The capital city of both the United Kingdom and England, London, is one of the world’s most historical and culturally diverse places.
Reading hospitality, this destination offers many accommodation options, regardless of the client’s preferences and needs.
If you plan to explore the UK as your first or fifth trip, you will never run short of where to stay in London.
Indeed, when visiting a place you know little about, accommodation, including safety and food, usually emerges as the top priority.
In this guide, be ready to learn about the 15 best neighborhoods and areas to stay in London. Don’t ever get confused or frustrated again when choosing where to stay in London.
The places chosen in this article will match your expectations and improve your experience in this lively city. Let’s start off.
1. Waterloo
Best suited to: First-timers on a budget
The Waterloo and Southbank area is perfect if you want to stay in central London without central London prices. It’s appreciated for its affordability despite its central location.
Furthermore, the area is surprisingly close to many main attractions, not to mention its excellent transport links via the Waterloo Train Station.
A short walk over the bridge will place you in the West End, making Waterloo a great base for a trip to London.
Best Things To Do In Waterloo
- London Eye
- Walk along Southbank and try some street food at Southbank Market
- See the London skyline from Waterloo Bridge
- Enjoy drinks on the rooftop at Bar Elba
- See the city’s best street art at Graffiti Tunnel
Where To Stay In Waterloo / Southwark
2. Angel/Islington
Best suited to: Frequent visitors
Angel is a fashionable area with small shops, pretty cafes, and various pubs and restaurants. It still has a more old London style, and the canal is just beside it.
As a result, it’s a lovely place to hang around. Angels is positioned on the northern outskirts of Central London, but it’s still within the first zone, so it’s rather convenient to get to from other parts of the city.
While searching for where to stay in London, this destination is good to avoid the typical tourist traps of London.
Best Things To Do In Angel
- Go for a walk at Regents Canal.
- Grab a cup of coffee from one of Angel’s independent coffee shops
- Go for an art house film at the Everyman cinema
- Union Chapel is ideal for seeing a live band
Where To Stay In Angel
3. Shoreditch / East End
Best suited to: Young couples and groups of friends
Shoreditch is one of the most popular districts in London, and it offers the best cocktail bars, restaurants, and fun things to do.
It’s widely known for graffiti, antiques, and unique foods that are sold on the streets. Still, Shoreditch is slightly off central London, but it promises good transport networks.
Best Things To Do In Shoreditch
- Visit a Cat Cafe
- Walk along Brick Lane
- Enjoy a game of HiJingo at the futuristic bingo hall
- Beat your friends at Junkyard Golf
- Experience Columbia Road Flower Market
Where To Stay In Shoreditch
4. Notting Hill
Best suited to: Families
Notting Hill is one of the most picturesque areas in London. It has beautiful streets and numerous markets, but it is considered family-oriented.
At Notting Hill, you will be allured by its architecture and colorful houses.
That is more so if you like the picturesque accommodation in London.
In particular, the Notting Hill area is most famous for the Portobello Road Market, which is even more bustling on the weekends.
Best Things To Do In Notting Hill
- See the brightly colored houses along Portobello Road
- Go vintage shopping at Portobello Market
- Visit iconic spots from the movie on a Notting Hill tour
- Shop at unique antique stores
Where To Stay In Notting Hill
5. Brixton
Best suited to: Budget travelers
Brixton is a lively area popular with backpackers and the younger crowd due to its assortment of bars, pubs, live music venues, and budget-friendly restaurants.
As you explore where to stay in London, you will conveniently find Brixton outside the city center. Look around for the most affordable accommodation options in London.
Best Things To Do In Brixton
- Experience Brixton’s underground nightlife scene
- Attend gigs and live music events
- See the city’s impressive street art
- Try diverse cuisines at Brixton Market
Where To Stay In Brixton
6. Soho
Best suited to: Nightlife lovers
Many people usually settle to stay in Soho, London, because of the buzzing nightlife, and diverse dining options. It offers a wide range of bars, restaurants, and theaters, making it an ideal spot for those looking to experience the city’s vibrant evening scene.
Best Things To Do In Soho
- Be amazed by Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus
- Eat your way through Chinatown
- Explore London’s best cocktail bars
- Watch a theater show
Where To Stay In Soho
7. South Kensington
Best suited to: Families and museum lovers
South Kensington is one of London’s prettiest neighborhoods.
At this place, you will get to appreciate London’s history, cafes, museums, and traditional pubs. In addition, South Kensington is very safe and has great transport links.
That is why it’s perceived as an excellent choice for families.
Best Things To Do In South Kensington
- Visit three of London’s top museums (The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, and the V&A Museum)
- Walk along the South Kensington Mews
- Explore Kensington Palace and its gardens
Where To Stay In South Kensington
8. Camden
Best suited to: Couples and foodies
Choose to stay in Camden if you want a lively atmosphere, diverse food options, and unique shopping experiences.
Indeed, couples and foodies enjoy the area’s vibrant markets. The experience gets more amazing if you discover its themed bars and scenic canal walks.
Best Things To Do In Camden
- Explore and eat your way through Camden Market
- Check out themed bars
- Walk along the canals
- Visit the animals at London Zoo
Where To Stay In Camden
9. Canary Wharf
Best suited to: Business travelers
London business travelers find Canary Wharf particularly convenient as it’s the city’s financial core.
It provides a very businesslike environment with tall business buildings, business districts, and fine-dining restaurants.
Best Things To Do In Canary Wharf
- Explore the modern architecture and skyscrapers
- Visit the Museum of London Docklands
- Enjoy high-end shopping and dining
Where To Stay In Canary Wharf
10. Covent Garden
Best suited to: Couples
Covent Garden is a rather romantic area that attracts visitors with theater, small shops, and nice restaurants.
The hotel is situated in the West End and is conveniently close to most of the attractions in London; therefore, the area is ideal for couples.
Best Things To Do In Covent Garden
- See a West End show
- Dine at one of the many charming restaurants
- Shop at the boutique stores
Where To Stay In Covent Garden
11. Greenwich
Best suited to: History buffs and families
Greenwich is a very picturesque town with a strong connection to maritime history and astonishing parks. In this area, one can find the Royal Observatory, the ship Cutty Sark, and the National Maritime Museum.
Although it’s located slightly outside the main city, Greenwich provides a tranquil location with good access through the DLR and river bus services.
Best Things To Do In Greenwich
- Visit the Royal Observatory and stand on the Prime Meridian Line
- Explore the National Maritime Museum
- Walk around Greenwich Park and enjoy the views from the hill
- Discover the Cutty Sark
- Shop at Greenwich Market
Where To Stay In Greenwich:
12. Chelsea
Best suited to: Luxury travelers
To this far, if you’re still exploring where to stay in London, then Chelsea is one of the most affluent districts.
It’s characterized by upscale stores, gourmet restaurants, and magnificent buildings. Here you won’t afford to miss the wonderful atmosphere and a touch of royalty.
Best Things To Do In Chelsea
- Shop along King’s Road
- Visit the Saatchi Gallery
- Explore the Chelsea Physic Garden
- Enjoy a meal at a high-end restaurant
- Walk along the Thames Path
Where To Stay In Chelsea
13. Hampstead
Best suited to: Nature lovers and those seeking a quieter stay
If you’re looking for a beautiful locality that has many tree-lined roads and a village-like atmosphere in London, settle at Hampstead. In addition to what is stated you will also get a stunning view of the city.
Moreover, if you wish to stay somewhere a little more peaceful yet still conveniently located in the heart of London, then Hampstead is ideal.
Best Things To Do In Hampstead
- Wander around Hampstead Heath and swim in the ponds
- Visit Kenwood House
- Explore the charming streets and shops of Hampstead Village
- Enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes and pubs
Where To Stay In Hampstead
14. King’s Cross
Best suited to: Young professionals and travelers on a budget
King’s Cross is one area that has rapidly been developed, especially with good transport networks. As a result, this place makes it easy to access other parts of London.
It has various modern coffee shops, bars, and eateries. Notably, it hosts the world-famous St. Pancras International station.
Best Things To Do In King’s Cross
- Visit the British Library
- Explore the vibrant Granary Square
- Dine at one of the many trendy restaurants
- Discover the street art around the area
- Take a walk along the Regent’s Canal
Where To Stay In King’s Cross
I5. Fitzrovia
Best suited to: Foodies and culture enthusiasts
Fitzrovia is a central area of creative specialties and art galleries. Again, for food lovers, it’s the right choice for world-class restaurants and cafes. Since Fitzrovia is close to most of the famous places in London, it can be used as a starting point to tour the city.
Best Things To Do In Fitzrovia
- Visit the many art galleries in the area
- Explore the culinary delights along Charlotte Street
- Discover the history of broadcasting at the BBC Broadcasting House
- Enjoy a coffee at one of the independent cafes
- Take a walk to nearby Oxford Street for shopping
Where To Stay In Fitzrovia
Final Thoughts
There are myriads of options when it comes to choosing where to stay in London.
So, for history lovers, Greenwich has lots of things to offer, which would prove to be quite interesting.
In other words, luxury travelers can’t resist the tone of Chelsea as it’s an upscale area.
Hampstead thus offers a quiet area given its lush gardens, while King’s Cross offers a more urban, functional location for discovering the city.
Ultimately, if you’re a good fan of food and art, Fitzrovia is a perfect choice due to its numerous restaurants and the artistic environment.
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