Trip planning

Where to stay in London: long-term options

We show you all the available options on where to stay in London for a long stay: apartment, coliving or Airbnb.

When you’re planning an extended stay in another city, it’s normal to wonder what kind of accommodation is the most practical and budget-friendly. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in London for a longer period, we’ve got you covered with the best options available.

Depending on the reason for your stay—whether it’s work, studying, or slow travel—some types of accommodation will suit you better than others. We’ll walk you through colivings, long-stay hotels, furnished apartments, and even Airbnb options. Stick around to discover the best places to live and stay in the vibrant city of London.

In this article

Long term accommodation options in London

There’s no shortage of places to stay in London, no matter your lifestyle or preferences. That said, it’s worth remembering that London has one of the highest costs of living in Europe—which definitely shows in rental prices too.

So, if you’re a digital nomad, a shared space like a coliving could be your best bet. If you’re a student, a student residence might suit you better. And if you’re taking it slow and soaking in the city, an apartment, hotel, or Airbnb could be just right. What kind of stay are you looking for?

Long-stay hotels

Some hotels in the city offer special rates for extended stays—weeks or even months—often at a lower price than booking night by night. The big plus is that you get all the usual hotel perks like cleaning and services. However, unless you book a studio-style room, you likely won’t have access to a kitchen.

Example of hotel: Citadines Trafalgar Square, 800 meters from the London Eye Ferris wheel and a 10-minute walk from the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben Tower.
Services: Furnished room with free wifi, self-catering studios.
Rates: From $3,000 per month.

Coliving

If you’re not familiar with this kind of setup, a coliving is a shared living space where you have your own private room but share common areas like the kitchen, rooftop, or coworking zones with others. These spaces are especially popular among digital nomads, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking for a community-oriented environment where they can live and work remotely alongside like-minded people.

One of the main perks of staying in a coliving space is that it’s much more affordable than renting a private flat, since you’re sharing some of the common areas. Plus, utilities like Wi-Fi, electricity, and water are usually included in the price—so you end up saving quite a bit.

Example of coliving: The Collective Canary Wharf, located in the Canary Wharf district and surrounded by restaurants, bars and cafes.
Services: Private rooms, coworking, gym, swimming pool and library.
Rates: From $1,800 with wifi, electricity, water and cleaning included.

places in London — London’s best coliving for digital nomads @pexels

Furnished apartments

If you’re looking for more independence during your stay in London, renting a furnished apartment might be your best bet. It gives you full privacy, with your own kitchen, bathroom, and living space. The downside? Renting in London isn’t cheap—and on top of the monthly rent, you’ll also need to budget for utilities like electricity, water, and gas.

Example of an apartment: Sonder Oxford Cirvus, located six minutes from downtown.
Amenities included: Modern furnishings, fully equipped kitchen and free wifi.
Rates: From $3,000 per month, depending on size.

Airbnb

Airbnb is another solid option if you’re planning to stay in London for an extended period. Many hosts list long-term rentals, ranging from shared rooms and studio flats to entire homes. The catch? In addition to the rental cost, you’ll need to factor in Airbnb’s service fees, which can bump up the total quite a bit.

Airbnb example: Private apartment in Shoreditch.
Services: Furnished, equipped kitchen and free wifi.
Rates: From $2,200 per month.

Student residence

This option is perfect for students coming to London for an academic program and looking to live alongside fellow classmates. It’s one of the most convenient choices, offering everything a student might need—proximity to campus, access to printers, free Wi-Fi, and dedicated study areas. Here are a few more perks to keep in mind:

Example of residence: Urbanest King’s Cross, in the city center.
Services: Wifi, laundry, study areas, gym and cafeteria/restaurant.
Rates: From $1,500 per month.

Connectivity in London

For long trips, we recommend securing your internet connection with Holafly Connect’s unlimited plans. You’ll be able to connect multiple devices at once and enjoy all the data you need with 5G speed, all for just $67.90 per month.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Buy Global eSIM

The best neighborhoods and areas to stay in London for a while

Before deciding where to stay in London, it’s important to research the best neighborhoods and areas of the city. Choose safe, comfortable locations with good transport links that connect you easily to tourist attractions, universities, airports, or any other needs depending on your travel style. Here are three of the best areas, each with its own unique charm. Let’s get started!

1. Shoreditch, the creative hub

If you’re a digital nomad looking for a place to stay in London, Shoreditch in the Hackney borough, north of the city, is the perfect area for you. It’s a rapidly growing neighborhood with an influx of professionals, which has led to the opening of many coworking spaces equipped with top-notch tech infrastructure for remote work.

Featured colivings in Shoreditch

The Collective Old Oak: A modern coliving space with private rooms and common coworking areas.
Mason & Fifth: Luxury coliving with a focus on wellness and community.
Gravity Co-Living: Flexible space with community events and coworking areas.

Coworking in Shoreditch

WeWork Shoreditch: Modern offices with an active community of entrepreneurs.
Huckletree Shoreditch: Innovative coworking space with a focus on technology and startups.
The Trampery Old Street: A coworking space with cutting-edge design and a collaborative environment.

Coffee shops for telecommuting in Shoreditch

Ozone Coffee Roasters: Excellent coffee, cozy atmosphere and fast wifi.
Ace Hotel Lobby: A comfortable space with power outlets and large tables.
Forge & Co: A combination coffee shop and coworking space with good connectivity.

2. South Bank, study and leisure

Especially suited for students, the South Bank area, located south of the River Thames, is filled with parks, green spaces, theaters, concert halls, and vibrant nightlife to help you unwind. Additionally, you’ll have easy access to libraries and continuous transportation to take you to the top universities. Let’s see what else this area has to offer:

Student residences in South Bank

Urbanest Westminster Bridge: Single and shared rooms with excellent views of London.
IQ Bankside: Modern residence with study spaces and common areas.

Libraries in South Bank

Waterloo Library: A quiet and cozy space to study or work.
National Poetry Library: A library specializing in poetry.

Green areas to study in South Bank

Southwark Cathedral Gardens: A place with green areas ideal for concentration.
Bernie Spain Gardens: A park by the Thames perfect for reading or working outdoors.

South Bank Festivals

Southbank Centre Winter Festival: Annual event with Christmas markets and live entertainment.
Underbelly Festival: Summer festival with theater, comedy and outdoor entertainment.

neighborhoods London — Best neighborhoods to stay in London. Source: Shutterstock.

3. Camden Town, bohemian atmosphere

The artistic neighborhood of Camden Town is perfect for remote workers, students, or simply travelers looking to enjoy the city. It’s a place where art is alive in the street murals, and its street markets are a must-visit for any tourist. Here’s what you can find in this area:

Colivings in Camden Town

Vonder Camden: A modern coliving with fully equipped studios, common spaces and events for residents.
The Stay Club Camden: Combines coliving with a student residence, ideal for long stays.

Long stay hotels in Camden Town

Selina Camden: Hotel designed for digital nomads, with coworking, comfortable rooms and community events.
The Wesley Camden Town: An accommodation with extended stay options, located near Regent’s Canal.

Interesting places in Camden Town

Camden Market: One of the most famous markets in London, with international food, vintage clothing and local art.
The Roundhouse: A renowned venue for live music and art performances.
Regent’s Canal: A perfect place to stroll or work outdoors.

Frequently asked questions on where to stay in London

How much does it cost to stay in London for a month?

It depends on the accommodation you want to book, for example, a coliving can cost from $1,800 and a private apartment from $3,000 per month.

What are the best places to stay in London for a long stay?

London has many great areas where you can stay safely, but the three we recommend are Shoreditch for digital nomads, South Bank for students, and Camden Town for those looking for a bohemian vibe.

How is the internet connection in London?

London accommodations typically offer good internet with high-speed WiFi. While the city generally has great coverage, we recommend Holafly Connect plans for stable and fast connectivity.

Where can I find digital nomad communities in London?

Coworking spaces and colivings in the city bring together digital nomads from all over the world, making it a great place to connect with the nomadic community.

What documents do I need to rent an apartment in London?

The general documents required are a passport or ID, along with proof of income or an employment contract. For colivings and student residences, the requirements are usually more flexible.

How long can I rent an Airbnb in London?

It depends on the landlord and local regulations, but typically ranges from weeks to months. If you need a longer stay, you can contact the landlord and ask for a quote that suits your dates.