When people think of London, they usually picture Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, or Oxford Street. But the truth is, there’s so much more to this city than those famous places.
I’ve lived here long enough to know that the best parts of London are often the ones tourists don’t even know about. In this guide, I want to take you beyond the usual attractions and show you some really cool areas around London that you’ve probably never heard of — but should absolutely visit. These places are where locals go to relax, eat, shop, and enjoy life away from the tourist crowds.
6 Cool Areas to Visit in London
Clerkenwell – A Quiet Central Spot with Great Food
One of the first places I want to share with you is Clerkenwell, a central London neighborhood that many visitors walk right past without knowing how much charm it holds. I personally love coming here, especially around lunchtime. There’s this amazing little street called Exmouth Market — the locals often just call it “X Smith Market.” During the week, it turns into a mini street food market, and it’s one of the best places to grab a quick, affordable, and really tasty lunch.
What makes Clerkenwell even better is that it’s not loud or crowded. After grabbing food, I often walk down to Spa Fields Lane, which leads to a small green park called Spa Fields. It’s peaceful, and it’s the perfect spot to sit on a bench or in the grass and enjoy your lunch. And even if you visit when the market isn’t running, the area still has plenty of cool cafes, little restaurants, and shops to wander through. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a local, not just a visitor.
London Fields – Flowers, Food, and a Canal Walk
Next, let’s head east to one of my absolute favorite areas: London Fields. This is a part of East London that many locals adore — especially on Sundays. It has a friendly, chilled-out vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a mini city inside the city. It’s full of pubs, cafes, and quirky shops, but what really makes this area stand out is the Regent’s Canal. I love going for walks or bike rides along this canal. It’s calm, peaceful, and you often see little boats floating by or ducks swimming around.
But the biggest reason people come to London Fields on Sundays is for the Columbia Road Flower Market. It’s famous! I’ve been a few times, and I can tell you — it gets really busy. But it’s also beautiful, with people selling flowers in every color you can imagine.
Once I’ve had enough of the crowds, I like to sneak away to Ezra Street, just around the corner. There’s often someone selling fresh oysters, and nearby pubs are filled with locals sitting outside, chatting, laughing, and sipping drinks on the pavement. It feels like a little celebration of London life, every weekend.
Brixton – Bold Flavors and a Strong History
Let’s now move south to Brixton, a neighborhood full of life, culture, and flavor. I always tell people that if you want to try something different — something that feels more like real London — come to Brixton. This area became home to many people from the Caribbean during the Windrush era in the 1950s. Over time, Brixton became a place where African and Caribbean culture really took root in the city.
I still remember the first time I visited Brixton Village — it was such a feast for the senses! The smell of jerk chicken, curry goat, spices — it all hits you the moment you walk in. There’s also Market Row right next door, and together these markets are filled with food stalls, tiny restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s not just African and Caribbean food either — you’ll also find pizza places, juice bars, vegan cafes, and everything in between.
It’s one of the best places to come if you love food that’s full of flavor and made with heart. And the atmosphere is buzzing, especially on weekends. Brixton has a strong spirit — it’s proud, creative, and always full of surprises.
Richmond – Deer, Nature, and River Views
If you want to take a break from the busy streets and crowds of central London, then Richmond is the perfect escape. It’s located in Zone 4, which means it’s farther out on the Tube map, but still very easy to get to — just ride the District Line all the way to the end. When you arrive, it honestly doesn’t feel like you’re still in London. It has the peaceful charm of a little English village.
The star attraction here is Richmond Park, and I still remember how shocked I was the first time I saw how big it is. It’s actually three times the size of Central Park in New York, which is huge! But what really amazed me were the deer — yes, real wild deer just walking around freely. It’s one of the most special things you’ll see in any London park. Just remember to admire them from a distance and not get too close.
After exploring the park, I like to head back into the town area, which has a lovely path along the River Thames. You’ll often see people walking their dogs, riding bikes, or sitting outside by the pubs with a drink. It’s calm, beautiful, and makes for a relaxing afternoon. Richmond is perfect if you want to enjoy nature, spot wildlife, and breathe in some fresh air — without ever leaving London.
Bermondsey – Markets, Donuts, and Hidden Breweries
Now let’s go back closer to central London and visit a place that many tourists walk past without knowing how cool it is — Bermondsey. It’s right next to famous spots like London Bridge and The Shard, but Bermondsey itself feels like a small, quiet neighborhood with its own style. A lot of the area was rebuilt in the 1980s, and now it has this lovely mix of old buildings and new life.
Whenever I go to Bermondsey, I start by walking down Bermondsey Street. This street has a calm charm to it, with small shops, cozy cafes, and even the Fashion and Textile Museum, which is great if you’re into design. Then I always make my way over to Druid Street and Maltby Street Market — this part is full of little food stalls and some of London’s best street food, all tucked under old railway arches. It feels like a secret place only locals know about.
And here’s my personal tip — if St. John Bakery is open when you visit, don’t leave without getting one of their famous donuts. I had one with vanilla filling once, and I still think about it! Along those same arches, you’ll also find microbreweries and gin distilleries, where you can taste drinks made right there on site. Bermondsey may be small, but it’s full of tasty surprises and hidden fun.
Peckham – Rooftop Views and Local Creativity
The last area I want to tell you about is Peckham, in South London. A few years ago, not many people would think of Peckham as a place to visit, but now it’s full of creativity, local businesses, and a fun community feel. It’s a bit edgy and very real — not polished like some tourist spots, but that’s what makes it special.
One of the most well-known places here is Frank’s Café, which is set on the rooftop of a multi-story car park. It only opens in the warmer months, but the views are amazing. I remember climbing up the stairs to the top, not sure what I would find, and then suddenly stepping into this buzzing rooftop bar filled with music, food, and people enjoying the sun. It’s definitely worth the climb!
Another fun place is Peckham Levels, which is inside another old car park but has been transformed into a space for local artists, small businesses, food stalls, and workshops. I’ve seen live music there, eaten some of the best street food, and even browsed handmade crafts. It feels like a true community hub where people support each other and share creative ideas. Peckham has become one of London’s coolest up-and-coming areas, and every time I visit, I discover something new.
Final Thoughts – Go Beyond the Map
So there you have it — six amazing areas around London that many tourists miss but are absolutely worth exploring.
These are the parts of London where real life happens — where locals live, eat, and hang out. If you’re visiting London and want to see more than just the postcards, I truly hope you add a few of these places to your list. They’ve all left a mark on me, and I know they’ll do the same for you.
And before you come, don’t forget to check out my other articles and tips to help you enjoy London like a local. Whether it’s your first time or your sixth, there’s always something new to discover in this incredible city.
Read: reasons to visit London