London rewards travellers who choose their base well. A useful station near the hotel saves time and makes it easier to combine the classics with neighbourhoods where the city feels less hurried.

First visit

A city made of many cities.

Westminster, Covent Garden, South Bank, the City and East London offer very different experiences. Plan each day by area to keep the trip simple.

When to go

Each season changes the scene.

Spring and early autumn balance longer days with lower pressure. November and December bring markets, lights and cultural events.

Where to stay

Four bases for different rhythms.

Choose accommodation for its transport links and the atmosphere you want at the end of the day, rather than straight-line distance to one attraction.

Bloomsbury

Central, close to museums and well connected.

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South Bank / Waterloo

Ideal for Thames walks and theatre.

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Paddington

Practical for Heathrow, Hyde Park and central London.

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Shoreditch / Spitalfields

Markets, independent restaurants and nightlife.

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What to do

Classics, culture and neighbourhood character.

Pair the main icons with one neighbourhood of your choice. Camden, Notting Hill, Greenwich and Shoreditch reveal different sides of the city.

Getting around

Contactless for the network, walking for the city.

Contactless payment is usually the simplest way to use the Tube, buses and much of the urban rail network.

Suggested plan

Four days without turning London into a checklist.

Build each day around one area: Westminster and South Bank; the City and East London; museums and the west; then a neighbourhood of your choice.

Day 1

Bloomsbury

Build each day around one area: Westminster and South Bank; the City and East London; museums and the west; then a neighbourhood of your choice.

Day 2

South Bank / Waterloo

Build each day around one area: Westminster and South Bank; the City and East London; museums and the west; then a neighbourhood of your choice.

Day 3

Paddington

Build each day around one area: Westminster and South Bank; the City and East London; museums and the west; then a neighbourhood of your choice.

Day 4

Shoreditch / Spitalfields

Build each day around one area: Westminster and South Bank; the City and East London; museums and the west; then a neighbourhood of your choice.