London Hotel Guide: Best Areas for Every Budget

London is made up of dozens of distinct villages that were swallowed by the growing city over centuries. Each neighbourhood has a completely different character, and choosing the right one to stay in depends heavily on what kind of trip you want to have.

For first-timers, Covent Garden or South Bank put you close to the major sights and very walkable. For people who want to experience London life rather than just the tourist highlights, Islington, Notting Hill, or Brixton offer a more authentic feel. Budget travellers should look seriously at Bethnal Green or Hackney, which have transformed dramatically over the past decade and now have great food and nightlife at accessible prices.

This guide covers ten distinct London neighbourhoods with an honest assessment of each — what it's actually like to stay there, which type of traveller it suits, what the transport connections are like, and what price range to expect.

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