Where to Stay in London – The 10 Best Neighbourhoods

Whenever I plan a trip to London, I have trouble choosing where to stay. And yes, I’ve stayed in some not-so-great areas on my previous trips.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, looking for proximity to major attractions or a quiet getaway in the big city, this list will help you choose an area that’s perfect for you.

1. Covent Garden

Perfect for: The Young & Trendy Traveler

Covent Garden is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in London. You’ll definitely end up here at some point when exploring the city – whether you’re seeing a show on the West End or at the Royal Opera House, visiting local markets, or even seeing iconic attractions.

Covent Garden is relatively central – you won’t need to travel more than 20 minutes to get to any of the big sights in London. It’s within walking distance of Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square (home to the LEGO and M&M stores), and the British Museum.

Because of its interesting mix of restaurants, bars, and markets (Jubilee & Apple Markets), the atmosphere is always lively and vibrant.

It’s always quite busy, so if you want a quiet getaway, it’s probably not for you.

If you’re flying to Heathrow Airport, Covent Garden is ideal, as it’s directly connected to the airport via the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: The Z Hotel, Grange Buckingham Hotel, The Fielding Hotel
• Mid-range: AMANO, Strand Palace
• Luxury: Middle Eight, The Savoy, Chateau Denmark

2. Waterloo/South Bank

Perfect for: The First-Time Sightseer

Waterloo is another very central neighbourhood. It’s not quite as busy as Covent Garden, but it’s still a tourist-heavy area.

It’s probably the closest you’ll come to all the biggest London attractions – the London Eye, National Theatre, and the London Dungeons are all in Waterloo.

Right next door, you can visit Big Ben and Westminster on one side and the Tate Modern, Shakespeare Globe Theatre, and Borough Market on the other.

The only real downside to staying in Waterloo is that you might struggle to find affordable accommodation, so it’s probably only worth it if you book a few months in advance.

Waterloo also isn’t known for having a historic charm – it’s more modern and laid-back, so if that’s your vibe, check it out.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Premier Inn Westminster Bridge, The Walrus Bar & Hostel, NOX Waterloo
• Mid-range: Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge, Ruby Lucy Hotel & Bar, The Wellington Hotel Waterloo
• Luxury: London Marriott Hotel County Hall

3. Kensington & Hyde Park

Perfect for: The Budget Traveler looking for a Quiet Getaway

Kensington is probably my favourite neighbourhood I’ve stayed in on all my trips to London.

Because it’s not quite as central, it’s not overcrowded with tourists, which is what I prefer.

On top of that, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in the area, which add to the relaxed and tranquil atmosphere you’ll find here.

But don’t worry, just because it’s not central doesn’t mean that it’s hours away from any attractions. The Natural History Museum and the V&A Museum are both here, as is the Sherlock Holmes Museum (on 221B Baker Street).

The hub of London is also just a few stops away on the Tube. In my opinion, the tranquil atmosphere and cheaper accommodation prices more than make up for the short distance you have to travel to reach the city centre.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Astor Hyde Park Hostel, Ravna Gora
• Mid-range: Ellen Kensington, The Park City Grand Plaza Kensington Hotel, Hux Hotel
• Luxury: The Milestone Hotel and Residences, Buckingham & Lloyds, The Ampersand Hotel

4. King’s Cross/St Pancras

Perfect for: The Budget Traveler who doesn’t mind a Lively Area

King’s Cross is another busy, lively neighbourhood to stay in on your trip to London. On my last visit, I stayed here.

There’s always something happening, but even though we stayed right next to the station, I never felt like it was too loud to sleep. However, I can imagine that this might be a problem if you’re unlucky with your hotel room (make sure to check the accommodation’s reviews for noise complaints in this area before booking).

At King’s Cross Station, you’ll be able to visit Platform 9¾, and nearby, you’ll find the British Library. Other attractions in London are just a few stops away on the London Underground.

King’s Cross may be less picturesque than other neighbourhoods on this list, but the historical-industrial feel has a certain sort of charm.

Top Tip! If you’re traveling to London via the Eurostar, King’s Cross is a great option, because the station is where the train arrives.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Kabannas London St Pancras, St Pancras Inn, hub by Premier Inn
• Mid-range: Pullman London St Pancras, Harrison Pub & Hotel
• Luxury: The Megaro Hotel, Great Northern Hotel, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

5. Notting Hill

Perfect for: The Traveler looking for lesser-known Instagram-worthy spots, Couples & Families

Notting Hill is one of London’s most picturesque areas. It’s another quieter area, with beautiful pastel-coloured houses and streets lined with trees.

It’s ideal for travelers looking for a relaxed, romantic getaway in London. This atmosphere makes it a favourite among couples and families.

Notting Hill is home to the Portobello Road Market, one of the most charming markets in the city. Also nearby are Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, which are perfect for picnics.

Notting Hill is well-connected to areas like Covent Garden and Soho via the Tube, so it’s a great area to choose even if you want to explore the more touristy areas.

In this neighbourhood, you’ll find tons of independent shops and local bakeries, and it’s one of the best areas for thrift shopping.

Because it’s not super touristy though, there aren’t quite as many accommodation options, and it’s a bit pricier to stay in Notting Hill.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Notting Hill Concept Serviced Apartments, Notting Hill Gate Hotel
• Mid-range: The Knight of Notting Hill, Ruby Zoe Hotel & Bar
• Luxury: The Lost Poet, Portobello Hotel

6. Shoreditch

Perfect for: The Young, Artsy Traveler

Shoreditch is one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s known for its vibrant nightlife and edgy vibe.

It’s great for young travelers who aren’t interested in the super touristy areas, but still want a lively and exciting atmosphere – ideal if you’ve visited London before and have already seen all the big tourist attractions.

Shoreditch is home to some of the best street art in the city (including works by Banksy) and is perfect if you like thrift shopping and trying new foods.

Don’t worry, because it’s still well-connected to the city centre via the London Underground, so you can stay here even if you plan on doing lots of sightseeing.

Downsides? Shoreditch isn’t known to be particularly pretty, even though it’s brimming with culture and charming spots. It can also be a bit noisy, especially on weekends.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Point A London, Travelodge London Central City Road, St Christopher’s Inn
• Mid-range: One Hundred Shoreditch, Hart Shoreditch Hotel, Maldron Hotel
• Luxury: Nobu Hotel, Sun Street Hotel

7. Mayfair

Perfect for: The Young, Luxurious Traveler

Mayfair is a very central part of London that is known for its elegance and luxury. If you want to stay somewhere right in the action that’s a bit more upscale, this neighbourhood is perfect for you.

Mayfair is the ultimate area for shopping, while still being close to Green Park, and it has some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants.

From here, you can easily visit trendy areas like Soho and Covent Garden. Also within walking distance are Oxford Street, Bond Street, and Piccadilly Circus.

The main drawback of staying in Mayfair is that it’s quite expensive and usually crowded.

Where to Stay:

• Mid-range: The Chesterfield Mayfair, The Marble Arch Hotel by Thistle, The Cumberland Hotel
• Luxury: The Connaught, Brown’s Hotel, The Dorchester

8. Soho

Perfect for: The Theatre Fan/Nightlife Lover

Soho is the heart of London’s nightlife and entertainment culture. Situated between Mayfair and Covent Garden, it’s probably my favourite of the three neighbourhoods.

Exploring the streets, you’ll find an abundance of hip restaurants, jazz clubs, gay bars, and theatres. The area also forms the biggest part of the West End, so if you’re in London to watch some shows, Soho is the best option.

Besides being the entertainment hub of London, Soho is also well-connected to areas like Westminster and Waterloo, where you’ll probably do a lot of sightseeing.

It’s perfect if you want to head out in the morning to see London’s iconic sights, like Big Ben and the London Eye, then return in the evening for a show on the West End or to experience the nightlife.

Soho has a broader range of accommodations than an area like Mayfair, which is more high-end. But it’s still pricier than less central neighbourhoods.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: YHA London Oxford Street Hostel, Assembly Leceister Square, Mimi’s Hotel Soho
• Mid-range: Karma Sanctum Soho, The Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road, The Resident Soho
• Luxury: Ham Yard Hotel, Broadwick Soho, The Soho Hotel

9. Knightsbridge

Perfect for: The Luxury Shopper

Knightsbridge is one of London’s most luxurious neighbourhoods. It’s not as close to the action as Mayfair, so it’s much quieter and more refined.

If you’re mainly in London for high-end shopping and fine dining, this neighbourhood is ideal. Knightsbridge is home to Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and many exclusive designer boutiques.

It’s one of the safest areas in London, although it’s still located relatively close to Westminster and Chelsea, which are both very touristy.

Being close to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, the atmosphere is generally relaxed and it’s very walkable.

Knightsbridge is rather expensive, as most of its accommodations ooze elegance and class instead of convenience and affordability.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Zedwell Knightsbridge, Millennium Hotel
• Mid-range: The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse, The Rembrandt Hotel
• Luxury: Cheval Knightsbridge, The Wellesley Knightsbridge

10. Belgravia

Perfect for: Luxury First-Time Visitors & Families

As one of London’s most elegant and exclusive neighbourhoods, Belgravia is a small area situated between Westminster and Chelsea.

So it’s very close to iconic London sights like Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace, while still being very safe and quiet.

If you want understated luxury while still being close to major attractions, Belgravia is the perfect area for you.

Accommodations here tend to be more luxurious and therefore more expensive, like 5-star hotels and boutique townhouses. Even though it’s mostly high-end, it’s less flashy than Mayfair and Knightsbridge.

Where to Stay:

• Budget: Astors Belgravia, The Z Hotel Victoria
• Mid-range: The Clermont London Victoria, Sloane Square Hotel
• Luxury: The Hari, Jumeirah Carlton Tower