Carnaby
“Walk the Carnaby streets that gave birth to Punk, Skinheads and New Romantic music movements in the heart of London, England.”
Last Visited: November 2018 | Last Updated: August 2023
14 streets in London's West End make up a maze of pedestrian shopping and dining areas between Oxford Circus, SOHO and Piccadilly Circus. Unlike the graffiti-esque streets of Camden, Carnaby is a unique blend of historical architecture and high-end lifestyle. Home to the first Pesthouse in London, Carnaby Street has evolved from a centre for the black plague, to a market and cultural centre throughout the 1700's. The 1960's brought culture to the heart of London, in Carnaby, with the birth of Punk, Skinheads and New Romantics.
During our trip in 2018, we saw the streets lit up with the Queen-inspired light installation from the film Bohemian Rhapsody. Green Christmas bulbs dropped from the sky, evergreen garland decorated the front of shops and restaurants and the smell of roasting chestnuts filled the air. While the best coffee we found on the opposite side of Oxford Circus at Kaffeine, hidden spots like the first after hours drinking spot in Kingly Court are all waiting to be discovered on your next trip.
London, England is a fantastic tourist destination, with sights seen in numerous movies and tv shows. Why not experience some of the incredible sights that make London unique in these 39 photos. Did we capture your favourites? Maybe you can find a couple new favourites the next time you are in town.