Best Neighborhoods & Areas To Stay In London
London is a primary European hub thats hugely popular to both visit and live in. Overall, the city is divided into 32 boroughs, plus the City of London. In this area, there are 48 distinct neighborhoods home to roughly 9 million people. Check out this great London map for more info.
A great thing about the neighborhoods in London is the diversity from one to the next. You could find yourself waking up in the quaint Notting Hill borough after a night out in lively Soho. Getting from one area to the next is often just a short double-decker bus or tube ride away.
Hotels In London City Centre
Whilst London doesnt officially have a City Centre, an area called The West End is the center of tourist attractions in London. It is made up of several smaller areas, each with its own character and price. The main areas are Marylebone, Oxford Street, Mayfair, Soho, and well look at each area individually.
In general, the West End is excellent for transportation. The main street running through the area is called Oxford Street, and the main stations are Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road.
How To Get Around London
Before we delve too deeply into descriptions of different areas, lets introduce you to the transport system. Dont get intimidated by London tube map its easier to navigate than it looks like and its perfectly safe. Here are a few things you should know:
- Hotel shuttles from airports are rare. Taxi or Uber from the airport is insanely expensive. I dont recommend taking private transportation unless you arrive exhausted in the middle of the night.
- London has a great public transport system. Its safe and usually works great . But, not all tube stations have elevators and you might have to drag your suitcase up the stairs.
- You have to buy an oyster card in order to use the buses and tube now. Unless you have a touch card. You can buy these for £5 in multiple tube stations or the airport.
- Alternatively, if youre planning on visiting many attractions, consider getting a London Pass. It gives you access to many Londons top attractions and hop-on hop-off bus ticket.
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Best Airbnb In South Bank/southwark: Affordable Room In Shared Flat
Wanting to a stylish accommodation in London but youre on a budget? This Airbnb might be worth having a look at. The private room in a shared flat is affordable, spacious and clean. You can use all the amenities in the apartment. The host is known for being very helpful and offers great advice during your stay. Previous guests felt very comfortable and have left only the best reviews.
Spend Less On Accommodation In Kings Cross
Staying near the Kings Cross St. Pancras Tube station is the best option if you want to spend a little less on your hotel in London while still being close to the center.
Kings Cross is located in the wonderful neighborhood of Camden in North London with perfect public transport connections to the rest of the city. It takes about 30 minutes by train to get to the London Eye.
Alternatively, you can visit the Charles Dickens Museum and Platform 9 3/4 from Harry Potter right here in Kings Cross itself.
Kings Cross is a very modern district with a slew of museums and galleries. Its also home to the British Library, a popular hangout for students, which also offers some fascinating exhibitions that are sure to excite visitors with a literary bent.
In recent years, Kings Cross has made great strides in urban development is becoming increasingly popular among Londoners. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and pubs at very reasonable prices. You can sample the latest food trends, or if youre feeling really adventurous, why not tuck into some traditional English food? Its much better than its reputation!
Pros of staying in Kings Cross:
- Kings Cross offers many good and cheap places to stay.
- The railway station is the perfect transport hub for inner-city travel and long-distance rail.
- Kings Cross is not as overrun with tourists as the rest of the city.
- The neighborhood is a very safe area thats beloved by Londoners.
Cons of staying in Kings Cross:
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Where To Stay In Earls Court & Cromwell Road:
- 4* Hotel: Hotel Indigo London Kensington set in a beautiful Victorian townhouse
- 4* Hotel: Hotel Moonlight a boutique hotel thats 3 minutes walk from Earls Court Station
- 3* Hotel: Holiday Inn Kensington Forum a great value hotel with superb reviews in an excellent location near the museums
- 3* Hotel: London Court Hotel a small 22-room hotel just two minutes from Earls Court Tube Station
- 2* Hotel: Meininger Hotel just across the street from the Natural History Museum offering clean modern rooms
- Hostel: Barmy Badger Backpackers one of the best rated hostels in London for young travelers
Covent Garden One Of Best Areas To Stay In London For First Timer
Another neighborhood for first-timers and sightseers is the Covent Garden, one of Londons chicest areas. It was an important location since the 1500s when the land was acquired by Henry VIII.
The quaint cobbled streets and covered markets lend the area a traditional English feel. Street Performers provide novel entertainment for tourists and locals alike as they drift between the shops and cafes.
Whether day or night, Covent Garden is always lively. During the day, the area is one of the citys most popular shopping districts. At night it is one of the best places to go for a more refined party experience.
If you want to spend your evenings relaxing in some of Londons most fashionable bars and restaurants, then Covent Garden is the place to be.
Covent Garden is home to the chicest nightlife in London, without the extortionate price tag of Kensington, Chelsea, or Knightsbridge.
Beyond the restaurants and bars, people flock to Covent Garden to partake in Londons world-class theatre scene. Covent Garden is the heart of Londons West End, one of the most renowned theatre and performing arts districts in the world.
Covent Garden is where you will find some of Londons principal performing arts venues, including the Lyceum Theatre, the London Coliseum, and the Royal Opera House.
Numerous other theatres and venues line the streets, putting on an incredible array of shows year-round.
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Mayfair Best Place To Stay In London For Luxury
If you are coming to London for a bit of pampering and luxury then you have to stay in the Mayfair area. Located between Hyde Park and Soho, Mayfair is Londons most wealthy neighborhood. Everything here is 4 and 5 star.
With Michelin star restaurants, high-end designer stores, and chic cocktail bars, it is the perfect place to indulge yourself for a night or two. It is also a beautiful neighborhood to stroll around at night as it is often quiet and not too busy.
The Berkeley Hyde Park
Best for: Seventies style
Part of the Maybourne Group, which also manages Claridge’s and The Connaught, The Berkeley is a bit like both but not much like either. A child of the early 1970s, there are no heritage trappings instead, the look is cool, low-key, non-specifically modern. Soothe your aching muscles and achieve a state of serenity at the Blue Bar, or at the much-lauded spa. The views over Hyde Park from certain of the treadmills in the gym are excellent the rooftop pool is itself as pretty as a picture, though too small to be of much use to anyone who actually wants to swim. By way of compensation, there is Andre Fu’s 278-square-metre Opus Suite, supposedly the largest in the capital. To find out more, read our The Berkeley hotel review.
Address: The Berkeley, Wilton Place, London SW1X 7RL
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The City Best For Business Travellers
Londons financial and business hub has a lot going for it.
As Londons financial hub, its where a lot of corporate entities have their offices. The City is the best area to stay in London for business travellers because of this.
Dont think that this means its boring though. Some of Londons oldest pubs are in the City, plus there are cool destinations like Leadenhall Market and St Dunstan in the East for you to check out during your down time.
Be warned, it tends to get a lot quieter during the weekend .
The City Highlights
- Duck & Waffle Everything at Duck & Waffle is a stroke of culinary genius translated to your plate. Plus its open all night, perfect for late-night, high-end eats and drinks.
- Spitalfields Market A renovated market building brimming with trendy restaurants and bars, and cool vintage stalls .
- Leadenhall Market A gorgeous wrought-iron market housing a range of restaurants, shops and bars.
- St Dunstan in the East Walk around the ruins of this old church, tucked away in the heart of the city. Ivy climbs up the walls of this long-abandoned church, which was bombed in
The Ned, City of London
The new City hotel thats fast becoming the hottest bed in town
Theres a good chance that if youre in London for business purposes, you are going to have to spend some time in the City. So where better to base yourself for your stay?
In London a lot for business travel? The Ned also doubles as a private members club handy if you plan to visit quite a lot.
London Bridge And The South Bank Best For Tourist Attractions
More than just a common nursery rhyme, London Bridgemakes a good base for exploring London thanks to its central location and excellent transport links.
London Bridge might not be the first place you think of when you ask where to stay in Central London, but its an excellent choice.
London Bridge and the South BankHighlights
- Afternoon tea at Ting in the Shangri La. You can enjoy the views from the Shangri La in the Shard by booking in for their afternoon tea.
- Borough Market Londons most famous food market. Go with an empty stomach, buy gourmet treats to bring home before settling in to one of the excellent restaurants in the area .
- The Viewing Platform at The Shard Survey the city from the top of its tallest building
- The London Eye Observe London as you circle around this giant observation wheel.
- The National Theatre Groundbreaking plays, old classics and more the National Theatre consistently puts on the best shows in town. Tickets can be hard to come by but can often be bought on the day if you have the time to call or queue .
- Skylon Dinner and cocktails with views in the Oxo Tower.
- The Tate Modern Londons largest modern art gallery towers above the South Bank. A must visit for all contemporary art lovers.
Shangri La at The Shard, London Bridge
Rooms with an incredible view
The Shard is Londons tallest building, so it makes sense that its hotel, the Shangri La, has some of the best room views in the city. Still, that doesnt do it justice.
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Where Should I Stay For My First Visit In London
If its your first time in London and youve got the money, youll want to be as central as possible, and surrounded by all the best sights and things to do. For that, youll want to stay in the West End or Westminster. In Londons West End you have all the best theatres, shopping and shows at your fingertips, and Westminster features most of the must-see sights of London. This is absolutely the best area to stay in London for tourists.
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Hotels In West London
There are lots of hotels in West London, combining a diverse set of neighbourhood. Budget and mid-priced areas of West London including areas like Earls Court, Victoria and Paddington. Here youll find lots of well known hotel chains in London. At the luxury end the hotel market, youll find areas like Kensington, Knightsbridge and Chelsea filled with 5-star hotels and boutique accommodation.
Final Thoughts On Where To Stay In London
London is a vibrant and multicultural city that is bursting with history, culture, food, nightlife, shopping and entertainment. Its one of the largest cities in the world, and no matter how long you stay, youll leave feeling like theres so much to add to your London itinerary. Thats why, for me, a trip to London is always a good idea.
In this London neighbourhood guide, weve looked at the best places to stay in the city. If youre still not sure which neighbourhood is right for you, here is a quick recap.
The Walrus Hostel is our favourite hostel because of its excellent location, modern facilities and unbeatable prices.
Another good option is the Citizenm London Shoreditch. Set in Londons coolest neighbourhood, this four-star hotel is in close proximity to nightlife, shopping, dining and sightseeing.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in London? Let me know in the comments.
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Where To Stay In Kensington/south Kensington
- Airbnb in Kensington Located on the ground floor of a Victorian House this studio comes with a double bed and is located right across from Kensington Palace.
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: The Resident Kensington Perfectly located in the heart of Kensington this hotel gets rave reviews for its great staff and beautiful rooms.
- Check out Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
- Best Budget Hotel: Park Grand London Kensington Perfect family-friendly hotel with great rooms and amenities. Close to the Earls Court Tube station.
- Check Prices and Availability on TripAdvisor or Booking.com
Attractions near Kensington/South Kensington
- Kensington Gardens
South Bank: For Sightseeing Views & Families
South Bank, just east of Westminster Bridge, is one of our personal favorite places to stay for sightseeing London. London Eye is located here, just as SEA LIFE and Shreks Adventure. Big Ben is just across the bridge, and everything is within easy reach either by walking or public transport.
We recently stayed here when visiting London with kids and it was an excellent location for everything we wanted to see and do.
What makes it our favorite is the combination of an excellent location and usually better price/quality ratio than e.g. hotels around Charing Cross. If you are looking for a really nice mid-budget hotel in central London, youll likely get more for your money here than across the river.
Aside from being one of the best spots for seeing some of Londons best-loved attractions, the South Bank is a really beautiful part to stay in London. This is especially true at night when the lights illuminating County Hall and the London Eye are reflected off the water of the River Thames.
A walk over Westminster Bridge takes you right to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Alternatively, you can walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, taking in the Tate Modern, Shakespeare Globe, Borough Market, The Shard, and the Festival Hall complex as you go.
Indeed, theres something about staying on the South Bank that makes it feel more as if you are in real Londonthan in any other part of the city!
Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this part of London:
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What Is The Best Neighbourhood To Stay In London
That depends on what youre looking for but, as a London native, I dont think theres a better neighbourhood in London than Shoreditch. The hipster capital of London is where all the young Londoners like to hang out. There, youve got the best bars and cafes, cool street art, and awesome food markets to explore. Far removed from the glamorous tourist attractions of Westminster, Shoreditch is what you could call the real London experience.
Any questions about what area in London is best to stay, or just about London generally, leave a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Things To See And Do In South Bank/southwark
Explore The Queens Walk.
Rest and relax in Jubilee Gardens.
Snack and sample your way through the South Bank Centre Food Markets.
Catch a classical or musical performance at the National Theatre.
See your favourite sea creatures and aquatic animals at SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
Enjoy a feast at Pieminister.
Slurp a hot and filling bowl at Neds Noodle Bar.
Dine on a cheeky curry from Chilli Chutney Waterloo.
Excite your sense at the Borough Market.
Take a short walk to marvel at St Pauls Cathedral.
Visit Shakespeares Globe Theatre.
See The Shard.
Browse the exhibits at the Tate Modern or National Portrait Gallery.
Walk up to Tower Bridge and the Towers of London
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Bloomsbury The Best Neighborhood To Stay In London For Solo Travelers
Bloomsbury is not very central, which gives it a laid-back vibe. However, that doesnt make it any less popular.
Its old-school atmosphere with plenty of posh bookstores, enchanting libraries, cozy cafés, and world-famous museums will make you fall in love with it.
Dont miss the elegant Georgian townhouses that line leafy Bedford and Russell squares. Charles Dickens Museum is another must-visit spot. Youll find it in the authors former home at 48-49 Doughty Street.
Harry Potter movie fan? Youll love to hear that many parts of the movie have been filmed in Bloomsbury.
One of the best free things to do in London is visiting the citys signature cultural institution British Museum. It showcases 2 million years of human art, history, and culture.
Note: The collection consists of the whopping 8 million works. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Our recommendations: Just 328 ft. away from the British Museum, the 4* Radisson Blu Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel will pamper you with a modern gym, fancy restaurant, and high-speed WiFi. If you want to be in the heart of the theater district and like luxury bedding and fluffy bathrobes, book your stay in The Bloomsbury Hotel.