London is a city of distinct personalities, each neighbourhood offering a unique mix of lifestyle, culture, and convenience. For business travellers, relocating professionals, or short-term visitors, choosing the right area can make all the difference — from commuting to the City or West End, to enjoying world-class dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
In this guide, we explore the best London neighbourhoods for serviced apartments, with insights on commute, safety, lifestyle, top attractions, cultural hotspots, dining, and shopping — all from a local expert’s perspective. Whether you want riverside calm, creative energy, or a central hub, this guide will help you find the perfect base in the capital.
1. Marylebone
Best for Elegant, Central Living
Marylebone feels like a village in the heart of London — leafy streets, independent boutiques, and Georgian architecture. It’s ideal for London corporate lets or short term visitors who want tranquillity without sacrificing proximity to the West End and The City.
- Commute: Marylebone (Bakerloo line, National Rail), Baker Street (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City) — 10 min to West End, 20 min to The City.
- Airports: Heathrow – 40 min; Gatwick – 1h 20 min; London City – 50 min.
- Safety: Affluent, very low crime.
- Lifestyle: Boutique shops, parkland, fine dining.
- Top Attractions: Madame Tussauds, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Wallace Collection, Regent’s Park, Marylebone High Street.
- Cultural Hotspots: Wigmore Hall concerts, Chiltern Street fashion boutiques, Sunday Farmers’ Market.
- Dining & Shopping: Expect artisanal coffee shops, elegant wine bars, and some of London’s best brunch spots along Marylebone High Street. Fashion lovers will enjoy Daunt Books’ iconic shop and boutique brands like The Conran Shop, while foodies can explore the gourmet options at the Marylebone Farmers’ Market.
2. Kensington & Chelsea
Best for Extended Stays and Families
One of London’s most prestigious areas and best neighbourhoods to stay in London for first timers, Kensington & Chelsea offers refined living with world-class museums, luxury shopping, and royal parks. It’s perfect for executives relocating with families who want safety, style, and green space.
- Commute: South Kensington (Piccadilly, District, Circle), High Street Kensington (District, Circle) — 20–25 min to The City, 15 min to West End.
- Airports: Heathrow – 35 min; Gatwick – 1h 10 min; London City – 1h.
- Safety: One of London’s safest.
- Lifestyle: High-end dining, royal parks.
- Top Attractions: Natural History Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, Kensington Palace, Saatchi Gallery, Harrods.
- Cultural Hotspots: Chelsea Flower Show, classical concerts at Cadogan Hall, Shopping along King’s Road.
- Dining & Shopping: This is home to Michelin-starred dining (think Restaurant Gordon Ramsay or Claude Bosi at Bibendum) and fashion flagships along Sloane Street. Harrods and Harvey Nichols in nearby Knightsbridge are must-visits for luxury shopping.
3. Fitzrovia
Best for Media, Advertising, and Agencies
Fitzrovia blends creative industry offices with charming residential streets just moments from the buzz of the West End. You’ll find award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels, and quick access to Oxford Street, Soho, Covent Garden and Bloomsbury — making it one of London’s best neighbourhoods and ideal for sightseeing, business travel and professionals.
- Commute: Goodge Street (Northern line), Warren Street (Northern, Victoria), Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo, Victoria) — 15–20 min to The City.
- Airports: Heathrow – 45 min; London City – 50 min; Gatwick – 1h 25 min.
- Safety: Central and well-lit.
- Lifestyle: Trendy eateries, quiet streets.
- Top Attractions: BT Tower, Fitzroy Square, Cartoon Museum, British Museum.
- Cultural Hotspots: Fitzrovia Arts Festival, indie galleries, literary walking tours.
- Dining & Shopping: Charlotte Street is a foodie haven, with lots of international eateries and contemporary European at Pied à Terre. For shopping, expect design-led homeware boutiques and artisanal bakeries tucked along quiet side streets.
4. Bloomsbury
Best for Academic, Cultural, and Healthcare Links
Bloomsbury is steeped in history, with garden squares, the British Museum, and a strong academic presence. It’s a quiet yet central area, perfect for researchers, visiting professors, and medical professionals. This is one of the most central places to stay in London with Covent Garden and Oxford Street an easy walk away and the business hubs around Clerkenwell and Fleet Street also conveniently close.
- Commute: Russell Square (Piccadilly), Holborn (Central, Piccadilly) — 15 min to The City, 10 min to West End.
- Airports: Heathrow – 50 min; London City – 45 min; Gatwick – 1h 20 min.
- Safety: Quiet, safe, academic hub.
- Lifestyle: Museums, garden squares.
- Top Attractions: British Museum, Russell Square, Dickens Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum
- Cultural Hotspots: Bloomsbury Festival, literary talks, academic conferences.
- Dining & Shopping: Expect independent coffee houses, charming bookshops, and classic British dining in historic pubs. Lamb’s Conduit Street offers stylish menswear and boutique homeware.
5. Victoria
Best for Government & Royal admirers
Victoria is a transport hub with a royal edge — close to Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and major government offices. Ideal for short stays in London and business travellers or assignees needing fast airport connections and a central base.
- Commute: Victoria (Victoria, District, Circle, National Rail, Gatwick Express) — 15 min to The City, 10 min to West End.
- Airports: Gatwick – 30 min via Gatwick Express; Heathrow – 50 min; London City – 55 min.
- Safety: Busy hub, well-policed.
- Lifestyle: Mix of historic and modern.
- Top Attractions: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Cathedral, Apollo Victoria Theatre, St. James’s Park, Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (nearby).
- Cultural Hotspots: Theatres, Royal Mews tours, political history exhibitions.
- Dining & Shopping: Victoria now boasts upscale dining in Nova Food Quarter, offering everything from sushi to tapas. Cardinal Place and Victoria Place Shopping Centre provide high-street fashion and essentials.
6. Canary Wharf
Best for Finance & International HQs
If business is your main focus, Canary Wharf is London’s modern financial powerhouse. Sleek glass towers, riverside walks, and a sense of 24/7 security make it perfect for banking, legal, and global corporate teams. While it’s quieter on weekends, its transport links mean you can get anywhere fast.
- Commute: Canary Wharf (Jubilee line, Elizabeth line, DLR) — direct to The City in 15 min, West End in 20 min.
- Airports: London City Airport – 15 min; Heathrow – 50 min; Gatwick – 1h 10 min.
- Safety: Highly monitored, low crime.
- Lifestyle: Riverside dining, gyms, luxury malls.
- Top Attractions: Canary Wharf Crossrail Roof Garden, Museum of London Docklands, Jubilee Park, River Thames Path.
- Cultural Hotspots: Summer jazz concerts, art installations in public squares, street food festivals.
- Dining & Shopping: Upscale dining at Hawksmoor or Plateau, with major retail at Canary Wharf Shopping Centre and luxury brands in Canada Place.
7. Shoreditch
Best for Tech, Creative, and “Silicon Roundabout” Teams
This is where London’s creativity thrives. Expect colourful street art, buzzing markets, and coffee shops filled with start-up founders. Shoreditch is perfect for teams who want energy, personality, and quick access to The City.
- Commute: Shoreditch High Street (Overground), Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan) — 10 min to The City, 25 min to Canary Wharf.
- Airports: London City – 35 min; Heathrow – 1h; Gatwick – 1h 20 min.
- Safety: Busy, urban; standard city caution.
- Lifestyle: Trendy cafes, markets, co-working.
- Top Attractions: Boxpark, Brick Lane, Old Spitalfields Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Shoreditch Street Art Trail, Whitechapel Gallery.
- Cultural Hotspots: Rich Mix arts centre, Village Underground live gigs, craft beer festivals, Street art tours.
- Dining & Shopping: Cutting-edge restaurants like Dishoom and Lyle’s sit alongside street food markets. Independent fashion stores, vintage shops, and quirky homeware boutiques line Redchurch Street and Brick Lane.
8. London Bridge
Best for Central Access & Culture
Living near London Bridge means your evenings could include a stroll along the Thames, past iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Borough Market. This area combines historic charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for professionals seeking a central yet lively base with riverside character.
- Commute: London Bridge (Northern, Jubilee) — 5–10 min to The City, 15 min to Canary Wharf, 10 min to West End.
- Airports: London City – 30 min; Heathrow – 50 min; Gatwick – 1h 10 min.
- Safety: Busy, well-monitored urban area.
- Lifestyle: Riverside dining, cultural events, historic streets.
- Top Attractions: Tower Bridge, The Shard, Borough Market, HMS Belfast, London Bridge Experience.
- Cultural Hotspots: Borough Market food festivals, open-air performances at Hay’s Galleria, pop-up art exhibitions along the Thames.
- Dining & Shopping: London Bridge is a foodie hotspot, from Michelin-starred restaurants like Hawksmoor and Roast, to casual bites at Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most vibrant food markets. For shopping, explore independent boutiques at Hay’s Galleria, artisanal shops along Tooley Street, and designer homeware at The Shard’s retail outlets.
9. King’s Cross
Best for International & Nationwide Connectivity
King’s Cross has transformed from a gritty transport hub into one of London’s most exciting districts, with canalside dining, cultural venues, and direct Eurostar access. Ideal for companies with teams travelling frequently across the UK and Europe.
- Commute: King’s Cross St Pancras (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria, National Rail, Eurostar) — 10 min to The City, 20 min to Canary Wharf.
- Airports: London City – 40 min; Heathrow – 55 min; Gatwick – 1h 15 min.
- Safety: Major regeneration, safer than past decades.
- Lifestyle: Modern dining, creative hubs.
- Top Attractions: British Library, Coal Drops Yard, Regent’s Canal, Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, Granary Square fountains.
- Cultural Hotspots: Concerts at Kings Place, book launches at British Library, foodie markets.
- Dining & Shopping: Trendy eateries like Caravan and Dishoom sit beside high-end boutiques at Coal Drops Yard. Waitrose and a variety of artisanal food shops cater to longer stays.
10. Battersea
Best for Riverside Living & Regeneration Vibe
Battersea has reinvented itself with the Power Station redevelopment — now a lifestyle destination with shops, restaurants, and riverside living. Perfect if you want a quieter, greener home that’s still close to central London. An ideal spot for family friendly accommodation.
- Commute: Battersea Power Station (Northern line), Clapham Junction (National Rail, Overground) — 15–20 min to The City.
- Airports: Heathrow – 45 min; Gatwick – 1h 5 min; London City – 1h 10 min.
- Safety: Family-friendly, low crime.
- Lifestyle: Parks, riverside walks.
- Top Attractions: Battersea Power Station, Battersea Park, Battersea Arts Centre, Thames River Path, New Covent Garden Market.
- Cultural Hotspots: Open-air cinema in summer, art pop-ups in Power Station, live gigs at BAC.
- Dining & Shopping: The Power Station complex offers restaurants like Fiume and Wright Brothers, popular chains like Nandos, plus luxury and high-street shopping in the riverside mall.
11. Hammersmith
Best for West London Business Links
Hammersmith combines riverside charm with easy access to Heathrow, making it ideal for international travellers, group stays, pet-friendly accommodation and relocations in London. It’s also a cultural hub with theatres and music venues.
- Commute: Hammersmith (Piccadilly, District, Circle, Hammersmith & City) — 15 min to West End, 30 min to The City.
- Airports: Heathrow – 30 min; Gatwick – 1h 10 min; London City – 1h.
- Safety: Safe, suburban feel.
- Lifestyle: Riverside pubs, event venues.
- Top Attractions: Eventim Apollo, Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith Bridge, Ravenscourt Park, Thames Path.
- Cultural Hotspots: Comedy nights, riverside summer fairs, West London theatre scene.
- Dining & Shopping: Chain and independent restaurants mix with gastropubs along the river. Livat Mall and Broadway Shopping Centre offer everyday conveniences and popular brands like Ikea, Primark, JD sports, TK Maxx.
Need help finding a neighbourhood for your next serviced apartment stay in London?
As local experts at Checkin Apartments, we recommend London serviced apartment options considering your daily commute, proximity to business hubs, access to cultural and leisure activities, and the overall vibe of each neighbourhood.
Get in touch to discuss your next stay.
