A complete guide to where to stay in London first time (+ the best areas and hotels for sightseeing, nightlife, shopping, Christmas and a romantic getaway).
London, the capital of England, is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities around the globe. It is known for its iconic landmarks, rich history, and bustling cultural scene. The city is one of the most popular destinations not only in the UK but in the world!
Choosing where to stay in London when you first visit the city will make a big difference in your trip. There are over 30 neighbourhoods and each of them will give you a completely different experience of the English capital.
To save you from having to spend ages trying to find the best place to stay in London, I wrote this detailed guide. Besides the best areas for sightseeing, shopping, nightlife and Christmas, you’ll find recommended hotels for each area.
The Thames River runs through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts – north and south. If this is your first time in London, I’d advise you to stay on the north bank in Zone 1. This is where most of the popular attractions such as Big Ben, the British Museum and the Tower of London are. Also, staying in Zone 1 will allow you to save money on the cost of your metro tickets.
Where I stayed in London
During my first trip to London, I chose to stay in the western part of the City of London. It’s a historic district located north of the River Thames, home to many historic and cultural landmarks, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London. Also, I was within walking distance of Covent Garden with its plenty of restaurants and pubs.
My favourite place to stay in London: Apex Temple Court Hotel
Why: prime location, easy access to restaurants, shopping and a metro station
What I like: large quiet rooms, a lovely restaurant and a bar
If you’re visiting London for the first time, I’d advise you to stay in Covent Garden or within a short walk of the district as I did (the western part of the City of London). It’s the best location for sightseeing as many historical sights and plenty of nice restaurants are right at your doorstep.
Most popular hotel in London
Looking for a great hotel in a prime location? Then check out Page 8 Hotel – it’s one of the most popular hotels in London.
Page 8 Hotel – Most popular hotel
A stylish hotel with a prime location right next to Trafalgar Square. Walking distance to many restaurants, theatres and tourist sights, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and London Eye. Rooms are elegantly designed with high-quality amenities. The hotel features a great rooftop bar and a lovely lobby café.
Why book – central location, next to few metro stations, easy access to Heathrow airport
Tips for booking a hotel in London
Public transport proximity – London is a huge city, so even if you choose a central location, you’ll have to use public transportation to get around. So, make sure your hotel is close to a metro (or at least a bus) station with lots of different lines. This will give you easy access to the sights you want to see. Metro station is a better option, as buses could be slower due to traffic.
Visiting London for the first time? Then take a look at my complete itinerary for 4 days in London, which covers all popular attractions and my favourite restaurants.
Room size – rooms, in general, are relatively small (still better than the ones in Paris). Don’t expect a sitting area or a working desk. Always check the room size before booking your accommodation. Of course, it’s possible to find larger rooms, but they come at a higher price.
Air conditioning – this is not a common thing in the UK and many hotels don’t have an air conditioner. If this is important for you, keep in mind to check if your chosen hotel features air conditioning.
Where to stay in London, England (first time 2023)
- Covent Garden – the best area for sightseeing
- Piccadilly Circus – for one night
- Trafalgar Square – for Christmas
- Oxford Street – for shopping
- Soho – for nightlife
- Mayfair – for a romantic getaway
Covent Garden – best area to stay in London first time
The best place to stay in London for first-time visitors is Covent Garden. This chic and lively neighbourhood is located in the West End of London. Covent Garden features a great dining and theatre scene and easy access to many popular attractions such as Trafalgar Square, the British Museum and London Eye.
The first thing to know is that London is huge, so you can’t be within walking distance of all the must-see sights. The attractions are a bit spread over the city and you’ll need to use their excellent metro system (or the so-called Tube). Having this in mind, Covent Garden is a great area to base yourself, because you’ll be just a short walk from a few metro lines, including the Piccadilly line, which takes you to Heathrow Airport.
The area itself is very charming with lots of pedestrian-friendly streets lined with fashionable cafes, small theatres and high-end boutiques. However, the heart of the neighbourhood is its cobbled piazza and restored 19th-century market with a stunning iron and glass roof that covers the central market hall. The market features unique shops and stalls, ranging from luxury fashion brands to independent sellers of antiques, food and crafts.
Don’t forget to buy skip-the-line tickets for the London Eye and the Tower of London (with 3 million visitors per year, lines are always huge).
Why stay in Covent Garden for sightseeing
- most convenient area for first-timers due to its central location in the West End
- easy access to numerous big attractions (the British Museum, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye)
- convenient access to Heathrow Airport using the Piccadilly metro line
- great dining options from casual cafes (such as Victoria House Coffee & Food or St. John Bakery Neal’s Yard) to high-end restaurants
- the area is home to several world-famous theatres, like the Royal Opera House, the Duchess Theatre, Lyceum Theatre and the London Coliseum
Hotels in Covent Garden (Best for couples)
The Resident Covent Garden – Best rated
Situated in the West End of London, the Resident Covent Garden is just a few minutes walk to Covent Garden Piazza and Charing Cross station. Perfect location for sightseeing, within easy reach of many tourist attractions and restaurants. Rooms are modern, featuring elegant, hand-made furniture and soft beds with luxurious fabrics.
Why book – prime central location, walking distance to theatres and restaurants
Page8 Hotel – Most popular
A great chic hotel for couples with an excellent location adjacent to Trafalgar Square. Numerous tourist attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye, nice restaurants and bars – all within easy walking distance. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s superb rooftop bar or relax in the charming lobby café.
Why book – fantastic location, next to few metro stations, easy access to Heathrow airport (metro station Leicester Square)
Hotels in Covent Garden (Best for families)
The Clermont, Charing Cross – Most popular
Housed in a beautiful historic building, the Clermont is just steps from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. The spacious rooms feature a perfect balance of old-world London charm and modern amenities. The Clermont Restaurant offers classics with a modern twist, created from fresh, locally-sourced produce.
Why book – central location for sightseeing, spacious rooms with comfy large beds, free mini-bar
Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel – Best rated
A boutique hotel set in the picturesque part of Covent Garden, within a 10min walk of Soho and Trafalgar Square. The modern rooms feature luxurious 350-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding and Italian marble bathrooms. The Monmouth Kitchen restaurant offers a menu of Peruvian and Italian sharing plates (don’t miss their signature smoked lamb cutlets with red anticucho).
Why book – central location, next to few metro stations, easy access to Heathrow airport
Luxury hotels in Covent Garden
The Savoy – Best rated
For a luxurious and an unforgettable experience in London, stay at the famous Savoy Hotel.
Opened in 1889, the hotel will charm you with its iconic Art Deco design and beautiful views over the River Thames. Savoy boasts a range of dining and drinking options, including the world-famous American Bar, Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill and Thames Foyer, famous for their Afternoon tea.
Why book – excellent central location, fabulous breakfast, great Spa with swimming pool with natural light
The Londoner – Most popular
The Londoner provides a comfortable and luxurious base to explore the famous London attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Located in Leicester Square, the hotel is just a short walk from Soho, Covent Garden and local transport links. The wellness area features a swimming pool, hydropool, sauna, and steam room – perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Why book – prime central location, guest-only club, rooftop lounge
Apartments in Covent Garden
Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden – Most popular
Located on the Strand in the heart of the West End, Wilde by Staycity is just a few minutes stroll from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square. It’s a great choice for travellers who want the comfort and convenience of a hotel, combined with the flexibility and independence of a self-catering apartment.
Why book – superb location, 24h reception, studio apartments with fully equipped kitchenette
The Lincoln Suites – Best rated
The Lincoln Suites provides a comfortable and relaxing home away from home. Nestled in the heart of central London, the modern aparthotel overlooks the famous Kingsway. All rooms feature a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave, while the suites – a fully equipped kitchen.
Why book – a short walk from attractions and restaurants, next to a supermarket, 24h reception
Piccadilly Circus – Where to stay in London for one night
The best area to stay in London for one night is Piccadilly Circus. It’s a lively area, just a stone’s throw from Soho, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Piccadilly Circus is well-connected to other parts of London, making it easy to explore the city.
Piccadilly Circus is located in the heart of West End. It has a unique atmosphere with a lively and energetic vibe. Here, you’ll find some of the best bakeries (Crumbs & Doilies) and brunch spots (Queens of Mayfair, Ziggy Green) in London!
Staying in this central area provides you with easy access to some of London’s top attractions, including the West End theatres and shopping on Oxford Street. Also, you’ll be within walking distance of Soho (for all travellers interested in nightlife) and Covent Garden (with its numerous restaurants and pubs).
Why stay near Piccadilly Circus for one night
- most convenient area for one night, due to its central location and transport links
- convenient access to Heathrow Airport using the Piccadilly metro line
- easy access to many of the city’s top sights (such as Buckingham Palace and the British Museum), as well as numerous shops, restaurants, and entertainment options
- Victoria, Waterloo and Paddington Railway Station are just a short metro ride
Page8 Hotel – Best mid-range
Page8 Hotel is an excellent choice for a one-night stay in London. Its central location, right next to Trafalgar Square, allows you to easily see London’s most popular attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. The hotel also boasts a splendid rooftop bar where you can relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Why book – central location, next to few metro stations, easy access to Heathrow airport (metro station Leicester Square)
Hotel Café Royal – Best luxury
For an unforgettable one-night stay in London, consider booking a room at Hotel Café Royal. Located on Regent Street, the hotel is just a short 6-minute walk away from the shopping areas of Bond Street and Oxford Street. Café Royal has several dining options, including the Ten Room (classic British cuisine) and the Cakes and Bubbles (for exceptional desserts and pastries).
Why book – prime location, amazing Spa with large lap pool, easy access to Heathrow airport (metro station Piccadilly Circus)
Trafalgar Square – where to stay in London for Christmas
London is a magical place to visit during the Christmas season. The English capital comes alive with festive cheer, twinkling lights and pretty Christmas markets pop up around the city.
The best area to stay in London during this festive season is Trafalgar Square. Situated at the heart of the West End, Trafalgar Square is in close proximity to numerous top attractions, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. The area is also well-connected by public transport to other parts of the city, including Heathrow Airport.
Why stay near Trafalgar Square for Christmas
- Trafalgar Square is the place where you’ll find the city’s most famous Christmas tree (don’t miss the lightning ceremony at the beginning of December)
- take this Christmas Lights by Night Bus Tour to discover the city’s enchanting Christmas lights on Regent Street, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square
- some of the most magical Christmas markets in London (Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square) are just a short walk away
- easy access to the city’s most popular Christmas attraction – Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park (where you can enjoy many festive activities from ice skating and circus shows to food stalls and live music)
- Trafalgar Square is home to one of London’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebrations
The Clermont, Charing Cross – Best mid-range
Experience the magic of Christmas in London by staying at The Clermont! Housed in a stunning historic building, the hotel is just steps away from the festively decorated Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden. The spacious rooms are comfy and perfectly blend old-world London charm with modern amenities.
Why book – most central location for the Christmas season, spacious rooms with comfy large beds, free mini-bar
The Trafalgar St. James – Best luxury
The Trafalgar St. James is located in a prime spot in central London, making it an ideal choice for all looking to soak up the holiday spirit. You can easily walk to the Christmas lights and decorations in Trafalgar Square and the nearby Covent Garden. The hotel boasts a rooftop bar, which offers stunning views of the London skyline.
Why book – fantastic location at Trafalgar Square, spacious modern rooms with Art Deco design, excellent cocktails at Rockwell Bar
Oxford Street – best area to stay in London for shopping
With numerous shopping streets and world-class department stores, London is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury brands or more affordable high-street retailers, the city offers something for everyone.
If you’re planning a shopping-focused trip, there are two great areas to consider:
- Oxford Street – home to over 300 shops, ranging from high-end luxury brands to high-street retailers
- Knightsbridge – known for its high-end luxury boutiques and designer stores, including the world-famous Harrods
Oxford Street
Located in the West End of London, Oxford Street is the city’s most famous shopping street. It is home to more than 300 shops featuring some of the world’s best-known brands. Here you can find also the most iconic department stores, including Selfridges, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer.
The adjacent Regent Street is famous for its flagship stores and international brands. It is home to many high-end fashion brands, including Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade. Additionally, there are also high-street shops such as Zara and H&M.
Treehouse Hotel – Best mid-range
Treehouse Hotel is conveniently located near Oxford Street and Regent Street, two of London’s most famous shopping streets. The modern quirky rooms are spacious, featuring big bay windows with stunning city views. Easy access to many popular attractions (metro station Oxford Circus).
Why book – perfect location for shopping, rooms with great city views, rooftop bar
The Langham – Best luxury
The Langham has a rich history dating back to 1865 when it was opened as Europe’s first grand hotel. Located at the top of Regent Street, the hotel is just a short walk from Oxford Street with its numerous boutique shops. The Langham offers an award-winning cocktail bar, Artesian, and a stylish French restaurant, Roux at the Landau.
Why book – ideal location for shopping, amazing Spa with 16m-long indoor pool
Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge is another popular shopping area. It is known for its high-end luxury boutiques and designer stores. If you’re looking for luxury fashion and accessories, this is the place for you!
The area is home to the iconic Harrods and Harvey Nichols, world-renowned department stores. Harrods offers everything from designer clothing and accessories to gourmet food and wine. Its rich history dates back to 1849, while the store’s ornate façade with gold is an architectural masterpiece. Harvey Nichols is known for its great selection of high-end fashion brands, such as Gucci and Balenciaga.
Just a short walk from Harrods, you’ll find Sloane Street. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior.
Egerton House – Best mid-range
Egerton House is located in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge, known for its luxury boutiques and designer stores. The famous high-end department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols are less than a 3-minute walk. The gorgeous rooms are decorated in a classic English style with antique furniture, original artworks and marble bathrooms.
Why book – prime location, just a short walk from Harrods, gorgeous boutique rooms
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park – Best luxury
Mandarin Oriental is located in one of the most prestigious areas of London, overlooking the beautiful Hyde Park. It’s the perfect base for high-end shopping, as it is within a 5-minute walk of Sloane Street and Harrods. The hotel features the outstanding Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (two Michelin stars) and The Aubrey (Japanese izakaya).
Why book – walking distance to Harrods, excellent wellness centre with a 17m swimming pool
Soho – best place to stay in London for nightlife
The best area to stay in London for nightlife is Soho. It’s the city’s most lively and vibrant neighbourhood, known for its amazing nightlife scene. Whether you’re into live music, club dancing, or just a quiet drink at the pub, there’s something for everyone in Soho.
Located in the heart of the West End, Soho is bordered by the vibrant Chinatown to the south, Oxford Street to the north and the elegant Covent Garden. It offers a great mix of trendy cocktail bars, traditional pubs, theatres, restaurants and cafes.
For an enjoyable dining experience, head to the following restaurants – Bob Bob Ricard Soho (French), Barrafina (Spanish), Flat Iron Soho (Steakhouse) or Randall & Aubin (Seafood). Then continue your night in some of the popular clubs and bars: Be At One – Piccadilly Circus, Simmons Bar, Bar Termini, Ronnie Scott’s, Swift Soho and Cahoots London.
Why stay in Soho for nightlife
- great central location, perfect for a night out, dining, shopping or exploring the most popular attractions
- join this Historical Pub Walking Tour to try some of the finest brews at the city’s historic pubs and the grand Victorian Gin Palace
- excellent transport links to other parts of the city (4 metro stations – Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus)
The Resident Soho – Best mid-range
Situated on a quiet street in the heart of Soho, The Resident is the perfect base to experience the vibrant nightlife of London. You’ll be just steps away from some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, West End stages and clubs!
Why book – central location in the heart of Soho, 24-hour front desk, elegant modern rooms
The Soho Hotel – Best luxury
Located in the centre of Soho, The Soho Hotel is just a few minutes walk away from some of the best nightlife spots in the area. Each spacious room is individually designed with a unique blend of contemporary and traditional styles. The Refuel Bar & Restaurant at the hotel serves modern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce.
Why book – quiet central location, 24-hour front desk, excellent restaurant
Mayfair – best area to stay in London for honeymoon
The best place to stay in London for honeymoon or a romantic getaway is Mayfair. Located in the heart of central London, Mayfair with its romantic ambience and elegant Georgian houses is one of the classiest parts of the city.
Mayfair is known for its luxurious hotels, high-end boutiques and one of the best restaurants in London, many of which feature Michelin-starred chefs. The streets are lined with elegant buildings, creating a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere. It’s the perfect area to stay for honeymooners, or if you’re planning a wedding anniversary trip.
For a great dining experience head to Galvin at Windows (French), HIDE (Modern European), Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (French) or Scott’s (seafood). And if you decide to do some sightseeing, you’ll be just a short walk to some of the city’s top cultural attractions, including Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.
Why stay in Mayfair for a romantic getaway
- romantic atmosphere, perfect for honeymooners
- treat yourself to an exclusive photoshoot in front of the iconic Tower Bridge and let a professional photographer turn your visit into a lifetime memory
- central location and easy access to many popular attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the National Gallery
- walking distance to high-end boutiques, designer stores and Michelin-starred restaurants
The Ritz – Most popular
For a truly exceptional experience, consider booking a room at the Ritz. With its timeless elegance and grandeur, opulent furnishings, marble floors, and ornate ceilings, it is the city’s most famous hotel. The Ritz features a few dining options, including the Palm Court (with their iconic Afternoon tea), Ritz Restaurant (Michelin star) and The Rivoli Bar (great selection of wines).
Why book – overlooking London’s Green Park, luxurious bedrooms with high ceilings
Claridge’s – Best rated
Situated in the heart of Mayfair, Claridge’s boasts timeless elegance and Art Deco-inspired decor. The spacious rooms are sumptuously furnished with marble bathrooms and peaceful views of the courtyard. Claridge’s offers a few excellent dining choices – Claridge’s ArtSpace Café (signature menu with crêpes), The Foyer and Reading Room (traditional Afternoon tea), The Claridge’s Bar and The Fumoir (30’s-inspired cocktails).
Why book – quiet central location, amazing Japanese-inspired Spa with a heated pool
The Dorchester – Best SPA
With its fantastic Spa and excellent dining options, The Dorchester is the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway. The exquisite Dorchester Spa, with its chandeliers made from South-Pacific pearls, is a tranquil haven of relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel is home to several exceptional dining options, including Alain Ducasse (French cuisine), The Grill (modern British menu) and The Promenade (classical Afternoon tea).
Why book – quiet location, scenic views over Hyde Park, world-class Spa
Faqs about where to stay in London
The most central part of London is the West End and in particular – Covent Garden and Soho. This area is within walking distance of many popular tourist attractions, such as the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben. It is also well-connected to other parts of the city via public transport.
Covent Garden is the best area to stay in London as a tourist, as it offers a perfect mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping options. There are plenty of attractions to visit around and excellent public transport connections to the rest of the city.
The best areas to stay in London for 3 days are the City of London district and Covent Garden. Both areas are located in central London and offer easy access to popular attractions such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London.
West London is a better option, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time. The area is safer and more beautiful than East London. In addition, most of London’s iconic landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum, are located in West London.
For first-time visitors to London, North London is the recommended option. The area is home to many popular attractions, excellent restaurants and pubs. Moreover, because it is a popular area among tourists, there is a wider selection of hotels available.
Notting Hill is not a good area to stay in London for first-timers. Although it is a beautiful and trendy area, famous for its colourful houses, Notting Hill is situated far away from the popular historic attractions and popular restaurants. You’ll need between 30-40min to get to the central parts of the city (depending on where your hotel is).
Best hotels to stay in London, England
| Hotel | Guest rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 🔝 Most popular hotel | Page8 | 9.0 | 3,490+ reviews |
| 🏩 Best mid-range hotel | Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel | 8.8 | 3,150+ reviews |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel | The Londoner | 9.1 | 3,020+ reviews |
| 💖 Best hotel for couples | Apex Temple Court Hotel | 8.9 | 3,770+ reviews |
| 👨👩👧👦 Best hotel for families | The Clermont | 8.7 | 3,670+ reviews |
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