Deciding on where to stay in London is that all-important but all-too-difficult question. To the innocent tourist, it’s an overwhelmingly expensive temptress. To the indecisive, it’s a minefield. That's where we here at Plum Guide are stepping in to help out. (We're awfully good at that). With our guide to the best place to stay in London for tourists and first time visitors, you'll be left feeling like a local in no time.
Lap up the luxury in Kensington
Red-brick facade of Harrods store and little street cafe in Kensington, London
You can’t really rival Kensington for luxury. Stars and the sophisticated (AKA, you) flock here, all with good reason. It's the perfect place for those looking to celebrate a special occasion, like a birthday in London. The homes here are quite something and the cafes and restaurants are first-class, too.
Get your culture fix at the V&A, which is a spectacle for the architecture alone. Browse (or buy) the designer wares in Harvey Nichols (before or after stopping for a glass of champagne at its Fifth Floor Bar). Then grab a table at one of the many cafes or restaurants on the high street to people-watch over a leisurely lunch.
In short, if culture, designer shopping, cafe-hopping and prestige white stucco-fronted houses are your thing, chances are a Plum home in Kensington will be perfect for you.
The Mighty Milborne, Plum Guide home in London
Live like a local in Bermondsey & London Bridge
Fresh vegetables on sale at Ted's Veg stall in Borough Market, London Bridge, London
As close to the throng of the city as you can get without being right in the middle, Bermondsey gives you the cool side of London but still with prime access to the big sights. You won’t see it in many guidebooks – it’s not widely known as the best place to stay in London for tourists – but it's a local favourite, and that's why we love it.
Bermondsey's neighbour, London Bridge, gives you transport links across the whole city, whilst the famous Borough Market or lesser-known (but equally delicious) Maltby Street Market will both leave you drooling for more. Maltby Street is a must at the weekend. It’s tucked away in the quieter lanes but comes alive with street traders tempting you with the aromas of world cuisine. It’s a tight street, and it gets busy, but it’s all part of its charm.
When staying in the area, you’ll also be close to London Bridge (shock), Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London, so you can get all those checked off your sightseeing list in one fell swoop. We also suggest strolling along the Thames to South Bank, where you can hop on the London Eye and see Big Ben in Westminster.
A Bermondsey Beauty, Plum Guide home in London
Prepare for a show in Covent Garden
People shopping and eating in Covent Garden during summertime, London
If you want all the excitement that London has to offer right on your doorstep, then look no further than Covent Garden – arguably the best place to stay in London for tourists. If you're planning a few theatre trips during your stay, then staying here means less time spent travelling and more time enjoying pre-show dinner and drinks. It's in the heart of the West End, with Soho, Holborn, and Oxford Street all within striking distance. You'll also be able to zip around on the Tube with ease here, thanks to great transport links.
Head to Seven Dials, where you’ll, unsurprisingly, find seven streets of boutique shops and cafes sprawling off the central roundabout. Spend an afternoon browsing independent homewares, jewellery and records. Then, pop into Seven Dials Market and choose from one of the many vendors selling tempting street food. And yes, the rumours are true, there's a conveyor belt of cheese there.
The Stage Door, Plum Guide home in London
Go green in Greenwich
London skyline and the National Maritime Museum as seen from Greenwich Park, London
Lush, green and buzzing with things to do, Greenwich is far enough to escape the hubbub of the city, but close enough to zip into the centre within twenty minutes with its choice of Tube and DLR stations. Don’t fancy getting public transport into the city? Hop on a Thames Clipper and arrive in style by boat. It also saves you from paying for a sightseeing tour down the Thames.
Greenwich is the best place to stay in London for tourists who like greenery, open spaces for walking and picnics, incredible views, and somewhere a bit quieter. Grab a coffee from the cafes in Greenwich Market and go for a morning stroll around Greenwich Park, one of our favourite parks in London. The wide, tree-lined incline is a favourite amongst dog walkers, cyclists and amblers alike. Make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with drop-dead gorgeous views across the city. Extra points if you can name the famous buildings from the skyline.
The Greenwich Getaway, Plum Guide home in London
Style it up in Shoreditch
Colourful street art on a building in Shoreditch, London
In Shoreditch you’ll find a mixture of raw buildings and curated quirk. There's exposed brickwork, converted storage containers and photo booths. It's home to vintage shopping, things that have been converted into other things and lots and lots of street art. The list of things to see and do really is endless, especially if you're after something a little different.
Head to Spitalfields Market where, at weekends, independent traders flock to tempt you with a variety of pretty things. Prices are decent, and you’ll lose yourself for an hour or two just browsing everything from books to vintage maps. It's also a great spot to grab a bite for lunch. Continue the shopping in the vast vintage market in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane – there are loads of signs so you won’t miss it. Be sure to take a look at what else is on at the brewery; it’s a big open space used for pop-ups and exhibitions, so it’s always alive with something new and delectably quirky.
Pitfield Penthouse, Plum Guide home in London
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And if your head’s still spinning over all these options of the best place to stay in London for tourists – from the most fun to the safest areas in the Big Smoke, just get in touch with our dedicated team of Plum Experts who will be on hand to help you find the perfect home in London.
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