Your Guide to the Famous Carnaby Street

If you like strolling, people-watching, food, fashion, and shopping, you can pack all of your favorite activities into one destination by visiting London’s iconic Carnaby Street. Actually 14 streets that join into one, the pedestrian-friendly walking area is home to countless boutiques, restaurants, and nonstop events. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone on Carnaby Street. Here are a few things to know before you go.

Not-So-Bright Beginnings
Despite the bright mod clothing that dotted its stores in photos from the 60s, the area where Carnaby Street is now located actually has a rather dreary past. As the Bubonic Plague (also known as the “Black Death”) swept Europe, what is now Carnaby Street was the site of a “pest house” where victims of the illness were treated. On an even darker note, it was also a mass burial site for those who didn’t make it.

Three Centuries of Shopping
Carnaby Street was named for Karnaby House – a home that was constructed in the area in 1683. The street didn’t get its start as a retail mecca until the 1800’s, however, when Carnaby Market first popped up there. In the 20th century, it really picked up steam, and by the 1960s, Carnaby Street was the place to socialize, shop, and see the latest in mod fashion.

The Fashion Home to Rock Legends
During the 50s and 60s, most of Carnaby’s clothing shops catered to men. Because the retailers there were on the cutting edge of clothing design, it was a fantastic place to spot famous faces shopping for fabulous threads to wear onstage, as well as off. Carnaby Street counted The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, The Sex Pistols, The Kinks, The Who, and Tom Jones among its most legendary customers.

An Excellent Place to Grab a Bite
Although Carnaby has made quite the name for itself in terms of fashion, it’s also a fantastic place for foodies to explore. At the heart of Carnaby Street is Kingly Court – a place where you can find any sort of food imaginable. Enjoy the freshest seafood with an Asian-inspired flair at Wright Brothers Soho or go Peruvian with Señor Ceviche. If you (like many Londoners) tend to get cravings for ramen, head over to Shoryu Carnaby for a bowl of the best Hakata tonkotsu ramen you’re likely to find anywhere. To top it all off, enjoy dessert at Crumbs & Doilies, where you can choose from an assortment of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Wash it all down with a cup of hot coffee and you’re ready to head back out for another round of shopping!

Staying Conveniently Close
Especially if you’ll be toting shopping bags and treasures back to your hotel, it’s important to find a place that’s convenient to all of your Carnaby Street adventures. Two of the most highly-recommended hotels in the area are The Montcalm London Marble Arch and the Park Grand London Kensington.

The Montcalm Marble Arch is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more upscale flair to their hotel accommodations, while the Park Grand London Kensington lends a more relaxed energy to its digs. They’re both conveniently located near underground stations and feature amenities such as free wi-fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee-making facilities.

No matter where you stay or shop, remember to relax, sit back, and take in the sights and sounds of one of the most amazing cities in the world!

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Emma

Emma covers dating and relationships for Unfinished Man, bringing a witty woman's perspective to her writing. She empowers independent women to pursue fulfillment in life and love. Emma draws on her adventures in modern romance and passion for self-improvement to deliver relatable advice.

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