Choosing between the endless places to go in London is enough to make any any trip planner’s head spin. Should you spend your Saturday afternoon in the grit of Camden or the charm of Notting Hill? Is the view from the Shard actually worth the ticket price compared to the free London attractions?
I’ve spent years navigating this city as an American living in London. And I’ve realised that most “best of” lists aren’t helpful because they don’t help you actually choose. In this guide, I’m putting London’s biggest rivals head-to-head. I’ve even included my “This or That” videos for each spot so you can see the vibe for yourself before you commit your afternoon.
1. The Market Face-Off: Camden vs. Notting Hill
The Vibe
- Camden: Edgy, loud and world-famous for its punk roots. It is the place for international street food (especially at Hawley Wharf). Best for those who don’t mind a buzzing crowd and alternative fashion.
- Notting Hill: The “Instagrammable” dream. It’s chic, refined and home to the Portobello Road antique market. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic stroll through some of London’s most famous mews and colourful streets.
| Feature | Choose Camden for | Choose Notting Hill for |
|---|---|---|
| Best Food | Street food | Brunch and cafes |
| Shopping | Alternative fashion & crafts | Antiques and curate boutiques |
| Best Day | Sat/Sun high energy and crowds | Saturday (Main market day) |
2. Places to Go in London: Soho vs. Covent Garden
While they are right next to each other, these are two very different places to go in London. I’ve written an entire deep-dive comparing Soho vs Covent Garden, but here is the quick breakdown:
- Soho: This isn’t just “nightlife”. It’s a diverse hub of incredible restaurants, bars and historic pubs. It tends to be rowdier and high-energy. If you want a late-night atmosphere and a “cool” dining scene, Soho is it. If you’re heading here for the bars, make sure you know the unwritten rules of visiting London pubs. Soho is also known for being one of the places to go in London for the LGBTQ community.
- Covent Garden: Better for families and couples who want to be away from the late-night rowdiness. It is beautifully maintained, theatrical and home to the Apple Market and street performers. It feels much more “classic London.”
Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
3. The Foodie Duel: Borough Market vs. Maltby Street
The Vibe
- Borough Market: The iconic choice but it often gets blamed for being “social media hype.” It is a total zoo on weekends and weekdays after 12pm. I love Borough Market and visit several times a year, but I plan strategically to avoid the crowds. While you’re there, make sure you look for the specific foods to eat in london that make this market famous.
- Maltby Street: This is the “Insider’s Secret.” Tucked under railway arches, it is only open on weekends and is a bit out of the way, but that’s the allure. It’s quieter, allowing you to actually talk to the independent traders.
4. The Culture Clash: V&A vs. British Museum
Both of these museums are well worth adding to your London itinerary. And they are free but they offer completely different experiences.
- The British Museum: This is a “cultural institution.” You go here for the heavy hitters: The Rosetta Stone, The Elgin Marbles and the Egyptian Mummies.
- Pro Planning Tip: The British Museum is the perfect starting point for a winter morning. It’s centrally located and puts you within easy walking distance of the massive Christmas displays in Covent Garden, Mayfair and Westminster. If you’re visiting London at Christmas, start here and wander south into the lights.
- The V&A (Victoria & Albert): This is a “cultural day out.” It focuses on art, design and performance. You’ll find incredible sculptures, the Theatre & Performance gallery and even costumes worn in famous stage and television productions. While the museum is free and doesn’t usually require booking, their exhibitions sell out fast.
5. The Architectural Titans: Westminster Abbey vs. St Paul’s
- Westminster Abbey: The site of coronations and royal weddings. Because it is one of the most popular places to go in London, it requires strict timed entry.
- St Paul’s Cathedral: Grand, 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 a timed entry, I always suggest my 1:1 London travel planning clients visit it later in the day. There are many things to do nearby that are both free and paid to fill your morning.
6. Places to Go in London: The Battle for the Best Views
- Sky Garden (My Personal Favorite): I’ve been here 6 or 7 times. Whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny one, the ambiance is fantastic. It remains one of the top free things to do in London that are worth it.
- Horizon 22: Currently the highest free view in Europe. It can be perceived as a bit “cold” since the viewing rooms are quite sparse.
- The London Eye: This seems to appeal most to teenagers due to the “ride element” of the capsules.
- The View from the Shard: Great to pair with a morning at Borough Market, albeit expensive and a little touristy.
7. Speed vs. Scenery: ThamesRocket vs. River Cruise
- ThamesRocket: For the thrill-seekers. You’ll be whizzing around the Thames to James Bond music in a high-speed RIB boat. It’s about pace and adrenaline. It’s a thrill seekers dream for sightseeing on a London trip.
- River Cruise: For the leisurely sightseer. This is a relaxed way to see the city and London attractions. The City Cruise boat can take you all the way to Greenwich, which is a fantastic day out.
Plan Your Trip Without the Crowds
The secret to a successful London trip isn’t just knowing where to go, it’s knowing when to go. Most people waste hours standing in line because they visit the biggest sights 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 beat the rush: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and the British Museum.
If you want a seamless plan that tells you exactly how to group these places to go in London so you spend more time exploring and less time queuing, check out my digital guides and planners below.
London Travel Planners
1:1 Trip Consultations
2026 3-day Iconic London Travel Planner
Ultimate Christmas in London Guide
London Restaurant Guide
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