The Ultimate Guide on Where to Stay in London, England

Deciding where to stay in London isn’t as easy as it seems. Not only are there five distinct regions (Central, North, South, East and West), but each of those are divided into 32 boroughs! And then there are neighbourhoods upon neighbourhoods upon neighbourhoods in each of those.

While we don’t have time to describe what all of them are like, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite places in Central London for your consideration. Find out what the neighbourhoods of Westminster, Soho, Covent Garden and more have to offer.

• Westminster, City of Westminster
• South Kensington, Kensington and Chelsea
• Camden Town, Camden
• Covent Garden, City of Westminster
• Soho, City of Westminster
• City of London
• Shoreditch, Hackney

If your goal is to snap a picture of London’s most iconic landmarks, Westminster is the most convenient location for you to be in. Situated in the heart of Central London, it offers unparalleled access to all the major attractions, including the historic Westminster Abbey, the ornate Houses of Parliament, the striking Big Ben tower clock, the majestic Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.

This area also boasts some amazing green spaces. St. James’s Park, The Green Park and Hyde Park are all within easy reach for when you need a break from sightseeing (as unlikely as that may be). Each of these is a Royal Park, meaning they were once used by kings and queens for recreation and hunting. Translation: they’re downright gorgeous. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll, enjoying a picnic or simply unwinding amidst nature, they provide a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle

With a mix of history, culture and natural beauty, Westminster is an unbeatable base for your London adventure. 

Do you love wandering the halls of museums and art galleries? If so, you’ve got to stay in South Kensington while visiting London. This neighbourhood is home of to some of the city’s best exhibits, offering endless opportunities for you to discover and learn.

With its fascinating displays on dinosaurs, human evolution and the natural world, the Natural History Museum is a must-see. As is the Science Museum, which celebrates human ingenuity and scientific achievement through interactive experiences. The Victoria and Albert Museum, meanwhile, offers a world-class collection of decorative arts. And for those with special interest in horology, there’s The Clockmakers’ Museum — a hidden gem showcasing more than 700 timepieces.

Beyond its world-renowned museums, South Kensington is a stylish area with beautiful Victorian architecture, quaint cafés, and peaceful garden squares. With its mix of culture, charm and convenience, this really is an ideal spot for travellers who want to immerse themselves in London’s artistic and historical heritage.

There’s something for everyone in Camden Town — and it’s largely thanks to its famous Camden Market. Comprised of Camden Lock, Stables Market and Hawley Wharf, this is an absolute paradise for shoppers on the hunt for unique fashion pieces, vintage treasures and quirky collectibles: think upcycled jeans and t-shirts, locally made jewellery and one-of-a-kind homewares.

Of course, Camden isn’t just for shopping. It’s also one of the best areas in London to indulge in street food. From tacos and Thai to gourmet burgers, you’ll find something to satisfy every craving.

With so much to see and do, it’s easy to spend an entire day here. And with an abundance of pubs and live music venues, it’s even better when the sun goes down. Camden has long been a hub for music lovers. The Roundhouse, for instance, has hosted The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Adele and the late Amy Winehouse (who also lived in the area) throughout its history.

Travelling with kids? The London Zoo and Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station aren’t far from here. Just saying…

Nestled in London’s West End, Covent Garden is an entertainment hub filled with more theatres than you probably realistically have time for in a single trip. From comedies at the Noël Coward Theatre near Leicester Square to ballet performances at the Royal Opera House, you can enjoy a new show every night.

The area buzzes with street performers, boutique shops, lively cafés and fine dining restaurants. Not to mention, staying here puts you within easy walking distance of the National Gallery and the British Museum, the sprawling Covent Garden Market where you can try the internet-famous maritozzo from Dolce VyTA, and the historic Trafalgar Square and Picadilly Circus.

Being in such close proximity to these top tourist attractions means that Covent Garden can be more crowded and more expensive than other areas in the city centre — but the atmosphere more than makes up for it. 

Like Covent Garden, staying in Soho means you’re never far from a theatre. But that’s really the only similarity you can draw between these two neighbouring areas in London’s West End. While Covent Garden is relaxed, Soho is loud and edgy (it is a former red-light district, after all).

As such, the nightlife here is legendary. Casual eateries and Michelin-recognized restaurants serve up a range of cuisine inspired by centuries of immigration. Plus, there’s plenty to do after dinner. Grab a pint at a local pub, sip a cocktail at a chic bar or dance the night away at a thumping nightclub — and then recover the next morning with some retail therapy.

Shopaholics will appreciate that Soho is surrounded by some of London’s best shopping areas, including Oxford Street, Bond Street, Regent Street and Carnaby Street. Whether you're searching for luxury or independent brands, you can find it in Soho.

The City of London area on the north bank of the River Thames was once the heart of Roman London (also known as Londinium) — but today it’s a bustling financial district. As a result, this part of the London skyline boasts a fascinating mix of ancient landmarks and sleek, contemporary architecture. St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, The Shard, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge are all within walking distance of each other, so it’s easy to take in this striking juxtaposition of old and new by foot.

That said, this district is also incredibly well-connected. Thanks to there being several tube stations in the area, you can easily transit to other parts of London — as well as most major airports, including Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport. This makes travelling a cinch, whether you’re visiting for business or leisure.

What’s more, there are accommodations for all budgets here, from luxury hotels with rooftop bars to affordable aparthotels.

Located on the westernmost edge of East London, Shoreditch is a hub of creativity — it’s known for its eclectic mix of old-school pubs, quirky boutiques, trendy cafés and bustling markets. Whether you’re strolling through Old Spitalfields Market or grabbing coffee on Brick Lane, you’ll get to experience the area’s unique, urban energy.

This makes it an especially good option for solo travellers. Shoreditch is a melting pot of cultures, offering plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people. The area is also safe and well-connected, with multiple train stations and bus routes providing easy access to the rest of London.

Another standout feature of Shoreditch is its iconic street art. Wander the streets, and you’ll encounter world-class murals and graffiti by renowned artists like Banksy. It's like an outdoor gallery where every corner reveals something new, making it a perfect spot for art lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

With its artsy vibe and youthful energy, Shoreditch offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay in London.

No matter where you stay in London, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time. Need a little more help deciding? Our Travel Experts can give you recommendations on London hotels, attractions, restaurants and so much more. Get in touch today to start planning your trip!