Where to Stay in London: 5 Best Areas for First-Timers

Fully updated July 2024. Originally published April 2024. Contributed by London local travel photographer and writer Bronwyn Townsend.

London is a city unlike any other. If you’re looking for where to stay in London for the first time, this guide will help you figure out the top neighborhoods and the best hotels to stay at. Having lived in London for almost a decade, I love uncovering new corners across the city and revisiting my favorite places.

I’ve spent countless hours wandering London’s neighborhoods, from the colorful mews in Notting Hill to the edgy art scene in Shoreditch. From searching for the best coffee shops and bakeries to visiting the latest galleries and exhibitions, I love that London is a diverse and energetic city.

If you’re visiting London for the first time, trying to navigate the city, and its colorful tube lines, might feel overwhelming. But there are a few top areas that will help you stay close to the world class attractions, from leading museums to the city’s thriving dining scene.

I always recommend people visit London during spring when the city really comes to life under sunny skies and houses and shop fronts are covered in wisteria. Alternatively, the city is perfectly made for autumn when the parks and mews transform into shades of orange and red. Beyond the typical tourist spots, spend time walking along the Regent’s Canal or hitting up one of the many markets peppered across the city — from Notting Hill’s Portobello market to the foodie haven of Borough Market. 

Here are my top choices for where to stay in London, whether you want to immerse yourself in the beating heart of the city’s theater district or unwind in the leafy spaces among local neighborhoods. 

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in London:

The best three neighborhoods for exploring London are Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho.

Hotels

1. Covent Garden (staying at The Henrietta Hotel), for the best access to historic markets, dining, and theaters
2. Westminster (staying at One Aldwych), for the best access to iconic sites like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
3. Soho (staying at The Soho Hotel), for the best access to top restaurants and shopping

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Beautiful Westminster Apartment, for the best overall central base for walking Westminster, Victoria, and the parks
2. 2 Bedroom Soho Penthouse with Terrace, for the best West End stay with theaters, shopping, and nightlife on foot
3. 1 Bedroom Covent Garden Apartment by an Interior Designer, for the best designed stay in the middle of London’s dining and show district

Things to Do

1. Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
2. Ride the London Eye and take in panoramic views of the city
3. Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guard
4. Tour Westminster Abbey
5. Enjoy Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace
6. Visit Tower Bridge

Helpful Guides to Help Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to London? Don’t miss my 3-day London itinerary, 48 Hours in London guide, and guide to the top things to do in London! If you have more time, consider escaping to the countryside for a few days in the Cotswolds!

Where to Stay in London

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Neighborhood Map: 5 Best Areas to Stay in London

1. Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho (YELLOW)
2. Hyde Park or South Kensington (PURPLE)
3. South Bank, Southwark, or London Bridge (ORANGE)
4. Mayfair or Marylebone (GREEN)
5. Shoreditch or Notting Hill (BLACK)

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My Takeaway: The Best Area to Stay in London for a First-Time Trip

London is a city full of distinct neighborhoods, each with their own personality and atmosphere. From upscale areas like Mayfair to the hipster hotspot of Shoreditch, finding the perfect area to stay in London for your travel style is key.

For your first trip to London, I recommend keeping things central so you’re close to the top attractions in the city. Covent Garden is a fan-favorite that combines historic markets, great dining options, and shopping just a stone’s throw from some of the best theater shows. The political center of Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic scenes, from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace. While Soho is home to many of London’s top restaurants, boutique shopping in Carnaby Street, and cozy corners like Neal’s Yard. 

Located in the beating heart of central London, the area is well-serviced by public transport. Because London is a big city and tube lines and bus rides ensure you can make the most of your time here! Hugging the north bank of the Thames, these parts of London are my top recommendations for where to stay in London if this is your first time exploring the British capital.

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My Top Pick for First-Timers: Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho

Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho is my top choice for where to stay in London for first-time visitors. If you want to be in the center of all things London, being within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions is essential. Home to some of the city’s most iconic monuments, heritage-listed landmarks, the British Museum, and the buzz of the theater district, you can’t go wrong here. 

Hotels in this area of London typically run mid-range to luxury, but it’s a price worth paying to have the best sights on your doorstep and some of the best restaurants and entertainment just a short walk away. Visit Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben before heading over to West End to catch a show. Historic Covent Garden Market is also a must, and consider stopping by one of the tea rooms or hotels for a proper afternoon tea, complete with scones and more.

Where to Stay in Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho

Hotels

1. NoMad London ($$$$), for the best historic luxury hotel
2. One Aldwych ($$$$), for the best contemporary, riverside luxury hotel
3. The Savoy ($$$$), for a grand luxury stay
4. Page8 ($$$), for the best modern hotel
5. Wilde Aparthotels London Covent Garden ($$$), for the best aparthotel stay
6. The Henrietta Hotel ($$$), for the best eclectic vintage elegance stay
7. The Soho Hotel ($$$), for the best luxury boutique hotel

Airbnbs

1. 1 Bedroom Beautiful Westminster Apartment, for the best overall central base for walking Westminster, Victoria, and the parks
2. 2 Bedroom Soho Penthouse with Terrace, for the best West End stay with theaters, shopping, and nightlife on foot
3. 1 Bedroom Covent Garden Apartment by an Interior Designer, for the best designed stay in the middle of London’s dining and show district

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Best Neighborhood for Families: Hyde Park or South Kensington

If you’re traveling as a family, the Hyde Park and South Kensington neighborhoods in London provide a family-friendly environment with a perfect balance of green spaces, cultural attractions, and convenient amenities. Whether you plan on museum hopping from the Natural History Museum to the V&A Museum, or wandering through the lush grounds of Hyde Park, the transport connections also make it easy to reach the sights in central London.

The area also has more accommodation options, including apartments and suites that are suited to families or groups. Whether you prefer a hotel with two-bedroom suites or a serviced apartment that allows for self-catering, Kensington and Hyde Park are top choices, offering good public transport connections, a variety of dining options, and ample green space.

Where to Stay in Hyde Park or South Kensington

1. Claridge’s ($$$$), for the best uber-luxury hotel
2. The Kensington ($$$$), for the best family-friendly luxury hotel
3. Cheval Gloucester Park at Kensington ($$$), for the best luxury family apartments
4. Inhabit Queen’s Gardens ($$$), for the best wellness-focused stay
5. Royal Lancaster London ($$$), for the best panoramic park views

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Best Neighborhood for South of the River: South Bank, Southwark, or London Bridge

If you’re looking to stay in a central location with great transport connections but without quite so much hustle and bustle, then south of the Thames — South Bank, Southwark, or London Bridge — is the way to go. With major train and tube stations, including London Waterloo, Blackfriars, and London Bridge, it is ideally located for day trips, and it puts you within walking distance of some of the best attractions in London. Be sure to walk across Waterloo Bridge towards Covent Garden to take in 360-degree views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and St Paul’s Cathedral. I’ve walked it a hundred times and never get tired of that view, especially at sunset.

Where to Stay in South Bank, Southwark, or London Bridge

1. The Ned ($$$$), for the best overall luxury hotel
2. Shangri-La The Shard, London ($$$$), for the best luxury hotel with skyline views
3. citizenM London Bankside ($$), for the best contemporary hotel
4. Ruby Lucy Hotel London ($$), for the best funky-modern design hotel
5. The Hoxton, Southwark ($$$), for the best trendy industrial-chic hotel

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Best Neighborhood for a Chic Stay: Mayfair or Marylebone

Renowned for their elegant charm and prime location in London. Marylebone and Mayfair offer a blend of upscale boutiques, artisanal cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful Georgian architecture. Both areas offer easy access to iconic landmarks, such as Hyde Park and Oxford Street, making them a great base for those seeking convenience and luxury. With excellent transport links and a sophisticated atmosphere, Marylebone and Mayfair provide a high-end experience for visitors in central London.

Where to Stay in Mayfair or Marylebone

1. The Langham London ($$$$), for the best timeless luxury hotel
2. Brown’s Hotel ($$$$), for a grand luxury stay
3. Treehouse Hotel London ($$$), for the best playful retro hotel
4. The BoTree ($$$), for the best youthful design-forward stay

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Best Neighborhood for a Local Feel: Shoreditch or Notting Hill

Known for its vibrant street art and creative scene, with numerous galleries, studios, and graffiti-adorned streets, Shoreditch is ideal for exploring contemporary art exhibitions and discovering emerging talents. Shoreditch is also a foodie paradise, offering a diverse range of dining options, from street food markets to Michelin-starred restaurants. And the nightlife scene is where it’s at, from quirky cocktail bars to underground clubs, where you can mingle with locals.

Notting Hill has a bohemian spirit that attracts artists, creatives, and free-spirited individuals, but contrasts with the industrial-esque feel of Shoreditch. Immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s eclectic culture, featuring independent shops, quirky cafes, and vintage markets that showcase local talent. With elegant Victorian townhouses, leafy squares, and quaint mews streets, Notting Hill is also surrounded by loads of green spaces, including Holland Park and Kensington Gardens, providing tranquil retreats amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

Where to Stay in Shoreditch or Notting Hill

1. One Hundred Shoreditch ($$$), for the best low-key cool vibe
2. The Hoxton, Shoreditch ($$$), for the best trendy industrial stay
3. The Laslett ($$$), for the best artsy victorian stay
4. The Portobello Hotel ($$), for the best eccentric bohemian stay

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