London is such a vast city with a rough population of 9 million people. The Greater London area spans 607 square miles (1,572 square km). Certainly one of the most well connected cities in the world, with the many tube lines, overground and bus services.
So depending on how long you stay, maybe you want to find the cheapest accommodation you can, but still be within a certain travel time to places of interest. Maybe money is no object and you just want to be in the thick of the action.
The list below has a mix of cool places to be located along with options that have good connections to the main places. Also based on the reason for your trip.
1. Tottenham Court Road
In and around Tottenham Court Road is the heartbeat of London. You have the Soho area which has a high concentration of places to eat and drink, along with many theatres to see top end productions.
There is also China Town within a 10 minute walk and Oxford Street where you can literally shop til you drop. There is also Fitzrovia which is known for its artsy and bohemian vibe. You can explore the streets filled with independent shops, art galleries, and unique eateries.
Also super well connected to literally all parts of London with the central line, Northern line and now the newish Elizabeth line.
Now this is where you want to be for a first time visit to London but pricing can be an issue, so I would recommend booking well in advance and looking at hotel chains like Premier Inn, Holiday Inn’s, in around the area. Realistically you are looking at £150+ a night for an OK hotel and more like £200+ if you want something better.
2. South Bank
Not located too far from Tottenham Court Road and can be accessed with just a 10 minute tube ride. South Bank is set around the iconic Thames water way and has some other iconic attractions including the London Eye and a very walkable Big Ben.
You can also visit the Tate Modern for a cultural / Art fix.I think the best thing about the South Bank is walking alongside the Thames and just taking everything in. Normally it will be buzzing with both locals and tourists.
South Bank has Waterloo as the main station which connects with main trains to lot’s of places outside of London as well as the Jubilee line. You also have just a 5 min connection to Clapham Junction. So this really is a great hub to be.
As for the price of accommodation, you can get a decent place to stay from around £120 if booked in advance, for higher end places you’ll be looking at £170+.
3. Shoreditch
Shoreditch, located in the East End of London. Known as a very trendy place for the cool kids to hangout. There is a real mix of cultures here.
The main things to explore are the Brick Lane Market. Here you will find a very lively Market with a mix of vintage clothes, art, antiques along with international food for sale. You can also check out Brick Lane for a tasty curry.
The nightlife in Shoreditch is some of the best around and has something for everyone. You are also very close to Liverpool Street where you could go to Duck and Waffle located on the 40th floor and open 24/7.
Box Park is also located here where there are many small quirky shops to look in as well as on top places to eat and drink. There are also many places to drink and do bottomless brunches if that is how you want to spend your time in London.
If you find yourself in this area on a Sunday then you need to check out Columbia Road Flower Market. As the name suggests plenty of flower stalls along with independent shops and cafes, which makes for a great atmosphere, but it can be super busy so be prepared to wade through crowds.
Shoreditch High Street is an overground station but you are so close to Liverpool Street to then have access to many underground stations.
You can find places to stay from about £80 but would say maybe budget £120 a night, as always book in advance and look at the low budget hotels, maybe even consider a look at Airbnbs.
4. Kensington
Located in the West of London, Kensington is iconic for being a very posh part of London. On your doorstep you have Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park as well as Fulham.
Highlights have to be Kensington Palace, Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall.
You can also, weather permitting, take a lengthy stroll around Hyde Park, entering via Kensington Gardens.
Well connected from High Street Kensington on to the circle and district line, one station from Notting Hill Gate that will then connect you to the central line.
In and around Kensington there are a lot of smaller independent hotels (guest houses) along with chains. Because of the competition and vast amount of options you can look at getting a good price in this area. In low season you can pay from £90 and if you search around and book in advance maybe pick something around the low £100’s at a good place.
5. Peckham
This place is located in South London. Not the easiest place for connections compared to others but has a lot to offer.
Like Shoreditch it is a very trendy place and has some things you must do. One is to go to Franks Cafe, but this place is only open from May til September. The view of the London skyline is amazing.
Other things to do include Rye Lane Market where you can buy fresh produce off local market stall holders. Peckham is also known for its Art Galleries and Studios. You can walk about the neighbourhood and stumble across these.
As mentioned it’s maybe not the easiest place for connecting to other parts of London in a timely manner, but it certainly has upsides and just have to allow an extra 20-30 mins to get places.
So basically the overground and buses are your friend to get around from here.
There aren’t a great deal of options for hotels in Peckham compared to other areas. I would say to look at Airbnbs or book as soon as you can advance. I would also say Peckham is best enjoyed in the warmer months.
6. Richmond
Located in south-west London, Richmond is a place that makes you feel like you aren’t in London. It has the vibe of a small town and only reminded that it’s part of London with red buses, black cabs and tube station.
Richmond has great areas of greenery and notably a visit to Kew Gardens is a must. You also have the old market streets and architecture to admire. As well as places of interest to see if you were a fan of Ted Lasso.
Richmond is serviced by the overground as well as the circle and district line. You can be in central London easily within 30-40 mins.
Hotel wise there is a great selection but do vary in price. If you want a quieter experience of London as a base then I would certainly choose Richmond. Accom starts around £80 but on average looking at £150.
Summary
This is just a brief overview of options. As long as you do your research and have budgets in mind then you can find the perfect area to base yourself. The only thing that can go wrong is if you position yourself too far away from what you want to see with limited time. As some trips can take hours.
I would also recommend downloading ‘Citymapper’ App for planning as well as for when you are here. Great for directions and public services.