Where to Stay in London for First Timers: Breakdown by Neighborhood
Planning your first trip to London can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing where to stay!
London is a massive city, and where you stay can greatly influence your experience as a first-time visitor.
And after visiting London a few times, I highly recommend staying in one of the city’s central neighborhoods, like Covent Garden, Mayfair, Westminster, or South Bank on your first trip. These areas are close to London’s most iconic attractions and make exploring the city a breeze.
Below, I’ll break down these four areas of London and provide specific hotel recommendations for each, along with things to do nearby!
With this info, you’ll be able to choose the area that fits your style best for your first trip to London.
London Trip Planning at a Glance
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to London to help plan your epic adventure!
Where to Stay:
– The Z Hotel Covent Garden (Budget)
– Hilton Doubletree Marble Arch (Mid-Range)
– The Cavendish London Hotel (Mid-Range)
– The Chesterfield Mayfair (Luxury)
Places to Eat & Drink:
– Dishoom Bombay Street Food
– Cahoot’s Underground
– Roti King
– plus Sunday Roast at a pub!
Things to Do:
– Westminster Walking Tour
– Ride bikes through Hyde Park
– Explore Soho and Covent Garden
– Thames River Cruise to Tower of London
– Eat your way through Borough Market
– Save money with the London Pass!
Read my full list of Things to Do here!
A Complete Guide on Where to Stay in London for First Time Visitors
Breakdown of London Areas
When people refer to London, they are typically referring to the Greater London area which incorporates the City of London as well as 32 boroughs that stretch over 600 square miles.
While London (and its surrounding boroughs) is a large area, the main tourist attractions and things to do are congregated together around the River Thames in the middle of the city center.
For this reason, I recommend staying in of these four main areas when visiting London for the first time: Mayfair, Covent Garden, Westminster, and Covent Garden. These areas fall within the “City of London” and “City of Westminster” boundaries.
Below is a map showing these areas so you can get a feel for the layout of London!
- Mayfair – Purple
- Covent Garden – Green
- Westminster – Yellow
- South Bank – Blue
Mayfair is ideal if you’re looking for luxury, elegance, and a quieter stay. It’s perfect for travelers who want proximity to iconic landmarks without the crowds, while enjoying upscale dining and shopping. This is where we stayed on our last trip to London, and it was perfect for our trip. However, it’s not the best choice if you’re craving a lively nightlife scene at your doorsteps.
If you love energy, culture, and entertainment, Covent Garden is the place to be. Its vibrant atmosphere, central location, and easy access to West End theaters make it a favorite for first-timers. Be prepared for crowds though, it’s one of the busiest areas in London. Next time I go to London, I’ll definitely stay here!
Westminster is the perfect neighborhood for history buffs and those who want to be steps away from London’s most famous landmarks, like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. While it’s crowded, the convenience of being in the city’s historic core makes it worth it.
For a more laid-back experience with scenic riverside views, South Bank is a fantastic choice. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy modern architecture, cultural attractions like the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe, and a relaxed vibe away from the chaos of tourist-heavy areas.
With that said, below we will take a deeper look at each area and the things to do there!
Note: No matter which area you stay in, I recommend choosing a hotel close to a Tube or Bus station, since public transportation will be your best friend! 🚊🚏
Staying in Mayfair
Mayfair is one of London’s most exclusive and elegant neighborhoods, making it a fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want to experience the city’s upscale charm.
With its beautifully preserved Georgian architecture, walking through its streets feels like stepping back in time to the grandeur of the 1700s. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported directly into an episode of Bridgerton, which Mayfair was the setting of!
I stayed in Mayfair at the Hilton Doubletree Marble Arch on my last visit to London, and it was perfect! We loved how the neighborhood felt quaint and upscale, but we were still walking distance from London nightlife and the main attractions like Buckingham Palace.
Top Hotel Recommendations in Mayfair
- The Chesterfield Mayfair (Luxury) – This hotel is known for its classic British charm and exceptional service, plus elegantly designed rooms and signature afternoon tea service.
- Hilton Doubletree Marble Arch (Mid-Range) – A fantastic option right next to Hyde Park, just steps from two bus stops and 5 minutes from the Tube! We loved our stay here.
- The Z Hotel Gloucester Place (Budget) – While it’s hard to find a true budget hotel in Mayfair, the Z at Gloucester Place is typically very reasonably priced and in a great location.
Things to Do in Mayfair
One of the highlights of staying in Mayfair is its close proximity to Hyde Park, London’s largest royal park. We spent one morning wandering through Hyde Park with our coffee and enjoying the gorgeous weather.
Another perk of staying in Mayfair is being near Buckingham Palace, but far enough to avoid the crowds. On our second morning in London, we rented bikes near the hotel and then rode through Hyde Park and Green Park all the way down to Buckingham Palace!
As we got closer to Buckingham Palace, there were SO many people, especially since we arrived right before the Changing of the Guard. We loved how our hotel was further away from the main tourist area.
For those who love shopping, Savile Row and Bond Street are iconic destinations within Mayfair. These streets are lined with high-end designer boutiques and some of the most exclusive stores in the world. Even if shopping isn’t on your itinerary, window-shopping can be fun here!
Main Takeaway: Mayfair is perfect for a relaxing, upscale experience, but it’s quieter compared to lively neighborhoods like Soho or Covent Garden. If you’re interested in being steps from the best nightlife, consider staying closer to those areas.
Staying in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of London’s most vibrant and lively neighborhoods, making it a fantastic choice for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. Known for its bustling markets, excellent dining scene, and proximity to London’s famous theaters, Covent Garden is the perfect mix of energy and charm.
During my last trip to London, while I didn’t stay directly in Covent Garden, I spent a lot of time exploring the area, from eating at the incredible Dishoom restaurant to wandering through the iconic Covent Garden Market. If I were to return to London, I’d stay in this area!
The lively atmosphere and convenient location make it a top pick for first-time visitors who want to experience London’s cultural and entertainment hub. There’s also plenty of Underground stations in the area!
Top Hotel Recommendations in Covent Garden
- The Radisson Blu Hotel, London Mercer Street (Luxury) – Boutique hotel in the Seven Dials neighborhood, right in the thick of the action and steps from the Covent Garden tube station.
- The Clermont London (Mid-Range) – A stunning hotel offering elegant accommodations with a central location near Charing Cross, perfect for exploring the city.
- hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden (Budget) – Modern and comfortable, perfect for travelers who want affordability without compromising on location.
Things to Do in Covent Garden
One of the best parts of staying in Covent Garden is its proximity to London’s famous West End theater district.
If you’re a fan of musicals or plays, staying here puts you just steps away from iconic venues like the Lyceum Theatre and Royal Opera House. West End has all types of shows, including famous musicals like Moulin Rouge, the Lion King, and Mamma Mia.
We also loved exploring the Covent Garden Market, where you’ll find unique boutiques, artisan goods, street performers, and of course, gelato! It was the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Another reason Covent Garden is so appealing is its walking distance to the major tourist areas like Leicester Square, Picaddily Circus, and Trafalgar Square. Though to be honest, these areas were a bit overrated in my opinion!
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And if you’re looking for nightlife, Covent Garden doesn’t disappoint. From cozy pubs to stylish cocktail bars, you’ll find plenty of options for an evening out. We accidentally did a pub crawl on our first day in London while wandering through Covent Garden!
One of our favorite spots, although a little touristy, was the Sunday Roast at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern!
The nearby Soho neighborhood is also within walking distance, offering an even more vibrant nightlife scene. We loved Cahoot’s Underground, a 1940s, train-themed cocktail bar in Soho’s Kingly Court!
Main Takeaway: Covent Garden is perfect for travelers who love being surrounded by energy and culture. However, it’s one of the busier areas of London, so be prepared for crowds, especially around the markets and theaters. If you want a quieter stay, opt for a hotel on the outskirts of the neighborhood.
Staying in Westminster
Westminster is the heart of historic London, even though it’s technically its own city!
Known for its famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want to right next to the major London attractions.
When we got off the Underground at Westminster Station, I was shocked when Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower were RIGHT in front of me. The area feels quintessentially “London” and offered a great mix of green spaces and historic charm.
Whether you’re exploring by foot, bike, or public transport, Westminster’s central location makes it an excellent base for first-timers to London.
Top Hotel Recommendations in Westminster
- Conrad London St. James (Luxury) – A five-star hotel located in the former Queen Anne’s Chambers, offering top-tier service and a fantastic location right in between Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.
- The Resident Victoria (Mid-Range) – Comfortable and modern, with a boutique vibe and just steps from Buckingham Palace and Victoria station.
- The Belgrave Hotel (Budget) – Similar to Mayfair, budget stays in Westminster near the sites are hard to come by, but this charming Georgian townhouse hotel stays reasonably priced.
Things to Do in Westminster
One of the highlights of staying in Westminster is its proximity to Buckingham Palace. As mentioned, we biked here from Mayfair and it was PACKED since we arrived 5 minutes before the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
If you want to get close enough to see, it’s worth arriving at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot near the gates!
Westminster is also home the most famous London landmark, Big Ben and Elizabeth Tower, which are right on the Thames River. We started one of our days walking across Westminster Pier and along the Thames River, taking in the epic views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Also in the area is the famous Westminster Abbey. We only admired it from the outside, since the line to enter was so long. Other historic spots in the area are Downing Street and Great Scotland Yard!
Pro Tip: The best way to experience the historic Westminster area is on a walking tour! We felt like we missed out trying to tour this area on our own without a guide.
For a quieter moment, Westminster offers plenty of green spaces like St. James’s Park and Green Park, which are ideal for a picnic or a relaxing walk. You can also bike all the way up to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens as well!
Another perk of staying in Westminster is how well-connected it is via public transport. You can hop on several different Tube lines from either Victoria, Westminster, or St. James Park stations.
Main Takeaway: Westminster is the perfect choice for history and culture buffs who want to be in the center of it all. While it can get crowded, especially around Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, the area’s convenience and charm make it worth it.
Staying in South Bank
Last but not least, let’s talk about South Bank! South Bank is one of London’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, making it an excellent choice for first-time visitors who want iconic views of the city skyline paired with a lively atmosphere.
Located along the Thames River, this area is famous for attractions like the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Tate Modern. It’s a neighborhood that blends history, modernity, and a creative vibe all in one place.
There’s also considerably less tourists in South Bank compared to the other areas on this list!
Top Hotel Recommendations in South Bank
- Sea Containers London (Luxury) – A chic, five-star boutique hotel with modern interiors and a fantastic riverside location in South Bank.
- CitizenM London Bankside (Mid-Range) – A stylish, high-tech option with cozy rooms and a central location close to Borough Market and the Shard.
- Premiere Inn London Southwark (Budget) – This no-frills stay is located just a 15-minute walk from the London Eye and the vibrant South Bank area.
Things to Do in South Bank
One of the highlights of staying in South Bank is being so close to the London Eye, one of the city’s most iconic attractions. If you’re planning to take a ride on the Eye, I highly recommend booking Fast Track tickets in advance to avoid long lines!!
Another great spot in the area is Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the original 1599 Elizabethan playhouse. Here, you can see plays as they were enjoyed in Shakespeare’s time, in an open-air setting with no roof! Or, consider taking a tour during the daytime.
For art lovers, South Bank doesn’t disappoint. The Tate Modern, housed in a converted power station, is home to an impressive collection of contemporary art. And it’s free!
The riverside promenade is also a highlight of South Bank. Just down the river from the London Eye is the beautiful Queen’s Walk and Jubilee Gardens. The area has a fun, creative energy that feels very different from Westminster or Mayfair.
Main Takeaway: South Bank is perfect for travelers who want a mix of culture, iconic views, and a modern vibe. It’s a bit quieter than Covent Garden or Westminster, making it a great option for those who want to explore London’s landmarks without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What area of London is best for tourists to stay?
In my opinion, the best areas for tourists are Covent Garden, Westminster, Mayfair, and South Bank, as these neighborhoods are centrally located and close to major attractions.
Where not to stay when visiting London?
Avoid staying too far from the city center, especially in neighborhoods with limited access to public transport. While areas like Croydon, Hounslow, or Dagenham may offer cheaper accommodations, the long commute into central London can significantly cut into your sightseeing time. Additionally, some areas outside central London might lack the vibrant atmosphere or amenities that first-time visitors are looking for.
How many days do I need to visit London for the first time?
For a first visit to London, I highly recommend spending 4 days in London to see and do as much as possible. 4 days will allow you to see the main sites at a leisurely pace without rushing around. However, if you are short on time, you can see the main sites with 2 days in London.
Must-do in London for first-timers?
First-timers should not miss visiting Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the iconic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, and walk along the South Bank to enjoy the riverfront atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit a traditional pub for a pint and a Sunday roast. A West End show in Covent Garden is another must for theater lovers, or consider seeing a football match! If you’re visiting in the summer, you should book tickets in advance for the main attractions. Or, consider getting a London Pass to save money! You can read my full guide on Things to Do in London For First Timers here!
Other Things to Know Before Your First Trip to London
Before we wrap up this guide on where to stay in London, I wanted to cover some other must-knows before your first time to London!
Public Transportation Is Your Best Friend
London is a huge city, so if you try to walk everywhere, your feet will hate you!
Luckily, London has a fantastic public transportation system that includes the London Underground (also called the Tube) as well as those famous double decker red buses!
Both options are affordable and easy to use, even for first-timers. Just download Google Maps before your visit and check what the best method is for your route!
While the Underground often comes up as the fastest option, we found Google Maps doesn’t always take into account the time it takes walking through the station. If there is a direct bus on your route, I highly recommend taking it (plus, it’s cheaper than the Tube!).
Plus, both the Tube and the buses take contactless payment like Apple Pay, no train card needed!
Prepare for the Weather
London is famous for its unpredictabile weather. When we visited, we got lucky with sunny blue skies. However, this is not the norm.
Always carry a small umbrella or a raincoat, even if the forecast looks clear. Summers are usually mild (but still rainy), while winters can be cold and damp, so pack accordingly!
Tipping Is Optional (But Appreciated)
In London, tipping isn’t mandatory or expected like it is in the USA.
For restaurants, a 10-15% tip is common if a service fee isn’t already included in the bill. You don’t need to tip for drinks at the bar or taxi rides, though rounding up to the nearest pound is appreciated for the latter.
Museums Are (Mostly) Free
Unlike other European capitals like Paris, one of the best things about London is that many of its museums are free to enter.
This includes the most popular museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern. While special exhibitions may have an entry fee, you can easily spend hours exploring for free.
For more tips for your first visit, make sure to check out my Beginner’s Guide to Visiting London! 🇬🇧
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to stay on your first trip to London can feel overwhelming with so many neighborhoods, attractions, and experiences to choose from.
While we personally stayed in Mayfair on our trip, I’d probably choose the lively Covent Garden on our next trip to be in the thick of the entertainment area!
My biggest tip is to choose a hotel within walking distance from an Underground station, that way you are never far from wherever you want to go!
Now that you know where to stay in London, check out my action-packed 2 Day London itinerary to make the most of your trip!
Read More London Blog Posts Below ⬇️🇬🇧
Action-Packed 2 Day London Itinerary
Perfect 4 Day London Itinerary for First Timers
Epic 7 Day London and Paris Itinerary!
Traveling To London For The First Time: A Beginner’s Guide
Where To Stay In London For First Timers: Breakdown By Neighborhood
30 Fun & Unique Things to Do in London for First-Timers!
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