8 Best Areas to Stay in London for an Unforgettable Experience
From breathtaking architecture and extraordinary attractions to vibrant nightlife and international cuisine, London has no shortage of offerings to attract travelers from all around the world.
But London is a massive city, and it can be challenging to do everything. In this guide, we bring you the 8 best areas to stay in London to make exploring the city a piece of cake. Whether you want to visit the hottest pubs or have tea in the fanciest neighborhoods, we’ve got you covered!
8 Best Areas to Stay in London
1. West End
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Are you trying to pack as much of London as possible within a short period? The West End is the best area for exploring the best sights. It’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting the city for the first time.
The West End is packed with all things London and probably the liveliest place on this list. Whether you want to go shopping, watch a musical, or see the sights, it is undoubtedly the best place to be. Famous attractions to check out include Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, West End Theatre, British Museum, and Oxford Street. You can stop at various restaurants and pubs for a bite to eat as you go around the area!
The best thing about being in the West End is that all the attractions are within walking distance. And there are many accessible Tube stations to get to other parts of the city.
2. Kensington and Chelsea
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High-class shopping, elegant neighborhoods, and Michelin-starred restaurants – Kensington and Chelsea offer you a peek into London’s lavish side. These are some of London’s wealthiest areas and are naturally also quite expensive for visitors.
It is located southwest of the city and is excellent for families or couples who want some quiet time. However, due to its location, the area is not ideal for those looking to explore other parts of London.
But there’s plenty to check in Kensington and Chelsea. You can start by exploring famous attractions like the Natural History Museum, Kensington Palace, Victoria and Albert Museum, Battersea Park, The Churchill Arms, Holland Park, and Hyde Park. If you’re itching to go shopping, there’s no shortage of luxury boutiques. Sloane Square is an absolute must.
Kensington and Chelsea are some of the safest areas in London. Families with young children will find these spots more convenient and safer than other parts of the city.
3. Shoreditch
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Shoreditch is a must-visit, centrally-located area if you want to feel the true pulse of London. This is the cultural epicenter of London and has some of the best art galleries, thrift stores, and vintage shops. However, in terms of elegance, Shoreditch might not make the top of any list.
If you’re an art and culture enthusiast, you don’t want to miss out on the street art in Shoreditch. Two of the places you should check out are Hanbury and Princelet Street.
Shoreditch also offers visitors the best of international cuisines without having to travel too far. If you’re a food lover, put BOXPARK Street Food, Brick Lane Market, and the Clove Club on your list of places to visit.
If you’re looking for a fun nightlife scene, there are plenty of bars and pubs frequented by locals and foreigners in Shoreditch.
4. Brixton
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Brixton is one of the most upbeat areas in London, with a little something for everyone. It has lots of reasonably priced accommodations, so you’ll naturally find many other tourists here. Overall, Brixton is an affordable place to shop, eat, and entertain yourself when you’re not busy sightseeing in other parts of the city.
If you’re planning to tour the rest of London, make sure to get accommodations near tube stations for easy transport.
If you’re looking to tour Brixton, then you’re in for a fun time with a long list of live music venues, food courts, pubs, and more. Our recommendations include the Brixton Market and Village and the Prince of Wales pub.
5. Camden
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Camden is the ideal spot for those traveling on a budget. This is where you’ll be able to bargain for treasures to your heart’s content at places like the world-famous Camden market.
Not only is Camden affordable, but it’s also a great place for those who want to visit other parts of London without moving around much. From bars and parks to music and food, Camden has something for everyone. The place is family-friendly and great for all kinds of tourists.
Regent’s Canal is your go-to spot for tasting the best of Camden’s street food. There’s the London Zoo to keep the little ones in your family entertained. If you’re looking for live music, the Camden Assembly Pub is where you can head to. Primrose Hill and Regents Park are our top recommendations if you prefer a picnic day while gazing at the London skyline.
Camden is a safe space that is very popular among tourists and students. If you want to avoid large crowds, Camden may not be the best area for you.
6. Notting Hill
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Notting Hill is known to be one of the most romantic neighborhoods in London, and for good reason. The beautiful Victorian architecture, antique shops, cobblestone streets, and gardens have old-school charm and character.
All these also make Notting Hill one of the best spots for couples to visit to spend quality time together. Visit the Electric Cinema, an iconic location where you can watch movies from the comfort of armchairs, sofas, or velvet beds. What’s more, it is one of the oldest working cinemas in the UK, so you’ll also be taking a history tour at the same time.
If you’re a fan of the Notting Hill movie, the next place you’ll want to include in your itinerary is the Notting Hill Bookshop to visit the store that is so central in the film.
Overall, if your idea of a London trip is leisurely strolling the streets, shopping for bohemian clothes, and indulging in culinary delicacies, then Notting Hill is the place to be. And one of the best locations where you can experience all of the above is the Portobello Road Market. The market takes place every weekend, so schedule our trip accordingly.
Those traveling to London in August should include the Notting Hill Carnival on their list of must-visits. It is listed as one of the world’s top five carnivals!
Notting Hill is relatively quiet and doesn’t attract too much of a crowd. You can find high-end and affordable restaurants and pubs in the area, so there’s lots to enjoy!
7. Soho
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Whether day or night, London’s entertainment district has something to offer everyone. While Soho is best known for its nightlife – arguably London’s best – the area also has a range of other attractions.
These include Trafalgar Square, Soho Park, The Photographers’ Gallery, Curzon Cinema, His Majesty’s Theatre, and many more. There are also plenty of theaters, shops, and restaurants to occupy your touring schedule.
If you’re more interested in the nightlife at Soho, then you can take your pick from a selection of underground clubs, cafes, and live music experiences that go on until dawn.
Although Soho was once considered London’s Red Light District, it is no longer so. These days, the area is frequented by locals and foreigners of all ages. It is very family-friendly during the day, but it is still known to get quite busy at night. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s better to visit Soho’s shops, cafes, and restaurants in the daytime.
8. South Bank
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If you want to experience everything that London has to offer, then you don’t want to skip the quintessential city experience at South Bank. This place holds so many iconic attractions of London: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the Design Museum, the London Eye, the London Dungeon, Sea Life, Shrek’s Adventure, and so many more.
And if you are intimidated just by reading this list of attractions, South Bank’s many cafes and restaurants are the perfect solution for a quick and refreshing break.
If you’re more into gourmet treats, then London’s most famous food market – the Borough Market – is where you want to spend your time shopping and nibbling on the goods.
There are many ways to see South Bank, but we suggest taking leisurely walks and catching as many attractions on the way as possible. For example, a walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge will bring you along the Shakespeare Globe, Tate Modern, and Festival Hall complex, among other attractions.
Of course, catching a glimpse of these iconic places is still a challenge if your schedule’s tight. What you can do instead of rushing around is head straight to the Viewing Platform at the Shard to complete your tour of London!
