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Trying to figure out where to stay in London for your upcoming trip?
You’re not alone. With so many neighbourhoods and boroughs, it can be hard to know where to start. Some areas are ideal for sightseeing, great food and a proper London charm. Others might look well-connected on a map but feel far from the action and lack atmosphere. Where you stay really can shape your whole experience.
I’ve lived in London for nearly ten years and stayed in all kinds of places—from East London warehouses to quiet North London flats. I’ve also helped friends, family and readers pick the right spot for their trips. In this guide, I’ll share the areas and hotels I genuinely recommend (and a few I don’t), so you can find the best base for your perfect version of London.
Where to Stay in London – Best Areas & Tips from a Local
London is basically a city of villages, each with its own personality and perks. If you’re not local, it can be hard to know where to start, especially as it’s such an expensive place. Where you stay can shape your whole experience, whether you’re after culture, nightlife, leafy parks, or a bit of peace and quiet.
Below, I’ve broken down the best areas to stay in London based on what you’re looking for.
Quick Guide: Best Areas to Stay in London!
Bankside: Overall top pick – Central, walkable, cultural & calm(ish).
Covent Garden: First-time tourists – Classic London charm, theatres & shops.
Kings Cross: Budget stays & transport links – Handy, well-connected, surprisingly cool.
Shoreditch: Friends trip & nightlife – Trendy, buzzy, great food & bars.
Little Venice: Romantic couple’s escape – Pretty canals, peaceful strolls.
Greenwich: Family-friendly exploring – Leafy, spacious, packed with history.
London Fields: Been before? Try this! – Local, creative, effortlessly cool.
1. Bankside – Best Area to Stay Overall
This was a tough call because I love East London, but when it comes to where to stay in London, Bankside wins for me thanks to its unbeatable transport links. Staying near London Bridge means you’re still very central, with easy access to multiple tube lines and national rail, but the surrounding area has a more relaxed vibe. It strikes a rare London balance: well-connected, full of things to do, and genuinely cool without being overwhelming.
You’ve got foodie hotspots like Borough Market, Bermondsey Street (lined with restaurants and shops), and gems like José (a brilliant Spanish tapas bar), Flour & Grape (incredible pasta), and WatchHouse for great coffee. It’s also ideal for sightseeing. The Shard, Tower of London, and the Fashion & Textile Museum are all nearby, and you can walk along the Thames for some of the city’s best views.
Here are my Bankside accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: Bermonds Locke, Tower Bridge.
A trendy modern aparthotel with colourful, spacious studios and kitchenettes. Excellent for style on a budget, plus it’s very close to London Bridge and local nightlife. Prices start around £150/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: Native Bankside.
A sleek aparthotel just minutes from London Bridge and Borough Market. Each space features a kitchenette, perfect for a night or more. Prices start from around £180–230/night.
📍 Luxury Option: The Hoxton, Southwark.
Just a short walk from London Bridge, the Hoxton blends cool design with excellent city accommodation. With raw brick walls, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and playful touches in every room, it’s considered one of the most stylish boutique hotels in the area. Prices from around £300/night.
2. Covent Garden – Best Area for First-Time Tourists
You can’t get more central than Covent Garden, which makes it a brilliant choice for first-time visitors. It puts you right in the middle of London’s most iconic sights. Think Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster and the Thames—all within walking distance. You’re also close to Soho, the West End, Oxford Street, and the buzz that makes London so exciting.
There are some fantastic places to eat here too. Two of my faves are Fatt Pundit (incredible Indo-Chinese) and Bubala in nearby Soho (Middle Eastern small plates, my go-to birthday spot). For a quieter moment, wander up to the bar at the Royal Opera House. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and you don’t need a ticket to enjoy a drink with views over Covent Garden Piazza.
Of course, it is busy, which some will see as a con—but I think it’s part of the charm. It’s the hustle and bustle that makes London interesting, and there are plenty of tucked-away side streets to explore when you need a breather.
Here are my Covent Garden accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: The Z Hotel Covent Garden.
Super central with modern, compact rooms. Ideal if you want to be right in the action without spending loads. Around £90–£130/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: Middle Eight.
Sophisticated and fun, this eco-conscious hotel offers moody, modern rooms and a great restaurant/bar scene. Ideal for design lovers who want luxe on a mid to high-range budget. Prices from £250/night. Read my review here!
📍 Luxury Option: NoMad London.
Set in a Grade-II listed former magistrates’ court, this hotel combines high-end design, a dramatic central atrium, lively restaurant, and classy lounge. Prices start around £650/night so we’re talking mega luxe!
3. Kings Cross – Where to Stay in London on a Budget
Once you start leaving Zones 1 and 2, you’ll naturally find cheaper places to stay—but if you want to keep things central without breaking the bank, Kings Cross is a brilliant option.
Thanks to its international train station (hello Eurostar!), it’s packed with hotels and hostels catering to all budgets. The area has also undergone a big revamp in recent years, with loads of cool places to eat, drink, and hang out, such as Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square.
Here are my Kings Cross accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: The California Hotel.
A small Georgian townhouse just steps from King’s Cross. It’s cosy, characterful, and well-located—ideal for a short, affordable city break. Prices range from around £90–£110/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: The Standard London.
Mid-century chic meets playful design at this iconic hotel. Expect bold interiors, a rooftop bar, and a social atmosphere. It’s a super trendy stay in a great location, right oppostie St Pancras. Prices start around £200/night.
📍 Luxury Option: The Great Northern Hotel.
Refined and elegant, this historic hotel offers plush rooms and top-tier service. A perfect mix of old-school charm and modern comfort, right by Kings Cross Station. Prices from £300–£320/night.
4. Shoreditch – Best Place to Stay with Friends
Shoreditch is one of London’s most fun and creative areas, packed with amazing food, street art, pop-ups, and buzzing nightlife. It’s also cheaper (and arguably more fun) than going out in Soho or the West End, which makes it ideal for a weekend with friends.
There are loads of cool places to stay here—industrial-chic hotels, arty apartments, and stylish hostels that are way more fun than your average chain. You’re close to Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane, Spitalfields and loads of great bars and late-night spots, so you’ll never be bored (or far from good food!).
Here are my Shoreditch accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: CitizenM London Shoreditch.
Colourful and fun, citizenM centres on smart rooms, easy self check-in, and contemporary decor. A great budget choice in the middle of Shoreditch. Prices from around £135/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: One Hundred Shoreditch.
Scandi-minimalist design meets East London vibes. With a rooftop terrace, moody interiors and creative communal spaces, it’s highly photogenic and quietly boujie. Prices from around £249/night.
📍 Luxury Option: Redchurch Townhouse.
Redchurch Townhouse is part of the Soho House family but unusually, open to all. Rooms here channel mid-century glamour with velvet sofas and terrazzo floors—super Instagramable yet surprisingly cosy. £300–400/night.
5. Little Venice – Best Place to Stay for Couples
Honestly, anywhere on this list could work for couples—it all depends on your vibe. My partner and I would happily stay in Shoreditch or Bermondsey for example, especially if we’re after something a bit more lively or cool.
But if you’re looking for something quiet, pretty and romantic, Little Venice is such a lovely option. Think peaceful canal walks, leafy streets, and dinner overlooking the water at Café Laville (I rate it more for the atmosphere than the food, but still!).
The Waterway is another great date spot, and you’re not far from Notting Hill either, which feels romantic by default, though maybe I’ve just watched Notting Hill too many times.
Here are my Little Venice accommodation recommendations:
📍 Mid Range Option: Boutique Barges.
If you’re looking for something unique, this charming canal boat offers a cosy bedroom, fireplace, and terrace. It doesn’t get more romantic! Prices start from around £300/night.
📍 Luxury Option: Europa House Apartments.
Elegant apartments in a Regency-style building, just by the water’s edge. With spacious rooms, kitchenettes, and access to private gardens, they feel like a peaceful home away from home. Prices from around £500/night.
6. Greenwich – Best Area to Stay with a Family
Greenwich is one of the most family-friendly parts of London and a popular place for families to live too. It’s green, relaxed, and feels a bit slower-paced than the city centre, which can be a nice break when travelling with kids.
There’s also loads to keep little ones entertained—Greenwich Park is lovely and there is the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory all within walking distance. Plus, it’s well connected with the DLR and Thames Clipper, making getting into central London easy (and a boat ride is always a hit with kids).
Here are my Greenwich accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: The Mitre.
A beautiful hotel and pub with views of the Thames and Greenwich Park opposite. Classic décor and traditional charm—perfect if you want heritage feel in a lovely setting. Prices from around £125/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: InterContinental at The O2.
Spacious modern rooms, a marina-side setting, and a rooftop area with skyline views. Only a short boat or rail link from all the central Greenwich attractions. Not the trendiest spot on the list but a great option when travelling with kids. Prices from around £200/night.
7. London Fields – Best Place to Stay if You’ve Been to London Before
As I mentioned, this was a tough call because I really do love East London. But since London Fields relies more on buses and the Overground, it just missed out on my top pick for where to stay.
That said, if you’ve been to London before and want a more local, authentic experience for your second trip, London Fields is such a great choice. It’s full of character and charm—less polished than central areas, but all the better for it.
You’ve got the park on your doorstep, Broadway Market, amazing coffee shops, pubs, and some of the best food in the city (I dream about Pocket constantly). It’s cool, creative, and a place where people actually live—ideal if you want to feel part of the city, not just pass through it.
Here are my London Fields accommodation recommendations:
📍 Budget Option: Old Ship Inn Hackney.
A basic but welcoming inn with ten individually styled rooms above a classic pub. Just a 5-minute walk from London Fields and discounted meals for guests! Prices from around £70–95/night.
📍 Mid-Range Option: Mama Shelter.
The fun aesthetic makes Mama Shelter a standout for anyone looking to enjoy Hackney. About a 10-minute walk to London Fields and just opposite Ozone Coffee (a local favourite). Prices from approx. £110/night.
📍 Luxury Option: Town Hall Hotel & Apartments.
Blurring the lines between mid-range and luxury, with spacious suites, glam interiors, and an on-site cocktail bar. This option is also about a 10-15 minute walk from London Fields. Prices from around £200–230/night.
Where to Avoid Staying in London
There are a few areas I’d recommend avoiding—not because they’re unsafe, but because they’re just not that enjoyable to stay in. The City (aka the Square Mile) might sound exciting, but it’s really just London’s financial district. It empties out after office hours, so it can feel a bit lifeless in the evenings and at weekends.
I’d also skip Mayfair. It’s incredibly expensive and, while beautiful, a bit soulless. It’s more luxury shopping and embassies than a lived-in neighbourhood, so you’re better off spending your money elsewhere. Camden’s a miss for me too—there’s plenty to do, but it’s so busy and a bit scruffy to work well as a base.
Finally, anything further than Zone 4 is probably too far. London is huge, and staying that far out will just eat into your time (and energy). I’d also avoid going much further south than Bermondsey for similar reasons—public transport gets patchier, and you’ll spend more time commuting than exploring. Safety-wise, central London is generally safe for tourists and solo female travellers, so it’s more about location and vibe than anything else.
FAQs – Where to Stay in London
Here are a few quick answers to help you choose the right spot (especially if you’re short on time or just feeling overwhelmed!).
Which area of London is best to stay in?
Bankside, Covent Garden, Kings Cross, Shoreditch… basically anywhere on this list, depending on what you’re after. My top pick overall is Bankside—but if you’ve been to London before, I’d go for London Fields or Shoredtich which are both in Hackney. There is so much to do in the area.
What is the best area of London to stay for a weekend?
All the places I’ve chosen are within about half an hour of central London. For a short trip, I’d focus on staying close to the things you most want to see—it’ll save you loads of time and make your trip feel more relaxed.
Where to stay in London for one night only?
If you’re in London for just one night, Kings Cross is a solid choice. It’s close to three major train stations (St Pancras, King’s Cross and Euston), with direct links to all of London’s airports. Plus, it plonks you right in the middle of the city so you can easily make the most of your time.
What is the safest part of London to stay in?
Honestly, safety isn’t something I’d stress about when choosing where to stay. London is generally very safe for tourists, especially in central areas. Stick to well-known neighbourhoods and you’ll be absolutely fine.
Round up: Where to Stay in London Area Guide!
I hope this guide has made choosing where to stay in London feel a little less overwhelming. Whether you’re after iconic landmarks or hidden gems, there’s a corner of the city that’s perfect for you.
London can be pricey and sprawling, but staying in the right area makes all the difference. With the right base, it’s easier to explore, soak up the atmosphere, and really enjoy everything this brilliant city has to offer. Happy travels—and wherever you stay, I hope you love London as much as I do.
