The 12 best Airbnbs in London

Do you need much more than this from your London Airbnb? Trust us, it’s a pretty special way to spend your time, out on the Thames with the centre of the capital buzzing about beside you. And don’t think of this as just some little boat bobbing about on the water, because it’s basically a proper house, with four beds (all cabins are above water) and some pretty serious kit inside; we’re talking vintage furniture (including an oak dining table designed for Churchill’s Chartwell House), Egyptian cotton on the beds, Sky Q, a Sonos system and authentic artwork from names you’ll probably recognise. Plus it comes with a bundle of history. It’s pretty cool, we have to say.

If you're after class and sophistication, we've got you. This beautiful mews apartment in Kensington, London, is a feast for the eyes. Full of vintage and antique charm, but still super sleek and modern, you'll get the best of both worlds in this Airbnb. Surround yourself with books and gold furnishings, you'll be feeling like a royal in no time. The Airbnb caters for three adult guests in one king-sized bed and a sofa bed. There's a fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom with a gorgeous shower. So pretty, you won't want to leave. 

Hoping to see all the sights on your trip to London? Stay in this stunning loft in the heart of Covent Garden for central ease. Kitted out in high-end specs and luxury amenities, this London Airbnb is ideal for a group of friends or a family looking for a peaceful retreat from the city – while having direct access to it. Each of the three bedrooms features queen-size beds, and two have ensuite bathrooms, while the kitchen is fully equipped for you to cook up a storm in the comfort of your own home-away-from-home. If you're not up to playing chef, head out to Covent Garden Market to choose from one of the many food stalls, along with dozens of local shops and more to explore.

London isn't just luxury mansions and tall Georgian townhouses, you know. There are some cute little gems too, like this tiny home in Hackney, Greater London. Okay, it might look a bit gothic from the outside, and reminiscent of a crematorium, but as the cliche goes, don't judge a book by its cover. Inside, the Airbnb boasts a sleek and modern interior that is subtle and far from tacky. It sleeps two guests in a cosy king-sized bed and has everything you need for a comfortable stay, just on a smaller scale. And considering it's cheaper than a lot of London hotels, it's a great little find. 

If you're into your brutalism (you know, funky window positioning, concrete and stuff) then this is the temporary home for you. Welcome to a Grade II-listed building, designed by famed British Architect Patrick Hodgkinson in the mid sixties, building started in 1967 and finished in 1972. The building is known as the Brunswick Centre, this angular structure juts out over the streets of Bloomsbury on one side, while overlooking its own collection of shops, restaurants and more on the other. Previously it was a row of Georgian-era terraces which had become a little run down. Anyway, if that hasn't stolen your heart – at this location (right next to Russell Square station) you're within walking distance of the British Museum, and the West End. All of the things! There's room for up to 11 people at this abode too, so it’s ideal for larger groups (or a lot of person space). 

London is home to some of the most luxe apartments and this one is no different. This luxury London loft Airbnb is close to Finsbury Park and several tube lines. The space is bright and modern, with exposed brickwork adding an urban vibe. Make use of the high-speed Wi-Fi, two smart TVs, and huge arched windows showing lovely views of the neighbourhood. Get the best of British with this Airbnb, converted from a Victorian former school building. The loft caters to up to four guests in a double bed and two singles, ideal for families or friends. 

Bask in the natural light that streams in through the striking arched windows in this mezzanine Airbnb apartment in London. Just 10 minutes walk away from London Bridge (classic landmark), you'll be close to the riverside of Wapping and be surrounded by delicious restaurants and local bars. This modern Airbnb sleeps three to four guests in one double bed and one sofa bed, great for a weekend away with your partner or bestie. Feel chic in the modern interior that feels both artsy and sophisticated, the epitome of London really. 

Get this one: not only is it in super swanky, uber fashionable Shoreditch, within a few metres of the area’s finest nightlife spots, but the flat itself is also exceptionally swish. Decked-out with mesmerising artworks and decorated with immaculate taste, this place captures everything that’s great about one of London’s most on-trend neighbourhoods. Sure, it’s a little pricey, but it is hella glamourous.

Can you see The Shard poking out in the picture? Yep, you’ve got a corker of a location here, with Waterloo just around the corner and Covent Garden a little wander over the river. But you might be tempted to stay in your home-from-home for the duration of your trip and to be honest? We wouldn’t necessarily blame you. It’s a big and spacious, open-plan penthouse with just about every mod-con you could ask for, but if you want our favourite element here it's the upstairs snug with projector screen. Or maybe the library bedroom. Not sure. We’ll make our minds up on our next visit.

Ah Chelsea, what could be any more regal? Well, actually, maybe this house. Which is on a *famous street* near the riverside in Chelsea, is everything you’d expect of a charming, genteel period property in London. It's beautiful and incredibly old-school London. The boutiques and restaurants of Kings Road are a short stroll away, while Battersea Park is just across the river. If you want to live that chandeliers and patterned wallpaper lifestyle, you'll not find a better place to stay. It runs parallel to the river, and notable residents (past and present) include: David Lloyd George, Bram Stoker, T S Elliot, Ian Fleming, George Best, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards. Woah. It sleeps up to six guests in six bedrooms, so maybe they all hung out together? Who knows?

Since the 2012 Olympic Games were hosted in this part of East London, Stratford has continued to enjoy a huge amount of regeneration. There's an enormous shopping centre, a state-of -the-art aquatics centre (including the best swimming pool you can get, as used in the Olympics). Away from the shops and swims, there's  acres of landscaped greenery to frolick in, or in the case of this flat, gaze at – which you can do perfectly from the floor-to-ceiling corner window of this flat. Sitting right beside the canal, you can also find views of water, nature and the Olympic stadium. Plus it's decked out as boho-chic and can sleep up to four guests. The transport links are also excellent, so you can get around the rest of London quicker than Usain Bolt (maybe). Thankfully Stratford's glow up hasn't come through destroying the charm that the artists and OG Londoners brought to it in the years gone by, if you pop out for a stroll you'll see prime old-school east London landscapes. 

To say this place is kitted out to the max is a bit of an understatement. Not only does this townhouse in the middle of London sleep up to 16 people across six floors and eight bedrooms, it’s also home to some arcade machines, a poker table, a jacuzzi, loads of boardgames, and a rooftop terrace. You may well end up not setting foot outside. (Ideal if there's a lockdown ever, to be fair). Though if you do decide to all get your boots on and wander outside, you'll fine yourselves a street from Pall Mall, and a mere stroll from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Monopoly goals right there!