If you are planning your first ever trip to London and wondering where to stay in London for the first time, then don’t worry we got you covered. London is a giant city with lot of areas and neighborhoods to choose from and it can be quite confusing to plan where to stay to have the best of all worlds.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas to stay in London for first-time visitors, considering factors like convenience, local attractions, dining options, and accessibility. By the end, you’ll be well-informed to choose a neighborhood that suits your preferences and ensures an unforgettable London experience.
Where to Stay in London for the First Time
If you are visiting for the first time, then it is safe to assume that you would like to explore the city, some of the tourist attractions and the food markets. You can cover multiple places in Scotland in three days but you will need three days just to cover London as it has so many different things to offer.
My recommendation is to stay in Westminster in London as it has great advantages due to the location & accommodation options available but I have listed my other recommendations below.
Whether it be business or pleasure, I would recommend the following areas to stay in London if you are here for the first time.
Westminster:
This is a great location to stay for the first timers as this is in central London, close to multiple tourist attraction, conveniently located near Tube stations and also have multiple hotel options to choose from. We stayed in Hub By Premier Inn which was quite affordable and a fancy budget hotel to stay in central London.
We highly recommend to stay in this hotel if you are in London for the first time as there are great public transport options available nearby like the Victoria Train Station & St. James Park Tube Station.
In terms of tourist attractions you have the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Church & Big Ben in walking distance. The river Thames is also nearby if you want to take an evening stroll.
Pros:
- Proximity to multiple major Attractions
- Central location makes it easy to explore other parts of London, either by walking or using public transportation. Also you have direct connections to London’s major airports.
- Numerous dining options, ranging from high-end restaurants to casual cafes.
Cons:
- Accommodation might be little costly but you can still find budget hotels if you can compromise on space & facilities.
- Tourist & crowd density might be high due to its central location.
Hotel Recommendations: Premier Inn, Hub By Premier Inn
Covent Garden:
Covent Garde is another great option in central London to stay for first timers if you are looking for lively atmosphere & vibrant night life. This area might be little bit more expensive as it has multiple options for entertainment, shopping, and dining .
There are tourist attractions nearby but we recommend Westminster as it has some major tourist attractions in vicinity.
If you are into shopping, partying & night life, then this is the place to stay. The historic Covent Garden Market is also located here which is a great place to be if you are a foodie.
Pros:
- Proximity to Major Attractions like Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, West End theatre district.
- Great Night life as this area has numerous restaurants, cafes, pubs & late-night eateries.
- Good area to stay to for cultural experiences as a lot of Museums & galleries are nearby.
Cons:
- Expensive area for fooding & lodging.
- Busy & Noisy area.
Hotel Recommendation: Z-Hotel, The Resident
Southbank & Bankside:
Southbank is a great place to stay if you want to stay near the River Thames. If you want to experience a relaxing environment then this might be the spot as there are beautiful riverside walkways & outdoor experiences located all along the river shores.
Major tourist attractions like London Eye, Big Ben, and St. Paul’s Cathedral are also in walking distance along with the Christmas market if you are coming in December.
It is also great for public transport, as Tube stations like Waterloo, Southwark are in walking distance.
You can stay in this area if you are looking for affordable hotels, nightlife & bars and entertainment venues.
Pros:
- Not as expensive like the central locations Covent Garden & Westminster (Avoid the riverside accommodation for best deals)
- Good Nightlife with variety of dining & eating out option
Cons:
- The river view Hotels, eateries & restaurants might be bit expensive.
- Poor weather can ruin your experience as most activities & attractions are outdoor.
- Less local feel due to high tourist focused developments.
Hotels Recommendation: Hilton, Park Plaza
We also recommend to plan a Scotland Trip from London if you are visiting UK for the first time & experience the beautiful Scottish Castles & mesmerizing Highlands.
Conclusion:
London is a great place to explore if you are coming for the first time as it has multiple things to offer and enjoy. However, choosing the right area to stay in can be a make or break deal for you as it directly impacts your travel budget. If you prefer central location then Westminster is a great pick but if not other areas won’t disappoint you either as its London