Whether it’s your first time or 100th time in London, this is your guide to the perfect place to stay in London. I have covered every city visitor from family to nightlife. Keep reading to find out how to make the most of your city break!
First Timers
My biggest piece of advice for first timers in London is to be as central as possible. London isn’t the biggest city, but it can be hard to navigate if your base is too far out. These locations are in the heart of the city, and the major landmarks are within walking distance or just a short tube ride away.
Charing Cross
Charing Cross is quite literally the center of London where six major routes meet. From here, you’ll have easy access to Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Southbank, Trafalgar Square, and a short walk to Covent Garden. If you want to see everything in a short time, then Charing Cross is the perfect base.
Covent Garden
If you are visiting London for its famous West End, Covent Garden is the ideal location. Covent Garden is the heart of theaterland, filled with beautiful theaters, including the iconic Royal Opera House. This car-free zone is filled with shops and a market that is open all year round. This neighbourhood is also very central and is only a short walk or tube ride away from Leicester Square, Oxford Street, and Tottenham Court Road.
Top Tip: If you are staying here, avoid Covent Garden Tube Station. There are no escalators, and you will have to wait for a lift or brave 193 stairs. Leicester Square Tube Station is much easier and is only a short walk away.
Westminster
For history buffs, Westminster is a wonderful place to stay. Westminster is where most of London’s history resides, including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Downing Street. The tube connections from Westminster are also quite easy to navigate for first timers.
On a Budget
The trick with experiencing London on a budget is to stay outside of Zone 1, but not too far that travel into London becomes expensive. Here are some of my favourite locations outside of Zone 1 with great connections and more affordable prices.
Canary Wharf / Docklands
Known as London’s business district, Canary Wharf is an excellent location for tourists on a budget. Prices range from £60 to around £130 per night, which is a great price for the capital. Canary Wharf is a modern hub filled with popular restaurants, shops, and bars. With great connections to central London via the Jubilee and DLR tube lines, Canary Wharf is a great option for those on a budget. If you want to save even more, try the Docklands, the surrounding areas of Canary Wharf. The area is not as nice as Canary Wharf but will help you save a few extra pennies.
Stratford
Home of the London 2012 Olympics, Stratford is a great place to stay without spending too much on a hotel. With a huge Westfield shopping center by the station, there is plenty to do in the local area. But when you decide to venture out into central London, you have great connections via the DLR, Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth tube lines. Some areas of Stratford aren’t the greatest, so I advise staying as close to the station and Westfield as possible.
Calmer Environments (Family Friendly)
If you are visiting London as a family or simply want a base in a calmer environment, select somewhere that has a village feel but great connections to the city center. Here are some of my favourites.
Chiswick
Chiswick is one of the first areas where I lived in London, and I always recommend it to any tourists wanting to visit the big city, especially families. Not only is Chiswick a gorgeous area, but it is also very safe and calm. It is worth noting that traveling from this area to central London can be difficult. The closest tube station, Turnham Green, is on the Piccadilly Line, which will take you directly to central London; however, the transport is not as regular as other locations in London.
South Kensington
If you’re a family looking for a more central location, South Kensington is a great option. This area is where most of the free museums are and is one of London’s nicest locations. The transport links from this area are very convenient, and iconic landmarks like the Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, and Hyde Park are within walking distance.
Greenwich
Greenwich is a beautiful area of London, full of history, stunning views, and trendy markets that many tourists miss. I always advise staying near the university, as this offers a fantastic atmosphere and excellent links via the DLR. If you do choose to stay here, be sure to visit Greenwich Park; the view from the observatory is completely unique and should not be missed!
Best for Couples
London can be a very romantic city if you go to the right places. You want to look for locations with a lot going on and magnificent views. Here are some of my favourite locations for a romantic getaway in London.
Southbank
Southbank is one of my favourite locations in London. The mix of the markets, street buskers, and the view of the London Eye and Westminster is the perfect recipe for a romantic break. Many hotels in this area also offer majestic views from their rooms. Finally, there is a lot going on in this area, making it the perfect date night spot.
Tower Bridge / London Bridge
Not too far from Southbank is the Tower Bridge and London Bridge area. Again, this offers the same qualities that Southbank has to offer but with the added perk of Borough Market. Filled with vibrant pubs and bars, this cool and urban area is perfect for a romantic break in the city.
For Nightlife
If you’re traveling to London for its nightclub scene, then be sure to find yourself close to Shoreditch, Soho, or Mayfair. These are some of the most vibrant areas in London that will guarantee you a great night out. It’s also worth noting that transport at night in London can be difficult. Therefore, stay safe and find a hotel in the area where you intend to go out.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is the place in London for a great night out. Here, you’ll find London’s best bars and nightclubs – full of life and lots to do. If you do plan on staying in this area, try to find somewhere close to Old Street station. Old Street has great connections to central London, allowing you to explore the city before your night out.
Waterloo
Waterloo is a great central location for any party weekend. Vibrant bars are on every street corner, and there are fabulous connections to Soho and Mayfair. If you are looking for a location with easy access to major landmarks and great nightlife, then Waterloo is the perfect place to stay!
There we have it, my full guide on the perfect places to stay in London. London is a beautiful city with so much to offer; if you want more tips and tricks for your London trip, be sure to sign up to my mailing list!
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