London is a vast, low-rise metropolis spread along the River Thames, and its historic core is split between two neighbouring districts: the City of London, the old financial centre, and the City of Westminster to the west, home to government and parliament. The city absorbs dozens of former towns and villages, so what feels like a single destination is really a patchwork of distinct areas, each with its own character and transport connections.
For a visitor, the practical question is where to base yourself. Greater London is ringed by the M25 motorway and served by the Underground, buses and rail, and most travellers gravitate to Zone 1, though staying further out near a Tube or railway station can cost less. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as useful bases, what each is like, and how to match them to your budget.
Best areas to stay in London
1. Bloomsbury
A relatively quiet district with a wide range of accommodation, Bloomsbury has grown more popular since Eurostar moved to St Pancras International. Cartwright Gardens features a dozen small B&Bs in historic houses, and many budget options sit on Argyle Square just off the Euston Road.
It suits visitors who want a central, calm base with good transport. Note that the area gets a little seedy towards and beyond King's Cross railway station.
2. Paddington and Bayswater
In north-west central London, this area has changed a lot, largely because of the Heathrow Express arriving at Paddington station. Good hotels can be found immediately around the station and in quieter spots a short walk away, with traditional mid-range accommodation further south in Bayswater.
It suits travellers arriving from Heathrow who want a straightforward connection and a choice of price levels within walking distance of the station.
3. Earl's Court and West Kensington
In west central London, this area offers budget and modest accommodation alongside good four-star hotels. It suits visitors who want to keep costs down while staying reasonably central.
Be careful with the cheapest accommodation here, as the sources warn it will likely be very seedy indeed.
4. Westminster
Westminster has lots of small B&Bs around the back of Victoria railway station in the Pimlico area. It suits visitors who want to be close to the historic and governmental heart of the city.
The cluster of small guesthouses near Victoria gives you a central base with rail connections from the station itself.
5. The City and Canary Wharf
These areas can be very expensive during the week because they rely on the business market, but prices often drop dramatically over the weekend when business travel dries up. Booking there can be a way of getting a higher standard of accommodation than you could otherwise afford.
Be aware that much of the City becomes a ghost town over the weekend, with few bars and restaurants open away from the main tourist attractions. This suits travellers who prioritise quality of accommodation over evening atmosphere.
6. Transport hub areas: Stratford, Greenwich, Ealing Broadway, Wimbledon and East Croydon
Many hotels sit close to transport hub stations such as these. Staying further out is cheaper, and the extra cost of getting around is probably not significant compared to the savings.
Always check where the closest Tube station is to your accommodation. Allow 1–2 minutes per Tube stop near the centre, around 2–3 minutes per stop further out, and 5–10 minutes per line change; a journey can easily total an hour if there is a walk at each end.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels, which offer breakfast and kitchens for self-catering; university and college halls of residence opened as accommodation during summer vacations, with very basic facilities such as communal bathrooms and no catering; and capsule-style crash spaces in central locations.
- Mid-range: Small B&Bs in historic houses, mainstream chain hotels, and apartment-hotels that often offer better quality than many hotels at a cheaper individual rate per person for groups.
- Splurge: Four- and five-star hotels, concentrated in the heart of the West End, which is the most expensive place to stay. The most exclusive luxury hotels charge upwards of £1,000 per night for a top suite.
Expect smaller than average rooms, especially at the low end. Prices rise around major sporting tournaments and important events, so plan around those occasions or book well in advance.
Best area for a first visit
Bloomsbury is the strongest first choice for most visitors. It is relatively quiet, has a wide range of accommodation from budget to mid-range, and its position near St Pancras International and the Euston Road gives easy access to the rest of central London. The trade-off is the stretch towards and beyond King's Cross, which gets a little seedy.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay inside Zone 1 of the Underground?
Most people tend to stay within Zone 1, but it is worth researching carefully, as being five minutes further from a station can make a difference in cost and in the quality of local food and drinking options. If you stay outside Zone 1, TfL's travel time map shows which locations have good public transport.
Is it cheaper to stay in the City or Canary Wharf at the weekend?
Yes. These areas can be very expensive during the week because they rely on the business market, but prices often drop dramatically over the weekend. The drawback is that much of the City becomes a ghost town then, with few bars and restaurants open away from the main tourist attractions.
Are budget hotel chains always a good deal in London?
No. Prices for the big budget chains' London hotels can often meet or exceed those of other, better quality hotels, so you cannot assume you will get a good deal. It is worth checking booking sites as well as the hotel's own website, since deals can reduce costs significantly.
Can I stay outside London and travel in?
Yes. Staying in a nearby town with quick train travel to London is an option; lively Brighton is only an hour away, and your budget will go much further with excellent accommodation options.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.