable aura from its inky past.

Historic pubs like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese welcomed thirsty reporters swapping stories after deadlines.

20. Old Compton Street

No discussion of London’s most famous streets would be complete without mentioning Old Compton Street in Soho. This vibrant thoroughfare is at the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ community and nightlife scene.

Lined with bars, clubs, restaurants and shops, Old Compton Street comes alive at night with a festive, inclusive atmosphere. Some of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues like G-A-Y and Village Soho are located here.

However, Old Compton Street’s fame extends beyond just its nightlife. It hosts the annual Pride in London parade every summer.

19. The Mall

Not to be confused with Pall Mall,  this historic street connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. Lined with immaculate trees, it serves as both a ceremonial route and public walkway.

The Mall has hosted countless royal processions, jubilees, and major public celebrations throughout its history. During major royal events like Trooping the Colour, The Mall becomes a pavestone stage for British pomp and pageantry at its finest.

Yet it also functions as a popular public space, where locals and tourists alike can stroll between St. James’s Park and the palace, soaking in the regal atmosphere. The Mall encapsulates the grandeur of Britain’s monarchy while symbolizing the traditional openness between the royals and their subjects.

Its beauty and importance make it truly one of the world’s most famous streets.

18. Shaftesbury Avenue

Shaftesbury Avenue warrants special mention as one of London’s most famous streets. Situated in the city’s West End theater district, it is lined with historic venues that have hosted legendary plays, musicals and performances for centuries.

The Shaftesbury Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Queen’s Theatre and Lyric Theatre are just a few of the iconic playhouses along this illustrious avenue. Shaftesbury Avenue is the beating heart of London’s theatre scene, attracting crowds of theatre-goers for premiere productions and long-running hits. 

17. Baker Street

The fictional home of detective Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street is a bustling road in Marylebone. The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street is an interesting tribute to this famous literary character. You can reserve tickets to the museum in advance online.

Baker Street is also known for the song by Gerry Rafferty, with its iconic saxophone riff. It is also known for its tube station and the Metropolitan Line, the oldest underground passenger railway in the world. The Metropolitan Railway opened on January 10, 1863, running 3.75 miles between Paddington and Farringdon.

The road takes its name from the builder William Baker who laid out the street in 1755. Well known residents include the singer Dusty Springfield, who lived here in the 1960s and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. He lived at 120 Baker Street, where a blue plaque now commemorates him. 

16. Savile Row

Head to this iconic shopping street in London for the best men’s tailors in the capital. From traditional outfitters such as Gieves & Hawkes and Huntsman & Sons to contemporary favorites such as Ozwald Boateng, there’s plenty of choice.

Savile Row is named after Lady Dorothy Savile and was laid out in the 1730s. Gentlemen flocked to the tailors on Savile Row for bespoke suits. Famous clients of Savile Row included Charlie Chaplin, Horatio Nelson, Napoleon III and Winston Churchill. 

These days, this famous London street is also home to art galleries such as Hauser & Wirth, and restaurants such as Sartoria.

15. Abbey Road

This leafy street in St John’s Wood is immortalized by The Beatles in their album recorded here and named Abbey Road. You’ll recognize the pedestrian crossing from the Beatles album cover. Since 2010, the crossing has Listed Building status, so it cannot be altered or demolished.

Abbey Road is one of the most popular streets in London. In the afternoons there’s often a queue of people looking to recreate the famous scene by crossing the road in single file. If you visit in the morning, you’ll usually have the place to yourself.

The recording studios aren’t open for guided tours, however in August, Abbey Road studios hold a series of pre-bookable lectures. Throughout the year, the Abbey Road Shop is open from 9.30am – 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am- 6pm on Sundays.

14. Oxford Street

This is the busiest shopping street in Europe, with around half a million visitors per day according to footfall data from the New West End Company. There are sometimes even more visitors when the London Christmas lights are on display. We highly recommend visiting on weekday mornings if you can, as it can be hectic on weekend afternoons!

There are over 300 shops on Oxford Street including several department stores such as Selfridges, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis. You’ll find many international brands such as Zara and H&M.

There are also some British fashion brands such as River Island. The IKEA flagship store is at 214 Oxford Street.

Possibly the most famous street in London, Oxford Street stretches for 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) as indicated by the Greater London Authority. Take a break from shopping at the glamorous Brasserie of Light within Selfridges department store.

13. Columbia Road

This East London famous street has an amazing flower market. Held every Sunday, it’s a popular place to pick up plants and bouquets. Columbia Road Flower Market is open from 8 am until 3 pm.

There are some lovely little shops along the street. Head to Mason&Painter for vintage furniture and cute gifts. Milagros London specializes in colorful Mexican items while Angela Flanders makes gorgeous bespoke perfume.

Eat at Brawn if you’re a meat lover or head to Laxeiro for North Western Spanish dishes. Cake Hole Cafe at Vintage Heaven is the place to go for sweet treats.

12. Portobello Road

Rising to fame after being featured in the movie Notting Hill, Portobello Road is a colorful street with many antique shops. There’s a flea market each Saturday selling everything from clothes to vintage trinkets. 

Each August Bank Holiday, Portobello Road and the surrounding streets play host to Notting Hill Carnival. Founded in 1966, it’s the largest street party in Europe with around 2 million attendees.

Fans of the Notting Hill movie can see the location of the Travel Book Company owned by Hugh Grant’s character, William Thacker. Although 142 Portobello Road is now a gift shop, the store sign reads “Notting Hill, The Travel Bookshop”.

Another fictional character, Paddington Bear, visited Portobello Road daily. His friend Mr Gruber owned an antiques store there. In real life, the writer George Orwell lived at number 22.

There are quite a few hidden Notting Hill spots. If you’re in need of refreshments, Farm Girl is a charming London cafe with a cute courtyard, at 59a Portobello Road. They do some cool latte artwork!

11. Bond Street

One of the most upmarket London shopping roads, Bond Street is actually two streets, Old Bond Street and New Bond Street. They take their name from Sir Thomas Bond, who developed the land.

This central London street became popular in the 18th century for its luxury shops such as Asprey, a jeweler which has a Royal Warrant. You’ll also find some interesting art galleries. Halcyon Gallery, Galerie Bartoux and Opera Gallery are all open to the public. Sotheby’s auction house is at 34-35 New Bond Street. Sotheby’s Cafe is open from Monday to Friday.

Horatio, Lord Nelson lived at 147 Bond Street in 1797. You can see a Blue Plaque commemorating him on the outside of the building, which is now an art dealership.

Check out the Allies statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, close to the Chanel store. This unusual sculpture depicts the two leaders on a bench having a chat and was designed by Lawrence Holofcener and unveiled by Princess Margaret in 1995. 

10. Kings Road

This West London street rose to fame in the 1960s when Mods and Rockers hung out in its quirky bars and stores. The designer Mary Quant had a popular fashion boutique here. 

Today, the Kings Road still has some independent boutiques such as R.Soles, a cowboy boot shop. Peter Jones department store is a good place to buy stylish homeware. 

Just off the King’s Road, Duke of York Square has several fashion boutiques and restaurants with outdoor terraces. Cafe Linea within the Saatchi Gallery has a nice al fresco terrace. Take a Chelsea walking tour to discover more of the area.

A few minutes walk from the Kings Road is the swish Belgravia neighbourhood.

9. Brick Lane

This iconic East London street is known for its Sunday street market and curry houses. Close to Spitalfields, there are some popular vintage clothing stores including Beyond Retro and Rokit.

Brick Lane is also a good place to buy sari fabric and other textiles. At 124-126 Brick Lane, don’t miss Dark Sugars, one of the best artisanal London chocolate shops.

One of the most famous lanes in London, the area was notorious in 1888 as being the scene of the Jack the Ripper murders. Today, Brick Lane is a trendy melting pot. People flock to Brick Lane Market on Sundays, as well as the stalls in the Old Truman Brewery.

Tucked away inside the Tea Rooms, a collection of antiques traders, you’ll find Long & Short Coffee Roasters. However, the most famous Brick Lane delicacy is the humble bagel. Beigel Bake has been going strong since 1976 and they’re open 24/7 – perfect if you get late night munchies.

8. Pall Mall

Not to be confused with The Mall which leads up to Buckingham Palace, Pall Mall runs from Trafalgar Square to St James’s Street. The unusual name comes from the ball game all-Male that was played here in the 17th century.

At 106 Pall Mall, you’ll find the Institute of Directors, a beautiful Georgian building designed by John Nash. The Royal Automobile Club is at number 89. This private members club isn’t open to the public but you can admire the Grade II listed building exterior.

The Royal Opera Arcade is close to Trafalgar Square, and home to an art gallery. Look out for the blue plaques at number 80 and 82 Pall Mall. They commemorate former residents Nell Gwyn, mistress of King Charles II and Thomas Gainsborough, the British portrait painter.

Nearby, there are a number of 5 star hotels including Dukes, where you can book a picnic in the park in Summertime.

7. Carnaby Street

This cool London road became well known in the 1960s for its hip fashion boutiques. Today, Carnaby Street is still a hub for London shoppers.

Check out Irregular Choice for unique women’s shoes at number 35 and Lambretta Clothing at number 29 for stylish men’s outfits with a retro vibe. Streetwear brands such as PUMA are also popular with visitors.

Although there is only one Carnaby Street in the world, the Carnaby area gathers together 14 streets, known as the Newburgh Quarter. Just off Carnaby Street, Kingly Court is a fun place to eat with many restaurants such as Dirty Bones and Pizza Pilgrims spread over three floors. Cahoots is an underground bar modelled on a London tube carriage – we highly recommend the vintage style afternoon tea there.

6. The Strand

Taking its distinctive name from the old English word strond meaning edge of a river, The Strand is one of the most famous roads in London. Leading from Temple Bar to Trafalgar Square, it became popular with the aristocracy in the 17th century due to its strategic position connecting the City of London with Westminster, 

The Twinings Flagship Store at 216 Strand opened in 1706. This historic tea room and shop is one of the oldest businesses in London still operating at its original premises. It pioneered dry tea sales so women could buy tea directly. Queen Victoria awarded their first Royal Warrant in 1837, renewed by every monarch since.

Somerset House is a stunning Georgian art museum with several restaurants and cafes. The Royal Courts of Justice, also known as the Law Courts is a beautiful Gothic Revival style building.

The Savoy was built in 1889 by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the theatrical impresario. This luxurious hotel is one of only a few places in London where traffic enters on the right.

Close by at number 100, Simpson’s in the Strand has been serving British cuisine since 1828. The restaurant is popular with theatregoers dining before performances at the Vaudeville and Adelphi Theatres.

5. Jermyn Street

One of the best London shopping streets for men is Jermyn Street. This luxurious road in St James is home to prestigious gentlemen’s outfitters such as DAKS and Hackett.

You’ll find many men’s shirtmakers here, including Thomas Pink and Turnbull & Asser. There’s also a large La Martina polo clothing store and shoe makers John Lobb and Foster & Son.

At number 93, there is the oldest cheese shop in Britain, Paxton & Whitfield, while at number 89, Floris is a beautiful perfumery store. Dine at Franco’s for delicious Italian food or 45 Jermyn Street in Fortnum & Mason for its caviar trolley.

One of Jermyn Street’s most famous characters is the dandy Beau Brumell. He frequented the street in the early 1900s and there’s a statue dedicated to him in front of Piccadilly Arcade. Inside this shopping gallery, you’ll find Jeffery West men’s shoes and Favourbrook, who make designer waistcoats.

4. Downing Street

You can’t actually visit Downing Street, one of the most famous London roads. That’s because number 10 Downing Street is the office and London residence of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

A gate and police force guard the entrance but you are allowed to take photos behind the railings. Famous past residents include the UK Prime Ministers, as well as Larry the cat, a stray who has seen several PMs come and go.

If your heart is set on getting a photo at Downing Street, there’s a very good stand in door at number 10 Adam Street near the Strand. It looks very like its more famous counterpart!

3. Regent Street

Another upmarket London shopping road, Regent Street is named after George, the Prince Regent. It was laid out in 1819 by the architect John Nash and property developer James Burton.

For those visiting London at Christmas time, the festive illuminations on Regent Street are always a delight. There are many luxury stores here, including Mappin & Webb and Mulberry.

The famous department store, Liberty London has Regent Street as its postal address, although the main entrance is actually on Great Marlborough Street. Burberry is located in a stylish building at 121 Regent Street – Thomas’s Cafe inside is a good place for a coffee. 

If you have children, Hamley’s toy store should definitely be on your list of places to visit. You may find it hard to get them out of there again!

Hotel Cafe Royal is a great place to stay on Regent Street. The original building dates from 1863.

2. Piccadilly

This street’s unusual name comes from a seventeenth century collar called a piccadil. The tailor Roger Baker who made these frilled collars lived in the area. He constructed a shop and a house here, and the residence soon came to be nicknamed Piccadilly Hall.

Among London famous streets, Piccadilly is one of the most popular with overseas visitors, thanks to its central location. The road stretches all the way from Piccadilly Circus in the east to Hyde Park Corner in the west.

On Piccadilly Circus you’ll notice the famous Eros statue. This is actually a sculpture of Eros’ brother Anteros, named the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Next to it, there’s a huge electronic billboard displaying adverts.

Also on Piccadilly Circus is Granaio at The Criterion, an ornate restaurant specializing in Italian dishes. The Wolseley is a chic all day bistro located in the former Wolseley car garage. 

St James’s Church has a courtyard with several market stalls selling souvenirs. Hatchards, at 187 Piccadilly, is a popular London bookstore with knowledgeable staff.

Fortnum and Mason is the place to go for food gifts, while Maison Assouline has some gorgeous coffee table books. The Royal Academy of Arts hosts many interesting exhibitions. There are sometimes food stalls in the courtyard during Summertime.

There are three historic shopping galleries leading off the street:

• Burlington Arcade
• Piccadilly Arcade
• Princes Arcade

You can also find an entrance to Green Park on Piccadilly. 

The charming area known as Shepherd Market lies just off Piccadilly. Its pedestrianized streets are popular with local workers for a drink in the Summer months.

If you’re looking for a place to stay here, The Ritz needs no introduction as one of the most famous London hotels. Alternatively, book their afternoon tea for a special treat. 

At 21 Piccadilly, Le Meridien is another luxurious 5 star London hotel. There are several other five star hotels on Piccadilly, including The Athenaeum and The Sheraton Grand.

1. Knightsbridge

Rather confusingly, Knightsbridge isn’t just one of the best London streets. It’s also an area of West London stretching from Hyde Park to Chelsea.

In this exclusive London district, you’ll find the beautiful Brompton Oratory church, as well as the famous Victoria and Albert Museum. The street itself is famous for its upmarket department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Knightsbridge is just a few minutes walk from Hyde Park. The largest of the four Royal Parks in London, it was the former hunting ground of Henry VIII.

If you’d like to stay in Knightsbridge, there are several luxurious hotels including The Park Tower, The Berkeley, The Mandarin Oriental and The Bulgari. As for restaurants, San Lorenzo on Beauchamp Place and Harry’s Bar on Basil Street are both popular.

Here’s a recap of the most famous streets in London:

1. Knightsbridge
2. Piccadilly
3. Regent Street
4. Downing Street
5. Jermyn Street
6. The Strand
7. Carnaby Street
8. Pall Mall
9. Brick Lane
10. Kings Road
11. Bond Street
12. Portobello Road
13. Columbia Road
14. Oxford Street
15. Abbey Road
16. Savile Row
17. Baker Street
18. Shaftesbury Avenue
19. The Mall
20. Old Compton Street
21. Fleet Street
22. Camden High Street

Famous London Streets by Category: A Quick-Reference Guide

Not sure where to start? Here’s how London’s most famous streets break down by what they’re best known for.

Best for shopping:

●Oxford Street (mass-market and department stores, Europe’s busiest shopping street)

●Bond Street (luxury designer boutiques and auction houses)

●Regent Street (flagship stores, Liberty London, Hamleys)

●Knightsbridge (Harrods, Harvey Nichols, ultra-luxury)

●Jermyn Street (bespoke menswear, shirtmakers, heritage brands)

●Savile Row (world-famous bespoke tailoring)

●Kings Road (independent boutiques, Peggy Porschen, Peter Jones)

●Carnaby Street (streetwear, quirky independents, the Newburgh Quarter)

Best for history and culture:

●The Mall (royal processions, Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour)

●Downing Street (No. 10, the Prime Minister’s official residence)

●Fleet Street (home of the British press for centuries)

●Pall Mall (Georgian architecture, members’ clubs, blue plaques)

●The Strand (1,000 years of history from the Thames to the City)

●Baker Street (the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Metropolitan Line)

Best for food, markets, and nightlife:

●Brick Lane (curry houses, bagels at Beigel Bake, Sunday market)

●Portobello Road (Saturday antiques market, Notting Hill Carnival in August)

●Columbia Road (Sunday flower market, 8am-3pm)

●Old Compton Street (LGBTQ+ bars, Soho nightlife, Pride in London)

●Camden High Street (street food, live music, the Camden markets)

Best for theatre and the arts:

●Shaftesbury Avenue (West End theatres, premiere productions)

●Piccadilly (Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington Arcade, Fortnum & Mason)

Which London Streets Are Close to Each Other?

London’s most famous streets cluster into convenient walking zones, so you can see several in a single outing.

●West End loop (1-2 hours on foot): Piccadilly, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Oxford Street, and Bond Street sit within easy walking distance of each other. Start at Piccadilly Circus and work your way north.

●St James’s and royal corridor: The Mall, Pall Mall, Jermyn Street, and Downing Street are all within a 10-minute walk. Perfect for a morning stroll with a stop at Twinings on the Strand.

●East London pairing: Brick Lane and Columbia Road are just a few minutes apart. Visit Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning (it closes at 3pm), then walk to Brick Lane for lunch.

●Chelsea and Notting Hill: Kings Road and Portobello Road aren’t directly connected, but both reward a half-day each. Portobello Road’s antiques market runs on Saturdays.

●South Kensington anchor: Knightsbridge sits right on the edge of Hyde Park and is a short walk from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Savile Row and Jermyn Street are a 15-minute walk away.

Key Takeaways

●Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping street, welcoming around half a million visitors per day and stretching 1.5 miles across the West End.

●Knightsbridge ranks number one on this list for luxury, and is home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols as well as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

●10 Downing Street is London’s most famous street address, the official residence of the Prime Minister, but it is closed to the public.

●Abbey Road’s pedestrian crossing has had Listed Building status since 2010, protecting the iconic Beatles crossing from any alteration or demolition.

●Columbia Road Flower Market runs on Sundays only, from 8am to 3pm, arrive early for the best selection.

●Most of London’s most famous streets cluster in the West End, making it easy to visit several on a single day on foot.

●Portobello Road hosts its famous Saturday antiques market throughout the year and the enormous Notting Hill Carnival every August Bank Holiday.

●Beigel Bake on Brick Lane has been open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1976, the perfect late-night pit stop.

How many of these famous London streets have you visited? Which one would you say is the best street in London? Our personal favourite is Bond Street for its mix of history, architecture and great shops!

Final Thoughts on the Most Famous Streets in London

In summary, London is home to some of the world’s most renowned and iconic streets. The regal splendor of The Mall leading to Buckingham Palace, the vibrant theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue, and the trendy dining at Brick Lane in the East End – these famous streets define London’s character. 

From ceremonial grandeur to cultural vibrancy, from political power to culinary delights, these well known London streets encapsulate the diversity and romance of one of the greatest cities on Earth. Walking these legendary routes allows you to experience the living history and modern energy that make the UK capital truly unique.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prettiest street in London?

Portobello Road is widely considered one of the prettiest streets in London, known for its colorful painted houses, antique shops, and vibrant Saturday market. The Mall is another strong contender, lined with immaculate trees and leading directly to Buckingham Palace. Columbia Road is also strikingly beautiful on a Sunday, when the flower market is in full bloom.

What are the best streets in London for men’s shopping?

Savile Row and Jermyn Street are the top London streets for men’s shopping. Savile Row is world-famous for bespoke tailoring, with houses such as Gieves & Hawkes and Huntsman & Sons. Jermyn Street specialises in shirtmakers (Turnbull & Asser, Thomas Pink), shoe makers (John Lobb, Foster & Son), and heritage menswear brands such as DAKS and Hackett.

Is Abbey Road worth visiting?

Yes, Abbey Road is absolutely worth visiting, especially for Beatles fans. The famous pedestrian crossing from the album cover has had Listed Building status since 2010, so it can never be altered or demolished. Visit in the morning to beat the queues of people recreating the crossing photo. The Abbey Road Shop is open 9:30am-6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays, and the studios host pre-bookable lectures each August.

How many streets are there in London?

There are over 60,000 streets in London. The most famous ones are concentrated in the West End, making it easy to visit several in a single day on foot, which is exactly why the West End remains the starting point for most visitors exploring London’s iconic roads.

What is Carnaby Street famous for?

Carnaby Street is famous for its role in the 1960s Swinging London fashion scene, when it became synonymous with hip boutiques and youth culture. Today it remains a lively shopping destination, anchoring the wider Newburgh Quarter, a collection of 14 streets with independent shops, streetwear brands, and restaurants. Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street, is a great spot for food spread over three floors.

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