Where to Stay in London: My No-Nonsense Guide to the Best Areas & Hotels

Last Updated on March 20, 2025 by Oliver

If I had to pick my favorite big city in Europe, it would be London—no question. I’m not saying I’d want to live here forever, but for a trip? Absolutely. I’ve been coming to London for over 10 years now, and it never gets old. The museums (which are free), the historic landmarks, the markets, the endless things to do—this city just delivers.

One thing I did get wrong on my first visit, though, was underestimating how massive London is (It’s basiically as big as New York). Yes, some parts are walkable, but you’ll be covering a lot of ground. That’s why picking the right area to stay in is crucial. To help you out, I’ve put together my guide to the best areas in London, based on my own experiences.

Note: This is a short and to-the-point guide. I’ve read way too many “where to stay” articles that take forever to get to the actual recommendations. So I kept this one simple—just the best areas and hotels, without the fluff.

Where to Stay in London – Top Neighborhoods & Areas

(Quick overview if you don’t have time to read the whole blog post)

• Covent Garden – My go-to area for a classic London experience. It’s central, walkable, and packed with restaurants, pubs, and theaters.
  Top Hotel: Amano Covent Garden – great location with an awesome rooftop bar.
• City of London – Perfect if you love history and want to be near iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s and the Tower of London.
  Top Hotel: Wombat’s Hostel – stylish and modern Hostel with a great location.
• South Bank – Ideal if you want river views and a more relaxed vibe while still being close to everything.
  Top Hotel: Bankside Hotel – super stylish and right by the Thames. I thought it was a little expensive.
• Camden Town – A cool alternative if you like a more local feel, street markets, and live music.
  Top Hotel: Holiday Inn Camden – renovated and modern, though prices have gone up over the years.

Where to Stay in London – The 4 Areas That Work Best for Me

I’ll keep this straight to the point. I’ve been to London more times than I can count, so I’ve got a solid idea of where it actually makes sense to stay as a tourist.

I’m talking about areas with great food (whether you’re after budget eats or something fancier), easy access to transport, walkability, and, of course, solid hotel options. Usually I would pick somewhere in Central London, especially when I only have 2 days in London.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden has been my go-to for the past few years because some of my favorite hotels are here. It used to be London’s red-light district (not anymore, don’t worry), and now it’s one of the most charming areas in the city. You’ve got the famous Apple Market, beautiful old pubs, and an unbeatable atmosphere.

I also love that you’re within walking distance of so many top sights—just stroll along the Thames, and you’ll hit everything from Tower Bridge to the Palace of Westminster. Plus, I love the theater. This is where I usually go to the Royal Opera House and West End shows, which are right on my doorstep.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Covent Garden

✅ Unbeatable location – Walkable to major sights like Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, the West End, and the Thames.
✅ Great food & nightlife – Tons of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and cocktail bars right at your doorstep.
✅ Perfect for theater lovers – Right in the heart of London’s West End.
✅ Beautiful atmosphere – Historic buildings, charming streets, and the famous Apple Market.

❌ Expensive – Hotels here aren’t cheap, and dining out can add up fast.
❌ Crowded – It’s one of the busiest areas in London, especially on weekends.
❌ Not much green space – If you like parks, you’ll have to walk to St. James’s or Hyde Park.

Hotel Pick: Amano Covent Garden – My go-to in recent years. It’s a stylish, mid-range hotel (well, mid-range for London) with a great rooftop bar.

Budget Hotel Pick: Fielding Hotel – A budget-friendly gem right in Covent Garden. It’s nothing fancy, but the location is unbeatable, and for the price, it’s a great for London at least.

City of London

A while back, I wanted to stay somewhere that felt a bit different from my usual spots, so I ended up picking the City of London. This is the financial district, which means it’s all business during the week but surprisingly quiet on weekends. I actually loved that—it felt like I had the place to myself.

You’re right by landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge, and if you’re into history, this area is packed with it.

Plus, I had some of the best pub lunches here—proper old-school London pubs where you feel like a local. Just keep in mind that since this is more of a business hub, it’s not as lively at night compared to other areas.

Pros and Cons of Staying in the City of London

✅ Historic main sights everywhere – Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge are all nearby.
✅ Less touristy at night – The area empties out after work hours, making it quieter than places like Covent Garden.
✅ Great transport links – Well connected by Tube, buses, and even the Thames Clipper.
✅ Lots of business hotels – Good selection of modern, well-equipped hotels.

❌ Can feel too business-y – It’s the financial district, so after office hours, some areas feel dead.
❌ Not as many nightlife options – Pubs and restaurants cater more to office workers.
❌ Fewer budget stays – Most hotels are mid-range to high-end.

Hostel Pick: Wombats City Hostel – One of the best value-for-money stays in this area. A great hostel and a bit more social than a hotel.

Luxury Hotel Pick: Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge – A solid luxury option with spacious rooms, a great spa, and a pool. I stayed here when I wanted a bit more comfort, and the Tower Bridge location was a nice bonus.

South Bank

If you want great views and a more laid-back vibe, South Bank is a solid option. You’ll be right along the Thames, with the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe all within walking distance. This area has tons of restaurants and bars, and I love that it doesn’t feel quite as chaotic as some other parts of London.

It’s also perfect if you’re into walking—just follow the river, and you’ll end up at most of London’s major sights without even needing to take the Tube.

Pros and Cons of Staying on the South Bank

✅ Amazing river views – You’re right on the Thames, with iconic landmarks like the London Eye and Tate Modern.
✅ Relaxed but central – A bit less chaotic than Covent Garden or Soho but still well-connected.
✅ Great for walking – The riverside path takes you past many of London’s best sights.
✅ Plenty of restaurants & bars – Lots of dining options without the crazy crowds.

❌ Fewer hotels – Not as many options compared to other areas.
❌ Less of a ‘neighborhood feel’ – It’s mostly modern developments rather than charming old streets.
❌ Some parts get quiet at night – While great during the day, some areas can feel a bit empty after dark.

Apartment Pick: Staylux Waterloo – Perfect for groups or families. We stayed here with six people, and the apartment setup made everything way easier (and cheaper).

Hotel Pick: Bankside Hotel – A stylish boutique stay right on the South Bank. I loved the artsy design, and the location made it super easy to explore on foot. Definitely on the pricier side, but I stayed here for a special occasion—so that kind of justifies it (at least in my head).

Camden Town

I first stayed in Camden when I was on a bit of a budget, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Turns out, it’s one of my favorite areas in London. It’s got this super cool, edgy vibe, and the street food at Camden Market is unreal. I remember one trip where I pretty much ate my way through the market—jerk chicken, bao buns, Dutch pancakes, you name it.

Camden is also a great spot for music lovers, with loads of live venues and bars. Just know that it’s definitely on the livelier side—if you’re looking for quiet nights, this might not be your best bet. But if you love street markets, canal walks, and a bit of chaos in the best way, Camden is a great place to stay.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Camden Town

✅ Cool, alternative vibe – If you love music, markets, and a more offbeat scene, this is the place.
✅ Great for nightlife – Loads of live music venues, bars, and quirky pubs.
✅ Cheaper food options – Camden Market has some of the best (and most affordable) street food in London.
✅ Feels less touristy – Still close to the center, but with a more local, artsy feel.

❌ Not as central – You’ll be using the Tube more often to get around.
❌ Noisy at night – If you’re near the market or main streets, expect some late-night noise.
❌ Limited hotel options – Not many hotels here, mostly apartments and budget stays.

Hotel Pick: Holiday Inn Camden Town – I stayed here back when Camden was still a budget-friendly area. It’s been renovated since, but honestly, at today’s prices, I’d rather stay in Covent Garden.

Where I’ve Stayed in London – My Favorite Hotels 

I’ve stayed in a few other areas besides the ones I mentioned—like Soho, Kensington, and Canary Wharf. But honestly, they didn’t feel ideal for a short tourist trip. Soho is amazing for nightlife, but it’s a bit too hectic for me. I’d rather stay in Covent Garden and just walk or Uber over.

As for the others, they were too far out and didn’t offer enough on their own. Anyway, here are some of the places I’ve stayed in London that I’d actually recommend.

Amano Covent Garden – Covent Garden (Perfect for Couples)

This is actually where I stayed most recently in London (2024), and honestly, for a “mid-range” hotel, it still felt pretty pricey. But that’s London for you—at $300+ a night, this was actually one of the better value-for-money options I found. The rooms are on the smaller side, but compared to other hotels in this price range, they felt much nicer and more modern.

I stayed here when we went to a West End show, and it was perfect for that—the location is unbeatable if you want to explore Covent Garden. The restaurant looked good (and expensive, of course), but I never had dinner there. I did, however, have a couple of drinks at their bar, which were great.

But the real highlight for me? The rooftop. Having sunset drinks up there with views over Covent Garden and even the London Eye was unreal. That alone makes me want to stay here again.

Staylux Waterloo – South Bank (Great for Groups & Families)

One year, we visited London with the whole family—six people in total, three couples—so booking an apartment just made the most sense. Finding restaurants for every meal with that many people can be a hassle (and expensive), so we liked having the option to make breakfast and coffee in the apartment before heading out.

We ended up staying at Staylux Waterloo, and it was a great choice. Nothing crazy unique—just a typical new-build apartment—but it was spacious, had a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony with great views, and three separate bedrooms with comfy beds. No complaints at all.

The location was also spot on—right next to Waterloo Station, which made arriving from the airport super easy, and just a two-minute walk to the London Eye and the Palace of Westminster. If you’re traveling with a group or family, this is definitely one to consider.

Wombats City Hostel London – City of London (Perfect for Solo Travelers & Backpackers)

When I was backpacking around Europe, this is where I stayed for about five nights in London. Back then—and even now—I think this is one of the best hostels for backpackers or solo travelers who don’t mind dorms. I know some people find that crazy, but for me, it’s totally normal. In fact, when I travel solo, I actually prefer hostels since they’re way more social.

Wombats is modern, clean, and has a really friendly vibe. It’s also pretty big, with a huge bar and restaurant in the basement, which is a nice bonus. The only thing is, because it’s such a large hostel, I found it a bit harder to socialize. Unless you hit it off with your dorm mates, it’s not as naturally social as some smaller hostels.

My Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in London

I really do think these areas make the most sense for staying in London, especially if it’s your first time—at least that’s how I’ve felt. If I had to pick just one, it would be Covent Garden. That’s why I’ve been staying there recently—it’s super central, and I love that I can just walk pretty much everywhere. The downside? It’s pricey. A few years ago, I definitely couldn’t afford it. If that’s the case for you, Wombats is the way to go. A hostel bed for under $30 a night, plus the chance to meet some cool people to explore the city with—what more do you need?

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