Best Non-Touristy Places to Stay in London (2026) – A Local’s Guide

They say London isn’t a city – it’s a hundred little villages, all stitched together. Since moving here in 2019, that patchwork has kept my love for the city alive: the fact you can walk in any direction and stumble across a neighbourhood that feels like a world of its own.

But most tourists – and most travel guides – barely scratch the surface of what makes this city so unique. 

Sure, there’s something to be said for staying in Soho, or close to Southbank. Especially if you’re a first time visitor. But if you want to discover the real London, the London that locals know and love, the London where people actually live, shop, eat and drink, you need to stay elsewhere. 

This guide shares some of the best alternative areas to stay, drawn from years of first-hand experience living and travelling across the city. They’re all well-connected, but outside the tourist core – so you can enjoy London at its most authentic.

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Who is this blog for? 

This blog is for travellers who want to experience a more local, real version of London. Maybe it’s not your first time in London, and you want to see a different side to it. Or maybe you just love exploring different areas, getting off the beaten track and want to see more of London’s many different faces.

All of the areas mentioned in this blog have local-feels, their own characters and vibes. I’ve also made sure they’re all accessible – you can easily get into central London from each (though this blog isn’t for you if you want to stay a two minute walk from Covent Garden…)

Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for a calm, quiet base, or a foodie or culture-lover looking for hidden gems, this blog is for you.

Why stay in a non-touristy area of  London?

Central London is great. Soho, the West End and South Kensington are filled with iconic attractions. But hardly anyone actually lives there. It’s all geared towards tourists – and this means expensive, often soulless food and pubs, and very, very busy.

Staying in a less-touristy area is worth it because:

• It has more character. Historic pubs that Londoners actually go to. Weekend markets. Quiet (ish- this is still London) streets lined with trees. Real, local neighbourhood charm and character.
• It can be better value. Let’s be honest, good quality accommodation is expensive in London. Wherever you are. But your money will go further when you step out of Zone 1.
• It’s where the best food and culture is. Yes, central London has some amazing restaurants – but you really have to break the bank for most of them. And many of the more touristy areas are more miss than hit. Outside of central London you have the real foodie hotspots: Caribbean food in Brixton; the curry in Tooting; the local, family-owned restaurants all over the city. You’ll also find the best music venues and pubs.
• For quiet. Get away from the crowds of central London, and stay in a quieter, leafy area like Hampstead or Wimbledon.

Without further ado, here’s my guide to the best non-touristy areas to stay outside of London. To help you navigate, I’ve split it into four sections:

• Leafy & elegant escapes: The best places to stay in London for a relaxing, quiet base away from the chaos of central London, but still a short trip into town. These areas are best for families, slow paced travellers, or anyone who wants a peaceful or classy base.
• Central but local: These are the best London neighbourhoods for travellers who want to stay somewhere central, but authentic. The best of both worlds: easy access with local character.
• Creative, indie and alternative: These are the best neighbourhoods if you want to dive into London’s indie, creative, and alternative scenes — think vintage markets, canalside bars, street food, street art, and a strong community buzz. 
• Culture & buzz: Looking for energy, culture, and lots to do? These neighbourhoods are packed with music, markets, and museums – but with a distinctly local feel.

The best non-touristy neighbourhoods to stay in London – a summary

Neighbourhood	Vibe	Best for…	What’s there?	Transport
Brixton	Buzzy, multicultural and very lively	Foodies, nightlife, London’s diversity	Markets, live music, excellent food.	Victoria line – 15 mins to central
Stoke Newington	Indie, relaxed and a little bougie	Couples, solo travellers	Church Street, Clissold Park, indie shops and cafes	Overground (Mildmay line)
Clapham	Lively, full of young people & bars	Young travellers, party vibes	Bars, clubs, brunch spots, Clapham Common	Northern Line – 15 mins to central
Islington	Classy, elegant and fun	Fine-diners, romantic stays, central	Upper Street shopping, canal walks, restaurants	Northern Line – 10 mins to central
Highbury	Leafy, quiet village feel	Peaceful stays, football fans	Highbury Fields, Arsenal Stadium, cafes and pubs	Piccadilly Line – 10 mins to central
Hampstead	Leafy, classy, villagey	Families, slow-paced travellers	Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House, historic pubs	Northern Line – 25 mins to central
Wimbledon	Peaceful suburbia with green space	Longer stays, calm retreats	Wimbledon Village, Common, Tennis Museum	Train, District Line
Greenwich	Historic, vibrant riverside area	Culture and history lovers	Royal Museums, Observatory, Cutty Sark, boat rides	DLR, Jubilee Line, Riverboat
Peckham	Gritty, creative, urban-cool	Foodies, creatives, alternative London	Peckham Levels, Rye Lane, rooftop bars	Overground, bus links
Walthamstow	Creative, suburban with strong community	Budget travellers, families, creatives	Walthamstow Village, William Morris Gallery, craft beer	Victoria Line – 20 mins to central
Hackney	Creative, gritty, vibrant	Nightlife, foodies, cool crowd	Broadway Market, Regent’s Canal, Rio Cinema	Overground & rail links
Richmond	Leafy, peaceful, very upmarket	Couples, nature-lovers, luxury stays	Richmond Park, Thames Path, boutique hotels	District Line & Overground
Bermondsey	Local, craft beer in train arches, central-ish	Short stays, beer lovers	Maltby Street Market, Beer Mile, riverside pubs	Jubilee Line – 5 mins to central

The best ‘central but local’ neighbourhoods to stay in London

Islington

Best neighbourhood for: excellent restaurants, stylish boutiques, a classy buzz and a central location without the tourists

Why stay in Islington

One of the more central areas on this list, Islington really couldn’t be better connected. A few minutes on the tube and you can be just about anywhere in central London. 

Stretching up from Angel Tube Station up to Highbury & Islington Station, it’s a real hub for restaurants, with some of the best food in the city. Add to this the beautiful stretch of canal, one of London’s prettiest streets in Camden Passage, and gorgeous historic pubs, and you have one of London’s best neighbourhoods to stay.

But despite all this, somehow, the area is missed by many tourists. If you want to stay somewhere well-connected and central, and you want somewhere with a bit of buzz, excellent shopping and restaurants, you can’t beat Islington.

Time into London: Two minutes on the tube to Kings Cross.
To Leicester Square: about 10-15 minutes – tube to Kings Cross and change.

What to do in Islington/Angel

• Walk the canal or go to London Canal Museum
• Peruse the classy boutiques along Upper Street
• Stroll one of London’s prettiest streets – Camden Passage
• Visit the area’s excellent pubs and restaurants

Where to eat in Islington

• Afghan Kitchen – a cosy intimate restaurant with a small menu. One of the best value restaurants in London.
• Little Georgia – For something a little different – delicious Georgian Food (don’t miss the cheese filled bread Khachapuri!) and wines
• Ottolenghi Islington – the famous chef’s most informal restaurant, for excellent food at reasonable prices. 

And a few favourite pubs:

• Old Red Lion Pub – historic pub with a theatre upstairs
• Brewhouse & Kitchen – spacious craft beer pub and microbrewery
• Plaquemine Lock – cosy pub on the canal with live music

Where to stay in Islington

Budget hotels in Islington (Up to £100 a night):

Islington is a very desirable area, and there’s only one place I’d recommend if you’re on a tight budget:

• Prime Backpackers hostel – a good quality budget stay in an excellent location close to Angel station – a very rare thing! Beds in a dorm from around £40 a night, and private rooms available. Book now.

Budget accommodation in London – especially self-service apartments – can often be poor quality, so if you do decide to go for a different option in the area, make sure you read the reviews carefully.

If you’d like to stay nearby, there are many better budget options around King’s Cross – about a 15 minute walk from Angel. Clink Hostel is probably the best option – book here.

Mid-range accommodation in Islington (£100-200)

For those with a bit more budget, there are lots of excellent hotels and apartments around Angel and Islington.

The best mid-range hotels are:

• nhow hotel – A really excellent hotel – stylish and comfortable, and great value for the price. Book here.
• Premier Inn Angel – a 3* hotel chain, close to Angel Station. I’m a big fan of Premier Inn for how it combines affordability with quality! Book here.
• The Alma – Rooms above a lively pub in an old Victorian building. Excellent location, next to Chapel Market. Book here

For a self-service apartment, you could go for these Victorian rooms close to Angel Station.

Upscale & luxury stays in Islington (£200+)

• Hilton London Angel Islington – A 4* modern hotel chain, at the upper-end of mid-range! Book here
• Citadines Apart’hotel Islington – Choose here for a self-service stay –  it’s an upmarket apartment hotel with stylish rooms. It couldn’t be in a better location, just off Upper Street. Book here.
• Go for a penthouse or luxury room in the aforementioned nhow hotel – book here
• For a truly classy and historic stay, go for this Victorian townhouse – again, the location couldn’t be better.

Explore more places to stay in Islington.

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Highbury

Villagey chic and football heritage, a stone’s throw from central London.

Why Highbury is a great place to stay

Quiet streets filled with historic, beautiful buildings, Highbury really feels like a village within a city. Along the main drag of Blackstock Road (which slowly turns into the much more boisterous neighbourhood Finsbury Park) are countless options for excellent food, coffee and beer.

The only downside (or not, if you’re a football fan!) is that the area – usually a calm oasis, filled with trendy young professionals sipping cappuccinos and people walking their dogs – gets extremely busy when Arsenal F.C. are at home. 

Time into central London: 7 minutes on the tube from Arsenal station to Kings Cross. 13 minutes on the tube from Arsenal station to Leicester Square.

Things to do in Highbury

• Head to the green oasis of Highbury Fields, surrounded by Georgian and Victorian town houses.
• Go on a tour of Arsenal stadium (or go to a game) – book here
• Go ten-pin bowling at Finsbury Park’s retro bowling alley, family-favourite Rowan’s
• Walk into Islington and shop along Upper Street

Where to eat in Highbury

It’s only small, but Highbury packs a punch with restaurants and pubs. Two of the best places to eat are:

• Farang – award winning Thai food
• Little Sardegna – Authentic & homely Sardinian restaurant

And for pubs:

• Bank of Friendship – super cosy, excellent beer – one of my favourite spots in London
• The Woodbine – a nice Irish pub that serves Thai food
• The Gunners – a must for Arsenal fans

Where to stay in Highbury

Highbury is a residential neighbourhood – so your best bet if you want to stay here is to find a self-service apartment. There are some good options, including:

• This two-bed apartment close to the Emirates – about £250 a night
• This ‘cosy’ (read: small) apartment – well located on a quiet, pretty residential street – £100-150 a night
• A number of rooms and apartments on Air BnB – such as this one

There is one hotel in Highbury itself – on Blackstock Road, in between Highbury and Finsbury Park – the Finsbury Guesthouse. It’s well-rated and has rooms to suit different budgets, and I’d definitely recommend staying here because of its location! Book here.

For more options (including bigger hotels + cheaper accommodation) consider Finsbury Park. Just a short walk from Highbury (the two neighbourhoods bleed into each other) it has a lot of accommodation.

But note – while Finsbury Park is just a short walk (maybe 5-10 mins) from Highbury, it’s very different, much busier, and a bit rough around the edges. That said, it’s in quick reach of both Highbury and Central London, and an affordable place to stay.

The best hotels in Finsbury Park are:

• The Maldron – a modern, affordable and very comfortable option ideally located for quick travel into Central London. Book here
• The Queen’s Hotel – an affordable 3* hotel in a historic building. Book here.
• The Best Western – another affordable 3* hotel, about 10 minutes from Finsbury Park tube. Book here

There is also some good value self-service accommodation in Finsbury Park – such as Argyle Apartments and Finsbury Park Studios.

Find more places to stay in Highbury.

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Bermondsey

Stay here for great food, riverside walks and craft beer – minutes from central London

Why Bermondsey is a great place to stay

Bermondsey is one of those rarest of things. It’s walking distance to central London, but it’s remarkably untouristy – many areas feel very local, and there’s even spots of peace and quiet.

It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the action, but still feel like you’re in an area where people actually live. Among Londoners, it’s known for the famous “Bermondsey Beer Mile”, a series of small craft beer bars buried in railway arches, as well as the ever popular Maltby Street Market.

Time into central London: 10-20 minute walk to London Bridge (close to Borough Market etc). From there, you can take a South Eastern train for 8 minutes to Charing Cross – close to Leicester Square. Also a short (10-20 minutes) walk to Tower Bridge.

Note: When I say Bermondsey, I’m talking about the area close to Bermondsey St and Maltby St, where there are a number of hotels. This is slightly different to the area around Bermondsey Station, which I’d avoid staying at. See my map here if you’re unsure. 

Things to do in Bermondsey

• Maltby Street Market: popular street food market among the railway arches
• Bermondsey Beer Mile – a series of small bars and micro breweries. Read the unofficial guide here.
• White Cube Art Gallery – leading contemporary art gallery
• Visit the Fashion and Textile Museum
• Walk along the riverside

Where to eat in/near Bermondsey

• José – Spanish food
• Mayflower Pub – a very historic pub (Rotherhithe)
• Kin + Deum (Thai)

Where to stay near Bermondsey

The nicest area to stay in Bermondsey is close to Bermondsey Street – there are hotels along Tower Bridge Road. This is an excellent place to stay – with that local feel, but a short walk to London Bridge. Avoid the area around Bermondsey station itself.

Budget accommodation in Bermondsey:

Cheap, good quality accommodation is hard to come by in this part of London. The best option is Travelodge Bermondsey – a simple 3* hotel chain with comfortable rooms. Book here.

Mid range hotels in Bermondsey (£150-250):

• Premier Inn: A 3* hotel chain with good value, comfortable rooms. Well-located just off the lovely Bermondsey St, and a short walk to Tower Bridge and central London. Book here.
• The Bermondsey Square: A stylish 4* hotel with comfortable rooms, and views of the Shard. Book here

Upmarket & luxury stays in Bermondsey (£250+):

• The Dixon: A Grade II-listed, historic 4* hotel. Excellent for a romantic or historic stay. Rooms start at around £250 a night, with luxury rooms also available. Book your stay now
• Bermonds Locke: Stylish apartments in an ideal location – starting at £250 a night. Book here
• Residence Inn by Marriott London: Stylish self-service apartments – book here.
• The LaLit London: A boutique hotel in a beautifully restored former grammar school, close to Tower Bridge and the Thames. A real hidden gem for anyone after character, history and comfort. If you’re lucky, you can get good value too! Book here

Find more places to stay in Bermondsey.

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The best London neighbourhoods for a leafy & elegant escape 

Hampstead

Best neighbourhood for history lovers, old-school British elegance, quiet leafy streets, and London’s best park.

Why stay in Hampstead?

For centuries, Hampstead has been home to the rich and famous. More Prime Ministers have lived here than anywhere else in the UK, and it has counted among its (many, many) notable residents George Orwell, Agatha Christie, Ricky Gervais and Harry Styles. To name a few.

There’s a reason Hampstead attracts all these people: it’s beautiful. Leafy and ancient, it feels like an untouched village – and you can still get into central London in just 15 minutes.

It’s definitely not for anyone after an affordable stay in London. But if you want a bit of old-school British elegance in one of London’s most desirable and historic areas, you can’t beat Hampstead. It’s also home to (in my opinion) London’s greatest park – Hampstead Heath.

Time into London: 14 minutes on the Northern Line from Hampstead to Leicester Square

Things to do in Hampstead

• Visit Hampstead Heath – walk to Parliament Hill for the best views.
• Head to the historic Kenwood House
• Highgate Woods is another excellent place to visit for walks.
• A bit more of a walk is Highgate cemetery, one of London’s most historic cemeteries, and where Karl Marx is buried.

Where to eat in Hampstead

• Duke of Hamilton – a historic pub with food & good Sunday Roasts
• Jin Kichi – popular Japanese & sushi restaurant
• 28 Church Row – snug tapas & wine bar

Where to stay in Hampstead

In Hampstead itself, there are a few options – mainly small boutique hotels or rooms in pubs. For larger hotels, there are more options in the neighbouring Belsize Park and Finchley Road – still a short walk from Hampstead itself.

Best budget and affordable places to stay in Hampstead:

Hampstead, as you might imagine, isn’t the best place for budget accommodation. The best option is Pax Lodge – a lovely hostel in a quiet oasis close to Hampstead town, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides & Girl Scouts. Private rooms from £70. Book here.

Mid-range hotels in Hampstead:

Pick of the bunch is La Gaffe Bed and Breakfast – a family run B&B in an 18th century cottage, in a gorgeous location close to Hampstead Heath. Rooms are about £150. You can book here.

A few other options for mid-range accommodation in and around Hampstead:

• King’s Boutique Hotel – A well located option, above a pub in an old area – though the rooms are small. Book here.
• Quality Hotel Hampstead – a 3* hotel, affordable for the area. (It’s on Finchley Road, which has a number of shops and restaurants, and is a 10 minute walk from historic Hampstead). Book here.
• Premier Inn Hampstead – a 3* hotel chain with comfortable rooms. Again it’s a 10 minute walk to historic Hampstead, and also close to Belsize Park – another lovely neighbourhood. Book here.

Upmarket & quality accommodation in Hampstead

For those with more of a budget and after a bit of luxury, go for Oak & Poppy: Beautiful, spacious and bright apartment-hotels in a stunning building and super location. There’s also a restaurant downstairs. Book your stay here

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Richmond

Stay here if you want scenic strolls, deer-dotted parks, and riverside pubs. Perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers.

Why stay in Richmond

Few places in London are as picture-perfect as Richmond upon Thames. It feels like London’s countryside escape, with the bonus of a Tube station. Leafy, peaceful, and very upmarket, with huge green spaces and a gorgeous historic centre. 

As well as being on the District Line, meaning you can easily get into central, Richmond is a great base for the various nearby attractions including Kew Gardens and Hampton Court, and has beautiful riverside walks.

It’s a great place to stay, especially for families and couples (there’s surely no better base for a romantic weekend away!), or anyone who fancies a slow paced break, walking among the deers and strolling along the riverfront.

Best of all, because it’s a bit further out, there’s real value for your money here – some truly historic, beautiful hotels at a decent price point.

Time into Central London: 25 minutes to South Kensington for museums. 40 minutes to Leicester Square (District Line and then Piccadilly)

Things to do in Richmond

• Walk or picnic in sprawling Richmond Park and look for the free roaming deer
• Stroll along the Thames Path & hop between riverside pubs
• Take a riverboat to Hampton Court
• Hop between its riverside pubs
• Head along to nearby Kew Gardens (read my Kew Gardens guide here)

Where to eat in Richmond

• Riverside pubs like Stein’s Richmond (Bavarian food and beer) or White Cross (classic British pub)
• Bacco Restaurant – family-run Italian, a favourite among locals
• Chez Lindsay – a waterside rustic French bistro

Where to stay in Richmond

There are some lovely boutique hotels and B&Bs in Richmond, especially near the river. They sway more towards the upmarket end, but if you know where to look, you can also find an affordable stay in elegant Richmond.

Budget hotels in Richmond (less than £100)

• Travelodge Richmond – a nationwide budget hotel chain, rooms from about £45 – making this your best bet for a budget stay in beautiful Richmond. Book here
• Shandon Hotel – An affordable 2* hotel, very close to the train station and town centre. Book here

Mid-range hotels in Richmond (£100-200)

Richmond has some excellent mid-range hotels – the best options are:

• NOX Richmond – a comfortable 3* aparthotel with stylish, modern rooms, seconds from the Thames. Rooms around £100 a night. Book here
• The Red Cow- a cute guesthouse above a pub, around £150 a night. Book here
• The Selwyn Hotel – boutique 4* hotel in a historic building – great value for money for the quality. Book on Booking.com
• Richmond Hill Hotel – Another upmarket hotel in a historic building at a great price point – prices range from around £115-230. Book here.

The Orange Tree – rooms in a popular pub, right in Richmond Town Centre and close to the station. Book now

Upmarket & luxury hotels in Richmond (£200+ a night)

As you’d expect, there are some luxurious places to stay in Richmond, in historic town houses overlooking the river. There’s also real value here, with some truly beautiful hotels – such as the Bingham – for the price you’d pay for a 3* chain in central, if you’re lucky.

• The Bingham Riverhouse – A boutique luxury hotel right on the Thames in a historic Georgian building & with an award winning restaurant. Also has a spa and wellness centre. An excellent choice for a romantic trip. Rooms from around £200-250 a night. Book here
• The Petersham – An elegant 4* hotel (seriously, the building is stunning!) overlooking the Thames. Book here.
• Harbour Hotel & Spa Richmond – Another lovely 4* hotel in a historic Georgian townhouse, with a spa & swimming pool. Book here

There are many more options in Richmond, including lovely self service apartments in the town centre. Explore more options here.

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Wimbledon

Best neighbourhood for a calm, leafy suburb – a great base for longer or peaceful stays.

Why stay in Wimbledon

Ok, full disclaimer, I’m a bit biased with this one. Wimbledon was the first area I lived in in London, and I loved it. Best-known for tennis, it’s a leafy, safe part of suburban South London with a quaint historic ‘village’ area. Wimbledon is also a bit of a hub in this part of London – meaning there’s plenty going on, lots of shops and places to eat. 

It makes a great base for a longer stay or for anyone after a quieter retreat from Central London. I’d also recommend Wimbledon for more budget conscious travellers, but who still want to stay in a leafy, elegant part of London.

There are two main parts to Wimbledon. The newer centre around the station, which is where most hotels are located and Wimbledon Village, the older part of town.

I’d recommend staying closer to the station – though if you don’t mind the walk to the station, Wimbledon Village would also be a beautiful place to stay, with its quaint streets, classy restaurants, shops and cafes, and green space. 

Note: Prices shoot up A LOT when the tennis is on in the Summer.

Time into Central London: About 25 minutes on the District Line to South Kensington (for museums). 30-40 minutes into Leicester Square.

Things to do in Wimbledon:

• Wimbledon Common – a beautiful, huge open space that feels like you’re in the countryside. There are lots of cool things to see, including evidence of the Romans and a lovely windmill.
• Wimbledon Tennis – Arguably the world’s most iconic tennis competition takes place here every year. You can easily see the stadium by just walking past the complex. You can also pay for a tour or for the (quite steep) tennis museum.

Where to eat in Wimbledon

There are lots of popular chains in Wimbledon, including Wahaca (Mexican) and Nandos (peri-peri chicken). But it also has a number of excellent restaurants you won’t find elsewhere:

• Mai Thai (Thai)
• Al Forno (Italian)
• Yori (Korean)

Wimbledon Village is also home to fine dining (like Patara Wimbledon, Thai) and top quality Gastropubs (try the Black Lamb or the Dog & Fox).

Where to stay in Wimbledon

Best budget accommodation in Wimbledon: (less than £100)

• Travelodge – Comfortable, basic 2* hotel, perfectly located close to the station. Rooms from around £45. Book here.
• Premier Inn – A comfortable, modern 3* hotel – rooms from around £75. Book here.

Best mid-range hotels in Wimbledon (£100-200):

• Antoinette Hotel – A well-located 3* hotel close to the station with spacious, comfortable rooms and roof garden. Book here.
• Dog & Fox – A beautiful traditional pub (excellent roasts!) with rooms upstairs. In a stunning location in Wimbledon Village. Book here.

Upmarket & luxury stays in Wimbledon:

For a luxury stay, go for Hotel du Vin. You really can’t beat this choice for beauty – an 18th century country house, set among the stunning Cannizaro Gardens, close to Wimbledon Common and Wimbledon Village.

For such a stunning and historic hotel, the price is quite reasonable too – with stays from around £200 a night. Book here.

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The best London neighbourhoods to stay for culture and buzz

Brixton

The best London neighbourhood to stay for a vibrant cultural mix, buzzing nightlife, and amazing food.

Why stay in Brixton

It’s not for everyone, but Brixton is one of London’s truly iconic neighbourhoods. Known for its Caribbean community, you can’t beat it to experience London’s lively spirit at its best. It’s also jam packed with excellent food spots, buzzing markets and music venues.

I wouldn’t recommend Brixton for families or anyone after a slower or quiet stay. But for anyone after a vibrant base with excellent food, nightlife and bars, and to experience London’s diversity, it’s one of the best areas you could choose.

Time into central London: 10 minutes on the tube to Green Park (for Buckingham Palace, and a short walk to the West End, Soho and Leicester Square).

Things to do in Brixton

• Go to a gig – Brixton is one of the best spots in London for live music, with lots of venues including the Brixton Academy, Electric Brixton and Brixton Jamm
• Visit the excellent Black Cultural Archives (closed as of Feb 2025 – check website for updates)
• Hit the markets – Electric Avenue is one of the most iconic market streets in all of London, so called for being the first market street to be lit by electric street lights. Elsewhere, Brixton Village hosts over 100 independent traders.

Where to eat in Brixton

Brixton Village is filled with restaurants and one of the best spots to eat in London (in fact, a number of popular London chains started here!). 

Some of the best spots include:

• Fish, Wings & Tings –  one of the most popular spots for Caribbean food & Jerk chicken. The chef (Brian Danclair) has a classier restaurant Danclair’s nearby, and has recently opened a vegetarian spot, Veg & Tings.
• Okan – for okonomiyaki (a Japanese sort of savoury pancake)
• Black Bear – according to many, one of London’s best burgers

If you’re staying in the area, make sure you get Caribbean food at least once. You’ll find spots all over Brixton – for example Healthy Eaters on Electric Avenue

Where to stay in Brixton

Best budget accommodation in Brixton

The only budget accommodation in Brixton that I’d recommend is the extremely affordable Hootenanny Hostel.

Clean and comfortable, you can get beds from as little as £30 a night – excellent for anywhere, let along London!

BUT BE WARNED: It is above Hootenanny’s, a popular bar & music venue, often with music going until the early hours of the morning. I’d only recommend here for someone after a party-vibe. Book here.

Best mid-range accommodation in Brixton

• Premier Inn: The best modern hotel in the area, a 3* hotel, part of the popular nationwide chain. Book here.
• Half Moon – Situated in Herne Hill, the bougie villagey area about a 15 minute walk from the vibrant heart of Brixton. Gorgeous rooms within a historic pub, starting from around £190. Book here.
• Church Street Hotel – A bit of a trek from Brixton, but worth mentioning because it’s such a great option for the pricepoint. A gorgeous, quirky boutique hotel. Some rooms have shared bathrooms – which makes it more affordable. It’s in Camberwell, an up and coming area close to Brixton. Book here.

Aside from this, Brixton is slim-pickings when it comes to hotels. But there are plenty of holiday apartments. A couple of the best options include:

• This homestay close to Brixton Village, about £100 per night
• A modern one-bed with a terrace & work space (about £200 a night)
• For bigger groups, a two-bed, well-located apartment (from about £280 per night) or another option with a garden here, between Clapham and Brixton.

There are plenty more options available, too. Explore them all on booking.com.

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Clapham

Great for night-owls, party vibes and a youthful crowd.

Why stay in Clapham?

If you’re like me, a visit to Clapham will just leave you feeling old, tired and with a bit of a headache. But there was a time (early twenties) when me and my friends flocked there, and with good reason.

Clapham is the area many young people move to when they first move to London. The whole of Clapham High Street is filled with late night bars, clubs and (come day time) trendy cafes and brunch spots. This area is for you if you want to be within easy reach of central London and its attractions by day, and to party by night.

Time into central London: 15 minutes by tube into Leicester Square

What to do in Clapham

• Go on a night out. I’m not going to pretend to know which clubs are cool anymore – read this blog on the best clubs in Clapham
• Visit Clapham Common: a large sweeping green space popular with the locals and full of activity.

Where to eat in Clapham

• Joe Public for New York style pizza
• Brickwood Clapham for brunch (this was the first in what is now a popular small chain)
• Barsito for tapas

Where to stay in Clapham

Best budget accommodation in Clapham

• Travelodge London Clapham Junction – Confusingly, Clapham Junction isn’t actually in Clapham – it’s in the more upmarket but equally trendy Battersea, a short walk away. Either way, the Travelodge is a well located hotel in a buzzy area, a short walk from the Common and Bars of Clapham High Street. Book here.
• Publove @ The Crown – A budget hostel above a lively pub, best for sociable travellers. Rooms in a dorm start from around £20 a night. Book here.

Mid-Range

• The Windmill on the Common – Boutique-style rooms in a gorgeous pub right on Clapham Common. Couldn’t be better located. Cosy, with bags of atmosphere. Rooms start from £150~. Book here
• Premier Inn London Clapham – Standard but solid 3* choice just off the high street, with good transport links.
• Gateway Hotel – A well-reviewed, basic hotel very close to Clapham South tube station and Clapham Common. Rooms start about £120. Book here.

Greenwich

The best neighbourhood to stay for riverside charm, museums & maritime history 

Why stay in Greenwich?

I’ll be honest, this is probably the most touristy place on this list. But I thought it worth including because it’s an excellent place to stay, and not many tourists do. 

It’s long had an important role in London’s history – through its maritime and naval links, but also for the Royal Observatory, home to the Meridian Line. Because of this, it’s a great area for culture lovers, filled with historic sights and a world-class collection of museums. Especially during the day it’s buzzing with locals and tourists alike, especially in the area around the market, and it’s home to some gorgeous riverside walks. 

Time into central London: About 10 minutes to London Bridge.

To Leicester Square: about 30-40 minutes – 10 minute train to London Bridge, tube to Charing Cross and walk.

Things to do in Greenwich

• Visit Greenwich Museums or the Cutty Sark
• Go to the Royal Observatory, and enjoy the sweeping views across to Canary Wharf
• Get a boat into central London
• Walk along the river

Where to eat in Greenwich

• Midpoint Restaurant (Turkish)
• The Admiral Hardy (traditional pub)
• Madre Pinzeria Italiana (popular pizza & pasta joint in Greenwich Market) 

Where to stay in Greenwich

Best budget hotels in Greenwich:

• ibis London Greenwich: You won’t get a better located hotel for this price. A comfortable but basic 3* hotel chain, ibis Greenwich is ideally located – close to the station, all of Greenwich’s museums & park. Prices start from £70 a night. Book here.
• St Christopher’s Hostel: The cheapest bed you’ll get in this part of London. A basic youth hostel, with beds in a dorm starting from £24. Book here.
• Travelodge London: Another basic 3* hotel, similar to the ibis but slightly cheaper (starting from £50). It’s a bit more of a walk to the heart of Greenwich, but still well located. Book here.

Mid-range hotels in Greenwich:

• The Mitre by Innkeeper’s Collection: Probably the best mid-range option in Greenwich, but slightly more expensive than the two chain options below (prices start £180). A 4* comfortable hotel, that couldn’t be better located in the heart of Greenwich. Book here.
• Novotel Greenwich: A modern 4* hotel, a short walk from the station and park. Book here.
• DoubleTree by Hilton: Another 4*, slightly more upmarket chain hotel. A great choice, but a little bit more of a walk – about 20 mins from the Cutty Sark, for example. Book here.

Best luxury stays:

For Luxury, you’ll need to go a bit further East to North Greenwich – close to the London O2. This is a very different area to central Greenwich, but offers good connections into town and excellent riverside views. The bet option for true luxury is the 5* InterContinental London. The views are extraordinary.

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Best places to stay for hipster, creative & indie vibes

Stoke Newington

Stay here for relaxed indie charm – a slower paced East London stay. 

Why stay in Stoke Newington?

Stoke Newington (Stokey if you want to sound like a local) flies under the radar, even for a lot of Londoners. But those who know it tend to love it, and for good reason.

In Church Street, it boasts one of London’s most beautiful high streets, filled with indie boutiques, vintage shops, bars and cafes. This is a neighbourhood with plenty of charm – indie but relaxed, bougie but with that East London character. It’s a great option for couples or solo travellers.

Time into London: 20 minute bus into Kings Cross.
To Leicester Square it’s about 45 minutes by Overground & Tube 

Things to do in Stoke Newington:

• Browse independent shops and cafes along Church Street
• Visit beautiful Clissold Park

Where to eat and drink

• The Good Egg (Middle Eastern-inspired brunch)
• Rasa (famous vegetarian indian restaurant)
• The Prince (popular historic pub)

Where to stay in Stoke Newington

Staying in Stoke Newington is a delight, but there’s very much one vibe: cosy boutique hotels above a pub. There are also a number of holiday lets available. For more budget options, I’d recommend looking at nearby Hackney.

The best places to stay in Stoke Newington include:

• The Rose & Crown: A cosy 4* hotel above one of the area’s many lovely pubs. Rooms start at £170. Book here.
• The Brownswood: Another stylish boutique hotel, located on the other side to Clissold Park (meaning a short walk to Church Street). Starts at £170. Book here.
• Staycity Aparthotels: High quality, upmarket modern holiday apartments in nearby Dalston. Start from about £100. Dalston is livelier, less elegant than Stoke Newington, but still a vibrant, creative part of East London, and a short walk to Church Street. Book here.

Peckham

Stay here for rooftop views, street art, and a gritty but creative energy. 

Why stay in Peckham?

A little rough around the edges, Peckham is one of South London’s grittiest, coolest neighbourhoods, and a real hub for creatives. In recent years, various films and TV shows have made use of the neighbourhood – the awesome indie rom-com Rye Lane was largely set and filmed in Peckham, as was BBC sitcom Cheaters.

Nowadays Peckham is known for its food, and often visited for Peckham Levels (a former carpark turned creative-space, food hall and rooftop bar) and Peckhamplex, London’s best budget cinema. It isn’t the quietest option, but if you want a buzzy vibe, a bit of London’s raw energy and chaos, and somewhere authentic – still relatively untouched by tourists, it’s a great option. Peckham also has excellent views –  walking around, you’ll suddenly, unexpectedly be rewarded with a sweeping view across London, with many great viewpoints of the Shard. Best of all are the views at Peckham Levels’ terrace bar.

Things to do in Peckham:

• Visit Peckham Levels for arcade games, streetfood, and rooftop views
• Watch a film at Peckhamplex
• Explore the iconic Rye Lane
• Walk to Nunhead Cemetery, an overgrown historic cemetery and real hidden gem

Where to eat in Peckham

• Little Baobab – excellent Senegalese food in Peckham Levels
• Brick Brewery for drinks
• Peckham Cellars – wine bar and restaurant with a Michelin Bib Gourmand
• Kudu – South African-inspired small plates

Where to stay in Peckham

Accommodation in Peckham will largely be holiday apartments, rather than hotels. You can find these on the tool above. But there are also a few hotels which can be good value:

Best hotels in Peckham:

• Travelodge Peckham: A comfortable 3*, close to the heart of Peckham, starting from about £78. Book here.
• Peckham Rooms: A modest, affordable hotel, starting from £57. Book here.
• Helena B&B: A small, family-hosted B&B, starting from £99. Book here.
• Victoria Inn: A stylish hotel about a pub. Rooms start from £95. Book here.

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Walthamstow

Stay here for an affordable base where East End creativity meets suburban calm at the end of the Victoria line.

Why Walthamstow is a great place to stay

It looks far out on a map – but thanks to the speedy Victoria line, uber-trendy Walthamstow is in quick reach of central London. Once a bit overlooked, it’s now a go-to neighbourhood for many late twenties and thirty-something Londoners, after a cool neighbourhood with a buzz, but something a bit quieter than the more central neighbourhoods like Hackney and Brixton.

Walthamstow is a lively, artsy neighbourhood with a strong sense of community and loads of independent businesses. There’s a real mix here – leafy streets, terraced houses and the charming Walthamstow Village shops and cafes sit alongside buzzy street markets and converted industrial spaces. It’s also home to the excellent William Morris Gallery, and thanks to being a bit further out, Walthamstow is an excellent choice if you’re price conscious, but still want to be in a lively area in quick reach of central London. 

Time to central London: The Victoria Line will take you to Kings Cross in 15 minutes. Total journey to Leicester Square will be about 25 minutes (changing at Kings Cross).

Things to do in Walthamstow

• Wander through Walthamstow Village for cute cafes and pubs
• Visit God’s Own Junkyard, a warehouse turned drinking spot popular with the trendy locals
• Explore the William Morris Gallery, dedicated to the Arts & Crafts legend
• Sample craft beer at Wild Card Brewery or take a stroll through Lloyd Park

Where to eat in Walthamstow

• Eat 17 – trendy bar and restaurant focused on local ingredients
• Etles – family run local favourite for casual Uyghur food, including hand-pulled noodles
• Taro – for excellent Japanese food
• Hiba Taboun – a family-run Palestinian bakery

Where to stay in Walthamstow

Again, most accommodation in Walthamstow are holiday lets – explore the map above.

A number of hotel chains can be found close to the station. Budget options in Walthastow include:

• The Travelodge, well located by Walthamstow Central station. Book here.
• Trinity House Hotel, a 2* hotel, starting from about £90 a night. Book here.

Hackney

Stay here for East London cool, indie markets and canalside bars – perfect for creatives and foodies.

Why stay in Hackney 

In recent years, Hackney has almost become a synonym for IPA-sipping hipsters. A by-word for trendy East London. It’s one of London’s most vibrant and eclectic areas, and has a bit of everything: buzzing food and nightlife scenes, canalside walks, gritty history, glossy new developments, and vintage markets and indie cafes. Hackney Central is the (sometimes chaotic) centre; while London Fields is a popular green oasis with lovely canalside walks and cool east London boozers. Nearby Hackney Wick is a night out hub, with bars spilling out onto the canal side.

Hackney’s a great base for creative travellers, foodies, and anyone after a fun, gritty, and unmistakably local slice of London life.

Time into Central London: Depends which part of Hackney you stay in, but it’ll usually be about half an hour to Leicester Square – taking the overground to Highbury & Islington and then taking the tube. 

Using the overground, you can get from Hackney to Camden (for its markets and bars) in 15 minutes.

Things to do in Hackney

• Browse Broadway Market on a Saturday for street food and local goods
• Take a walk along the Regent’s Canal to London Fields
• Try one of the many excellent pubs, like The Chesham Arms or The Spurstowe Arms

Where to eat in Hackney

• Mambow – Malaysian food in Clapton
• Pophams – Bakery by day, pasta restaurant by night in London Fields
• INIS – traditional British & Irish food on the canalside

Where to stay in Hackney

Best budget hotels in Hackney:

• Kip Hotel: 2*, basic hotel with a variety of room options starting from £45. Well located in Hackney Central. Book here.
• Travelodge: If in doubt, stay at the Travelodge. Comfortable, 3*hotel from about £50. Book here.
• Komo Pods: Basic pod hostel in Hackney Downs. Book here.

Boutique hotels in Hackney:

• The Crown Pub & Guesthouse: Perfectly located boutique hotel above a pub. Rooms usually about £140 but if you’re lucky you can get it as low as £90. Book here.
• Old Ship Inn: Another great option for elegant rooms above a pub, a 4* hotel. Rooms from about £180. Book here.

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