London is big and wide, with plenty of interesting hotspots scattered all-over, and it can be difficult to navigate… if you don’t have us!
Here’s a list of the best areas to stay in London and why:
- If you’re a first-timer and want a central spot to reach all the main attractions, then Covent Garden is the place for you: Westminster, Trafalgar Square, Soho and Piccadilly Circus are all in walking distance, and there’s lots of bars and restaurants. It’s obviously a bit pricey, but it’s all right there, you’re at the centre of everything!
- Clerkenwell is Covent Garden’s cousin: a bit off the central hub, it’s still super central but not being as aesthetically loud is often overlooked. I still find it pretty, and it’s way less expensive
- The famous West End, still in this general area, is wher you want to go if you’re a theater lover, or if you want to have a long night out full of bars, drinks and food! Again, more of a first-timer area, but great if you want to catch a play or go for some crazy shopping at Oxford Street.
- Angel is in the Northern fringes of London, it offers scenery everywhere you turn; there is an endless amount of trendy restaurants and bars, allowing you the chance to immerse yourself in the culture of this neighbourhood. The best part is that it’s not on the main tourist radar just yet, so when you go for drinks at a pub in Angel you’ll be surrounded by Londoners, not other tourists.
- Notting Hill is great for couples (go figure), it’s lively, there’s second hand/vintge markets and bars and pretty little eateries; it also hosts he Notting Hill Carnival, the second largest carnival in the whole world. Home to Portobello Road market, with its cute colourful houses, its old-fashioned theme of this area is what makes it such a romantic place, and the best neighbourhood to stay in London for a couple.
- Brixton, the best area to stay for back-packers in London, (and birthplace of David Bowie) has an incredible history. Here we celebrate creativity and its vibrancy is contagious. You’ll also find tons of hot spots to enjoy great food from everywhere: the Brixton Market and Village is a hub for delicious meals and hosts over 100 food traders.
- Shoreditch, oh Shoreditch! Home to some of the world’s most famous street artists and to London’s first two theaters. It has never lost its artistic flair and today holds the title as the capital’s top street art scene. You can also explore its green spaces, like Hoxton Square, one of London’s oldest squares. It’s amazing, and very affordable.
- Camden is great especially for groups of friends; it really is an electric neighbourhood, with deep roots in London’s history. Here are some of the oldest landmarks here, like the city of Faringdon home to classic parliament buildings and statues. Regents Park and Primrose Hill are also in Camden, so that you can go spend a relaxing “day after” in the park or to escape the hustle of Camden market.
- Soho! What used to be a rather seedy part of the city centre has been transformed into one of liveliest parts of town. It’s great for restaurants and bars, and also cultural for talks, events and music! A buzzing neighbourhood indeed! Although keeping its root, you can also find high-end restaurants and hotels well worth trying.
- Kensington, lastly, if you’re here with your family, maybe Kensington is the place for you: called the Museum Mile, it has some of the city’s best-known and free museums: The Natural History Museum, Science Museum and gloriously eclectic Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A). It’s not as fast-paced and enjoyable, it is relatively expensive, but there are so many pluses. It’s also easy to hop on the underground or a bus to get into the centre quickly.
Let us know which one you choose and tell us how you liked it!