Introduction

The various and diverse "villages" of London reflect the full spectrum of the city's residents. From exclusively elite establishments to downright dingy dives, tourist-drenched terrain and home-grown habitation, there's something for every visitor. As Dr Johnson said back in the 18th Century: "If you're tired of London, you're tired of life."

Battersea & Clapham - Home to hoards of trendy young things, Battersea & Clapham is the place to go for fun and funky bars and restaurants outside of central London.

Bayswater & Paddington - Famous for its train station and the Peruvian bear named after it (the marmalade sandwich-munching Paddington Bear), this area is a good bet for affordable accommodation that's close to the tranquility of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Bloomsbury, Euston & Fitzrovia - Bloomsbury is London's literary capital and a walking tour is the best way to discover the haunts of the city's wordy geniuses. A visit to the area is not complete without a wander in the hallowed halls of London's biggest tourist lure – the British Museum.

Brixton - Reggae beats and spicy treats prevail in London's largest Afro-Caribbean community. Once a shabby, no-go area, it is now frequented by all kinds of people, including trendy, affluent types who hang out in the myriad of cool bars and happening clubs. The wonderful cultural diversity is visible in the bustling, popular market, and the famous Fridge nightclub.

Camden - Crowded streets spill over with shoppers and people-watchers who flock from far and wide to chill out, rather than haggle, at Camden Market. But good cafes, clubs and a top comedy venue make Camden much more than a great market area.

Chelsea & Fulham - Darling! Chic boutiques, expensive restaurants, snooty aristocrats and models in slick sports cars haunt Brompton Cross, King's Road, Kensington High Street and its environs. The Earl's Court Exhibition Centre is always a hub of activity, and it's always a pleasure to cruise across the delightful Albert Bridge at night when it's all lit up.

The City & Square Mile - England's coffers are literally in the Square Mile; one of the few places where the streets might as well be paved with gold. Modern structures like the Lloyd's Building, outnumber the more ancient edifices such as the Bank of England and the Old Bailey. The City encompasses the sacred in St. Paul's Cathedral and the quotidian in Spitalfields Market and Leadenhall Market. Blackfriars Bridge was site of the infamous 1982 murder of the Italian banker Roberto Calvi.

Clerkenwell & Shoreditch - This trendy area is rife with hip, sofa-strewn hangouts, swanky restaurants and galleries. Most of the action revolves around Hoxton Square, but East London is always booming due to its proximity to the city. Once favored only by struggling artists on the cutting edge, it's now a new media mecca with arty types and savvy techie upstarts providing a vibrant mix.

Covent Garden & Holborn - There's been a clamp down on street performers, but the open-air party atmosphere still pervades in Covent Garden Piazza. The 18th-century iron and glass former fruit and vegetable market has evolved gracefully and now houses fashion boutiques and other up-market stores. Stroll down Long Acre, Floral Street and the cobbled Neal Street or visit the Royal Opera House.

Docklands & Wapping - Heavily bombed during World War II, this area became the incarnation of 1980s prosperity. Canary Wharf Tower dominates the skyline and the Canary Wharf area is one of the capital's greatest economic powerhouses. The Tower of London was a 16th-century prison where some of Henry VIII's unlucky wives were beheaded. No longer so unfriendly, you can now view the fabulous Crown Jewels. Next, stroll outside and take in the stunning Tower Bridge.

Ealing - This is home to a beautiful active Benedictine Abbey, a large Polish community and the famous Ealing Studios where films like Shaun of the Dead and Doctor Who have been produced.

Greenwich - Otherwise known as zero degrees longitude and the home to Greenwich Mean Time. Take a boat trip down the Thames for a romantic day out or visit the National Maritime Museum, the imposing Royal Naval College, Cutty Sark, and the Thames Barrier Park.

Hammersmith, Shepherds Bush & Chiswick - Hammersmith and "Da Bush", as the area is sometimes more affectionately known, is a great place to come for a meal or night out away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. A popular place for theatre, you can choose from the cozy Lyric Hammersmith, the top quality London Apollo or the fringe-style Bush Theatre.

Hampstead - Leafy suburbia with a charming village ambiance. Steeped in literary history, the homes of poets, playwrights and actors of past and present are marked by endless blue plaques. An afternoon in Kenwood House or strolling on Hampstead Heath is worlds away from the noise and bustle of London.

Hoxton & Shoreditch – London's hippie scene for the artistic and those interested in media. East London has seen a significant boom thanks to its proximity to the City. Specialty bars and pubs dominate this district.

Islington - Tony Blair's home ground and a yuppie playground; Upper Street is one long stretch of restaurants and bars. Seek out antiques in Camden Passage or stroll along Regent's Canal and see why this corner of North London is spectacular.

Knightsbridge & Belgravia - The two reasons to shop in this area have to be Piccadilly Circus and Harrods. Down the road is the stunning Baroque Brompton Oratory, and be sure not to miss Kensington Church Street or Sloane Street.

Leicester Square & Piccadilly Full of tourist frenzy, the Square is home to several bright and shiny multiplexes and is no stranger to star-studded film premieres. There are a plethora of bars, pubs and clubs that keep the punters happy. Stroll down Piccadilly and pop into Fortnum & Mason, take tea at the Ritz or shop along the sartorially elegant Jermyn and Regent Streets.

Maida Vale & St John's Wood - An intriguing juxtaposition of massive houses and council estates gives this area a diverse ethnic and economic mix. Worth a visit if you fancy going a bit Mediterranean in the canals and cafes of Little Venice. It's also home to the venerable cricketing institute, Lord's Cricket Ground.

Marylebone & Regent's Park - Harley Street is renowned worldwide for its medical consultants and cosmetic surgeons. A stone's throw from Baker Street is Madame Tussaud's and Regent's Park. Wigmore Street hosts virtuosos at the legendary Wigmore Hall while the private Wallace Art Collection is housed in Manchester Square. Elegant Marylebone High Street has tasty gastronomic venues, high fashion boutiques, and an Aveda Lifestyle Store. The beautiful interior of St James' Church, around the corner in Spanish Place, was restored thanks to John Paul Getty III.

Mayfair - This district is full of refined hotels where affluent foreigners stay. The impressive 18th-century edifices of Mayfair are resided by people of fabulous wealth. First-class shopping can be found along Bond Street and you can pick up a gem or two at Sotheby's.

Notting Hill & Ladbroke Grove - This is a supremely hip district offers designer boutiques, retro shops, heavenly delicatessens, and the antique and bric-a-brac stalls of Portobello Road Market. The world famous Notting Hill Carnival at the end of August brings a Caribbean flavor to the streets – with hip-swaying dance troupes and general revelry. Fantastic cafe life, decadent bars, and superb restaurants satisfy the gourmands. The gospel choir at Kensington Temple is well-known for its soulful, arm-waving harmonies.

Putney - This district is comprised of riverside pubs, rowing clubs, and wealthy stockbrokers. Nearby Barnes is a similarly bucolic, quiet and upscale residential neighborhood.

Richmond - Richmond Park, is one of Europe's largest parks. 17th-century Ham House, Kew Gardens' botanic splendor and Palladian Marble Hill House are all excellent reasons to venture beyond the center of town. A fun day trip is to take a boat from the Pier to Hampton Court Palace.

Soho & West End - This area is a vibrant fusion of trendy and tacky. It leads a promiscuous double life: a Red Light district, gay and lesbian nightlife hot-spot and a respectable drinking and dining area. Chinatown is vibrant and the area also offers a host of other cuisines: British, vegetarian, French and Thai. Many Londoners congregate here for Chinese New Year Celebrations, a very colorful, fun-filled spectacle.

Southwark, Lambeth & Waterloo - In this district, visitors can watch Shakespearean actors pace the boards at the marvelous Globe Theatre. The Tate Modern further boosts the Southbank's shining cultural program. Foodies may wish to enter Butler's Wharf - a gastronomic temple. Don't miss the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) near Westminster Bridge. The gigantic Ferris wheel offers unrivaled views of London.

Westminster & St James's - The British Empire was ruled from Whitehall, but now it serves little more than the United Kingdom. Not surprisingly, civil servants and politicians abound in the vicinity. A bountiful Big Ben strikes out the hour, loud enough to wake the old kings and queens from their tombs in Westminster Abbey. Visitors should definitely check out the A.W. Pugin-designed Houses of Parliament situated along the beautifully illuminated river, and take a stroll in St. James's Park and Green Park.

Wimbledon - There's more to the Village than the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, although it does tend to dominate the summer months. There's a huge Common where you can ride horses or spot Wombles. You can also visit the Georgian Cannizaro House and the Wimbledon Windmill. This is where Baden-Powell invented scouting and Thomas Hughes wrote Tom Brown's Schooldays.