Photograph: Ron Ellis / Shutterstock.com
Discover the capital’s best bits with our helpful guide to where to stay in London
Written by Danielle Goldstein
Contributor: Jennifer Banful
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Thinking about a trip to London? You've probably already clocked that this city is a massive, sprawling giant, made up of neighbourhoods that each have their own unique character. So don't resign yourself to a super-pricey hotel in the city's fancy West End. Dive into the real London by branching out from the well-trodden tourist path and immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of somewhere totally new.
Whether you're after lively nightlife, easy access to gorgeous green spaces, culture on your doorstop, or dining to die for, you'll find it here. Read on for our guide to ninegreat neighbourhoods andfind the bestplaces to stay in London.
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Best places to stay in London
Once a cornucopia of sex shops and rock ’n’ roll, Soho maintains pockets of hedonism, but overall is more family-friendly these days, with shops,restaurantsand theatres in abundance. But keep Soho’s spirit alive with a stay at the Sanctum Soho, which is like a rock star’s crib. They have a 24-hour bar, rotating beds and a guitar tuning service at reception.
2.Kings Cross, North London
Staying in Kings Cross is as strategic as it is stylish in our opinion. Hailed London's coolest neighbourhood back in 2023 by Time Out's London Editor, Joe Mackertitch, Kings Cross is well-connected and kind of 'viby' too.For such a well-known pin drop on the old Monopoly, it feels oddly smaller, thanks to its neighbourhood feel. Lanmarks like Coal Drops and the station square popular among pingeons, street preachers and pic-n-mix pop up stalls, add a certain je nais sais quoi that that adds to King Cross'not-too-gritty-but-not-too-polished appeal. And what it lacks in beer gardens and cute artisinal bakeries, it makes up for in music venues like Scala, cafes, pizzerias, co*cktail bars and even a pop-up cinema on the canal during summer.
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To add a little countryside whimsy to your schedule, make a beeline for Richmond. Here you’ll find the very large and very royal park with freely roaming deer, the blooming lovely Kew Gardens, and a fine (if pricy) night’s stay at the Bingham. In fact, this statelyriversidehotel has elegantly designed rooms (six of which overlook the River Thames) and a restaurant with a thoroughly Instagrammable menu, so showing off to your friends and family is easy peasy.
Drawing in tourists like a moth to a flame, Covent Garden is very special indeed. In one afternoon,you could easily shop both ends of the fashion spectrum, pick up a black lava sea salt ice cream and watch the world’s longest running play (Agatha Christie’s ‘The Mousetrap’ if you’re wondering).Afterwards, we suggest taking a totally lavish respitein one of The Hospital Club’s 15 boutique rooms, or alternatively in one of its bars, the restaurant or rooftop terrace.
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BuzzingShoreditch is all about going out out, with bars and clubs galore and a creative edge that's survived its more recent popularity with City types. When you’re ready to take a step back, boutique hotelBoundarymakes forgoodshelter. This former warehouse was overhauled by Sir Terence Conran and boasts a rooftop terrace that's perfect for surveying the mayhem below.
This charming part of London offers stunning scenery and impressive views of the city from atop a historic hill. Around the village are quaint shops and cafés, an array of arresting architecture and unpretentious, welcoming family runB&BLa Gaffe, which has been in business for over 60 years.As well as a cosy berth, you'll find a quaintly decorated Italian restaurant and bar downstairs and even a jacuzzi: perfect for soothing your muscles after a stroll round nearby Hampstead Heath.
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7.Dalston, East London
Throw yourself into the heart of northeast London nightlife by staying in edgy Dalston, which is drowning in cool pubs,restaurants, andnightlife options. The main drag is pretty hectic, but the quieter charms of London Fields and leafy Islington areonly short walks away and the Overground makes accessing other parts of London a breeze.
Tourists haven't typically found their way to Peckham, but if you know where to look you'll find plenty to love about this south east London neighbourhood, from pocket-friendly restaurants on Rye Lane to the bougie charms of Bellenden Road. Lay your head at The Victoria Inn, a traditional British pub with beautifully presented boutique rooms upstairs. Lovely.
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9.Camden, North London
Ahh, Camden Town. While this place needs noreal intro (because it's insanely cool), we'll give you a little snapshot: It's the bedrock of London's alternative scene, home of the bustling Camden Lock, which, btw, is choc-full of unique vintage boutiques and stalls worth checking out, iconic music venues like the historic Jazz Cafe where big-name artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele have both performed, the Roundhouse which dates back to the swinging sixties, and a truly tantalizing melting pot (no pun intended) of street food from all over the globe. A Yorkshire pud in a burrito? We're all for it. We'd highly recommend making Camden your base if you're looking for walkability, decent pubs, scenic canal views, oh, and don't mind the crowds.
Named after Clerks’ Well, which can still be seen on Farringdon Lane, this location allows easy access to Michelin-starred restaurants (meat marvel St John is a highlight), buzzing markets and, if you’re visiting in May, Clerkenwell Design Week. Stay at The Rookery on Peter’s Lane, a Georgian townhouse that is impeccably decorated, has huge beds and an honesty bar.
Booking ahead?
- Hotels
From cheap hostels to the finest luxury and five-star hotels, London has a room to suit everyone. Check out the best places to check in with our guide to the best hotels in London
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