Where to stay in London

Soho’s Oxford and Regent Streets are great for a day of restaurant hopping and flagship shopping with the family. If the thespian scene tickles your fancy, London's West End is your destination for West End musicals and red carpet events. After dark, Soho takes on an all-new light. Adults will find excitement in various forms while browsing Soho’s international eateries, risqué bars, and edgy nightclubs.

The West End is a taste of London at its most spirited. There’s a big-city vibe on atmospheric Oxford Street, where sumptuous fashion exists at every turn. Come nightfall, you’ll want to check out the neon-lit theater district to take in a world-famous stage play or indulge in an aperitif. You can also take a stroll through one of the West End’s lush gardens or parks for a serene alternative to the dazzling entertainment. Foodies will love feasting on the diverse offerings sprinkled along Berwick Street, home to traditional pubs, quaint cafes, and global dishes sure to whet any appetite.

Shoreditch is a hub of creativity. With its brilliant street art, lively cafes, and unique indie boutiques, the East End district has a Bohemian vibe. You can experience proper local flavor on edgy Brick Lane, where bustling market stalls abound and Indian restaurants pop out of graffiti-etched walls. You’ll find solitude in Shoreditch among the area’s countless art galleries or at St. Leonard’s Church, which also displays a selection of modern artwork. Culinary creativity runs deep, as the area teems with street food vendors, upscale eateries, and modern coffee shops.

Stay in Marylebone to experience a chicer side of London. Nestled between Regent’s and Hyde Parks, Marylebone is a must for luxury travelers and fashionistas alike. Visitors can spend days sifting through the sea of shops between Baker and Marylebone High Streets, not to mention the historic Selfridges department store off Oxford Street. Take a break from shopping to enjoy one of the district’s great restaurants or visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Getting to Camden Town, London, is easy, as several bus and tube stations can be found nearby. A must when visiting the area is browsing its top-notch markets. Here, shoppers will find everything from vintage threads and antiques to home décor and food stands. The food culture in Camden Town is another great experience to pursue. From cheap eats to international treats, it's best to start your culinary tour with fish and chips and an ice-cold pint. Savor every sip of frothy goodness in the company of great entertainment. From pubs to clubs, Camden Town is where it’s at for live music in London.

The King’s Cross and St. Pancras railway stations were built in the 1800s and represent much of London's history and culture. St. Pancras International is recognized as an architectural marvel in the Victorian-Gothic style, and it offers an array of restaurants and shopping. Just west of St. Pancras International, King’s Cross Railway Station showcases a simple elegance with beautiful brick arches which, at the time of building, were considered an achievement in modern architecture.

Visit Notting Hill’s popular, local festivals or simply stroll through the town’s luxury shops. Either way, the best way to explore London’s most popular neighborhood is on foot. Your family will love photographing streets paralleled by rainbow homes, or exploring quaint art galleries accompanied by noteworthy theaters and restaurants. If you're in town, don't miss Portobello Market, best experienced on Fridays and Saturdays; these stalls have every type of treasure your shopping heart desires, from antique collectables and handcrafted artwork to bargain fashions and delicious food.

The City of London will help first-time visitors gain a deeper understanding of this age-old city. Located on the east end of London along the River Thames, The City of London is a great place for families to start their sightseeing journey. Begin with the historic Tower Bridge and continue on to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, a historic palace that also houses the Crown Jewels.

Mayfair is center to the city’s most visited landmarks including Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the National Gallery, and British Museum. Mayfair is also surrounded by London’s best shopping with Harrods to the west, Selfridges to the north, Soho to the east, and Piccadilly to the south. After taking in London's top sights and shops, visitors will have no problem working up an appetite for dinner and drinks at one of the city's many elite restaurants located in Mayfair.

The bright lights of Knightsbridge lure large crowds to this shopping hotspot, where famous retail hotspots like Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols have long served the city’s elite. Knightsbridge is also home to some of London’s finest restaurants and live music venues, a recipe for a romantic night out. The V&A Museum showcases a stunning collection of art from around the world, while the Natural History Museum, with its animatronic T-Rex, and the Science Museum, with its interactive exhibitions, offer fun for the whole family.

The friendly Paddington station welcomes visitors traveling to the city from London’s Airport via the Heathrow Express train. Just outside the bustle of the city center, this is a great location for families to find accommodations and entertainment. Drop off your bags and begin exploring Paddington’s picturesque parks or enjoy a serene ride down Regent’s Canal. Great sightseeing of historic landmarks begins right around the corner at Kensington Palace and Regent’s Park.

Victoria is a lavish neighborhood in pristine proximity to London’s royal attractions. Here, travelers will enjoy regal hotels within walking distance from the historic Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. In addition to must-see landmarks, Victoria visitors will enjoy great shopping and the company of fine foods, including those of Michelin-starred restaurant, Quilon.

You can explore London’s Bloomsbury area in a variety of ways. Education lovers will find themselves at home with the vast selection of bookstores and museums available here. For entertainment, show-goers and thespians alike will appreciate Bloomsbury’s theater choices. This is also a great neighborhood for those who favor leisurely strolls through lush gardens and historic squares. Student culture likely inspires the nightlife in Bloomsbury; there are a variety of pubs and wine bars available for the perfect nightcap.

Kensington, located west of the city center, is an upscale district close to elegant Chelsea. This London neighborhood is recognized for its luxurious retail and real estate along Kensington High Street, as well as its proximity to landmarks such as Kensington Palace and Hyde Park. For visitors not in the market for pricey properties, Kensington is a superb destination for experiencing some of London’s most luxurious shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing.

Hammersmith and Fulham offers the fast pace of a city and the serenity of a village. You’ll discover local history wandering the ancient courtyard at Fulham Palace, the former home of the Bishop of London. Brimming with tearooms and art galleries, Fulham High Street is the perfect spot to break for shopping and snacks. Families can congregate along the grassy areas of the atmospheric riverside. This cozy borough offers splendid Thames views, off of which a row of pubs beckons for a quick pint, or a plate of fish and chips.

Canary Wharf, along the London Docklands, is a business district with a thriving social scene. Dotted with towering skyscrapers, the area is home to major financial and real estate companies. The iconic 50-story tower, One Canada Square, is located here. Luxurious hotels add glamour to the tranquil streets, and you’ll find plenty of opulent picks in the area’s 5 shopping malls. You can study the area’s history at the Museum of the Docklands, which offers free tours and an interactive learning space for kids. The dining scene draws more than just area employees—it’s packed with cafes and gourmet eateries.

Chelsea, located in southwest London, is where visitors should go for an all-inclusive approach to the city. Start your day with a full English breakfast at one of Chelsea’s popular cafes and then spend the afternoon shopping the world’s best brands along King’s Road and Sloane Street. For entertainment and nightlife, enjoy a pint and live music at one of Chelsea’s pubs, clubs, or concert venues. If exposure to iconic British culture is what you desire, tour the Stamford Bridge stadium, home of the Chelsea Football Club.

Wimbledon, in southwest London, is an area comprised of a lush, landscaped village and a revitalized High Street. Dotted with historic buildings, hip cafes, and fashionable shops, you’ll find everything from elaborate meals to high-end style in this quaint yet modern village. Every June, the famed All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club plays host to The Championships. You can also get your entertainment fix at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Dating from 1910, it’s still governed by an original Roman Goddess statue atop the entryway. Kids can visit the Polka Theatre for a fun afternoon of outdoor play, performances, and snacks.

Hampstead is a veritable what’s-what of the best of Britain. Here, you can picnic on Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath, a gloriously hilly stretch of verdant green dotted with ponds. Historic Church Row, lined with 18th-century houses, leads to St John-at-Hampstead, the area’s spire-crowned parish church. You may spot a celebrity or two on the bustling Hampstead High Street, which is packed with world-class boutiques, or along the connected Rosslyn Hill and Heath Street. Hampstead is an architectural feast where you’ll find a touch of new and old, with traditional Victorian homes and modernist tourist attractions.

Serenity reigns in Maida Vale; this peaceful area in West London is peppered with palatial Edwardian and Victorian mansions. At the south end of the district lies Little Venice, where you’ll spot tree-lined streets and gondolas docked on shimmering Regent’s Canal boasting old-world appeal. Plentiful shopping and dining options fill Clifton Road and Formosa Street, both demure answers to the quintessential high streets in busier districts. Here, you can admire the crowds as you sit at sidewalk cafes and get your retail fix in boutiques and antique stores.

Stratford, in the East London borough of Newham, is a community with a thriving economy and social scene. You can live out your Olympic dreams at the Aquatics Centre, Eton Manor, and Velodrome, or gaze over the city from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park’s observation tower. Sprinkled with quaint shops, eclectic restaurants, and art galleries, the vibrant Cultural Quarter is the place to be. Here, you can enjoy a light bite before taking in a stage play or pop into Westfield Stratford to nab a high-end outfit or local souvenir.

Lively Croydon has a reputation for being a shopper’s paradise, boasting one of London’s largest indoor malls. You can also enjoy a lavish meal at the Michelin-listed Albert’s Table, or wander through the Queen’s Gardens for a peaceful respite from the bustling city center. Stately architecture abounds in Croydon, from the imposing Croydon Clocktower to the Victorian-influenced buildings on the High Street. Here you can also glimpse the Wrencote House, a 17th-century home bearing a distinctive layout.

Richmond was voted one of the happiest places to live in London, a testament to its natural beauty and boundless activities. Boasting a bustling high street and numerous waterside pubs and restaurants, you can dip your toes into the banks of the river Thames before stopping for a pint, or a world-class meal. Impressive Georgian architecture characterises the area, and the 12-acre Richmond Green is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or watch the kids play. You can also dig into local history at the Museum of Richmond or climb Richmond Hill for unspoiled views of the ancient Thames meadowlands.