St James Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Admiralty Arch showing heritage architecture
Admiralty Arch which includes heritage architecture
The Mall which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Admiralty Arch which includes heritage elements
Admiralty Arch which includes heritage architecture
Visit royal residences, acclaimed galleries and one of London’s poshest shops in this central area. Attend a show at historic theaters and hang out in a Royal Park.

Ritzy St. James’s sits between lush parks and Trafalgar Square at the edge of London’s West End. Developed as a residential neighborhood for British nobility in the 1600s, today it maintains an air of elite sophistication. Visit St. James’s to discover aristocratic and royal residences alongside century-old theaters, gourmet restaurants, high-end retailers and outstanding art exhibitions.

Admire the Tudor-era St. James’s Palace, which is a London residence of the Royal Family. Clarence House is a home of the Prince of Wales and open in August for guided tours. See the lavish rooms of Spencer House, a townhouse built by an ancestor of Princess Diana. Grand Georgian mansions frame leafy St. James’s Square.

Piccadilly street epitomizes the area’s refined retail. Browse for gourmet treats and luxury homeware and enjoy afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason. Find a chocolatier, milliner and other artisans at Princes Arcade and bespoke menswear on Jermyn Street. Piccadilly Market presents arts and crafts in the church courtyard of St. James’s Piccadilly.

The galleries of St. James’s cater to a range of tastes. Peruse works by Scottish Colourists at Portland Gallery and contemporary masterpieces at White Cube Mason’s Yard. The Institute of Contemporary Arts is a combined cinema, gallery and theater.

Book tickets for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The Theatre Royal Haymarket puts on plays and musicals for all ages. From British pub food to Italian, Scandinavian and West African flavors, St. James’s Market is an epicurean wonderland.

The lush environment of St. James’s Park is ideal for picnics and enjoying London’s natural side. Spot waterbirds, watch a daily pelican feeding and stroll along crisscrossing pathways. On the park’s north side, The Mall connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. This ceremonial avenue is the setting for parades such as The Changing of the Guard.

St. James’s is served by the Green Park and Piccadilly Circus underground stations plus several public bus lines. Travel here in November for the star-studded Regent Street Christmas Lights Switch-On.

Popular places to visit

Her Majesty's Theatre

Her Majesty's Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in London. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Her Majesty's Theatre
St. James Palace

St. James Palace

Find out about the history of London with a stop at St. James Palace. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

St. James Palace
St. James's Square

St. James's Square

You can find out about the history of London with a stop at St. James's Square. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

St. James's Square
Jermyn Street

Jermyn Street

During your trip to London, you can enjoy retail therapy at Jermyn Street. While in this romantic area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Jermyn Street
Admiralty Arch

Admiralty Arch

This grand structure marks the entrance to the Mall and was commissioned by King Edward VII as a memorial to his mother Queen Victoria.

Admiralty Arch
Clarence House

Clarence House

You can learn about the history of London when you stop by Clarence House. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Clarence House

Activities

Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey with Tickets

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London

AU$171
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London
Red double-decker bus on the streets of London in the evening

See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!

AU$88
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!!
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London

AU$30
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Changing of the Guard Walking Tour in London
Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus with Priority Seating

Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly Circus with Priority Seating

AU$65
per traveller
98% of travellers recommend
Hard Rock Cafe London Piccadilly Circus with Priority Seating
Private Westminster Tour - Amazing Palaces & Parliament - 20+ London Sights

London's Amazing Palaces & Parliament : Private Tour

AU$183
per traveller
94% of travellers recommend
London's Amazing Palaces & Parliament : Private Tour
Changing of the Guard & Westminster Walking tour

Big Ben, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

AU$169
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Big Ben, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
See all activities in London

Our pick of the best St James Hotel Deals

The Cavendish London
The Cavendish London
4 out of 5
81 Jermyn Street, St James's, London, England
The price is AU$437 per night from 9 May to 10 May
AU$437
includes taxes & fees
9 May - 10 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,426 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay at the hotel, the staff were excellent, especially the concierge who went out of his way to make us feel welcome. The breakfast was brilliant, just what was needed before cheering on the marathon runners. Would definitely stay at the hotel again."

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

The Cavendish London
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is AU$421 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$421
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,322 reviews)
"Location"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is AU$332 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$332
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,052 reviews)
Short stay
"Excellent location, bed amazing, but lifts difficult…1out of order for duration of our stay"

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is AU$202 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$202
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (4,689 reviews)
"really enjoyed our stay but was really surprised there was no kettle or place to hang clothes. if this hotel put this in place it would be 5 star as the hotel & location was 2nd to none. only other thing was getting charged for our luggage to be looked after while our train was scheduled. that was ..."

Reviewed on 1 May 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is AU$266 per night from 1 Jun to 2 Jun
AU$266
includes taxes & fees
1 June - 2 June
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,138 reviews)
"Excelente place to be, I would go back there. Perfect location, nice views, public transportation around the corners, very convinient. Rooms clean and confortable."

Reviewed on 1 May 2025

The Tower Hotel, London
Park Plaza London Riverbank
Park Plaza London Riverbank
4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
The price is AU$318 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$318
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,117 reviews)
"There’s no doubt that this place is a five star hotel that includes the best staff courtesy"

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Park Plaza London Riverbank
See all 28,639 properties in St James
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around St James

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London City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho
Mayfair

Mayfair

Travellers love Mayfair for its popular shops, and you can see more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Oxford Street and Bond Street.

Mayfair
London showing heritage elements, markets and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
Victoria showing a city and heritage architecture

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster
Admiralty Arch showing heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(470 area reviews)

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster

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