London is famous for its historic buildings, cultural landmarks and global finance centre status, with iconic sights like Big Ben, the River Thames, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey recognised worldwide. But the city's real charm goes far beyond these. Let's find the best areas to stay in London to explore every corner of this vibrant capital.

Best Places to Stay in London

If you're not sure where to stay in London, let me guide you through some fantastic areas.

City of London

Historic and business heart with iconic London landmarks.

• Cheval Three Quays at the Tower of London: Price from £374. Luxury riverside stay with kitchens, near Tower landmarks and London’s top attractions.
• The Ned: Price from £340. Luxurious Edwardian hotel with spa, rooftop pool, multiple dining options, and central London location.

Covent Garden/Soho

Best for sightseeing, shopping, theatres and vibrant dining.

• The Resident Covent Garden: Price from £317. Centrally located in London. Close to restaurants and places of interest.
• The Soho Hotel: Price from £559. Family-friendly stay in central London, steps from theatres, museums, and iconic city landmarks.

Westminster/Southwark

Famous landmarks and riverside views in central London.

• The Westminster London, Curio Collection by Hilton: Price from £205. Central location near landmarks, modern facilities, great breakfast, and friendly, helpful staff.
• Sea Containers London: Price from £197. Stylish riverside hotel with spa, fitness, great dining, and friendly, comfortable rooms in central London.

Getting to and Around London

Are you ready to explore London now? Let's talk about how to get there and get around. Whether you're flying, taking a train, or arriving by bus, getting to London is straightforward.

If you're flying, London has several major airports:

• London Heathrow Airport (LHR): As London's largest airport and one of the busiest in the world, Heathrow is located about 14 miles (23 km) west of the city centre. It handles a vast number of international flights.
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Situated about 30 miles (48 km) south of central London, Gatwick is the second-largest airport, serving both international and domestic flights.
• London Stansted Airport (STN): Located approximately 42 miles (68 km) northeast of London, Stansted primarily serves European and Mediterranean destinations.
• London Luton Airport (LTN): About 35 miles (55km) north of the city centre, Luton handles European and some international flights.
• London City Airport (LCY): Located 6 miles (9.5km) east of central London, close to the financial district, the airport primarily serves business travelers and short-haul flights.

Want to start your journey with ease? Why not book a hotel nearby that offers a shuttle service? It’s a real lifesaver, especially when you’re exhausted after a long journey or a late night flight. With the stress taken out of your arrival, you'll have more time and energy to dive into all the fantastic things London has to offer.

>> Find more hotels near London Heathrow Airport.

Once you're in the city, getting around is a breeze. You can use a contactless card or Oyster card for all transport: Tube (Underground), buses, DLR, Elizabeth line, Overground and trams. Plan your trips with the free TfL Go app or TfL journey planner. Other options include Santander Cycles, river buses, black cabs or minicabs.

Main Transport Types

• The Tube (London Underground): The Tube is London's iconic underground railway with 11 colour-coded lines. It's the quickest way to travel, with fares starting at £2.90 for an off-peak single journey in central London (Zone 1).
• Buses: London's famous red double-decker buses offer scenic routes across the city. A single fare costs £1.75, and you can make unlimited bus changes within one hour for the same price. While slower than the Tube due to traffic, they're perfect for sightseeing.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR): It connects to the Tube network and offers great views from its elevated tracks. Fare are the same as the Tube and can be paid with an Oyster card, contactless payment card, or a Travelcard.
• Elizabeth line: London's newest railway provides fast connections across the city from Reading/Heathrow in the west to Shenfield/Abbey Wood in the east. It costs the same as the Tube but offers more space.
• London Overground: These orange-branded trains link outer London areas not served by the Underground. The six routes are particularly useful for reaching neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Hackney and Wembley.
• London Trams: Operating in South London, trams serve areas like Croydon and Wimbledon. They're cheaper than the Tube (£1.75) and run every 5 to 15 minutes on average.
• River Bus (Thames Clippers): These boats offer a unique commute with stunning views of landmarks. Fares are higher than the Tube (single fares from £5.90), but you can use your Oyster card. Perfect for travelling between Greenwich and central London.

Other Ways to Travel

• Santander Cycles: London's bike hire scheme (nicknamed "Boris Bikes") costs £1.65 for 30 minutes. With docking stations across central London, they're great for short trips in good weather.
• Taxis: Traditional black cabs can be hailed on the street - the meter starts at £4.20. Minicabs (like Uber) must be pre-booked and are often cheaper. All black cab drivers pass "The Knowledge" test of London's streets.
• IFS Cloud Cable Car: This Thames crossing between Greenwich and the Royal Docks offers amazing views. With a one-way fare of (Oyster accepted), it's more of a tourist experience than practical transport.
• Walking: Many central London sights are within walking distance of each other. Free walking maps are available at Tube stations,TfL Website or TfL Go App - just watch out for traffic when crossing roads!

*The above transport information is based on data from TfL, Visit London, and other websites in 2025.

Find More to Match Your Travel Style

Royal Elegance & Historic Charm

• Classic luxury near Buckingham Palace → The Goring (Price from £575)
• Grand Victorian style with garden views → The Langham London (Price from £459)

Trendy Neighbourhoods & Modern Comfort

• Boutique stay in vibrant Shoreditch → The Hoxton, Shoreditch (Price from £179)
• Sleek design with river views near the Thames → Sea Containers London (Price from £197)

Family-Friendly & Convenient Location

• Spacious rooms near the London Eye → Premier Inn London County Hall (Price from £133)
• Fun and comfort close to museums → Park Plaza Westminster Bridge (Price from £217)

London Hotels Booking Tips

• Book early (3-6 months ahead) for busy times like Christmas, New Year, or major events such as Wimbledon.
• Check event dates: Big events (e.g. London Fashion Week, Notting Hill Carnival) often cause higher prices and limited availability.
• Save with deals: New users on Trip.com can get up to 8% off hotel bookings.
• Stay smart: Consider areas like Shoreditch or Canary Wharf for good transport links and better prices than central West End or Kensington.

Things to Do in London

Westminster Abbey

London is a city brimming with history, culture, and iconic landmarks. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, there's always something new to discover. Here are some must-see attractions to get you started!

The British Museum: Dive into the world of history at the British Museum, home to a staggering collection of artefacts from around the globe. From the Rosetta Stone to the Egyptian mummies, it's a treasure trove of human history. Best of all, entry is free, though donations are welcome.

Tower Bridge: No trip to London is complete without a visit to Tower Bridge. This iconic symbol of London offers stunning views from its high-level walkways. Don't miss the glass floor, where you can watch the Thames flow beneath your feet. It's a perfect spot for those Instagram-worthy snaps.

Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Time your visit to catch the Changing of the Guard, a quintessentially British spectacle of precision and pageantry. While the palace's State Rooms are open to the public during the summer, the surrounding gardens are a year-round delight.

Westminster Abbey: Steeped in history, Westminster Abbey is a must-visit for anyone interested in British heritage. This stunning Gothic church has been the site of many royal ceremonies, including coronations and weddings.