There are many excellent apartment rentals and Airbnbs in London, and should you be visiting the city you really should definitely opt to stay in one instead of going to a hotel.
London is a fantastic city, that will steal your heart with the incredible range of attractions and things to do. Yet it is so big that it can get overwhelming. Picking the right place to stay is important, because it will inevitably influence your trip. Stay in the wrong location, and you’ll spend lots of time (and money) commuting. But it’s not just the location you need to be looking at, to be honest – and I only know too well.
There are plenty of great hotels in London; but if you want a clean and comfortable room in a nice, safe area, you will need to shed quite a bit of cash. If your budget is a bit smaller, a small room or a dorm in a dirty hostel is all you can get.
However, there are lots of good Airbnbs in London that are the perfect compromise of good and safe location, and comfortable and clean place to stay, full of character and great value for money – you can even get an entire apartment for the price of a hotel room!
If you don’t know where to start looking for your Airbnb in London, you are in good hands: I know the city like the palm of my hands.
Continue reading to discover the best neighborhoods in London, and the best Airbnbs in each of them.
Table of Contents
A Quick Introduction To London’s Best Areas To Stay
London is a conglomeration of many different historic towns that slowly became enveloped by the UK capital as it grew over the years. Today, each of them is a unique sector of the city, making London a diverse metropolis that can suit any style of travel and budget.
The following are the best neighborhoods in town:
COVENT GARDEN – Situated in London’s West End, this charming neighborhood is best known for its 19th-century covered market. It’s a hub of boutique shopping, including the famous Neal’s Yard, and dining opportunities. There are also several museums right on the doorstep. Nearby sights include Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Churchill’s War Room, and the Houses of Parliament. Coupled with great transport links and other neighborhoods to explore nearby, this energetic area is a great place to start your London exploration.
SOHO – Soho is one of London’s best nightlife areas. Beginning life as a royal park in 1536, this fashionable district has a long history of being an entertainment area. In fact, it was the center of London’s “Swinging Sixties,” with Carnaby Street and Liberty within its borders. As well as being home to Chinatown, Soho is also where you’ll find a prominent slice of the capital’s LGBTQ+ community, with several gay bars and other institutions. Cool international restaurants and old-school pubs abound.
KENSINGTON – This affluent London neighborhood isn’t just about the money, it’s also home to some of the capital’s most prestigious cultural institutions. Here you’ll find the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, amongst others. Kensington is also a great place for families. There’s almost no end to the amount of educational fun for kids in the area, as well as some high-end shopping opportunities, too. The relatively central location means that you can get around easily.
MAYFAIR AND MARYLEBONE –Mayfair is where you’ll find some of London’s most sophisticated and upscale hotels – The Ritz, for example. It’s also home to the sprawling Hyde Park, one of London’s royal parks, as well as Buckingham Palace. While this high-end destination is best known for its high-end shopping, the same can be said of neighboring Marylebone. While it’s a more residential area, there are still attractions in Marylebone, such as Madame Tussauds and the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Plus there’s plenty of opportunity for shopping along elegant Oxford Street.
THE CITY – The City, sometimes referred to as the ‘Square Mile,’ and officially a county in its own right, is the original center of London. Once a walled city, today it’s home to the capital’s CBD, a place where skyscrapers and medieval architecture mingle together. Here’s where you’ll find the Bank of London, the Royal Exchange, the Old Bailey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Smithfield Market. For such a small area, it’s bustling and packed with sights. You can even find the famous Tower of London and several of the city’s iconic bridges nearby, including London Bridge.
SHOREDITCH AND SPITALFIELDS –Once part of London’s traditionally working-class East End, Shoreditch is today the city’s bastion of cool. Filled with hipster-friendly hang-outs, numerous bars, trendy pubs and other nightlife spots, this youthful district is an affordable option for travelers in London. The neighboring area of Spitalfields (of Jack the Ripper fame), home to the Victorian-era Spitalfields Market and a plethora of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants along Brick Lane, makes this eclectic part of town a vibrant base.
KING’S CROSS AND CAMDEN – Camden is a kooky, alternative London neighborhood, packed with music venues, pubs and with a significant punk heritage still in the air. It’s also known for its markets and down-to-earth atmosphere. Right next door is King’s Cross. Here’s where you’ll find affordable accommodation, hip bars and tech companies rubbing shoulders. King’s Cross Station itself is a behemoth of a transport hub, with underground and suburban rail links available. For any Harry Potter fans out there, it’s also where you’ll find Platform 9¾.
Other neighborhoods in London
There are many other neighborhoods of London where you’ll find some great Airbnbs. It’s a fairly sprawling city, and the districts to choose from are as varied as the city itself.
NOTTING HILL –With its Caribbean roots, and made famous by the 1999 film of the same name, the streets of gentrified Notting Hill are lined with colorful, attractive housing. It boasts fashionable restaurants and shops to match.
PADDINGTON –Paddington, on the doorstep of Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, offers historic townhouses combined with the national rail hub of Paddington Station, where you can easily hop aboard the Heathrow Express.
FITZROVIA –Fitzrovia is central and fairly residential with its 18th and 19th-century architecture but is still home to attractions such as the BT Tower. Its neighbor, Bloomsbury, is London’s historic home of publishing. You’ll find the British Museum, bookshops and cafes in this leafy neighborhood.
CLAPHAM –Clapham is a suburb of south London that makes for a great local place to stay. But it’s also easy to travel from here. Clapham Junction Station can take you to central London in just a few minutes. Across the River Thames is the very affluent area of Chelsea.
With all that in mind, cast your eyes below to discover some of the best Airbnbs in London. All the properties I mention are listed on Airbnb, some are listed both on Airbnb and Booking.com. In that case, I have included a link to Booking.com as it is my choice for accommodation bookings.
The Best Apartment Rentals And Airbnbs In London
Centre Stage IX
This very modern apartment is located at a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, literally where all the action is. You will have immediate access to the best attractions in London, and to a plethora of restaurants, pubs and bars – not to mention theaters – if you fancy a bit of nightlife.
The apartment itself is perfect for a solo traveler or for a couple. It has a large, fully equipped kitchen and a cozy living room complete with a desk, in case you need to catch up on your emails. The bedroom has a large, cozy bed and the bathroom is nice and modern too.
Mod Behavin’
This incredibly modern apartment is located close to Leicester Square, so once again if you pick to stay there you will be in the heart of London, ready to explore. It’s big enough for a solo traveler or a couple.
The kitchen and dining room area are ideal places to have a meal at the end of a day of exploration – just in case you don’t feel like heading out! You’ll also have a spacious, cozy bedroom and a state of the art bathroom to yourself.
Georgian Stay
At 10 minutes walk from Earl’s Court, this apartment is perfect for a small family. You will have a nice living room, a fully equipped kitchen and two comfortable rooms. It’s a stylish place in really good area, where it is safe to walk around and where you will have easy access to the best attractions in town – especially if you are traveling with children.
The Georgian Architect
Located in the lovely Mayfair area, this beautiful apartment is ideal for four persons. It’s located in a historic Georgian building that dates back to the 1730s.
Stay there and you will enjoy a place that is fully furnished with antique furniture; it is at the same time comfortable and had all the most modern fixtures (including Netflix, of course) and very elegant.
Large Apartment Close to Big Ben
Ideal for those who want to stay centrally, this Airbnb is well located, just a three-minute walk to the Westminster Abbey and the iconic Big Ben. There are also a selection of other top London attractions nearby.
Inside this historic building, the decor makes use of its period features, while adding up-to-date furnishings. A great design aesthetic and white-washed walls make the place feel bright.
There’s even an outdoor terrace. With room to sleep six guests across three bedrooms, and one private bathroom, the bonus is that even your pets can stay! Despite its central location, it’s quiet at night for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Autumn Day
This studio in the heart of the City area is perfect for a solo traveler or for a couple. It may seem small at first, but it really has everything you need for a comfortable stay, and the area is very convenient if you are traveling on business and for easy access to all the best attractions in town.
Fabulous Deluxe Townhouse in Covent Garden
Easily one of the most gorgeous Airbnbs in London, this modern flat is an elegant option. It’s situated practically on the doorstep of Covent Garden, so you can whisk yourself away from the tranquility of your Airbnb and be in the hustle and bustle of the city in no time.
This comfortable and modern apartment is situated in a historic building. It has large windows so there’s plenty of natural light. There’s room for up to six guests to stay, as well as two bathrooms and a sparkling contemporary kitchen. This townhouse has it all – it’s definitely one of the best Airbnbs in London for a family or a group of friends.
Unique Notting Hill Studio
Why not spend your time in London like a local and opt to book this Notting Hill Airbnb? It’s a compact and cozy studio apartment, perfect for a solo traveler looking to explore this trendy and charming neighborhood of London. Certainly the place to live out your own Notting Hill fantasies!
The studio has been newly refurbished and decorated, so you can expect modern, fashionable design and appliances throughout, reflecting the surrounding district of Notting Hill itself. It comes with a small kitchen, so you can cook up meals for yourself, or simply head downstairs into the city and take your pick from one of the area’s district eateries.
Little Venice Garden Flat
Providing enough space for up to eight guests to sleep in its three large, comfortable bedrooms, and with two bathrooms, this Airbnb has plenty of space for families or groups of friends.
This modern apartment has its very own garden, so you can spend sunny days kicking back in the garden after a morning of exploring the city. It’s also got a glass-roofed conservatory, where you can enjoy evening meals. Another bonus is the fact that this place even comes with its a home cinema and fireplace for cozy nights in.
Location-wise, the charming area of Little Venice is something of a hidden gem of London and is close to Paddington Station.
Bright Notting Hill Apartment
This beautiful London Airbnb is set inside a historic building. That means you can expect wonderful high ceilings, gorgeous period features and large windows letting in plenty of natural light. You’ll find it in the Notting Hill neighborhood, close to Hyde Park and the lively Portobello Market.
Decorated throughout with trendy contemporary furnishings, this apartment has two bedrooms, but enough room overall to sleep seven guests. There’s also a full kitchen as well as a washer-dryer to use for added convenience.
Stylish Regency Apartment in Camden
Situated in cool Camden, this historic apartment boasts a mix of heritage architecture and hip modern design details, making for a true taste of what London is today. It’s ideal for couples, thanks to its one bedroom, complete with comfy queen-sized bed and memory foam mattress.
The full kitchen, with its espresso machine, makes it easy to whip up a delicious breakfast to set you up for a day of sightseeing; but not before refreshing yourself in the luxurious rainfall shower.
Designer Victorian Flat in Maida Vale
This boutique-style flat in the residential neighborhood of Maida Vale is easily one of the coolest Airbnbs in London. It’s stylishly decorated with unique furnishings, from vintage to cutting-edge, and is dotted with houseplants for an extra homely feeling.
Boasting period features, such as sash windows and original fireplaces, this apartment has two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen and a comfy living room. There’s enough room for three guests to stay here.
Cozy Ferryman’s Cottage by the River Thames
One of the best Airbnbs in London for families, this is, in fact, an old 18th-century ferryman’s cottage right near the banks of the River Thames, in the affluent suburb of Twickenham. Packed full of old-world charm, this is a home-away-from-home.
Enjoy time spent relaxing in the plant-filled courtyard, or spending nights-in around the fireplace watching a movie together. With two bedrooms, there’s enough room for four people to stay in this cozy cottage.
Trendy Shoreditch Warehouse Conversion
True to form, this warehouse conversion in Shoreditch is a hip and happening place to hang-out on your London trip. Light and spacious areas are stylishly accented by the building’s industrial heritage, making for a unique Airbnb in London.
There’s one bedroom, room enough for four guests, and plenty of places to chill out – all just a stone’s throw from trendy Old Street and Columbia Road.
Contemporary Luxury Apartment in Camden
This minimalist apartment may be a studio, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a luxurious option for couples or a solo traveler in London. Located on the ground floor of a Victorian terrace house, the apartment also comes with its very own courtyard, perfect for morning coffee or a glass of wine in the evening.
With an ideal location, close to King’s Cross Underground Station and the sights of Camden, the apartment also boasts a fully equipped kitchen and chic decor throughout.
3-floor Penthouse Near Russell Square
If you want to splash out on a luxury Airbnb in London during your stay, this penthouse is a great option. Spanning three floors of a historic building, and with three king-sized suites, there are two outdoor terraces for al fresco wining and dining.
There’s also a comfortable lounge area and bold, eclectic interiors with original artworks and unique design details (think glass floors, exposed brick walls and vintage features).
Further Readings
Are you traveling to England? Make sure to check out my other posts:
- Where To Stay In London: The Best Areas And Hotels
- The Best 5 Days London Itinerary
- An Easy To Follow Itinerary For 4 Days London
- A Perfect Itinerary To See London In 3 Days
- How To See London In 2 Days
- How To Make The Most Of London In A Day
- 15 Great Day Trips From London
- 7 Easy Ways Of Getting London Eye Tickets
- Where To Get The Most Impressive Views Of London
- How To Get From Heathrow To London
- The Best Museums In London
- 19 Fun Things To Do In Cornwall
- 20 + Great Things To Do In Oxford
- A Local’s Guide To The Things To Do In Newcastle
- The Best Villages In The Cotswolds
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