Updated: December 23, 2025 • By Santorini Dave
My Favorite Hotels in London
- 5-Star: The Connaught • The Savoy
- 4-Star: Ham Yard Hotel
- Boutique: Batty Langley’s
- Budget: Motel One • Z Soho
- For Families: Park Plaza Westminster
- For Couples: The Soho
- Kings Cross: St. Pancras Renaissance
- Victoria Station: DoubleTree Victoria
- Paddington: Hilton
- Airports: Sofitel Heathrow • Sofitel Gatwick
Map of London Neighborhoods
How to use this map
This map highlights the best central neighborhoods for visitors to London. I have hand-picked the top luxury and affordable hotels in each area to help you decide where to base yourself.
- First-Timers: Stay in Covent Garden or Soho. You are in the middle of the theater district, dining, and major sights like Trafalgar Square.
- Luxury: Look at Mayfair (near Hyde Park) or Westminster (near Buckingham Palace) for the most exclusive 5-star experiences.
- Families: South Bank (near the London Eye) and Marylebone are safe, walkable, and central without being chaotic.
- On a Budget: The East End (Shoreditch) and Camden offer great value and a cool local vibe, though they are slightly further from the classic tourist sights.
London Neighborhood Guide
1. Covent Garden & The Strand
The absolute heart of tourist London. It is packed with street performers, historic theaters, and endless restaurants. Stay here if you want to walk to everything. It is busy, vibrant, and safe, making it perfect for first-time visitors who want to be in the center of the action.
2. Soho & Leicester Square
The center of London’s nightlife and dining scene. It is busy, loud, and fun 24/7. Famous for its independent boutiques, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and being the gateway to Chinatown and Theatreland. Perfect for couples and groups who want to be out late.
3. Kensington, Belgravia & Chelsea
Upscale, quiet, and filled with world-class museums (V&A, Natural History, Science Museum). It feels like a wealthy residential village with beautiful Victorian architecture but is just a short tube ride from the center.
4. Westminster & St. James
The royal heart of London. This area is quiet at night but puts you on the doorstep of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. James’s Park. Ideally suited for travelers who want a calm, historic base.
5. Mayfair & Marylebone
Charming and affluent. Mayfair is the home of high-end luxury, designer shopping, and 5-star hotels. Neighboring Marylebone feels like a chic village with a fantastic high street, home to Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
6. Camden Town & Primrose Hill
Grungy, cool, and rough around the edges. Famous for the Camden Market, live music history, and pubs. A great spot for younger travelers or those looking for a lively, alternative vibe.
7. The East End (Shoreditch)
The hipster capital. Best for nightlife, street food, and a “local” London vibe. The area is famous for Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, and incredible street art. It is less convenient for sightseeing but offers great value and culture.
8. South Bank
Located along the Thames, this area is fantastic for sightseeing. It offers a pedestrian-friendly riverside walk connecting the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the London Eye, and The Shard.
Best Hotels on the Map
Best Luxury Hotels (Red Markers)
- Hilton (Paddington)
- The Landmark (Marylebone)
- The Marylebone (Marylebone)
- Claridge’s (Mayfair)
- The Connaught (Mayfair)
- The Dorchester (Mayfair)
- The Athenaeum (Mayfair)
- The Ritz (St. James)
- The Berkeley (Knightsbridge)
- Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (Knightsbridge)
- Melia Kensington (Kensington)
- Millennium Gloucester (Kensington)
- 100 Queen’s Gate (Kensington)
- DoubleTree Victoria (Victoria Station)
- Taj 51 Buckingham Gate (Westminster)
- St. Pancras Renaissance (King’s Cross)
- The Montague on the Gardens (Bloomsbury)
- The Mandrake (Fitzrovia)
- Radisson Blu Edwardian, Bloomsbury Street (Bloomsbury)
- The Soho (Soho)
- Ham Yard (Soho)
- W – Leicester Square (Leicester Square)
- Fielding (Covent Garden)
- ME by Melia (The Strand)
- The Savoy (The Strand)
- Citadines Trafalgar Square (The Strand)
- The Rookery (Clerkenwell)
- Redchurch Townhouse (Shoreditch)
- Batty Langley’s (Shoreditch)
- Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (South Bank)
- Sea Containers (South Bank)
- Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard (London Bridge)
Best Affordable Hotels (Black Markers)
- Holiday Inn Camden Lock (Camden)
- Z Hotel Gloucester Place (Marylebone)
- Holiday Inn Bloomsbury (Bloomsbury)
- Z Hotel Soho (Soho)
- Premier Inn Leicester Square (Leicester Square)
- Strand Palace Hotel (The Strand)
- Citadines Barbican (The City)
- Holiday Inn Express (East End)
- ibis – Shoreditch (Shoreditch)
- ibis Blackfriars (South Bank)
- Novotel London Bridge (South Bank)
Best Hotels by Neighborhood
• Best Hotel in Kensington: Mandarin Oriental
• Best Hotel in Westminster: Taj 51
• Best Hotel in St James: The Ritz
• Best Hotel in South Bank: Shangri-La at the Shard
• Best Hotel in The City: Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square
• Best Hotel in Mayfair: The Connaught
• Best Hotel in Marylebone: The Marylebone
• Best Hotel in Soho: Ham Yard
• Best Hotel in Bloomsbury: Montague on the Gardens
• Best Hotel in Covent Garden: The Savoy
• Best Hotel in the East End: Batty Langley’s
What is the best area to stay in London for tourists?
Covent Garden and Soho are the best areas for first-time visitors. Staying here puts you within easy walking distance of the West End theaters, the National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square. You will save significant time and money on transport because the heart of the city is right outside your door.
Where should I stay in London on a budget?
Shoreditch (in the East End) and Camden Town offer the best value. These neighborhoods provide a more local, high-energy vibe with excellent food markets and nightlife at a much lower price point than the West End. Both are well-connected to Central London via the Northern Line and the Overground.
Is it better to stay in West London or East London?
West London (Kensington, Marylebone, Mayfair) is traditional, upscale, and quieter, making it ideal for families and museum-goers. East London (Shoreditch, Spitalfields) is trendy, gritty, and famous for its street art and nightlife. Choose the West for classic sightseeing and the East for a modern, creative atmosphere.
How many days should I spend in London?
For a first trip, 4 to 5 days is the sweet spot. This allows you enough time to see the major landmarks (Tower of London, Westminster Abbey), visit one or two world-class museums, and take a day trip to somewhere like Windsor or Oxford without feeling rushed.
What is the best way to get around London?
The London Underground (The Tube) is the fastest and most efficient way to travel. You do not need to buy a paper ticket or even an Oyster card anymore; simply use Contactless payment (your credit card or phone) at the yellow readers. For a more scenic but slower experience, take the iconic red double-decker buses.
Where is the actual “center” of London?
Technically, Charing Cross (located just off Trafalgar Square) is the geographic center from which all distances to London are measured. For tourists, the “center” is the West End, which encompasses Covent Garden, Soho, and Leicester Square. If you stay within a 2-mile radius of Charing Cross, you are in the heart of the action.
What is the difference between the West End, the Theater District, and Central London?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are slight differences. The West End is the broad cultural heart of London, encompassing Soho, Covent Garden, Mayfair, and Marylebone. Within the West End is Theatreland (or the Theater District), which is centered specifically around Shaftesbury Avenue and Leicester Square. When people say “Central London,” they are usually referring to this entire hub. If a hotel says it is in the West End, you are in the primary zone for dining, shopping, and major sights.
Is it safe to stay south of the River Thames?
Yes. Areas like the South Bank and Bankside are among the most popular and safest tourist districts in the city. While some neighborhoods much further south can be gritty, the areas directly across the river from Westminster and the City are well-lit, heavily policed, and perfect for families and couples.
What is the difference between “The City” and “Central London”?
On a map, The City (often called the Square Mile) refers specifically to the historic financial district near St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is very busy during the work week but can feel “empty” on weekends. Central London is a broader term that includes the West End, Westminster, and Marylebone. For a first-time trip, the West End is usually a better choice than The City because it stays vibrant 7 days a week.
Which neighborhood is best for shopping?
Marylebone and Mayfair are the top choices. Marylebone High Street offers a chic, village-like atmosphere with independent boutiques. Mayfair is home to luxury giants on Bond Street and Mount Street. If you want the famous big-brand experience, stay near Soho to be within walking distance of Oxford Street and Regent Street.
Where is the best area in London for couples and honeymoons?
Mayfair and Marylebone are the most romantic neighborhoods for a high-end stay. Mayfair is home to London’s most iconic 5-star hotels like Claridge’s and The Connaught, perfect for a honeymoon. For something more intimate and “local,” Marylebone offers charming mews streets and upscale boutiques, particularly along the chic Marylebone High Street. If you prefer river views and a modern vibe, the South Bank (near the London Eye) provides a spectacular backdrop for evening strolls along the Thames.
Where is the best area to stay in London for families with kids?
South Bank and Marylebone are my top picks for families. The South Bank is almost entirely pedestrianized and puts you steps away from the London Eye, Sea Life Aquarium, and Shrek’s Adventure. Marylebone is quieter and feels more like a residential village, yet it is within walking distance of Regent’s Park (home to the London Zoo) and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Both areas are safe, walkable, and offer plenty of family-friendly dining options.
Where is the best area for solo travelers and solo females in London?
Covent Garden and South Kensington are the top choices for solo travelers. Covent Garden is busy, well-lit, and vibrant at all hours, meaning you never feel isolated and can walk to most major sights and theaters. South Kensington is an incredibly safe, upscale residential area that is home to major museums and excellent transport links. For those looking for a social atmosphere, Shoreditch is ideal for meeting people at local coffee shops and markets, while remaining well-connected to the rest of the city.
Where is the best area for LGBTQ+ travelers to stay?
Soho is the historic and cultural heart of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, centered specifically around Old Compton Street. Staying here puts you steps away from the city’s most iconic gay bars, clubs, and queer-owned businesses. For a trendier, more “local” vibe, Vauxhall and Dalston also offer vibrant nightlife and inclusive spaces, though Soho remains the most convenient and central base for first-time visitors.
Where should foodies stay in London?
Southwark (specifically near Borough Market) is the capital’s culinary heart. You’ll have access to the city’s best food stalls and historic pubs. Clerkenwell is another excellent choice, known for its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and the famous Smithfield Market.
Where to Stay for Easy Airport & Train Access
- Heathrow Airport: Stay near Paddington Station for the fastest connection. The Heathrow Express train takes just 15 minutes to reach Paddington. Top choices right at the station include the Hilton Paddington and The Landmark (a short walk away).
- Gatwick Airport: Stay near Victoria Station to use the Gatwick Express, which runs directly to the airport. The DoubleTree Victoria is located right at the station, while The Goring offers a luxury option nearby.
- Eurostar (Paris/Brussels): Stay near St. Pancras International or King’s Cross. This is the arrival and departure point for all international trains. The St. Pancras Renaissance is built directly into the station, and Holiday Inn Bloomsbury is a solid nearby value option.
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