Best Areas to Stay in London
Last Updated on May 16, 2024
Planning a trip to London can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding a place to stay. With many neighborhoods to choose from, each offering something different, looking for accommodation in London can be terrifying. When I lived in London for many years, so I got to live in almost every corner of the city. Now I can tell you what each area offers.
I stayed in most of the recommended hotels and can vouch for them. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to write me a comment!
Best Areas to Stay in London – Guide for 2024
There is no universal ‘best’ neighborhood to stay in London since all the sights are spread out. There’s also no downtown as such, and much depends on your interests and budget. London is generally a safe place, no matter where you stay. There’s no such thing as a ‘no-go’ zone in London.
Similarly, the best hotels in London are not located in one neighborhood. It’s easy to find great luxury accommodations in most areas of London.
For Those in a Rush Here’s a Quick Summary. For Detailed Descriptions Keep Reading 😉
- Best Neighborhood for Sightseeing in London: Southbank
- Best Neighborhood in London for Nightlife: Soho & Camden
- Best Neighbourhood in London for Families: Victoria & Marylebone
- Best Neighborhood in London to Stay for First Timer: Covent Garden
- Most Romantic Neighborhood in London: Mayfair, Notting Hill & South Kensington
- Best Neighborhood in London for a Local Vibe: Camden & Shoreditch
- Best Neighbourhood for Ethnic Food: Anywhere in East London.
Best Hotels to Stay in London:
Best Luxury Hotels in London
St Pancras Renaissance Hotel • Ace Hotel Shoreditch • Sofitel St James • Hotel Cafe Royal
Best Mid-Range Hotels in London
41 • Sea Containers • San Domenico House • Bloomsbury Hotel
Best Boutique Hotels in London
Dawson Place • Gower House Hotel
Getting to Know Different Districts of London
The first issue with London is that districts aren’t always named the same everywhere. While it’s easy to get oriented in other big European cities like Paris, where districts (arrondissement) are numbered, but London is divided differently.
Officially, the city of London is a small part of London you expect (marked white on the map below). Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, London Eye, or any other iconic landmarks aren’t even part of it.
The City is now only a tiny part of the metropolis of London, though it remains a notable part of central London. Administratively, it forms one of the 33 local authority districts of Greater London; however, the City of London is not a London borough, a status reserved for the other 32 districts (including London’s only other city, the City of Westminster).
Colloquial Districts of London
You might want to ask where is the West End area, as you’ve probably heard about it. West End is actually not an official geographical or municipal definition, but a term used colloquially by Londoners. Therefore the exact constituent parts are up for debate.
Depending on the person, the ‘zones’ of London can be divided differently and hold different names. Further on, I’ll be referring to the most used names of the districts and the closest major tube stations nearby.
How to Get Around London
Before we delve too deeply into descriptions of different areas, let’s introduce you to the transport system. Don’t get intimidated by London tube map – it’s easier to navigate than it looks like and it’s perfectly safe. Here are a few things you should know:
1. Hotel shuttles from airports are rare. Taxi or Uber from the airport is insanely expensive. I don’t recommend taking private transportation unless you arrive exhausted in the middle of the night.
2. London has a great public transport system. It’s safe and usually works great (and it if doesn’t there’s always a replacement bus right away). But, not all tube stations have elevators and you might have to drag your suitcase up the stairs.
3. You don’t have to buy an oyster card anymore (a refillable transport card) to use the buses and tube. You can use any touch credit card.
4. Alternatively, if you’re planning on visiting many attractions, consider getting a London Pass. It gives you access to many London’s top attractions and hop-on hop-off bus ticket.
Where to Stay in London
The West End (Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square, Oxford Street)
A vibrant district full of theaters, shops, pubs, clubs, landmarks and shopping opportunities.
Major Tube Stations: Leicester Square (Northern & Piccadilly Line), Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central & Victoria), Tottenham Court Road (Northern & Central)
Budget: London’s most exclusive hotel district with many of London’s most exclusive and expensive hotels.
Attractions Nearby:
- Covent Garden/Soho – Where all the nightlife is happening. During the day Covent Garden has live music, performers, and markets.
- Chocolate Shops
- Theaters – Buy tickets here
- Trafalgar Square
- Oxford Street Shopping – Most shopping you could want in London
- West End Shows. Currently playing: The Wicked, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Matilda, Chicago, Thriller, Les Miserables, Kinky Boots, Phantom of the Opera
Family Friendliness: Close to most things, so very recommendable. Might be noisier than elsewhere at night.
Nightlife: Best area of London.
Best for: Young people who want to experience the nightlife and shopping in the heart of London.
Worst for: Families who want peace and quiet at night.
Personal experience: I love hanging out in the area, but I’m not sure if I would ever live there. But if you don’t have much time in the city and want to experience the busy London life, go for it.
Recommended Places to Stay in West End:
- Sofitel St James
I stayed at this hotel for 2 nights and visited for an afternoon tea. The location couldn’t have been more perfect and the standard of accommodation was surely satisfying. The only minus is that rooms have no balconies, but if you’re looking for a centrally located spot, you won’t regret booking here. - Strand Continental
There aren’t many budget places in this area, not even a hostel, so your best bet would still cost about $100+ per night. While it’s not for a backpacker budget, you pay for the location.
Victoria
A busy commuter area with a Royal feel.
Major Tube Stations: Victoria (Victoria, Circle, District)
Budget: Mostly affordable.
Attractions Nearby:
- Buckingham Palace
- St James’s Park & Hyde Park
- James Bond movie locations
Family Friendliness: Families will enjoy their stay in Victoria due to easy access to everything.
Nightlife: Decent nightlife. There’s also easy access to other areas.
Best for: Travelers planning day trips from London.
Recommended Places to Stay in Victoria:
- 41
This hotel is surely stylish. Nestled behind Buckingham Palace and close to Victoria Train & Bus station, it serves delicious food at the lounge and looks like a traditional London club. - Astor Victoria Hostel
Clean and modern hostel just 2 minutes walk from Pimlico Underground Station. For a small price you can get a comfortable place to sleep.
Southbank
Sensational public attractions and spectacular people watching along the banks of the Thames.
Major Tube Stations: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee), London Bridge (Northern, Jubilee)
Budget: High, as most hotels are luxurious, oriented towards business travelers.
Attractions Nearby:
- London Eye
- London Aquarium
- London Dungeon
- Big Ben & Parliament
- Westminster Abbey
- Borough Market
- Globe Theatre
- Southbank Centre
- The Shard
Family Friendliness: Fine for families, as it’s very centrally located.
Nightlife: Plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
Best for: Those who want to do as much sightseeing as they can.
Worst for: People who hate crowds and want to shop nearby.
Recommended Places to Stay in Victoria:
- Sea Containers
For a touch of luxury slightly away from the crowds. - Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
Wonderful hotel with rooms overlooking Big Ben. Easy access to transportation and family-friendly. Stayed there recently with my son.
City of London
Busy-suited streets of a location that’s full of rich history.
Major Tube Stations: Bank (Central, Circle, District, Northern, DLR)
Budget: Usually expensive, because targeted to business travelers
Attractions Nearby:
- Tower of London
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tate Modern
- Barbican
- Jack the Ripper haunted spots
Family Friendliness: I’d not recommend.
Nightlife: Excellent during the week, bad over the weekend.
Best for: Business travelers, especially bankers.
Worst for:Weekend travelers – many restaurants, bars, and shops are closed during the weekend.
Recommended Hotel in City of London: Batty Langley’s – BOOK NOW
Westminster
History is etched into the stones of this neighborhood.
Major Tube Stations: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle)
Budget: More expensive than budget-friendly, but worth the price for the location.
Attractions Nearby:
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- St. James’ Park
- Churchill War Rooms
Family Friendliness: Could be ideal for families, as it’s full of green areas.
Nightlife: Some.
Best for: Tourists interested in iconic landmarks.
Worst for: Nightlife seekers.
Recommended Hotel: Rubens at the Palace – BOOK NOW
Paddington, Bayswater & Marylebone & Maida Vale
These swanky London neighborhoods feel less crowded despite the central location.
Major Tube Stations: Edgware Road (Northern), Bond Street (Jubilee, Central), Elizabeth Line, Heathrow Express
Budget: Affordable and easily accessible district of London.
Attractions Nearby:
- Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Little Venice
- Madame Tussauds
Family Friendliness: Great place for families.
Nightlife: Not much happening there, but it’s still close to other areas of excellent nightlife.
Best for: Families.
Worst for: Young party people.
Recommended Hotels in Paddington:
Notting Hill & Hammersmith
Quaint streets and rustic townhomes earn this west London neighborhood its cinematic credentials.
Major Tube Stations: Hammersmith (Piccadilly, Hammersmith & City, Circle, District), Shephard’s Bush (Central, Overground)
Budget: Not ridiculously expensive, but surely not the cheapest district.
Attractions Nearby:
- Portobello Road Market
- Hyde Park
Family Friendliness: Very family-friendly, as it’s a quiet area.
Nightlife: Some, but not much.
Best for: Shoppers.
Worst for: People who fly to/from airports like Stanstead.
Recommended Hotel: Dawson Place – BOOK NOW
Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
College district with many gardens. Where history, creativity, and the latest trends form a unique cultural fusion.
Major Tube Stations: Euston (Victoria, Northern)
Budget: Prices are decent, but it’s rather a more expensive than cheap district.
Attractions Nearby:
- British Museum – Where the mummies are. One of the free museum of London.
- UCL – One of the major colleges in London.
- British Library
Family Friendliness: Good area, easily walkable.
Nightlife: This area has easy access to the West End where the nightlife is booming.
Best for: Visiting or prospective students, families.
Worst for:Those who expect posh area.
Recommended Hotel: Staunton B&B
Hyde Park (Chelsea, Kensington, Knightsbridge)
This stylish central London neighborhood works hard, plays hard, and shops hard. Elegance permeates the air.
Major Tube Stations: Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria), South Kensington (District, Circle, Piccadilly)
Budget: Super posh & expensive area.
Attractions Nearby:
- Harrods – The luxurious shopping mall.
- Victoria & Albert Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Kensington Palace – Where William & Kate live
- London Zoo
- Winter Wonderland (during the winter)
Family Friendliness: South Kensington is great for museums and shopping, so easy for families with kids.
Nightlife: Plenty of incredible rooftop lounges, nightclubs, and bars. Incredible restaurants. However, surely not cheap.
Best for: Posh travelers and families willing to spend money.
Worst for: Backpackers and people on a budget.
Recommended hotels in Hyde Park:
King’s Cross & Camden Town
The alternative, underground music venues, and street markets challenge the norm.
Major Tube Stations: King’s Cross St Pancras (almost all lines), Camden Town (Northern)
Budget: Well-priced.
Attractions Nearby:
- Camden Market
- Platform 9 3/4
- Highgate Cemetery
- The Stables Market
Family Friendliness: Probably not the best for families. It can get slightly sketchy at nights.
Nightlife: Plenty of nightclubs, restaurants, and street performances. More bohemian than posh.
Best for: Hip travelers, or Harry Potter fans (easy access to Harry Potter Studios & platform 9 3/4).
Worst for: Families with young children.
Recommended Places to Stay in Camden Town:
- St Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Probably the most photogenic hotel in London. The hotel appeared in Harry Potter, Spice Girls’ music video, and many other things. - Generator London
I stayed at Generator on a few occasions and it never disappointed me. Modern, clean, beds have curtains. It’s surely not a party hostel where you can’t sleep, everyone was respectful.
East London (Shoreditch, Brick Lane)
A creative haven for artists and designers. Artsy area with new hip vibe.
Major Tube Stations: Old Street (Northern), Liverpool Street (Circle, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City) – Also accessible by Overground.
Budget: Usually affordable.
Attractions Nearby:
- Ethnic Food
- Street Art
Family Friendliness: I’d probably not recommend it for children, due to a lot of nightlife.
Nightlife: Lots of clubs, bars, restaurants and pop up places.
Best for: Food, street markets & art lovers.
Worst for: Luxury travelers who aren’t fans of hip vintage neighborhoods and noisy nightlife.
Recommended Places to Stay in Shoreditch:
- Ace Hotel Shoreditch
Ace is a modern hotel that’s definitely worth the money you pay for a night. The hotel bar downstairs is excellent, so you actually don’t even need to leave the hotel as many locals go there on Saturdays.
Canary Wharf
Major Tube Stations: Canary Wharf (DLR, Jubilee)
Budget: Mostly expensive.
Family Friendliness: Safe for children, but as it’s a business area mostly boring.
Nightlife: Decent during weekdays, mostly dead on weekends.
Best for: Posh business travelers.
Worst for: Young travelers wanting to experience a trendy neighborhood.
Recommended hotel: Novotel London
Greenwich
Timeless architecture combined with a quiet but elegant atmosphere.
Major Tube Stations: North Greenwich (Jubilee, Emirates Air Line)
Budget: Easily affordable.
Attractions Nearby:
- Greenwich Village
- O2 Area
- Royal Observatory
- The Maritime Museum
- Various Movie Locations
Family Friendliness: If your kids dislike being on public transport for a long time, it might not be the best area.
Nightlife: Nothing is really going on, apart from events at O2 Arena.
Best for: People coming for an event or concert at O2 Arena.
Worst for: Travelers who want to stay somewhere central, close to major attractions.
Recommended hotel: De Vere Devonport House – BOOK HERE
Wimbledon
Don’t even think about it, unless you’re going to London for an event hosted in Wimbledon or Royal Ascot. It’s too far from everything. The only thing that’s nearby is the Wimbledon Stadium.
Other Things to Note About London
Make sure which room are you booking at any hotel. Smaller hotels and guesthouses often have shared bathrooms, unless the room is listed as ‘en suite‘.
London might seem expensive at first, but if you drink during happy hour, look for discount codes, and use other money saving tricks, it can be affordable.
Nightlife starts and ends early in London, or anywhere in the UK really. Pubs and bars usually close at 11 PM (10 PM on Sundays) while the food is usually served until 9-9:30 PM. If you’re planning on going out leave early. Many posher nightclubs require registration online, so make sure you get on that guest list before heading to a fancy place.
Do you have any questions about London neighborhoods? Are you thinking of staying in some areas I haven’t listed here? Let me know in the comments below!
I had no idea London boroughs were so expansive. Although, I hardly call 100+ dollars a night a “budget option.” This does give good insight on what to expect!
Yeah, London isn’t cheap in terms of accommodation. There are also hostels, but during busy times I’ve seen $30-50 a night for a bed in dormitory.
London is my favourite city and each borough has such a unique feel! For me, as a student traveller, it is best to stay more centrally and have found quite a few good hostels for a decent price. It always helps to travel to London during off-season, as well.
Thanks for another great post Anna!!
Lucy 🙂 x
London is my favorite place to visit. Thanks for sharing this post. This is very helpful.
Very well written. Planning to visit London soon. The pictures are making me even more eager for the trip.
South Bank is London’s cultural district, home to national centers for arts, film and performance, I love this area, just loved all the shops, restaurants, etc we saw. Definitely would recommend this for tourists!, if you chose this area to stay then you won’t face any issue.
Would you recommend Euston Park Hotel
for a young couple 20yrs?? Is it a safe area with restaurants and bars?
Booked for mt Daughter for het birthday, but now after reading some reviews not so sure.
Your views will be appreciated.
Haven’t been to this particular hotel, but it’s a good student area. There are many affordable places to eat nearby. It’s really easy to walk to Soho for a night out.
Great guide for every new stayer in London, Being a hot tourist destination and a business hub choosing the best place to stay is relatively a big task, you have included some of the best places to live which cater everyone’s needs wisely.
Thank you Anna! Is our first time in London. We were planning to rent an apartment at Notting Hill, but I’m afraid is too posh, too ready for tourist. But on the other hand we really love design and modern places. I was considering Shoreditch but it seems to me big spaces, lonely streets and warehouses. I can’t decide yet.
We will be visiting London in September, is better to book now, well in advance, or wait some more time for cheaper opportunities?
Thank you!
September tends to be a busy time to visit London, so you might want to start looking already to get the best hotel. Notting Hill is totally fine for tourists and it’s convenient to get anywhere from there. Shoreditch tends to get packed since it’s a hip neighborhood. If you ask me I’d say it could be a lot of fun if you’re in your early 20s, but otherwise it’s fun to go out and come back home elsewhere.
Thank you Anna for all your recommendations! Planning a trip for September to London for a couple of weeks.
Looking at the Hackney area in East London. What are your thoughts on this neighborhood? We are big music people and heard this area was ideal for live music spots?
Let me know your thoughts
Jessica from Toronto
Great blog Anna. If you are staying in London for more than a few days, then the famous University City of Oxford is only one hour away by train. Oxford is truly an amazing city.
Yes, I lived and studied there.
A really helpful guide for people traveling to London. I personally used some of the recommendations here. Great job. Bravo!!
I am going there next month, so I am looking for areas for budget friendly and middle of everything. I need to know best places for sure with enough places to eat, buses/trains,and bars of course. East, Soho, or Camden? I was thinking of others but these seem more of what I might like, just need to choose 1. Thanks for your help
Soho might not be the most budget-friendly area I’m afraid. East would be cheaper, but again – there’s no place in London that’s “in the middle of everything”. London is very spread out so your ‘everything’ will depend on what do you want to see and do.
Hi would it be doable to stay in Kingston and travel into the city centre for sightseeing etc ?
It’s doable (my best friend actually used to live there and commuted to work in Central London every day), but it take about 40 minutes by train. One way train from Kingston to London Waterloo costs about 4 GBP off-peak and more during peak times.
We r planning an all girls trip my mother my 18 year old daughter and myself for my daughters graduation! My daughter has been infatuated with everything British since she was a child. She is in school for pastry arts so she has a creative mind however my mother wants to see the palace and everything regal. Myself I want to visit a few pubs and old world architecture. Please help! I know I’m asking a lot but trying to stay on a moderate budget and please everyone!
I love your tips and other information. It’s so helpful for planning a trip to London.
We are traveling to London in September and we are considering an apartment near Wandsworth Park and Wandsworth River Pier. Is this a good location for first-time London visitors? Thanks very much.
Hi Sherrell, I wouldn’t recommend this area for first-time visitors. It’s very far from all the attractions and it would take you forever to get anywhere.
Thanks very much. That’s great information for us. Are there apartment hotels in London which have small apartments in the same facility? We’d like to rent 2 small apartments with kitchen, bedroom, sitting area and bath.
Of course, filter your search on Booking.com to apartments and you should be able to find something. I’d say tourists should stay in tube zone 1 or 2.
Hello Anna,
I am taking my 16 year old daughter to London for a week over Thanksgiving. We wanted to stay in a more trendy neighborhood where their are lots of local cafes and not touristy places to eat. We will be hitting all the major sights of London! I have also been reading about Clerkenwell and how the food scene is great and there are a couple of great hotels…the Zetter group. Is this too far out of the way to get around to all the sights? While we want the quaint feel, we don’t want to spend all our time on the tube. Someone had also recommended The Kensington Hotel, as it is close to Chelsea which has a lot of cafes etc. We had also considered Marylebone? I am in hotel overload at the moment! Also wanted to know about the Xmas markets at this time of year and the best area to see the lights and decoration. we heard London is beautiful this time of year if the weather cooperates.
Nice tips, so many cool areas to stay and visit in this city. Gonna need a long vacay to see them all!
I’d say the best places to stay in London are Brick Lane, Shoreditch, White Chapel, Bethnel Green and southern parts of Essex. Much cheaper, much more culture and much, much, much better football!
Thank you very much for the helpfully information
London is my favorite place to visit. Thanks for sharing this post. This is very helpful.
London is my favorite place to visit. It’s so helpful for planning a trip to London. Thanks for sharing this post. This is very helpful.
I really like the layout of your site. I have been trying to find a place to stay that will be the most convenient and the easiest place to view as much as possible. This my first visit and I only have 3 days. I know that I will not get to see a lot, so I want to hit the highlights. I was curious, you indicate the South Bank as the best area for sight seeing, but it is on the opposite side of the river from what seems like the most visited sites?
It is, but you can easily walk over to the other side using one of many bridges. Again, it also depends on what do you want to see as you can’t see everything in 3 days.
Any suggestions for a 3 day itinerary? I have the London pass and oyster card. The most famous sights I guess and any ideas for the cool ones that are not in the tourist books.
Thanks,
Nice list. it will be helpful while selecting to stay in London and for enjoying nightlife in London i will suggest Best Clubs In Central London!
Hey, Amazing post for the traveler who wants to be in London for the first time. LIke the post very much. Thanks for sharing
My daughter is studying abroad and you mentioned the slightly sketchy scene in Kings Cross We’re from NY, will it be similar to NYC? Or I guess what part of NYC? Thanks Anna and I love the article!
I wouldn’t worry too much honestly, it’s really like going to some parts of Brooklyn. Might be great and fun, but sometimes it might get dodgy after dark (well, at least this has always been my experience). There are many students living in King’s Cross.
I am traveling there for a conference at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge. In what neighborhood is the hotel located? Thanks.
Southbank 🙂
Hi, I’m a first time reader on your site and I’m so glad I found it. My husband and I are going to London for the first time in April or May. I’m a lover of all things about the music culture from the 60’s & 70’s, Kings Road, etc.. I’m less of a fan for seeing the most common sites (changing of the guards, K. Palace, etc. but I know we should catch a few while we are there. We enjoy great food, great places with great bars, good shopping and lots of walking. Would you recommend Soho? Chelsea? Thanks in advance for any advice.
I’d say Chelsea or even Shoreditch.
Dear Anna,
my family and I would love to visit London and Edinburgh at the beginning of the coming August (that’s the only time when my dad can stay home from work) but we have been told from someone who has made this experience in the same period of the year that London is so crowded that they got panic attacks walking around with so many people around; they also said that it is nearly impossible to have a nice visit at any museum because people occupy all the space in front of the paintings.
What can you tell me about these issues? I really trust your words!
Kindly
Eleonora from Italy
London is always a busy place and every big and famous city gets even business in the summer. Since most museums are free in London there will be many people inside I’m afraid. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Hi, my husband and I and our friends are going to London in September and planning air bnb…we are looking at 2 properties Islington and Came in Portabello… it is our bucket list trip… we are not huge into nightlife but would like to see as much as we can… we are also going to Whales , Dublin and Edinburgh … a three week trip from Canada!!! Can you give recommendations
Have you read the post? 😉
Hi Anna,
What a great site! I don’t see Battersea anywhere, but perhaps you refer to it as something else? We are first time London visitors, family of 4 (two 9yr olds), staying for 5 days. What do you think of Battersea?
Thank you!
Stacy
Battersea is a bit of a pain to get from because of the transportation (unless you’d be staying near Clapham Common station). Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of the area.
Would you recommend Camden for a solo traveller?
Absolutely!
Traveling to London for the first time in October. We have the opportunity to get an amazing rate at a hotel near Heathrow through a friend. Is it crazy to tube in daily to see the sites? Is that too far away?
Don’t do this, it takes forever.
Thanks for the good tips! My husband and I are going to London in July. Do yo think covent Garden or Soho will be good areas for us. We are in the lower 59’s age.
It’s a vibrant area but loud on weekends.
The Gainsborough Hotel is closed for renovations. I stayed there in 2005. I am planning a trip in September 2019. Would you have another recommendation in the area?
Thank you, Justine
Yes, The Rembrandt 🙂
I am looking for accomodation for 3 days in July.Will be travelling solo.Can afford little more than budget.Where do you suggest I stay?
Didn’t this post answer your question? 🙂
Hi,
My husband and I are seniors. We are coming to London in November and have booked a VRBO on Regency St. Is looks like it’s in the Westminster area and may be a good location for sightseeing and walking tours. Is this a safe area for walking back at night? Would it be a quaint area to get a feel for the culture of London?
You should be fine walking at night there, don’t worry 🙂 It’s on Victoria Line so you can easily get around London.
How would you say a hotel by Imperial Wharf near overground is vs. a hotel in Islington right near the Angel Tube Stop.
Near Angel Tube is better 🙂
Hello, great info., thanks.
Nowadays, what is a good neighbourhood for b&b, or hotel, near Wembley Stadium in early July 2020 for 4 adult Canadians enjoying food, pubs, fitness, soccer and other UK culture?
We have stayed in a Nottingham b&b (july 18) for Wimbelton, know Birmingham and East Midlands, and some of London from the late 80s, early 90s (near Hyde Park), but are fuzzy about the Wembley area.
Thanks.
Sorry to butt in, a Londoner here. The area around Wembley Stadium is now heavily re-developed with hotels, apartments and shopping with a designer outlet (not quite high end though!). Easy to pick a hotel on-site, such as the Hilton, or off-site like the Green Man, and tube it in on the underground. Also, a great location to travel to Oxford and enjoy some of the best Indian and West Indoian cuisine (Ealing Road, Wembley High Road) in London.
Hi,
Earl’s Court for a family of 4 (2 teenagers)? It looks nice and close to tube but I need to make sure it is safe and there are restaurants around.
Thanks
Very safe and plenty of places to eat, don’t worry 🙂
Hi Anna. Great website. Coming with my wife to London for a week in October to visit the sights. A friend recommended the Residence Inn by Marriott in Kensington. I am wondering if this might be a bit far from where alot of the restaurants and night life may be. Do you think that is indeed the case ? If Kensington is in fact a bit far removed, any other areas / hotels you would recommend ? Many thanks. Marc
There are many good restaurants everywhere in London, but it really depends on where do you want to eat (specific places). In terms of nightlife, the same goes for traditional English pubs – there will be everywhere. There are some nightclubs in Kensington too.
Love your article! Heading to Scotland in a couple weeks and will have one night in London. We land on a Sunday night at Heathrow at 7 p.m. … Any suggestions on the best possible neighborhood to get to quickly to see/eat a bit of London life? Or is it better to just stay near Heathrow and wait for a longer trip?
Probably Kensington 🙂
Hi Anna,
I just came across your blog. Love it!
We are planning to see London (in Summer) and we have 3 kids (10, 7, and 4). We want to see as much as possible. Which area would you recommend the best? We want to use public transportation (or would a rental be better?) to get to all the sightseeing places. Also, how many days is perfect to get to see the most popular places?
Thanks much
Definitely don’t rent a car in London 😀 Public transportation is just fine in London. It really depends on what do you want to see to be honest. Kensington is always a nice place to stay with kids, but Victoria is convenient when it comes to getting anywhere else.
Hi Anna,
Great article. My husband and I are going to london this November. I am confused. we are planning to stay either at Cumberland or Amba hotel and it says it is in Westminster Borough. is Westminster Borough same as Westminster? Are the hotels in good location as we want to see sights like Buckingham, parliament, Tower of London, Thames River Cruise?
Or is it better if we stay at Covent Gardent? Also, what is the best cruise ship to take to take in thames River, we want just an hour continuous cruise from the port of origin and back . Need your advice because my mind is overloaded from searching. Thanks so much.
No clue about the cruise as I’ve never taken any apart from regular water transport (part of TFL).
Yes, it’s the same. Covent Garden is a great spot if you like going out.
Anna,
I’ve enjoyed your post. thank you for all the information.
I’m planning a trip in November with my daughter to London we love to shop and see as much as possible. which area would you recommend for us to stay in? and which hotel? we are on a budget however I like to be comfortable when staying in a hotel.
thanks for you help.
Did you read the post?
Hi there
Have just booked the corus hotel in Bayswater/Hyde park. Is this safe to walk to and from the Paddington line and Lancaster gate train? We have 2 young kids. Thanks
Yes, you’ll be fine 🙂
My son is going abroad to London Metropolitan University and we will go to visit him in April. I have a 15 year old, 19 year old and me and my wife. Thought it would be easier to stay somewhere near the University but want to make sure it is safe and a good place to stay. What are your thoughts? Love the idea of Kensington or Notting Hill but not sure how far away that is? If around the school is not good what are good places to stay at a reasonable distance?
Are you just going to visit him, or do you want to enjoy sightseeing too? The area near London Met is fine, but there’s nothing to do there. I’d probably say stay elsewhere for sightseeing 🙂
Hi Anna,
Thank you for such a budget-friendly blog post. I’m really excited to follow all these instincts while I’m moving London the coming next week woohoo 🙂
Hi Anna,
Visiting London in March with my 11 yo son and his 11 yo friend and his dad. Was looking at Soho vs Camden vs south bank for apartment rental for a week. Covent garden seems a bit away from main attractions.
Want to see sights but also want to be part of a vibrant neighborhood although with little guys will not need much night life. Suggestions?
Best
Mike
What do you wan to do/see? Covent Garden is pretty central. I’d probably skip Camden with the little one and also tons of nightlife but unlike in Covent Garden it’s edgier and weird. South Bank would be my preferred choice I think.
Hello Anna,
I am visiting London for the 1st time on 2nd of May with my spouse and friend all in our late 20s. Our plan is to visit Stamford Bridge to watch the match that Saturday but also do some light sightseeing and enjoy the nightlife for the weekend.
On Monday and Tuesday finish off the sights then off to the airport 🙁
Which neighborhood do you most recommend to stay?
Thanks in advanced
Depends on what do you want to see. Covent Garden, Camden anywhere in Soho is always good for nightlife.
We are staying in a flat down the street from The Hercules and Lambeth North Station. First time visitors to London with 2 1/2 days to hit the highlights. Recommendations on the best way to get around? Walkable to Big Ben, the Eye, London Tower, Churchills meeting area, Kensington Palace, etc.? Also, best market for fish and chips.
Tube 🙂 You can walk to Big Ben and walk along the Thames but tube will be your friend to get around.