London is a city of endless discovery - you’ll always have something new to see. Even those living in the capital find themselves in places they didn’t know existed. Historical buildings, museums, theatres, markets, cathedrals, gardens, zoos, cafes, studio experiences… You name it.
However, with so much to do and see in this enormous city, where you choose to stay is an important decision. Ideally, your location would be based on the experiences you’re interested in.
London is undoubtedly a global capital of culture, offering an incredible selection of national museums. In fact, there are well over 250 museums located in Greater London alone. The cherry on top? Many of these are completely free! Some of the absolute must-visit places include The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, The National Gallery, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Quite a few of the major museums are located within close proximity to each other, in South Kensington. So, if that’s the main goal of your visit, staying in or near Kensington areas is recommended, such as Bloomsbury and Covent Garden.
If you want to see the biggest artists and the most impressive musicals in the world, London is the place to be. From the world-renowned West End, where you can watch the likes of Hamilton and Wicked, to the O2 Arena with a capacity of 20,000 people, hosting huge names like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé, and more.
To make the most out of the sheer number of performances, it’s worth considering renting a studio in London for a month or longer. Soho and the surrounding areas are the pulsing heart of nightlife and theatre, but the O2 is located further away, in Greenwich.
London’s markets offer a feast for all senses, whether you want to try some delicious street food or shop for artisanal goods. For example, the iconic Borough Market, dating back to the 12th century, is the place for fresh produce. The historical Portobello Road Market is ideal if you’re on a hunt for antiques and vintage fashion, whereas the Columbia Road Flower Market will have you dazzled with its vibrant displays. The Camden Market is one of the most popular for trendy street food. The list goes on…
With approximately 350 markets in total, London is dotted with them. Staying near the London Bridge or Southwark would provide the best access; however, the London Underground offers easy connections to most of them.
Regardless of its highly urbanised nature, London is one of the greenest cities in the world! The capital boasts a whopping 3000+ parks and green spaces, so there is always somewhere to escape for a quiet walk, away from the hustle and bustle.
Hyde Park is perhaps the most popular park in London, covering 350 acres of greenery and various activities, as well as hosting events throughout the year. Notting Hill and Kensington are both great areas to stay in for Hyde Park.
Similarly, the nearby Regent’s Park is a hub of nature, home to the infamous London Zoo and Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens. You also have Hampstead Heath just further north, or the expansive Richmond Park near Putney and Wimbledon areas.
As you can see, London is incredibly diverse when it comes to attractions and experiences, so a short visit would only scratch the surface. For those with the time and resources, a longer stay is certainly recommended to make the most out of this amazing city.