
If you’re visiting London for the first time, where you want to stay all depends on how central to the city you want to be (since London is massive) and your budget. London was recently named one of the most expensive cities to visit in the world, but staying in the most central areas of London, which will be the most expensive, might be the most appealing for you. After living in London for the last few years, I can recommend all the best places to stay in London and some hidden gems that others may not suggest! Keep reading if you want all the best recommendations for where to stay in London first time!
Where to Stay in London First Time: Advice from a Local Londoner!
What is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors?
The best area to stay in London if it’s your first time is Marylebone or Mayfair, or north of the city, near King’s Cross. It’s also suggested that Covent Garden and Soho are best for first-time visitors, but these areas can be very busy, expensive, and cater to tourists. Marleybone is another great area to stay if it’s your first time in London, since it’s closer to central London but has a more local feel with beautiful neighborhoods. From my experience as a local living in north London, especially near King’s Cross, it’s easy to get anywhere in the city and is a bit removed from the chaos.
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What is the best neighborhood in London for the first time?
The best neighborhood to stay in London for the first time is Marylebone or Soho. These are the most central neighborhoods in central London. If you’re looking for what neighborhood to stay on a budget would be be one close to King’s Cross. Although other blogs may not suggest areas near King’s Cross, I think it’s essential that whatever neighborhood you choose that it be close to a large train station like King’s Cross, so it’s easy to connect to multiple Underground lines. Other large train stations include Paddington and Victoria Stations. Keep reading for some of the neighborhoods I would suggest, especially as a Londoner who has lived in those areas.
What part of London is cheaper to stay in?
Looking for where to stay in London first time on a budget? Zones in London calculate costs for the city’s subway system, called the ‘Underground’ or ‘Tube.’ Although these zones are specific for transport, it’s known that anywhere in Zone 1 or more central London will be more expensive, and those areas outside those Zones are less expensive. The neighborhoods outside Zone 1 and the areas I would recommend for your first time in London would be north of Angel or Islington. In west London, there’s Shepard’s Bush, and Greenwich, but it’s closer to Zone 3. Use the map below as a guide!
Need help planning your trip to London?!
Feeling overwhelmed planning a trip to London? As an American expat this really is my specialty! Contact me as I am a travel advisor and work with some of the best and most luxurious properties and networks around the world!

a quick recap of the best London hotels:
Best Hotels in London for First Timers: Nobu Portman Square is in a perfect location, St. Pancras London is near King’s Cross, and Claridge’s and Corinthia London are the most luxurious.
Best Hotels in London for Families: Nobu Portman Square is a great option in a central location, and Hilton Angel Islington and DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross are a bit removed from the chaos but close to the Underground.
Budget Hotels in London: The Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush is on the west side of the city, and although it’s less pedestrian-friendly, the hotel is sleek and modern. The Crowne Plaza Kings Cross by IHG is close to central London, and the Doubletree By Hilton Greenwich is another option, and the most budget-friendly if you’re willing to stay outside of Zone 1.
A quick recap of London Neighborhoods
Don’t have time to read this extensive article on where to stay in London first time? Here’s a quick recap of all of the best neighborhoods and where to stay in London first time.
Need more help planning your next trip to London? Read this London itinerary, or contact me as I work as a travel advisor who can help plan your next trip!
The best places to stay in London for your first time or a short visit are Marylebone near Mayfair, Soho, or Covent Garden. Marylebone is the perfect neighborhood since it’s in a central location with beautiful architecture and a local feel. Soho and Covent Garden will be the most central, but these areas are very touristy and busy. The best hotel in Marylebone is Nobu Portman Square. The best hotels in Soho and Covent Garden are The Broadwick Soho, NoMad London, and Hotel Amano Covent Garden.
If you’re looking for where to stay in London first time with families, stay in north London near King’s Cross and Angel, or west near Kensington and South Kensington. Close to King’s Cross, you’ll be able to board a train easily that can take you to Legoland or the Harry Potter studios. In South Kensington, you’ll be close to some of the best things to do in London with kids, including the Natural History Museum and the spacious Hyde Park. The best hotels near King’s Cross are St. Pancras London and The Standard. The best hotels near Kensington are The Kensington Hotel, Knightsbridge Hotel, and The Cadogan.
To see all of London’s iconic sites, stay near Victoria Station in Belgravia/Westminster. If you book accommodations in this area, you’ll be close to London’s icons like Big Ben, Parliament, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. The best hotels in this area are Corinthia London, The Berkeley, Maybourne, and citizenM London Victoria Station.
If you’re looking to visit London on a budget, the more residential areas of Islington near Angel, Greenwich, or as far west as Shepherd’s Bush are great options. All of these areas are within a thirty to sixty-minute Tube ride into the city, with Islington being the closest to central London. The best hotels in these areas are Hilton Angel Islington, Doubletree By Hilton Greenwich, and The Hoxton.
Want a more cultural or colorful stay in London? Consider the foodie paradise and nightlife of Shoreditch, or the vibrant and diverse Camden. Both these areas are quite hip, come alive at night, and have some of the best nightlife in London. The best hotels in these areas are citizenM Shoreditch and Holiday Inn Camden Lock by IHG. Keep in mind these areas aren’t as connected with the Underground, and I don’t recommend staying here your first time in London.
Chelsea is another suggestion on many lists of where to stay in London first time, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying here. The northern parts of Chelsea, which border Kensington and Knightsbridge, have a few wonderful options. If you’re up for a neighborhood stroll it’s a lovely area, but there’s not much else to do as it’s mostly residential.
Southbank is another recommendation you’ll frequently see, but I believe it’s also an area not as well connected with the Underground, and it can be tricky to get in and out of central London. It’s the area just south of the Thames, and is close to Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye. The best hotels in Southbank are the Marriott Hotel County Hall and the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.

Best London Neighborhood Overall: Marylebone/Mayfair
Pros of Staying in Marylebone/Mayfair
One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London is Marylebone and Mayfair. These two neighborhoods blend right into each other and are directly east of Hyde Park. Marylebone is surrounded by Georgian and Victorian classic brick facades, while also having a small-town residential feel, almost like the West Village in New York City. You’ll find the most lovely High Street, filled with boutique and designer shops and restaurants, and quaint pubs!
Marylebone and Mayfair are a stone’s throw from central London, yet far enough that you won’t feel like a tourist. Mayfair feels similar to Marleybone but with a luxurious flair. If it’s in your budget, this would be my first pick of where to stay in London first time, as you’ll have the best of both worlds.
Cons of Staying in Marylebone/Mayfair
Mayfair is where some of London’s wealthiest residents live, and I know quite a few celebrities also live in Marylebone. This area can be quite expensive, but I’ve included an incredible luxury property below that won’t break the bank for your stay!
This is one of the best hotels in London and Marylebone since you can have five-star luxury without breaking the bank.

Best Places to Stay in Marylebone/Mayfair
Claridge’s $$$$: One of the most iconic hotels in London is Claridge’s, famous for its royal and celebrity guests. It’s a luxury hotel that consistently ranks among the top 50 hotels in the world. It’s worth a stay if you want to splurge in London!
Nobu Portman Square $$-$$$: The Nobu property in Portman Square is one of the best places to stay in Marylebone and Mayfair. Technically situated in Marylebone, this hotel offers luxury without the price tag. The aesthetic is modern with minimalist Japanese accents, and their sushi in the main restaurant is delicious- I can recommend it from personal experience! They also have a wonderful fitness center, popular with locals, and spa facilities.
1 Hotel Mayfair $$$: If you’re conscious about sustainability and wellness, this next hotel is for you! If you want to step out of the concrete jungle and into an actual jungle, this property creates a sanctuary away from the busy city.
Brown’s Hotel $$$$: This last property is perfectly situated between Piccadilly and Regent Street. This five-star property is giving me Italy meets England vibes and has award-winning fine dining.

Best Things to Do in Marylebone/Mayfair
Wander through Regent’s Park
One of the most beautiful places in London is Regent’s Park. Make sure to wander down the promenade near the Griffin Tazza (Lion Vase) and Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, it really is beautiful in the spring and early summer when it’s in bloom! London Zoo is also located on the northern side of the park if you’re looking for some of the best things to do in London with kids.
Walk down Marylebone’s High Street
High Street is the main street through Marybelone, featuring numerous shops and restaurants. Be sure to visit Daunt Books, a famous London bookshop, the gourmet grocery store Bayley & Sage, and the popular French fashion designer Sezane.
Eat at Carlotta’s
Carlotta’s is one of my favorite restaurants in London, and I’ve taken many guests here when they’ve come to visit. Although it’s part of a larger restaurant family with other similar restaurants in London, the Italian food they serve is always delicious. The aesthetic can be described as an ‘elegant Italian hideaway’, and it really is a great spot for dinner!
See the Art at The Wallace Collection
Even though this next spot is a hidden gem and may not be on your list when visiting London for the first time, it is a beauty! The best part about this museum is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional museum, but rather a historical English estate on a smaller scale. It doesn’t take too long to wander around if you’re interested!
The iconic Bond Street
If you’re in the area, you have to wander down Bond Street even if it’s to window-shop. There is a Ralph’s Coffee in the area, usually made famous by its extravagant holiday decor. You can also wander in Mercato Mayfair, a food court inside an old church, which is quite unique!

London’s popular place for Tourists to Stay: Covent Garden/Soho
Pros of Staying in Covent Garden/Soho
Every blog you read or even if you just ask Google where to stay in London first time, the answer will be Covent Garden and Soho. These two neighborhoods are in the most central location, close to the theaters, and plenty of shops and restaurants that are, honestly, very much aimed at tourists visiting the city. Covent Garden and Soho also have plenty of Underground Stations making it easy for tourists to travel in the city.
Cons of Staying in Covent Garden/Soho
The two downsides of staying in Covent Garden/Soho are that it’s expensive and very busy, packed with tourists pretty much 24/7.
Best Places to Stay in Covent Garden/Soho
The Broadwick Soho $$$: One of the best hotels in London, this property is incredibly unique. The decor and design aesthetic will greet you as soon as you walk into the lobby, and the rooftop terrace has incredible views of London. They pride themselves in their artwork, and their main restaurant, Dear Jackie, is a work of art itself!
NoMad London $$$: This next property is one of the more popular areas to stay in the heart of Covent Garden. Its main restaurant and atrium space are somewhat of a London icon themselves, blending an old pub culture with a luxurious New York-style hotel.
The London Edition $$-$$$: The London Edition blends sleek, modern decor with old elegance. It’s a ten-minute walk from three Underground stops, and even closer to the British Museum. One of the Underground stations you can connect with is the Elizabeth, or ‘Lizzy’ line, making transport to Heathrow Airport a breeze.
Henrietta Experimental $$-$$$: This hotel is on the south end of Soho, close to Leicester Square and the theater district. I love the Art Deco design, and some of the rooms even have views of the London Eye.
Hotel Amano Covent Garden $-$$: Hotel Amano is one of the best places to stay in Covent Garden if you’re on a budget. The hotel also has an incredible rooftop terrace with views of the London Eye.

Best Things to Do in Covent Garden/Soho
Visit a Museum
One of the reasons Covent Garden and Soho are great options for where to stay in London first time is because of their close proximity to wonderful museums. London has so many, and many of them are free! Some in this area include The National Portrait Gallery, Somerset House, Sir John Soane’s Museum, and the London Transport Museum.
Eat until your heart’s content
There’s an abundance of restaurants in this area; it’s hard to choose! If you’re looking for fine dining, book a reservation at Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant or Rules, a spot where Downton Abbey was filmed! For Italian, eat at Grasso or Rossopomodoro. The French House has a pub downstairs but serves delicious French food upstairs. For sweet treats, check out Floozei Cookies or the exotic flavors of Filipino ice cream at Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream.
Shop in Covent Garden
There are endless amounts of stores located in Covent Garden, you really can find anything there!
Enjoy a Night Out at a Jazz Bar
If you’re looking to enjoy a night out, check out the popular Ronnie Scott’s jazz bar. It’s giving me New York and Parisian vibes all wrapped into one!
Have Afternoon Tea at Hotel Cafe Royal
Hotel Cafe Royal is a beauty and has a ‘London address like no other’. Even if you’re not guests of the hotel, you can book in for afternoon tea at their Cafe Royal Grill. This is one of the best afternoon tea experiences in London!
Enjoy the Royal Ballet
If you book tickets for the Royal Ballet, I guarantee you’ll not only be impressed by the show but the Opera House! One of the great things about the ballet in London is that their shows are constantly changing, and they offer behind-the-scenes and afternoon tea experiences, too. Check out their website for more details.

Where to Stay in London First Time with Families: King’s Cross or Kensington
Pros of Staying in King’s Cross or Kensington
If you choose to stay near King’s Cross, you can choose to stay close to the station or in the family-friendly neighborhoods of Angel or Islington. Both these neighborhoods are within walking distance of King’s Cross Station or a short train ride away. You can easily reach The Harry Potter Studios and Legoland from King’s Cross.
Kensington and South Kensington are also family-friendly neighborhoods and a bit quieter, similar to Angel and Islington. Where King’s Cross is north of London, these neighborhoods are west of central London. You’ll also be surrounded by plenty of parks and green space and one of the best museums for kids in London, the Natural History Museum.
Cons of Staying in King’s Cross or Kensington
If you’re looking for where to stay in London first time, as a Londoner, I highly recommend staying near King’s Cross or another large train station to make transport easy. The only downside about staying near this area is that it is busy, but not in the way Covent Garden is. It really is a great place to stay in London, especially with families!
Best Places to Stay in King’s Cross or Kensington
St. Pancras London $$$: This hotel is more than just a hotel, but a famous landmark of the city, think Harry Potter? It does offer five-star service but without the price tag. Booking a room at this hotel, you’ll be steps away from King’s Cross and St. Pancras Station.
The Standard $$-$$$: This hotel is right across the street from King’s Cross Station and is famous for its quirky aesthetic, including the iconic red elevator on the hotel’s exterior facade. It has a wonderful rooftop terrace overlooking the station.
The Kensington Hotel $$$-$$$$: Kensington can be more expensive to stay in than King’s Cross, and this next property offers classic architecture with grand, white facades that Kensington is known for. The Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are only five minutes away from their location!
Knightsbridge Hotel $$$-$$$$: If you’re looking for one of the most beautiful hotels in Kensington, this is it! Located technically in Knightsbridge, which is between Kensington and Chelsea, this five-star luxury property is just steps away from Harrods and Hyde Park.
The Cadogan $$$$: The Cadogan is one of the best luxury hotels in Knightsbridge, very close to Belgravia. A Belmond Hotel, you won’t find many more luxurious than this!
The Harrington Apartments $$-$$$: These apartments are perfect for families, offering one and two-bedroom apartments. They have fully equipped kitchens and air conditioning!

Best Things to Do in London with Kids
Visit the Harry Potter studios
Located only an hour outside London by train, you can easily board one at King’s Cross Station. If your family are Harry Potter fans, I highly recommend spending a day here! You can spend as long or as little as you would like; my husband and I spent almost 10 hours when we visited. We loved it so much. Don’t forget to try the butterbeer ice cream, only located at the Backlot Cafe!
Want to know more about how to visit the Harry Potter Studios? Check out my 4 day London itinerary!
Play at Legoland
This is another great day trip for families outside London. Check out their website for more details.
Visit the Natural History Museum
This museum is one of the best museums to visit in London with kids. It’s famous for its massive whale skeleton in the atrium, dinosaur fossils, and family-friendly events offered throughout the year.

Find a Playground at Hyde Park
Hyde Park is massive and a great place for your littles to run around. Don’t miss the Diana Memorial Playground near Kensington Palace that features a pirate ship!
a quick recap of the best London hotels:
Best Hotels in London for First Timers: Nobu Portman Square is in a perfect location, St. Pancras London is near King’s Cross, and Claridge’s and Corinthia London are the most luxurious.
Best Hotels in London for Families: Nobu Portman Square is a great option in a central location, and Hilton Angel Islington and DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross are a bit removed from the chaos but close to the Underground.
Budget Hotels in London: The Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush is on the west side of the city, and although it’s less pedestrian-friendly, the hotel is sleek and modern. The Crowne Plaza Kings Cross by IHG is close to central London, and the Doubletree By Hilton Greenwich is another option, and the most budget-friendly if you’re willing to stay outside of Zone 1.

Where to Stay in London First Time on a Budget: Outside Central London
Pros of Staying outside Central London
If you’re looking for where to stay in London first time on a budget, I recommend these neighborhoods outside London: Islington or Angel, Greenwich, or Shepherd’s Bush. All these neighborhoods are an easy thirty to sixty-minute ride on the Tube because of their proximity to Underground stations, and are budget-friendly.
Cons of Staying outside Central London
It’s probably obvious, but the biggest downside to staying outside central London is the time it takes commuting into the central parts of the city. If you’re only spending 3 or 4 days in London and are on a budget, my first choice of where to stay would be Angel/Islington, as those neighborhoods are closer to King’s Cross and central London. Islington can be just a bus ride away, while Shepherd’s Bush will more likely be a Tube ride, and Greenwich even farther.

Best Places to Stay outside Central London
Hilton Angel Islington $$: Angel and Islington are two smaller neighborhoods that are budget and family-friendly. Upper Street is the main street that connects the two, where you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants. At the beginning of this street, not far from the hotel, you can pick up multiple bus routes and the Northern Line from Angel Station or Victoria Line from Highbury & Islington Station. The Victoria line is one of the best in the city, is always in service, and both the Northern and Victoria can get you easily to King’s Cross and into central London quickly.
Doubletree By Hilton Greenwich $-$$: Staying in Greenwich will be less expensive than staying in Angel, but it’s because you’ll be farther from central London. If I have friends or family coming in town who’ve been to London before, I always recommend an afternoon in Greenwich. One of the best things to do in Greenwich is to visit the Old Royal Naval College and its Painted Hall, which has been featured in countless Hollywood movies and TV shows. There’s also a beautiful park and observatory that offers some of the best views of London. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for where to stay in London first time, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying here, but it is an option.
The Hoxton Shepherd’s Bush $$: This beautiful hotel is a great option for where to stay in London first time on a budget. Although it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly area and feels more suburban, there is an Underground and Overground station that will take you anywhere in the city. It’s also not far from the beautiful Holland Park and Kensington Palace.

Best Things to Do outside Central London
Visit Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is one of my favorite places in London, or just outside London. Not only is this a great escape from the city, but they have multiple greenhouses to wander through, my favorite being the one that houses the giant lily pads! They also have cafes and restaurants on site and seasonal events.
Some of the greenhouses’ architecture reminds me of Paris; here are all the best things to do in Paris!
Stroll Hampstead Heath
If you’re only planning a 3 or 4 day itinerary in London, you might not have time to make it up to Hampstead Heath, but it’s again a lovely oasis from the city. The only downside to this area is that if it has been raining or wet in London, don’t wear white sneakers- it can be quite muddy!
The Beautiful Petersham Nurseries
This is such a hidden gem in London, and even though it’s a bit out of the city, it’s worth a visit. I don’t know why Alice in Wonderland pops into my head when I think of this place, but it is more than just a garden nursery. They have an on-site shop with the most beautiful pieces and plenty of plant pots to choose from. It also has a farm-to-table restaurant and is one of the best things to do outside London!
Take a Day Trip to Paris
Speaking of Paris, did you know you can take a day trip to Paris from London? The Eurostar will get you from London St. Pancras to Paris’ Gare de Nord in around two and a half hours. If you’re spending some time in London and looking for ideas for day trips, I highly recommend this! I’ve taken a day trip to Paris myself from London and loved it!

Stay near London’s Iconic Sights: Belgravia/Westminster
Pros of Staying in Belgravia/Westminster
Staying in Belgravia or Westminster your first time in London will place you at the epicenter of all the best things to do in London. If you’re only planning to spend a day or two in London, and all the iconic spots below are all you need to see when you visit, consider staying in this area.
Cons of Staying in Belgravia/Westminster
The biggest downside to staying in this area is that it is in the heart of the best things to see in London, so it’s quite expensive and can be difficult to find budget accommodations if you’re looking for that.
Best Places to Stay in Belgravia/Westminster
Corinthia London $$$-$$$$: This five-star luxury hotel is just a few minutes walk from Big Ben! They have an incredible spa with a lovely pool, an amphitheater, a sauna, and an ice fountain. You can also find some of the best Michelin-star dining and the most incredible rooftop dining area.
The Berkeley $$$-$$$$: The Berkeley is in the heart of Knightsbridge, just south of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. This area also borders St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace. It’s probably one of the only hotels in London that has a rooftop pool, so if you’re visiting during the summer, this may be the perfect spot for you!
citizenM London Victoria Station $$: Although citizenM is a chain hotel brand, I’ve stayed in a few and all their hotels are solid. Victoria Station is another great location if you’re looking for where to stay in London first time and want to be in West London or closer to a larger train station. This hotel is extremely budget-friendly and a perfect option if you want to stay in this area of London.
Best Things to Do in Belgravia/Westminster
The iconic Big Ben and Parliament
When visiting London for the first time, you can’t miss visiting Big Ben and Parliament. Here’s a complete 4 day London itinerary to get you started, and all the best things to see and do in London.
Ride the London Eye
Although it’s one of the most popular tourist activities in London, it can be quite expensive to ride the London Eye. If you are interested, make sure to book tickets online in advance.
Visit Buckingham Palace
You may not know Buckingham Palace isn’t open for visitors year-round, only between June and September. This is because this palace is still very much a working palace for the British royals, and it only allows visitors when they are away during the summer. They do offer a ‘Changing of the Guards’ ceremony year-round, and I highly recommend you plan to attend this when you’re visiting. You can read all about this ceremony in my London itinerary.
Wander into Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the best places to visit in London, but with so much history in this city, it gets overwhelming when visiting. I recommend researching their ‘Evensong’ masses and trying to attend one of those for your visit. You can read all about the history of the Abbey later!

Where to stay in London first time for Couples
The best place to stay in London for couples would be Marylebone or Mayfair, for the reasons I’ve mentioned above. One of the most unique hotels in London, perfect for couples, is the Mandrake Hotel. This property offers a child-free stay with a one-of-a-kind spa and a colorful club that offers activities into the night.
Where Not to Stay in London
Want a more cultural or colorful stay in London? Consider the foodie paradise and nightlife of Shoreditch or the vibrant and diverse Camden. Both these areas are quite hip, come alive at night, and have some of the best nightlife in London. The best hotels in these areas are citizenM Shoreditch and Holiday Inn Camden Lock by IHG. Keep in mind these areas aren’t as connected with the Underground, and I don’t recommend these areas for where to stay in London first time.
Chelsea is another suggestion on many lists of where to stay in London first time, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying here. The northern parts of Chelsea, which border Kensington and Knightsbridge, have a few wonderful options, and if you’re up for a neighborhood stroll, it’s a lovely area. Apart from that, there’s not much else to do as it’s mostly residential.
Southbank is another recommendation you’ll frequently see, but I believe it’s also an area not as well connected with the Underground, and it can be tricky to get in and out of central London. It’s the area just south of the Thames, and is close to Big Ben, Parliament, and the London Eye. The best hotels in Southbank are the Marriott Hotel County Hall and the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
What is the best way to get around in London?
The best way to get around London is on foot or the London transport system by Tube or bus. London has one of the best ‘Underground’ subway systems in the world, and the city is very well connected via multiple subway lines. Even traveling by taxi or Uber will usually take longer than taking the Tube, and during the day or in a very crowded place, it can sometimes be difficult to get an Uber or a Bolt through the mobile apps.
What are the different zones in London?
The London transportation system is divided into 9 zones to help calculate fare prices. Zone 1 is the most central area of London, where you’ll find most of London’s main attractions. Zone 9 is still in the greater London area since London is such a large city, and it expands into the suburbs, where you can find the Harry Potter Studios. It is most expensive to travel on any London transport in Zone 1, but there’s also a daily cap to help with this expense.
Do I need a car in London?
Wondering where to stay in London first time and if you need to rent a car? Do not rent a car when you’re in London. Parking is extremely difficult, and England is one of the few countries that drive on the left side of the road instead of the right side. I only recommend renting a car if you’re traveling outside London to take a day trip; otherwise, using London’s transport system via train, subway, or bus will be the best way to get around London.

Where to stay in London for 3 Days
If you’re looking to spend three days in London, here’s the perfect London itinerary for you!
Best mid-range hotels London
The Nobu Portman Square is one of the best hotels in London that offers luxury without the price tag. The Hilton Angel Islington and DoubleTree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross are a bit removed from the chaos of the city but close to the Underground, and great options for areas to stay if you’re looking for the best mid-range hotels in London.
The best budget hotels in London are The Hoxton in Shepherd’s Bush on the west side of the city. If you’re looking for where to stay in London first time and are on a tight budget, I would recommend Greenwich and the Doubletree By Hilton Greenwich. Keep in mind, this hotel is outside Zone 1 and will take longer to travel into the city.
What should I do in London for the first time?
If you’re looking for where to stay in London first time and wondering what to see, you have to visit Big Ben, Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. You also have to stroll through Regent or Hyde Park, and wander into an idyllic neighborhood near Marylebone, Mayfair, or Kensington. You should eat at a British pub, and there are also plenty of food markets in London that you could try. London is also famous for its West End shows, and they do change occasionally, so that could be a great option for you as well!
What I wish I knew before going to London?
A few things you should know before going to England and where to stay in London first time is that it’s expensive, so plan accordingly. Phone theft is a real concern in London, so come prepared with a device for your phone and always keep your phone and valuables well secured on your person.
Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:
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Ireland 3 Day Itinerary: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin and Kilkenny
Paris in Three Days Itinerary: The ONLY one you’ll need!
My Best Kept Secret on Provence Chateau Hotels
Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days: Make the most of your stay!
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