At present I need to carry you my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London on your model. Individuals all the time ask me the place to stay in London, and now I need to reply that query. There are such a lot of central London neighborhoods to select from, and I’ll present you the place to maneuver primarily based in your distinctive tastes, preferences, work scenario, and circumstances. I’ve included an interactive map, too.
Greatest Locations to Dwell in Central London
One of many hardest elements about selecting the perfect place to stay in central London is that there are such a lot of good choices. London is large, and even Zone 1 covers a big space of the UK capital.
The place to stay within the metropolis heart will depend on a variety of components. These embody your private model, funds, and commute to work (when you’ve got one).
The place your folks stay can also be vital, as getting from one a part of the town to a different can take some time. A few of the greatest recommendation I obtained after I moved to London was to decide on an space near individuals I do know.
Central London is an efficient place to stay as a result of you will get to most locations fairly shortly and simply. Whether or not it’s your workplace or your buddy’s flat, it’s often a handy commute.
With that in thoughts, my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London is designed to provide you quite a lot of concepts for the perfect areas for you.
Whether or not you’re a younger skilled, couple, household, scholar, expat, or one thing else, there’s a spot that’s proper on your scenario.
This publish additionally has hyperlinks to my particular person weblog posts about central London neighborhoods that may give you extra concepts. Consider this because the spotlight reel and people posts as locations so that you can dig deeper.
After you’ve taken a glance, you possibly can determine which a part of central London is true on your persona and circumstances. If you wish to buy a property, my information to how you can purchase a flat in London may also help with subsequent steps.
Both manner, I hope you discover the perfect space to stay in central London for you. For those who want extra inspiration, my self-guided central London walks will take you thru numerous the areas on the record.
They’ll present you the excessive streets, aspect streets, and secret corners, they usually’ll enable you get to know these central London neighborhoods higher.
1. Bloomsbury
I’ll begin my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London with Bloomsbury. This a part of the town is dwelling to leafy squares, literary historical past, world-class museums, and nice eating places, pubs, cafes, and occasional retailers.
Bloomsbury is understood for all the pieces from the British Museum to Russell Sq.. It has nice roads like Lamb’s Conduit Road and Retailer Road, too. Each have scrumptious food-and-drink scenes.
You may be taught extra concerning the neighborhood on my self-guided Bloomsbury strolling tour. It’ll take you all over the place from Bedford Sq. to the British Museum.
Execs of dwelling in Bloomsbury embody the central location, number of squares and retailers, good transport hyperlinks, and museums.
The primary con of dwelling in Bloomsbury is the excessive central London housing costs.
2. Fitzrovia
Fitzrovia is subsequent on my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London. This busy space is dwelling to a great deal of eating places, retailers, cafes, and bars. There are many workplaces right here, too, so it’s a simple place for younger professionals who work within the space to stay.
Fitzrovia has nice locations to eat and drink on and round Charlotte Road, Foley Road, and Nice Titchfield Road. There’s all the time one thing occurring within the space, and it has a vigorous environment.
Fitzrovia additionally has stunning mews, fairly alleys, and historic structure to admire. If you wish to stay in a lovely constructing, you’ll discover one simply right here.
Execs of dwelling in Fitzrovia embody the central location, eating places, good transport hyperlinks, and buzzing streets.
Cons of dwelling in Fitzrovia embody the excessive housing costs in central London and the truth that some retailers are closed on weekends.
3. King’s Cross
Subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London is King’s Cross. This space is understood for its prepare stations, however it’s additionally value shifting to for its nice buying, eating places, and canalside environment.
King’s Cross is understood for the eating places and markets in Granary Sq., cool retailers in Coal Drops Yard, and colourful boats on Regent’s Canal. It’s additionally dwelling to numerous up to date buildings, so it’s a fantastic place to stay if you wish to transfer into a contemporary flat.
Execs of dwelling in King’s Cross embody the canal, nice transport hyperlinks, impartial retailers and eating places, and central London location. It’s additionally nice for those who journey to Europe lots for work or leisure, as St Pancras Worldwide station is right here.
The primary con of dwelling in King’s Cross is the comparatively excessive price of housing.
4. Marylebone
Marylebone is subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London. Not solely is it stunning, but additionally full of trendy boutiques and cafes. It has one of many greatest excessive streets in London, too.
The Marylebone retailers and eating places alone might hold one busy all day. Chiltern Road is filled with heritage buildings, and Marylebone Excessive Road, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher’s Place are full of locations to buy, eat, and drink.
Add to that museums just like the Wallace Assortment, nice weekly markets, fairly aspect streets, and its proximity to Regent’s Park, and Marylebone is difficult to beat. My self-guided Marylebone stroll may also help you get to know the neighborhood higher.
Execs of dwelling in Marylebone embody the central location, stunning residential buildings, vibrant markets and retailers, and good transport hyperlinks.
Cons of dwelling in Marylebone are excessive housing costs (though issues get extra affordable in the direction of the Marble Arch finish) and crowds on the bigger streets and within the stations within the excessive season.
5. Westminster
Subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London is Westminster. This space sits on the coronary heart of London’s authorities, and it’s recognized for its beautiful structure and landmark buildings.
From the Homes of Parliament to Huge Ben and Westminster Abbey, this a part of the town heart is bursting with iconic sights. Its riverside location and central setting make it an interesting place to stay as effectively.
Past the busy areas, Westminster has numerous quiet residential streets hiding in plain sight. If you wish to get to know the neighborhood, my self-guided Westminster stroll may also help.
Execs of dwelling in Westminster embody the central location, points of interest, transport hyperlinks, and fairly aspect streets.
Cons of dwelling in Westminster are the excessive central London housing costs and heavy vacationer crowds in the principle areas.
6. Pimlico
Proper subsequent to Westminster, Pimlico is one other of the perfect locations to stay in central London. This a part of the town flies below the radar as a consequence of its lack of landmarks and customer points of interest, however its nice location makes it value contemplating as a spot to stay.
Pimlico is true on the Thames and it’s dwelling to a variety of streets with good native eating places and cafes. The realm additionally has a residential really feel, which is uncommon in central London. There are some fairly mews within the neighborhood, too.
Execs of dwelling in Pimlico embody the central location, tube station, barely decrease housing costs than another elements of central London, the Thames, the proximity to Victoria station, and the cafes.
The primary con of dwelling in Pimlico is the shortage points of interest given its central location (however the surrounding neighborhoods greater than make up for it). Some elements of the realm aren’t as stunning as different locations in central London, both.
7. Clerkenwell
Subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London is Clerkenwell. This space is dwelling to historic streets with enjoyable retailers and eating places, inexperienced squares, and vibrant markets.
Clerkenwell is London’s design district. It’s recognized for all the pieces from the meals on Exmouth Market to the retailers on Amwell Road. Its aspect streets are filled with fairly homes, too.
If you wish to get to know the realm higher, you possibly can go on my self-guided Clerkenwell strolling tour. It’ll take you across the Clerkenwell and Farringdon space and into neighboring Smithfield and Holborn.
Given its proximity to the Metropolis of London, Clerkenwell is a good place to stay for professionals working in banking and different industries which have workplaces in and across the Sq. Mile. It’s a simple stroll to work from right here.
Execs of dwelling in Clerkenwell embody the central location, markets, streets, and good transport hyperlinks.
The primary con of dwelling in Clerkenwell is the excessive central London housing costs.
8. Metropolis of London
The Metropolis of London is subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London. The historic coronary heart of the UK capital, this space is dwelling to landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument, and The Gherkin. There’s even a stretch of historic Roman wall right here.
The Metropolis of London is full of pubs, bars, and eating places, and there are many historic aspect streets to get misplaced in. My self-guided Metropolis of London stroll may also help you get to know the realm higher.
This a part of the UK capital is dwelling to the workplaces of many banks and different corporations. It’s a simple place to stay for those who work in an business with an enormous presence right here and also you desire a fast commute.
Execs of dwelling within the Metropolis of London embody the central location, nice transport hyperlinks, and historical past.
The cons of dwelling within the Metropolis of London are the excessive housing costs and the truth that numerous retailers and eating places are closed on weekends.
9. St Katharine Docks
One of many extra under-the-radar locations to stay in central London is St Katharine Docks. This marina sits beside Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, however it usually will get missed as a residential space.
It’s a fantastic place to stay in London as a result of it’s so distinctive. The boats, for one factor. The maritime environment presents a refreshing change from different elements of the town, and the markets and different occasions hold issues entertaining.
The realm’s proximity to the Metropolis of London additionally makes it a fantastic place for professionals working within the Sq. Mile.
Execs of dwelling in St Katharine Docks embody the central location, Thames, markets, pubs, and proximity to native tube and DLR stations.
Cons of dwelling in St Katharine Docks are excessive housing costs, a restricted housing inventory, and crowds from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and spilling into the realm’s cafes and eating places through the excessive season.
10. Belgravia
When you have the funds, Belgravia is without doubt one of the greatest locations to stay in central London. Graced with embassies and ambassadors’ residences, this posh space is without doubt one of the nicest neighborhoods in London. It’s deserving of its location subsequent to Buckingham Palace.
Belgravia can also be dwelling to stunning mews, elegant squares, hidden pubs, and fairly shopfronts. The floral facades on Elizabeth Road are well-known, and consuming and buying on Motcomb Road is a dream.
My self-guided Belgravia strolling tour may also help you get to know the realm higher. It’ll take you round to the perfect buying streets and hidden courtyards within the space.
Execs of dwelling in Belgravia embody the central London location, fairly streets and retailers, and proximity to move hubs like Victoria station.
The primary con of dwelling in Belgravia is the sky-high housing costs.
11. Knightsbridge
Subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London is Knightsbridge. Bordering Belgravia, it’s often known as a lot for its luxurious buying as it’s for its beautiful brick structure.
Knightsbridge is without doubt one of the most costly London neighborhoods to stay in, and it has the appears to be like to match. From Harrods meals halls to the brick buildings on Pont Road and fairly houses in Trevor Sq., it’s stunning throughout.
Execs of dwelling in Knightsbridge embody the central London location, beautiful streets and retailers, well-known shops like Harvey Nichols and Harrods, and tube station.
Cons of dwelling in Knightsbridge are the extraordinarily excessive housing costs and crowds on the departments shops within the excessive season.
12. Mayfair
Subsequent on my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London is Mayfair. This luxury neighborhood is filled with magnificence, from the retailers in Burlington Arcade to the gardens behind Mount Road and the accommodations on Park Lane.
Mayfair is dwelling to Bond Road, one of many greatest buying streets in London. Facet streets within the space characteristic elegant Georgian townhouses, well-known pubs like The Punch Bowl, and hidden mews with eating places and cafes.
Mayfair is without doubt one of the nicest locations to stay in London throughout. My self-guided Mayfair stroll may also help you get to know the neighborhood higher.
Execs of dwelling in Mayfair embody the central location, high-end streets and retailers, good transport hyperlinks, and prestigious postcode.
Cons of dwelling in Mayfair are the astronomical housing costs and crowds on the bigger buying streets within the excessive season.
13. Victoria
Subsequent on my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London is Victoria. This space is commonly considered a business district, however I lived right here for years and I cherished its central location.
Victoria is true within the thick of issues. It’s dwelling to one of many busiest prepare stations in London, and it has a lot of colourful retailers, eating places, and cafes.
The aspect streets listed here are additionally filled with hidden mews and fairly brick homes. There are nice native pubs in Victoria, too.
Execs of dwelling in Victoria embody the central location, nice transport hyperlinks, and proximity to locations like Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks.
Cons of dwelling in Victoria are the excessive housing costs, vacationer crowds, and supermarkets that cater extra to workplace staff than native residents.
14. Soho and Covent Backyard
Soho and Covent Backyard come subsequent on my information to the perfect locations to stay in central London. These side-by-side areas within the coronary heart of the West Finish are two of probably the most thrilling neighborhoods within the metropolis heart.
They’re not usually thought-about residential areas, however some individuals select to stay in them due to their nice areas and vigorous nightlife scenes.
That is notably true of short-term residents like college students, expats, and younger professionals who need to maximize their enjoyment of the town whereas they’re dwelling in London.
Soho is dwelling to a lot of eating places and among the greatest homosexual bars and golf equipment within the UK capital. Covent Backyard is understood for thrilling locations just like the coated piazza and Neal’s Yard. Each are full of theaters and different leisure venues.
You may get a really feel for these areas by taking my self-guided Soho strolling tour and Covent Backyard strolling tour. They’re nice methods to get to know the neighborhoods higher.
Execs of dwelling in Soho and Covent Backyard embody the central location, abundance of retailers, eating places, and nightlife, good transport hyperlinks, and basic London environment.
Cons of dwelling in Soho and Covent Backyard are the above-average housing costs, crowds within the excessive season, and noise at evening.
15. Paddington
Subsequent on my record of the perfect locations to stay in central London is Paddington. This neighborhood is true by Hyde Park, and it’s dwelling to one of the vital well-known prepare stations in London.
Paddington is pretty residential, and areas like Connaught Village are full of fairly retailers and cafes. The neighborhood has stunning mews, too.
Execs of dwelling in Paddington embody the central location, proximity to Hyde Park, good transport hyperlinks, and barely decrease housing costs than another elements of the town heart (relying on the place you reside).
Cons of dwelling in Paddington are that the housing costs are nonetheless fairly excessive and a few elements of the realm aren’t as stunning as different locations in central London.
Map of Areas to Dwell in Central London
Locations to Dwell in Central London
I hope you’ve loved this overview of the perfect locations to stay in central London and that it’s impressed you discover the best match on your life and magnificence. If you wish to see the entire metropolis in a single place, my map of London neighborhoods may also help. Pleased shifting!
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