Where to Stay in London: Best Areas for Landmarks, Culture & Cool East-End Vibes

Where to Stay in London: Best Areas for Landmarks, Culture & Cool East-End Vibes

Top London Neighbourhoods to Stay

Planning Your London Stay? Here’s Where to Be!

Choosing where to stay in London can feel like magic—or madness—with so many incredible neighborhoods to explore. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, finding the right location can make all the difference in how you experience the city.

For iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London, base yourself near Westminster, Southbank, or London Bridge. Prefer museums, theatre, and riverside strolls? Covent Garden, Charing Cross, and Trafalgar Square put you at the heart of London’s cultural scene. Or unwind in leafy Kensington, close to the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Hyde Park.

Want something more offbeat? Head east to Brick Lane, Spitalfields, or Whitechapel, where street art, global eats, vintage markets, and rooftop views from the Sky Garden bring a creative edge to your stay.

London’s got something magical waiting just around the corner wherever you are.

South Bank’s Calling! Iconic Views, Vibes & Vintage Markets?  

Looking for the perfect place to stay in London that isn’t miles away from the action (or your next snack)? Say hello to South Bank. 

Locals in the know love it for its walkable riverside magic, iconic views of Big Ben and the London Eye, St. Gabriel’s Wharf for some quirky shopping, dinner at the Oxo Tower, cocktails at the Sea Container Hotel (voted best cocktail bar in the world) and a cheeky stop at Borough Market for a nibble (or five). 

From cultural hotspots like Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern to rooftop cocktails with a view, it’s the London you thought only existed in movies. And yes, there are plenty of hotel options for every budget. Trust us…this is our first choice for first time visitors.

Why Southbank is our top neighbourhood to stay in London? We won’t miss…

• BFI Southbank – Explore over 95,000 archived films and TV shows for free in their digital viewing spaces.
• Leake Street Tunnel – Wander through an ever-changing canvas of graffiti art beneath Waterloo Station.
• National Theatre – Get a glimpse behind the scenes with workshops, set designs, and backstage tours.
• Illuminated River – See the Thames bridges lit up with mesmerizing LED art installations at night.
• The London Dungeon – Dive into London’s darker history with live performances and interactive exhibits.

Best Hotels in Southbank:

Luxury Hotels

• Sea Containers London – Inspired by 1920s transatlantic cruise liners, this 5-star hotel offers stylish rooms, a riverside restaurant, rooftop bar, and an on-site spa. Located directly on the Thames, it’s a short walk from the Tate Modern and National Theatre.
• London Marriott Hotel County Hall – Situated in a historic building adjacent to the London Eye, this hotel provides elegant rooms with river views, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Its central location offers easy access to Westminster and South Bank attractions.
• Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London – Offering contemporary design, this hotel features spacious rooms, multiple dining options, a spa, and an indoor pool. It’s ideally located near the London Eye and Houses of Parliament.

Boutique Hotels

• Bankside Hotel, Autograph Collection – A design-led hotel with a focus on art and culture, it offers stylish rooms, a vibrant restaurant, and communal space. Located near the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
• The Hoxton, Southwark – This trendy hotel features industrial-chic rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a lively lobby bar. It’s within walking distance to Borough Market and the Southbank Centre.
• Ruby Lucy Hotel London – A short walk from the river and Waterloo Station, this hotel offers modern rooms with a carnival-inspired design, a cozy bar, and easy access to London’s top landmark.

Budget Hotels

• Premier Inn London County Hall – Located in the historic County Hall building, this hotel offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price, just steps from the London Eye and South Bank attractions.
• Travelodge London Central Southwark – A budget-friendly option offering basic amenities and comfortable rooms, situated close to the Tate Modern and Southwark Station.
• ibis London Blackfriars – This modern hotel provides compact rooms with essential amenities, located near Blackfriars Station and within walking distance to the South Bank.

Stay in Charing Cross, Covent Garden and Victoria – Central London Convenience Near Iconic Attractions

Royal Vibes or Theatre Nights? Why Not Both!

Location isn’t just about convenience; it’s about vibes. The Victoria Station area is calm, classy, and oh-so-well connected. Walk to Buckingham Palace, wander St. James’s Park for coffee and see whether you can spot a pelican, and grab a bite at Market Halls (London’s answer to a food court glow-up). 

Covent Garden and Charing Cross are the beating heart of culture! Think theatre shows, boutique shopping, Neal’s Yard lattes, and sneaky detours to hidden pubs like the 17th Century The Lamb and Flag. Of course, you can snap a few photos at Trafalgar Square and visit The  National Gallery and British Museum which are just stone throw away.

Why Charing Cross, Covent Garden and Victoria is our Top Neighbourhood to stay in London? We won’t miss…

1. Attend a Performance at the Royal Opera House – Experience world-class opera and ballet at the historic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Beyond performances, the venue offers behind-the-scenes tours and free lunchtime concerts.
2. Explore the London Transport Museum – Delve into London’s transport history at the London Transport Museum, located in Covent Garden’s former flower market building. Discover vintage vehicles and interactive exhibits suitable for all age.
3. Shop at Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard – Wander through the Seven Dials area, where seven streets converge, offering a mix of independent boutiques and cafes. Don’t miss the colourful Neal’s Yard courtyard, known for its vibrant facades and organic eateries.
4. Visit The Sherlock Holms Pub – Step into a Victorian-themed pub dedicated to the famous detective. Located near Charing Cross, it features a replica of Holmes’ study and a collection of memorabilia.
5. Listen to Live Music at St Martin-in-the Fields – Attend a classical concert at this iconic church near Trafalgar Square. Known for its acoustics, it hosts regular performances by renowned musicians.

Best Hotels in Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Victoria

• The Resident, Covent Garden – Known for its excellent service and central location, offering rooms with kitchenette.
• Henrietta Hotel, Covent Garden – A chic hotel with individually designed rooms and a vibrant atmosphere, located on Henrietta Street.

Budget Hotels

• Premier Inn across London – A reliable budget option offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location near Victoria Station
• Z Hotel, Victoria, Charing Cross & Covent Garden – Compact rooms with modern design, located close to Victoria Station
• Travelodge London Covent Garden – A budget hotel providing basic comforts and a central location, Victoria

Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Whitechapel  – Stay in Cool and Edgy East London

Skip the Royals, Stay with the Rebels!

Step into the real, raw, ridiculously cool side of the city: East London. While Kensington has its museums, Covent Garden its boutiques, and Victoria its regal calm, East London serves you grit with glamour. Think street art that rivals the Tate, rooftop bars buzzing with creatives, and curry houses that’ll make you weep (in the best way).

Wake up steps from Shoreditch’s markets, grab a salt beef bagel at 2 am on Brick Lane, and hop on a train from Liverpool Street to anywhere. You’ll find culture, connection, and character—without blowing your hotel budget. And if you are after a special boutique hotel stay or a converted former silk factory with Michelin star restaurant and to die-for cocktails, check out the hotel section below.

Why Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Whitechapel is our top neighbourhood to stay in London? We won’t miss…

1. Vintage Shopping at Brick Lane Market – Browse through eclectic vintage boutiques, quirky market stalls, tasty bites at the street food trucks in Ely’s Yard and find retro treasures every Sunday.
2. Street Art Tour in Shoreditch – Join a guided walk to spot vibrant murals by world-renowned street artists like Banksy and ROA hidden around every corner.
3. Columbia Road Flower Market – Spend your Sunday mornings exploring this vibrant market filled with beautiful blooms, trendy cafés, and unique independent boutiques.
4. Boxpark Shoreditch – This pop-up mall made from shipping containers is packed with street food vendors, indie fashion, and local art—perfect for a trendy afternoon break.
5. Dennis Severs’ House – Step into a living time capsule in nearby Spitalfields, where each room tells a vivid story of a family of Huguenot silk weavers from the 18th to 20th centuries.

Best Hotels in Shoreditch, Spitalfields and Whitechapel:

Luxury Hotels

• Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch – Housed in a historic Grade II-listed building, this 5-star hotel combines classic architecture with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar with panoramic city views, a spa, and a cinema.
• Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch – Located in the heart of Shoreditch, this stylish hotel offers contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options. It’s perfect for travellers seeking a vibrant atmosphere.
• Art’otel London Hoxton – An art-inspired hotel featuring works by renowned artists, it boasts a rooftop restaurant, wellness facilities, and spacious rooms with modern amenities.

Boutique Hotels

• Batty Langley’s – Situated near Spitalfields Market, this boutique hotel offers rooms adorned with antique furnishings and period details, providing a unique and cozy experience.
• Redchurch Townhouse by Soho House – Located in the heart of Shoreditch, this hotel combines vintage charm with modern comfort. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and easy access to local attraction.
• New Road Hotel – Set in a converted textile factory in Whitechapel, this hotel offers minimalist design, a restaurant by Marco Pierre White, and communal spaces for relaxation.

Budget Hotels

• Ibis Budget London Whitechapel – Brick Lane A no-frills hotel offering clean and modern rooms at an affordable price. It’s conveniently located near Brick Lane and public transport links.
• Point A Hotel London – Liverpool Street This budget-friendly hotel provides compact rooms with essential amenities. t’s a short walk from Spitalfields Market and Liverpool Street Station.
• Hub by Premier Inn London Spitalfields, Brick Lane Offering smartly designed rooms with high-tech features, this hotel is situated close to Brick Lane’s vibrant scene.

Stay in Kensington: Elegant Hotels, Museums, and Royal Charm in London’s Premier Neighbourhood

Let us introduce you to Kensington — where leafy parks, iconic museums, and stylish shopping come together in one beautifully calm neighbourhood.

Step outside your hotel and stroll to the Natural History Museum, V&A, or Royal Albert Hall. Spend your mornings in Kensington Gardens, sipping coffee by the Italian Fountains, or walking past Kensington Palace like it’s just another Tuesday.

With Knightsbridge shopping, elegant pubs, and fine dining just around the corner — and quick Tube access to everywhere else — you’ll feel like you’ve found London’s best-kept secret.

Why Kensington is our Top Neighbourhood to stay in London? We won’t miss…

• Step into a Victorian Artist’s Dream at Leighton House Museum – Explore a spectacularly ornate home filled with Victorian art and design.
• Experience a Jurassic Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel – Enjoy dino-themed treats and fossils with your tea!
• Discover the Tranquility of Kyoto Garden in Holland Park – Find your zen among koi ponds and waterfalls in this peaceful Japanese garden.
• Explore Bute Street’s French Flair – Indulge in Parisian vibes with French cafés, bookstores, and cinema experiences.
• Illuminate Your Day at Ann’s Lighting Shop – Browse whimsical lamps and find a unique souvenir from this Royal Warrant-holding shop.

Best Hotels in Kensington

Luxury Hotels

• The Kensington Hotel – A 5-star hotel located in South Kensington, offering luxury accommodations near The Royal Albert Hall, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Harrods
• The Milestone Hotel & Residences – A five-star boutique hotel situated at 1 Kensington Court, overlooking Kensington Gardens

Boutique Hotels

• The Ampersand Hotel – A luxurious 5-star boutique hotel in South Kensington
• Number Sixteen – A boutique hotel located in the heart of South Kensington, featuring a tree-filled private garden and close proximity to Hyde Park and renowned museum.

Budget Hotels

• Point A Hotel London – A budget boutique hotel offering a warm and inviting atmosphere with various room options, located in Kensington.
• Premier Inn – A reliable budget option offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location near Victoria Station

Other Great Locations to Stay in London

1. Marylebone
Charming, elegant, and village-like, Marylebone is perfect for those who love boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and proximity to Regent’s Park and the West End—without the heavy tourist crowds.

2. Notting Hill
Famous for its pastel houses, Portobello Road Market, and artsy vibe, Notting Hill offers a relaxed yet fashionable atmosphere. Ideal for romantic getaways or Instagram-perfect strolls.

3. King’s Cross & St. Pancras
This fast-evolving area is now a hotspot with cool hotels, restaurants, and the gorgeous Coal Drops Yard shopping and dining hub—plus unbeatable train connections across London and Europe.

4. Soho
Bustling with nightlife, theatres, and endless dining options, Soho is perfect if you want to be right in the thick of London’s energy, just steps from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly.

5. Greenwich
A historic riverside area packed with charm—think the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and beautiful parks. It’s a quieter spot with a strong local feel, yet just a scenic boat ride from central London.

You are definitely spoiled for choice. Why not pick a different location on each visit? Experience London like a local. Want more ideas, please Contact Us.

Other Useful Links

Here are more links to help you to plan your visit to London. These are services we have actually used with good reliable service. Some are our affiliate partners where we may receive commission but it will be at no extra cost to you.

If you have further questions, please Contact us.

1. Planning London Underground (Tube) journey: London Transport Route Planner
2. Travel with Contactless (Credit Card) or Oyster card: Contactless or Oyster card
3. Planning short trips from London to the rest of the country: Book Your Train Tickets at Trainline.com
4. Cheap theatre tickets: Official London Discount Tickets TKTS You can also visit Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. (I once got tickets for £28 discounted price with Carol King surprise appearance in her musical!!!)
5. Best value budget hotel at great locations: Premier Inn for London and UK