Bloomsbury

London, England

Georgian squares, the British Museum, and ghosts of the Bloomsbury Group. Independent bookshops abound.

Places in Bloomsbury

Noble Rot Multiple locations with refreshing menus and best bread basket in London, world-class wine lists
La Fromagerie Absolute gem for exceptional cheese, curated wines, warm artisanal atmosphere; both cheesemonger and cafe

Best time to visit: May-September (warm, long days); December festive markets
Getting around: Excellent Underground; buses comprehensive; walkable neighborhoods vary; expensive transport system
Currency: British Pound Sterling (£)
Language: English, though you'll hear hundreds of languages on any high street.
Timezone: GMT/BST (UTC+0/+1)
Current trends: Natural wine bar boom; Diverse global cuisines recognized; Small plate dining expanding; Regeneration of former industrial areas; Sustainability focus

Shoreditch & Spitalfields — Street art, vintage shops, and some of London's best food. Sunday markets at Spitalfields and Brick Lane are essential.
South Bank — Tate Modern, the Southbank Centre, and Borough Market line the Thames. The best walk in London.
Soho — Vibrant entertainment district
Mayfair — Upscale west-end neighborhood