Located in the heart of the city, Westminster is the royal and political center of London. It’s the best part of the city to experience the history and grandeur of Britain and a great place to base yourself while in London.
By: Paul Healey |
Published: April 20, 2024
Westminster is home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks. Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square are all located in the vibrant government area.
Covent Garden is just around the corner, as is London’s theater district, the West End. Southbank is just across the river.
It’s a great place to stay in London with lots of greenery, the opportunity for a riverside walk and a host of excellent tourist attractions.
Westminster is a great option for first-time visitors who want to see all the major sights.
WHY STAY IN WESTMINSTER?
Westminster is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in London, including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.
There are excellent transport links and being right in the center of London you can easily walk to Soho, Southbank, Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Mayfair.
Westminster doesn’t have the neighborhood feel of some other areas in London, but there are plenty of hotels to choose from, and it’s even possible to find a few bargains.
TUBE STATIONS IN WESTMINSTER
Sint-Jacobspark | Victoria | Pimlico | Westminster
MAIN attractions in WESTMINSTER
- Downing Street: The Prime Minister’s official residence and office and a popular photo spot.
- Trafalgar Square: Iconic public square with the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.
- Piccadilly: An elegant road connecting Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, perfect for window shopping.
- Sint-Jacobspark: One of the most beautiful royal parks in London with a view of Buckingham Palace.
- Buckingham Palace: The somewhat unattractive main residence of the British monarch.
- Westminster Abbey: Historic church where royal weddings and coronations take place, with the tombs of several notable public figures.
- Churchill War Rooms: A fascinating museum preserving Britain’s wartime history.
WHERE TO STAY
LUNA & SIMONE HOTEL (£)
This family-run boutique hotel is clean and comfortable with lots of light and a clean, fresh feeling. Free WiFi and a full English breakfast are available. It’s mostly other hotels nearby, but it’s well located near Victoria bus and metro station.
10 minutes walk – Tate Britain, Victoria Station | 20 minutes walk – Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Saachi Gallery.
THE WATCHMAN (££)
The Guardsman is a boutique hotel that feels like a sophisticated private members club. It’s on the edge of St James’s Park, so the address couldn’t be better. The rooms are small but nicely decorated, with useful high-tech features.
10 minutes walk – Buckingham Palace, The Mall, St. James’s Palace | 20 minutes walk – Fortnum & Mason, Savile Row, Leicester Square, Chinatown, Southbank.
PAGE 8 (£££)
Page 8 is a lovely hotel just off Trafalgar Square with stylish rooms, comfortable beds and great showers. They have a communal lounge that is also part of their coffee house and serves excellent coffee. The brunch menu is a modern take on traditional English.
10 minutes walk – Downing Street, Embankment, Covent Garden, Chinatown | 20 minutes walk – Waterloo, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Fortnum & Mason, Oxford Street, Russell Square.
THE LONDON (£££)
The Londoner is packed with facilities including 6 restaurants, a rooftop lounge and spa, a superfood clinic and a beauty salon. It is a luxurious stay with staff who do everything they can to ensure you have a comfortable stay.
10 minutes walk – Downing Street, Embankment, Covent Garden, Chinatown, Royal Opera House | 20 minutes walk – Waterloo, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Fortnum & Mason, Oxford Street, Russell Square.
DE GORING (££££) 700
The Goring is a classic English property with a large private garden, beautifully decorated doormen and a Michelin star restaurant. It’s luxurious, but the friendly staff make it feel classy without being too pretentious.
10 minutes walk – Buckingham Palace, Wellington Arch, St James’s Park | 20 minutes walk – Fortnum & Mason, Savile Row, Royal Academy of the Arts, Churchill War Rooms, Whitehall, Tate Britain, Hyde Park.
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