London is a huge and inspiring city, and its many wonderful sights and attractions are spread fairly evenly across its borders. Unlike other capital cities, there is no ‘main’ part of London where tourists should stay if they want to see all that the city has to offer. But there are some key, and well known, central districts that would make a great base for your explorations.

Whether you choose a hotel room or to create a home away from home with a vacation rental service in Central London, we’ve got the inside track on where you should be resting your head.

Here are some of the best hostels in London and places  to stay when you visit London, depending on the focus of your trip:

 

Best for Nightlife

If you’re looking to put your dancing shoes on, let loose, and enjoy a night on the town then there is no better place to be than Soho. This part of the city is well-known for its party atmosphere, and is home to a huge wealth of cocktail bars, night clubs,  traditional English pubs and some stand up comedy club in London. Soho also has a well-established gay nightlife scene.

The noise, and hustle and bustle, means that staying in the very heart of Soho might not be the best idea (unless you don’t need quiet to sleep!) but you will find a selection of great places to stay on the outside of the district, meaning that you won’t need to worry about booking a taxi or jumping on a night bus after your big night out.

 

Best for Traditional Sightseeing

If you’ve never been to London before and you’re visiting the city to see the most famous and traditional sights, such as the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament of Buckingham Palace then the South Bank is the ideal place to stay. This riverside location Is home to the Shard, the Tate Modern and the London Eye. It is also just across Westminster bridge, meaning your only a short walk away from the Houses of Parliament; the views of this from across the river are spectacular. You’ll find an abundance of hotels and private lets in this part of the city, meaning that you’ll be spoilt for choice when finding the perfect destination for you.

 

Best for Shopping

London is famed as one of the world’s finest shopping destinations. From high end designer goods, hug and famous department stores (such as Harrods and Selfridges) and the more budget-friendly options offered by the Great British high street, if it’s retail therapy that you want then Covent Garden is the perfect place to be. Convent Garden is a shopper’s paradise, offering a huge Disney store for big kids and flagship outlets from big brands such as Cath Kidston and Micheal Kors. You’ll also find plenty of smaller boutiques alongside high street favourites. What’s more, Covent Garden is only a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, arguably one of London’s most famous shopping districts, meaning that you can shop two locations at once, and still not have far to carry those shopping bags home at the end of the day!

 

Best for Living Like a Local

Want to visit London and experience the city like a local? Then Camden is the ideal destination. Gritty, urban, lively and fun, Camden has long been considered to be the most important place in London’s emerging music scene, whilst retaining its down to earth working-class attitude. Visitors love Camden’s famous market, where you can see Goths shopping alongside Hipsters, and you’ll also find plenty of funky restaurants and bars where you can unwind after a long day of sightseeing and exploration.

 

Best for Travelling on Foot

Don’t like the idea of having to travel on the underground? Then you’ll need a neighbourhood that is fairly centrally located and that offers plenty to see and do nearby. Why not try Leicester Square? Home to a host of restaurants, bars, and theatres, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy in the evenings, whilst you’re only a short walk away from Regent’s street and the high-end shopping that it offers. In terms of more traditional entertainment, the National Portrait gallery is situated in Leicester Square and it’s an easy 15-minute walk to Westminster Abbey, Parliament Square, or Buckingham Palace. Everything in reach without having to set foot on London’s notorious public transport system at all!