London neighbourhoods at a glance
Distances are measured from the city centre. Typical prices are the median nightly rate of hotels nearby.
| Area | Best for | From centre | Typical hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Bank | art lovers, foodies, first-time visitors | 1.2 km | €184 |
| Shoreditch & Hackney | hipsters, foodies, nightlife seekers | 4 km | €195 |
| Westminster & Mayfair | history buffs, luxury travelers, first-time visitors | 1.5 km | €148 |
| Notting Hill & Portobello | market lovers, Instagram seekers, vintage shoppers | 5.3 km | €112 |
South Bank
The Thames' south bank has transformed from industrial decay into a cultural powerhouse. Tate Modern, the Globe Theatre, Borough Market, and the Southbank Centre create a riverside promenade that's London at its contemporary best.
Around South Bank
- Tate Modern
- Borough Market
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Southbank Centre
Hotels in or near South Bank
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeShoreditch & Hackney
East London's creative heart, where Victorian warehouses house galleries, tech startups, and some of the city's best restaurants. Street art covers every surface; nightlife runs from dive bars to world-famous clubs.
Around Shoreditch & Hackney
- Street art tours
- Columbia Road Flower Market (Sundays)
- Brick Lane
- Clubs and bars
Hotels in or near Shoreditch & Hackney
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeWestminster & Mayfair
The seat of power and wealth—Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the grandest hotels sit alongside Bond Street's luxury shops and Green Park's peaceful gardens.
Around Westminster & Mayfair
- Houses of Parliament
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey
- St. James's Park
Hotels in or near Westminster & Mayfair
Petit budget
Haut de gamme
Milieu de gammeNotting Hill & Portobello
Pastel-colored townhouses, the world-famous Portobello Road Market, and a village-like atmosphere that's survived gentrification. Saturday is market day; weekdays are peaceful for wandering.
Around Notting Hill & Portobello
- Portobello Road Market (Saturdays)
- Colored houses of Lancaster Road
- Electric Cinema
- Vintage shopping
Hotels in or near Notting Hill & Portobello
Petit budget
Milieu de gamme
Haut de gammeHotel prices come from Traveloka, last checked on February 4, 2026, and change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Plan the rest of your London trip
Where to stay in London: FAQ
What is the best area to stay in London?+
For a first visit, South Bank is the most central of the areas we cover (1.2 km from the centre). The Thames' south bank has transformed from industrial decay into a cultural powerhouse.
Where to stay in London on a budget?+
Notting Hill & Portobello has the lowest typical hotel price of the areas we compared, around €112 a night. Pastel-colored townhouses, the world-famous Portobello Road Market, and a village-like atmosphere that's survived gentrification.
How much does a hotel in London cost per night?+
Typical nightly prices near the areas in this guide range from €112 to €195, based on hotel prices checked on February 4, 2026. Prices change with your dates.
Which London neighbourhood suits which traveller?+
South Bank: art lovers, foodies, first-time visitors. Shoreditch & Hackney: hipsters, foodies, nightlife seekers. Westminster & Mayfair: history buffs, luxury travelers, first-time visitors. Notting Hill & Portobello: market lovers, Instagram seekers, vintage shoppers.