Which area of London is best to stay with kids?
Mayfair/Marylebone with Kids The Mayfair/Marylebone areas offer families visiting London with kids a blend of cultural experiences and convenience. Hyde Park, as well as top sights in for families in London and kid-friendly attractions in London like the British Museum and Leicester Square are just a short walk away. Where are the best walkable locations to stay in London? The areas around Covent Garden, Southbank, and Soho are among the most pedestrian-friendly but if you are looking for somewhere with green spaces and nature, Regent’s Park is ideal as it is close to London Zoo.West is best, so look at Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill. For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet.Covent Garden is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in London due to its notable police presence. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, with close proximity to world-famous attractions like the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market.For your first trip to London, I recommend keeping things central so you’re close to the top attractions in the city. Covent Garden is a fan-favorite that combines historic markets, great dining options, and shopping just a stone’s throw from some of the best theater shows.
Where is the best place to stay in London for first time visitors?
Top Pick for First-Timers: Covent Garden, Westminster, or Soho. If you want to be in the center of all things London, being within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions is essential. We suggest considering Covent Garden first of all. Why? Because this area offers it all. When you’re wondering where to stay in London as a tourist, Covent Garden is always a top choice.Covent Garden is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in London due to its notable police presence. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, with close proximity to world-famous attractions like the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market.Richmond upon Thames (including areas like Teddington) consistently ranks as the safest borough in London, thanks to its low crime rates (about 72 crimes per 1000 people as of 2024), riverside parks, strong community vibe, and excellent schools.Yes, Kensington is one of the safest areas in London statistically and speaking as someone who has worked in Kensington for over a decade looking after the security of residences, offices, bars and shops and being involved in community safety initiatives, I often get asked, Is Kensington a safe area? Drawing on my .
Where is the safest place to stay when visiting London?
Covent Garden is considered one of the safest neighbourhoods in London due to its notable police presence. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a touch of luxury, with close proximity to world-famous attractions like the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market. Most of London is perfectly safe for you to travel through. However for those eager to avoid crime, there are a few boroughs which have been flagged as particular ‘danger hotspots’. These include Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Haringey and Lambeth.Some of the safest boroughs in London are Richmond upon Thames, Bexley, Kingston upon Thames, Sutton, and Harrow, with low crime rates. Luxury neighbourhoods like Belgravia, Hampstead, Knightsbridge, Notting Hill, and St. John’s Wood also offer a combination of safety and high-end living.Neighborhoods to avoid in London include Peckham, Elephant & Castle, Brixton, Tottenham as well as certain neighborhoods in East London, such as parts of Tower Hamlets and Newham. These areas have historically experienced higher crime rates, so it’s advisable to exercise caution when navigating them.While most parts of London are safe, it’s wise to be aware of specific areas where crime rates might be higher. Neighborhoods to avoid in London include Peckham, Elephant & Castle, Brixton, Tottenham as well as certain neighborhoods in East London, such as parts of Tower Hamlets and Newham.
What area of London is best to stay in for tourists?
Whilst London doesn’t officially have a City Centre, an area called The West End is the center of tourist attractions in London. It is made up of several smaller areas, each with its own character and price. The main areas are Marylebone, Oxford Street, Mayfair, Soho, and we’ll look at each area individually. Best neighborhoods in London Three main, connected neighborhoods – the West End, South Bank and the City of London – sit either side of the River Thames and are the focus of most visits, especially for first-time travelers, but there are plenty of other areas worth exploring.Best Area for Sightseeing: Head south of the River Thames to the Southbank neighborhood for hotels close by many sightseeing attractions. Here, you’re near the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the restaurants at Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and other popular tourist spots.West is best, so look at Kensington, Chelsea or Notting Hill. For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet.Best Area for Sightseeing: Head south of the River Thames to the Southbank neighborhood for hotels close by many sightseeing attractions. Here, you’re near the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the restaurants at Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, and other popular tourist spots.
Where to stay and not to stay in London?
Generally speaking, most areas of London are safe and suitable to stay in but, for peace of mind, we would recommend avoiding areas such as Canning Town, Tower Hamlets, and Hackney where crime rates are notably higher. Where are the best walkable locations to stay in London? The areas around Covent Garden, Southbank, and Soho are among the most pedestrian-friendly but if you are looking for somewhere with green spaces and nature, Regent’s Park is ideal as it is close to London Zoo.Slightly north of the city centre is the energetic and eclectic Soho neighborhood. Packed with cocktail bars, theatres, underground speakeasies, and world-class restaurants, Soho is definitely the best area in London to stay in if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife. Set northeast of the city centre is Shoreditch.
Which neighborhood to stay in London as a tourist?
For shopping, restaurants, theatre and nightlife, Soho and Covent Garden are great spots in the centre, while King’s Cross and Camden are lively options, too. And if the river is calling, the South Bank and Westminster are your best bet. Before you book though, join us on a quick whistlestop tour. This post was updated June 2025. London is one of the very best places to travel with children – there are so many fun things to do in London with kids! There is so much variety – everything from world-class museums to outdoor space to live theater, much of which is free. Planning a family trip to London?The elegant and upmarket neighbourhood of South Kensington is among the best options when it comes to where to stay in London with kids. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking to celebrate something special like a birthday in London.