Episode Details

We break London down into 12 areas so you can choose a neighbourhood that matches your plans, your budget and the kind of trip you want. Doug and I share which area suits each of us, the pros and cons of each one, and three things to check on a hotel listing before you book.

In this episode:
- Covent Garden, Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square: a top pick for first-time visitors who want theatres, restaurants and sights within walking distance
- Tower Bridge and the City of London: beside the river, steeped in history and much quieter once the office workers go home
- South Bank, Bankside, Southwark and Waterloo: riverside walks, the Christmas market and easy day trips from Waterloo station
- South Kensington, Knightsbridge, Belgravia and Chelsea: free museums, great for families and close to Hyde Park, with prices to match
- Greenwich: a village feel, maritime history and an easy trip back by DLR, train or Uber Boat
- Shoreditch and Spitalfields: markets, street art, some of the best food in London and late nights
- Camden and King's Cross: three train stations, the Eurostar and a wide range of accommodation
- Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia: a calmer central stay near the British Museum, and what to check in townhouse hotels
- Mayfair, Marylebone and Oxford Street: special occasions, shopping and Chiltern line trains, and why I would not stay on Oxford Street itself
- Westminster and St James's: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and St James's Park on the doorstep
- Soho: for theatre lovers who want to walk back after the show, with noise to consider
- Notting Hill and Little Venice: pretty streets, photos and the canal, a little removed from the main sights
- Three checks before you book: a lift, air conditioning in summer, and room and bed size

You'll find our full guide to all 12 areas, with hotel picks at three budgets and a map, at londontravelplanning.com. 

Everything is linked in the show notes at https://uktravelplanning.com/episode-220/, along with Episode 68 on how to choose your area and our Ultimate London Travel Planning Map.

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