London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world – but where should you stay to maximize your vacation? We have got the answers!
Every year the British capital attracts millions of tourists from all parts of the world who want to experience everything that London has to offer. From famous sites and one of the best theater scenes in the world to great shopping and a vibrant dining scene, London has something for everyone.
To get the best out of London, have a look at our guide that will help you determine where to stay when visiting the British capital.
London is one of the largest cities in Europe, and when it comes to picking a great place to stay there is a lot to choose from. Below we have listed some of the most popular areas in the city.
West End: The West End includes great options such as Covent Garden and Soho, and is one of the busiest parts of London. This is a great place to stay for sightseeing, shopping and entertainment, and also a good choice if you are visiting London for the first time.
City of London: The City is London’s business hub that also can offer great shopping and restaurants. This is where you find the Tower of London.
Southbank: On the south side of the Thames River is Southbank, which is sometimes described as the cultural heart of London. The area has great connections with other parts of town thanks to the London Bridge station.
Westminster: Westminster isn’t just home to the Houses of Parliament, this is also where you find some of the most iconic tourist sites such as Big Ben and Trafalgar Square.
Kensington: If you are looking for a slower pace, you might want to find a hotel in Kensington. The area is filled with museums and other attractions within walking distance and can be a good choice if you are traveling with kids and want to get away from the city buzz.
No matter which city you visit, the best way to find a cheap stay is normally to look outside the central parts of town. The central parts of London include most of the areas mentioned above, but there are great hotel options outside these parts as well, for example in London Fields.
It’s also good to remember that one of the best ways to find a cheap hotel room, no matter where in the world you want to live, is to book your stay well in advance. By continuously comparing prices months before your visit you have a great chance of finding something low cost – even in the central parts.
When it comes to visiting London with kids, there are a number of good choices regarding where to stay. If you want easy access and avoid long distances to the most popular attractions, we recommend that you find a hotel in the central parts of London. Though keep in mind that the city center is also pretty loud and packed with tourists, which might be a challenge if you are traveling with kids.
If you want something a bit more calm for your family we recommend that you look for a hotel in an area like Kensington. This is a more quiet part of town where you also find free activities such as a number of museums.
A lot of the most popular tourist sites in London are world famous, and many people visiting the British capital want to stay close to the best sightseeing possibilities. To stay as close as possible to the tourist sites in London, choose a hotel in West End, Southbank or Westminster. All areas host a number of tourist attractions. Listed below you find some of the most popular sites in London.
Tower of London: London’s oldest attraction is also one of the most popular ones. Visit the historic castle and experience over a 1000 years of history.
London Eye: Right by the Thames River you find London Eye, the iconic observation wheel that gives you a great view of the central parts of London.
Big Ben: The famous clock tower doesn’t really need much of an introduction, but is a must-see if you are visiting London.
Westminster Abbey: The royal church is also a World Heritage Site and has impressive architecture and a lot of history to experience.
Madame Tussauds: Here you can see some of the most famous faces in the world, recreated as wax figures. Take the chance to take a selfie with your favorite stars!
Buckingham Palace: The royal palace in London is actually one of the few working ones in the world, and something you don’t want to miss if you are visiting the British capital.
As previously mentioned, London is a big city and to get around the town in the best way possible is crucial. When it comes to public transportation the best choice is usually the underground metro which has hundreds of stations around the city. London also has overground trails which can also be a good idea. And let’s not forget that you can reach most parts of London by bus – it’s no coincidence that you find red double-deckers on many pictures taken in the British capital.
If you fly to London from another part of the world, it’s good to know that there are three major airports in the city. The largest one is London Heathrow, which is also the biggest one and the one located closest to London. The transfer time by train from Heathrow to the central parts of town is around 15 minutes. If you go by car you can count on about 45 minutes of travel time.
The other two large airports in London are Gatwick and Stansted, located north and south of London. Gatwick has a transfer time of about 30 minutes by train and an hour by car, while the trip from Stansted takes 50 minutes by train and almost 1,5 hours by car.
