This neighbourhood is at the heart of Belgravia, with Belgrave Square as its centrepiece. Belgrave Square is one of the largest and grandest 19th century squares in London, laid out by Thomas Cubitt for the Grosvenor family. Further north, Wilton Crescent was designed by Thomas Cundy II, also for the Grosvenors. The architecture tends to be Regency-era white stucco terraces, though Wilton Crescent is a little more varied, but mostly displays similar architectural tendencies. The area has residential uses, but is most famous for its embassies, with a number of them located around Belgrave Square Garden, including the Malaysian, Ghanaian, and Trinidad and Tobago High Commissions, as well as the Embassies of Germany, Portugal, Austria, Spain, Norway, Serbia and Bahrain. In addition, the Italian and Romanian Cultural Institutes are also based here. There are also several other countries’ embassies, consulates and high commissions in the immediate vicinity. There are several pubs and hotels, as well as a Waitrose, further down the road, closer to Lowndes Square Gardens. Overall, the area is fairly quiet, due to the number embassies and lack of residential properties, though for those who do live in the neighbourhood there are plenty of conveniences to keep them satisfied.

The area was developed by the Grosvenor family from the 1820s onwards, and the houses in the area follow a coherent plan and architectural style, though with varying levels of ornateness. The area was immediately occupied by the leading members of the British aristocracy, and later by other wealthy people of various persuasions. Embassies moved into the area from the 19th century, with the Embassy of Germany dating back to this time. As a result, many of the buildings here are listed.

Numerous people have resided at Belgrave Square – James Goding, a wealthy brewer, was the first person to lease 2 Belgrave Square, which was later purchased by soldier and politician Ernest Pretyman. Over the years George Bridgeman, 4th Earl of Bradford and George Dance have resided in its walls. Wilton Crescent itself has housed prominent men such as Louis Mountbatten (2 Wilton Crescent), Sir Edmund Vivian Gabriel (41 Wilton Crescent) as well as the Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg, who stayed there at times whilst in exile during the Second World War.

The area is well-built and amongst the most desirable locations in the world. However, putting price aside, the area has a rather quiet feel, due to the proliferation of embassies, and Belgrave Square Gardens itself is not open to the public, but rather only to the residents who live in the expensive properties around it.

Many of the houses in the area are listed, with limited opportunities to refurbish the facades. As such, most of the area’s developments are confined to internal refurbishments and minor external improvements, such as installing railings at roof level, displaying of hoardings, and the excavation of a single-storey basement. Belgravia Gate is an example of development works typical in the area. It is a collection of 12 residences that have had their historic Grade-II exteriors refurbished and reinvigorated, while the interiors were redone to offer 21st-century design features on a grand scale.