England has many great cities, but its capital, London, is the perfect place to start your trip. If you’re planning to stay a few days, you’ll need to choose the right neighborhood, and we have the perfect suggestions for you.
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London is a magnetic city with plenty of historical neighborhoods and modern houses with cutting-edge culture. So, as a traveler, you have a lot of options to stay for a few days. But not all options adapt as well for different travelers, that’s why in this article, we will be suggesting neighborhoods based on your personal preferences.
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Where to stay in London?
Not every stay is the same.
A bed might be a bed no matter the hotel you’re staying at, but staying at a central hotel near a crowded and noisy street is definitely not the same as a cozy room in an atmospheric and quiet neighborhood. And, we can agree that not all travelers will choose the exact same accommodation even if they cost the same.
For instance, if you’re visiting London to see its most popular landmarks and need to stay central to easily move around, you might prefer the first hotel. If you’re looking for a peaceful experience, away from the tourist spots, the second option is a better match for you.
Staying beyond London’s center has another advantage, as you’ll have more options for authentic experiences. If you’re not a first-time visitor to London, consider exploring lesser-known and less central neighborhoods; you never know what surprises you might find there.
Marylebone: the perfect neighborhood for the flaneur
Some travelers prefer wandering the city in a never-ending stroll. They get a lot of satisfaction just observing how life moves there and soaking up the atmosphere. For them, London is a dream, full of poetic charm, and there’s no better area than Marylebone.
This area tucked between the energy of Oxford Street and the calm of Regents Park offers the perfect balance between central access and village charm. And the urban explorers will love to walk around both of these London landmarks. They can also explore the Thames Path from the South Bank to Battersea, passing through artists, skate parks, hidden pubs on the bridges, ending at the riverside hub for an evening coffee.
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Where to stay in Marylebone:
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The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone: A quirky and elegant hotel that has a lot of vintage elements and personality. It feels like stepping into the home of a well-traveled and eccentric old lady.
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Artist Residence London: A great option if you want to meet fellow wanderer souls, and the location couldn’t be better. It’s on a quiet corner near the river, offering a really charming stay.
South Kensington: for the family cartographer
Being the family cartographer is quite an experience. Traveling with loved ones —be it partners, friends, or even little ones —mapping the whole world with curiosity and seeking meaning behind the geography and history. And the best neighborhood in London for such an experience is South Kensington. This area is central yet calm, full of elegant streets, leafy squares, and intellectually rich museums.
In South Kensington, you will find the Royal Geographical Society, where, during special events, you can dive into real explorers’ journals and antique maps. If you prefer to chart your own journey, consider visiting the Italian Gardens. For kids, an excellent idea is to give them paper and let them create a map of the whole place.
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Where to stay in South Kensington:
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The Ampersand Hotel: If you’re very curious, this hotel is themed around science, nature, and discovery. It also has a great location, being right next to the Natural History and Science Museums.
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The Pilot Inn: This boutique pub is only steps away from the maritime museums, and it’s quirky, characterful, and full of charm.
Clerkenwell: for the London repeater
Choosing less central locations is always a great option in London, especially if it’s not your first time in the city. And if this is your second or third visit, you’ll find that Clerkenwell, while having a lot of tourist attractions, has a very unique charm to it that is worth exploring.
To start your day there, you can grab a coffee at Exmouth Market and sit for a bit while people-watching. There’s no rush in your visit; you’ve been there before, you can savor the moment. From there, follow the Design Trail, passing through shops and galleries, and end in Barbican Centre, London’s brutalist cultural fortress.
For more cultural travels, you can take a day trip to Walthamstow Village. This lesser-known attraction is a pocket of vintage in London with interesting places to visit, like independent bakeries, the William Morris Gallery, and God’s Own Junkyard, a warehouse turned into a neon-lit art gallery.
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Where to stay in Clerkenwell:
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The Rookery: A very unique stay ideal for travelers who want some peace without sacrificing character for convenience. Think of dark wood, claw-foot tubs, and literary ghosts.
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Limehouse Library Hotel: The best combination for the quiet traveler who feels like they have seen everything in London. It’s a bit hidden from view, as it needed to preserve the design of the historic library as it was.
King’s Cross: for the workation nomad
Having a flexible job that doesn’t require going to an office every single day can be the perfect opportunity to explore the world without having to take time off. If that’s your case and you’re looking for the best neighborhood in London to set up your temporary non-office, Kings Cross has a lot of advantages.
King’s Cross is London’s new creative and tech-forward heart, and you’ll find plenty of cafes with excellent WiFi for those times when you need a change of scenery, and lightning-fast transport to move across the city and the continent. For example, you can work at the British Library, in one of its quiet reading rooms, and for lunch go to Morty & Bob’s in Coal Drops Yard, with a very inspiring, laid-back industrial design.
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Where to stay in King’s Cross:
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The Standard, London: This is the perfect hotel for the workation nomad, as it has soundproof rooms, desks, and even in-room turntables. And after long hours working, you can unwind in the lobby with a nice coffee.
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CitizenM Tower of London: If your job has a lot to do with technology, you’ll love this hotel, with its compact but ultra-efficient rooms. It also has excellent public lounge areas perfect for working or meeting new people.
Expert tips for staying in London
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Don’t go blindly for Central London: If you’re looking for hotels with personality, don’t choose the first one that says it’s central in the description. A lot of them are in business areas, so you’ll end up with an efficient and boring stay.
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Check weekend vs weekday rates: It’s always nice to save a bit wherever you can. Business areas tend to be cheaper on the weekends, while tourist areas charge less during the weekdays.
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Avoid hotel chains: On the same note, hotel chains are not necessarily bad, but a boutique hotel will offer way more local charm. So, if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, check the small local hotels first.
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Look for hotels with a kitchenette: This is especially important if you are planning to stay longer, or are traveling on a budget. Even if you’re not the best cook, being able to make instant ramen or boil some potatoes can be quite helpful.