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WHERE TO STAY

Where to stay in London: the best areas, compared

5 areas worth considering in London, who each one suits, how you'd get around, and one honest downside each. Click any area to search hotels there.

By the Viorvo team · Checked

Short on time? Our picks for London

The full comparison is below. These are the areas we would choose.

Best for first-timersSouth Bank and WestminsterYou can walk along the river to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon.
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Best for familiesSouth KensingtonThe Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A are free to enter, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are right next door.
See hotels ↗
Best for Muslim travellersPaddington and Edgware RoadEdgware Road is known for Middle Eastern restaurants.
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Hotels in London for your dates

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Areas

South Bank and Westminster

You can walk along the river to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and the London Dungeon. Hotels range from budget brands to luxury.

Best for
First-timers, families
Getting around
Waterloo Station has mainline trains and the Northern, Bakerloo and Jubilee Tube lines.
Hotels in South Bank and Westminster ↗

Covent Garden and the West End

The West End has world-famous theatres, shopping and dining, plus street performers in Covent Garden. Family shows, the London Transport Museum, the National Gallery and Hamleys are close by.

Best for
First-timers, theatre-goers, shoppers
Getting around
Central, with many of the city's famous sights within easy reach.
Hotels in Covent Garden and the West End ↗

South Kensington

The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A are free to enter, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are right next door.

Best for
Families, museum lovers
Getting around
Good Underground links.
Hotels in South Kensington ↗

Paddington and Edgware Road

Heathrow Express trains reach Paddington in 15 minutes. Nearby Edgware Road is known for Middle Eastern food and has long been an Arab hub, nicknamed Little Beirut. London Central Mosque is on the edge of Regent's Park.

Best for
Heathrow arrivals, Muslim travellers, families
Getting around
Heathrow Express (every 15 minutes), plus the Elizabeth, District, Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City lines at Paddington. Edgware Road has two Tube stations.
Muslim-friendly
Edgware Road is known for Middle Eastern restaurants. London Central Mosque (146 Park Road, NW8) is near Baker Street, Marylebone and Regent's Park stations.
Keep in mind
The south end of Edgware Road has many late-night shisha cafés and bars.
Hotels in Paddington and Edgware Road ↗

Shoreditch and Whitechapel

Shoreditch has street art, markets like Brick Lane and Old Spitalfields, and Brick Lane's Indian restaurants. The East London Mosque is a short walk away on Whitechapel Road.

Best for
Younger travellers, food lovers, Muslim travellers
Getting around
Shoreditch High Street, Old Street (Northern line) and Liverpool Street stations. The mosque is a short walk from Aldgate East or Whitechapel stations.
Muslim-friendly
East London Mosque, 82-92 Whitechapel Road, E1 1JQ, a short walk from Aldgate East or Whitechapel stations.
Keep in mind
Shoreditch is a nightlife area with pubs, cocktail bars and clubs.
Hotels in Shoreditch and Whitechapel ↗

Price levels ($ to $$$) appear only where an official tourism source rates them. Hotel links search Booking.com, and some earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

Before you book in London

  • London has no tourist tax right now. The government plans to let cities charge one, and the mayor says London's would be no more than 5% per night, but the law has not passed yet.
  • Heathrow Express runs every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes from Terminals 2 and 3 to Paddington. Staying near Paddington makes airport days easier.
Still deciding? Search all of London and filter by area on the map.
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Plan the rest

More for your trip to London

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Questions

Common questions

Do Canadians need anything to visit the UK?

Yes. You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. A tourist visa is not required for stays of up to 6 months.

Is there a tourist tax in London?

Not yet. A levy of up to 5% per night has been proposed, but it is not law.

Where is the East London Mosque?

At 82-92 Whitechapel Road, a short walk from Aldgate East or Whitechapel stations.

Sources

Checked September 30, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

Hotels in LondonCompare prices ↗