Best places to stay in London: Covent Garden or Soho

March 17, 2026

When planning your first trip, choosing one of the best places to stay in London might be your toughest decision. Selecting one in an area that suits your travel style is the smartest solution to choosing a hotel in London, especially for first-time visitors.

There are many different neighborhoods that offer unique experiences. The location of your hotel in London can shape your trip. You’ll need to decide whether you want to be in the heart of the theater and entertainment district, immerse yourself in history, or explore the city’s best shops and restaurants.

Two of the most popular areas for visitors are Covent Garden and Soho. Both offer great West End locations, but cater to different types of travelers. My first flat in London was in Bloomsbury, which borders these two areas. So I know them very well!

This guide will detail the benefits of each area. You’ll learn about hotels, theater, entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, and shopping to help you make a decision. Ultimately, choosing the best places to stay in London will depend on how you like to spend your days and nights while on vacation.

Best places to stay in London: Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the most iconic areas of London. It is known for its historic square, fantastic theater and shopping.

It’s a perfect location for first-time visitors who want to be close to London’s top attractions, including the Royal Opera House, the British Museum and Trafalgar Square. With lively street performances and a beautiful blend of historic charm and modern luxury, Covent Garden offers the quintessential London experience.

Inconvenience: Covent Garden is one of the busiest areas of London and hotel prices reflect demand.

luxury hotels in Covent Garden

  • Savoy
  • The NoMad London
  • Covent Garden Hotel (Firmdale Hotels)
  • An Aldwych
  • ME London
things-to-do-in-london-in-october
Royal Horseguards Hotel
Royal Horseguards Hotel

MID-RANGE Hotels in Covent Garden

  • The Henriette Hotel
  • Strand Palace
  • The Waldorf Hilton
  • Le Clermont London, Charing Cross
  • The Royal Horseguards
  • Radisson Blu Hotel

BUDGET Hotels in Covent Garden

  • Travelodge London Covent Garden
  • Zedwell Circus Piccadilly
  • Zedwell Underground Hotel Tottenham Court Road

Hotels in Covent Garden

Here’s an interactive map to help you choose the best hotel in Covent Garden based on your London travel budget.

Covent Garden theaters

  • The Lion King (High School Theater)
  • Hercules (Theatre Royal Drury Lane)
  • Six (Vaudeville Theater)
  • Paddington (Savoy Theatre)
  • Mathilde (Cambridge Theatre)
  • Avenue Q (Shaftesbury Theatre, opens March 2026)
  • The devil wears Prada (Dominion Theater)
Ultimate London Booking Guide What to book in advance | Book in advance for a trip to London | Visit London Travel Consultation | Mathilde Theater

entertainment and attractions

  • The Royal Opera
  • London Transport Museum
  • Covent Garden Street Performers
  • Somerset House
  • Neal’s Yard (image right)
  • Saint-Paul’s Church
  • Platoon
  • Seasonal pop-ups on the Piazza
  • Annual Christmas Tree Lights Festival
  • More Activities and leisure in Covent Garden
Free Things to Do in London Walk around Neal's Yard in Covent Garden

luxury dinner

  • Major Clos
  • Rules
  • Cora Pearl
  • Le Delaunay
  • Henry
  • The Savoy Grill
  • The NoMad restaurant
  • Take a shower
  • J Sheeky

mid-range

  • Flat iron
  • Blacklock Convent Garden
  • Mess
  • Cellar of stories
  • Gaucho
  • Cinnamon Bazaar
  • The ivy grill
  • Ocher – National Gallery
  • Mouth Mouth
gura-gura-covent-garden-food-review

Budget to mid-range

  • Viola’s Café
  • Shake Shack Covent Garden
  • Homeslice Neal’s Courtyard
  • 26 cereals
  • Honest burgers
  • Franco Manca
  • Seven Dial Market
  • Wagamama
  • Lucy
  • Grandfather

shopping in Covent Garden

  • Apple Market (for crafts and antiques)
  • Seven Dials Stores
  • Stanfords (iconic travel bookstore)
  • Elemis Spa & Skincare
  • Molton Brown
  • Brighter
  • Dolce & Gabbana
  • Tom Ford
  • Blackberry
  • Tiffany & Co
  • Chanel
ultimate-guide-to-visit-london-christmas-markets-apple-market-holidays

Best places to stay in London: Soho

Soho is known for its vibrant nightlife, eclectic restaurants and independent boutiques. This lively neighborhood is perfect for travelers looking for an energetic atmosphere and plenty of entertainment.

It’s home to some of London’s best restaurants, bars and LGBTQ+ venues. Soho’s central location also makes it a great base for exploring the rest of the city.

Inconvenience: Soho can be noisy, especially on weekends, due to its thriving nightlife. This is not an area I would recommend to solo female travelers visiting London for the first time.

luxury hotels in SOHO

  • Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
  • Hotel Soho, Firmdale Hotels
  • Haymarket Hotel, Hotels in Firmdale
  • W London
  • Hotel Café Royal
  • The Londoner

MID-RANGE Hotels in SOho

  • Thistle London Trafalgar Square
  • Thistle London Piccadilly
  • Karma Sanctuary Soho
  • Dean Street Townhouse
  • Mimi’s Hotel Soho
  • The Soho Resident
  • Treehouse Hotel in London
The Londoner Hotel Best Places to Stay in London-Covent-Garden-Soho-Hotels-in-London
The London hotel

BUDGET Hotels in SOHO

  • The Z Hotel Soho
  • The Z Hotel Tottenham Court Road
  • Hotel Z Hotel Piccadilly
  • Hotel The Sanctuary House

Hotels in Soho

Here is an interactive map to help you choose the best hotel in Soho based on your London travel budget.

theater in Soho

  • The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre)
  • Les Miserables (Sondheim Theater)
  • The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre)
  • Moulin Rouge! (Piccadilly Theater)
  • Beetlejuice (Prince Edward Theatre)
things-to-do-in-london-in-april-the-book-of-mormon-9

entertainment and attractions

  • Chinatown
  • Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club
  • Leicester Square (host to many film premieres)
  • The Photographers Gallery
Chinatown Best Places to Stay in London-Covent-Garden-Soho-Hotels-in-London

luxury dinner

  • Bob Bob Ricard
  • Hakkasan
  • Gauthier Soho
  • Blue posts (Evelyn’s table)
Fallow Burger Restaurants in Soho

mid-range

  • Dishoom Carnaby
  • Fallow
  • Flat iron
  • Blacklock Soho
  • Devonshire
  • Barrafina
  • Cricket Soho
  • Duck & Rice
  • Nessa
  • Burger & Lobster Soho
  • Imad’s Syrian cuisine
  • Mildred
  • The Palomar

Budget to mid-range

  • BAO Soho
  • Rosa’s Thai Soho
  • Honest Burgers Soho
  • Koya Soho
  • It’s gone
  • Mother puree
  • Kingly Court (various restaurants)

shopping in SOHO

  • Liberty London
  • Rue Carnaby
  • Regent Street
things-to-do-in-london-in-november

Comparison: Covent Garden or Soho

Covent Garden Soho
Atmosphere Classic London charm
Focused on theater		 Lively, intense nightlife
Trends
Ideal for Families, theater lovers
Luxury travelers		 Nightlife lovers, foodies
Young travelers
Hotel prices Expensive to mid-range Mid-range to budget
Purchases Premium brands
Seven dials
Local Shops
The construction sites		 Rue Carnaby
Regent Street
Trendy streetwear
Dining Classic British cuisine
Refined and elegant cuisine
Street food market (seven dials)		 Eclectic, international
Michelin Star Options
Noise level Moderate High, especially at night
Nearby attractions Royal Opera
Somerset House
Leicester Square		 Chinatown
Ronnie Scott’s
Rue Carnaby

Best Places to Stay in London: Final Thoughts

Both Covent Garden and Soho offer a great base for a visit to London, but the right choice depends on your travel style. If you like theatre, historic charm and stylish shopping, Covent Garden is ideal. If you prefer a lively, vibrant neighborhood with endless restaurants and vibrant nightlife, Soho is the best option.

Not sure if Covent Garden or Soho is best for you?

I offer personalized travel consultations to help you create the perfect itinerary based on your interests and budget. Whether you’re choosing between Covent Garden and Soho or planning a detailed itinerary, my expert advice will help you maximize your time in London. You can also pick up one of my London travel guides or complete my insider’s guide to London restaurants.

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