London is made up of 32 boroughs, but each area has its own personality, pace, and little surprises. It is less like one big town and more like a bundle of distinct villages slapped together.
Where you end up sleeping dictates your entire trip. Want classic movie-magic streets? Head to Notting Hill. Its famous pastel townhouses sit right near Leinster Gardens, home to famous fake house facades that hide open-air subway tracks. Prefer food markets and nightlife? Shoreditch or Soho might be your speed.
Fun fact: “Covent Garden” only exists because of an old medieval typo. It was originally the convent garden for Westminster Abbey. Every corner of London tells a completely different story. Some spots put you steps from royal palaces, while others park you next to centuries-old pubs where famous highwaymen used to drink.
Finding the right neighborhood comes down to what you want right outside your front door. Let’s break down the 6 best areas to drop your bags.
In this travel guide:
South Bank
Best area for: views, culture, riverside
If you love to sightsee, the place to go is the South Bank. Located across the river from the House of Parliament, the South Bank stretches between two bridges, the Westminster Bridge and the Blackfriars Bridge, on the south side of the Thames river.
The area also has a surprisingly industrial past. Victorian factories, warehouses, and power stations once lined this stretch of the river. The old Bankside Power Station is now Tate Modern, one of the coolest museums in the world.
The big attractions are hard to miss. You can ride the London Eye, catch a show at the National Theatre, or check out contemporary art at the Hayward Gallery. The Southbank Centre is another major stop, with Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, and plenty of events throughout the year.
One of the coolest things about South Bank is its connection to the 1951 Festival of Britain. The festival helped turn this part of London into a cultural destination, and some of that bold postwar architecture is still here. The National Theatre is the most obvious example.
We’d also leave room for food. Borough Market is close by, while the Southbank Centre Food Market is great for something quick. For breakfast, we’d head to The Black Penny for hearty plates and good coffee.
Best place to stay in South Bank
Bankside Hotel Autograph Collection. Address: 2 Blackfriars Road, Upper Ground, Southwark, London, SE1 9JU, United Kingdom.
The Square Mile
Best area for: business, central stay
The Square Mile is London’s original core. This tiny historic patch, also called the City of London, packs two millennia of history into 1.12 square miles. The Romans founded it around AD 47. Today, it acts as a bizarre blend of hyper-modern financial skyscrapers and ancient, winding alleyways.
During weekdays, thousands of suit-wearing commuters flood the streets, giving the area a fast-paced energy. On weekends, the bankers disappear, turning the neighborhood into a quiet, open-air museum. You can check out major attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Bank of England, and the Victorian Leadenhall Market.
The brutalist architecture at the Barbican Estate offers a cool cultural trip with its art center, conservatory, and free exhibitions. You can also swing by the Bank of England Museum to hold a real gold bar.
For a killer lunch, we stop by Duck & Waffle on Bishopsgate. It sits up on the 40th floor and serves phenomenal crispy duck leg topped with a fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup. You get incredible panoramic views of the skyline right alongside a fantastic meal. It is the ultimate spot to take in the sheer density of this ancient city center.
Best place to stay in the Square Mile
The Ned Hotel. Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ, United Kingdom.
Kensington
Best area for: luxury, shopping, museums
Kensington is a neighborhood that perfectly blends royal history with upscale London living.
We start around Kensington Gardens, where the streets quickly give way to palace grounds, leafy paths, and grand old buildings. Kensington Palace sits right in the middle. It has been home to royals since the 17th century, and Princess Diana lived here for years. The park also has a Peter Pan connection. J.M. Barrie spent time here and later placed the famous statue of the boy who never grew up in the gardens.
South Kensington is the big draw for museum fans. The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum are all close together, and admission to their permanent collections is free. The Natural History Museum is especially hard to miss. Its huge Victorian building looks almost like a cathedral. It opened in 1881.
We also make time for the Royal Albert Hall. Even if there isn’t a show on, the building itself is worth seeing. Then there are the colorful little mews streets around Kensington, plus High Street Kensington for shopping.
When we need a great coffee and brunch, we grab a table at Eggbreak on Uxbridge Street. They make incredible coffee drinks and serve amazing egg-focused dishes, including their famous burrata and truffle scrambled eggs. It gives you a delicious, relaxed fuel-up before you jump into a day of sightseeing.
Best place to stay in Kensington
Hotel Number Sixteen. Address: 16 Sumner Pl, Kensington, London SW7 3EG, United Kingdom.
Shoreditch
Best area for: hipster, nightlife
Shoreditch sits in London’s East End and has a wild backstory. Back in the 1800s, it was a rough industrial hub full of textile factories and slums. Now, it stands as one of the coolest creative districts in the city.
You can feel the shift the second you step off the tube. Street art covers almost every brick wall, including original pieces by Banksy. Vintage clothing shops line the blocks, alongside cutting-edge modern boutiques.
Main spots include Brick Lane, famous for its lively Sunday market and endless row of curry houses. Boxpark is another staple, built entirely out of repurposed shipping containers. If you want a quick cultural hit, check out the Museum of the Home. It breaks down domestic life in Britain over the last 400 years with detailed room setups.
Another key attraction is The Old Spitalfields Market, an expansive indoor market hall. It seamlessly blends Victorian architecture with industrial design elements. Operating throughout the week, the market features varying themes each day. Depending on the day, you might stumble upon a fashion market, vintage bazaar or an art fair.
For food, we always grab lunch at Dishoom on Boundary Street. Their Bacon Naan Roll for breakfast and Black Daal for lunch are incredible. After eating, we head straight over to Grind near Old Street station. They brew some of the boldest espresso drinks in East London.
The neighborhood balances quirky history, amazing food, and serious creative energy. It stays packed with locals and travelers all day long.
Best place to stay in Shoreditch
The Hoxton Hotel. Address: 81 Great Eastern St, Hackney, London EC2A 3HU, United Kingdom.
Soho
Best area for: nightlife, central stay, shopping
Soho is one of those London neighborhoods where you can turn a corner and suddenly feel like we’re in a completely different city.
The area has a long, slightly unruly history. It started out as fields and hunting grounds, and the name “Soho” is thought to come from an old hunting cry. By the 1960s, Carnaby Street had become one of the centers of London’s fashion and music scene.
You can spend an entire day here without getting bored. We usually start around Soho Square, a leafy little break from the traffic and crowds. From there, it’s an easy walk to Carnaby Street for shopping, Berwick Street Market for food, and Chinatown for noodles, dumplings, and bubble tea. The West End theaters are right around the corner too.
Soho also has plenty for music and culture fans. Ronnie Scott’s has been hosting jazz since 1959, and catching a show there is one of our favorite evening plans. The Photographers’ Gallery is another good stop, especially when London decides to do its classic rainy-day routine.
When we need a great sit-down breakfast, we head straight to Cafe Boheme on Old Compton Street. Sitting at their outdoor tables with a hot coffee and fresh pastry feels like a slice of Paris tucked right into London.
Soho gets busy. It gets loud. It gets a little chaotic. That’s exactly why we keep coming back.
Best place to stay in Soho
Ham Yard Hotel. Address: One Ham Yard, Westminster Borough, London, W1D 7DT, United Kingdom.
Notting Hill
Best area for: bohemian, luxury, shopping
Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous neighborhoods. Back in the 1800s, it was mostly pig farms and brickfields. Now it’s a bustling area filled with pastel-colored townhouses and high-end boutiques. You get a nice blend of wealthy residents and curious travelers everywhere you turn.
Portobello Road Market is the real highlight here. It stretches for miles and features endless rows of antique dealers, vintage clothing stalls, and street food vendors. Saturdays get pretty wild, but the energy is worth it. If you want a break from the market crowds, head over to the Museum of Brands. It offers a fascinating walk through the history of everyday consumer products, packaging, and advertising.
The neighborhood also hosts the massive Notting Hill Carnival every August. It brings bright costumes, reggae music, and incredible Caribbean street food to the district.
When we get hungry after taking in the sights, we grab lunch at Granger & Co. on Westbourne Grove. Their ricotta hotcakes and fresh Aussie-style brunch plates hit the spot every single time. It is the perfect place to sit back and recharge before hitting the nearby shops.
Best place to stay in Notting Hill
The Laslett Hotel. Address: 8 Pembridge Gardens, Notting Hill, London W2 4DU, United Kingdom.
Areas to avoid in London
London is a safe city for travelers in general, but it’s better to avoid some areas, especially late at night. You shouldn’t go to Hyde Park at night. Robberies can occur in areas where a lot of tourists hang out, like Leicester Square and Soho. So be careful there. As a tourist, you also better avoid some areas in Outer London like Croydon, Brent and Haringey.
Where travel critics stay in London
Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in London? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in London.
Budget
“This 161-room hotel with stylish cafe-bar is a great base from which to explore central London, the entertainment hub of Shoreditch and newly buzzing Bethnal Green itself, with contemporary restaurants and more cocktail bars than you could shake a swizzle stick at.” — The Guardian.
Address: 309 – 317 Cambridge Heath Road Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets, London, E2 9LH, United Kingdom.
Mid-range
“This smart budget option could not be better located, bang in the middle of the capital’s most buzzing nightlife area. The Hoxton has been a big hit since it opened in 2006, not least for its famed £1 rooms, which it sells throughout the year.” — CNN.
Address: 81 Great Eastern St, Hackney, London EC2A 3HU, United Kingdom.
Luxury
“Step through the glass cube entryway and into the soaring marble lobby with its frothy belle epoque ceilings. Don’t let the scenesters in the lobby put you off. The friendly, unpretentious service and beautiful public spaces make for a standout stay.” — New York Times.
Address: 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP, United Kingdom.
FAQ: London hotel recommendations
If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in London, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in London.
What is the best budget hotel in London?
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in London, then book The East London Hotel. It’s an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It’s in a good location, it’s been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best cheap hotels in London.
What is the best boutique hotel in London?
Not a fan of big chain hotels? No problem. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel in London, then you should book Artist Residence Hotel. The hotel has been rated highly by previous guests for its boutique style. It has also been recommended by influential travel journalists. Also check out our list of the best boutique hotels in London, it’s a manually curated list of the most unique and romantic hotels in the city.
What is the best luxury hotel in London?
If money isn’t a problem and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in London, then go for The Savoy Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it’s in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Make sure you check our shortlist of the best luxury hotels in London, it’s a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
What is the best hostel in London?
If you’re looking for a great hostel in London, then you should check out Wombat’s CITY Hostel. The hostel has magnificent reviews by backpackers, it has been recommended by well-known travel experts and it’s in a good location. Also check out our guide about the best hostels in London.
What is the best bed & breakfast in London?
Looking for a cozy place to stay in London that serves you handmade and fresh breakfast in the morning? Go and check out Hotel Number Sixteen. The B&B has been recommended by well-known travel experts and recent guests have given it top ratings.
How much does it cost to stay in a London hotel?
For a 3-star hotel, you have to pay around $140 per night and for a 4-star hotel, you would be looking at $210 per night. If you’re after a luxury 5-star London hotel then you can expect to pay around $370 per night.
Which London hotel serves great breakfast?
Try Charlotte Street Hotel, The Arosfa Hotel or The Laslett Hotel if you’re looking for a delicious breakfast at a hotel in London. They all have excellent customer review ratings for breakfast.
Which London hotel offers great views?
If you’re looking for a room with a view, then try the Shangri-La The Shard, Hotel Intercontinental The O2 or citizenM Hotel Tower of London. Both offer amazing views of London according to recent customer reviews.
Which London hotel offers a great rooftop bar or rooftop restaurant?
Looking for a great view while having your dinner or drinking a beer? The Ned Hotel has one of the best rooftop bars in London.
Which London hotel is the best for couples?
Try Hotel Intercontinental The O2, it has some excellent recent customer reviews by couples.
Which London hotels are the best for families?
If you’re looking to stay in London with your family, then try Charlotte Street Hotel. The hotel has excellent review ratings by families.
Best time to visit London
It all depends on your preferences and what you want to get out of your trip. Generally speaking, the best time to visit London is during the summer months (June-August).
During this time, you’ll have plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and long days to explore the city. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor events and festivals going on, giving you a chance to experience the city in all its glory.
Winter is also a great time to visit, as the city turns into a winter wonderland and there’s plenty of festive cheer to be found. Of course, no matter when you visit, you’ll always find something interesting and exciting to do in London. So the best time to visit really comes down to personal preference.
Best things to do in London
There are a lot of things to do in London and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around London:
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
Visit some of the top attractions outside of London on this day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the historic town of Bath. Price: $107. More info.
Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour
Embark on an interactive Harry Potter tour around central London with an expert guide. Choose from either a boat or London Underground trip for the experience. Price: $27. More info.
London: Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise
Take a 1-way or return cruise from Westminster to Greenwich (or vice versa) and see the sights of London from a different perspective. Listen to an informative audio commentary as you admire monuments such as the Tower of London from the River Thames. Price: $18. More info.
London map & overview
In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in London and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.
Top 6 areas to stay in London
- Shoreditch
- Soho
- Southbank
- Kensington
- Square Mile
- Notting Hill
London area map
As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in London is important. Whether you stay in Shoreditch, Soho, Southbank, Kensington, the Square Mile or Notting Hill, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.
The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in London.
London overview
| 🏨 Hotel prices: | High |
| 🛏 Budget hotel: | $120 |
| 💑 Boutique hotel: | $180 |
| ⭐ 5-star hotel: | $310 |
| 🌎 Best area for first visit: | Soho |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Notting Hill |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | The Savoy Hotel |
| 👫 Best boutique hotel: | Artist Residence Hotel |
| 💰 Best cheap hotel: | Star Hotel |
| 🎒 Best hostel: | Wombat’s City Hostel |
More London tips
See our other guides about the best places to stay in London:
