first time in london where to stay

Youll find everything from fresh oysters to burgers and beer among the home of London produce. We were in London for just about two weeks on our last trip our first in over a decade (for Alysha, since she was five years old) and decided that because London is enormous, we wanted to stay in three different areas to get a feel for the different parts of the city. South Bank & Southwark - where to stay for sightseeing 5. One of Londons most fabulous party locations is Radio Rooftop, the 360 degree rooftop bar atop the ME London Hotel. You wont have to worry about cleaning or cooking just enjoying your time in London! Though, we will say, we also like Holborn (the northeast section of the neighborhood), and will include a few places to stay in Holborn in the list below. Complete with co-working spaces, an underground comedy club, sauna and extremely popular restaurant Hoi Polloi, its a firm favorite among designers. However, as a whole, Westminster has much to offer in the shopping department. However it's so close to many of the London attractions, that you won't have to take public transport very often! Dawn. "datePublished": "2019-07-16", Nightlife is also a major draw in this electric spot. The Tower of London: Definitely worth a visit, the Tower of London is where youll find the Crown Jewels and some excellent views of Southwark across the river. Elegance and Design! There is a kitchen with a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine and a bathroom with air dryer. London can be an extremely romantic city, perfect for a couples city break. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. That is why staying at hotels during your trip is perfect. We stayed here for our last few days in London, and were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. "url": "https:\/\/files.tripstodiscover.com\/files\/2019\/07\/buckingham-palace.jpg" A day after becoming the first player in MLB history to play a regular-season game in five different . You will love London! Heres a relatively brief overview of why we love their hotels. However, apartments (especially vacation rentals) have some serious downsides, like the lack of ability to leave bags if you arrive before check in, and the lack of onsite staff to help with issues that pop up. I mention also some hotels for those groups seeking more individual spaces. Breaking from the mold of traditional hotels, CitizenM reimagined what the word hotel really means, and the definition they came up with takes everything we think of when we think of chain hotels aging rooms (with iPod docks), ironing boards, unhelpful staff and turns it on its head. You cant come to London without a trip to the famous Tower of London. First, I reserved at the Park Grand London Kensington. If you really just want a good, clean hotel that is cheap, I recommend the Meininger Hotel London Hyde Park. COVE Cannon Street has a 24 hour reception, so you can leave your bags when you arrive (a major pain point with vacation rentals!). London, England has captivated travelers for decades with its long list of fascinating attractions. Pretty quickly, we realized two things. The Prince of Wales is a multi-floor club with a terrace month perfect for summer nights. Its certainly not cheap, but if youre looking for a touch of luxury on your trip to London, the NoMad would be a great choice. Its also worth noting that they have family rooms with two queen beds, if youre traveling with a group who wants to all stay in the same room. After the second world war, during which large swaths of the neighborhood were demolished including a lot of housing the reconstruction process took a little longer than other parts of London. Watch a historic show at Shakespeares Globe Theatre, then dine on British eats at their waterside cafe, Swan. Great accommodations can be had at reasonable prices, although, there are a few luxury hotels with private rooms and elegant rooms that are in the mix with fantastic amenities. That left a lot of industrial buildings that were empty, which is evident today as the whole area has taken on a very industrial-chic vibe. Why Stay Here: The area offers tourists variety, from markets to historic landmarks. Camden is an edgy portion of Northwest London, where visitors will find street art along brick walls, punk dressed folks and a gritty music scene. We went with Mirabilis Apartments, and would recommend it based on the location (one block to the Tube, 5-10 minutes to both Kings Cross and Camden Market) and the apartments themselves. This could be anything from Big Ben to London Eye, Tower of London or British Museum. Theres a giant obelisk featuring Admiral Nelson a famous British navy officer who outwitted Napoleon, among many others and a great view towards Big Ben. As always, you can ask us directly as well. At one point, as we got closer to Camden, we realized we were walking across the water from the London Zoo (which is in the park), and started seeing warthogs and African hunting dogs across the way. Here youll find famous graffiti from the likes of Banksy, vintage shopping, quirky cafes and boutique stores. Looking for the best place to stay in London. I would've preferred exploring the city but staying in the airport was the best option for my tight schedule. Its worth an hour or two of your time to get a baseline of understanding on your trip. More London Travel Guides to Help You Plan Your Trip. We split up our time in London so that we had four days in three different areas. Normally, when you hear old town, what comes to mind is charming narrow streets and older buildings. What, exactly, does that mean? The rooms are designed for one thing, and they deliver that one thing flawlessly. Stay at the Shangri-La Hotel at the top of Londons tallest building and youll be treated to sunrises, sunsets and a nights sleep above the clouds. You are downtown, and you have everything around you, including the famous British Museum (which I recommend; it takes at least 3 hours to visit). Were technically combining a few different areas here Southbank, Bankside, and Southwark what were trying to say is that staying anywhere along this stretch between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge is an excellent location for exploring London. And where in big, beautiful London should you stay? Whether youre looking for a posh boutique B&B in Polanco, the best boutique hotels in La Condesa, or a budget Coyoacn hotel, Ive got you covered. The beds are comfortable (in our experiences), the kitchens are nice (and stocked with everything you need to cook, for the most part), and its a spacious and comfortable space to hang out in. The St. James Hotel also offers a kids stay for free deal for a minimum of two nights as well as a dedicated childrens concierge service whilst being in a fantastic location and providing a luxurious stay for the parents. Ever closer to the train station at Paddington is Royal Lancaster London, 5 Star Hotel. Look out for our newsletters in your inbox soon. In addition, the First Duke of Wellington and Admiral Horatio Nelson (famous for outwitting Napoleon multiple times, among other naval adventures) are also buried in the crypt. Read our full review. If you prefer a more intimate room here are the hotels I suggest. please use the comment section below. They offer high-quality walking tours with exceptional guides. Second is the rooftop bar with views of the City of London and Tower of London. Expect an unparalleled heavenly experience when staying in luxury hotels along streets like Piccadilly, or dining at any of the lavish restaurants such as Michelin acknowledged Jamavar. Hello, Your help and suggestions are very much appreciated! Are you traveling around Europe? You can take the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and see as much as you can. Flying into LHR from Edinburgh on Sunday @ 1 PM, departing out of LHR the next day at 4 PM. If you are visiting in the winter season, we highly recommend booking to see a Christmas concert, a truly festive experience. Staying in the hustle and bustle of a place like the West End is going to feel very, very different than saying in, say, Hackney, which is much more residential and low key. For extra glamour, choose the champagne tea just book in advance! Were Matt and Alysha, the two endlessly curious travelers behind this site., We spent the past two years traveling, which included 18 national parks here in the United States, and an extended trip to Europe., Recently, we have chosen to put down roots in Portland, Oregon, and look forward to exploring even more of the Pacific Northwest (Matt grew up in Seattle, so he knows it well).. Here are some places to stay in Covent Garden that caught our eye. As well as exploring the royal fortress, make sure to book a tour of the Tower Bridge where you can walk over the adrenaline racing glass walkway and watch the bridge open for passing ships. We always prefer staying in apartments, but we avoid vacation rentals in cities if we can, and enjoy the convenience of 24 hour reception that hotels bring to the table. It is a simple, casual hotel, clean and good location! It helps you planning! Below you find my personal best luxury London Hotels. CitizenM is always a great value thats their whole thing and the extra touches at this particular location make it an excellent place to stay in London. If you want the hotel experience than the Novotel brand is a great choice for groups. The most popular areas are Shoreditch, Liverpool Street and Hackney which have great places to see including: Opposite to the East, the West of London is seen as more opulent with big terrace houses, fancy hotels and lots of green space. The two-time Oscar winner faces 12 charges relating to four men in a trial that marks his first in the U.K. since allegations first broke in 2017. As well as being central areas of London, these are extremely easy to access via the main train stations and airports. It makes the most sense to start this guide with our own experience staying in London. Here are the best places to stay in London on a budget. Most popular is Brixton which is home to a large Caribbean population, offering a young and fun nightlife with lots of festivals and clubs. Here you have our favorite things to do in London that you should not miss. Of course, WiFi is free. Over the years different areas of the city have grown in terms of hotel openings and popularity. But these clichs are largely unrepresentative of the real London experience. I had rather spend my money shopping! Proudly presenting the style and past of London from a bygone era, Carnaby Street brims with history and a special place in the heart of 60s culture. City of London - best area between West & East. In fact, your questions help me to make this article better. Regents Park / Regents Canal: The huge park just west of Camden Town, and the canal that runs along its northern border, are a lovely place to spend part of a sunny afternoon up north. Monmouth Coffee: One of the OG coffee shops in the city, this place is worth a visit for the breadth of different coffees. Coverage: Saturday 17:45-21:00 & Sunday 14:45-18:00 - live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app Four years after Major League Baseball first arrived on British shores, 'America's . you might even spot a Banksy piece on your visit! What is the best area to stay in London for a FIRST TIME visitor? Grab a bite to eat in the restaurant or a drink at the bar. NoMad Hotels are always stylish, and their (relatively new) hotel in London is no different. Depending on the time of year, this is 100% worth it since it is a covered bus. They even found a way to stop light coming in from under the door! Almost as if they designed it so that no matter which of their hotels you stay in, the experience is consistent. Great question! Similar to Paris, it's hard to understand just how big London is until you get there and find yourself saying things like "yeah that's totally walkable" before putting it into Google Maps and realizing it's an hour away. If you want to stay in a place to meet people, you might consider the Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage or Hillspring. As striking as it is on the outside, save time to go inside too either on a self-tour or by attending one of many events held at the Cathedral. This map shows our favorite areas to stay when traveling alone in London. City of London - for the urban atmosphere 4. For those who want to party into the early hours, book a room at this fabulous Strand location. 24 Hours is a good time, and you can see a few sights! Not here! We already revealed the best neighborhoods to stay in London during your trip, but here we wanted to go in detail to the rest of the section so you can have a better understanding of the city. So when it comes to the question on where to stay in London, the areas place a big role. Moreover, the hostel is very perfect for those traveling solo since they provide dormitories and private rooms. Its Covent Garden. While largely residential, parts of the bohemian style destination house beautiful hotels and places to eat. They have two other locations in London one near the Tower of London, and one in Shoreditch which would also be good options in slightly different neighborhoods. Whilst there isnt a particular area of London best suited for groups to stay in, there are some recommended hotels perfect for over 4 people near the best areas to stay in London: This map shows you the areas, recommended for groups: Apartments work always best for groups, as they need flexibility and space. When we started planning a two week trip to London, the first thing we dove into was where to stay in London. Get the latest news on the missing submersible. Theres a coffee bar (of course there is) for a quick morning caffeine fix (if the in-room coffee isnt what youre looking for), and every surface in the common areas and rooms is full of a selection of coffee table books that will have you wishing you had better taste in coffee table books in your own home. The London skyline is a visual representation of the city's evolution from the old world to a modern diversity, and this change is evident in the architecture. Here are some things not to miss on the south bank of the Thames. Not just for the architecture geek, youll find dinosaur and science museums, along with the famous concert venue, Royal Albert Hall, where well-known singers such as Adele have even performed. Those three areas which youll find in-depth dives into below were Southbank, Camden, and the City of London (near the Tower of London). Suitable for both long and short stay, the Wilde Aparthotel is perfect for groups located in the center of Covent Garden. Seattle is a city that, over its history, has been in a constant state of change. We loved their Kadak Chai, which is a little more creamy than the traditional Masala (which is also fantastic). There are so many to choose from and whilst it might be daunting looking at tickets, we promise its easy to book! Each unit comes with its own privacy curtain and free beddings. This is essentially Londons Financial District, and the location right on the Thames with access to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and St. Pauls Cathedral is fantastic. So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Houston to London including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself. Similar to Paris, its hard to understand just how big London is until you get there and find yourself saying things like yeah thats totally walkable before putting it into Google Maps and realizing its an hour away. London is almost always a noisy city whether its traffic or party-goers theres always a bit of background noise however, there are areas of London that suit a family stay. Like many cities, the further out of the center you stay, the less youll pay so areas such as: However if youre keen on staying in Zone 1-2, we recommend some options below: I also have a few on my own recommendations. "headline": "Where to Stay in London for First Time Visitors", For me personally, this is the absolute best location in London. Whether youre looking for a budget-friendly stay (to the extent that those even exist in London, which is a very expensive city to visit), or youre looking for a splurge, well try to help you find the right place for you. The Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, the most recent London opening, is located in the heart of the City, overlooking main attractions: The magnificent building is as classic inside, with an impressive lobby that speaks elegance. Despite the busy area, the nights are quiet. Westminster is highly famous, partially for a well-known stretch named Oxford Street. Below we talk about moving around London. Mind blowing. The Experts Even the origin story of Shoreditch is a little counterculture. Like many travelers, the . We liked One New Change, which is probably the most famous of the bunch because of the excellent view of St. Pauls Cathedral. Start from one end and meander your way to the other, stopping for photos, lunch at Borough Market, and the Tate for a quick break from walking. The Ivey Kensington Brasserie is just one of the stellar places to grab a bite to eat, where you can get true British food with a modern spin. First is the location. Rather than talking about CitizenMs offering, lets focus on this particular hotel, which has some great features that actually take it a step above the usual CitizenM Hotel. this is fabulous! We, Read More Where to Stay in Mexico City: Complete Guide to the Best Areas to StayContinue, Known for its breathtaking countryside, historic cities, and world-renowned art and architecture scene, its no wonder that Tuscany is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and attracts millions of visitors every year. Their own onsite club, the Clash Bar, is a popular pick and the rooms even have old prison features. This is our definitive answer to where to stay in London with kids! Visiting London for the First Time: Where to Stay and What to Do Hotels + Resorts Vacation Rentals This Is the Best Way to Explore London If You're Visiting for the First Time. } Weve stayed at multiple CitizenM properties around the world (including the one in Southbank), and they deliver an excellent night of sleep at an affordable price every single time. The Tate Modern: A modern art museum that is free to enter (though a donation is recommended to support them and all theyre doing!). Ultimately, we decided to stay in three different areas over the course of our trip, and it confirmed both of those two things. Then here you have the 3 best hostels in London. Published June 26, 2023 3:31 p.m. PDT. Here are some spots we liked and think you will too. A hotel can be around 1000$ per night. High-end restaurants, swimming pools, and concierges that will help you take a cab, plan your day or suggest great restaurants in the city. 1.5 Groups A fun change of pace from the centuries-old charm of the United Kingdom, the atmosphere is vibrant and non-typical. Next June 2022 I will be returning to London since my first time in 1991. First time in London. So I help you to help me. Covent Garden is the most charming piece of this part of the city, swapping the wide boulevards lined with designer stores that youll find in Soho for narrow cobblestone streets and winding alleyways. "image": { Of course London is plenty of things to do, but if you are looking for some alternative things, here is our fav list: Explore the neon treasure trove at Gods Own Junkyard, a gallery in Walthamstow with its own Rolling Stones Cafe. Here are the top Game 2 highlights and sights & sounds from a smashing day at London Stadium: Best moments from London Series Game 1. First-time visitors to London come with a host of preconceptions: gentlemen in bowler hats, terrible food, equally terrible weather, lots of history, world-famous buildings. Why Stay Here:Its a transportation hub which also houses Buckingham Palace. Heres the verdict. Make sure to get there early, especially on a weekend, and check out whats on. I love that area, and you should check it out too. If you're after retail therapy, you can hit the shops of High Street Kensington. Soho - where to stay in London for nightlife 6. If you missed us waxing poetic about CitizenM in the Southbank section above, go read that for why CitizenM is our all time favorite hotel chain in the world. The people are warm and friendly and the coffee is great (and approachable theyve simplified the choices so that you arent paralyzed by choice).. Safety: Travel Insurance Sunday Upmarket: Right on Brick Lane, this market is kind of two separate parts. The beautiful Claridges is just a 15 minutes walk or 5 minutes cab ride from Paddington away. Is four hours enough time to get to my hotel (i have not booked yet but I plan on staying in West End) and over to the stadium. First the first time in 13 years, London, Ont. Get Continue scrolling or pick your travel type on the menu: 1.1 Families The National Portrait Gallery is also here, which is free to visit. Shoreditch and Camden look rather interesting. On one hand, this is the historic center of London, where the city of London was located back in Roman times (then it was known as Londinium), perched on the north bank of the Thames. Theyve designed the hotel to feel like a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, which is a fun theme given the waterfront location. Or if you wish to combine your visit with a meal or drink, simply book a table at one of the gardens restaurants or bars. Aside from these common and popular areas, there are plenty of other interesting neighbourhoods to stay in that are suitable for first-time visitors to London. And what the size is. First of all, the location along the south bank (hence the name) of the Thames River is amazing.
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