Where to stay in London: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay in the West End (Covent Garden, Soho) or Bloomsbury. As a couple, the South Bank; with kids, South Kensington; for nightlife, Shoreditch. Arriving by Eurostar: King’s Cross. London is huge: pick a place near a well-connected Underground station (zone 1 or 2) rather than a bigger room far out.

Understanding London in two minutes

London is crossed from west to east by the Thames. North of the river, the West End (Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair) packs in theatres and shops; to the east are the City, the financial district, then the trendy East End (Shoreditch). To the west lie Westminster (Big Ben, the Abbey) and the upscale areas of Kensington and Chelsea. South of the river, the South Bank and Southwark line the Thames, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge.

The transport network is divided into zones: zones 1 and 2 cover the centre. Contactless payment (bank card or phone) works on the Underground and buses.

The right area for your trip

First visit: the West End and Bloomsbury

• Covent Garden and Soho: theatres, restaurants, shops, right in the thick of it. Very lively until late; Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery are on foot.
• Bloomsbury: around the British Museum, an elegant area of leafy squares, quieter at night and a little more affordable than the West End.

As a couple: the South Bank and Southwark

Along the Thames, the South Bank offers the loveliest walks: the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market. The views of the City and St Paul’s are superb at night.

With kids or for older travellers: South Kensington

The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A (all free) are in the area, and Hyde Park is close by. South Kensington is elegant, safe and well served by the Underground.

Nightlife: Shoreditch

Street art, bars, markets (Brick Lane, Spitalfields) and food from all over the world: Shoreditch, in the East End, is the trendy area. Ideal for solo travellers and groups of friends.

Arriving by Eurostar: King’s Cross

The Eurostar arrives at St Pancras, next to King’s Cross. The fully regenerated area is practical and extremely well connected: six Underground lines meet here.

Charm and calm: Notting Hill and Marylebone

Colourful houses and the Portobello Road market in Notting Hill; elegant streets and boutiques in Marylebone, near Regent’s Park. Two residential areas, quieter than the centre.

On a budget: Paddington, Earl’s Court, further out in zone 2

Around Paddington (Heathrow Express) and Earl’s Court, accommodation is often more affordable. In zone 2, areas like Islington or Camden are a good compromise, a few stops from the centre. London also has plenty of hostels with private rooms.

Getting to London

• Heathrow: the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express (to Paddington) and the Piccadilly line reach the centre.
• Gatwick: the Gatwick Express runs to Victoria, and Thameslink trains serve other central stations.
• Stansted: the Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street.
• Luton: a shuttle links the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station, where trains leave for the centre.

For timetables and fares, check the official websites. A private transfer takes you straight to your accommodation.

Our booking tips

1. Check whether you need an ETA before you travel: see our guide Travel in the UK.
2. Look at the Underground station and the line serving it: one less change makes a big difference in London.
3. Rooms are often small and air conditioning is not always available: check for a summer stay.
4. Book early for the festive season, summer and major events (Wimbledon, concerts).
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in London. The areas, practical information and useful services are on our London page.