Where to Stay in London? Top 10 Locations (2024)
Table of Contents
Deciding on the perfect London spot to call home during your visit can feel like finding a needle in a bustling urban haystack. With each neighbourhood flaunting its unique charm, the choice can be both exciting and daunting. Dive into our guide where we unveil the best of London’s areas, transforming your decision from a challenge into an adventure.
What to Consider when Choosing an Area to Stay in London
When selecting the best area to stay in London, there are various factors to consider that go beyond the hotel or apartment you like.
Here’s our top picks of what to consider when looking for a place to stay in the city:
Accessibility
Proximity to public transport, ease of getting to major attractions, and availability of taxis or ride-sharing services.
Safety
The area’s reputation for safety, especially during night-time, and general comfort level for tourists.
Local Attractions
Nearby landmarks, museums, parks, and cultural sites that might be of interest.
Dining and Shopping
Availability of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops within walking distance.
Noise Levels
Consideration of the noise level, especially if looking for a quiet, restful place.
Accommodation Options
Variety of lodging choices fitting different budgets and preferences.
What to Consider when Choosing an Area to Stay in London
1. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of London. Known for its green spaces, you’d never know this Royal Park is in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the world.
For those who love nature, there are some wonderful walks that can be carried out within the park grounds thanks to its wide-open spaces and trails. It doesn’t end there though, as there are plenty of activities on offer too, such as boating.
The park is also home to an award winning open air theatre that offers a range of performances in the most beautiful of settings. Don’t forget to take advantage of The Waterside Cafe whilst in the park grounds, where you can snack on delectable Italian bites whilst taking in stunning lake views.
Of course, it isn’t just the park that makes this one of the most desirable parts of the capital. The elegant neighbourhoods that surround the park are picturesque, with plenty of places to eat and shop littered around.
For those keen to continue along the nature theme, London Zoo is just along the road from the park and is a perfect destination for families, couples, and friends. Regent’s Park offers plenty to do for everyone but it is also one of the best places to stay in London to be close to sightseeing opportunities.
Best for: Those who want to combine the best of nature and city life
- Offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Central London
- Home to an award winning open air theatre
- Less nightlife options locally
- Accommodation can be higher in this desirable area
Places of Interest: London Zoo, Regent’s Park, Queen Mary’s Gardens and Primrose Hill.
Best Regent’s Park Accommodation:
- Sanctum Serviced Apartments, Regents Park
- Danubius Hotel Regents Park
2. Shoreditch
For those who love a vibrant, trendy scene, Shoreditch is the spot for you. A creative hub that is famous for street art, unique shops, hip bars, and cool cafes, this part of East London is always alive no matter the time of day.
For those keen to explore London’s infamous nightlife scene, Shoreditch is an ideal spot to do so. There are plenty of well known dining spots such as Pizza East, Bibo, and Smokestak.
For those amongst us that used to love a rave, head to The Light Bar, this former noughties hotspot has been transformed into a stylish, urban style restaurant with East Asian and Italian themed food. Be sure to sip on one of their carefully curated cocktails to toast goodbye to your raver days.
Of course, if formal dining is not your style, there are a whole host of street food vendors to experience. Walk around Brick Lane or Spitalfields market to take in delicious bites to eat, whilst exploiting the vintage treasures on offer.
Best for: Trend-led food spots and creativity
- Vibrant street art and trendy cafes.
- Excellent nightlife and fashion boutiques
- Can be noisy at night
- Busy streets
Places of Interest: Boxpark, Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane
Best Shoreditch Accommodation:
- One Hundred Shoreditch
- Mondrian London Shoreditch
Top Accommodations: Ace Hotel London Shoreditch, The Hoxton Shoreditch.
3. Maida Vale
For classic London, filled with tree-lined streets, head to Maida Vale. The Victorian buildings and nearby canals give this part of the city a peaceful and luxurious feel.
There is plenty to explore in this leafy part of the capital, with Little Venice a short walk away. This is the perfect place for riverside walks or boat rides along the canal. There are plenty of cute cafes and welcoming pubs to pop into along the banks.
For some cultural pit-stops, head over to Abbey Road, home to the famous Abbey Road Studios and, of course, that Beatles zebra crossing album cover. Continue your trip down the music history lane with a visit to the former BBC Maida Vale Studios.
The area is a perfect place for families to stay as it is easy to head into more central parts of the city for shopping and tourist attractions, but provides the perfect haven in the evenings to retreat to.
Best for: Families and those seeking a peaceful area.
- Elegant Victorian architecture
- Family friendly
- Less central location
- Limited night-time activities
Places of Interest: Little Venice, Lord’s Cricket Ground, Abbey Road, Maida Vale Studios
Best Maida Vale Accommodation:
- Sanctum Serviced Apartments Maida Vale
- London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale
4. Covent Garden
Not everyone is looking for peace and quiet, especially on a city break, so if you want to be right in the thick of it head to Covent Garden.
In the heart of London’s entertainment district, this part of the city is full of life. Famous for its historic market and lively street performances, Covent Garden offers the perfect blend between old-world charm and modern shopping and dining.
Hotels in Covent Garden are conveniently located to London’s theatre district which is ideal if you want to take in a matinee. Alternatively, you might want to head to the world famous Royal Opera House for a classic ballet showing.
Covent Garden has always been a shopping destination in the city but in recent years, it has cemented itself as a go-to for beauty houses, premium boutiques, and lifestyle stores. Popular brands such as Lululemon, Charlotte Tilbury, and Mulberry have stores in the area.
If you’d rather not shop till you drop, head over to the London Transport Museum. Here you’ll be able to delve into over 200 years of the capital’s transport history, including the famous London Underground network.
With plenty of top bars and restaurants also easily accessible in Covent Garden, the hidden alleyways and charm of this district will leave you with plenty to explore. It’s a top pick for tourists wanting a full London experience on their doorstep.
Best for: Theatre-goers and shoppers.
- Strong transport links
- Wide range of activities on offer
- Crowded, especially on weekends
- Higher cost of accommodation
Places of Interest: Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Market, London Transport Museum, Neals Yard
Best Covent Garden Accommodation:
- Covent Garden Hotel
- NoMad London
5. Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a quirky and charming area that has become known for its colourful rows of houses and Portobello Market. It is, however, perhaps best known for the eponymous Richard Curtis film.
With a real mix of cultures that London is famed for, there is a wide range of eateries and shops on offer in this part of the city.
In the evenings, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants on offer. Alternatively, you could head to the Electric Cinema, which is one of the oldest UK working film theatres.
Best for: Culture enthusiasts and romantics.
- Picturesque streets
- Home to Portobello Market
- Tourist crowds, especially during the carnival and weekends.
- Not a central location
Places of Interest: Portobello Road Market, Holland Park, Electric Cinema, Museum of Brands
Top Accommodations:
- The Laslett
- The Distillery
6. Camden
Camden is known for its eclectic and lively vibe, with famous markets, retro clothes stores, and street food stalls.
With a rich music scene, and iconic venues, such as the Roundhouse, it is perfect for those who love to explore some classic London shops and food spots by day, and take in some live music at night.
Although Camden is often associated with being a more adult part of London, there is plenty for families here too. Head to Babylon Park if you are a thrill seeker. This indoor theme park has all you need to entertain the entire family for hours.
London Zoo is also on the doorstep of Camden, which means you can start the day off with exotic animals and finish with some delectable treats from the food market. Camden is the ideal destination for those seeking a different, energetic London experience.
Best for: Music lovers and those who enjoy eclectic vibes.
- Exciting music scene with iconic venues
- Diverse markets and unique shops
- Can be crowded and noisy
- Rowdy nightlife might not suit young families
Places of Interest: Camden Market, The Roundhouse, Camden Lock, London Zoo
Top Accommodations:
- Sanctum Serviced Apartments Belsize Road
- Camden Enterprise
7. Marylebone
Marylebone offers a sophisticated, small town feel in the middle of Central London. Just off of Oxford Street, there are plenty of luxurious boutiques and premium brand stores here to peruse as well as gourmet restaurants and quaint cafes for people watching.
With more of a cosmopolitan feel to other parts of the city, it really is a shopping hotspot. Shopaholics can be treated to offerings from Sezane, Joseph, and The Conran Shop. If book shopping offers more excitement to you, then you cannot miss out on a visit to Daunt Books. The beautiful Edwardian book shop features long oak galleries filled with a wide range of fiction and non-fiction works. Its a real delight.
For the evening, head to one of the high-end eateries on the high street such as Les 100 de Taillevent, which offers fine French cuisine in the settings of an old Coutts bank.
Best for: Luxury travellers and shopping enthusiasts.
- High-end boutiques
- Close to major attractions yet maintains a neighbourhood feel
- Limited activities outside of shopping and eating
- Can be busy during peak shopping hours
Places of Interest: St. Christopher’s Place, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Daunt Books
Top Accommodations:
- The Landmark London
- The Marylebone Hotel
8. Richmond
For those happy to be on the outskirts of Central London, Richmond has a reputation as one of the city’s most scenic boroughs as well as one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in London. It is such a popular area that it was even named by Rightmove as the happiest place in the capital to live in 2022.
This peaceful retreat has beautiful parks, such as Richmond Park as well as being home to historical sites, such as Kew Gardens. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of inner city life, you’ll find a gentler pace of living here with quaint riverside pubs and boutique shops.
Richmond has become something of a tourist hotspot in recent years, thanks to Apple TV’s Ted Lasso series. If you are a fan, you will spot some recognisable places such as Ted’s bench and the Crown and Anchor pub (known in real life as the Prince’s Head).
Though it’s a bit away from central London, its natural beauty and quiet charm make it a great place to stay in London for those who love nature and history.
Best for: History buffs
- Beautiful parks and historic sites
- Quieter, more relaxed pace of life
- Farther from central London attractions
- Less frequent public transport options
Places of Interest: Ted Lasso filming spots, Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, Ham House
Top Accommodations:
- Richmond Hill Hotel
- The Petersham Hotel
9. Dalston
Dalston is an exciting part of East London that offers an edgy feel to your city stay. Full of life thanks to its host of wine bars and restaurants, it offers a mix of traditional charm with modern flair. This is often considered a great area to stay in London for younger people thanks to its lively atmosphere.
Whilst it doesn’t necessarily offer the traditional tourist hotspots of other areas on this list, it is full of independent shops that allow you to shop for unusual treasures. The strong Turkish community built up in Dalston also means it is one of the best places to get a traditional kebab.
Dalston offers more affordable accommodation than more central counterparts but is still relatively close to tourist hotspots, so it is definitely one to consider when looking for somewhere to stay in the city.
Best for: Young travellers and those seeking a vibrant nightlife.
- Trendy bars and music venues
- Multicultural atmosphere with diverse dining options.
- No tube station
- Less traditional tourist attractions
Notable Landmarks: Ridley Road Market, Dalston Culture House, Arcola Theatre, Dalston Eastern Curve Garden.
Top Accommodations:
- The Hoxton, Hackney
- Avo Hotel
10. Islington
Close to Kings Cross and Euston, Islington has fast become one of the best locations in London with a strong community feel.
With a contemporary but sophisticated feel to this North London area, the streets are lined with Georgian architecture but aside from the postcard scenery, there is also plenty to keep yourself entertained with. Head to Upper Street for some of the best boutique and independent stores, as well as some lively food and drink hotspots.
Tucked away just behind Upper Street is Camden Passage which is great for unique items from vintage clothing to antique jewellery.
Islington is also known for its theatres such as the internationally renowned Almeida, but if you are more into watching your shows on a screen then you cannot miss Screen on the Green.
Now known as Everyman on the Green, this is an iconic single screen cinema with luxury sofa seating, food and cocktails. Although a trip to the cinema isn’t always top of a holiday to-do list, this venue dates back to 1911 and played host to gigs by The Clash and The Sex Pistols, so it is a history lesson too!
Best for: Theatre-goers and foodies.
- Easy to get to Central London
- Plenty of local entertainment
- No famous landmarks in the area itself
- Less of a tourist area
Places of Interest: Almeida Theatre, Camden Passage, Canonbury Grove, Islington Green
Top Accommodations:
- Montcalm Royal London
- Yotel London City
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest places in London to stay?
Richmond and Maida Vale are known for their safety and peaceful environment.
Where should I stay in London to walk everywhere?
If you are keen on walking, there are lots of popular routes in the city. In fact, many of the city’s most popular tourist sites are no more than half hour apart from each other. Covent Garden, Regent’s Park, and Marylebone, in particular, offer central locations with most attractions within walking distance.
Where not to stay in London as a tourist?
Some areas outside central London lack tourist amenities and may not offer the best experience. Areas such as Tottenham, Peckham, Lewisham, and Brixton are all known to have higher crime rates so it may be best to avoid staying in these parts of the city.
What is the prettiest part of London?
Notting Hill and Richmond are renowned for their picturesque streets and scenic beauty. If you are after iconic scenery, you could also try Maida Vale or Regent’s Park. Both have beautiful green spaces, and canal or lakeside walks.
London Unlocked
London’s diverse neighbourhoods each offer their unique charm and attractions, offering a wide range of experiences. From serene parks and trendy shopping districts to historical richness and upscale areas, there’s a perfect spot for every visitor. Consider factors like accessibility, safety, and local vibe to find your ideal base in this vibrant city.
If you are looking for a home away from some luxury touches, book a stay at one of Sanctum’s three London locations here.
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