Where to stay in London first time you visit the city

Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Ioana

London was my second solo trip after Paris and I loved it. It has so many tourist attractions to be explored! But picking a convenient location is key to fully enjoy the city, especially for first time visitors. In this blog post I’ll share where to stay in London first time you visit so you can pick the prefect place for your travel style. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

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The Savoy

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (1,655 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Savoy is one of the best hotels in London. It is a luxury hotel located in Covent Garden, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in the city of London. The Royal Opera House and Trafalgar Square are a short walk away.

The Savoy’s rooms that are a blend of classic British decor with modern touches. Plush fabrics and elegant chandeliers create a timeless atmosphere, while the large windows bring in natural light. 

Each room is spacious, with some offering stunning views over the Thames or the bustling streets below.

Dining here is an experience in itself. The Savoy Grill serves up classic British dishes with a modern twist. For a sip, the American Bar, one of London’s oldest cocktail bars, offers a sophisticated menu of drinks. 

Both spots have a warm ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the main attractions. Don’t miss afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer! Afternoon tea is a British tradition with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and of course tea.

I went for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason and I loved the experience!

The Savoy offers some great activities for guests such as private river tours or exclusive theatre access at Covent Garden. You can enjoy a spa session in their tranquil wellness area, perfect for a bit of pampering. 

If you’re into fitness, the gym is equipped with the latest machines and personal trainers. Their concierge can also help craft custom walking tours that include hidden gems around the neighborhood.

If you want to go all out for your first visit to London, The Savoy is a great place to stay at.

The Dorchester

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.5/10 (342 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Dorchester is another iconic 5-star hotel that is located in Mayfair. It is close to Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and the Royal Academy of Arts.

So it’s a good option for first-time visitors because you’ll be close to some of the major attractions.

The rooms feel like stepping into a luxurious English country house with a modern-day twist. They’re elegant and use high-quality furniture and linens.

The Dorchester is known for its gourmet dining options, with Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester being a culinary highlight. The restaurant offers French cuisine that’s both innovative and comforting. 

Sidenote: Alain Ducasse is a famous French chef that also has a great restaurant in Paris at the Meurice hotel. It’s a 2 star Michelin restaurant across from the Tuileries Gardens. I splurged on a dinner here when I was in Paris and it did not disappoint. 

If you’re in the mood for a classic British afternoon tea, you can go to the Promenade inside the hotel. For drinks, the bar features an impressive selection of champagnes and creative cocktails, all served in a chic, intimate setting.

You can easily spend a day indulging here with spa treatments. The fitness center is spacious and well-lit for those who want to stay active. The hotel often hosts exclusive events, from fashion previews to art showcases, giving you a taste of Mayfair’s cultural vibe. 

The concierge service is top-notch and can book tickets for West End shows or arrange private tours of the nearby royal parks. They even partner with luxury car rentals if you’re in the mood to explore in style.

Hilton London Bankside

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.6/10 (2,025 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

I stayed at Hilton London Bankside when I visited London. I loved my experience here! The hotel is in a more quiet area in South Bank London, so it’s not noisy at night and you can sleep well.

The hotel staff was super nice and they checked me in before check in time since they already has a room available.

My room was very spacious and decorated in a modern style. I loved the vibe! The hotel had all the amenities you would expect from a luxury hotel under the Hilton umbrella.

I also picked this hotel because London’s Blackfriars train station was just a short walk away. I flew in and out of Gatwick (I highly recommend it over Heathrow since there are way less people at this airport!) and there is a train that connects Gatwick Aiport to Blackfriars. You’ll be in the city in under 40 minutes and you don’t have to deal with traffic.

The hotel is close to Tate Modern and Borough Market. And it’s a short Uber ride away from Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and Big Ben.

I booked the hotel using Hilton points, so that’s another advantage. If you have enough Hilton or credit card points, it’s a great way to redeem them since London does not have a lot of cheap hotels unfortunately.

Overall, I think this is a great place to stay and I recommend it.

The Langham

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.1/10 (764 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Langham is a 5-star hotel in Marylebone, close to Regent’s Park, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. This is the best location if you want to do some shopping since there are a lot of options around. And it’s also the best area for Christmas lights if you visit during the festive season. 

The Langham’s rooms feature a mix of traditional elegance and modern comfort. The furnishings are polished and classic, with marble bathrooms that include rainfall showers and luxury bath products. Extras like easy USB charging and plush robes make the stay all the more pleasant.

Make sure to spend some time at the hotel’s Palm Court, famed for its afternoon tea. Roux at The Landau offers a more formal dining experience with French and British dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients. 

The Artesian Bar is a lively spot where you can try innovative cocktails. There’s something here for every palate, and the service makes it feel like a special occasion every time.

The Langham offers a luxurious spa with treatments designed to refresh both body and soul. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring the city. The hotel often hosts cocktail-making classes and wine tastings, adding a fun interactive element to your stay.

Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the fully equipped gym and personal training sessions on request. 

Concierge services are on hand to arrange theatre tickets or a chauffeured city tour. But some of London’s best shops, parks, and attractions are in an easy walking distance.

The Hoxton

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.1/10 (1,418 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Hoxton is a trendy and more casual 4-star hotel, located in Shoreditch. If you have a lower budget or the idea of a posh British hotel does not appeal to you for a first trip to London, this could be a great option for you.

Hoxton’s rooms are cozy yet stylish, with modern decor. They include quirky artworks and also practical amenities like adjustable lighting and fast WiFi. Though the space is on the smaller side, it’s used such that the room feels airy and bright. 

The hotel’s restaurant focuses on British food with an international spin. The breakfast menu goes beyond the usual with fresh-baked pastries and delicious coffee to fuel your day. 

The lobby bar has a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy craft beers and creative cocktails, often accompanied by local live music or DJ sets. It’s a great spot to meet fellow travelers and locals alike without any fuss.

The Hoxton hosts regular events ranging from art show openings to casual music nights, giving you a slice of Shoreditch’s creative spirit. They offer bike rentals for exploring the neighborhood like a local. 

The front desk is happy to help set up vintage shopping tours or street art walks in the area. If you’re into socializing, this hotel’s public spaces feel like the hub of the neighborhood. Plus, it’s within easy reach of some of London’s coolest markets and galleries.

The CitizenM Tower of London

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.7/10 (9,058 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

CitizenM Tower of London is a 4-star hotel on Tower Hill. So if you stay here you’ll be very close to both the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. and you’ll have public transportation options nearby to explore the other areas of London.

CitizenM’s rooms are compact and they have a modern, minimalist feel. They include tech-savvy features like tablet controls for lighting and temperature. Bathrooms come with rain showers and eco-friendly toiletries. Despite their smaller size, the efficient layout keeps everything feeling comfortable and functional.

The Living Room serves food throughout the day with a menu that blends international comfort food and snacks. Their coffee and cocktails are popular, and the stylish bar area offers a casual social vibe. 

There’s a good mix of grab-and-go options and sit-down meals, making it convenient no matter your schedule. Expect minimal fuss but tasty options that fit the hotel’s trendy, urban style.

CitizenM offers 24-hour self-service check-in, a gym, and communal spaces for working or relaxing. They also host occasional pop-up events and art installations that capture the local culture. 

The staff excel at helping first-timers find their way around or book nearby activities. It’s a great choice if you want stylish simplicity close to the heart of the city.

The Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.2/10 (1,875 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

Perched in one of London’s tallest buildings, the Shangri-La offers breathtaking views through floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. The interiors are sleek and modern, with an Asian-inspired aesthetic. And the rooms are spacious and equipped with high-end technology.

The hotel’s restaurant, TĪNG, offers Asian-European fusion dishes with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and innovative flavors. The Drift Bar provides a relaxed space to sip cocktails while taking in sweeping views of the city skyline. 

Breakfast is a particular highlight, featuring a diverse buffet with plenty of healthy options and international favorites. The atmosphere across dining spots is chic but welcoming.

Guests can treat themselves at the spa with signature massages or visit the fitness center for workouts with a view. There are also yoga and meditation sessions available to help you unwind. 

Concierge services can arrange guided tours to local landmarks or exclusive access to art galleries. The hotel’s location by the river is ideal for scenic walks and exploring London Bridge’s vibrant neighborhood. Plus, being so high up gives you a new perspective on the city’s sprawling beauty.

The Corinthia Hotel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 9.4/10 (455 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

The Corinthia is a 5-star hotel with a great central location, right between Trafalgar Square and the River Thames. 

Corinthia’s rooms are thoughtfully designed to combine modern luxury with a calming atmosphere. In addition, large windows offer views overlooking the city or the hotel’s gardens. 

The hotel’s restaurants focus on dishes that balance traditional and innovative cooking. The Northall restaurant is known for British classics prepared with a fresh twist. The afternoon tea here is also great. 

The Bassoon Bar offers intimate seating and an impressive selection of cocktails and wines, perfect for an evening unwind.

You can relax at the award-winning ESPA Life spa, where you can enjoy massages, facials, and wellness rituals. The hotel also features a high-tech fitness center and offers personal training sessions. 

Concierge services can assist with private tours to landmarks like the Houses of Parliament or West End theatre tickets. Their partnerships include river cruises and helicopter rides for those looking to experience London from the air. 

W London Leicester Square

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ • 8.8/10 (525 reviews)
💲 Luxury • 👉 Check current prices here

If you’ve stayed at other W hotels, you know that they have a unique, colorful, bold style. The W London Leicester Square hotel has the same vibe. It’s perfect for travelers who like both energy and style. 

It is directly located in Leicester Square, so you are surrounded by all the West End theatres. The interior is bold and the atmosphere feels more like a lifestyle hub than a quiet hotel. 

If you enjoy nightlife and want your hotel to feel like part of the vacation buzz, then W London delivers.

FAQs about London

What should I visit in London?

You can read my detailed London guide here. If you’re short on time, here is a list of popular attractions you should visit while in London:

• Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• London Eye
• Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Trafalgar Square
• Shakespeare’s Globe
• Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park
• Museums and art galleries
• Piccadilly Circus
• ​Sky Garden
• Notting Hill

What should I eat in London?

Anything at Borough Market

Borough Market was one of my first stops in London. I love this market so much. It has so many food options and everything looked delicious.

I wish I had more time in London to try all the food stalls. The market gets super busy with a mix of locals and tourists.

Expect to wait in line at least 5-10 minutes to get your favorite foods. I tried 3 things: donuts, mince pie, and a cheese toastie.

The donuts from Bread Ahead were so delicious. I loved that they were not too big, had a lot of filling, and the filling wasn’t too sweet. Bread Ahead has a lot of donut flavors to choose from. You can also get other pastries while you’re there.

Since I visited late November, I had to try the famous mince pie. I got it at Bread Ahead as well. It wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t a huge fan either.

It’s pretty sweet. It reminded me of a date cookie. You should definitely try it at least once.

The cheese toastie from Kappacasein was so good. It’s the British version of grilled cheese, but it’s made with local cheese, fresh bread, and onions. Absolutely delicious!

Afternoon tea

Going to afternoon tea is a must when you visit London. It’s guaranteed to make you feel posh. Pinkies up!

Afternoon tea tends to be pretty expensive, but it’s worth the experience. Besides unlimited delicious tea, you will get a lot of finger foods, scones with clotted cream and jam, and little cakes. 

This experience also gets sold out in a lot of popular places. I was lucky to score a reservation at Fortnum & Mason’s Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.

Fortnum & Mason is an iconic department store in London, so after enjoying my tea I also browsed the store. I loved my experience here, I highly recommend the spot.

Wild Honey St James

This is a one Michelin star restaurant inside the Sofitel Hotel, very close to Piccadilly Circus. The good news is that they have a pre-theater menu that’s affordable.

It’s a three-course menu and the food quality is top notch. If you want to experience a Michelin meal without breaking the bank this is a great spot for that.

Circolo Popolare

This one is a fantastic Italian restaurant in Soho. I found out about it from Chrissy Teigen’s Instagram post and it did not disappoint. Try their carbonara pasta. It’s delicious.

It’s a very popular restaurant and I didn’t have a reservation, so I went there as soon as they opened. They were able to squeeze me in.

Perks of traveling solo! It’s always easier to get a table when it’s a party of one.

Is London safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, I felt safe in London. There were less tourists than during the summer months since I visited in the fall. I didn’t see any pickpockets and nobody tried to scam me on the street.

Of course, as always when you travel solo, do your research ahead of your visit and be on high alert, especially if you visit during peak season. 

How to get cell phone data when visiting from abroad?

The cheapest and most convenient way to get data while visiting from abroad is to buy an eSIM.

An eSIM is a digital SIM that lets you activate a data plan from a provider without having to use a physical SIM card. They are super easy to use.

I use Airalo. You can go to their website, select the country you’re traveling to, select how many GB of data you want, and how many days you want the eSIM to be active for.

After you pay you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to activate the eSIM.

You can activate it on your phone and the process takes under 1 minute. Once the eSIM is activated you don’t have to do anything else. When you’re at your destination you will automatically get data.

What is the best time for a London trip?

I visited in late November and it was great. The weather was not too cold and I even got a day of sunshine. Plus, all the Christmas decorations were up, so London was even prettier than usual. 

I tend to avoid Europe summer travel because it gets so hot and there are so many tourists everywhere that it takes away from the experience for me.

I’d rather wait a few months and go in the fall so I can properly enjoy the destinations I’m visiting. 

Do I need to book tickets for attractions in advance?

I highly recommend you book all the tickets online in advance of your trip. I took this last minute trip to London and I did miss out on certain attractions because I didn’t book tickets in advance.

If you visit during the peak summer months it’s a must to book in advance.

Do I need cash?

I didn’t use cash at all when I visited, I paid for everything with a credit card.

But it’s always recommended to carry some cash with you so you can tip tour guides or buy souvenirs or something else from small mom-and-pop shops who don’t accept credit cards.

Pro tip: always get cash from an ATM in the airport instead of going to an exchange place. Your bank will always have better exchange rates when taking out cash in a foreign currency from an ATM.

How many days do I need in London?

I spent 2 days in London and while I was able to see many attractions, it wasn’t enough. If you want to get a feel for London and explore some hidden gems as well, I recommend you stay for a week.

How can I get to the city center from the airport?

I flew into Gatwick, not Heathrow airport. I highly recommend you avoid Heathrow if you can since it’s so crowded. Since I landed at Gatwick in the morning, I was out of the airport in 10 minutes. 

From Gatwick you can take the Thameslink train that will take you to London Blackfriars station in central London in 35 minutes.

If you have a lot of luggage and don’t want to deal with public transportation you can take an Uber. Alternatively you can also schedule a private transfer.

How can I get around London?

You can walk a lot, London is a very walkable city. If you need to travel longer distances within the city you can take the tube. If you don’t like public transit you can always take an iconic black cab or an uber.

Do I have to tip in London?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged. I usually leave 1-2 pounds as tip when I eat out. They highly appreciate it when you do this.

Do you recommend London as a solo destination?

Yes, I highly recommend London as a destination for solo female travelers. I think it’s a even a great place for a first solo trip since they speak English, there are lots of things to do, and it’s pretty safe.

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