London's Most Exclusive Areas

Covering some 607 square-miles, Greater London is home to diverse neighbourhoods and districts each with a distinctive character and feel. Many areas of the city are named after streets or monuments within them, as well as historical events and figures. Some of the most exclusive addresses in London are found within Central London, including Knightsbridge and Mayfair. Vistors exploring these districts get a taste of the high life. These areas of the capital feature some of the most exclusive destinations in Europe, including fashionable shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques, world-class restaurants, luxry hotels, and fashionable bars and pubs. 

Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge runs along the south edge of the leafy and popular Hyde Park, west from Hyde Park Corner. Situated within the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the road lends its name to one of London's most exclusive areas. Notable as one of the city's most expensive residential areas, Knightsbridge is renowned for its upmarket retail shops and boutiques, including the flagship stores of national and international fashion houses. People come to Knightsbridge to shop. The district’s tenants including leading designers Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, as well as two Prada locations. Some of the most famous shops in Knightsbridge are Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Founded in 1834, Harrods is the largest department store in Europe and has occupied its current location on Brompton Road since 1849. Attracting visitors from around the world each year, the present building was completed in 1905 and designed by architect Charles William Stephens. Opening in 1880, the rival Harvey Nichols department store is also located at Knightsbridge and Sloane Street. 

Mayfair

Beginning in 1686, the May Fair was organised in what is known today as Mayfair. The area is now one of the most fashionable in London with high-end shops, as well as luxury restaurants and hotels. The district is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the capital, including world famous shopping streets. Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street are all found here, featuring world-class shops with labels by leading designers. One of Europe's busiest shopping streets, Oxford Street is lined by flagship stores from some of the UK's biggest retail names, including Debenhams, House of Fraser, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Selfridges and Topshop. Mayfair is also the home of corporate headquarters and embassies, including at the elegant Grosvenor Square where the United States Embassy is based. Not to mention one of the best French restaurants in London with Michelin star dushes and exquisite wine to match. 

Belgravia

With some of the most expensive residential properties in London, Belgravia is one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the world. The district is located south-west of Buckingham Palace and is bordered by Knightsbridge to the north, Grosvenor Place and Buckingham Palace Road to the east, Sloane Street along the west, and Pimlico Road in the south. Compared with neighbouring districts, Belgravia is relatively quiet with tranquil residential streets and grand terraces of white stucco houses. The area also features grand public spaces, such as Belgrave Square and Eaton Square. Laid out in the 1820s, Belgrave Square features statues of Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, explorer Christopher Columbus, South American leader Simon Bolivar, among others. The stately Eaton Square is bound by large houses, the classical St. Peter’s Church, and the Grosvenor House Hotel. Belgravia is also one of the city's most fashionable districts. It where visitors can relax and mingle in some of London's chicest and stylish lounges and bars, as well as leading shops and studios from Philip Treacy, Donna Ida, Jenny Packham and HEMYCA. 

This article was written by travel blogger Emma. She moved to London 5 years ago and has been documenting her thoughts on the city since, specialising on luxury destinations.