London Hotels

Cultural attractions in London: our top must-visit places

After taking your pick from our London hotel deals, you might be looking for tips on things do during your London hotel stay, here’s our guide to what to seek out in the city. If you’ve never been before, the city’s most popular cultural hotspot, The British Museum, is a must-visit, being an entire world tour under one roof. Its extensive collection showcases artefacts from all around the globe, covering thousands of years of history. If it’s something a bit more cutting-edge that you’re after try the Tate Modern on the South Bank. One of the world’s premier modern art museums, it has thousands of works on display, from famous masterpieces, to exciting new discoveries.

South Kensington’s “Albertopolis” has several of the city’s most renowned museums, all in one place, including the Natural History Museum and V&A Museum. While, just by Trafalgar Square, you’ll find The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery right next door to each other.

Shows & Concerts

London is a city with serious star power, as you’ll find big names and hot talent treading the boards. It’s well known as the home of the world’s longest running play – The Mousetrap, which has been playing continuously since 1952 – while Les Miserables, has been playing since 1985. Other hit shows include The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! The Book of Mormon and Wicked - check out our latest theatre deals. There are more than 30 major West End theatres to choose from, as well as innovative venues like the Barbican Centre, Young Vic and the National Theatre. The city’s fringe festival scene is also huge with shows taking place in pop-up venues and pub theatres. How about a gig? Whatever your taste in music, there’s a concert for you happening somewhere in town. Some of the most famous venues include The O2 Arena, Brixton Academy, Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Hammersmith Apollo, and the Southbank Centre. Clubbers are also well-catered for, with London nightspots including Fabric and Ministry of Sound.

Party and nightlife in London

There is literally no end of options for a night out in London; you can design it to exactly your wants and dreams. Soho and Covent Garden are home to all the theatres, so a classic London night out is a pre-theatre dinner, then catching a West End show, then on to drinks in one of these two areas. Soho is legendary for its nightlife.

As the former stomping ground of Amy Winehouse, it should come as no surprise that Camden is a popular city-centre night-out option too, especially for alternative music. Shoreditch is a more recent addition to the London nightlife scene, but this hipster favourite has plenty to offer in terms of bars, clubs and even an adult ball-pit bar. From Charing Cross (Heaven) to Farringdon (Fabric) to Elephant and Castle (Ministry of Sound) you can traverse London and find nightclubs in almost every corner. Newer districts for party lovers include Clapham, Peckham and Dalston.

Late-Night Activities in London

If drinking and clubbing aren’t your scene, that doesn’t mean you have to call it a night at 9 pm – London is an all-night city. If you’re looking for late-night eats, Chinatown is one of the top spots, still bustling after midnight. You could also book a late-night London walking tour or head to a late-night museum opening. Everywhere from the Soane’s Museum, the Barbican and the Royal Academy to the British Museum and Science Museum run late-night openings. You can even book a star-gazing night at the Greenwich Observatory.

The 10 must-sees of London for First-Timers

Experience the essence of London with these ten iconic attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich history, culture, and vibrant modern life.

• The London Eye: A giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city's skyline.

• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: Iconic landmarks symbolising the heart of British democracy.

• St Paul’s Cathedral: A masterpiece of English architecture with a stunning dome and interior.

• Tower Bridge & Tower of London: Historic sites combining medieval history with the iconic bridge over the Thames.

• Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard: Witness the pomp and ceremony at the Queen's residence.

• Hamleys Toy Shop: One of the world's largest toy stores, a wonderland for children and adults alike.

• Harrods Department Store: A luxurious shopping experience with an array of high-end goods.

• Greenwich Observatory: The home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian Line.

• Regent’s Park & St. James’ Park: Beautiful royal parks offering peaceful retreats in the heart of the city.

• Catch a West End Show: Experience the glamour and excitement of a world-class theatre production.

Museums and Cultural Heritage in London

Delve into London's rich tapestry of history, art, and science with these must-visit museums, each offering a unique perspective on the world and its cultural heritage.

• The Victoria & Albert Museum: A treasure trove of decorative arts and design.

• The British Museum: Home to a vast collection of world art and artefacts.

• Natural History Museum (& Geology Museum): Explore the wonders of the natural world and geology.

• Science Museum: A haven for those curious about science and technology.

• The Design Museum: Showcases contemporary design in various forms.

• London Transport Museum: Delve into the history of London's iconic transport system.

• The Postal Museum: Discover the intriguing history of British postal service.

• Sherlock Holmes Museum: Step into the world of the famous fictional detective.

• Charles Dickens Museum: Explore the life and work of the celebrated author.

• John Soane’s Museum: An eclectic collection of artworks and antiquities.

• Tate Modern & Tate Britain: Celebrate modern and British art in these renowned galleries.

• The Churchill War Rooms: Experience the historic wartime bunker and museum.

Best areas to stay in London

In this ever-changing city, a guide is always a ‘rough’ guide. All the central areas to stay in, including hotels in Soho and hotels in Covent Garden, offer something different, and exciting new venues pop up constantly. If you’re looking to shop ‘till you drop, visit the Christmas markets, catch a show in the West End, and see some key sights like St Paul’s, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster – central London is all easy to walk around and well-connected by bus and underground. Think: Soho, Covent Garden, Clerkenwell, and anywhere along the river to be in prime central territory.

Camden and the area behind King’s Cross, where you can find hotels near King's Cross, are also very well placed for the centre and visits to Regent’s Park. For the O2 Arena, the Greenwich Observatory, and the Cutty Sark, as well as chic Canary Wharf, you can stay in Greenwich or Canary Wharf or head further afield to elegant Blackheath and find budget accommodation in Deptford.

In the west, consider staying in hotels in Richmond, hotels in Twickenham, or hotels in Teddington for convenient access to Kew Gardens, Hampton Court Palace, Wimbledon, and Richmond Park. These areas not only offer beautiful natural and historical sites but also provide easy overground access to central London, making them ideal locations for both exploration and convenience.

Hotels near the popular attractions

In London, attractions are abundant, so once you've decided on your must-see destinations, you can begin your search for London hotels in the vicinity. Opting for hotels in Kensington or hotels in Chelsea places you in the heart of some of London's most popular museums, like the Natural History Museum, the V&A, and the Design Museum, as well as in the midst of classy shopping, dining, and drinking spots. These areas are not only perfect for visiting Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace but also provide easy access to the city centre for catching a show.

If it’s your first visit to London, you’ll likely want to see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s, and the London Eye – and a stroll along the Southbank and then over a famous bridge (perhaps Tower Bridge) is a must. To have all these iconic attractions at your fingertips, and for a stay that balances convenience with affordability, consider hotels in South Bank, as well as options in Lambeth and the recently trendy Battersea. These areas offer proximity to London’s key sights without the chic-central price tag.

Family hotels in London

Visiting London for the first time with kids need not be overwhelming. To figure out the best London hotels for you, pinpoint the attractions you intend to visit and then work out how much you’d like to travel. While tube (underground/metro) journeys are not expensive, they will add up, and it can get tiring for the kids zooming back and forth across the city.

Waterloo, Bankside, and Covent Garden are popular spots for staying with kids since they’re very central and tourist-friendly. Battersea is a great option for visiting the museums and parks in Kensington on a non-Kensington budget. You can also choose your hotel to be near a fabulous park for them. For example, Belsize Park is right between Hampstead Heath and London Zoo/Regent’s Park, and close to Camden without being as sardines-in-a-can crowded. Equally, Cambridge Heath, Bethnal Green and Bow are ideal for fabulous Victoria Park.

Where to find cheap hotels in London

Surprisingly, finding cheap hotels in London isn’t too tricky.

You can take the tactic of staying out of the city centre, but steps from a tube or overground station, so you can whizz into the city for sightseeing. North Acton, on the central line, is a great option for this, and you’ll often find rooms in the Holiday Inn Express for less than £100/night.

You could also opt for a hostel to keep costs down. At The Walrus Bar and Hostel, you’re literally opposite Big Ben and beds are often less than £40/night. If you want to be central and close to a train station, the hub by Premier Inn London King’s Cross Hotel is a budget option with compact, modern rooms, just steps from Granary Square.

Equally central – handy for Spitalfields, the Tower of London, The City and the docks areas – is Aldgate East. The area has become a hub of affordable overnight stays, including four-star Leman Locke that’s compact, picture perfect, and around £100/night.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

If you’re in the capital solo and looking for a safe and lively spot to rest your head that’s also super-central and with easy train access – try Granary Square and the area around St Pancras. Shoreditch is still very popular for nightlife with young people, and it leaves you steps from Spitalfields for some fantastic shopping and crunching.

In summer, make a beeline for Dalston or Cambridge Heath and feel like a local – you’ll be drowning in cool shops and bars without being swamped by skyscrapers, plus you’re steps from London Fields lido for a dip. One of the coolest, most recent openings in the area is Mama Shelter London – the decor is on point, the food is great, and the vibe is warm. Premier Inn London Hackney is the perfect budget option, or try the cool Kip Hotel in Hackney.

Dining Options in London

Indulge in the diverse culinary landscape of London, where you can savour flavours from all around the world. Whether you're looking for an upscale dining experience in Michelin-starred restaurants or prefer the classic British fare of fish and chips in a pub, London caters to every palate and budget. Some of London's hotels boast their own award-winning restaurants, such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the Mandarin Oriental, which has been voted one of the 50 best restaurants in the world.

Casual Eats and Street Food in London

For a more casual culinary adventure, London's street food scene is not to be missed. The famous Borough Market is a top destination for food lovers, offering a variety of fresh and delicious options. The city is dotted with cosy cafes and cool coffee shops, perfect for a relaxing break. For an authentic local experience, visit a traditional English pub, where you can enjoy both the food and the vibrant atmosphere.

Hotels with rooftop bars in London

We’ve got not one, but two stunning London hotels with rooftop bars for you. Treehouse Hotel couldn’t be more perfectly located in Soho, with easy access to Hamley’s and Liberty’s for shopping, Leicester Square and the National Gallery, and Chinatown for a fantastic dinner. It’s family-friendly and designed for the inner child in all of us, with a playful treehouse theme throughout. The rooftop bar – The Nest – is the cherry on the cake.

Hyatt Place London City East is in Aldgate, tucked between Spitalfields, The Tower of London and St Katherine’s Docks. Your view from the sleek hotel, and especially the rooftop bar, is over the glittering skyline featuring the Gherkin, The Shard and their glassy neighbours.

London hotels with gourmet restaurants

Impeccable Japanese style and irresistible Japanese cuisine landed in Shoreditch like a glass-and-steel spaceship in 2017. Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch is not only one of the hottest tickets on the hotel scene, it’s become the It Restaurant for foodies too. The building’s design is the epitome of industrial chic and the rooms are calming, minimalist and thoughtfully designed. Guests at Nobu Restaurant can sample exquisite Japanese cuisine, including sashimi, wagyu ribeye, soft shell crab and black cod miso. You can also dine in the bar, with cocktails as pretty as the food. It’s almost too good to eat.

Spa hotels in London

You can find numerous luxury and even celebrity spa hotels in London that would blow (almost) any budget. However, for a London spa stay that’s a little more affordable, look to the Hilton London Syon Park. It’s nestled in Syon Park in southwest London, close to the Thames and Kew Gardens – so you almost feel like you’ve escaped to the country. The rooms and suites are luxe, but not over-the-top, with a focus on great quality and enjoying the tranquil outside space. The spa features a large pool and jacuzzi, a couple’s lounge, nine treatment rooms and a steam room.

Exceptional hotels

London hotels don’t get much more iconic than The Ritz – the original home of glamour. Grandeur reigns at this chic address in St James’s, with its old-fashioned, maximalist decor, delightfully decadent furnishings and spacious suites. Dining at The Ritz – most especially afternoon tea – is breathtaking; a true movie-magic moment surrounded by stunning interiors. After 117 years of splendour and elegance, it’s no wonder that every detail is perfect, from the butler’s uniforms to the flower arrangements to the gold chandeliers and dainty chairs on the terrace.

Luxury Hotels in London

London is literally awash with luxury hotels. But we’ll talk about one with possibly the most luxurious address in the business – Corinthia. It’s so close to Horseguards, Buckingham Palace and Westminster, you can almost touch them. Inside too, no expense is spared, and the attention to detail is exceptional. Book a room with executive proportions, or go all out and commandeer the Royal Penthouse for a weekend, complete with personal butler, private wine collection and personal Thames-view terrace worthy of royalty. Of course, there’s an indulgent spa, velvet-clad Champagne bar and restaurant, plus a romantic garden restaurant in a sea of flowers.

Going shopping in London

The good news? With our deals on cheap hotels in London, you might find yourself with a bit of extra money. The bad news? London’s world-famous shopping means there are plenty of places to spend it. Whether you head to the luxury boutiques of Knightsbridge, or the independent cutting-edge designers of East London, you’ll be sure to find your style.

There’s no end of places to shop in London, and you’ll find something cool to buy in almost every district. Traditionally Oxford Street is the home of the high street, and neighbouring Regent Street is the place to head for designer goodies. Nowadays, both designer and high-street brands can be found in abundance at Westfield, Westfield Stratford and ICON Outlet at the O2, too. Camden Market (in the old stables near the canal) is a busy spot known for its quirky and alternative shops and goth-style fashion.

For very high-end and designer shopping, head to South Kensington or Knightsbridge (Brompton Road), which is home to London’s iconic luxury department store, Harrods and fashion-focused Harvey Nichols. Luxurious Beauchamp Place is the spot for some of London’s most extravagant luxury boutiques and bespoke tailors, while Mayfair is home to Fortnum & Mason and Saville Row (world-famous for its tailoring and suits).

Markets in London

• Spitalfields: A covered market with independent vendors selling food, produce, homeware and clothes.

• Borough Market: A covered market just south of the river selling British meats, cheeses and fresh produce, as well as artisan baked goods and sweet treats.

• Columbia Road Flower Market: A London institution open on Sundays. A whole street selling fresh and dried flowers, plus house plants and other goodies.

• Covent Garden: In a restored covered market building, Covent Garden’s Apple Market sells unique handmade crafts and goods. The East Colonnade Market is filled with handmade soaps, sweet treats and jewellery stalls.

• Portobello Market: A street market selling everything from baked goods and fresh fruit to records, vintage clothes and old cameras. Closed Sundays.

Where to buy holiday souvenirs

All of the major tourist spots sell souvenirs, and some of the best souvenirs can be found inside the London museums and galleries, or at cultural attractions like the Tower of London. You’ll find a plethora of souvenir shops around places like Piccadilly Circus, Soho, Waterloo and the South Bank, as well as Trafalgar Square and Chinatown.

Camden is also awash with stores and stalls selling fun and garish gifts. For unique and classy gifts to take home, try Hamleys, Harrods or Fortnum and Mason’s department stores – for gifts that are elegant and delicious.