London skyline and cityscape - Popular travel destination in United Kingdom, Europe
Back
Europe

London

United Kingdom

Safety Score

7/10

Currency

GBP

Language

English

Timezone

Europe/London

About London

London, the capital city of England, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city that marries rich history with contemporary innovation. Known for its iconic landmarks, exceptional museums, and diverse cultural scene, it offers an experience like no other, making it a must-visit destination for travelers around the world.

Buckingham PalaceTower of LondonBritish MuseumRiver ThamesWest End Theatre

Best Time to Visit

London is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to June) when the parks are blooming and temperatures are comfortable. The fall (September to November) also offers milder weather and fewer tourists.

Weather Throughout the Year
Jan7°40mm
Feb9°36mm
Mar12°44mm
Apr15°49mm
May18°42mm
Jun20°45mm
Jul20°49mm
Aug17°49mm
Sep13°68mm
Oct9°59mm
Nov7°52mm
Dec20°50mm

Where to Stay in London, United Kingdom

Hotels & Accommodations in London

The listings are curated based on a number of parameters, including ratings by users on different platforms, hotel category, location, and overall guest satisfaction scores.

Claridge's

Mayfair
Brook St, London W1K 4HR
Walking distance to Bond Street and Hyde Park

The "annex to Buckingham Palace" and a masterpiece of Art Deco

A legendary institution synonymous with timeless British elegance and world-class service.

Pros
  • +Iconic afternoon tea
  • +Historic prestige
  • +Flawless service
Cons
  • -Extremely expensive
  • -Formal atmosphere

The Savoy

Strand/Covent Garden
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
Next to Covent Garden and Waterloo Bridge

London's most famous hotel, blending Edwardian and Art Deco styles

A British icon known for its American Bar and unparalleled history overlooking the Thames.

Pros
  • +Legendary American Bar
  • +River views
  • +Historic character
Cons
  • -Can feel touristy
  • -Higher-end prices

NoMad London

Covent Garden
28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW
Directly opposite the Royal Opera House

A lush, artistic restoration of a former 19th-century police station

A moody, high-design hotel with a spectacular glass-atrium restaurant and vibrant bar scene.

Pros
  • +Stunning atrium dining
  • +Central location
  • +Hip atmosphere
Cons
  • -Bustling/loud public areas
  • -Small spa

Chateau Denmark

Soho
25 Denmark St, London WC2H 8NJ
Steps from Tottenham Court Road station

A rock 'n' roll-inspired stay on London's historic music street

An edgy, gothic-chic boutique that captures the grit and glamour of Soho’s musical history.

Pros
  • +Music history vibe
  • +High-tech rooms
  • +Exceptional design
Cons
  • -Not for traditionalists
  • -Street noise

The Hoxton, Holborn

Holborn
199-206 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BD
5 min walk to British Museum

A buzzing social hub with mid-century design and great coffee

A trendy, high-energy hotel that feels like a shared workspace for London’s creative crowd.

Pros
  • +Vibrant lobby
  • +Central location
  • +Affordable style
Cons
  • -Compact rooms
  • -Can be noisy

Ham Yard Hotel

Soho
1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT
Tucked away off Piccadilly Circus

A colorful urban village with a private bowling alley and garden

A whimsical Kit Kemp design masterpiece featuring a peaceful courtyard in the middle of Soho.

Pros
  • +Eclectic design
  • +Rooftop terrace
  • +Private cinema
Cons
  • -Very high demand
  • -Pricey extras

Andaz London Liverpool Street

City of London
40 Liverpool St, London EC2M 7QN
Connected to Liverpool St Station

A 19th-century railway hotel turned into a sleek lifestyle stay

A historic building with modern interiors, perfect for those doing business in the City.

Pros
  • +Direct station access
  • +Historic ballroom
  • +Free minibar snacks
Cons
  • -Surrounding area quiet on weekends
  • -Busy lobby

The Langham, London

Marylebone
1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA
Near Oxford Circus and BBC HQ

The birthplace of traditional Afternoon Tea and a hub of refinement

A grand, polished hotel that offers a quiet sanctuary at the top of Regent Street.

Pros
  • +Excellent executive lounge
  • +Stunning spa/pool
  • +Large suites
Cons
  • -Formal atmosphere
  • -Can feel corporate

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge

South Bank
200 Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7UT
Opposite the Houses of Parliament

Massive modern hotel with some of the best views of Big Ben

A high-capacity, efficient hotel popular for its central location and skyline views.

Pros
  • +Iconic Big Ben views
  • +Large indoor pool
  • +Great transport links
Cons
  • -Very busy/crowded
  • -Standardized room design

Z Hotel Trafalgar

Covent Garden
53 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0NE
2 min walk to Trafalgar Square

"Compact luxury" rooms in the absolute center of London

An efficient, modern hotel designed for travelers who spend more time exploring than in their room.

Pros
  • +Unbeatable location
  • +Free wine/cheese social
  • +Clean and modern
Cons
  • -Very small rooms
  • -Many rooms lack windows

CitizenM Bankside

Southwark
20 Lavington St, London SE1 0NZ
5 min walk to Tate Modern

Tech-driven, stylish hotel near the Tate Modern

A trendy, millennial-favorite hotel featuring iPad-controlled rooms and a living-room style lobby.

Pros
  • +Great social spaces
  • +Fast Wi-Fi
  • +Modern design
Cons
  • -Minimalist room storage
  • -Compact room size

The Tower Hotel

Wapping/Tower Hill
St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1LD
Next to Tower Bridge and Tower of London

A Brutalist landmark with jaw-dropping views of Tower Bridge

An older hotel that remains popular solely for its front-row seats to London's most famous bridge.

Pros
  • +Unmatched bridge views
  • +St Katharine Docks location
  • +Large rooms
Cons
  • -Dated interiors
  • -Large/busy breakfast hall

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly
Great Windmill St, London W1D 7DH
Directly at Piccadilly Circus

A windowless, soundproof sanctuary built for perfect sleep

A minimalist, eco-conscious concept focused on "detox" and rest in the heart of the chaos.

Pros
  • +Silent rooms
  • +Absolute center location
  • +Affordable
Cons
  • -No windows
  • -No TV or phone in room

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage

Swiss Cottage/Camden
40 College Cres, London NW3 5LB
2 min walk to Swiss Cottage Tube

A grand Victorian mansion turned into a high-end hostel

A consistently top-rated hostel that feels more like a historic English estate.

Pros
  • +Historic building
  • +Clean dorms
  • +Social bar
Cons
  • -Outside the main center
  • -Older bathrooms

Hub by Premier Inn (Kings Cross)

Kings Cross
80 York Way, London N1 9AG
5 min walk to St. Pancras International

Smart, tech-focused rooms near the Eurostar terminal

A high-value, no-frills hotel that uses clever design to maximize comfort in small spaces.

Pros
  • +Efficient app controls
  • +Great location for trains
  • +Very quiet
Cons
  • -Very small rooms
  • -Basic amenities

Where to Stay in London - Best Hotels & Accommodations

Choosing where to stay in London is one of the most important parts of planning your trip. Our guide covers 15 of the best hotels, boutique stays, and budget accommodations in London, United Kingdom, so you can find the right place to stay for your travel style and budget.

Popular places to stay in London include Claridge's, The Savoy, NoMad London, all praised for their central locations, service, and value. Each is handpicked from real traveller reviews.

The best area to stay in London depends on your priorities. Central neighbourhoods give easy access to top sights, while staying in local districts offers a more authentic London experience. Being close to public transport often makes more difference than being right next to the main attractions.

Browse London's best hotels and accommodations below. Whether you need a luxury hotel, a family-friendly stay, or a budget hostel in London, our curated list covers all options so you can book with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions about London

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area depends on your priorities. City center locations offer convenience but may be pricier. Neighborhoods slightly outside the center can offer better value while still being well-connected.

When should I book accommodation in London?

For the best rates and availability, book 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season. Last-minute deals can be found, but selection may be limited.

What type of accommodation is best for London?

London offers hotels, apartments, hostels, and boutique stays. Hotels work well for shorter trips, while apartments suit longer stays or families. Check our recommendations above for top-rated options.

Explore More of London

About London, United Kingdom

London is one of United Kingdom's most visited destinations, celebrated for Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, River Thames. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Europe can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, London has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.

Our free London guide covers 14 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal London's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.

The food scene in London is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic United Kingdom cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in London doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how London's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.

Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a London visit. Our guide includes 15 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of London that fits your pace.

A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is English; the currency is GBP; the best time to visit is London is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to June) when the parks are blooming and temperatures are comfortable. The fall (September to November) also offers milder weather and fewer tourists.. Getting around London is generally straightforward — most cities in United Kingdom offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated London travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.

Explore More Destinations

View All Cities

Discover travel guides for Edinburgh, Rome, Barcelona and more.