Amsterdam has the 9 Streets, London has Seven Dials, a neighborhood just outside the hustle and bustle with, yes, 7 ‘cobbled’ streets featuring a delightful mix of international brands (Paul Smith, Kiehl’s, Le Labo, Malin+Goetz, Fred Perry…), small boutiques, bars, and plenty of amazing spots for the perfect Insta-shot.

Seven Dials was founded by real estate developer Thomas Neale, who placed it in such a way that the seven streets, arranged in a triangular shape, all lead to the Seven Dials monument. This was done to create as many houses as possible. It was initially intended as a luxury neighborhood, but it didn’t quite turn out that way. A bit ‘dodgy’ as they would say in Love Actually, but now it’s totally upcoming, cool, and hip. Seven Dials is a fantastic area to explore for anyone who loves shopping in boutiques and enjoying small, cozy restaurants. Here are a few tips for your visit:

Seven Dials:

Eating and Drinking

Monmouth Coffee Company: A great spot for coffee, perfect for a quick energy boost (and a bathroom break) during shopping.
Homeslice: For delicious, wood-fired pizzas in an informal setting.
26 Grains: A cozy spot for healthy, Scandinavian-inspired dishes. Love it. And if you love Scandinavia more than London, you can find our Stockholm tips here
.
Seven Dials Market: A food hall with a great selection of street food stalls and bars, ideal for sampling different cuisines.
Dishoom: A popular spot for modern Indian dishes inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay.

Sights

Neal’s Yard: This colorful alley is a must-see; it’s full of boutiques and organic cafés.
Covent Garden Market: Just a short walk from Seven Dials, here you’ll find street performers, market stalls, and more shops.
St Martin’s Courtyard: A quiet square with more shops and small eateries.

Insta-Happiness

Seven Dials is near Covent Garden, where you’ll find some spots that work perfectly for your Instagram or photo album.
1. The flowered swing at the bottom of James Street
2. Restaurant Ave Mario, named the most Instagrammable restaurant in Covent Garden
3. The infinity chamber between Long Acre and Floral Street
4. The wheelbarrows full of flowers you see everywhere
5. The British phone booths (and explaining to your kids that we used to call from those and really lived without a phone)

And if you’re not heading to London anytime soon, you can still enjoy this lovely city by reading my old London diary
. It also contains some great tips.

Amsterdam has the 9 Streets, London has Seven Dials, a neighborhood just outside the hustle and bustle with, yes, 7 ‘cobbled’ streets featuring a delightful mix of international brands (Paul Smith, Kiehl’s, Le Labo, Malin+Goetz, Fred Perry…), small boutiques, bars, and plenty of amazing spots for the perfect Insta-shot.

Seven Dials was founded by real estate developer Thomas Neale, who placed it in such a way that the seven streets, arranged in a triangular shape, all lead to the Seven Dials monument. This was done to create as many houses as possible. It was initially intended as a luxury neighborhood, but it didn’t quite turn out that way. A bit ‘dodgy’ as they would say in Love Actually, but now it’s totally upcoming, cool, and hip. Seven Dials is a fantastic area to explore for anyone who loves shopping in boutiques and enjoying small, cozy restaurants. Here are a few tips for your visit:

Seven Dials:

Eating and Drinking

Monmouth Coffee Company: A great spot for coffee, perfect for a quick energy boost (and a bathroom break) during shopping.
Homeslice: For delicious, wood-fired pizzas in an informal setting.
26 Grains: A cozy spot for healthy, Scandinavian-inspired dishes. Love it. And if you love Scandinavia more than London, you can find our Stockholm tips here
.
Seven Dials Market: A food hall with a great selection of street food stalls and bars, ideal for sampling different cuisines.
Dishoom: A popular spot for modern Indian dishes inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay.

Sights

Neal’s Yard: This colorful alley is a must-see; it’s full of boutiques and organic cafés.
Covent Garden Market: Just a short walk from Seven Dials, here you’ll find street performers, market stalls, and more shops.
St Martin’s Courtyard: A quiet square with more shops and small eateries.

Insta-Happiness

Seven Dials is near Covent Garden, where you’ll find some spots that work perfectly for your Instagram or photo album.
1. The flowered swing at the bottom of James Street
2. Restaurant Ave Mario, named the most Instagrammable restaurant in Covent Garden
3. The infinity chamber between Long Acre and Floral Street
4. The wheelbarrows full of flowers you see everywhere
5. The British phone booths (and explaining to your kids that we used to call from those and really lived without a phone)

And if you’re not heading to London anytime soon, you can still enjoy this lovely city by reading my old London diary
. It also contains some great tips.