This is a post about best places to stay in London for tourists.
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Best Places to Stay in London for Tourists: Neighbourhoods, Hotels and Tips for First-Time Visitors
Choosing where to stay in London can feel overwhelming. The city is huge, wildly varied and every neighbourhood offers a completely different experience. What works perfectly for a first-time visitor might feel dull for someone visiting for the fifth time and a “cheap” area on paper might cost you more in transport and time than staying centrally.
This guide breaks down the best places to stay in London for tourists by neighbourhood focusing on safety, transport, atmosphere and value for money. Whether you’re visiting London for the first time, travelling as a couple, looking for budget-friendly options or hoping to stay somewhere a little more unusual, this post will help you choose the right base.
Quick Guide: Where to Stay in London
If you just want the short answer before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview.
- First time in London: Covent Garden, South Bank, Kensington, Bloomsbury
- Best central locations for sightseeing: Westminster, Southbank, Covent Garden
- Young adults and nightlife: Soho, Shoreditch, Hackney
- Calmest areas: Kensington, Chelsea
- Budget-friendly neighbourhoods: King’s Cross, Shepherd’s Bush
- Quirky or unusual stays: East London warehouses, canal boats, historic pubs with rooms
Covent Garden and Soho
If this is your first trip to London and you want to be right in the middle of everything, Covent Garden and Soho are hard to beat. These neighbourhoods sit in the heart of the West End, within walking distance of major attractions like Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, the British Museum and countless theatres.
Staying here means you can explore much of central London on foot, which is ideal for short trips and first-time visitors who don’t want to spend too much time navigating public transport. The area is lively from morning until late at night, with street performers, restaurants, pubs and cultural venues everywhere.
The downside is that accommodation here tends to be more expensive and it can be noisy, especially on weekends. That said, if convenience and atmosphere matter more than quiet evenings, this is one of the best places to stay in London for tourists.
Where to Stay in Covent Garden and Soho
Best Places to Stay in London for First-Time Visitors
You’ll find a mix of boutique hotels, historic properties and a few surprisingly good-value options tucked away on side streets. Soho also has some of the best cheap places to stay in central London if you’re willing to compromise on room size rather than location.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
My partner and I like to get a hotel in Central London every once in a while for a change and we actually stayed literally steps away from Covent Garden just last week for £112. WITH BREAKFAST! We were trying out the Strand Palace Hotel where his parents like to stay normally and, for that price (mind you, it was January!), it was a definite steal.
The location is absolutely perfect: the Strand, a quintessentially London street just a few steps away from the Covent Garden piazza and just across the bridge from Waterloo and the Southbank. We got dinner nearby then he went off to watch the NFL and I went for a walk around to take photos of London at night.
Breakfast the next day was a little busy but fine. The buffet offered a lot of variety for all kinds of dietary needs.
Kensington and Bayswater
Safe and Elegant Areas to Stay in London
Kensington is one of the safest and most polished areas in London, making it particularly popular with families, solo travellers and visitors who value calm surroundings. The area is home to wide streets, beautiful townhouses and some of London’s best museums, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the V&A and the popular Notting Hill neighbourhood.
It’s an excellent base if you want a more relaxed experience while still being well connected to central London. South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations offer quick Underground access and Hyde Park is right on your doorstep. You can literally walk to the very centre of London by crossing the park!
Accommodation here ranges from luxury hotels to mid-range options that offer good value considering the area. While it’s not the cheapest part of the city, it’s one of the most comfortable places to stay in London for first-time visitors who prioritise safety and walkability.
I’ve also included Bayswater here which is not exactly in Kensington, it’s already part of City of Westminster but it’s literally just a few steps away and a very popular area for tourists looking for a central place to stay.
Bayswater is right across the north part of Hyde Park and just east of Notting Hill – it’s about a 10min from Notting Hill station! You’ll find lots of indie restaurants, coffee shops and excellent transport. You can walk to Marble Arch and Oxford Circus in about 30min either via the road of Hyde Park. It’s also very close to Paddington train station if you’re travelling to/from the likes of Bath, the Cotswolds and Cornwall.
Where to Stay in Kensington
Kensington is ideal if you want a classic London experience. Many hotels here feel traditional and refined and it’s a great area if you’re travelling with parents, kids or want something quieter than Soho. Or maybe you’re after that Pinterest look! Kensington is definitely “that girl”.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
I haven’t personally stayed at the London House Hotel but my best friend did and highly recommends it! We’ve travelled together a lot and I trust her judgement. Also, it’s a very affordable option in an excellent location. Close enough to Westbourne Grove where you’ll find excellent food options like Sunday in Brooklyn for the best (if pricey!) praline pancake!
Bloomsbury and King’s Cross
Central and Budget-Friendly Areas for Tourists
Bloomsbury is one of London’s most underrated neighbourhoods for visitors. Known for its literary history and elegant garden squares, it offers a calm, intellectual atmosphere while being extremely central. The British Museum is here, as well as several major universities.
King’s Cross, just to the north, has transformed dramatically over the last decade. It’s now a vibrant area with excellent transport connections, making it one of the most practical places to stay in London on a budget. From here, you can easily reach other parts of the city and even travel outside London.
These areas are ideal if you want a central location without the premium prices of Soho or Covent Garden. They’re also great if you’re arriving by train or flying in late, as transport links run frequently.
Where to Stay in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross
You’ll find affordable hotels, small guesthouses and modern chain hotels offering good value. This is one of the best areas in London if you want to balance cost, location and comfort.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
I’ve actually never stayed around Kings Cross and Bloomsbury so I won’t add a recommendation here. If any hotels in the area would like to introduce themselves to me, please feel free to get in touch!
Shoreditch and East London
Coolest Neighbourhoods to Stay in London
Shoreditch and the surrounding parts of East London are perfect for travellers who want something trendier and more creative. This area is known for street art, independent shops, nightlife and some of the city’s best food markets.
It’s especially popular with young adults, creatives and repeat visitors who want to experience a different side of London. The vibe is more relaxed and experimental, and accommodation often comes in the form of boutique hotels or converted industrial buildings.
While Shoreditch isn’t as close to traditional landmarks, it’s well connected by public transport and offers a more local, lived-in feel than central tourist zones.
Where to Stay in Shoreditch
This area is great if you’re looking for quirky places to stay in London or hotels with personality. It’s also one of the best places to stay in London for young adults who want nightlife on their doorstep.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
“Where to stay in London” is possibly what I’m mostly asked when people are planning their trips so I’ve been wanting to write this post for a while. In my mind, I was going to say right from the get go, Mama Shelter is the best hotel. Imagine my surprise when I found out they CLOSED! I’m so sad! RIP Mama Shelter London. They were literally doing fondue nights just a few days ago!
I do have an alternative in the area though… a couple of New Year’s Eve ago I stayed at the nhow in Old Street and really enjoyed it! Their breakfast buffet was very close to the outstanding Mama Shelter one. The rooms were quirky, staff was friendly. But have I told you about the breakfast? That’s my main criteria when choosing hotels! 😂
I’m telling you, some of my best London tips in this travel blog revolve around food! In fact, since you seem to be planning a trip to London, here are some articles you should read:
The Ultimate Guide to the Best London Food Markets
All the Foods You Must Eat in London: Famous Foods, Viral Snacks and Iconic Spots
Best British Food in London: 16 Most Popular Dishes and Where to Eat Them
Ultimate London 1 Day Itinerary (by a local!)
Southbank and Waterloo
Central, Walkable and Scenic
The South Bank is one of the most convenient areas to stay in London for sightseeing. From here, you can walk along the Thames to landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
It’s a fantastic option for short trips and first-time visitors who want iconic views and easy access to attractions. The area has a lively daytime atmosphere, with cultural venues like the National Theatre and Tate Modern, while evenings tend to be calmer than in Soho.
Hotels here often offer excellent views and modern facilities, and transport connections via Waterloo make it easy to get around the city.
Where to Stay on the South Bank
South Bank hotels are ideal if you want to maximise sightseeing time and enjoy river walks, especially if you’re visiting London for just a few days.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
Last year I stayed at the H10 in Waterloo – great location, great breakfast! The room had floor to ceiling windows and they also have a rooftop bar with a great view (including the London Eye!).
I’m also going to recommend an even closer hotel, Ruby Lucy for its quirky decor and great location!
North London
Affordable and Well Connected Areas to Stay
North London offers some of the most budget-friendly places to stay in London without feeling disconnected from the city. Areas like Camden and parts of Islington provide good transport links, lively neighbourhoods and more affordable accommodation options.
This is a good choice if you’re staying longer, travelling on a tighter budget or don’t mind a short Tube ride into central London. While Islington feels more residential and less touristy, which many visitors appreciate, the heart of Camden is VERY touristy. It used to be a really cool, punky, rocky area where I spent most of my early 20s. It’s now been gentrified like most of the city but it still holds a certain edge over other areas.
Where to Stay in North London
North London is ideal if you’re looking for cheap places to stay in London that still feel safe and well connected. It’s also a good option for repeat visitors who don’t need to be right next to major attractions.
*ESLA RECOMMENDS*
I haven’t got a recommendation for North London either but if any hotels would like to introduce me to their establishments, please get in touch!
Unusual and Quirky Places to Stay in London
If you’re looking for something a little different, London has no shortage of quirky accommodation options. From canal boats and converted warehouses to historic pubs with rooms, there are plenty of unusual places to stay that can make your trip memorable.
East London is particularly good for this along the canals. These options often appeal to couples, creatives and travellers who value experience over traditional hotel stays.
These stays are best booked early, as they tend to be limited in number and popular year-round.
How to Choose the Best Area for Your Trip
The best neighbourhood to stay in London depends entirely on your travel style, budget and priorities. If you’re visiting for the first time and want to see as much as possible, central areas like Covent Garden, Southbank and Kensington are worth the higher price. If you’re travelling on a budget or staying longer, Bloomsbury, King’s Cross and parts of North and East London offer excellent value.
London’s public transport makes it easy to get around, so being slightly further out doesn’t mean missing out as long as you choose an area with good connections. London is BIG so you can actually find way cheaper places to stay past zone 2 but I wouldn’t recommend staying so far out that you spend a lot of time on public transport. It really depends on your travel plans and itinerary. If you’ve got a list of places you’d like to see in London and want a personalised recommendation, feel free to drop a comment below.
Choosing the right base can completely shape your experience of the city and hopefully this guide makes that decision a little easier.
This was a post about best places to stay in London for tourists.
