Kensington

Kensington is frequently associated with the city’s best dressed and well-heeled. As such, it is no surprise that it is notable in particular for its main commercial artery, Kensington High Street, home of the Whole Foods Market flagship store and a vast selection of affordable brand names. Moving westwards takes you to Shepherd’s Bush, home of the behemoth Westfield shopping centre, the largest urban mall in Europe. Alighting at the South Kensington tube stop, you begin to understand the area’s reputation as the city’s heart of high-brow culture. Right next to the station you will find a tightly knit (and well signposted) corridor of museums and galleries, all of which date from the 1851 Great Exhibition, whose profits Prince Albert used to regenerate the area. This includes the V&A, Science and Natural History Museums, as well as the Royal Albert Hall. The beauty of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park adds weight to London's title of most verdant city of its size in the world.