By ANL | UPDATED: 12 Jun 2026

Choosing where to stay in London can have a major impact on your trip. London is a city of distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a different atmosphere, from royal landmarks and world-class museums to colourful markets and lively entertainment districts.

This London accommodation guide highlights 9 of the best areas and places to stay in London for sightseeing, culture, food, shopping and local character. Whether you are planning your first visit, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, these neighbourhoods offer excellent access to the city’s most rewarding attractions while providing a memorable London experience beyond the major landmarks.

If you are planning your itinerary, you may also enjoy our 3-Day London Itinerary, which combines many of London’s top museums, landmarks and historic attractions. If you only have limited time in the city, our one-day London itinerary shows how to combine sightseeing, the British Museum, Temple Church and a West End musical into a memorable 12-hour visit.

1. Temple

Photo: Travel In Culture

The Temple district is probably best known for its Temple Church. At the same time, the local neighbourhood covers one of the most striking and legendary periods in British history. In case you want to discover and explore the secret sides of the Knights Templar and their incredible past, you may choose to stay around the Temple area.

To the north, the Temple neighbourhood is bordered by the Strand and Fleet Street, to the south, the River Thames, to the east Whitefriars Street and Carmelite Street, and to the west King’s College.

The Temple Church is an 800-year-old round church located in a secluded courtyard. Temple Church remains one of central London’s most overlooked historic attractions and is featured as a highlight in our 12-hour London sightseeing itinerary. Even today, it shows an outstanding fragment of London’s exciting past. Constructed by the Knights Templar, an order of crusading monks who saw it as their task to protect pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, it still tells the Templar history.

Inside the Church, you will catch sight of impressive stone statues of the former Knights Templar placed atop their tombs.

A unique thing to notice inside the Round Church is Magna Carta, the charter of rights agreed to by King John in 1215. It represents the earliest version of England’s state law and was a document formulated by William Marshall, whose tomb is also inside the Church.

Temple is particularly rewarding for travellers interested in history, architecture and lesser-known cultural experiences. The area reflects the principles behind our cultural travel method, which focuses on understanding destinations through their heritage, traditions and historic sites.

For a stylish hotel with an excellent location in London, you may want to consider the Strand Palace Hotel.

2. Covent Garden

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Covent Garden

Would you like to explore the site of London’s iconic flower and vegetable market? The old market has today moved elsewhere – but the location remains one of London’s best places to feel the vibe, discover small bars, and be entertained! So when you decide where to stay in London – you should have Covent Garden in mind.

Bordered by the Strand to the south and Chinatown to the east, Covent Garden is one of the popular areas in London West End. The Covent Garden neighbourhood is probably best known for its historic Covent Garden Market, once known as a fabulous London flower, fruit and vegetable market. Therefore, it is nicknamed the Apple Market. Over time, the flower market was transferred to Vauxhall as the New Covent Garden Market – where you will now find England’s largest market of its kind.

Covent Garden is today a lovely, vibrant place in London, brimming with fashionable shops, upscale boutiques, fine restaurants and trendy bars – yet with easy access to high-quality entertainment, for instance in the Royal Opera House where performances by the world-class Royal Opera or Royal Ballet companies take place, or in the Lyceum Theatre for musicals and other performances.

Often, street performers entertain at the Covent Garden Square (a tradition since the 1660s) – and it is one of the best places in this part of London for people-watching.

A hidden gem is Neal’s Yard, a picture-postcard place tucked in between lush brick house facades and two small alleyways!

Another site to visit is London Transport Museum with unique historic vehicles.

When you consider where to stay in London, Covent Garden may be a good pick – it is one of the best places in London, with a great and authentic vibe!

3. South Bank

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Would you like to stay in a neighbourhood in London, conveniently located for the London Eye and centrally located for many other sights, museums, theatres and places of interest in central London? Then the South Bank might be a good choice!

The South Bank, the area south of the River Thames just opposite Westminster and Covent Garden, include great attractions such as the iconic London Eye, The Dungeons and SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium. From the London Eye, you can enjoy panoramic views of great parts of London!

For entertainment, why not throw yourself into a thrilling speedboat tour on the Thames or try a big-screen experience at BFI Southbank or BFI IMAX.

If you are more into theatre experiences, you will have the National Theatre, The Old Vic and Young Vic Theatre within reach, as well as the smaller 100-seat studio theatre Waterloo East Theatre which plays inside a converted railway arch.

For great food and atmosphere, head to the restaurants and bars at Gabriel’s Wharf.

Would you like to stay near great attractions such as the landmark London Eye and the iconic Big Ben? Then check out the modern Park Plaza Westminster Bridge with a wealth of amenities such as a swimming pool, brasserie, Japanese sushi, Italian coffee, Spanish tapas and British afternoon tea.

4. Greenwich

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Greenwich

Would you like to stay a little bit outside London – where you will have the opportunity to explore top sights such as the Royal Observatory Greenwich and the famous Prime Meridian Line – and still have easy access to the rest of London by train, tube, bus or take a cruise from Greenwich to Westminster (affiliate link) on the River Thames? Fancy returning to green surroundings to unwind after a long day of London sightseeing? Then Greenwich might just be your perfect choice.

Famed for its Royal Observatory Greenwich, where the renowned Greenwich Mean Time is defined, Greenwich is the place where you will be able to stand with one leg on each side of the Prime Meridian Line! Moreover, you will, in addition to the planetarium, be able to explore England’s largest refracting telescope and a 4.5 billion-year-old asteroid. Afterwards, chill in Greenwich Park, the vast park surrounding the Royal Observatory – which, back in the day, used to be a hunting park!

In Greenwich, you can also visit Cutty Sark, the only remaining tea clipper, a 19th-century ship which brought tea from China to England.

Other sites to visit in Greenwich are the Queen’s House and the National Maritime Museum. Inside the museum, you will, beyond being introduced to the Royal Navy, gain insight into the life of the great British hero Admiral Nelson who participated in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Do not miss Greenwich Market – a colourful market for crafts, design, antiques and world-famous food specialities!

Visitors with extra time may also enjoy a day trip to nearby Cambridge, where historic colleges and scientific discoveries shaped British history. See our guide to Darwin in Cambridge for inspiration.

Looking for a hotel with stunning views over historic Greenwich and convenient train connections to central London? The Clarendon Hotel could be one of the best places to stay during your London visit!

5. Westminster & St James’s Park

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An excellent area to stay in is the neighbourhood around St James’s Park and Westminster. The park is a picturesque green and peaceful space in the middle of bustling London, all close to Buckingham Palace. From the bridge across the park lake, you can enjoy the view of the Royal castle.

Staying in this neighbourhood around Westminster will allow you to start the day with a lovely stroll in green surroundings before throwing yourself into sightseeing in London. At the same time, you will be in the heart of London with easy access to some of the most fascinating historic buildings, not least the famous Big Ben, part of the Palace of Westminster, as well as Westminster Abbey.

St James’s Park is the oldest in London, with a fascinating history – right from being a leper hospital dedicated to James the Less (hence the name), being royal hunting grounds for deer and duck hunting, to being an unusual zoological park with animals such as crocodiles, an elephant, pelicans, as well as a diversity of other birds.

Just south of St James’s Park, you will find the area known as Westminster – which was actually once an island in London! This is the real heart of the city, and Westminster is an attractive neighbourhood, full of significant buildings, historic landmarks, and traditional bars and restaurants – ideal for a British pub lunch!

Westminster Abbey (named so since there was previously also an ‘Eastminster’) and the Palace of Westminster are over a thousand years old. You can join a tour of the Palace of Westminster to gain insight into this World Heritage Site. One of the major sights here is, of course, the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben! In 2012, it was named the Elizabeth Tower as a tribute to the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

Westminster Abbey is the fabulous Gothic abbey church in London. Since 1066 it has hosted all coronations in England. It has been the location of Royal weddings and has tombs of famous people inside, as well as several other burials and monuments.

Many visitors continue east from Westminster towards Temple and Fleet Street to discover lesser-known historic sites. If you only have limited time in London, our One-Day London Itinerary shows how to combine Westminster, Temple Church, the British Museum and a West End performance in a single day.

Not far from Westminster Abbey, you will find the Churchill War Rooms, the Horse Guards Parade at Whitehall, as well as 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister since 1735.

For one of the best places to stay within these areas in London, an option with a superb location is the Victorian The Sanctuary House Hotel. The lush St James’s Park and vibrant Oxford Street are only minutes from the hotel.

6. Mayfair

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Would you like to stay in one of the poshest and most unique places in London where you can enjoy fine dining and upscale bars? – and still have a whole range of historic places to discover?

Mayfair is squeezed in between Soho and Hyde Park, and bordered by Green Park and St James’s Park to the south and Oxford Street to the north. It is really easy to find green spaces to chill out – either in one of the vast parks – or even in smaller neighbourhood parks within Mayfair.

As an 18th-century district of London with an annual ‘May Fair’, Mayfair has, to some extent, kept the ambience of the past with fabulous architecture and old mews. It is now among the poshest areas to stay in London, with upscale flats in impressive mansions, upmarket restaurants with gourmet cuisine, high-end boutiques, trendy cocktail bars, and traditional pub life at its best.

When it comes to entertainment, there is no shortage – whether it is shopping, dining or evening entertainment. You will have Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street within reach for full-scale shopping!

At the same time, you will get the opportunity to explore historic places, galleries and fine museums full of hidden gems in the elegant neighbourhood. Don’t miss out on the Royal Academy of Arts!

The Chesterfield Mayfair is a top-class hotel in Mayfair, one of the best areas in London, where you can enjoy shopping and upmarket restaurants just around the corner. The hotel is conveniently located close to vibrant Oxford Street with diversified shopping options.

7. Kensington

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If you would like to stay close to some of London’s most iconic museums — including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum — Kensington is a top choice. Here, you can also enjoy a peaceful morning stroll through Hyde Park or explore the vibrant Portobello Road Market. It is a charming area that offers a quieter atmosphere while keeping you well-connected to central London’s main sights.

Kensington is one of the best places in London to stay to take advantage of free museum entry to top-class museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the fantastic Science Museum with unbelievable inventions, and the Natural History Museum with a giant blue whale, a roaring T.rex and other prehistoric dinosaurs. You will also gain insight into Darwin’s theory of biological evolution by natural selection.

Afterwards, chill out or go for a brisk walk in Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park with the unique Speakers’ Corner, which has existed since 1872. Here, anyone can step up to speak in public on any preferred subject. Moreover, Kensington Gardens features the Albert Memorial, a true piece of art commemorating the death of Prince Albert, as well as the symbolic and world-famous statue of Peter Pan!

Later, you might enjoy a stroll through Kensington’s historic cobbled streets and charming mews. Don’t miss the chance to admire — or even visit — the iconic Royal Albert Hall, famous for hosting events such as the BBC Proms. You will also be within easy reach of the colourful Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most lively and characterful markets. During the weekends, it is a real gem of antiques and jewellery and the perfect place to discover food from everywhere in the world.

If you are in the mood for luxury shopping, a visit to Harrods in Knightsbridge is a must — even if you are just browsing. Opened in 1849 as a humble tea and grocery store, Harrods has grown into one of the world’s most iconic department stores, where you can find nearly anything imaginable. Be sure to explore the spectacular food halls — a feast for the senses. Afterwards, you will have no trouble finding an elegant fine-dining spot nearby.

Kensington is one of the best areas you can stay in London. For a unique experience, you may want to consider the Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel, a top-class hotel with a lavish interior, Italian marble bathrooms, and high-quality bedrooms.

8. Notting Hill

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Would you like to wake up and walk right out on Portobello Road Market? Or maybe join the annual Notting Hill Carnival? In this case, there is no doubt about where in London to stay: Notting Hill!

Just north of Kensington, you will find Notting Hill. It is a mix of eclectic styles, outstanding architecture, street art, market stalls and much more.

Rows of pastel houses, picturesquely set in the London neighbourhood – Lancaster Road, Clarendon Road, and Westbourne Grove are all brilliant examples of pretty roads wrapped in shades of pastel colours.

The big draw in Notting Hill is Portobello Road Market, the largest antique market in the world, consisting of over 1,000 stalls. It is the perfect place to find collectables, antiques, retro items and other fascinating gems.

After the 1958 race riots, a new event saw the light of day in this part of London – the first one organised in St Pancras Town Hall. Subsequently, the Notting Hill Carnival sprang out from the first Notting Hill Street Festival in 1965 – and from 1966, the Notting Hill Carnival was a recurring annual event in Notting Hill!

Finally, the Electric Cinema is also worth a visit. It’s one of the oldest and most enchanting cinemas in the country.

Would you like to stay in one of the best areas of this part of London, with the renowned Portobello Market just around the corner for an unforgettable market experience?

9. Camden Town

Photo: Jordan Holiday Mariangela Ribeiro / Pixabay

Camden Town is one of the alternative areas in London, picturesquely set at a small canal. If you like the vibe of a neighbourhood, where you will find a heaven of small open-air markets with quirky market stalls, an iconic Roundhouse, dynamic street performers, and great live music, it is maybe Camden Town you should consider for your stay – especially if you are a real shopping addict whether it is the big brands, vintage clothing, antiques or special-style items you are after. It is also an excellent place for people-watching!

Camden Town dates as a residential area back to the 1790s. Anyway, it was only much later that the development of the Grand Union Canal, combined with a better railway service, converting this part of London into an attractive and bustling part of the city, took place.

Today, you will come here for the extraordinary finds at the Camden markets. You can stroll around for hours to find the most unique pieces and find new (and alternative) inspiration for your clothing and curious items for your home. Camden’s markets are popular among locals and visitors alike! You may well combine your shopping and haggling skills with trying some unusual cuisine and taking the opportunity to discover fascinating musical talents and engaging artists.

There has always been an intriguing live music scene here – spanning over a wide range of performances, including theatre shows, for instance, at the Etcetera Theatre.

The Camden open-air markets include Camden Lock Market with crafts, vintage, antiques, clothing and cheap eats, Camden Lock Village with a wide range of clothing, accessories and quite unusual stuff, and Camden Market (once named Buck Street) with more fashion in their assortment – to mention a few.

The area is also quite idyllic along the Camden Lock canal (Regent’s Canal), inviting for a stroll! Try a boat trip or a water bus to Little Venice, or plan a picnic here at the Camden Locks in the scenic surroundings.

Maybe you would prefer to stay just outside central London, in a neighbourhood with a local vibe and some of the city’s best alternative markets? If so, the Holiday Inn London Camden Lock is a great choice for your stay in Camden Town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should first-time visitors stay in London?

Covent Garden, Westminster and South Bank are excellent choices for first-time visitors because they offer easy access to many of London’s most famous attractions and transport connections.

Can you see London in one day?

Yes. While you cannot experience everything London offers in a single day, it is possible to visit several major landmarks, museums and historic sites with careful planning. Our One-Day London Itinerary provides a practical route for making the most of a short visit.

What is the best area in London for sightseeing?

Westminster is one of the best areas for sightseeing thanks to attractions such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

Which London neighbourhood is best for culture and museums?

Kensington is ideal for museum lovers, with the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and Science Museum all within walking distance.

Is Covent Garden a good place to stay in London?

Yes. Covent Garden offers excellent restaurants, theatres, shopping and a lively atmosphere while remaining centrally located for sightseeing.

What is the best area in London for nightlife and entertainment?

Camden Town and Covent Garden are popular choices for nightlife, live music, bars, theatres and evening entertainment.

Which area of London is best for families?

South Bank is often a good choice for families because it combines major attractions, riverside walks and family-friendly entertainment.

Is Greenwich a good area to stay in London?

Greenwich offers a quieter atmosphere, historic attractions and excellent transport links, making it a great alternative to central London.

What is the most luxurious area to stay in London?

Mayfair is widely regarded as one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, known for luxury hotels, fine dining and high-end shopping.

How many days should I stay in London?

Three to four days allows enough time to experience many of London’s major landmarks, museums, historic sites and neighbourhoods.

More Information: Where to Stay in London

Do you need a 3-day itinerary for your London trip? Check here what you can cover in 3 days: London 3-day Itinerary

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Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.