Are you planning to travel to London in the near future? If so, then great, it’s a fantasticdestination. London is an iconic historical city with many things to see, explore, and do. But with its sprawling metropolitan area, this begs the question: where should you call home base during your travels in London? Or more specifically, should you stay in East London or West London?
In this travel guide, we’ll break down some notable diferences between the two regions of London and highlight the pros and cons of staying in each. By the end of this article, we hope you can choose the area that fits your travel style the most, whether you’re planning to stay for a few short days or for a tad bit longer. Let’s hop right into it!
Stay in East London if…
1. You Like Seeing Roads Less Travelled
East London is known to house many incredible gems that most tourists will miss during their stint in the city.This part of London is known to show the more raw, lived-in, and authentic side of London—and if you’re more into exploring the more local side of the city, then East London is an excellent place to base yourself to see day-to-day life at close hand.
Far from the bustle of central and west London, East London has its own charm and many narrow alleys and streets teeming with culture. If you don’t mind being away from the mainstream London tourist route, then staying in East London is worth a consideration.
2. You Like Stopping By Indie Spots and Pop-Up Stores
East London is arguably the creativity central of the city, as it’s home to several quirky boutiques, pop-up stores, and specialty services like a paint and sip studio like Pinot & Picasso. In particular, you can find these unique stores in areas such as Shoreditch, Hackney, and Broadway Market.
Whether you’re looking for DIY crafts, vintage clothing, or record stores, there’s bound to be something that’ll catch your eye in one of the rotating storefronts in this area. The great thing about East London is that many of these stores are independently and locally run, meaning you get to buy and support local artists and artisans in their crafts by buying their products.
3. You Like Walking and Cycling
Another perk of staying in East London is the walkability of the place. You can easily walk through several diferent neighbourhoods in less than thirty minutes at a slow pace. The compact layout and pedestrian-friendly streets of Shoreditch, Regent’s Canal and Dalston make East London a great place to explore the city on foot.
Furthermore, there are established bike lanes and cycle stations scattered throughout East London. This makes it a great place to slowly explore the local area, which is ideal for travelers who want to be on the ground while they travel.
4. You Have a Limited Budget
If you’re traveling to London on a limited budget, your money can be stretched a bit further by choosing to stay in East London. There are several hostels and Airbnb lofts that are good value in this part of London.
On top of cheaper accommodation, living expenses such as food and entertainment options are cheaper in East London than in West or Central London. There are also a number of free activities and cultural events you can engage in on this side of the city, making it a great way to explore without breaking the bank.
5. You Like Markets and Street Food
East London is a haven for market lovers and street food fans.This is because it houses famous districts like Brick Lane Market for international cuisine, Columbia Road for independent cafes and street food, and Broadway Market for artisanal treats and local delicacies.
Whatever time of day it is, you’re bound to find an establishment with excellent food ready to fill your stomach at the right price. A strong busking culture is just a cherry on top, as there are many street performers and a strong community vibe in this part of the city that’s not present anywhere else.
Stay in West London if…
1. You Prefer Easy and Convenient Travel
If you prioritise getting around easily and quickly, then West London may be the ideal base for you in London. This area has multiple rail and subway services across diferent neighbourhoods found in the West End, making this region very well-connected with the rest of London.
Moreover, this area is also close to Heathrow Airport, making departure and arrival more convenient, particularly if you’re travelling from overseas, or if you have early or late night flights and want to easily commute to the airport or your accommodation in the west side.
Besides Tube lines, bus routes are also prevalent in this region, making travelling to museums and attractions a breeze. If you value hassle-free transport to iconic tourist locations, then staying in West London is a practical choice.
2. You Like Being Close to Major Attractions
West London is the place to be if you’re interested in being a stone’s throw away from iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Notting Hill. When you think of classic London charm, West London has most of the things that fit that description.
If you’re a museum enthusiast, West London is also home to major museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Royal Albert Hall. So, if you want to immerse yourself in these cultural landmarks, staying in West London ensures that you don’t have to travel far to reach these places.
3. You Enjoy Going on Morning Walks in Parks
If staying near peaceful green spaces is a priority, West London is your dream base. This section of London isn’t only renowned for its proximity to attractions, it’s also teeming with parks and green spaces for when you want to frolick in nature.The most iconic park in London—Hyde Park—is the largest of the four Royal Parks in central London and is located right inside this side of London. This park is perfect for going onmorning jogs or having a picnic. On some days, you may even find concerts and large-scale events being held in this park if you’re lucky.
Besides Hyde Park, Holland Park, Kensington Gardens, and Richmond Park are also found closer to the western end of London. These green spaces have peaceful trails and wild animals that can provide peace and quiet from the city buzz. Some of these parks also have cafes and art installations if you want to linger in these spaces for a little longer.
4. You’re Looking for Upscale and Luxury Accommodation
London is a world-class city, and it’s only natural to want to stay in a world-class accommodation too. The vast majority of 4 to 5-star hotels in London are all clustered in the west side of London—particularly Mayfair, Kensington, Chelsea, and Belgravia—making this area the natural choice for people who prioritise staying in a luxurious, marble-tiled hotel.
Some notable hotel chains in West London include The Ritz, The Dorchester, The Langham, and Mandarin Oriental. These hotels provide consistently good guest experiences and amenities with a luxurious touch. If you want to unwind in luxury in London, then staying in the West End is a no-brainer.
5. You Want to Shop Till You Drop
West London is an excellent place to base yourself in if you plan to do a lot of shopping. Bond Street and Mayfair are known as two of the most iconic and fashionable shopping areas in the entire city, and these two locations are inside of West London.
Besides that, there are also several other key shopping areas in West London. Shepherd’s Bush, for instance, has a lively high street with a big shopping centre inside it. Notting Hill also has an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and department stores to interest the more expressive fashionista. And if you need to stop to refuel, then you’re in for a treat in any shopping centre in West London, as there’s an array of food that you can pick and indulge in while you’re in the area.
