Where to Stay in London: Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget

London is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and for good reason. It’s also a city where your choice of neighbourhood can completely change your experience.

We lived in London for several years, and we visit regularly. Over the years we’ve stayed in hotels, hostels, B&Bs and apartments all across the city, from budget hostels in Soho to luxury riverside hotels near the Shard. This guide is based on all of that first-hand experience.

If you’re short on time and just want a recommendation: for a first visit to London, stay in or near central London, within a few minutes walk of an Underground station. Beyond that, the best area for you depends on your budget, your interests, and how much time you want to spend on public transport each day.

In this guide we’ll walk you through all the neighbourhoods worth considering, with our personal hotel picks at every price point, practical tips for booking, and advice on how to save money on accommodation in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

Quick Picks: Our Favourite Places to Stay in London

Before we get into the detail, here are our personal top picks for different types of visitor. We’ve stayed at every one of these and can recommend them from direct experience.

• Best value in central London: Hub by Premier Inn, Westminster Abbey. We stayed here with Jess’s parents as part of a trip around Europe. The rooms are small (opt for the larger room category or you might not even get a window), but the beds are comfortable, the WiFi is fast, and the location is hard to beat. The on-site breakfast is remarkable value too, and you can decide each morning whether to add it.
• Best value near the Tower of London: Hub by Premier Inn, Tower Bridge. Same concept as the Westminster location, with easy access to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the south bank of the Thames.
• Best mid-range with a kitchenette: Resident Victoria Hotel. The room we stayed in was compact, but it had everything we needed including a small kitchenette with a Nespresso machine. Great for a slightly longer stay.
• Best for drivers: The Windmill on the Common. Our go-to when we drive into London. Free parking, well-sized rooms, and 10 minutes walk to Clapham Common tube station. Ask for a room at the back overlooking the Common for the quietest stay, and do try the on-site restaurant.
• Best budget option: Point A Hotel Westminster. We’ve stayed here and the rooms are tiny but clean. Air conditioning, blackout curtains and free WiFi. A 15 minute walk to Westminster Abbey, and hard to beat on price.
• Best near Gatwick Airport: Bloc Hotel London Gatwick. We’ve stayed here before early flights. The rooms are small but have king-size beds, excellent showers, free WiFi, soundproofing and air conditioning. Right inside the south terminal, and you even get neat views of the airport from your room, which I loved!

Now, let’s get into the detail of each neighbourhood so you can find the right area for you.

How to Choose Where to Stay in London

London is enormous. Over 8 million people live here, spread across 32 boroughs covering more than 1,500 square kilometres. I like to think of it as a set of interconnected villages, each with its own distinct feel. You could spend a week in Shoreditch and a week in Kensington and feel like you’d visited two completely different cities.

The good news is that London’s public transport system is excellent. The Underground (the “tube”) will get you almost anywhere you need to go, and it runs frequently from early morning until around midnight, with Night Tube services on weekends on several key lines.

Here are the key things to think about when choosing where to stay.

Stay Near a Tube Station

This is the single most important piece of advice. Being within a few minutes walk of an Underground station matters more than which specific neighbourhood you choose. A hotel two minutes from a tube stop in a “lesser” neighbourhood is a better base than one fifteen minutes from the nearest station in a “prime” area.

If your station is served by multiple tube lines (like King’s Cross, Victoria, or South Kensington), even better. That reduces travel time across the city and means you’re rarely more than one change away from anywhere.

The Elizabeth Line

The Elizabeth Line opened in 2022 and it’s changed the convenience equation for several areas. It runs east-west across central London, connecting Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street and beyond. We’ve used it and it feels noticeably more modern than the older tube lines, with spacious carriages, air conditioning and step-free access at most stations.

For visitors, this means areas like Paddington and Whitechapel are now more conveniently connected to the centre than they used to be.

Contactless Payment

You don’t need to buy an Oyster card any more. Contactless bank cards (and phone payment) now work on all London transport with the same daily and weekly fare caps as an Oyster card. Just tap in and out. Some visitors still prefer Oyster for budgeting purposes, but for most people contactless is simpler. See our guide to getting around London and the ITC guide to using the Oyster card for more detail.

Understanding London’s Zones

London’s transport system is divided into zones, radiating outwards from Zone 1 (the centre). Most attractions are in Zones 1 and 2, and staying within these zones keeps your transport costs lower. Hotels further out will often be cheaper per night, but factor in the extra transport costs and travel time before assuming you’re saving money.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in London

We’re going to cover seven areas that we think cover the full range of what most visitors will want. For each one, we’ll tell you what it feels like, who it’s best for, and give you our hotel picks across different budgets.

Central London: Westminster, Covent Garden and Soho

This is the heart of tourist London and where we’d recommend most first-time visitors stay. Within this area you’ve got Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, Covent Garden market, the West End theatres, and the shopping along Oxford Street and Bond Street. You can walk between most of these in under twenty minutes.

Westminster has the grand political landmarks and royal parks. Covent Garden is lively with restaurants, street performers and theatres. Soho is more energetic, with bars, restaurants and a buzzy nightlife scene.

The downside is cost. Convenience comes at a premium, and rooms tend to be smaller than elsewhere in London, particularly at the budget end. If you’re on a tighter budget, the areas we cover next (South Bank, Bloomsbury) offer better value with easy access to the same sights.

Key attractions: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Covent Garden, West End theatres, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street, Tate Britain.

Best for: First-time visitors, sightseeing-focused trips, theatre lovers, short visits where you want to maximise walking access to major sights.

Where to stay in central London:

• Astor Oxford Street. Right in the middle of the West End, a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. This well-reviewed hostel has both shared and private rooms, a bar, shared kitchen and free WiFi. A great budget option in an unbeatable location.
• Hub by Premier Inn, Westminster Abbey. Our personal pick for central London on a budget. Moments from Westminster Abbey and within walking distance of most major central London sights. Rooms are compact but smart, and the breakfast is excellent value. No affiliate link, we just recommend them because we’ve stayed here and they’re good.
• Resident Victoria Hotel. Our pick for a mid-range stay. We’ve stayed here and liked the small kitchenette with Nespresso machine. All rooms are air-conditioned and en-suite, and larger rooms are available if you want more space.
• Page 8. A well-reviewed 4* boutique hotel moments from Trafalgar Square. All rooms have air conditioning, en-suite facilities and an air purifier. There’s a rooftop restaurant, bar and coffee shop on site.
• The Clermont Charing Cross. Right next to Charing Cross station, this 4* hotel is about as central as it gets. En-suite rooms with free WiFi, air conditioning and Nespresso coffee makers.
• St. Martin’s Lane. A 5* designer hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows and a huge gym. Five minutes walk to Covent Garden.
• The Savoy. One of the world’s most famous hotels. Five minutes from the Royal Opera House, with marble bathrooms and top-rated restaurants on site. If the budget allows, this is an experience in itself.
• The Ritz. Overlooking Green Park, with luxurious rooms featuring antique furnishings. Another iconic London name.

Kensington and Chelsea

If you’re interested in museums, Kensington should be high on your list. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum are all here, and they’re all free to enter. Add in Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, the luxury shopping around Harrods and Knightsbridge, and the colourful streets of Notting Hill, and you’ve got enough to fill a whole trip.

Kensington is mostly still within Zone 1 of the tube, so transport into the rest of central London is quick and affordable. It has a more residential, slightly quieter feel than the West End, which some visitors prefer.

We’ve written a whole guide to things to do in Kensington if you want more inspiration for this area.

Key attractions: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill.

Best for: Museum lovers, families, repeat visitors who want a quieter base, luxury shopping.

Where to stay in Kensington and Chelsea:

• Astor Hyde Park Hostel. A couple of minutes from the Royal Albert Hall, with easy tube access to the rest of London. Accommodation ranges from mixed dorms to private en-suite rooms, and there’s a shared kitchen and laundry.
• Point A Kensington Olympia. The Point A hotels offer great value: compact but functional air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. About 20 minutes walk to most Kensington attractions and close to a tube stop.
• CG Kensington. A well-reviewed 4* hotel a few minutes walk from most Kensington attractions. Air-conditioned rooms with microwaves, coffee machines and a desk area.
• The Ampersand Hotel. A 5* hotel right next to South Kensington tube station and the major museums. Individually decorated rooms with air conditioning, free WiFi and private bathrooms.
• Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. Five minutes walk from Harrods, with spacious individually decorated rooms, marble bathrooms and a 2 Michelin star restaurant on site. A fantastic option at the high end.

South Bank and Bankside

The south bank of the Thames, running roughly from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, is one of the best areas in London for walking. The riverside path is lined with restaurants, cafes, theatres and some of the city’s best museums. Borough Market is here, the Tate Modern is here, and the views across the river to the Houses of Parliament and the City skyline are superb, especially at sunset.

I’ve walked this stretch of the Thames more times than I can count and it never gets old. On a warm evening, sitting outside one of the riverside pubs watching the boats go past, London feels like the best city in the world.

The South Bank is often slightly cheaper than the north side of the river whilst being just as convenient for sightseeing. Several bridges connect you to central London in minutes on foot, and there are good tube connections at Waterloo, Southwark and London Bridge stations.

Key attractions: London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market, The Shard, HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Dungeon, Imperial War Museum.

Best for: Walkers, foodies (Borough Market), art lovers, anyone who wants a lively but slightly more affordable alternative to staying north of the river.

Where to stay on the South Bank:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel. Eight minutes walk from the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Shared and private accommodation, a shared kitchen, bar and free WiFi.
• Point A Hotel Westminster. We’ve stayed here. The rooms are tiny but clean, with air conditioning, blackout curtains and free WiFi. A 15 minute walk to Westminster Abbey. Great budget option.
• H10 London Waterloo. A well-reviewed 4* hotel about 15 minutes walk from the Houses of Parliament. Good-sized rooms with air conditioning, and there’s a rooftop bar with views across the city.
• Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard. If you want the best views of any hotel in London, this is it. Set between floors 34 and 52 of the Shard, rooms come with marble bathrooms, binoculars(!) and three dining options on site. It’s a splurge, but the views alone are worth it.

Bloomsbury and King’s Cross

Bloomsbury is one of London’s best-value central neighbourhoods. It’s home to the British Museum (free entry), leafy garden squares, and a quieter, more academic atmosphere than the West End. It’s still within easy walking distance of Covent Garden and Soho, but accommodation tends to be more affordable.

King’s Cross, at the northern end of this area, has been completely transformed in recent years. The area around the station now has excellent restaurants, shops and public spaces at Coal Drops Yard. It’s also a major transport hub: King’s Cross has tube connections across the city, trains north to Edinburgh and Cambridge, and St. Pancras next door has the Eurostar to Paris and Brussels.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is easily reachable by train from King’s Cross, and you can visit Platform 9 3/4 at the station itself. See our guide to Harry Potter locations in London for more ideas.

Key attractions: British Museum, Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park, London Zoo, King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 3/4), Coal Drops Yard, St. Pancras station, Eurostar terminal.

Best for: Budget travellers, museum lovers, anyone arriving or departing by train (especially Eurostar), Harry Potter fans.

Where to stay in Bloomsbury and King’s Cross:

• Astor Museum Hostel. A well-reviewed adult-only hostel directly opposite the British Museum and 15 minutes walk from Covent Garden. Private and shared rooms, with a shared kitchen on site.
• Point A Hotel Kings Cross. About 7 minutes walk from King’s Cross station. Compact rooms with air conditioning at great value. We’ve stayed at other Point A hotels and find them consistently good for the price.
• Pullman London St Pancras. Three minutes walk from the Eurostar terminal. A well-reviewed 4* hotel with comfortably sized rooms, en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and an on-site bar and restaurant.
• St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. One of London’s most beautiful hotel buildings, right at St. Pancras station. A 5* hotel with good-sized en-suite rooms, a spa, and two restaurants. If you’re arriving by Eurostar, walking straight off the train into this building is quite the entrance to London.

Shoreditch and East London

East London has a completely different energy to the West End. Shoreditch is London’s creative and food scene hub, with street art, independent restaurants, excellent coffee shops and lively nightlife. Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses and vintage shops. Spitalfields Market is one of the best in the city.

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge are at the western edge of east London, technically in Tower Hamlets. If visiting these is a priority, this area gives you easy walking access.

The Elizabeth Line now stops at Liverpool Street, improving connections from this area to Paddington and the West End. The area also has good tube coverage via the Central and District lines.

Key attractions: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch street art, Museum of London Docklands, ExCeL exhibition centre.

Best for: Foodies, nightlife, street art and markets, anyone attending events at ExCeL.

Where to stay in east London:

• The Z Hotel Shoreditch. A 3* hotel offering good value in a lively area with great dining options. En-suite rooms are all air-conditioned, and there’s a bar and coffee house on site.
• Hub by Premier Inn, Tower Bridge. We’ve stayed at the Hub chain and love them for value. This location puts you near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Same compact-but-smart concept as the Westminster location.
• New Road Hotel. A boutique 4* hotel in Whitechapel, set in a former textile factory. A range of rooms from budget options through to suites with hot tubs and terraces. All en-suite and air-conditioned, with an on-site bar and restaurant.
• Hart Shoreditch Hotel. A 4* hotel about a 30 minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral. Comfortable en-suite rooms with air conditioning and tea/coffee facilities.

Camden and North London

Camden has a character all its own. The famous market is a sprawling collection of food stalls, vintage clothing, craft shops and everything in between. Regent’s Canal runs through the area, and you can walk along it all the way to Little Venice or east towards King’s Cross. London Zoo is on the edge of Regent’s Park, just to the south.

The southern end of Camden, around King’s Cross and Euston stations, offers some of London’s best budget accommodation options. Camden Town itself is well connected by the Northern line, getting you to the West End in about 10 minutes.

Arsenal football fans will find the stadium here, and the area around Hampstead Heath offers some of London’s best green space and city views.

Key attractions: Camden Market, Regent’s Park, Regent’s Canal, London Zoo, Little Venice, Hampstead Heath, Abbey Road, Arsenal football stadium.

Best for: Alternative/indie atmosphere, market lovers, budget travellers, anyone who wants a neighbourhood with real personality.

Where to stay in Camden and north London:

• The Hurdwick. Within walking distance of Camden Market and London Zoo, this well-reviewed boutique hotel has air-conditioned en-suite rooms, free WiFi and a bar. Great value for the location.
• Camden Enterprise Hotel. A well-rated hotel and pub just moments from Chalk Farm tube station, 10 minutes walk from Camden Market and Regent’s Canal. Air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and en-suite bathrooms.

South London: Clapham and Greenwich

Further south, areas like Clapham and Greenwich offer a different experience. Clapham is a popular residential area with excellent pubs, restaurants and green space around Clapham Common. Greenwich, to the southeast, is home to the Royal Observatory (where Greenwich Mean Time comes from), the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and a lovely park.

These areas are less convenient for sightseeing than central London, but they offer better value for money, a more local feel, and some attractions that are worth the journey.

Where to stay in south London:

• Innkeeper’s Lodge Greenwich. A few minutes walk from the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park. A traditional London inn with en-suite rooms, free WiFi and tea/coffee making facilities. Good budget option if you want to explore Greenwich.
• The Windmill on the Common. This is our favourite hotel when we drive into London, because it has free parking. Rooms are well sized, the decor is top notch, and it’s 10 minutes walk to Clapham Common tube station. Try the on-site restaurant and pub, and ask for a room at the back overlooking Clapham Common for the quietest stay.

Types of Accommodation in London

London has the full range of accommodation options. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide what’s right for your trip.

Hotels range from budget chains like Point A and Hub by Premier Inn through to world-famous names like The Savoy and The Ritz. Hotels will typically have on-site amenities like restaurants and bars, and staff available around the clock.

Hostels are a great option if you’re on a budget or want a social atmosphere. Many London hostels now offer private rooms as well as dorms, so don’t rule them out just because you don’t want a shared room. Shared facilities often include kitchens, laundry and living areas. For hostels specifically, we recommend starting your search with Hostelworld, which specialises in this type of accommodation.

Apartments and vacation rentals usually give you more space than a hotel room at a similar price, plus a kitchen and sometimes a washing machine. Plum Guide is our first choice for apartment rentals in London. They’re headquartered in the city and carefully curate their listings, so quality tends to be high across all price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world (see our review of Plum Guide).

Booking.com also has a huge range of apartment listings in London, and Vrbo is another good option. One tip from our experience: we’ve had mixed results with very cheap apartment rentals in London (issues with hot water, WiFi, and unresponsive hosts). If you’re on a tight budget, a hostel or budget hotel is often a safer bet than a bargain apartment.

B&Bs and guesthouses usually include breakfast and offer a more personal experience, though facilities tend to be limited compared to hotels. We use Booking.com to search for these, as you can filter by property type.

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in London?

Based on our experiences, here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation in London. These prices are for two people sharing a room.

• Budget: £50 – £120 per night. This covers hostels (private rooms), budget hotel chains like Point A and Hub by Premier Inn, and basic guesthouses. Dorm beds start from around £20-£30 per person.
• Mid-range: £120 – £350 per night. Well-located 3* and 4* hotels, boutique properties, and good-quality apartment rentals.
• Luxury: £350+ per night. 5* hotels, designer boutique hotels, and high-end serviced apartments.

Prices vary depending on the time of year, day of the week (weekends tend to be pricier), and what events are happening in the city.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in London

London is expensive, but there are ways to bring the cost of accommodation down.

Filter by price and guest rating. On Booking.com, set a price ceiling and a minimum guest rating of 8. You’ll find properties that meet your budget without sacrificing quality.

Be flexible with accommodation type. Don’t automatically assume hostels means shared dorms, or that hotels are always more expensive. Many hostels have private rooms, and budget hotel chains sometimes beat hostel prices for a private en-suite room. Search by price rather than property type and you might be surprised.

Stay longer for a better nightly rate. Many apartments offer discounts for stays of a week or more. If you had planned 6 days in London, it might actually be cheaper to stay for a full week.

Travel as a group. Apartment rentals split between three or four people can bring the per-person cost well below hotel prices, and you’ll get more space.

Stay slightly out of the centre. Areas like the South Bank, Bloomsbury, and King’s Cross are still convenient but often cheaper than Westminster or Covent Garden. Just factor in the extra transport cost before assuming you’re saving money.

Visit in the off season. Summer months, Christmas, New Year and major events like the London Marathon (usually April) push prices up. Midweek stays tend to be cheaper than weekends.

Be flexible with dates. Moving your trip by a few days can sometimes make a noticeable difference in pricing.

Tips When Booking Accommodation in London

A few things to know before you book, especially if this is your first visit to London.

Room Sizes

If you’re used to hotels in countries like the USA, you might be surprised by how small rooms are in London, particularly at the budget and mid-range level. Budget hotel rooms might be 150 square feet or less, which is enough for a bed, a small amount of floor space and a compact en-suite shower room.

This is partly because London has a lot of older buildings, and partly because real estate is expensive. At the budget end, think of your room as somewhere to sleep, shower and change rather than somewhere to spend time. Even mid-range rooms will typically be 200-300 square feet. Booking.com includes room size information for most properties, which is worth checking before you book.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is far from standard in London. Many hotels and apartments don’t have it, which can be uncomfortable in the summer months when temperatures occasionally reach 30°C (86°F) or higher. If this matters to you, check before booking. It’s more common in mid-range to high-end hotels and uncommon in budget hotels, hostels or apartments.

Noise and Light

London is a busy city and street noise can be an issue, particularly in central areas. If you’re a light sleeper, check whether your property has soundproofing, or bring earplugs. Similarly, not all hotels have blackout curtains, and it gets light very early in summer.

Lifts (Elevators)

Many older London buildings don’t have lifts. If you’re travelling with heavy luggage or have mobility requirements, check this before booking. Booking.com lets you filter by properties with lift access and other accessibility features.

Congestion Charge and ULEZ

If you’re driving into London, be aware of two charges. The Congestion Charge covers central London and most vehicles have to pay. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) now covers all of Greater London and charges higher-polluting vehicles. Generally we try to avoid driving in London altogether, but if you need to, check the congestion charge details here and the ULEZ details here.

Hotels Near the Airports

London is served by six airports, though most visitors arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick. We wouldn’t recommend staying at the airport unless you have an early or late flight and are just connecting. If you’re spending two or more nights in London, pick a more central base.

If you do need an airport hotel, here are our picks.

Near Heathrow Airport

Heathrow has five terminals. Some of these hotels are directly connected to a terminal by covered walkway; others require a short drive or shuttle. Check which terminal you’re flying from before booking.

• Premier Inn Heathrow Airport Terminal 4. A well-reviewed and good-value hotel connected to Terminal 4 by a covered walkway. En-suite rooms with air conditioning, soundproofing and free WiFi, plus an on-site restaurant and bar.
• Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow T2 & T3. Directly connected to Terminal 2 and within easy walking distance of Terminals 1 through 3. En-suite rooms with air conditioning, soundproofing, tea/coffee facilities and free WiFi. A rooftop bar overlooks the runways.
• Crowne Plaza London Heathrow T4. Connected to Terminal 4 by a covered walkway, with free public transport links to the other terminals. Good-sized en-suite rooms with soundproofing and air conditioning. Award-winning restaurant and bar on site.

Near Gatwick Airport

Gatwick has two terminals: south and north. Check which one you need.

• Bloc Hotel London Gatwick. We’ve stayed here before early flights. The rooms are small but have king-size beds, excellent showers, free WiFi, soundproofing and air conditioning. Located inside the south terminal, so you couldn’t be any closer.
• Sofitel London Gatwick. A 4* hotel connected to the north terminal by a short covered walkway. Comfortable en-suite rooms with soundproofing, free WiFi and air conditioning. Three restaurants and two bars on site.

For more on getting to and from the airports, see our guide to London airports.

Map of Recommended Hotels in London

To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a map of the hotels we recommend in central London. You can also see this on Google Maps here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in London for first-time visitors?

For a first visit to London, we’d recommend staying in central London, specifically in or around Westminster, Covent Garden or Soho. This puts you within walking distance of most of the major attractions, from Buckingham Palace to the West End theatres.

If central London is outside your budget, the South Bank and Bloomsbury are excellent alternatives that are still very well connected by public transport.

How much does a hotel cost in London per night?

Budget accommodation (hostels with private rooms, budget hotel chains) typically costs £50 to £120 per night for two people. Mid-range hotels run from £120 to £350 per night, and luxury hotels start from around £350 and go up from there.

Prices vary a lot depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and what’s happening in the city. Booking early and being flexible with dates can help bring costs down.

Is it better to stay in central London or outside the centre?

It depends on your priorities. Central London is more expensive but saves you a lot of time on transport, which matters on a short trip. Staying outside the centre saves money on the room but costs more in transport and travel time.

For a trip of two to three days, we’d generally recommend staying central. For a longer stay, areas like the South Bank, Bloomsbury, or even Greenwich can offer better value whilst still being well connected.

Do I need an Oyster card for London?

Not any more. Contactless bank cards and phone payments now work on all London transport with the same daily and weekly fare caps as an Oyster card. Just tap in and tap out. Some visitors still prefer Oyster for budgeting purposes, but for most people contactless is simpler. See our guide to London public transport for more detail.

What is the best way to get from Heathrow Airport to central London?

The fastest option is the Heathrow Express to Paddington station (15 minutes). The Elizabeth Line is slower but much cheaper and takes you directly into central London. The Piccadilly line on the Underground is the most budget-friendly option but takes around an hour. See our full guide to London airports for all the options.

Is London safe for tourists?

London is generally a safe city for visitors. Like any large city, you should take normal precautions with your belongings, especially on public transport and in crowded tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and stick to well-lit areas at night. All of the neighbourhoods we recommend in this guide are safe for tourists.

Further Reading

We’ve got plenty of other resources to help you plan your trip to London and the UK.

• We have detailed itineraries for 1 day in London, 2 days in London, 3 days in London and 6 days in London
• If you plan on doing much sightseeing, you will likely save money with a London Pass. See our complete London Pass review.
• We have a guide to getting around London and a guide to using the Oyster card in London.
• If you’re flying in, see our guide to getting to London from the airport.
• We have a guide to the best food tours in London
• Our guide to what to pack for London
• Our tips on the best photography locations in London
• For Harry Potter fans, our guide to Harry Potter locations in London and the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• Our guide to things to do in Kensington
• Our guide to London’s military museums and memorials and the ITC guide to Winston Churchill in London
• Detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye
• Tips on spending two weeks in the UK
• Our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Day trips from London: Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds, Oxford, and Cambridge
• Heading further north? See our guides to Scotland, including a 2-day Edinburgh itinerary, the North Coast 500 and a 2-day Glasgow itinerary
• Thinking of Paris from London? See the ITC guide to the best way to get from London to Paris
• The DK Eyewitness London Guide, packed with itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steves’ London, a reliable and thorough guidebook

And that’s it for our guide to where to stay in London! We hope it helps you find the right neighbourhood and the perfect property for your trip. As always, if you have any questions, pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you.