This blog post is about best areas to stay in London.
If you are planning a trip to London, and I’m assuming you are if you clicked on this post ;), but don’t know where to stay, you are in the right place!
London is a huge city, offering multiple neighborhoods, magical areas, and unique places to stay at.
Each district or neighborhood offers a unique energy, different attractions, and a price range.
Choosing where to stay in London can make or break your trip!
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, traveling with family, looking for nightlife, or exploring on a budget, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay in London, and what each area is perfect for!
Let’s get started!
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best areas to stay in London
Table of Contents
What area in London is best to stay in?
The answer truly depends on your travel goals and what you want to experience.
In general, for first-time visitors, staying in Westminster is best to absorb the British experience and to feel London to the fullest.
If you are on a budget, Paddington is also a great option to both be central and stay on a budget.
Quick Overview: Best Places to Stay in London:
- Best for first-timers: Covent Garden, Westminster.
- Best for nightlife: Soho, Shoreditch.
- Best on a budget: King’s Cross, Paddington.
- Most charming: Notting Hill, Greenwich.
- Best for foodies: Borough / London Bridge.
- Best for families: South Kensington, Marylebone.
- Best for shopping: Oxford Street/Mayfair.
- Best for luxury: Knightsbridge, Mayfair.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay at in London:
1. Covent Garden - Best for First-Time Visitors
Covent Garden is the perfect area for first-time visitors due to it’s amazing central location, and endless things to do around.
Expect to find boutique shopping areas, local pubs, iconic markets, West End theatres, the famous Trafalgar Square, and more!
It’s fun and lively during the day at night, and it’s a safe and elegant area to stay at.
The hotels are pricier here, but being here means you are a walking distance from a lot of popular attractions and places, and it’s very convenient to get around the city and fully experience it.
- Why Stay Here: Central, walkable, filled with restaurants, theatres, museums.
- Vibe: Lively, central, safe.
- Best For: First-timers, couples, culture lovers.
Best Hotels in Covent Garden:
According to reviews, guests describes the hotel’s location as closest to all the major attractions and streets.
Guests rave in reviews about how the rooms are clean, comfy, and spacious!
Guests keep talking about the amazing location of the hotel, right in the center of Covent Garden!
2. Westminster - Best for Sightseeing
Westminster is the most central location to stay at if you want to be a walking distance from the Buckingham Palace or the Big Ben.
This area is quiet after dark, making it ideal for families and early sleepers.
The hotels are more traditional, and you can find a nice mix of budget-friendly hotels as well as luxurious finds as well.
- Why Stay Here: Walking distance from the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Parliament, St. James’s Park.
- Vibe: Touristy, quiet at night.
- Best For: First time visitors, families, short stays.
Best Hotels in Westminster:
Guests are raving about the expectational service and the amazing, central location of the hotel.
Guests keep talking about the amazing, central location of the hotel and the very friendly staff members!
Guests are raving about the amazing location of the hotel, only a 5-10 minutes walk from major attractions!
3. South Kensington - Best for Families
South Kensington is a more calm and quiet area of London.
You can see beautiful architecture, walk around the beautiful streets, and check out some of London’s best free museums – the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A.
Hyde Park is very easy to access, and the whole neighborhood is connected by Tube, though the area isn’t super busy.
- Why Stay Here: Museums, parks, residential feel, upscale cafés.
- Vibe: Elegant, safe, calm.
- Best For: Families, museum lovers, relaxed travelers.
Best Hotels in South Kensington:
Multiple guests talk about feeling like home in the hotel due to very friendly staff members and wonderful service!
Guests keep mentioning in reviews how beautifully designed the hotel is, and it’s great location. There’s an Underground station just across the street!
Guests are loving the central location of the hotel, the very friendly staff! They keep mentioning the spacious rooms and how clean the hotel is.
4. Soho - Best for Nightlife & Food
Looking for good nightlife? Soho is your place to visit! It’s in the middle of London’s nightlife scene, and is a fun, busy area filled with cool cocktail bars, music venues, and amazing restaurants from every cuisine you can imagine.
It’s also a walking distance from Oxford Street, Chinatown, and West End. This is definitely one of the most iconic and fun areas to be in.
But, prepare yourself for some noise at night, Soho never really sleeps 😉
- Why Stay Here: Bars, restaurants, theatres, LGBTQ+ nightlife.
- Vibe: Energetic, not quiet.
- Best For: Nightlife lovers, foodies, solo travelers.
Best Hotels in Soho:
Guests are LOVING the location of the hotel, as well as raving about the delicious food in the hotel’s restaurant!
Guests keep saying that the hotel is a hidden gem, beautifully designed, and how the location is very central and close to everything.
Guests are raving about the hotel’s amazing location in Soho! A walking distance from China Town, Oxford Street, Soho restaurants and bars, and more!
5. Shoreditch - Best for Creative Vibes & Nightlife
Shoreditch is London’s trendiest neighborhood, and is known for it’s beautiful street art, vintage markets, indie shops, and unique cocktail bars.
This neighborhood is full of personality, and although it isn’t super central, it’s definitely a unique area to stay in.
I wouldn’t recommend staying here if it’s your first time in London, but this is definitely a unique area to be at for your second time or more.
- Why Stay Here: Trendy neighborhood, street art, markets, boutiques, cool cafés and restaurants.
- Vibe: Artistic, young, cool.
- Best For: Creatives, nightlife, budget-friendly boutique hotels.
Best Hotels in Shoreditch:
Guests are saying that the location is amazing, yet the hotel is located on a quiet side street, meaning you get amazing location + quiet nights to sleep!
Guests are raving about the amazing central location in Shoreditch and the very friendly staff!
Guests are loving the location of the hotel! There are multiple reviews saying that the hotel is comfortable, clean, and has great service and friendly staff.
6. Notting Hill - Most Charming Area!
Notting Hill is one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, offering beautiful buildings, pastel-colored townhouses, beautiful streets, boutique cafes everywhere you go, and fun attractions like the Portobello Market and the Kensington Palace.
It’s the perfect area to stay in if you want a more romantic, village-like feel in the middle of the city.
I also think this isn’t a go-to area for first time visitors, as it isn’t very close to all the famous attractions in Central London, but it’s still a magical place to stay at and experience a different, calm part of London.
- Why Stay Here: Iconic pastel houses, the famous Portobello Market, quiet streets.
- Vibe: Romantic, picturesque, upscale.
- Best For: Couples, photographers, relaxed travelers.
Best Hotels in Notting Hills:
Guests are loving the hotel’s location, friendly staff, and everyone is talking about the hotel’s breakfast!
Guests are loving the location of this apartment, only a few minutes walk from the Portobello Road Market! There are multiple reviews about how clean and nice the apartment is.
Guests are loving the location of the hotel in Notting Hill! There are multiple reviews saying they will definitely stay again!
7. Marylebone - Best for Boutique Hotels & Restaurants
Marylebone is one of my favorite areas in London! It’s a stylish neighborhood that doesn’t try too hard to be.
It’s a naturally iconic, stylish area 😉
When walking around you can find unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and some of London’s best restaurants.
You’ll also be very close to Regent’s Park and Oxford Street, but the neighborhood itself feels more peaceful and local.
It’s the perfect neighborhood for travelers who like being located in a central area, yet feeling the local atmosphere.
- Why Stay Here: Trendy cafés, beautiful architecture, walking distance from Oxford Street and Regent’s Park.
- Vibe: Stylish, pretty central, less touristy.
- Best For: Couples, foodies, boutique hotel lovers.
Best Hotels in Marylebone:
Guests won’t stop praising the central location, friendly staff, and wonderful services and amenities!
Guests are loving the central location of the hotel, as well as the spacious rooms and the beautifully designed rooms.
Guests are loving the hotel rooms design, saying the rooms are spacious and comfortable. There are a lot of reviews about the nice staff!
8. London Bridge / Borough - Best for Foodies
If you’re a foodie, staying near Borough Market or the London Bridge is the best choice you can make!
You can grab fresh pastries in the morning, explore international cuisine for Lunch, and enjoy riverside pubs in the evening.
The area is well-connected to the rest of the city through London Bridge station, and this area makes a unique area to stay at for foodies.
- Why Stay Here: Borough Market, The Shard, river walks.
- Vibe: Urban, historic, foodie-oriented.
- Best For: Foodies, culture lovers.
Best Hotels in London Bridge/Borough:
Guests are saying you can’t go wrong with the world-famous Shangri-La hotel! Guests are raving about the hotel, saying staying there felt like a dream!
Guests are loving the quiet location of the hotel, while still being pretty central and close to a lot of activities and places. There are also amazing reviews about friendly staff and clean, modern rooms.
Guests are LOVING the hotel rooms, friendly staff, and the amazing location of the hotel.
9. King’s Cross - Best for Budget & Transport
King’s Cross came to be one of London’s most modern and exciting areas!
In this neighborhood you’ll find budget-friendly hotels, quick connections across the city, and beautiful canals around Coal Drops Yard.
It’s also home to St. Pancras International, which is perfect if you are planning on taking the Eurostar to Paris or Brussels.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable, modern hotels, major transport hub.
- Vibe: Regenerated, lively, convenient.
- Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, rail trips.
Best Hotels in King's Cross:
Guests are praising the amazing architecture and design of the hotel, as well as the very central and convenient location!
Guests are raving about the very central location of the hotel, and how’s almost everything is a walking distance. They are also LOVING the delicious breakfast!
Guests are saying the location is great, and that the hotel is in a safe area. There are also multiple reviews about the hotel being clean and comfortable, and about the friendly staff!
10. Paddington - Great Mix of Value & Convenience
Paddington is ideal for budget travel, and the perfect mix of value & convenience as for affordable hotels, great transportation, and central location.
I love the location because you can easily reach Oxford Street, Hyde Park, and is also easy to get to from the Heathrow Airport.
It’s not the most charming neighborhood, but it is safe, reliable, and well-connected.
- Why Stay Here: Affordable hotels, great transport, near Hyde Park.
- Vibe: Practical, diverse, family-friendly.
- Best For: Budget travelers, families.
Best Hotels in Paddington:
Guests are raving about the friendly staff and excellent service. They are also loving the location of the hotel!
Guests are loving the beautiful design of the hotel! The clean bedrooms, the interior design, and of course – the great location.
Guests are LOVING the location! They’re saying it’s a central location that is also very safe and pleasant to stay. It’s a 4-minute walk to Paddington Station.
11. Greenwich — Best for a Village Experience
Greenwich offers a completely different experience from staying in central London.
Imagine riverside walks, historic museums, charming markets, and beautiful parks.
Greenwich feels like a peaceful village, yet it is still connected to central London by the DLR and Thames Clippers.
This neighborhood is perfect for travelers who prefer quiet evenings and scenic surroundings.
- Why Stay Here: Rich history, markets, parks, beautiful views.
- Vibe: Historic, quiet, scenic.
- Best For: Families, slow travelers, returning visitors.
Best Hotels in Greenwich:
Guests are raving about the lovely location of the hotel, as well as the very friendly staff. Also, there are multiple amazing reviews of the hotel’s spa!
Guests keep talking about the amazing, central location of the hotel and the very friendly staff members!
Guests are raving about the value for money! They are loving the location of the hotel, and are saying it’s a great hotel for staying on a budget and exploring London all day long!
Where I Stayed in London:
I visited London a few years ago, and wanted to explore the city as much as I can on a cheaper budget.
We decided to stay at the Moxy London Stratford hotel, which is located in Stratford.
Stratford is a town in east London. It is not a central location at all, but it is well connected to London with the Tube, and you can easily get to central London within 20-30 minutes.
The accommodation prices were much cheaper than central London, and it was a huge money saver, even with the transportation costs it was a huge money saver.
I loved the Moxy Stratford hotel. It was beautifully designed, a walking distance from the train station, and it was also fun being near the Stratford mall.
That’s it for today! I hope you got an idea of where to stay in London, and what are the best areas to stay in London 🙂
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This blog post was about best areas to stay in London.
