Understandably, London can be an extremely daunting place to visit. With the city having so much to offer with neighbourhoods being distinctly different to another, it can be very overwhelming to decide where to stay. Especially with tourist traps sprawling all over the city it’s hard to gage what’s really good and what’s really London. Spare yourself the horror of putting yourself up in a dodgy hotel or a really pricey one and dive into the real London. Discover unique areas of the city and stray away from the status-quo because trust me, the city has more to offer than its well-known landmarks!
Whether its a trusty night out, an evening at the pub or a delicious meal – you can find all our recommendations here. Read our guide to the best 12 neighbourhoods London has to offer and the best places to stay in London.
Central London
1. Soho
Soho, with its rock ‘n’ roll stories and legendary LGBTQ+ scene, is undeniably one of London’s most beloved neighbourhoods, brimming with a long and fascinating history. This iconic central hub is always abuzz with locals and tourists alike, all captivated by this cherished district in the heart of the city. With so many wonderful things to do and places to visit along its winding cobblestone streets, there are an abundance of things to do in Soho.
Not to forget is home to some of the best restaurants in the city including our very own Chinatown, has a abundance of shopping spots, has a stunning number of West End shows on, and has some of the finest pubs to offer – the list is endless.
You can read our full guide for things to do in Soho here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ The Soho Hotel, £££ Ham Yard Hotel, £ Z Hotel Soho (you can read our review here.)
🍽️ Where to eat: 44 Truly Terrific Soho Restaurants To Tempt Anyone In The West End
🍷 Where to drink: The Most Superb Soho Bars For A Stylish Night Out
2. Covent Garden
Now, Londoners usually tend to avoid Covent Garden due to the ungodly crowds it attracts but as a visitor, there are some stunning hidden gems that you most definitely must visit. Located in the West End of London, Covent Garden is very central, making it well-connected to other parts of the city.
Famous for its historic market that dates back to the 17th century, the market buildings now house a variety of retail shops and restaurants. The neighbourhood is also home to Neal’s Yard and the Royal Opera House and various theatres making it a hotspot for theatre-lovers alike with fab pre-theatre dinner spots nearby. Nearby attractions also include the London Transport Museum and other galleries. Most importantly, they have a wide range of dining spots from cafes to food markets to restaurants – there’s plenty to explore. Not to forget stunning pubs and breweries!
You can read our full guide for things to do in Covent Garden here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ The Savoy, £££ Corinthia, £££ Walfdorf Hilton, ££ AMANO Covent Garden (you can read our review here.)
🍽️ Where to eat: 30 Of The Very Best Covent Garden Restaurants
🍷 Where to drink: 23 Of The Very Best Covent Garden Bars To Get Your Drink On
3. Mayfair
Nestled close to Oxford Street and just a stone’s throw from Soho, Mayfair is among London’s most prestigious areas. Boasting luxurious boutiques on Bond Street and some of the city’s finest dining spots, Mayfair offers a wealth of activities, if you get me.
Centrally located, Mayfair borders Hyde Park to the west and well served by several Underground stations such as Bond Street, Green Park allowing easy access to the rest of London. Mayfair is home to some of the world’s most luxurious shops with high end boutiques, designer stores and brands. Not to forget some of London’s finest hotels such as The Ritz, Claridge’s, and The Dorchester to name a few. And so as expected, you can find a ton of Michelin-starred restaurants, pretty restaurants and fancy cocktail bars. Mayfair is a sophisticated choice if you’re looking to spend some dosh!
You can read our full guide for things to do in Mayfair here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ The Dorchester, £££ The Connaught, £££ The Biltmore.
🍽️ Where to eat: 9 Of The Very Best Mayfair Restaurants
🍷 Where to drink: The Connaught Bar, Claridge’s Bar, The Bar Below.
4. Marylebone
Despite being in the heart of London, Marylebone still holds a village-like atmosphere with its Georgian and Victorian architecture, townhouses and garden squares. This neighbourhood is home to numerous historic landmarks – including Baker Street, known for the Sherlock Holmes Museum, Regent’s Park and ZSL London Zoo.
The area offers an amazing range of dining spots including the historic Chiltern Firehouse and more recently, St. JOHN and Lina Stores – so you’ve got loads to explore food-wise. And while Marylebone is not one to have a ‘thriving nightlife’ it sure has plenty of stylish bars and pubs for a more laid-back evening but also just a stone’s throw away to Soho for a more upbeat night out.
You can read our full guide for things to do in Marylebone here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ Chiltern Firehouse, £££ The Langham, ££ The Prince Of Akatoki (you can read our review here).
🍽️ Where to eat: 7 Mouthwateringly Moreish Places To Eat In Marylebone.
🍷 Where to drink: The Parlour, FAM, Purl.
East London
5. Shoreditch
If you’ve asked for recommendations on where to live when you visit London, you have most definitely been recommended Shoreditch at least once. London’s most “trendy” neighbourhood located in East, Shoreditch is known for its vibrant art scene, quirky bars and restaurants. You’ll find work by famous artists such as Banksy adorning the walls of Shoreditch surrounded by loads of converted industrial warehouses and numerous galleries including the Whitechapel Gallery and Barbican Centre.
Home to the iconic Brick Lane, if you’re a vintage lover and thrift shopper, it’s a field day for you. And if you love a good night out then Shoreditch’s nightlife has a lot to offer with a ton of bars, cocktail bars, pubs, clubs and for music lovers live music venues alike – the area offers everything.
You can read our full guide for things to do in Shoreditch here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ One Hundred Shoreditch, ££ The Hoxton Shoreditch, £Z Hotel Shoreditch
🍽️ Where to eat: 39 Superb Shoreditch Restaurants For A Feast In The East
🍷 Where to drink: 22 Of The Very Best Bars In Shoreditch
6. Dalston
Dalston is easily the most talked about area after Hackney. Londoners love Dalston and rightfully so as it offers not only a diverse community but stunningly lively arts and music scene. Renowned for its creative vibe, Dalston is home to numerous galleries, studios and cultural spaces.
Famously known for its nightlife, Dalston is the spot if you’re looking for a LGBTQ+ bar like Dalston Superstore or a live music venue such as EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney) or The Shacklewell Arms. They have a wide variety of bars, pubs and clubs making it the spot for locals and visitors! The food scene in Dalston as expected is as diverse as ever – ranging from trendy cafes to artisanal bakeries and tons of food markets offering cuisines from all around the world. Not to forget probably the best tacos at Sonora Taqueria you’ll find in all of London. Yes, all of it, it is no exaggeration, take my word for it. With Dalston being fairly urban, Hackney Downs and London Fields nearby offer a lovely green space and some peace and quiet if you’re looking for it.
You can read our full guide for things to do in Dalston here.
🏨 Where to stay: £ Kingsland Locke, £The Luxury Inn
🍽️ Where to eat: Mangal 2, Corrochio’s, Acme Fire Cult.
🍷 Where to drink: Three Sheets, Dalston Roof Park, Brilliant Corners.
West London
7. Notting Hill
Ah yes, the one you’ve been waiting for. Notting Hill is one of London’s most iconic if not the iconic neighbourhood known for so very many things so we’ll list them out for you:
- Dreamy mews Pastel-coloured townhouses with Victorian terraces.
- 1999 cult film ‘Notting Hill’ starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
- Portobello Market.
- Electric Cinema, one of London’s oldest movie theaters.
- Europe’s largest street festival – Notting Hill Carnival (soon approaching)!
You get the gist, I’m sure.
You can read the full guide for things to do in Notting Hill here.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ The Portobello Hotel, £££ The Laslett, ££The Lost Poet..
🍽️ Where to eat: Akub, Sunday In Brooklyn, Core by Clare Smyth.
🍷 Where to drink: Caia, The Pelican, Trailer Happiness.
8. Shepherd’s Bush
Shepherd’s Bush is another lively and lovely neighbourhood located in West London. Known for its excellent shopping options with Westfield, Europe’s largest shopping centres just around the corner and the bustling Shepherd’s Bush Market – it has tons to offer!
Local goods, international cuisine or high-end retailers – it’s got it all. The neighbourhood is home to a variety of dining options – from traditional pubs to cozy cafes to multicultural restaurants offering a variety of tastes – there’s loads to explore. The area is additionally home to the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, a historic music venue hosting gigs and live performances. There’s plenty going on to keep you busy and it’s well-connected enough to take you to other parts of London making it an ideal spot to stay in.
You can read the full guide for things to do in Shepherd’s Bush here.
🏨 Where to stay: ££ Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, £ White City House.
🍽️ Where to eat: Akub, Sunday In Brooklyn, Core by Clare Smyth.
🍷 Where to drink: Caia, The Pelican, Trailer Happiness.
North London
9. Hampstead
From it’s picturesque houses to one of London’s largest parks, Hampstead is a serene retreat for visitors looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle without having to leave the capital entirely. Its stunning green relaxed space and undeniable charm create a sharp contrast to the mega-busy and buzzing city-centre.
Hampstead is an affluent neighbourhood just a few miles away from Central London and home to London’s most beloved parks, Hampstead Heath, which offers over 790 acres of stunning nature including woodlands, meadows, ponds and stunning panaromic views of the capital. You’ll find boutique shops, high-end restaurants and artisanal cafes on Hampstead High Street without minus all the crowds. Not to forget cozy pubs and charming atmospheres making it ideal for families and kids.
You can read the full guide for things to do in Hampstead here.
🏨 Where to stay: ££ Oak&Poppy, £ King William Ⅳ Pub & Rooms
🍽️ Where to eat: L’Antica Pizzeria, Jin Kichi, Ham
🍷 Where to drink: The Flask, The Duke Of Hamilton, Wells Tavern
South London
10. Southbank
If you’re looking for river views, Southbank is for you. Located along the south side of River Thames, Southbank stretches from Lambeth to Blackfriars Bridge offering stunning views throughout. Southbank is home to several of the capital’s most renowned cultural venues including the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, BFI Southbank and the Tate!
Offering beautiful riverside views, the Thames Path along Southbank offers views of iconic landmarks like the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament and free art. While there’s a wide range of dining spots from food markets like Southbank Centre Food Market and Borough Market to casual cafes, Southbank boasts a wide range of fancy spots too like the Oxo Tower Restaurant or Skylon.
There is something for everybody – Shakespeare’s Globe for the theatre lovers, Tate Modern for the art lovers and much more! It’s a great spot if it’s your first time in the city.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ Shangri-La at the Shard, ££ Sea Containers, £ NOX Waterloo.
🍽️ Where to eat: Southbank Centre Food Market, Forza Wine at the National Theatre, Gunpowder.
🍷 Where to drink: Skylon, The Understudy, Between the Bridges.
11. Richmond
Another river-side spot located in southwest London – Richmond is known for its charming village-like atmosphere offering stunning green spaces and relaxed environment.
Home to one of the largest royal parks in London, Richmond Park is stunning in all its glory not only offering vast open spaces and woodlands but also wildlife including deer! Perfect if you’re looking for an outdoor activity like walking, cycling, picnicking or horse riding! Nearby you’ll find Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring gorgeous gardens and greenhouses. You’ll find riverside pubs, restaurants with great views and popular spots including The Ivy Café, Gaucho and Petersham Nurseries.
It’s beautiful scene landscapes and serenity combines the best of suburban tranquility alongside diverse amenities and easy access to Central London making it a great spot for those looking for some peace and quiet and families.
🏨 Where to stay: £££ The Boulevard Inn, ££ Bingham House, ££The Petersham Hotel.
🍽️ Where to eat: The Petersham Nurseries, The Waterman’s Arms, Beirut Street Kitchen.
🍷 Where to drink: The Bootlegger Vault, No. 1a Duke Street, So Bar Richmond.
12. Peckham
I may be biased but Peckham is most definitely London’s trendiest and most creative neighbourhoods. Home to Del Boy, John Boyega, Giggs and Florence and the Machine, this cherished pocket of South-East London is certainly popular, and for good reason.
Offering a diverse range of eateries from trendy cafes, independent bakeries to Caribbean cuisine and street food markets – Peckham has a lot to offer. With popular spots including Peckham Levels, a multi-story car park turned creative space with food vendors and more to Frank’s Cafe – a rooftop bar offering stunning views of London’s skyline, you’ll be preoccupied.
Peckham’s nightlife is probably the best South London has to offer with numerous bars, pubs and clubs – The CLF Art Cafe in the Bussey Building, Jumbi in Copeland Park or The Prince Of Peckham – you’re in for a guaranteed good time! Not to forget it’s incredible food scene with Kudu Grill, Good Neighbour, Forza Wine, Mr Bao, Persepolis in its radar – you’ll be well taken care of.
You can read the full guide for things to do in Peckham here.
🏨 Where to stay: £ The Victoria Inn.
🍽️ Where to eat: 18 Peckham Bars And Pubs That Are Totally Pecksellent
🍷 Where to drink: Kudu Grill, Janda Diner, Forza Wine, Mr Bao, Persepolis.