How many parts does London consist of?

Traditionally, London is described as consisting of four main parts:

1. The City (the Square Mile) — the historic and financial core where London began. It’s packed with banks, the Stock Exchange, the Bank of England, and landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. After business hours it’s comparatively quiet because relatively few people live there.

2. Westminster — the political and ceremonial heart of the UK. Here you’ve got the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben (the Elizabeth Tower), Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, and many royal/government buildings. It’s also where a lot of national events and processions happen.

3. The West End — the entertainment and shopping district. Think theatres (London’s “Broadway”), Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Piccadilly, Oxford/Regent/Bond Streets, and lots of restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. It’s the area most visitors picture when they imagine “central London.”

4. The East End — historically the working-class and docklands area, once the centre of London’s port and industry. It’s known for its immigrant communities, markets, and a distinctive culture and slang (Cockney roots). Much of it has been redeveloped in recent decades (e.g., around Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park), but the East End identity remains strong.

So the classic answer is: four parts — the City, Westminster, the West End, and the East End.