Shoreditch

The equivalent of New York’s Meatpacking District, Shoreditch in the East End near London’s financial district, is full of art galleries, one-off shops and hip restaurants.

Get your bearings and a macchiato at Terence Conran’s Albion Café, part of his Boundary project on Boundary Street that also includes a basement restaurant, hotel, and rooftop terrace. Shoreditch House, across the street, is owned by the ubiquitous Soho House Group.

Streets worth exploring are Redchurch, Boundary, Rivington and Curtain Road. Art galleries include Calvert 22 and several in the Tea Building on Shoreditch High Street. Funky shops worth tracking down include Labour & Wait and the Milk Concept Boutique. You'll also be spoiled for choice at lunchtime: The Clove Club is a striking hotspot in the renovated Shoreditch Town Hall; families should head to Pizza East, a sophisticated take on the crusty Italian export.