Where to Stay in London: A Guide for First Time Visitors
Planning a trip and not sure where to stay in London? First, I’m so excited for you! Second, you’re in the right place.🥳 I’ve been visiting London fairly often since 2018, both to see childhood friends and for work-related reasons. This is a city that I love dearly, and if it wasn’t for the rainy weather and high-prices – I would move here in a (almost) heartbeat!😍
The most important thing to know if you’re a first time visitor is that London is not just a city, but an enormous metropolitan area composed of 32 boroughs, all of which house endless neighborhoods and districts.
As a first time visitor, or even a repeat-visiting tourist, the overall best area to stay in London is anything that’s central. Then, deciding the specific borough you stay in depends on your personal preferences – budget, vibes, what you want to experience, and most importantly your vacation length.
I really want to make your travel planning as easy as possible, so (as someone who stays with friends) I thoroughly researched and carefully hand-picked every hotel recommendation based on location, amenities, recent guest reviews, and my own knowledge of each borough.
This guide is perfect for first-time visitors because it removes the overwhelm of choosing where to stay by narrowing it down to London’s three best areas, complete with insider tips and hotel recommendations for every budget.
Keep reading to discover where you should stay in London!👇
Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊
3 Best Areas to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
Quick overview of the best areas to stay in London:
- City of Westminster – perfect for those who want to be immersed and near main attractions
- Southwark – perfect for foodies, Tower Bridge lovers, & Bridget Jones fans
- Covent Garden – perfect for foodies, theater and shopping-lovers
If my own friend asked me for my honest ranking and top recommendation for their first visit to London, I’d say City of Westminster first, Southwark second, and Covent Garden only if they are seeking a lively nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment.
📌 First trip to London?
Before choosing where to stay, don’t miss my complete London travel guide. It covers the best time to visit, which airport to fly into, what to wear, transport tips, budgeting advice, and everything I wish I’d known before my first trip.
City of Westminster | Best Area for London Icons & Main Attractions
The chances are that when you picture London, you are picturing everything that’s within the City of Westminster: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Westminster Abbey.
To clear any confusion, the City of Westminster is the name of the borough itself, which has officially held city status since 1540 because of its importance as the center of royal power and government.
Out of all the boroughs and areas in London, Westminster is hands-down the one that houses most of London’s touristy and iconic attractions – making it by the definition the most touristy area.
Besides those icons, Westminster is also home to the beautiful St. James’s park, the National Gallery, and breathtaking architecture.
Out of all the districts it houses, the best ones to stay in – besides Westminster itself – are Mayfair and St. James’s.
St. James’s sits right next to the Westminster district, and is home to the st. James’s park. Mayfair, on the other hand, sits right above St. James’s and between the iconic Hyde Park and Soho district.
You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these areas. They’re all within easy reach of London’s biggest attractions, beautiful parks, and excellent public transport, making them the perfect base for a first visit.
Discover all the 19 Iconic Things to Do in Westminster, London 🤩
Hotel 41 (Best Luxury Boutique Hotel Near Buckingham Palace)
Hotel 41 is one of London’s highest-rated luxury boutique hotels, located just steps from Buckingham Palace. With only 28 rooms and suites, it’s perfect if you’re looking for an intimate, five-star experience with exceptional service in the heart of London.
✔ Consistently rated one of the top luxury hotels in London
✔ Perfect for couples celebrating a special trip or honeymoon
The only downside is the price, but if you’re looking to splurge and pamper yourself, it’s one of London’s most memorable stays.
👉 See current prices and why guests rate it so highly
The Resident Victoria (Best Mid-range Hotel Near Buckingham Palace)
The Resident Victoria is a beautiful and highly-rated 4-star hotel just a short, 5-minute walk from Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, and Victoria Station. This is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a more affordable base without sacrificing location or comfort.
✔ Consistently rated one of the top mid-range hotels in London
✔ Includes hotel’s signature mini-kitchen with Nespresso machines & complimentary capsules
👉 See current prices & why it’s one of the best-value stays in Westminster
The z hotel victoria (Best Budget Hotel in westminster)
The Z Hotel Victoria is a simple, perfectly-located budget hotel just a 5-minute walk from Buckingham Palace and Victoria Station. Ideal if you’re planning to spend most of your time exploring London and simply need a clean, comfortable place to sleep.
✔ Compact, modern rooms with en-suite bathrooms (best suited for solo travelers or short stays)
👉 Check today’s rates and availability
Southwark / South Bank
Maybe it’s because of Bridget Jones (my favorite movie saga of all time) but Southwark holds a dear spot in my heart.🥹
Home to London’s most iconic market, the Borough Market, and sitting right near the Thames River and the Tower Bridge – Southwark is another of London’s most incredible boroughs, especially for tourists and first time visitors.
Compared to Westminster and Covent Garden, Southwark has a mix of historic vibes and the modern world, with a skyline made of glass.
Southwark sits right across the City of London, which you can reach by simply crossing the Tower Bridge. In my experience, Southwark is a quieter neighborhood when compared to the City of London, Covent Garden, and Westminster.
Discover the 10+ Best Things to Do in Southwark London 😍
It’s well-connected with public transportation, and with all the incredible restaurants and markets surrounding – I see it as the perfect area to stay in London. Why? You wake up, grab breakfast at one of London’s best food markets, enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere, and still be just a short Tube ride from the city’s biggest attractions.
Oh, and if you’re gluten free like I am, I’ve also put together my guide to the best gluten free restaurants in London.
Shangri-La The Shard
An iconic 5-star hotel set inside The Shard, Shangri-La The Shard offers some of the best panoramic views in London. This is an unforgettable choice if you’ve always dreamed of waking up to panoramic views over London’s skyline. And honestly, this has to be the perfect hotel for a romantic getaway!
✔ Floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views over the Thames, Tower Bridge, and skyline
✔ Perfect for anniversaries, honeymoons, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip
👉 See current prices and available rooms
CitizenM London Bankside | Great Mid-Range Hotel in Southwark
citizenM London Bankside is a modern, design-focused 4-star hotel located just a short walk from Borough Market, Tate Modern, and the Millennium Bridge. A fantastic choice if you love modern design, smart technology, and a central location without paying luxury hotel prices.
✔ Great for solo travelers and couples
👉 Check availability & latest prices
Covent Garden
Oh the beautiful Covent Garden!😍
It often feels like the Covent Garden is one of the, if not the, most popular borough for tourists to stay in. This borough is home to the iconic Covent Garden market, West End shows, and all sorts of restaurants and shops.
Here you can usually find hotel options for all budgets, but because of its popularity, it’s important you book well-in-advance if you want to find a good deal.
This area is beloved by tourists and locals alike, and because of all the entertainment, restaurants, and shops – you can expect it to be a fairly crowded borough.
If you thrive in high-energy areas and want to be in the middle of London’s entertainment scene, Covent Garden can be a great fit for you. But if you prefer calmer mornings and evenings, nearby neighborhoods may suit you better – like City of Westminster and Southwark.
Personally, I love spending time in Covent Garden, but I’ve never felt the need to stay there. For me, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping, seeing a show, or enjoying dinner before heading back to a slightly quieter neighborhood
Covent Garden Hotel (Best Luxury Hotel in Covent Garden)
Covent Garden Hotel is a beautiful and exclusive 5-star hotel located right in the heart of West End, and 5-minute walk from both the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Square.
This is a wonderful choice if you’re planning a romantic getaway or simply want to experience one of London’s most elegant boutique hotels.
✔ Hosts 58 rooms in total, all of which feature distinctive interiors by Kit Kemp
✔ Excellent choice for couples looking for a luxurious stay
👉 See today’s rates and recent guest reviews
Page8 Hotel (Best Mid Range Hotel in Covent Garden)
Page8 Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located between Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, making it an excellent base for exploring London’s West End on foot. Thanks to its soundproofed rooms, it’s a great option if you want to stay in a lively area without sacrificing a good night’s sleep.
👉 Compare prices and room availability
The Z Hotel Covent Garden (Best Budget Hotel in Covent Garden)
Z Hotel Covent Garden is a compact, budget-friendly hotel located just steps from Covent Garden Piazza in the heart of London’s West End. This is the perfect hotel if you’re looking for an affordable central stay surrounded by nightlife and restaurants.
✔ Ideal for short city breaks
👉 Check current prices before your travel dates
Other Beloved Areas to Consider Carefully
City of LondoN
The City of London, also referred to as The Square Mile, is an area within London that receives this title due to its history, as the site of the original Roman settlement of Londinium.
The reason I didn’t list the City of London as one of the best areas to stay is because, compared to the other neighborhoods on this list, there are fewer attractions, restaurants, and things to do once the workday ends.
I remember the first time I visited the City of London, March 2024, it felt like a true ghost town. It was just me, my brother, and an ocean of corporate buildings in the financial district.
In my experience, the City of London is best kept as an area to visit during your travels – not one to stay in. The best option, if you want to be nearby those attractions, is to stay in Southwark, which sits right across the river.
Shoreditch
If you’re someone who’s looking for a more hipster neighborhood with nightlife, you might want to consider Shoreditch!
I list this under the “areas to consider carefully” because it’s an area that sees lots of nightlife and has a cool, but more edgier vibe. It’s a safe area, but not necessarily the most relaxing one – if that’s what you are looking for.
Most importantly, it’s quite far from the iconic parts of London. If you’re visiting for just a few days, it is not worth wasting precious time on commuting. For example, on the tube, Shoreditch is 22 minutes away from Southwark and 33-35 minutes from both Covent Garden and Westminster.
Comparison table of the top 3 areas to stay in London
| Area | Best For | Atmosphere | Hotel Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westminster | First-time visitors & iconic sights | Elegant, classic London | $$–$$$$ |
| Southwark | Foodies & a quieter stay | Relaxed, modern-meets-historic | $$–$$$$ |
| Covent Garden | Theatre, shopping & nightlife | Lively & energetic | $$–$$$$ |
Where to Stay in London FAQs
What’s the cheapest month to go to London?
One of the best but also cheapest months to visit London is November. I’ve been visiting London in November for the past few years and it never fails to be a great time!
November is the sweet spot of the shoulder season that sees less crowds, but also allows you to enjoy a festive London, decorated in its beautiful winter and Christmas lights and decorations – something people travel for in December, one of the busiest times of the year!
November is considered one of the rainiest months, but sincerely, over the last few years I’ve experienced very little, to no rain.
Some other cheaper months to travel to London are January and February.
What is the safest area of London for tourists?
Both in the sense of safety and security to thoroughly enjoy your time in London, the safest and most convenient areas of London for tourists to stay in are City of Westminster, Southwark, and Covent Garden.
These 3 neighborhoods and districts are beloved by locals and tourists alike, and are very tourist friendly.
What is the most touristy area of London?
The most touristy area of London is certainly the City of Westminster, particularly the Westminster borough, where you have the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.
Another super-touristy area of London is Covent Garden, which is beloved by tourists and locals alike.
Have more burning questions you’re looking to have answered? As a frequent visitor, here are my answers to 10+ London Burning Questions first-time visitors always ask!
Reminder You Must Apply for the ETA Visa!
As of April 2nd 2025, European citizens are now required to apply for the UK ETA Visa, the Electronic Travel Authorization. Unless you’re a British or Irish citizen, you will need to apply for the ETA – a simple, and quick process that has a £16 fee.
Which of these London tips were you most surprised by? Let me know in the comments!😊
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