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Planning your first trip to London and wondering where to stay? Choosing the right neighborhood can completely shape your experience. London is made up of dozens of unique areas, each offering different attractions, price points, and atmospheres.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to London solo, for work, with my family, and with friends. Each visit to London has been unique, and I leave each time with a new favorite thing to do or eat.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in London for first-time visitors, solo travelers, families, and luxury travelers. You’ll also find hotel recommendations for every budget, plus practical tips for navigating the city. All of the best neighborhoods fit in perfectly to my 6 Day London itinerary for first-time visitors!
| NEIGHBORHOOD | BEST FOR | BUDGET |
| City of London | First-time visitors, history | $$$ |
| South Kensington | Museums, families, luxury | $$$ |
| Notting Hill | Charm, cafés, couples | $$ |
| Shoreditch | Nightlife, food, young travelers | $$ |
| Earl’s Court | Budget travelers, convenience | $$ |
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in London
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. London is a sprawling city with dozens of distinct neighborhoods – each offering a unique experience.
When it comes to the best areas to stay in London, my top tip when booking accommodations in London is to stay near a Tube station. (Tube station, underground, and subway all mean the same thing.) Being near a tube station allows you to navigate around the city quicker and easier.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, traveling on a budget, or looking for a luxury getaway, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay in London, with hotel tips to suit every type of traveler.
City of London
Best for: First Time Visit to London
When people talk about London, they’re usually referring to the massive, diverse metropolis that spans across 32 boroughs and is home to nearly 9 million people. But within this huge area lies a tiny, historic heart known as The City of London. It’s often just called “the City” or “the Square Mile.”
The City of London is the original London, founded by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. It’s basically the Wall Street of London – you can find the London Stock Exchange and Bank of England in this area.
Hotel Recommendations for City of London:
- Budget: Locke at Broken Wharf – This area is hard to stay within budget, but this a great price with access to a kitchen.
- Solo: YHA London St Paul’s – a Hostel when solo is the way to go if you’re looking to save money.
- Midrange: Club Quarters – I actually splurged on staying here solo, but the location was everything. This area has proof of old London: with the old narrow streets designed wide enough for buggies. Located right across Leadenhall market and pockets of proof that Old London existed. The market might remind you of Harry Potter and I recommend walking through it.
- Splurge: Vintry & Mercer Hotel – A small luxury hotel that pays attention to every detail.
South Kensington
Best for: Hyde Park, Museums, and upscale residential vibes.
South Kensington is one of my favorite areas in London. It’s a royal borough and wealthy residential area known for museum and gardens. When people talk about where to stay in London, this neighborhood is high on the list.
Hotel Recommendations for South Kensington:
- Budget: The Montana – This is definitely not the range I’d usually classify as budget, but this area is a little pricey. However, Kensington is worth budgeting a little extra to stay here.
- Solo: The Villa Kensington – A single room with a twin bed here is $83 a night, which is very well priced for this area.
- Mid-Range: The Other House – Truthfully, this is one of the better hotels I’ve stayed in for my travels in Europe. Kitty corner from a Gail’s bakery, walking distance to the Parent Trap house, and the bar in the hotel? There were so many places accessible to this hotel that made the stay well worth it.
- Splurge: The Adria – Stunning is an understatement for this hotel. Perfectly situated between two tube stations and Harrods is less than 20 minutes away. This would be a dream London splurge stay in my favorite part of London.
Shoreditch
Best for: street art, vibrant nightlife, and a younger crowd.
Shoreditch is considered a more trendy neighborhood in London, and more central to everything. If you’re looking to enjoy London’s nightlife, staying in Shoreditch puts you in a great spot for that.
Hotel Recommendations for Shoreditch:
- Budget: The Shoreditch Inn – A little over $100 a night and it still has air conditioning.
- Solo: St. Christopher’s Inn Liverpool Street – A hostel is an opportunity to meet like minded people. This is one of the best spots in London for nightlife as well!
- Mid-Range: Boundary Shoreditch – a 5-Star hotel experience that’s considered a hidden gem. I always appreciate a 24-hour front desk for comfort and convenience, which the Boundary has.
- Splurge: Virgin Hotels London – What a hotel. I always feel special when bathrobes are waiting in the room. Not only is this hotel highly rated, but the location is tough to beat.
Notting Hill
Best for: Charming streets, colorful houses, cafés, local markets, and a classic London experience.
If you’ve ever pictured London’s pastel-colored homes, flower-covered cafés, and picturesque streets, you’ve probably imagined Notting Hill. Located in West London, this neighborhood feels like a small village tucked inside one of the world’s largest cities.
Notting Hill is famous for Portobello Road Market, one of the largest antique markets in the world, along with its beautiful Victorian townhouses and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a fantastic area for first-time visitors who want a quieter stay while still having easy Tube access to central London.
I especially recommend Notting Hill for couples, families, and travelers who enjoy wandering neighborhoods rather than rushing between major attractions. Some of London’s most photogenic streets can be found here.
Hotel Recommendations for Notting Hill:
- Budget: Princes Square Hotel – A highly rated hotel that’s budget-friendly!
- Hostel: Onefam Notting Hill – The ideal choice if you’re on a budget and hoping to meet other travelers.
- Solo: Princes Square Hotel – A highly rated hotel that’s budget-friendly for a solo traveler without compromising safety (24-hour front desk) and location.
- Mid-range: RB Portobello – The convenience of a kitchenette while in an expensive city like London is a luxury. This is also steps away from the Portobello market!
- Splurge: Hilton London Hyde Park – It’s hard to beat the location of this 4-star hotel (bonus points if you’re a Hilton Member and earn loyalty points too)
- Where I like to stay: The Abbey Notting Hill – the staff, location, and amenities are everything you need for a cozy stay in the charming neighborhood.
Earl’s Court
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, longer stays, and easy Tube access.
Earl’s Court is one of London’s most underrated neighborhoods for visitors. Located in West London, it offers excellent transportation connections, more affordable hotels than nearby Kensington, and a quieter local feel. It’s especially popular with first-time visitors looking to balance convenience and budget.
I remember waking up early on this trip, stepping out of the hotel with no cell service, and no plan. Within a 20 minute walk I found myself in front of Kensington Palace. I was 19 at the time and it completely solidified my love for London.
Hotel Recommendations for Earl’s Court:
- Budget: Heeton Concept Hotel – For a little more than $100 a night, this is going to be a great budget option.
- Hostel: Saint James Backpackers – An unreal price and even better location as the location is on the cusp of Earl’s Court and South Kensington.
- Solo: Mornington Hotel – A clean, highly rated hotel for solo travelers.
- Mid-Range: Trebovir Hotel – I’ve stayed here solo, but the prices have increased since my stay. I felt extremely safe here with 24-hour concierge and it was a short walk to the tube.
- Splurge: If you’re going to splurge and want to stay near Earl’s Court, you should splurge in Kensington instead!
What to Know Before you go
Public Transit
I am a huge advocate for public transportation! London has a great public system if you’re keen on getting places quicker.
You can get an Oyster card, which is the most affordable way to get around on the Tube, buses, and trains. You can use a contactless card or Apple/Google Pay instead of buying a separate card.
Pack
Depending on the time of year, the weather will be different. Overall, pack with layers just in case it’s warmer or colder (or rainier) than predicted.
Cash/Card
Before Covid, most cities in Europe preferred cash. That’s really not the case anymore, as I never took out cash on this trip. Before you go, check with your bank and see if there’s a higher fee associated with using the ATM or using your credit card so you can plan accordingly.
Misc.
I recommend carrying around a refillable water bottle. The worst thing you can do on day one is to let yourself become dehydrated and then be tired and sore the rest of your trip.
London is a great destination for your first time to Europe.
FAQ About Where to Stay in London
What is the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors?
The City of London and South Kensington are excellent choices for first-time visitors because they offer easy access to major attractions, public transportation, and historic landmarks.
Is London walkable?
Many London neighborhoods are highly walkable, but the city is large. Staying near a Tube station makes it much easier to get around efficiently.
How many days should you spend in London?
For a first visit, 4–5 days is ideal. This gives you enough time to see major attractions, explore different neighborhoods, and enjoy London’s food and cultural scene.
What is the safest area to stay in London?
South Kensington, Kensington, and Notting Hill are generally considered among the safest and most visitor-friendly neighborhoods in London.
Is Shoreditch a good place to stay?
Yes. Shoreditch is ideal for travelers interested in nightlife, street art, trendy restaurants, and a younger atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay in London can feel overwhelming, but you really can’t go wrong if you’re close to a Tube station. For first-time visitors, I recommend South Kensington or the City of London. If you’re looking for charm and local character, Notting Hill is hard to beat. For nightlife and creative energy, Shoreditch is the place to be, while Earl’s Court offers excellent value for travelers on a budget.
Where I would stay
If it were my first time visiting London, I would stay in South Kensington. It offers easy access to museums, beautiful streets, excellent Tube connections, and a quieter atmosphere than central London. For travelers who want a more local feel, Notting Hill would be my second choice. I’ve stayed in South Kensington, Earl’s Court, Notting Hill, and City of London and each stay was great in its own way.
No matter which neighborhood you choose, London is one of those cities that keeps pulling you back for another visit—and another favorite memory.
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