Where To Stay In London [A Neighborhood Guide]

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.

London is one of the biggest, and most exciting cities in the world, but it can also be overwhelming for first timers, especially when it comes to finding accommodation.

Most first time visitors wonder where to stay in London, as the thousands of accommodation choices can be confusing and difficult to whittle down.

But don’t worry, we’re here to make the decision easier for you. We lived in London for two years, and know the best neighborhoods for tourists to put you close to the tourist attractions, but also stay safe, and be within convenient distance of places to eat.

If money is an issue for you, we’ll also share some inexpensive accommodation options and some more luxurious options, so you can find something within your budget.

There are literally thousands of places to stay in London, in fact, it has more 5-star hotels than any other city in the world! So don’t feel overwhelmed, take a look at this guide…

The Best Neighborhoods in London

There is no ‘best’ area of London to stay in, as everyone’s needs and interests are different.

As a rule of thumb, most properties in Central London (Zone 1 and 2) are the best for first timers, as this puts you near to London’s top attractions and will save you time getting around.

You can stay further out of the city to save some money, but sometimes the trade-off between saving money and saving time on commuting by being central cancels each other out, particularly on short getaways!

Wherever you stay in London, be sure to pick accommodation near a Tube station (London Underground) to save you time traveling around.

Kensington

First timers will love Kensington. It’s an upscale neighborhood close to Kensington Palace (home of Princess Diana), the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall.

Kensington High Street is well known for its boutique shops, and you will find some of the best antiques stores in London on Kensington Church Street.

It has many upscale restaurants and trendy bars and cafes, the high-end neioghborhoods of Chelsea and Belgravia, as well as being close to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, two of the royal gardens worth exploring if the honking of London becomes too much.

If you stay close to the tube, it’s also…