Best Areas to stay when visiting London
OK, so you are visiting London for the first (or tenth) time and wondering what neighbourhood to stay in or which are would suit you style. I have got you covered with an overview of the main central parts of London and what you type of vibe it would offer. I have lived in most parts of London and each area offers a completely different experience.
The West End or Central London: Where History Meets Hustle
The West End is London’s beating heart, pulsating with the energy of world-class theatre, bustling shopping streets, and historic landmarks. From the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the vibrant street performers in Covent Garden, this area is a feast for the senses.
- Vibe: Touristy, energetic and crowded.
- Who you might find there: A mix of affluent residents, young professionals, tourists and students.
- Pros: Bang in the middle of London, incredible culture, amazing restaurants and bars. You’ll never be bored.
- Cons: Pricey, can be very crowded, overpriced restaurants and bars and good luck finding a parking space!
East London: Where the cool kids are at
Shoreditch / Hoxton / Bethnal Green / Hackney is synonymous with hipster culture, street art, and independent boutiques. This trendy area is a hub for creatives, with its converted warehouses now housing trendy bars, art galleries, and pop-up shops.
- Vibe: Edgy, hipster, alternative, creative.
- Who you might find there: Artists, designers, and young entrepreneurs.
- Pros: Trendy, buzzing with creativity, loads of independent shops, micro-breweries and cafes. Some parts are not as touristy and so you can really experience local London life.
- Cons: Some parts of East London are not well connected via public transport and are not exactly touristy (if that is what you are after).
West London: Chic and Colourful
If I was going to stay in West London, I would aim for Notting Hill or Ladbroke Grove. It is a picture-perfect neighbourhood, famous for its pastel-coloured houses, the iconic Portobello Road Market, and its charming antique shops. This affluent area attracts a well-heeled crowd, but it retains a relaxed, village-like atmosphere.
- Vibe: Chic, sophisticated, family-friendly.
- Who you might find there: Affluent families, celebrities, and young professionals.
- Pros: Beautiful, good restaurants and shopping and has a very famous market.
- Cons: Not as much nightlife, expensive and can be quite crowded at the weekends (but which part of London isn’t!).
North London: The Alternative Hub
If I was going to stay in North London, I would prioritise Angel. Angel is a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away in Islington. It’s got a lovely villagey feel, with a great mix of independent shops, pubs, and restaurants.
- Vibe: Relaxed, friendly, upmarket.
- Who lives here: Young professionals, families, and creatives.
- Pros: Great community feel, excellent transport links, and Regent’s Canal is right on your doorstep. Cons: Can be a bit pricey, and not as much going on as some other areas.
South London: Old and the New
This area’s a fascinating mix of old and new. You’ve got historic landmarks like Tower Bridge alongside trendy bars and restaurants in Bermondsey.
- Vibe: Historic, trendy, foodie paradise.
- Who might you find here: City workers, young professionals, and students.
- Pros: Great for foodies, close to the City, and Borough Market is a must-visit.
- Cons: Not as much to offer for tourists and some areas can feel a bit soulless at the weekends.
London Like a Local 