Where to Stay in London, By a Local (Best Areas & Places)
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London is an enormous city filled with history, adventure, and culture, so deciding where to stay has a huge impact on your trip. As a London local of three years, I am excited to walk you through the city’s best neighborhoods!
If it’s your first time visiting, I recommend staying in Mayfair right in the heart of central London. In this area, my top hotel suggestion is the Chesterfield Mayfair, a luxury hotel near both Hyde Park and Green Park.
Of course, each area in London has its own character and makes you feel like you’re in a completely different city. Keep reading, and I’ll break down the pros and cons of all the best options.
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Best Places to Stay in London
Visiting London and need a quick recommendation on the best places to stay in the city? Check out one of these unique options:
- 🏆 Best Overall – The Chesterfield Mayfair
- 📍 Best Location – The Dorchester
- ✨ Best Luxury – The Savoy
- 👪 Best for Families – The Ampersand Hotel
- 🛎️ Best Boutique – The Henrietta Hotel
- 🌆 Best City View – The Standard
- 💵 Best Budget – The Z Hotel Holborn
Whether you’re after a quiet street, a convenient location, or a taste of luxury, each of the above hotels has something unique to offer.
Prefer an apartment? Check out these rental listings in Mayfair, my top neighborhood.
Now, let’s take a much deeper look at the best neighborhoods in London for your stay:
12 Best Neighborhoods & Areas to Stay in London
London is a primary European hub that’s 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.
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.
Mayfair
👉 Best Area For A Luxury Stay | ✨ Best Mayfair Hotels: The Dorchester Collection • The Chesterfield Mayfair • The Mayfair Townhouse
Nestled in the heart of central London, Mayfair is without a doubt one of the classiest parts of town and, as such, it comes at a premium price.
When you see London in films or TV shows, this is often one of the main spots featured due to its stunning architecture and snazzy storefronts. Mayfair is also home to one of the most iconic department stores in the world: Harrods.
This is one of the best areas to experience your first afternoon tea. Many luxury hotels offer a wide selection of fancy teas, desserts, and sandwiches. The champagne afternoon tea at one of my top London hotels, The Dorchester Collection, never disappoints and is my personal favorite.
The Mayfair area also has a ton of Instagrammable cafes, shops, and high-end restaurants, but you’ll want to make sure you book in advance. And if you’re a supercar fan, you will likely spot anything from an Aston Martin to a Bugatti on every corner and side street in the area.
Pros of Staying in Mayfair:
- Gorgeous storefronts
- Proximity to Hyde Park
- Best luxury shopping area in London
- Central location
Cons of Staying in Mayfair:
- Hotels can be expensive
- A quieter area at night
- Not much nightlife
📚 Mayfair Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for a Taste of Luxury
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Dorchester Collection, The Chesterfield Mayfair, The Mayfair Townhouse
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Mayfair
🍽️ Where to Eat – Sexy Fish ($$$$), CUT at 45 Park Lane ($$$$), Murger Han ($$), Delfino ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Mr Fogg’s Residence, The Connaught
🎟️ Top Attractions – The Royal Arcade, Harrods, St James’s Park
Soho
👉 Best Area For Families & A Central Stay | ✨ Best Soho Hotels: The Stafford London • The Cavendish London • The Resident Soho
Situated in the borough of Westminster, Soho is the best area to stay if you want to be as central as possible.
This neighborhood boasts bustling streets and is a great area for families as it’s within walking distance of many major London attractions including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Oxford Circus, Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, the Theater of London, Leicester Square, and much more.
The Cavendish London is one of my top hotel picks in the area. The views of the city are amazing!
Despite being one of the most popular areas in London for visitors, it is still possible to find an affordable hotel and stick to a reasonable budget for visiting London while staying in Soho. Not to mention it has some of the best nightlife in London!
Pros of Staying in Soho:
- Central location
- Bustling nightlife
- Home to several of London’s main attractions
- Great for family trips
Cons of Staying in Soho:
- Louder area
- Very busy and lots of tourists
📚 Soho Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Family Trips and Attractions
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Stafford London, The Cavendish London, The Resident Soho
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Soho
🍽️ Where to Eat – Bob Bob Ricard ($$$$), Barrafina ($$$), Shack Fuyu ($$), Lina Stores ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Freedom Bar, Bar Termini, Disrepute
🎟️ Top Attractions – Carnaby St, London Theatre, Oxford Circus
Kensington & Chelsea
👉 Best Area For A Romantic Getaway | ✨ Best Kensington & Chelsea Hotels: The Ampersand Hotel • Hux Hotel Kensington • The Pelham London
Are you picturing a romantic European escape at a luxury hotel with peace and quiet, while being on the doorstep of several attractions? Then Kensington & Chelsea is the perfect choice. The Pelham London is an especially romantic hotel for couples.
This royal borough in the west end is filled with quintessentially British architecture, colorful streets, and lovely storefronts. Be sure to check out Sloane Square, a famous shopping street filled with cute London cafes and fancy restaurants.
On Saturdays take a stroll through Duke of York square in the heart of Chelsea which hosts a fine food market, before embracing the culture at the Saatchi Gallery.
One of London’s most iconic attractions, the Natural History Museum is located in the heart of South Kensington and is a quick walk from South Kensington station. Fashion lovers should check out the Victoria and Albert museum across the street.
This area is also filled with some of London’s best parks, including Kensington Palace Gardens and Battersea Park.
Pros of Staying in Kensington & Chelsea:
- Proximity to amazing London museums
- Boutique hotels
- Romantic restaurants and bars
- One of the safest parts of London
Cons of Staying in Kensington & Chelsea:
- Lack of nightlife
- Expensive area
📚 Kensington & Chelsea Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for a Cute Romantic Getaway
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Ampersand Hotel, Hux Hotel Kensington, The Pelham London
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Kensington & Chelsea
🍽️ Where to Eat – No. Fifty Cheyne ($$$$), Bluebird Chelsea ($$$), The Jam ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Beaufort House, The K Bar, Barts,
🎟️ Top Attractions – Duke of York Square, Natural History Museum, Kensington Gardens, and other London parks
Shoreditch
👉 Best Nightlife in London | ✨ Best Shoreditch Hotels: One Hundred Shoreditch • Batty Langley’s • Virgin Hotels London -Shoreditch
Stay in Shoreditch if you’re looking to have a proper night out and explore an area filled with arts and culture.
As you wander through alleyways filled with street art, you’ll find some of the best-hidden gems that London has to offer in terms of bars, restaurants, markets, and shops. In particular, Brick Lane is a famous street that has some of London’s best Indian cuisine and is dotted with vintage shops.
Shoreditch is centrally located and stretches out across east London, accessible by main tube lines and buses.
This is personally one of my favorite neighborhoods in London filled with character, live music venues, and fantastic local coffee shops. For more, see my guide to what to do in Shoreditch.
Pros of Staying in Shoreditch:
- Vibrant nightlife
- Street art
- Bustling markets
- Best vintage shopping
- One of a kind restaurants
Cons of Staying in Shoreditch:
- Has some less safe parts
- Loud area
📚 Shoreditch Mini Guide 📚
Best Area for a Night Out
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – One Hundred Shoreditch, Batty Langley’s, Virgin Hotels London – Shoreditch
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Shoreditch
🍽️ Where to Eat – BRAT ($$), Popolo Shoreditch ($$), Padella ($)
lk🍸 Where to Drink – Night Tales, The Blues Kitchen Shoreditch, Ninety One Living Room
🎟️ Top Attractions – Boxpark, Broadway Market, Spitalfields Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Victoria Park
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Covent Garden
👉 Best Food Scene in London | ✨ Best Covent Garden Hotels: Middle Eight • NoMad London • St Martins Lane London
Covent Garden is an old faithful spot in London. This vibrant neighborhood in London’s west end has everything from lively bars to some of the best restaurants in London. It’s great for both solo travelers and families.
While here, wander your way through Covent Garden Market, one of the most buzzing shopping districts in town. The main market is made up of several shops, restaurants, bars, and stalls filled with independent sellers of antiques, food, arts and crafts, and souvenirs.
Despite its convenient location, there are several types of hotel options in the area, including boutique hotels, mid-range hotels, and budget hotels if you’re looking to save the extra pounds.
Another great feature of Covent Garden is the events. Whether it’s a pop-up for a cool brand, an al-fresco dining experience, or the magical decorations around Christmas, this neighborhood is sure to brighten your mood the second you step foot in it.
Pros of Staying in Covent Garden:
- Very centrally located
- Incredible food
- Main shopping district
- Great for families
Con of Staying in Covent Garden:
- Lots of tourists
📚 Covent Garden Mini Guide 📚
Best Area for Food Options
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Middle Eight, NoMad London, St Martins Lane London
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Covent Garden
🍽️ Where to Eat – Sushisamba ($$$), Dishoom ($$), Ave Mario ($$), Thunderbird ($)
🍸 Where to Drink – Blame Gloria, Mrs Riot, Plume Wine Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Covent Garden Market, Somerset House, Royal Opera House
Kings Cross
👉 Best Area for Arts and Culture in London | ✨ Best Kings Cross Hotels: The Standard • Kimpton Fitzroy London • Pullman London St Pancras
Whether you’re a massive Harry Potter fan or love a bit of history, Kings Cross in central London is filled with charm, character, and culture. The world-renowned Kings Cross Station is always bustling with travelers and is well connected to train journeys within and outside London.
This is arguably the best neighborhood to stay in London for both business travelers and culture lovers, as it truly does have something for everyone.
A short walk from the station is Coal Drops Yard, a shopping destination with over 50 stores and restaurants. This area especially comes alive in the summertime, when bars open up their outdoor terraces. There are also several green spaces, often hosting fun activities such as art installations and crazy golf.
Pros of Staying in Kings Cross:
- Great area for business travel
- After-work social environment
- Easy access to transport
Con of Staying in Kings Cross:
- Very busy
📚 Kings Cross Mini Guide 📚
Best Arts & Culture
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Standard, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Pullman London St Pancras
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Kings Cross
🍽️ Where to Eat – German Gymnasium ($$$), Coal Office ($$$) Granger & Co. ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Sweetwater, SUPERMAX, Keystone Crescent, Booking Office 1869
🎟️ Top Attractions – Coal Drops Yard, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾, Lafayette
Camden
👉 Best Area for a Student Holiday in London | ✨ Best Camden Hotels: Camden Enterprise Hotel • London Marriott Hotel Regents Park • The Level at Melia White House
If you’re visiting London with a group of friends, then Camden Town is one of my top recommendations. Located in central London and surrounded by many of the city’s main university campuses, the area offers culture and charm.
Within the district, you have the famous Camden Lock, a market filled with a multitude of treasures along the Regent’s Canal. In the summer, Camden Lock boasts streets and alleyways filled with live music, cute cafes, excellent shopping, and fantastic eats.
Camden is also conveniently located near Regent’s Park. Here, you can get a nature fix in the gardens and admire the adorable animals at the London Zoo.
Pros of Staying in Camden:
- Fun nightlife
- Great for students and young people
- Home to lots of live music
Cons of Staying in Camden:
- Has some less safe parts
- High levels of income inequality
📚 Camden Mini Guide 📚
Best Budget Area in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Camden Enterprise Hotel, London Marriott Hotel Regents Park, The Level at Melia White House
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Camden
🍽️ Where to Eat – Mildreds ($$), Daphne ($$), Il Sugo ($$), YoKOYA ($$), The Mac Factory ($)
🍸 Where to Drink – Lockside, The World’s End
🎟️ Top Attractions – Camden Market, Regent’s Canal, Camden Town
Marylebone
👉 Best Area for a Chic Holiday in London | ✨ Best Marylebone Hotels: The Landmark London • The BoTree • The Mandeville Hotel
Wondering where to stay in London for luxury, class, and elegance? Then check out Marylebone.
Located in London’s west end, Marylebone is a lovely neighborhood loaded with indie boutiques and fancy restaurants. Whether you’re on a cute romantic getaway with your partner or taking part in a much-needed girls’ trip, Marylebone offers many incredible activities and attractions.
The high street is filled with gorgeous Victorian architecture where you can get your next Vogue-magazine quality snapshot. A main attraction in the area is The Wallace Collection, a lovely museum filled with eighteenth-century art and culture in the form of paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms, porcelain, and armor.
This area does tend to be on the pricier side compared to some of the other great options in London, but is worth staying in if you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxurious holiday.
Pros of Staying in Marylebone:
- Great shopping options
- Charming architecture
- Luxury boutique hotels
- Centrally located
Con of Staying in Marylebone:
- Can be expensive
📚 Marylebone Mini Guide 📚
Best Chic Area in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Landmark London, The BoTree, The Mandeville Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Marylebone
🍽️ Where to Eat – Pachamama ($$$), Orrery ($$$), Fischer’s ($$), Delamina Marylebone ($$), Zoilo ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Artesian, The Churchill Bar & Terrace, The Malt Lounge and Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – The Wallace Collection, Sherlock Holmes Museum & Westminster Walking Tour, ZSL London Zoo, Regent’s Park
Bermondsey
👉 Best Area for Craft Beer | ✨ Best Bermondsey Hotels: The Dixon, Tower Bridge, Autograph Collection • Bermonds Locke • The LaLit London
Located in the London borough of Southwark and just a stone’s throw away from the infamous Tower Bridge, Bermondsey offers the quintessential London experience. I recommend staying here if you only have a few days in London or are traveling with family, as it is centrally situated amongst several main London attractions.
If you’re a food and beverage enthusiast, then you’ll have a heyday roaming the streets. You’ll find a multitude of great dining and drink options on pretty much every corner, as well as the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile, a great pathway filled with London’s finest craft breweries.
Hopping along between breweries in Bermondsey is guaranteed to be a great afternoon out with a group of friends – I’m also planning on taking my parents when they come to visit.
Pros of Staying in Bermondsey:
- Central location
- Vicinity to Tower Bridge
- Amazing local bars and restaurants
Con of Staying in Bermondsey:
- Attracts a lot of tourists so can be crowded and busy
📚 Bermondsey Mini Guide 📚
Best Views in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Dixon, Tower Bridge, Autograph Collection, Bermonds Locke, Bermonds Square Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Bermondsey
🍽️ Where to Eat – José ($$), Cafe Murano ($$), Hakata ($), Casse-Croûte ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – The Bermondsey Beer Mile, Electric Shuffle, Bermondsey Arts Club
🎟️ Top Attractions – South Bank, Tower Bridge, Maltby St. Market
Southwark
👉 Best Area for the Views | ✨ Best Southwark Hotels: Shangri-La, The Shard, London • Vintry & Mercer • Native Bankside
Southwark has it all when it comes to stunning views, exciting attractions, and delicious food and drink options. It’s a great choice for families, friends, or even solo holidays, as there are plenty of things to do in this very centrally-located area.
If you enjoy taking pictures, then the Shard is where you want to be if you’re looking to get a great shot of the city from above. It’s also just a great view in general for dinner, a cocktail, or just taking in London.
Vinegar Yard, conveniently located next to London Bridge Station, is a great choice of a watering hole in Southwark. It offers a fantastic selection of drinks, food, art, and even a flea market on weekends.
Pros of Staying in Southwark:
- Located on the heels of Borough Market
- Proximity to the south bank
- Buzzing view
Con of Staying in Southwark:
- Is a bit noisy
📚 London Bridge Mini Guide 📚
Best Views in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – Shangri-La, The Shard, London, Vintry & Mercer, Native Bankside
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in London Bridge
🍽️ Where to Eat – Duck & Waffle ($$$), Tapas Brindisa ($$), Arthur Hooper’s ($$), Flat Iron ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Vinegar Yard, The George, Call Me Mr Lucky, The Roebuck
🎟️ Top Attractions – Borough Market, Tate Modern, HMS Belfast, The Scoop, Southbank Centre
Westminster & St James
👉 Best Area for Main Attractions | ✨ Best Westminster & St James Hotels: The Landmark London • Holmes Hotel London • The Clermont London, Victoria
If you’re looking to hit up Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the National Gallery, and the London Eye, then look no further than the Westminster & St James neighborhood. The convenience factor here is unmatched, as you’ll be a stone’s throw away from several world-renowned attractions that London is known for.
For hustle and bustle, take a stroll down Oxford Street, London’s largest shopping district. Then, when you’re ready to relax, Hyde Park is just around the corner, filled with luxurious green space where you can enjoy a coffee and people-watch.
St James’s Park is another lovely green space within this London neighborhood, where you can check out the famous flower beds in front of Buckingham Palace. You can really get the best of both worlds if you stay in this part of central London.
Pros of Staying in Westminster & St James:
- Located near several lovely other neighborhoods including Victoria
- Proximity to major attractions
- Great for families
Cons of Staying in Westminster & St James:
- This is a very packed area both day and night
- Is a bit overpriced
📚 Westminster & St James Mini Guide 📚
Best Area for Main Attractions in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Landmark London, Holmes Hotel London, The Clermont London, Victoria
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Westminster & St James
🍽️ Where to Eat – Bardo ($$$), The Pem ($$$), Caxton Grill ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Patch, Fleets, Sabine Rooftop Bar, The Pavilion End
🎟️ Top Attractions – National Gallery, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey
Angel and Islington
👉 Best Area for Trendy Places | ✨ Best Angel and Islington Hotels: The Rookery • South Place Hotel • nhow London
If you’re in the mood for a trendy neighborhood filled with character, then plan your stay in the Angel and Islington area of London in the northern part of the city. The area has a nice mix of luxury hotels, budget hotels, and mid-range hotels, great for all types of travelers.
I recommend taking a walk down the borough’s famous Upper Street, where you’ll find a plethora of cozy pubs, unique restaurants, and trendy shops. If you’re here on a Sunday, then be sure to check out the Chapel Market for some delicious fresh produce, blooming plants, and local libations.
For a top-tier dramatic arts performance, head down to the reputable Almeida Theatre, one of London’s top-producing theatres.
Pros of Staying in Angel & Islington:
- Trendy neighborhood
- Cute streets filled with lovely bars and restaurants
- Lots of unique independent shops
Con of Staying in Angel & Islington:
- Doesn’t offer much in terms of nightlife
📚 Angel & Islington Mini Guide 📚
Best Area for Trendy Places in London
Google Map
✨ Best Hotels – The Rookery, South Place Hotel, nhow London
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Angel & Islington
🍽️ Where to Eat – Liman ($$), Brother Marcus ($$), Kanada-Ya ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Homeboy Bar, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Laki Kane, Humble Grape, Little Bat Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – London Canal Museum, Emirates Stadium, The Almeida, Chapel Market
Tips for Staying in London
Take Advantage of Public Transit
A major element that sets London apart from other cities is its efficient and well-connected transit system. London can be expensive, so using the public transit system is a great hack to get around quickly and cut costs during your trip – the tube, buses, and trains will be your best friend.
City Mapper is a useful app that shows you exactly what forms of transit you need to take to get to your destination and gives you service updates in real-time. I would highly recommend downloading this for your visit to the Big Smoke!
Plan Ahead
Being the amazing place that it is, London is one of the most-visited cities in the world. This means that regardless of when you choose to visit, there will likely be several other tourists. I recommend planning ahead before visiting London to ensure you’re able to enjoy all of the attractions, restaurants, and other sights you’ve dreamed of.
Make reservations and get tickets in advance, as the good places and shows tend to book up quickly.
Visit Multiple Boroughs
Another unique selling point of London is the uniqueness of each individual borough. In order to get the true London experience, touring around several different boroughs is a must, as they each have their own character and special offerings. A day out in Notting Hill will differ completely from a night on the town in Shoreditch.
Partake in British Delicacies
A UK cultural tradition, afternoon tea is an excellent treat that can make you feel a bit posh while filling your tummy at the same time. It’s also a great excuse to dress up and snap some cute pics.
Arguably the most famous meal in the UK is the Sunday roast. The fact that this meal has its own designated day goes to show that the Brits are not messing around. The best time of the day to go is mid-afternoon, as sometimes pubs can run out of roasts earlier than anticipated.
My favorite pubs in London for this decadent meal include The Phoenix, Princess Victoria, and The Tommyfield.
Visit the Pubs
Pub culture is huge in London, similar to how sports bars are popular in North America and cafes are popular in Australia. Whether you’re looking to watch rugby or football, try one of several local beers or ciders on draft, or tuck into a Sunday roast, pub hopping is the best way to go.
FAQs
Where should I avoid staying in London?
The main areas you should avoid in London are Croydon, Tower Hamlets, and Newham because of their high crime rates and reputations for being unsafe at night. It’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and travel with a friend, family member, or partner when walking around at night, regardless of what neighborhood you’re staying in.
How many days do I need in London?
If it’s your first time in London, then you need at least 3 days. Of course, the longer you stay, the more of its wonderful offerings you’ll get to experience.
Does it matter which airport I fly into?
For ease of downtown access, you want to fly into either London Gatwick, London Heathrow or London City airports. You should look into which airport based on the proximity of where you stay in London.
A bit further out but still relatively central are London Stansted and London Luton. These airports often boast budget airlines with cheap flights to other cities across Europe but can be a bit more of a trek to get to.
Should I stay in central London or will it be too busy with tourists?
Where you choose to stay in London should be heavily based on what activities you plan to do. The best place to stay in London is in a central quiet area because you get the best of both worlds. Mayfair and Soho are both good centrally located places to stay.
Is there a time I can visit where I’ll avoid the rain?
Although rain is fairly distributed throughout the year, the dry time of year is between early February and late May. London weather tends to be quite unpredictable, and as long as you come prepared with an umbrella, the rain shouldn’t put a damper on your experience. It usually blows over quite quickly. See my full guide to the best months to visit London for more.
Is London expensive?
London is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there are definitely ways of cutting costs on your trip. These include taking public transit, doing your research to avoid paying surcharges and staying at more mid-range hotels or budget-friendly hotels. Soho is one of the best areas to find more inexpensive hotels.
Want More? Listen to My London Podcast Episode!
If you liked this post, you’ll love my London episode on the Travel Lemming Podcast. It’s available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts (just search “Travel Lemming London”).
I talk about the where to stay in London at minute mark 36:34.
The host, Nate, and I also discussed best things to do in London (10:17), day trips from London (26:10), London etiquette & common travel mistakes (55:05), why more people should visit London (03:23) and all the other common questions about travel to London.
Download now and remember to listen to the entire episode before you arrive in London.
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Thanks for reading my guide! Whether you’re on the hunt for arts and culture, vibrant nightlife, or delicious food, London has it all. While you’re here, be sure to check out our best day trips from London!
Hi Brooke,
Looking for suggestions for a nice area to stay in with my girlfriends. We are looking to go to a musical, go shopping on Oxford Street and we would like to stay in a nice area with shops, bars and restaurants.
Any other suggestions for the best markets to visit on a Saturday morning?
thanks,
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
Based on the description you provided, I would 100% recommend Marylebone. It’s such a gorgeous area, and it’s right in the centre of the action without being too touristy, compared to staying directly in Soho.
Marylebone is walking distance to London’s West End, where you’ll find musicals and Broadway shows, nearby Oxford Street, and also comes with its own section of shops. There are tons of great bars and restaurants around as well. I would recommend stopping into The Italians for some wine and nibbles, it’s one of my favourite wine bars in the city.
In terms of markets, Borough is London’s most famous food market, and it’s a great spot, although Saturday mornings are the busiest time. The Portobello Road market in Notting Hill is also great and has a huge variety of goods with everything from designer fashion to antiques, to food. Spitalfields market is also a lovely covered market in East London with food and shops.
Safe travels and have a fabulous girls trip!
First time solo traveler 60s that will visit London and Paris for a week as my first solo adventure
Prefer to walk if possible to attractions
Needs to be safe
Not sure where to stay Mayfair or Coventry garden or Kensington or ?
4 nights prefer to be less than or around $1000
Hi Suzanne,
Congrats on your first solo trip, how exciting! If you’re looking to walk to most attractions, I would recommend staying somewhere in Central London, but away from the super congested touristy areas. I’d look for accommodations in Victoria, Marylebone, Fitzrovia or South Kensington. Some specific hotels I would recommend are The Clermont in Victoria, it’s around your price range, really nice, and connected to Victoria Train Station. Another great option is Hux Hotel Kensington. It’s in a lovely area, well within your budget, and also very nice. It’s also within walking distance to a number of great museums and attractions. Both of these hotels are linked in this guide as well.
Hope this helps!
Hi we are visiting London for the first time , mature couple .What options do you recommend where to stay coming muddle of July for 4 nights .
Hi Pam,
If this is your first time in London and you’d like to have easy access to attractions either by foot or on transit, I would definitely recommend staying in central London. I never recommend staying directly in Soho because it’s very touristy and can get super busy, especially during summer which is peak season in London. Instead, I would highly recommend the neighbourhoods of Marylebone, Fitzrovia or Victoria, all of which are very central but not as crazy as Soho. Each of these areas are well connected to transit links and also walking distance to many attractions. The Clermont London Victoria hotel (linked in this guide) is a great hotel option that’s connected to Victoria train station, centrally located, and great value for money in terms of the quality of hotel for the price.
Hope this helps!
is kentish town a good area to stay in? or perhaps the area near Holland park tube?
Hi Larry,
Both of these areas are great, and each has a very different vibe. Kentish town is in North London near London’s famous Hampstead Heath park and Primrose Hill, both of which have lovely surrounding areas and provide great views of the London skyline. Holland Park is located in West London and has its own charm, with a Japanese Kyoto Garden and borders on the Design Museum. I don’t think you can go wrong with either option! I will say that Holland Park does have lower crime rates, so if safety is a main concern, I would recommend that area out of the two.
I hope this helps!
Hello Brooke
I am travelling with my 15 year old daughter from september 10th to september 14th 2025. We are staying at the Resident Soho. Could you please guide us in direction of which hop on hop off bus and boat hop on hop off you would recommend for us to use. We will not be using the tube or the train only walking and maybe bus coukld you recommend places to eat breakfast and dinner and maybe vintage shopping :-). Is there an app when using the bus in London and can we pay when we get on the bus or do we need a card or something for the busride? we will not be usinf the bus much i think – hope that we can get on and off with the hop on hop of an with that get around London 🙂
Hi Christina,
What an exciting trip you have planned! So the main hop-on-hop-off company is called City Sightseeing London, and it’s about a 15-20 minute walk from your hotel and you should be able to purchase tickets there. The address is: 120 Southampton Row, London WC1B 5AB. There are tons of great restaurants in that area. I would recommend Scarlett Green for breakfast / brunch, it’s an awesome Aussie café in Soho and only a 2 minute walk from your hotel. For dinner, Noble Rot is a fantastic French restaurant. 10 Greek Street is another restaurant I really like in that area. Both of these places are less than a 5 minute walk from your hotel. For vintage shops, a few good ones are Beyond Retro, Rokit Vintage in Covent Garden, and COW Vintage. To navigate transit and buses, I would highly recommend downloading the City Mapper app, it will give you the routes and timings for walking and transit, updated in real time. When you get on the regular bus, you can tap your contactless credit or debit card for payment.
Have an amazing trip!
Hi Brooke
Thank you very much for allt eh nice input. The app Citymapper, when i search in app store for the app, there are alot of apps called citymapper, how does itlook or can i only download the app when ia am actually in London?
Hi Christina,
The Citymapper app is bright green with a white horizontal arrow on it. You should be able to download it where you are as it’s available in several different cities around the world. If you don’t see an app that looks like this, then you can download when you’re in London for real-time transit updates and route information.
Hi Brooke! Question about the Uber boat. We are staying in London for 2 nights (probably SoHo) prior to a cruise that leaves out of Tilbury. I’ve looked at transportation options from London to Tilbury, and the boat seems a good choice, but confused on the information I can find. Does it run to Tilbury daily, zone tickets, is it even a good option with luggage. Any thoughts and resource suggestions are greatly appreciated! FYI – your article is the BEST I have read. Thank you so much for the info. Haven’t been to London in 25 years, looking forward to our visit!
Hi KC,
I would recommend consulting the Thames Clippers website directly, as that will be up to date with the latest information. The Uber boat only runs between London and Tilbury on select dates. You can find all useful information regarding the dates, timings and how to purchase tickets here: https://www.thamesclippers.com. If you’re planning to stay in Soho, the London Bridge City Pier would be your closest stop for the special service boats to Tilbury. I would also recommend downloading the Thames Clippers Tickets app. This shouldn’t be a problem with luggage, as the boats are very spacious so there will be lots of room. So glad you enjoyed the guide and found it helpful.
Hope your return to London is filled with adventure!
Hello! Visiting London for 4 days in August before a cruise out of Southampton. Given a choice between the Clermont vs the Cavendish, which would you recommend? Will likely do the Hop on Hop off bus one day. Husband wants to go to Abbey Road and Churchill War room. Otherwise the normal tourist stuff & shopping.
Hi MommaK,
Both are great choices and very conveniently located. I would recommend the Clermont, just because my parents have stayed there and were really happy with it. I really don’t think you could go wrong with either though. The Clermont has a couple locations, one of which is connected to Victoria train station, which is super convenient if you’re planning to do any day trips.
Hope this was helpful!
coming to London few weeks before Europe, we can coordinate, Paris, is on the list Italy, ,Eurail passes me and my fiance ,she living there now, fixin to do a fly in, and do Britain and Europe, before Wedding,
Hi!
Thanks for your post it was very helpful! I was wondering if you had any suggestions for where to stay to see the Christmas Markets?
Hi Kristen,
So glad it was helpful! Firstly, I would recommend coming in late November over December to see the markets if you’re able, as it will be less touristy and flight prices are likely to be better. In terms of where to stay, there are many great Christmas markets scattered around the city in areas like Hyde Park, Southbank, Mayfair, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Greenwich. To be nearby most of these without being located right in tourist central, I would recommend Marylebone. It’s a very charming and beautiful area that is centrally located and walkable to some of these markets (or accessed by transit links). There will also be a lot of lovely Christmas decorations in this area.
Bon voyage!
You’re article on London has been invaluable thank you / we are a fit couple of 69 and 74 and want to stay three nights in April
What would be a walkable area with lots of cafes, small shops and interesting streets to stroll through ?
The booking sites we’ve looked at are a bit of a minefield and wondered whether you recommend booking direct with hotels
Any help would be very much appreciated
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
I’m so glad the guide was helpful in your planning! I think you’d really like the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It’s very walkable, safe, and there are some great parks nearby (Battersea Park, Holland Park) which are lovely to explore. There are also wonderful local shops, delis, restaurants and cafes in the area, and it really does have the beautiful traditional London look and feel with the gardens, terraced homes, etc. I have linked some hotel recommendations in this guide that will direct you straight to the hotels in Booking.com where you can book.
Hope this helps!
Hi Brooke!
Thanks so much for this informative post! We are first time visitors traveling to London in May with our 2 sons ages 21 & 23, and we want to see all the sights! Would love to stay in an area/hotel convenient to popular attractions or transportation that is charming yet updated (preferably more traditional than modern), and in a safe area with lots of restaurants & shops within walking distance…bonus if it has an iconic London view 🙂
Any suggestions?
Thank you so much!
Hi Cara,
I’m so glad you found the guide helpful! I would highly recommend Marylebone or South Kensington as central areas to stay. Both are close to many attractions, incredible museums, are very nice, safe, and have that quintessential London charm. They both have transit links as well. I’ve tagged Marylebone and Kensington & Chelsea in this guide, so that should be helpful to revisit in terms of hotel recommendations.
Safe travels!
Hi Brooke. This October we are taking a cruise out of Southampton. We would like to come several days before the cruise and see a few of the main sites in London. Princess will pick us up the morning of the cruise at Heathrow and take us by bus to Southampton. So I’m wondering where we should find a hotel that will be convenient to give us to the airport but also convenient for any tour companies, like Viator to pick us up. And perhaps you know of other local tour companies that would be good for us to contact. I know we won’t be able to have the time to see everything, but if we could see a few of the top sites, that would be fun. Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Jan,
If you’re going to be staying in London for a few days, I would recommend getting a hotel in central London and either getting a different hotel for one night near the airport, the day before your cruise, or just getting the tube the morning of. Heathrow is quite far from central London and there isn’t much around there, so I don’t think it would be a convenient place to stay during your visit. The Piccadilly Underground tube line goes directly to Heathrow, so a hotel in an area on that line would be convenient (I would recommend Bloomsbury area or South Kensington as they’re both nice central areas with lots around and aren’t as touristy). There is also the Heathrow Express train and the Elizabeth line that will take you to the airport, so many options! Wonders of London is a great tour company and they also offer free walking tours.
Hope you have an amazing trip!
hi there
love the post!
family of 4 staying in Southwark in july. Hoping this is central enough for 3 days and safe enough to catch tube from st pancreas at 11pm to hotel in southwark?
Hi Kylie!
I’m so glad the post was helpful. I think Southwark is the perfect central location to stay, especially given your shorter trip duration. It is located in proximity to many wonderful attractions like Borough Market, Tower Bridge, The Tate Modern museum, Millenium Bridge, the Embankment and others, and is a great area to wander around. St Pancras station is quite safe as it’s a main station located in a busy area, so I think that time of night should be fine. I would recommend checking the timing of the tube line you’ll be taking to ensure it’s open at that hour, but most tubes are open between 5am and 12am.
Safe travels!
Hey Brooke
Thanks for all the info in the blog what area would you suggest as the safest for a solo female traveler to stay? Looking at 3 days in London seeing the main sites to start with 😊
Thanks
Hi Emma,
I would highly recommend West London for a solo female traveller. I live in West London, so I can say first hand that I feel very safe around here, and just love this area in general. Victoria is a great spot, because it’s very central and nearby a lot of main transportation options like buses, trains, and the tube. It’s near Westminster and is walking distance to a lot of the main sites and attractions, without being overly touristy. The Clermont is a lovely hotel in Victoria that’s connected to the train station. Going further West, South Kensington and Chelsea are also very nice and safe areas, which are walking distance to London’s famous Hyde Park, Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum (one of my favourites), and lots of incredible shops and restaurants.
Safe travels, I hope you have an amazing trip!
Good morning. Are there restaurants and pubs in walking distance from the strand/trafalgar square area? My daughter and partner in their. 30’s will be staying in london in September. Thank you for your time
Hi Agnes,
This is a very bustling part of London, so there are many great restaurants and pubs near here. One thing I will say is that Trafalgar Square is one of the most touristy parts of London, so I would definitely try to avoid tourist trap restaurants. A few recommendations – Gordon’s Wine Bar is London’s oldest wine bar and has a very unique and rustic feel to it. I would highly recommend this spot for a date night if they are wine drinkers, as it’s quite romantic. The Port House is one of my favourite tapas spots in London, located on The Strand and serving Spanish sharing plates and a great selection of wines as well. This is also a very cozy and intimate place, and great for couples. The Harp is quite a famous pub located in Covent Garden, which is right nearby the strand. You really can’t go wrong with most traditional pubs in London though.
I hope this was helpful!
Hi Brooke,
Thanks for the awesome blog!
I’m visiting London in May with my wife and 2 sons who are 20 and 23. I’m considering staying at the Cavendish London or Thistle Hyde Park Kensington Gardens which is on Bayswater on the west side of Hyde park. We like to be in an area where we can walk to some attractions and cafes/pubs. We are leaning toward not buying the hotel breakfast. Do you think we would like Cavendish or Thistle better? Do you know if there are a lot of coffee shops and cafes near either hotel? Thanks
Mark
Hi Mark,
What an exciting family trip! I would recommend the Cavendish over the Thistle, it has better reviews and Jermyn St. where it’s located is a really nice part of London. It is also a 15-20-minute walk to major attractions like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. There are also a lot of great shops around there, particularly specializing in men’s fashion and there are many awesome pubs and cafes around, including The Devonshire, which is one of my favourite spots (only an 8-minute walk away). This area is super central, without being in the craziness of Oxford Circus. That being said, The Thistle is also a good option and very well-located, so I don’t think you can go wrong with either, this is just my personal preference.
Hope this helps!
Hi Brooke,
Thanks for the great info. We made reservations at the Cavendish Hotel. The neighborhood where the Cavendish is located sounds perfect for us. We will definitely check out the Devonshire.
Bonjour, Thank you for all this information. It helps a lot to make good choices. I will use a lot of this info to plan well our 3 days in London before driving north to Scotland.
merci,
Fantastic blog! So organized and informative, much appreciated! I plan to visit in April, would like to stay in a central location where I can walk to broadway musical and plays in the afternoon or at night. Which neighborhood would you recommend? Thanks!
Thanks Ellie!
To be walking distance to London’s famous West End, where the bulk of the Broadway musicals and plays are located, I would recommend staying in either Soho, Fitzrovia or Marylebone. These areas are all centrally located and walkable. Soho is definitely the most touristy of the three, so if you’d prefer an area that’s a bit quieter, I would opt for one of the other two. They all have great restaurant options nearby.
Hope this helps!
Helps a lot! Your blog is the best —strait forward, precise and informative! Thank you!
Hello there, thank you for the most informative guide.
We’re flying into London Heathrow. what is the best mode of transportation from airport to the city for a family of 4? Haven’t finalized the hotel yet.
Thank you
Hi Yvette,
I’m glad you found the guide helpful! There are a couple great economical options that you can take from Heathrow into the city, which include taking the Underground tube (Piccadilly line) or the Heathrow Express train. Depending on where you’re staying in London, an uber might work out to being cheaper or around the same cost as four train tickets, so I would also check that once you’ve solidified your hotel. The tube is definitely the most cost-effective option, but may take a bit longer, again depending on where your hotel is located and how close it is to one of the Piccadilly line stops.
Hope this helps!
Thank you very much for taking your time to answer me :-). Could you define West as of where to live (hotel) and whick landmarks are nearby? Also coould you recommend places to eat with a 15- year old :-). And if you have some other things you can recommend us to see or do please so so :-). What about vintage stores are there anyone in the West end? Best regard Christina
Hi Christina,
I was referring to West as in the ‘West End’, which is London’s district that hosts a lot of the musicals and plays. This is central London in the Soho neighborhood. Nearby you have Covent Garden (a famous shopping area and market); Leicester Square which is home to the National Gallery; and London’s famous Oxford Circus. A lot of the main landmarks are located in Westminster, which is accessible by bus from the West End. A great spot to eat in the West End is Bancone, a fantastic Italian spot with delicious pastas and other Italian dishes. For other restaurant recommendations, you can check out my guide to the best restaurants in London, which is categorized by area. Goldsmith Vintage and Rokit are a couple great vintage shops nearby.
Hi again
Thank you vwery much for explaining. Just one final question. If you are travelliong eith a 15 year old girl and want to book hotel central not close to musicals and plays is it stil, West end you would recommend?
Hi Christina,
If being near the musicals and plays isn’t your priority, I would recommend staying in a central area that’s a bit less touristy. Fitzrovia and Marylebone are two lovely areas that are centrally located but a bit removed from the busyness of Soho. Marylebone is technically considered West End, but not as high traffic. There are also a lot of lovely shops and restaurants in these two areas. Marylebone is very beautiful and somewhere that your daughter will probably love. The Landmark and the Mandeville are two really nice hotels in that area that I’ve linked in this article.
Safe travels!
Hi and thank you for some very helpfull information.
I am going to London with my teen daughter of 15 and we need to stay in a very central hotel (and a good one) and close to many of the central things to see -I cannot take train or tube because I get claustrofobic in trains and in the Tube, I can take abus if needed. We also want to go shopping in the stores that are not luxury stores and maybe get some afternoon tea and see a musical :-). Hope you can help mee. Best regards Christina
Hi Christina,
Based on the information you provided above, I would highly recommend staying in the West End (this is very central in Soho and the same area as the musicals), or one of the surrounding nice areas that are still very central but less touristy like Fitzrovia or Marylebone. All of these areas also have a number of shops. The Landmark is a gorgeous hotel in Marylebone, although it is on the pricier side, so it depends on your budget. The Mandeville is also a very nice hotel that’s a bit more affordable. For afternoon tea, Fortnum and Mason is very central, and there are also many great options in Mayfair. There are bus links all over the city, so if you do need to hop on a bus at any time, you won’t have trouble finding one.
Hope this was helpful!
Hey Brooke,
wonderful Blog article! Very helpful to get Insider information about this big town.
We want to travel next Christmas to London. Its our First experience there. It seems much more expensive than the other time of the year. Can you recommend the experience over the Christmas days for mir Money, or do you think its Not worth it?
Thank you
Hi JaNo,
I’m glad you found the guide helpful! Unfortunately, Christmastime in London is considered a peak season for travel, due to the number of wonderful festive activities and events held in the city around that time of year, which naturally makes it pricier. I think if you’re a big fan of the holidays, it is definitely worth visiting around Christmas. I would recommend going near the end of November, as it is likely to cost less than December and the light displays will already be up around that time. If the Christmas festivities aren’t as much of a priority, I would recommend visiting London in May or September for likely better weather than other months and to avoid peak tourist seasons.
Hope this helps!
Brooke
Really really really helpful!! We are 67 year old adventurers from Orlando,Florida. We have never been to London but are very anxious to get there. We are active but are not looking for crazy bar and night clubs scenes, we love the pubs. We are also huge fans of Accorn tv and would love to see the Cotwalds, etc. we love cities and Mayfair sounds nice. Would that be a good starting point for us to see London and surrounding areas, it sounds just great! We want to stay 2 weeks in the area, maybe even stay a couple of different places.
Help
Hi David,
All of these ideas sound great! I would suggest booking trains from London to the Cotswolds, which should be the easiest way to get there. I recommend using the website or app ‘Trainline’, which will give you all of the times, prices, and different railway companies. Pretty much every area in London has pubs, it’s a big part of the culture in the UK. I have a guide on the best pubs in London on Travel Lemming if you’d like to check that out for some recommendations. Mayfair is a nice area that’s centrally located. The hotels in this area typically range on the pricier side, because it’s one of the wealthiest parts of the city, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful 5-star hotels. If you’re looking to splurge, I would definitely recommend this. Fitzrovia and Marylebone are two other gorgeous central areas that are similar and have accommodations that aren’t quite as expensive.
Hope you have an amazing trip and safe travels!
Brooke
Hi. Very useful info thank you very much. We are a family of 3 who are considering spending 10 days in London in April next year. I need some advice please. We wont have a car so we have to rely on public transport. Which is the best area to stay, considering what i just wrote? Soho, Covent Garden or Westminster in your opinion? Thanks in advance xxx
Hi Caroline,
I’m so glad you found the information helpful! Public transport is heavily recommended over driving in London, as the city is very well connected via transit links by train, overground and underground tubes and buses. The best area to stay really depends on what your priorities are in terms of what you’d like to see. Generally speaking, I would recommend areas that are walkable to museums, parks, restaurants, bars and other attractions. All three of those areas will be very central, but out of the three I would say Westminster is probably the least crowded but walkable to many big attractions. Soho is great if you fancy going to a West End Broadway show or hitting the high street shops, and Covent Garden is great for shopping and dining.
Hope this was helpful!
Thank you! What might you suggest if we are flying into Heathrow and only there one night and have been to London before??
Hi Karen,
If you plan to go for dinner or do an activity in the city, I recommend staying somewhere that’s located near the Piccadilly line on the tube, which will take you directly to Heathrow Airport. Some good central areas with access to the Piccadilly line are South Kensington, Covent Garden, Russell Square and Mayfair. Each of these areas are walking distance to great shops, restaurants, and attractions. They are all under an hour drive to the airport by Uber or taxi, with South Kensington being the most conveniently located (it is about a 30–40-minute drive to Heathrow if you don’t hit heavy traffic).
Hope this helps!
Your comments and insights are most helpful, we are planning on visiting in April 2024 and as you suggest we are doing our research now. Much appreciated
Hi Brooke
Thanks for your wonderful insight and it will help a lot for my family as we plan a visit this Dec for 10 days to London. is there any other sites you can recommend which we can review.
thanks
Sanjeev
Oman
Hi Sanjeev,
I’m glad you found the information helpful! If you’re coming in December, I highly recommend checking out the holiday pop ups around London. A few of the popular ones are the light displays at Kew Gardens in Richmond, the lights at Piccadilly Circus; Winter Wonderland, which is a winter carnival in Hyde Park; wandering around the shops and holiday displays at Covent Garden; or popping by any of the London Christmas markets. There will also be light displays around most parts of the city.
Happy Travelling!
Hi, great article, but so hard to understand where is ok, and where isn’t.
Can you tell me a little about this area please? Found a cute place at a low price, kinda wondering why the cost is what it is.
1 Harrowby St
Appreciate your feedback.
Hi David,
This address is in Marylebone, which is a really nice part of London, and also very central. The accommodation at this address looks like public housing, which is likely why the price is lower. It is a short walk to Edgeware Road tube station and a number of great shops and restaurants so it is well located. You can find out more details on the Marylebone neighbourhood in that section of this guide.
I hope this is helpful!
Thank you! It’s my first trip to London and reading your article for sure helps in my planning. 🙌🏻🌈
Thank you for so many wonderful tips on staying in London. Much appreciated!
A very helpful guide! Thank you so much. We are planning to visit London end December with kids aged 6 to 9. Which area would you recommend best to stay and enjoy the New Year celebration at the same time. Also, which top attractions/parks would you consider to visit with kids? Thank you !
Hi Claudette,
I’m glad you found it helpful! A few areas I would recommend to stay would be Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, and Marylebone. These are all very central and have a lot of shops, restaurants and attractions nearby. I would avoid Soho and Oxford Circus for accommodations because it gets very crowded. In terms of the top attractions and parks to visit with kids, especially during that time of year, I would recommend roaming around Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus, this is where you’ll see all of the famous London holiday light displays. Kew Gardens in Richmond also does wonderful lights as well and would be great to go to with the family. Hyde Park has an event called Winter Wonderland which is a big outdoor carnival with games, food and drinks that will be on in December. There are also many fantastic museums in London. The Science Museum and Natural History Museum are both great for kids.
Safe Travels!
Wow. This is so helpful. So thorough. Im planning my first trip to London. Thanks for putting this together Brooke.
I’m looking to go in February and my girlfriend wants to visit Paris more specifically Disney. Is there an area I should look into if we’re looking into taking the train into Paris?
Hi Thomas,
I would highly recommend King’s Cross if you wanted to be in close proximity to the train. It’s also a very buzzy area with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. The Standard Hotel, which is linked earlier in this guide is a great option, with amazing views of London, a rooftop bar, nice restaurants, and is located right down the road from St. Pancras International Station, where you will catch the Eurostar train to take you to Paris.
Hope this helps!
Brooke
Hi there,
Thank you for the information. I will be traveling to London with my 16 year old daughter who wants to see all the sights. If you had to choose one section to stay in where would it be?
Thanks so much.
Hi Lynn,
To get the full London experience and be within walking distance to several sights, I would recommend staying in Southwark / London Bridge area. This is walkable to London’s famous Tower Bridge, St Pauls’ Cathedral, Tate Modern Art Museum, Borough Market (arguably London’s most famous food market), and much more. This area is a great base point and is very central. There are many great restaurants in the area, and it is also very well connected via transit links. Hope this helps!
Brooke
Hi there
Great information. Thank you !
I’ll be in London for a just a couple days with my two teen daughters. We will be going to Wembley Stadium for a concert. I was thinking to look for a place to stay in the Marlybone area that’s close to the Baker Street Tube stop or the Marlybone train station for easy transport to the Stadium. Can you recommend a nice place to stay that has a fun atmosphere but isn’t crazy expensive ? Or an alternative neighborhood that is easy to get to the stadium by Tube or train ? Thanks so much ! !
Hi there,
Glad the guide was helpful! Marylebone is a lovely area and one of my favourites in London, so great choice! Signature London, The J Marylebone is one of the more affordable hotels in the area that’s still really nice. Another area I would recommend that’s accessible to Wembley would be Euston. This is also close to King’s Cross and is a great part of central London.
Hi I found your information so helpful. How do I purchase train tickets. Traveling in August and staying west end. Thinking of the Waldorf but haven’t decided since so much hotel to choose from. Thanks for your suggestions.
Hi Elaine!
I’m so glad you found the guide helpful. I would say the easiest way to get train tickets is by downloading the trainline app or purchasing them online through trainline. It’s super user-friendly, and sometimes they give discounted fares depending on the time of day you’re travelling. When you purchase the tickets, it will give you the option of getting e-tickets which you can access directly on your phone, or you may have to print them at the station with a reference code. The Waldorf is a beautiful hotel, so that would be a great option in a central location. I’ve also included a few of my top picks nearby in this article that are within Soho.
Hello. We are visiting London for the first time this summer. Any recommendations for children activities traveling with a 4 year old and 8 year old. They love amusement parks. Any recommendations please thank you!
Hi Annette,
Legoland in nearby Windsor is a very popular spot for families, if that’s something your kids might be into. You can get a train there from London Waterloo that takes under an hour. There’s also Thorpe Park, an amusement park that’s both kid and adult friendly, which is also about an hour train ride from London Waterloo. Within London, I would highly recommend taking them to some museums, as majority of them are free and some have designated areas that are specifically catered to kids. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are both great for families.
Thank you so much for this great guide, so helpful! What is your opinion of The Beaumont Hotel and The Rosewood?
Thanks!
Hi Karen,
I’m glad you found the guide helpful! There are so many incredible hotels in London, that unfortunately I couldn’t mention all of them in this guide. The guide aimed to provide options that catered to different criteria such as budgets, areas, families, etc. The Beaumont and Rosewood are both gorgeous hotels and either would be a great choice. Both Mayfair and High Holborn where the two hotels are located are both very central and close to transit links.
We are traveling to London in July and trying to decide between Mayfair and Camden Gardens. Your breakdown of areas is so helpful. I have noticed that I never see a mention of the Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair. Everything I read about this hotel has been wonderful, yet it is never mentioned, curious about this. I would love your thoughts!
Thanks!
Very nice guide. Thanks for putting so much of details.
What’s the best for solo person staying at hotel which is not expensive and should be walkable to the important places at the centre.
Hi Prabhakar,
Thank you for the kind words! As a solo traveler, in terms of the best value for money and location, I would recommend the Z Hotel in Holborn which was mentioned as a budget-friendly option in this guide. There are many Z Hotels in London that provide nice accommodations at more affordable rates than several other hotels in the city. Holborn is really centrally located, but not crowded with as many tourists as Soho, so this is a great option.
This was so helpful, thank you!
I’m travelling in July, just wondering if you have any information on which area would be the best to stay for visiting Wimbledon?
Hi Sonny,
I’m glad this was helpful! I would recommend staying directly in Wimbledon. Wimbledon Village is a very nice area, and that way you have easy access to the grounds. If there is nothing available in the area, I would recommend the Westminster area as it’s very central, and will have good transit links around the city. Wandsworth is another area nearby and is only a 15-20 minute drive to Wimbledon.
Hope this helps!
It was helpful & well articulated thank you
So informative! Thank you for this guide!
This was such a helpful guide! Thank you ☺️
Nice job
Well organised, comprehensive guide. This helped me a lot, Thank you.
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