Where to stay in London?

Overview of London Areas

London is a massive city with a total of 32 boroughs (district or suburb). While the city stretches far, most visitors stay in Central London, where most of the attractions and restaurants are located. Some of the central borughs include Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea, Southwark and Tower Hamlets.

Best for Sightseeing - Covent Garden, South Bank & Westminster

Covent Garden, South Bank and Westminster are all in the centre of the city and are walking distance from iconic spots like Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Big Ben and Tower of London. These areas are perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of London in a short amount of time. However, this also makes it the most expensive area, so expect to pay anything upwards of £200 a night.

Best for Nightlife & Food Lovers - Soho and Shoreditch

Soho and Shoreditch are perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and delicious food. If you plan to be out exploring restaurants, bars and clubs, these are the spots for you! Soho is a slightly more central location so you might find prices a bit higher than Shoreditch.

Best for Museums & a Relaxed Stay - Kensington & Chelsea

Kensington and Chelsea are two of London’s most high-end neighbourhoods, known for their stunning architecture, leafy streets and world-famous museums. Kensington is home to the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum, and Hyde Park is just a short walk away, perfect for a peaceful stay.

Best for Transport - Paddington, King's Cross & City of London

These areas are some of the most convenient places to stay in London, especially if you're prioritizing transport links. They're all very close to the centre of London via tube or bus, while being a bit quieter and cheaper.

Final Thoughts

I'd personally recommend staying in one of the most central areas such as Covent Garden, Soho, Westminster or Southbank as these locations are close to all the main attractions, while having great transport links all over the city and plenty of restaurants, cafe's and shops.