Notting Hill. For many tourists and movie addicts the idyllic epitome of London. Colourfully painted houses, small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Dotted with green areas for relaxing hours. Also home to world-renowned Portobello Market. A place where you can immerse into the world of vintage clothing, old furniture, paintings, marvellous antiques and lots more.
Combine this stroll with the place where legendary Jimi Hendrix died. Nearby Samarkand Hotel witnessed the last hours of a great musician.
Samarkand Hotel (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Start this short and relaxed subTOUR at 22, Landsdown Crescent. This is where on 18 September, 1970, famous American musician Jimi Hendrix died. Reportedly, one of the 60s' most influential guitarists in the history of Rock music.
Enjoy the green and wonderful neighbourhood of Notting Hill. Take your time strolling through the district's lanes and parks. Perhaps you also have a seat in one of the cafés around for a hot tea of coffee?
Rough Trade (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Just some steps further into the northeastern direction is a branch of Rough Trade, an independent British record label established in the 70s. The musical range in here is diverse, from Alternative and Punk to New Wave, Folk, Electronica, and Soul. This is the perfect spot if you are looking for an individual souvenir bringing back home with you.
Portobello Market (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Further northwards is possibly the most famous street market in the world: Portobello Market. Also known as one of the world's largest antiques market. If your are a lover of any kind of collectibles, this is your place. Also offering food, household goods, vintage clothing & accessories, and furniture.
For those who are no shopping addicts or whenever this place gets too busy - just take a detour in the small streets around the corner. There is always something to discover in Notting Hill.
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
