Where To Stay In London: The 13 Best Areas

When it comes to finding the best area for your London escape, most travellers are happy to know that there is certainly no shortage of options around the English Capital. As an ecosystem of culture, luxury, business, and hospitality, London truly does have it all. 

Whether you’re looking for an exciting city break packed with fun activities, or that bit of British Luxury redefined by some of London’s top places to be, there’s somewhere to stay that will meet all your expectations and more. Take a look at these 13 best areas to stay in London. 

Westminster

For the ultimate London Tourist experience, Westminster is by far the best place to find yourself accommodation. When you stay in the area, you ensure that you are close to the likes of Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. Just a hop across Westminster Bridge will also get you to Waterloo Station, which is a central hub for interconnecting tube lines and other national rail services, giving you the option to explore the outer areas of London if you want to get out of the city on a day trip. 

Soho

If you’re looking to explore the exciting nightlife and restaurant culture that London has to offer, then Soho is home to some of the most iconic clubs, bars, and bistros in the city. Soho encompasses other exciting attractions like Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, and most of the West End theatres. Catch shows like Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, and a plethora of other incredible plays and musicals that will certainly give you the “wow” factor you’re looking for during your trip to London. 

Richmond

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay that is slightly more tranquil and offers you a place of relaxation after a busy day of touring the incredible city, then Richmond is an excellent option for you. Richmond Park is a wonderful place to have a wander around the countryside and perfect for children to play in or for picnics and spotting wildlife. This borough of London is also very well connected, with access to central London via the District Line and the London Overground. It’s the ideal location to stay when travelling with family or for those who are in London to sightsee and less keen on hitting the town at night. 

Shoreditch

For the quintessential London cultural experience, Shoreditch is the best place to stay. This area of London has gone through dramatic change in the last decade and is now a popular part of London for trendy bars, innovative restaurants, markets, and designer shops. This area showcases the more modern side of London and is renowned for its street art and creative atmosphere. 

The area is filled with colourful murals, graffiti, and galleries, making it a hub for artists and art enthusiasts. The vibrant surroundings contribute to a lively and inspiring atmosphere. It's also conveniently located close to central London. The well-connected public transportation system makes it easy to explore other parts of the city and visit popular landmarks. 

Shoreditch offers a dynamic and eclectic experience that appeals to those who appreciate a mix of art, culture, fashion, and a lively atmosphere. It's a great choice for travellers looking to explore a more alternative and creative side of London.

London Bridge

Staying in London Bridge provides a well-rounded experience of the city of London, combining historical landmarks, cultural attractions, modern amenities, and excellent transportation links, making it an ideal base for exploring. The area is also home to the Shard, which is one of the most iconic additions to the London skyline. 

Travellers staying in the vicinity can also look forward to the convenience of being close to Borough Market, the Globe Theatre, and the famous art museum - the Tate Modern. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you explore the exciting area of the South Bank, then London Bridge is your ideal location. 

For those more interested in the city’s rich history, the area around London Bridge has tons of it. The bridge itself has played a crucial role in the city's development. The mediaeval history and architecture in the vicinity add to the charm of the neighbourhood too.

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is known for its green spaces, including the expansive Hampstead Heath park. If you prefer a quieter and more residential atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of central London, staying in this area can provide a more tranquil environment. It offers picturesque landscapes, ponds, and wooded areas. If you enjoy outdoor activities like walking, jogging, or picnicking in a more natural setting, this could be an appealing choice, especially for those who have been to London before. 

If you need to get into central London, then Hampstead Heath is served by the London Overground and has good bus connections. This makes it easy to get into central London, although many people prefer to take the famous black cabs when travelling to and from Hampstead Heath. 

Clapham

Staying in Clapham is an experience in itself, with loads to do around the area and the vibrant culture of a large expat community. This area is popular among young professionals who commute into central London on a daily basis and is ideal if you want to stay in a spot that’s slightly out of the city overnight. 

The area itself is also fantastic, with the likes of Clapham Common coming to life over the warm summer months and many new bars and restaurants opening regularly. What’s more, Clapham Junction also offers National Rail routes to Victoria Station in Central London, as well as transport lines to Wimbledon and Hampton Court, which are wonderful places for day trips on the outskirts of the city. 

Covent Garden

If you want the perfect combination of luxury and excitement, then Covent Garden is the perfect place for when you’re thinking about where to stay in London. The area boasts of luxury designer shops, top-class restaurants and famous attractions. Overlapping with Soho, Covent Garden is another great place for theatre lovers to experience some of the best stage performances in the world, and really indulge in the concept of dinner and a show. 

For the more refined shopper, there are loads of boutique shops from haute couture designers including Chanel, Calvin Kelin, Tom Ford, Dior and Ted Baker. This, more relaxed, shopping experience is made even better with the array of street-side coffee shops, perfect to refuel at in between stores. 

Shepherd’s Bush

Staying in Shepherd's Bush can be considered ideal for certain travellers based on a variety of factors. Shepherd's Bush is a diverse and lively area in West London with its unique charm. Shepherd's Bush is home to Westfield London, one of the largest shopping centres in Europe. If you're a fan of shopping and want easy access to a wide range of retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment options, staying in Shepherd's Bush can be convenient. 

This area of London is also close to Notting Hill and Kensington. This means you can explore nearby attractions, such as Portobello Road Market, Kensington Gardens, and the Royal Albert Hall.

While being well-connected and a hub for various activities Shepherd's Bush also retains a residential feel which is ideal if you want to live like a local during your time in London. It's not as hectic as the central areas, providing a more relaxed atmosphere for those who prefer a mix of local life and easy access to the city.

Knightsbridge

Staying in Knightsbridge, one of London's affluent neighbourhoods, offers a luxurious and upscale experience. Knightsbridge is renowned for its high-end shopping destinations, most notably Harrods. This iconic department store attracts visitors from around the world with its luxury brands, gourmet food halls, and opulent surroundings. The area is also home to designer boutiques and prestigious fashion houses. 

Adjacent to Hyde Park, staying in this area provides easy access to the park's green spaces, walking trails, and recreational activities. It's a great place to relax, jog, or have a leisurely picnic while taking in the perfect manicured gardens of the area. It’s also the ideal space to be in if you are looking for a relaxing spa session, with many hotels in Knightsbridge offering spa and wellness facilities. This adds to the overall luxury experience of staying in the luxurious area of Knightsbridge.

Mayfair 

Mayfair is another area known for its elegance, luxury and centralised location. Staying in Mayfair provides a high-end and sophisticated experience for visitors to the city. Mayfair boasts an array of Michelin-starred restaurants, trendy cafes, and upscale dining establishments. Culinary enthusiasts can explore a diverse range of international cuisines prepared by renowned chefs. 

For those travellers who are into art, the London borough is known for its prestigious art galleries, including the Royal Academy of Arts. Additionally, famous auction houses such as Christie's and Sotheby's are located in Mayfair, making it an ideal location for art enthusiasts. It's an ideal choice for those who appreciate a sophisticated atmosphere, upscale amenities, and easy access to London's premier shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

Little Venice

Little Venice is a picturesque and tranquil canal-side neighbourhood in West London, known for its scenic beauty and relaxed, almost suburban atmosphere. Little Venice is characterised by its network of canals and waterways, creating a peaceful and scenic environment. Staying by the water allows for a more relaxed and serene atmosphere compared to some busier parts of London. 

Visitors can enjoy taking trips on paddle and row boats, which are the perfect activities for finer days. It’s also situated very close to Paddington station, which is another transport hub of London that connects you to the South of England through the National Rail networks. If you’re looking for an area that has classic English architecture, Little Venice features a mix of historic Georgian and Victorian architecture. The picturesque streets and bridges add to the overall charm of the neighbourhood.

Kensington

For those of you who want to visit London to visit its incredible museums, then Kensington is the ideal spot for you to stay. Kensington is home to world-class cultural institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. If you have an interest in art, history, and science, staying in Kensington provides easy access to these renowned attractions.

It’s also home to Kensington Gardens, one of London's Royal Parks. This expansive green space offers beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and iconic attractions like Kensington Palace and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. It's an ideal choice for travellers who require close proximity to cultural attractions in a relatively central area of London. 

Take a look at our exclusive accommodations in London

London offers a diverse range of areas, each with its unique atmosphere and range of historic and cultural attractions. It’s crucial to choose the right place to stay based on your individual preferences and interests. From the upscale elegance of Kensington to the vibrant creativity of Shoreditch, and the historical richness of Westminster, there are options for everyone in this bustling city.

For those seeking an exceptional and personalised accommodation experience, UnderTheDoormat stands out as a premier option. With a portfolio of carefully curated properties across various London boroughs, we offer a wide array of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of travellers. Whether you're looking for luxury in Kensington, a creative vibe in Shoreditch, or a more peaceful yet central retreat in Little Venice, we’ll help you to make the most of your London trip.

Additionally, if you are looking for fun activities to do in the area that you decide to stay in, make sure to try LovetoVisit, to find the perfect experience for you.