Best Area to Stay in London for First Time Visitors

London can be overwhelming if it’s your first time visiting, but it doesn’t have to be at all. Now, I’ve lived here for 7 years after moving from America. I’ve explored London deeply and can recommend my favorite hotels and areas. The key is not necessarily to be in Zone 1 (Central London) if you’re on a budget. That’s because if you just situate yourself next to the London Underground, you can get anywhere in moments. This guide will cover the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors no matter what your budget is.

PS: if you visit during the festive season, I have a guide on where to stay for Christmas.

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Best areas to stay in London for first timers

If you want to be close to all the tourist attractions since it’s your first time visiting London, then you should stay in Covent Garden, Westminster, South Bank, or Soho.

However, you prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle but still within easy reach to central, then I’d recommend Shoreditch, Kensington, and Notting Hill too – depending on your vibe.

If you like the young hipster scene then stay in Shoreditch.

On the other hand, if you prefer staying in a classy, residential area with elegant townhouses and close proximity to museums and parks, then Kensington is perfect for you.

Or if charming streets, colorful houses, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe with great markets and cafés is your vibe, then Notting Hill is the ideal choice.

Just realize, if you stay next to a tube station, you can get to most places in London within minutes. London is broken down into Zones with Zone 1 covering the city center and most major attractions, like Westminster, Covent Garden, and Soho.. The further you stay out (say Zone 2 and beyond), the cheaper the accommodations will be.

Now here’s a breakdown of the top areas to stay in London.

1. Covent Garden

covent garden best area to stay in London

covent garden during christmas in London

Why stay here? Central location, great restaurants, theaters, and easy access to major attractions.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Holborn
🏨 Top Picks: Henrietta Hotel | AMANO

2. Westminster

female standing in a white dress looking at big ben with an underground archway

Why stay here? Walking distance to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Westminster, St. James’s Park
🏨 Top Picks: Marriott County Hall

3. South Bank

female in pink dress in front of tower bridge london

Why stay here? It’s close to the most iconic London landmarks like London Eye, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge. As well as Borough Market – the perfect spot for foodie lovers.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Waterloo, London Bridge
🏨 Top Picks: Sea Containers | Ruby Lucy Hotel & Bar

4. Soho

regent street black cab london uk soho best area to stay in london

piccadilly circus underground station entrance

Why stay here? It’s super central, has great nightlife, amazing restaurants, and is a short walk to Oxford Street.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus
🏨 Top Picks: Treehouse | The Dilly

5. Kensington

kensington best area to stay in London for first-timers

a woman in a red dress standing in a building with a dinosaur skeleton at the natural history museum london

Why stay here? Affluent neighborhood, close to museums (V&A, Natural History Museum), and Hyde Park.
🚇 Nearby Stations: South Kensington, Gloucester Road
🏨 Top Picks: The Milestone | The Ampersand Hotel | The Gore

6. Shoreditch

shoreditch trendy neighborhood in london

Why stay here? This is London’s trendiest neighborhood full of cool cafés, vintage markets, street art. It attracts the young hipster crowd and offers some of the city’s best nightlife.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High Street (Overground), and Old Street (Northern Line)
🏨 Top Picks: The Hoxton Shoreditch | Mamma Shelter

7. Notting Hill

colorful buildings portobello road london

a store front with a red building and people standing in front in notting hill london

Why stay here? If you prefer to be away from central London’s busy vibe and want a more relaxed neighborhood vibe. There are independent shops, the famous Portobello Road Market and endless pastel-colored houses here.
🚇 Nearby Stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove
🏨 Top Picks: The Laslett | The Portobello Hotel

8. Kings Cross

kings cross st pancras station with wicked tree

Why stay here? If you’re arriving by Eurostar from other European cities like Paris, staying here is really convenient. Plus, there’s a lot of great restaurants and shopping in Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard.
🚇 Nearby Stations: King’s Cross St Pancras, Euston
🏨 Top Picks: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel

Most Classic Hotels in London

These are the hotels that are simply iconic to London. Even if you don’t stay in one of these luxury hotels in London, you can visit them for an afternoon tea, dinner at one of the Shard’s many restaurants, or a cocktail at one of the fancy bars inside.

ale having afternoon tea in front of a view of London at the Shard

female standing on a stairwell with intricate patterns at the St pancras rennaissance hoetl

Shangri-La The Shard
The Savoy
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane
Claridge’s
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Hotel Cafe Royal
The Ned
The Langham
The Connaught

Best Hotels in London with a View

I love a hotel with a view, and these are definitely the best I’ve spotted here in London. You’ll find them overlooking iconic places like the Tower Bridge and the London Eye!

female looking out a hotel window at tower bridge in London

female with heart balloons in front of the london eye

Cheval Three Quays (Photo 1 above) – Room type: 2 bedroom with river view for a view of Tower Bridge
Marriott County Hall (Photo 3 above): Room type: any that have a balcony in the title of the booking. You will have a view of Big Ben & the London Eye.
The Tower Hotel: Tower Bridge hotel view
Shangri-La The Shard – Room type: any that say with city view. You will have 360 views of most of London