In this article, I present Carnaby StreetLondon's iconic street, where new trends are born!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Carnaby Street
- What you can see and do on this street
- Practical information: tips, timetables, anecdotes
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Carnaby Street, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Carnaby Street: article summary
Carnaby Street: London's cultural hub since 1960
London has many unusual streets and neighborhoods, where fashion, urban culture and music meet. We often think of Camden Town first, but Carnaby Street must not be forgotten!
Here's the place that inspired the greatest artists and the birthplace of many trends. The place has long been nicknamed the capital of cool!
Introducing Carnaby Street
The creation of Carnaby Street dates back to early 17th century. Its name comes from the first house on the street, the Karnaby Housebut its significance is unknown. In the 19th century, this same street became the focus of a cholera epidemic whose origins are still visible today, via a commemorative water pump.
But what makes Carnaby Street so famous are its modesThe city, its shopping districts and its urban cultures have been born, made and unmade since the 60s. The man regarded as the King of Carnaby Street is called John Stephen and it was he who created the style Mod (for Modernist), in vogue at the same time as the Hippie.
Carnaby Street is located in the Soho district and attracts the gay community (like the Piccadilly Circus neighbor at the same time), with elegant, exuberant menswear. Little by little, the street made a name for itself and fashion designers expanded their styles and creations.
This is how Carnaby Street became the central square of the Swinging Londonthe cultural revolution of London's youth in the 1960s. Soon, the most prominent music stars began to shine their spotlight on the area.
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During this period, the Rolling Stones, Jimmi Hendrix, the Who and even the Beatles could be seen here, before the Punk took over (with The Jam or the Sex Pistols), followed more recently by Hip Hop culture which attracts celebrities like Kanye West and Mos Def.
Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, Punk, fashion, elegance and exuberance all rub shoulders here, and it's well worth the visit!
Facts and figures about this street Â
- In 1665, the plague invades London and the first house to store victims is built in Carnaby Street.
- In the early 18th century, the area was mainly a meat, fish and vegetable market known as the Carnaby Market
- The street was made pedestrian-friendly in 1973. At that time, the sign Carnaby Street Welcomes the World on the planisphere we can still see today!
- It's a set of 14 streetswhere you'll find over 150 boutiques and sixty bars, cafés and restaurants. restaurants
What can you see and do in Carnaby Street?
When visiting London and the Soho district, you can't miss Carnaby Street. Here are a few suggestions to help you make the most of it!
Shopping
Take a stroll through the many boutiques and shopping centers along these streets, and you'll discover both famous brands and small, independent designers offering unique pieces.
Among the most outstanding shopping areas, I would like to mention the Newburgh Quarter. It spans Newburgh Street, Marshall Street, Ganton Street, Foubert's Place, Lowndes Court and Marlborough Court. And you'll find stores of all kinds, as well as barbers, commercials and restaurants!
Don't miss the Liberty London for its emblematic façade! Nor the Sherry's (on Broadwick Street), one of the most famous surviving signs of Swinging London culture!
Lunch or dinner at Carnaby Street
You'll have plenty of options for dining out on these streets, with a wide choice of international cuisine.
For gourmets and Street Food (who should also enjoy their time at Camden Market), I invite you not to miss the Kingly Court. You'll come across a variety of stalls and concept stores, where you can discover new flavors.
Apart from that, all you have to do is wander the streets to find the right establishment for lunch or dinner.
A musical pilgrimage
London is inseparable from his musical culture! Music lovers can have fun finding the places that are emblematic of their favorite style.
3 Savile Row, The Beatles held a legendary concert on the roof of the building (inaccessible to the public today). Hip hop fans won't want to miss the legendary boutique of hip-hop Deal Real on Marlborough Court. And the curious will notice numerous references, on the walls or in the buildings, to music stars.
The Youth Culture Museum
I recommend a visit to Youth Culture Museum. It celebrates 100 years of urban culture, via posters, flyers and other archives from this recent yet still vibrant past. It's fast-paced, but a lot of fun!
You'll find it at 95 Berwick St, Soho, W1F 0DW
How do I get to Carnaby Street?
The street address is : Carnaby Street, Soho, London
You can get there via :
- MetroBakerloo, Central, Victoria or Piccadilly lines, Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus stops
- By busvia numerous lines such as 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 88, 94, 139, 159, 176, 390 and 453
- On foot from other attractive districts in the vicinity
Carnaby Street: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information on visiting Carnaby Street!
Opening hours
Stores are generally open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 6pm on Sundays.
For dining, you'll have later options, until 10/11pm.
Visiting tips
There are a lot of people around and I advise you to keep an eye on your belongings, because pickpockets are out and about here.
If you can, visit these streets day and night, as the atmosphere changes!
What to see and do in the area?
There's a lot to do around Carnaby Street! I'll give you a few suggestions for continuing your visit London !
- Descend to the south towards the famous Buckingham Palace
- Walk to the Chinatown a neighbor for a trip within a trip!
- Visit the Cartoon Museum, dedicated to the rise of British comics
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