11 North West London Areas You’ll Want to Discover

Today I want to share my north west London areas guide with you. The part of the UK capital is full of places with pretty streets, leafy parks, and local spots to discover. From village-like Hampstead to colorful Camden Town, there’s one that’s sure to fit your style. I’ve included an interactive north west London neighborhoods map to help you navigate this part of the city, too.

North West London Areas

I’ve published a lot of blog posts about various areas of London over the years. From in-depth neighborhood guides to overviews of different parts of the city, I’ve covered plenty of ground.

I’ve written about pretty London neighborhoods, east London areas, west London areas, north London areas, and south London areas. I’ve also drawn up a London neighborhoods map.

But today I want to dive into north west London areas and bring you my favorite places in this part of the UK capital.

Whether you’re into picture-pretty villages, exciting markets, hidden mews, or parks with views, there’s a neighborhood in this part of the city for you.

You can do one or more of my self-guided north west London walks if you want to explore some of these places in depth. They’re great ways to see the hidden corners locals love.

From Camden to Barnet and Brent, NW3 to NW6 and NW11, the boroughs and postcode districts in this part of the UK capital have a lot going for them.

1. Hampstead

Since it’s one of my favorite north west London areas, I’ll start my list with Hampstead. This part of the UK capital has some of the most beautiful streets, cutest cafes, and biggest parks in the city.

From Hampstead High Street to Heath Street, Flask Walk to Perrin’s Court, this London neighborhood is full of picturesque lanes, pretty shops, heritage houses, and tucked-away local pubs.

Parks like Hampstead Heath and the Hill Garden and Pergola add a refreshing dose of greenery to the area as well.

If you want to discover this beloved part of north west London, my free self-guided Hampstead walk and Hampstead Heath walks will show you the highlights.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are lots of options in Hampstead. La Gaffe is conveniently located on Heath Street. It’s my favorite local hotel in the area. I love its cozy ambiance and delicious cappuccinos. You can book a room here.

If you prefer your own place, the Mirabilis Apartments in Wells Court on Oriel Place are perfect. These elegant flats are right in the heart of the village between Hampstead High Street and Heath Street. You can book one here.

You can see a range of other accommodation options and hotels in Hampstead here. You’re sure to find a place that fits your style.

2. Belsize Park

Just down the hill from Hampstead, Belsize Park is one of the best north west London neighborhoods for living like a local and enjoying a true neighborhood experience.

This part of the city has a high street packed with everything from independent restaurants to a branch of London’s beloved Daunt Books. Belsize Lane also has a cluster of shops and cafes locals love.

To top it all off, Belsize Park has elegant houses and pretty mews to discover. From Daleham Mews to McCrone Mews, there are lots of unique ones between Haverstock Hill and Swiss Cottage.

If you want to live like a local, you can book a stay here. There’s a range of options in Belsize Park. My top pick is this luxury apartment. It’s in a great location in the heart of the area, and it has everything you need to stay in style. You can book it here.

You can see a range of other options and find something that fits your preferences here. With so many options, you’re bound to find something you love.

3. Primrose Hill

Right by Belsize Park, Primrose Hill is one of my favorite north west London areas for its colorful Regency townhouses, local pubs, and famous green space with a view of Regent’s Park and the city skyline.

There are food markets and fun shops on Regent’s Park Road, the Victorian terraces are picture-pretty, and the stretch of Regent’s Canal that runs through the area is beautiful.

Most people visit the neighborhood to take in the views from the top of Primrose Hill, but it’s worth spending time exploring side streets like Chalcot Crescent and Chalcot Square. Their pastel facades are stunning.

If you want to discover more of this part of London, my free self-guided Primrose Hill walk will take you around and show you the highlights.

If you’d like to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are plenty of options in Primrose Hill. My top pick is this studio apartment. Cozy and quiet, it’s in an ideal location right by the high street. You can book a stay here.

If you need something different, you can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. There are plenty of choices.

4. Camden

Just south of of Primrose Hill, Camden is another of the best north west London areas.

Right on Regent’s Canal, this part of the city is home to the famous Camden Market. It’s one of the most exciting of its kind in London. Full of shops and stalls selling everything from hot food to vintage goods, it draws visitors and locals alike.

Camden is also famous for its pubs and nightlife scene. Streets like Parkway have lots of restaurants and cafes, there are plenty of live music venues, and Camden High Street retains some of the colorful facades and goth clothing shops the area was once known for.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are plenty of options in Camden Town. My top pick for a hotel is The Wesley. This quirky hotel in London is housed in a 19th-century chapel. You can book a stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here.

5. West Hampstead

Back up by Hampstead, West Hampstead is another of my favorite places in north west London. This area is ideal for living like a local, not least because it offers lovely residential streets and a buzzing high street.

West End Lane is home to everything from bakeries to bookshops and butchers. It’s the ideal place to soak up the area’s scene and get a feel for life in West Hampstead.

The neighborhood borders great places like Cricklewood, too. It’s worth exploring the wider area while you’re in the neighborhood.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay here. There are lots of options in West Hampstead.

My top pick is the West Hampstead Serviced Apartments. Shiny and modern, they’re in a great location near the tube station and the shops and restaurants on West End Lane. You can book one here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation in the neighborhood.

6. Hampstead Garden Suburb

Next on my list is Hampstead Garden Suburb. This north west London area is a unique example of a planned community featuring early 20th-century domestic architecture.

With neat brick houses, manicured gardens, and leafy squares, it’s a great place to escape the bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a spot that feels like it’s a million miles away.

If you like walking, this is a great neighborhood for a stroll. With pretty houses, quiet lanes, and green spaces, it’s an ideal place to get into nature in the city.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are several options in Hampstead Garden Suburb. My top pick is Iolanthe. This unique B&B has countryside charm and offers a full English breakfast. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. While the selection is limited in this part of the city, there are some good spots to stay.

7. South End Green

South End Green is another of my favorite parts of north west London. This place is right by Hampstead Heath, and it’s home to residential streets lined with brick houses, a cluster of shops and restaurants, and great neighborhood pubs.

South End Green is one of my favorite under-the-radar London neighborhoods. It’s worth discovering for its local feel, and it’s perfect if you want to get away from the crowds in central London.

If you’d like to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are several options in South End Green. My top pick is Pass the Keys Apartment. This bright, spacious property is just 2 minutes from Hampstead Heath. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. You’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation in and around the area.

8. Golders Green

Right by Hampstead Garden Suburb, Golders Green is another of the best north west London areas. Given the neighborhood is home to a large Jewish population, the high street has delicious kosher restaurants.

Golders Green has no shortage of green spaces and gardens either. The Hampstead Heath Extension is a tranquil place to go for a walk, and Golders Hill Park has some of my favorite spring gardens in London.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are plenty of options in Golders Green.

My top pick is the Luxury London Garden Flat. This beautiful modern apartment is right near the tube station, and it has a terrace. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. There’s a range to choose from in the neighborhood.

9. St John’s Wood

So close to central London it’s practically part of it, St John’s Wood is another north west London area that deserves a place on my list.

This neighborhood is known for being the home of Lord’s Cricket Ground and The Beatles’ Abbey Road Studios (and its famous zebra crossing). The American School in London is here, too.

St John’s Wood High Street is worth a special trip as well. It has lots of restaurants, shops, and cafes on it. From everyday names to independent numbers, there’s a lot to discover here.

Saint John’s Wood Church Gardens are peaceful and perfect for walks as well. They’re ripe for a wander after a trip to neighboring Regent’s Park.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There are lots of options in St John’s Wood.

My top pick is Sanctum Regent’s Park. This contemporary condo hotel is in an ideal location near the tube station, and it has all the amenities you could want. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. From hotels to apartment rentals, this neighborhood has it all.

10. Kentish Town

Right by Hampstead Heath, Kentish Town is another north west London area worth discovering. This neighborhood is home to bustling Kentish Town Road, which is full of colorful shops, restaurants, and cafes.

It also has eye-catching pastel houses on Leverton Street and historic homes littered throughout the area.

There are good pubs around here, too, and the neighborhood’s location next to Hampstead Heath and near Highgate is an added bonus.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the area. There’s a range of options in Kentish Town. My top pick is this Studio. A charming place, it’s in an ideal location near Hampstead Heath, the tube, and the high street. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here. You’ll have plenty of spots to choose from.

11. Queens Park

Queen’s Park is another of the best north west London areas. A residential neighborhood, it’s known for streets lined with Edwardian and Victorian houses, its green space, and its high street.

Salusbury Road is lined with a mix of independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and cafes. Streets like Lonsdale Road have some great places to eat and drink, too.

The Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market makes this area the perfect place to visit on Sundays. Its stalls offer everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to flowers and plants.

If you want to live like a local, you can stay in the neighborhood. There’s a variety of options in Queen’s Park.

My top pick is the 118 Brondesbury Road Apartments. This modern property is in an ideal location near the tube and the high street. You can book your stay here.

You can see a variety of other options and find a place that fits your style here.

North West London Neighborhoods Map

North West London Areas

I hope you’ve enjoyed this north west London areas guide and that it’s inspired you to discover more of this part of the UK capital.

There are lots of other north west London neighborhoods to discover, too, from Brondesbury to Kensal Green, Kilburn, Dollis Hill, Childs Hill, Mill Hill, Willesden, and beyond. I hope you get a chance to discover them all. Happy exploring!

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