London Boroughs & Neighbourhoods Guide

London Borough

Westminster

Westminster: The Iconic Heart of London.

About Westminster

The London Borough of Westminster is the beating heart of London, home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, cultural institutions, and political centers. As one of the most prestigious and historically significant areas in the UK, the borough offers a vibrant mix of history, luxury, and modern city life. It is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and WestminsterAbbey, making it a global symbol of British heritage. The borough also features Covent Garden, Soho, and Mayfair, renowned for their theaters, fine dining, and high-end shopping. From the serene beauty of Hyde Park and St. James’s Park to the bustling energy of Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus, Westminster offers something for everyone. With its unmatched cultural scene, excellent transport links, and cosmopolitan lifestyle, it is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and explore in London. In terms of boundaries, the borough is bordered by the London Borough of Camden to the north, the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to the west, the London Borough of Lambeth to the south across the River Thames, and the City of London to the east.

Just on the borough's western border lies the famous Portobello Road Market in nearby Notting Hill — a must-visit for vintage lovers and curious collectors. Art lovers are spoiled for choice too: Westminster is home to the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square and Tate Britain, both free to visit — discover more in our guide to Free Museums in London.

Westminster at a Glance
  • Population205.087
  • Area21,48 km²
  • PostcodesEC, NW, SW, W, WC
  • TransportBakerloo, Circle & District Lines, Jubilee, Victoria Line, National Rail Services
Map of Westminster

Where to Stay in Westminster

Westminster is the most central place to stay in London: most of the big sights, the West End theatres and the Royal Parks are within walking distance. It is also the most expensive borough, so it pays to choose the area that fits your trip.

Covent Garden & the West End

Best for: First-time visitors, theatre lovers

Street performers, theatres and restaurants on every corner. You can walk to Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and the South Bank. Lively until late, so pick a room away from the main squares if you sleep lightly.

Soho

Best for: Nightlife, food lovers

Narrow streets packed with bars, cafés and some of London's best restaurants. Perfect if you want to be in the middle of everything, less so if you want quiet evenings.

Mayfair & St James's

Best for: Luxury stays, shopping

Elegant Georgian streets between Green Park and Bond Street, with London's grandest hotels. Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly are a short walk away.

Marylebone

Best for: Couples, families, a quieter base

A village feel around Marylebone High Street, close to Regent's Park and Oxford Street. Baker Street and Bond Street stations make getting around easy.

Victoria & Belgravia

Best for: Travellers arriving by train or coach

Victoria station has trains to Gatwick and the south coast and is next to the coach station. Belgravia, its smart neighbour, is calm and residential, a few minutes from Buckingham Palace.

Paddington & Bayswater

Best for: Heathrow arrivals, budget stays

Paddington has the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth line, and the streets around it have many good-value hotels. Hyde Park is on the doorstep.

Pimlico

Best for: Quiet, residential stays

White stucco terraces and garden squares by the river, near Tate Britain and the Victoria line. Fewer crowds, still central.

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45 places to stay in Westminster

Barry House Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Belgravia Rooms Hotel hotel · Victoria line Belmont Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Best Western Buckingham Palace Rd hotel · Victoria line Dolphin Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Edward Hotel Paddington hotel · Bakerloo line Europa House Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Grand Royale London Hyde Park hotel · District line Hanover Hotel Victoria hotel · Victoria line Haven Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Hotel Corbigoe hotel · Victoria line Huttons Hotel hotel · Victoria line Hyde Park Court hotel · Bakerloo line Jubilee Hotel hotel · Victoria line Leicester House Hotel hotel · Piccadilly line Lidos Hotel London hotel · Victoria line Limegrove Hotel hotel · Victoria line London House Hotel hotel · District line Park Avenue Bayswater Inn Hyde Park hotel · District line Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge hotel · Circle line Pembridge Palace Hotel hotel · District line Prince William Hotel hotel · District line Princes Square Hotel hotel · District line Queensborough Terrace Serviced Apartments apartments · District line Regency Hotel Westend hotel · Bakerloo line Royal Park Hotel hotel · District line Sheriff Hotel hotel · Victoria line Sidney Hotel London Victoria hotel · Victoria line Smart Hyde Park View hotel · District line The 22 hotel · Central line The Colonnade Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line The Crescent Hyde Park hotel · Central line The Dilly hotel · Piccadilly line The House on Warwick hotel · Victoria line The Landmark London hotel · Bakerloo line The Londoner Hotel hotel · Piccadilly line The Queens Park Premier London Hyde Park hotel · Circle line The Royal Horseguards hotel · Jubilee line The Royale Chulan hotel · Central line The St. George's Inn Victoria hotel · Victoria line The Tudor Inn Hotel hotel · Victoria line The Z Hotel Victoria hotel · Victoria line Tony's House Hotel hotel · Bakerloo line Travelodge London Covent Garden hotel · Central line Troy Hotel hotel · Circle line

Browse the 27 places to stay in Westminster →

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