Where to stay in London? If you are a new comer to London, the very first question you should ask would probably be this one. With its long history, strong economy, rich culture and other advantages, London must be your dream destination for a long time. London has a well-developed subway network that connects all corners of the city. You can reach your destination conveniently. Each area here has its unique features, and you should choose the place that most suitable for you. Factors, such as budget, style, and preferred mode of transportation, etc. will all influence your final choice. To help you make the decision more quickly, this article lists some of the best places to stay in London for your reference.
Overview of best areas to stay in London
Where to stay in London? As an international metropolis, London boasts diverse cultures. Different neighborhoods can offer you various experiences. How to make the final choice mainly depends on whether you value convenient transportation, the bustling nightlife, the fresh air, or other factors. If you make the wrong choice, it might cause you long commutes or a depressed mood. Below are some good places to stay in London to help you start a perfect journey.
- Covent Garden – Best place integrating history and modernity
- South Kensington – Best place to experience culture
- Mayfair & Marylebone – Best place for a luxurious lifestyle
- Soho & Chinatown – Best place to enjoy nightlife
- South Bank – Best place to appreciate the views along the Thames River
- Canary Wharf – Best place to experience modernization
- King’s Cross/St. Pancras – Best place for convenient transportation
- Shoreditch – Best place to keep up with the fashion trends
Where to stay in London? [Details]
Here are introductions to 10 best area to stay in London.
Covent Garden - Best place integrating history and modernity
Arriving in Covent Garden, you are basically in the most bustling area of London. This is the center of the West End. On both sides of the ancient streets, there are many cafes and boutiques, and there are also some independent artists selling their works. Street performers often perform in this area as well. Living here, your life will become colorful. You can appreciate art at the Royal Opera House. It is also excellent for you to learn the development of London at the London Transport Museum. Therefore, choosing Covent Garden as your residence in London is great, which allows you to experience both the British history and modernity at the same time.
Key features:
- Everything is within walking distance: Almost any places are within 15-minute walking distance. Living here, whether for commuting or social activities, you don’t need to use a car at all.
- Advanced subway network: Multiple subway lines pass this place, such as the Piccadilly Line, Northern Line, Central Line, etc. There are also several subway stations near your apartment, mainly including Covent Garden Station, Leicester Square Station, etc.
- Rich cultural life: This best area to stay in London provide you with colorful cultural life. Destinations, such as the Royal Opera House, London Transport Museum, and National Gallery, are all located here. Living here, you can enjoy performances and exhibitions throughout the year.
- All-day food supply: Many delicious foods can be found here here. From Michelin-starred restaurants to food markets and bars, you can enjoy delicious food here at any time.
- Multicultural community: Various groups of people gather here, including diplomats, financial professionals, artists, and university students. The community activities are diverse and conducive to the integration of new residents into local life.
South Kensington - Best place to experience culture
South Kensington is an popular residential area located in the western part of central London. Therefore, many people consider it the best district to stay in London. Those who choose this area as their residence must highly value culture. The streets here retain the elegant style of the Victorian era, and the green area is also quite large. Most importantly, Museum Mile is included in this area. The three major free national museums in the UK, namely the Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum, are all gathered here. If you want to experience a strong cultural atmosphere while also paying attention to the surrounding environment, South Kensington will be your first choice.
Key features:
- Surrounded by three free national museums: The Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum are all within walking distance. These museums have rich collections and are all free to visit.
- Convenient transportation: District, Circle and Piccadilly lines all pass here. And it takes only 30 minutes to reach Heathrow Airport.
- Extensive green areas: South Kensington contains large green areas. It only takes 10-minute walk to reach Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. As long as you live here, you can enjoy either daily jogging or weekend picnics here.
- Comprehensive facilities: There are numerous supermarkets and restaurants in this area, making your life convenient.
- Excellent school district: There are many Ofsted Outstanding primary schools and private schools. There are also many prestigious colleges nearby, including Imperial College and Royal College of Art, etc.
Mayfair & Marylebone - Best place for a luxurious lifestyle
Mayfair & Marylebone are two adjacent prime areas in the center of London with similar lifestyles. Mayfair is filled with luxury stores and private membership clubs. Bond Street and Savile Row are also one of the global centers of fashion and haute couture. While Marylebone has a more laid-back lifestyle. Living here, you can visit the Marylebone High Street, unique stores and the Wallace Collection. These two areas are surrounded by the expansive Regent’s Park, providing a rare tranquility in the city. If you want to experience the luxurious royal lifestyle, please come to Mayfair & Marylebone.
Key features:
- Excellent location: Situated in the heart of London, its location is excellent. The theatres in the West End, restaurants in Soho, shopping centers are all within walking distance.
- Rare tranquility in the city: Although it is close to the bustling Oxford Street and Regent Street, this place offers you tranquility. Large green areas, such as Grosvenor Square, are located here. Living here allows you to find your own tranquility in the bustling city.
- Comprehensive facilities: This place houses many world-class art institutions and top private art galleries. There are also many boutiques and shopping malls in the area, so you can enjoy the best shopping experience.
- Luxurious dining environment: You can find numerous Michelin-starred restaurants (such as Helene Darroze at The Connaught), historic traditional pubs, and the Marylebone Farmers’ Market.
Soho & Chinatown - Best place to enjoy nightlife
If you enjoy nightlife, Soho & Chinatown is always the best area to stay in London. The Soho district is full of bohemian vibe. There are historic bars, record stores, cafes and other unique stores on both sides of the streets. As for Chinatown, there are a lot of Asian cuisine and it has a very down-to-earth atmosphere. Therefore, this place not only provide a familiar cultural situation for Asian tourists or international students, it also perfectly shows the openness and inclusiveness of London, the international metropolis.
Key features:
- Convenient transportation: Multiple subway lines pass through this area. It only takes 20 minutes to reach the City of London and Canary Wharf.
- Rich nightlife: There are several 24-hour convenience stores and late-night restaurants all over this area. So, whether you’re leaving work or after a performance, you can find delicious food here.
- Plentiful businesses: There are a large number of creative industries and media companies here. If you work nearby, living here is your top choice.
- High inclusiveness of the community: This area is very inclusive and has many foreigners, so you can contact with diverse and young neighbors.
South Bank - Best place to appreciate the views along the Thames River
South Bank is one of the best places to stay in London England on the south bank of the Thames River, showcasing the modern charm of London. Many world-class cultural landmark buildings are gathered here, including the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, the National Theatre, the South Bank Centre Art District, the Tate Modern Gallery, etc. If you stay here, you can take a walk along the Queen’s Walk and enjoy the urban charm of London.
Key features:
- Riverfront view: This area is located on the south bank of the Thames River. If you live here, you are very likely to be able to enjoy the view of the Thames River from your home.
- High cultural concentration: Within merely a 10-minute walk, you can reach places like the National Theatre, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
- Rich activities: There are continuous activities throughout the year in this area. Various important festivals such as Christmas and Halloween can also provide you with strong atmosphere.
- Excellent school district: There are some famous schools, including London South Bank University, the Waterloo campus of King’s College, and many Ofsted Outstanding primary schools.
Canary Wharf - Best place to experience modernization
As one of the best neighborhoods to stay in London, Canary Wharf is always the top choice for you. When it comes to its development, it can date back to the 1990s. At that time, it was a dock warehouse. Then, it became an emerging financial center in London. The most obvious feature of this area is its skyscrapers. Lots of international banks headquarters gather here, such as HSBC, Citibank and Barclays. If you choose to stay here, your apartments can be really fashionable and modern. Accommodation in Canary Wharf provides you complete facilities and sound security.
Key features:
- Skyline apartments: Apartments in this area are of high quality. Most of them are equipped with concierge, security, gym, laundry room, etc.
- Convenient transportation: Several subway lines pass through here, such as Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line and DLR.
- Comprehensive facilities: There are many restaurants, markets, supermarkets, making life very convenient. The area also has green spaces, so that you can balance your work and life.
- Emerging school district: Many Ofsted Outstanding primary schools and newly-built secondary schools. Young families can enjoy high-quality education without having to move away.
King’s Cross/St. Pancras - Best place for convenient transportation
For savvy travellers ranking the best places to stay in London, the radically transformed King’s Cross/St. Pancras neighbourhood is a undeniable top-tier choice. Let’s be honest, the transport access is simply unrivalled. With six Tube lines, Thameslink, and the Eurostar at St. Pancras on your doorstep, the entire city—and continent—are effortlessly within reach. But the magic is what’s emerged beyond the platforms. Today, you’ll discover a buzzing district packed with design-forward hotels, must-try restaurants in Coal Drops Yard, and the peaceful Regent’s Canal for a perfect afternoon stroll. This unique mix delivers a dynamic, village-like atmosphere without sacrificing any central convenience. It’s this flawless blend of connectedness and local character that solidifies its status as one of the smartest and most convenient bases for any London trip.
Key features:
- Unrivalled transport connectivity: It is one of London’s premier transport hubs, with six underground lines, national rail services, and the Eurostar. This provides you with direct links to other places.
- Full of cultural destination: The area has been transformed into a vibrant district with landmarks like the British Library and cultural venues. It’s now a destination in itself, far beyond its historical role as just a transit point.
- World-class dining & shopping: This area offers you plenty of unique restaurants and boutiques. You can enjoy delicious food and gain good shopping experience while living here.
- A walkable place: Despite its buzz, this district also features many pedestrianized zones. It provides you with a village feel.
Shoreditch - Best place to keep up with the fashion trends
Best places to stay in London start with Shoreditch. Sleep in a converted warehouse loft off Brick Lane; brick walls, skyline view, five minutes to Old Street Tube. Wake to street-art alleys, grab sourdough cruffins from Rinkoff, hunt vintage Levi’s at Spitalfields. Lunch is Tokyo ramen or salt-beef beigels, dinner a curry delivered since 1976. Nights slide from hoppy IPAs in a former public loo to rooftop gin bars hidden above car parks; 3 a.m. bagels book-end the crawl. Overground, Northern, Central lines circle you, but you’ll walk—every shutter is a gallery, every doorway a bassline.
Key features:
- Convenient transportation: Living here, you’re at one of London’s best-connected centers. Six subway lines, national rail, and the Eurostar are all located here.
- Amazing architectues: You can not only admire the Gothic towers of St. Pancras, but also appreciate the modern architecture. This unique blend creates an inspiring visual experience both day and night.
- Village feel: Enjoy the local energy of parks and pubs without the tourist crowds. The West End and other major sights remain just minutes away by subway.
How to choose the best area to stay in London?
Wondering where can I stay in London? It is your number one tip for a successful trip or a smooth move. The best places to stay in London isn’t about a trendy postcode; it’s about the perfect match for your itinerary and budget. This guide cuts through the noise to help you find exactly the right place, whether you’re here for a weekend or a year.
1. Decide your purpose and budget
Before you even glance at a map, define your non-negotiables. A weekend tourist to a West End show will have a radically different budget and location needs than a long-time stay in London. My pro tip? Short-term stays should factor in a higher rate for convenience, while long-term plans must account for hidden costs like council tax, TV licensing, and utility deposits. I always tell my clients: your budget dictates your borough.
2. Consider transportation needs
Let’s be real: London’s size is intimidating. Thus, your experience hinges on transport. For short stays, it is always recommended that you to get a hotel or a short-term apartments within a 5-minute walk of a Zone 1 Tube station on the Circle or Victoria lines. In doing so, you can reach most hot spots in London. For longer commitments, don’t be afraid to look further out! Areas like Wimbledon (District Line) or Stratford (Jubilee & Central Lines) offer more space and value, but always do a test run on Citymapper during rush hour to check the commute to your office. A 15-minute Tube ride can easily become 45 minutes.
3. Choose your preferred lifestyle
London is a collection of villages, each with a unique features. Picking the wrong one is the fastest way to a miserable stay. Love indie boutiques and late-night cocktails? Shoreditch or Camden are your go-to’s. Need green space and a quiet pub for a Sunday roast? Greenwich or Hampstead are unbeatable. For families, I consistently see the highest satisfaction rates in Islington and Fulham due to their outstanding schools and community feel. So please define your favorite lifestyle before you make a decision.
4. Pick the right type of accommodation
For short-term (under a month), your best bets are serviced apartments for a home-like feel with hotel amenities. For longer stay, you’d better find a comfortable flats to live. uhomes.com can be the best assistant to find your home. No matter you plan to stay here for a short time or a long time, we can provide you with abundant properties. Most of our apartments are fully-equipped, with gym, security, laundry room… So don’ wait any more and find your best helper uhomes.com!
Wrapping up
So, where to stay in London? The answer isn’t the same for everyone. It all comes down to your own living style and what you’re looking to get out of your visit. You’ll find that London isn’t about one best area, but about finding the best neighborhoods to stay in London for you.
Do you dream of being steps away from iconic theaters and tourist hubs? The West End calls. Is your ideal day spent wandering through museums nestled in royal districts? Then Kensington fits the bill. Perhaps you’re drawn to the creativity and vibrant nightlife of Shoreditch, or maybe the charming, village-like atmosphere of Marylebone is more your speed.
The key is to match your choice to your budget, your desired vibe, and how easily you want to reach top attractions via London’s transport. By focusing on what matters most to you, you’ll find the best accommodation in London.
FAQs on best areas to stay in London
London is a large city with several parts. As a new comer, find where to stay in London is always your hardest and most important decision to make. Here are some best areas to stay in London.
- Covent Garden – Best place integrating history and modernity
- South Kensington – Best place to experience culture
- Mayfair & Marylebone – Best place for a luxurious lifestyle
- Soho & Chinatown – Best place to enjoy nightlife
- South Bank – Best place to appreciate the views along the Thames River
- Canary Wharf – Best place to experience modernization
- King’s Cross/St. Pancras – Best place for convenient transportation
- Shoreditch – Best place to keep up with the fashion trends
- For your first visit to London, staying at King’s Cross is the most convenient option. The subway, train and airport line all pass through here. You can walk to the British Library and the Regent Canal.
- If you want to visit the key attractions, you can choose Covent Garden. The National Gallery and the West End Theatre are all within walking distance.
- If your budget is limited, you can choose Vauxhall or Pimlico. Take the Victoria Line south for two stops and you’ll reach there. It takes only 5 minutes by subway to get to the city center.
For a short stay in London, the preferred choice is the short-term apartments located near the Zone one subway hub. These apartments offer good location and excellent services. Most of them have 24-hour reception, kitchens and washing machines. Living here, you can walk to the Millennium Bridge in just 5 minutes and it’s convenient to visit Tate Modern and South Bank. If you don’t know how to make a reservation, please visit uhomes.com. We can provide you with the best properties and the most considerate service.
Want to save money? Please pay attention to these places.
- Newham: It is located at the end of the District and Central subway lines. It takes 25 minutes by subway to reach the city center.
- Croydon in South London: It takes 15 minutes by train to reach London Bridge.
- Hounslow: It is close to the airport and it takes 40 minutes by Piccadilly line to get into the city.
Among the safest residential areas in London, Richmond upon Thames in the southwest is widely recognized. This area has plenty of parks and green spaces, and the violent crime rate is the lowest in the city. It is also very safe to walk at night. It takes you 30 minutes by subway to reach the city center. Therefore, it is suitable for tourists who want to balance nature and safety.
If you prefer to be closer to the city center, you can choose Wandsworth. It takes 15 minutes by subway to reach Victoria Station. The street lights are bright and there is sufficient police presence, making it the safest and most convenient choice for living.
The most pedestrian-friendly areas in London are Covent Garden and West End. Here, the streets are densely packed and you can reach the pedestrian streets by simply exiting the subway station. Squares, markets, theaters, and restaurants are all within a 5-minute walk. Now, Oxford Street is also gradually being transformed into a pedestrian zone, with almost no need to cross the road or wait for a bus. Therefore, this is the best district to stay in London if you like city walk.
