Strand

London often conjures up visions of Oxford Street, Whitehall, Tower Bridge R oad, and the like. If you’re a local, you might raise your eyebrows at such touristy hotspots, and instead favour a waltz down Crouch End Broadway, Islington’s Camden Passage, or Camberwell Church Street. Now, one particularly tourist-ridden destination in the capital has topped a list of the world’s must-visit streets. Sure, it’s right in the heart of the West End, but the selection might raise a few eyebrows. Whenever I’ve walked down the Strand, it’s purely been for practical reasons – on my way to Charing Cross, or dipping into Covent Garden. I’ve never stopped to nip into the shops there (mainly just a load of chains, like Boots and Mountain Warehouse), or suggested it’s coffee houses to friends as a meeting point (there’s a GAIL’s and a Blank Street). That said, the Strand does have plenty of history running through its veins. With a length running at just over three-quarters of a mile, it’s the major connection between Fleet Street (the traditional home of the printing press), Trafalgar Square, and Temple Bar, which still stands directly opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. The Strand’s name comes from the Old English word, strond, meaning the shore of a large river or sea. Fun fact: it was formerly the closest water-side road to the Thames, before the building of Embankment. To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro's London news hub . In the 17th century, the street slowly started to become home to London’s upper classes, with historic mansions including the likes of Savoy Palace and Old Somerset House. These days, though, neither of these buildings has survived, so they’re not exactly adding to the Strand’s current street cred. It’s also been home to a few famous names in literature, including Charles Dickens and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and still houses King’s College London’s Strand Campus, which was founded in 1829. 2. Daily horoscope July 14, 2026: Today's predictions for your star sign 4. Supermarket's cheap 95p Greek-style yoghurt crowned better than Yeo Valley and M&S However, I’m not the only one who feels that the Strand is a strange choice for a must-visit place in London. To locals, many of the restaurants feel touristy, and it’s constantly buzzing with traffic. Over on the r/AskUK Subreddit, @But-ThenThatMeans described the Strand as ‘tourist central,’ adding ‘nobody really lives there – it’s shops and hotels.’ Fair play; there’s not much to dispute there. @tmstms said that it’s ‘busy with tons of tourists,’ while @Klutzy Draw4662 wondered why there are ‘so many abandoned and dilapidated properties’ in such a central area. Best carry-on suitcase for overpackers? This North Face bag gets my vote Looking to the future, though, there are major plans underway for the Strand to get a bit of a facelift, with revamped restaurants and shops. So, there could be another heyday on the horizon. Arrow MORE: ‘I’ve banned kids from my pub – why should parents let them run riot unsupervised?’ Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy. 2. Daily horoscope July 14, 2026: Today's predictions for your star sign Mystery Escape Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages. Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.