Where to stay
Before booking, check the station, line, fare zone and journey to at least two places you want to visit. Westminster, Victoria and South Bank suit many first visits. Victoria has useful connections and South Bank offers long riverside walks; compare room size and the full price.
Bloomsbury is convenient for museums and central trips. King's Cross offers numerous rail and Underground connections, useful for train arrivals or visits across several areas. Paddington suits the west and Heathrow; Earl's Court offers another accommodation option.
A more distant neighbourhood can still work well if it avoids changes. Compare door-to-door travel at your intended time: two properties equally far from the centre may involve very different journeys.
Three days by area
Day one: group Westminster, Parliament, the abbey and a Thames walk towards South Bank, choosing one paid attraction in advance. Day two: stay towards the eastern centre around the City, riverside and Tower Bridge rather than adding detours to the west.
Day three: visit one major museum, then choose one area such as Covent Garden, Camden, Notting Hill or Greenwich. Every extra district adds travel and takes time away from the place itself.
Airports and transport
London has several airports with different rail and bus connections. Heathrow is served by the Piccadilly line, Elizabeth line and rail services. Check the exact airport, final departure time and route to the property, not only the advertised ticket price.
Underground, buses, DLR, Overground and urban rail provide a wide network. TfL describes contactless and Oyster pay as you go options. Use the same card or device for the taps required on your journey and check current rules, including whether your airport connection is covered.
Final checks
Check the property's fare zone and nearest useful station. Compare prices in the payment currency and account for possible fees. Allow time for changes in large stations rather than assuming a transfer is immediate.
Consult official accessibility maps for step-free routes and check any assistance needed. Save reservations and addresses offline. A suggested route is not a ticket booking, and current transport service, admission and cancellation conditions must be checked for your own dates.