Which London neighbourhood should you stay in?

London is not one city but a string of neighbourhoods, and the "best" area depends on what you are here for. The West End puts theatres and sights on your doorstep but is the priciest. South Bank and Waterloo are a short walk from Westminster and usually a little cheaper for the same centrality.

Neighbourhood personalities

• West End / Covent Garden: theatre, dining, big sights — pay for the location.
• South Bank: river views, the Tate and the Eye, good for first-timers on foot.
• Shoreditch / East London: street food, markets and a younger, more local scene, with cheaper beds.
• Paddington / Kings Cross: practical for the airport trains, if less charming.

The real cost driver

In London the tube makes distance forgiving, so a room three stops out can be dramatically cheaper than one in the centre. Check the nearest station and its line rather than the postcode alone — a fast line to your main sights is worth more than a central address.