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6 best Neighborhoods to Stay in London

There’s an old saying that Paris has 20 arrondissements, and that London is made up of a thousand villages. And it’s true! London is such an expansive city, and each of the 32 Burroughs really has its own distinct personality. So, deciding on the perfect neighborhood to stay in London can be a challenge.

From demur royal glamour to the roots of punk rock, and everything in between, London has something for every traveler. So the best neighborhood to stay in London will ultimately depend on your personality, and what you’re looking for in the trip.

In this guide I’ve put together my picks for the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in London, so you can discover what makes each of them special. And hopefully this will make it easier for you to choose where to stay!

1. Soho

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The area of West London which is now Soho was originally farmland belonging to Henry VIII. Far from its rural origins, Soho is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the capital. Covering an energetic and cosmopolitan area of about a one square mile, Soho runs from Regent’s Street to Charing Cross Road. The area’s numerous theatres, restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs has earned it a reputation for being an entertainment hub – which it undoubtedly is.

As you can imagine, Soho is one of the 6 best neighborhoods to stay in London if you want to be right in the middle of all the action. Reminiscent of bustling SoPi or South Pigalle in Paris, you’ll never see a dull moment in this area. Options for going out on the town or just enjoying a day of shopping and dining are almost limitless here. Plus, Soho is central, and the adjacent tube stations make it conveniently located for sightseeing.

2. Notting Hill

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Featured in many movies and TV series, Notting Hill is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in London. Though its notoriety hasn’t subtracted from its historic, village-like charm.

Located in West London, Notting Hill definitely feels like a village out of the big city. This is by far the best neighborhood to stay in London if you’re looking for a little small town charm or peace and quiet. But that doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to do. The Portobello market makes for a great afternoon of foodie exploration or shop until you drop at the neighborhood’s chic boutique shops. Catch a show at the famed Electric Cinema or tuck into drinks at one of the trendy pubs that abound. Plus, you’re just a quick hop on the tube from other major London sites!

Formerly rural land on the outskirts of the city, Notting Hill was added to London proper in 1870. Historically, the area was home to potteries and clay-tile factories and featured classic brick architecture. Many of the area’s distinct buildings were destroyed during the Blitz, but these were since reconstructed and the neighborhood was gentrified; becoming one of the nicest in the city. Today you can still see the the old tile and pottery kilns if you walk up Pottery Road.

3. Camden

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If you’re looking for a cool and off the beaten path kind of neighborhood to stay in London, Camden town is the place for you. Located in Northwest London, just 2.5 miles from Soho, Camden is a town all its own.

Known for its gritty, slum past and rise to residential coolness, Camden features an offbeat vibe and an impressive arts scene. Regent’s Canal runs through the center of the area, giving way to Camden’s creative soul and live music scene (it’s not hard to spot some street musicians or local venues in action). Along the canal, you’ll find Camden Lock market, which is one of the world’s most famous! And aside from shopping, the area is filled with eclectic street vendors, trendy bars and edgy art exhibitions at spots like the Cobb Gallery.

4. Chelsea

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Chelsea is a wealthy neighborhood situated along the banks of the River Thames in Southwest London. If you’re looking for an upscale, literary vibe in the heart of the city, Chelsea is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in London.

Famous for its plethora of art galleries and writer’s haunts, Chelsea was once London’s Bohemian quarter. And over the years, many renowned writers and musical talents such as Virginia Woolf, the Beatles and the Mick Jagger called Chelsea home.

The artistic feeling still runs strong in Chelsea today, and any art-lover will feel at home wandering the neighborhood’s many galleries. The area is also home to some of the city’s finest dining restaurants and upscale shopping boutiques. Plus, neighboring Westminster and Knightsbridge provide easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions.

Fun fact: Chelsea is home to one of the largest American expat communities in the world. Approximately 7% of Chelsea residents are of U.S. citizenship.

5. Covent Garden

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Covering the stretch of land in between Saint-Martins and Drury Lane in the West End, Covent Garden is one of the main hubs of London activity. Known for its extensive luxury beauty and fashion shops, Covent Garden hosts some of the best shopping options in the city, such as Leicester Square. Not to mention, plenty of the city’s top-notch restaurants and pubs. So, if you’re a foodie or a shop til’ you drop kind of traveler, Covent Garden is the best neighborhood to stay in London.

The fact that its super central and home to attractions such as Covent Garden market and the Royal Opera house makes this district popular with tourists. The National Gallery and Cambridge Theater are within walking distance, and the neighborhood is well served by the Underground.

6. Hoxton & Shoreditch

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The neighborhoods of Hoxton and Shoreditch are situated in East London, and comprise some of the city’s trendiest areas. Known these days for showcasing an offbeat, counterculture vibe, Hoxton and Shoreditch weren’t always London’s go-to for impressive street art and a cool underground scene. Centuries ago, these neighborhoods were on the outskirts of London, and were mainly residential villages. Shakespeare even performed his early works in what is now Shoreditch.

That being said, this area is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in London if you want something a little different. Nightlife and trendy dining abound, as do concert venues, vintage shops, and an overall unique London vibe. As an added bonus, Shoreditch is well-served by public transport, so exploring the rest of London is easy.