Best Areas to Stay in London for First Timers
London calls with its royal history, double-decker buses, and neighborhoods that each tell a different story.
As a first-timer, picking where to stay can make or break your trip. Here’s a guide to London’s best areas that put you right where you want to be!
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Covent Garden & Trafalgar Square
Right in the heart of London, Covent Garden puts you where all the action happens. This buzzing neighborhood sits close to Trafalgar Square and gives you easy walking access to famous London spots.
You’ll be just minutes from the National Gallery, theaters in the West End, and the lively Covent Garden Market with its street performers and cute shops.
The location is perfect – Big Ben and Westminster are only 15 minutes away on foot, and Buckingham Palace takes just 20 minutes to reach.
The area has amazing restaurants, from fancy places to casual spots, plus you’re right next to Chinatown for delicious Asian food.
After a long day of seeing the sights, you can walk back to your hotel without dealing with public transport!
Hotel Picks: The Resident Covent Garden offers fantastic comfort in the middle of everything, with a quiet atmosphere despite the central location.
For something more luxurious, try The Savoy, a historic hotel just minutes from Covent Garden.
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South Bank
South Bank sits right across the Thames River from Westminster and gives you jaw-dropping views of London’s skyline.
This area has become super popular with visitors who want to be central but slightly removed from the busiest tourist spots.
Staying here puts you right by the London Eye, Tate Modern art museum, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
One of the best things about South Bank is the riverside walkway where you can stroll along the Thames and see amazing views of Parliament, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
There are tons of restaurants with outdoor seating for people-watching, and you’re just a short walk across the bridges to reach Westminster, Covent Garden, and the City of London.
The area has excellent transport links too, making it super easy to explore other parts of London.
Hotel Picks: Sea Containers London stands out with its cruise ship-inspired design and offers river views, award-winning cocktail bars, and a spa to relax after sightseeing.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is another great choice, putting you steps from the London Eye.
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Westminster
If you’re all about seeing London’s most famous landmarks, Westminster is your dream spot.
This historic area puts you right next to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
The neighborhood has a more official feel with government buildings and grand architecture everywhere you look.
Green spaces like St. James’s Park offer peaceful spots to relax between sightseeing adventures.
Westminster is well-connected by Tube stations, making it easy to zip around to other parts of London.
While it’s not known for wild nightlife, you’re close enough to walk to livelier areas like Soho when you want more evening fun.
The area tends to be quieter at night after the day tourists leave, giving you a more peaceful sleep.
Hotel Picks: The Guardsman feels like a private members club with personalized service and sits just a short distance from Buckingham Palace.
For a more affordable option, try The Grand at Trafalgar Square, which offers historic charm and puts you steps away from major attractions.
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Soho & Mayfair
These neighboring areas give you the perfect mix of fun and fancy! Soho buzzes with energy day and night, packed with trendy restaurants, cool bars, and some of London’s best shopping along Oxford and Regent Streets.
It’s the center of London’s nightlife scene and LGBTQ+ community. Just next door, upscale Mayfair offers designer boutiques, fancy hotels, and beautiful garden squares.
Both areas put you close to major attractions while surrounding you with amazing food options and shopping.
You’ll be steps from the theater district, Piccadilly Circus with its famous signs, and the beautiful green space of Hyde Park just a short walk away.
Hotel Picks: The London EDITION in Soho features nautical-themed rooms and an excellent restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton.
For something with unique character, The Soho Hotel sits on a quiet street in this lively neighborhood, with a stylish bar and restaurant.
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Kensington & Hyde Park
If you want a more relaxed, upscale London stay, Kensington gives you breathing room while keeping you close to major attractions.
This well-groomed neighborhood houses three amazing museums all in a row – the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum.
The area borders the massive green spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, where you can rent boats, have picnics, or just take a break from city life.
Kensington High Street offers great shopping without the crowds of Oxford Street. The neighborhood has a more residential feel but still provides easy Tube access to central London.
Hotel Picks: The Hari London offers five-star luxury in nearby Belgravia, with contemporary elegance and easy access to both Kensington’s museums and the shopping of Knightsbridge.
For a more intimate stay, Artist Residence London provides rooms with artistic flair in a boutique setting just a short walk from the museums and parks.
