Accommodation in London - Travel Guide
Where to stay in London
London is a big city that covers a lot of terrain. That's why location is so important when selecting your holiday apartments in London. First, you'll want to consider what's on your bucket list and narrow down to nearby neighbourhood, as otherwise you'll be spending half the day riding the tube hither and thither. London apartments in central neighbourhoods like edgy Soho, refined Marylebone and charming Covent Garden are close to the major sights and well connected with public transit. Each neighbourhood features its own architecture, shops and distinct scene. You don't need Sherlock Holmes to find the perfect neighbourhood to suit your fancy, just browse through our comprehensive Where to Stay in London guide. Instead of pricey hotel rooms, book London apartments for a more authentic experience in the British capital.
When to go to London
Although London has a reputation for being grey and dreary, you can rest assured knowing that life goes on in London rain or shine (though you'll want an umbrella handy). Just as you'll find buzzing coffee shops open through the night in the Soho district, there are highlights in store year round when you stay in holiday apartments in London with House Trip. Summer tends to be the peak of tourist season, when sunshine and pleasant weather draw crowds to streetside cafes, open air markets and London's countless parks. However, don't discount the daffodils, cherry blossoms and balmy days of spring, which usher in a number of local festivals like the Chelsea Flower Show. London cottages are also a wonderful choice in the autumn, when you can take in the city amongst a blaze of autumn foliage and enjoy Totally Thames, a city-wide celebration of London's beloved river. Book a holiday home in London during colder months, take advantage of rare winter treats like ice skating on the moat of the Tower of London.
Getting to and around London
Because the city serves as a global transit hub, London apartments are easy to reach. Heathrow and Gatwick airports service international flights, while Stansted and Luton handle regional and discount airlines. Every airport features rail and/or bus service into the city. London's extensive tube (underground) system is hands down the most cost-effective and efficient means of getting around the city. For convenience and to save a ton of money on fares, be sure to get an Oyster card, which stores pre-paid credit for the bus and tube and automatically gives you the lowest daily rate. When selecting a London apartment for your stay, remember that you'll appreciate having a holiday apartment in London that is close to a tube station.
Discover London
When it comes to things to do, London has a list a mile long. There are the iconic sights like Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Tower of London, but there's much more to the city than its landmarks.
For art and culture enthusiasts, a holiday apartment in London will put you in close proximity to some of the world's best museums, most of which offer free entry. The British Museum is one of the finest, featuring everything from the Rosetta Stone and mummies to the Sutton Hoo Ship burial. Art lovers will enjoy the Victoria & Albert Museum, whose British Galleries show British art from the 1500s to the early 20th century. The Tate Modern is the place to go for modern art in a dramatic, industrial setting. No stay in a London house or apartment is complete without taking in a show in the West End. A number of theatre venues showcase musicals, plays and other performances.
Though England is not exactly known for its haute cuisine, London has created a name for itself on the global culinary scene. The gastropub movement has taken root here, and many of the local pubs offer enticing and hearty dishes like Toad in the Hole, Shepherd's Pie, and Guinness Stew. If you're seeking exotic flavours, you won't be disappointed in London's array of international cuisine. From Spanish tapas to Korean barbecue and Tandoori chicken to authentic Italian, you'll find it just a few steps from your London apartment. Some of the trendiest cafes spring up in London with cutting edge ideas and bold, daring menus. Borough Market is a foodie's paradise, where vendors with exquisite produce and delicacies of all sorts can be found under the arches of the London Bridge. For an extensive list of the best places to eat, be sure to check out our London Food Guide as well as our Vegetarian Food Guide. No matter where you decide to stay, good food will be on hand near your holiday apartment in London.
London is one of the world's largest cities, yet it feels more like a patchwork quilt of villages and boroughs - each with its own unique flair. Soho has a gritty urban vibe with roots in its red light district, which still operates today. However, it's also home to some of the trendiest bars and art galleries. You'll also find Chinatown here. Choose Soho for a holiday apartment in London that's near the nightlife and hip areas. Covent garden is a charming central location with lots of great shopping, artsy culture and safe streets. The majority of the action centres around the Piazza, which is home to street performers and market vendors. Book a London cottage in Covent Garden to be close to designer and high street label shopping in a fun and creative neighbourhood. For an upscale locale and opulent setting, you can't go wrong with a holiday villa in London Mayfair neighbourhood. Regal buildings house exclusive restaurants and clubs, while Bond Street has every designer from Louis Vuitton to Chanel and Prada. Notting Hill is a quiet neighbourhood filled with antique shops and quaint cafes. For a better idea on the ideal location for your London rental, be sure to check out our detailed Where to Stay in London guide.
Since Roman times, the Thames River has served as the city's lifeblood. Though your London apartment may not have a direct view of it, be sure to stroll along the South Bank of the Thames for sweeping views of the city's skyline. You might also consider a boat tour to see the city from a completely new perspective.
