The 20 best Airbnbs in London from the trendy East End to the swanky west

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 a 1920's 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.

What’s the budget range? An economic stay in central London. Ideal for large groups. 

What’s it like to stay here? The boho vintage interiors give the houseboat a seriously cosy feel, while you're moments away from BFI, the National Theatre, and the Tate Modern. 

Rooms: 4 beds, 2.5 baths. Sleeps 10. 

Bold and beautiful in a way that has ‘class’ written all over it, this ground-floor flat in west London will have you at all the museums within minutes. Nestled into the heart of Sloane-ville (it’s not really called that) you get to experience the lovely upper-crust ‘village’ feel of the area while also having very quick tube access to everything West End. We love the use of those black and white stripes, and how they’re echoed in the muted grey and white verticals of one bedroom. Extra points for the understated wall art and that beautiful writing desk/cabinet in the living room. Given the seriously ace location, we’d expect anyone who stays here to spend a good whomp of their time in the gastropubs, restaurants and boutiques of the surrounding streets (the Kings Road is but a gentle stone’s throw). However, there’s a hidden gem of a suntrap terrace that just might tempt you to have a few home-bod hours as well. Like on a sleepy Sunday morning, perhaps.

What’s the budget range? On the higher-end but you’re in Kensington & Chelsea.

What’s it like to stay here? The vibe in a nutshell is My Fair Lady (the posh bits) meets Exhibition Road.

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 5. 

Time Out tip: You're in the best spot for touring all the museums, plus Royal Court Theatre and other Sloane-y faves.

Ready for your close-up? You don’t need to fancy yourself as the next Lord Snowdon to have a whale of a time at Fossil Stills, a one-of-a-kind daylight photography studio in Hackney. Located just two minutes from Clapton overground station, this converted industrial loft space (yes, so very Hackney) is achingly cool but also surprisingly cosy. Its big-ticket items include an all-white piano for late-night Elton John moments, a circular hanging seat in the living room, and a big projector screen that descends from the ceiling to watch films on. The open-plan kitchen is ready and waiting for you to whip up some eggs but, if you can’t be bothered with the washing up, head out instead to an East London eatery for one of the best brunches in London. While the main spaces are bright white and filled with light, the bedrooms here sink you into deep shade darkness – perfect for those mornings when you’ve spent quite a lot of time out partying in Hackney the night before.

What’s the budget range? A bit of a splurge for a special long weekend.

What’s it like to stay here? It's a one-of-a-kind hipster hang out (with hanging chair to boot).

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.

OK, so this one is just flat-out gorgeous. A former lodge for Fulham Cemetery, this neo-Gothic abode has been transformed into the kind of dream house that features its own swimming pool, sauna, wine cellar and deliciously stocked bar. Yes, it drips with decadence and every room feels a bit like an art installation but its also surprisingly… liveable? For all its undeniable wealth, this is a house you actually could imagine kicking back in and having a proper good time. Big points for the more ostentatious parts of the interior design scheme, particularly the underwater cosmology bathroom and that gorgeous sunset artwork in the hall. This place is genuinely unique – and we heart it.

What’s the budget range? Go wild! Blow the whole budget.

What’s it like to stay here? No doubt you'll enjoy the laidback vibes of leafy Fulham and Parsons Green, and all the great pubs therein.

Rooms: 5 beds, 5 baths. Sleeps 9. 

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). 

What’s the budget range? Seriously cheap the larger your group. 

What’s it like to stay here? It's very modern and clean with impressive skyline views of the city, especially at night. 

Rooms: 2 beds. 2 baths. Sleeps 11. 

Canary Wharf tends to be known as an area where people work – but it’s also where they live (and, thanks to the Elizabeth Line, it’s now even more accessible). This bespoke studio flat is on the smaller size, but what it lack in spaciousness, it makes up for in added amenities. The best of these is, surely, the stunning rooftop pool. But there’s also a sauna and steam room, a gym, a residents lounge and a nice rooftop bar and restaurant for when you fancy ‘eating in’ but not doing the cooking yourself.

What’s the budget range? Not too bad for a place of this standard.

What’s it like to stay here? A slice of the high life.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps two.

Another nautical addition to this list, this one-bedroom houseboat is stationed in Little Venice, which is in the area just behind Paddington Station and below Maida Vale. It sleeps four guests, with two using a sofa bed, and has been beautifully decorated in a less-is-more manner. Plain walls, pops of heritage colours and some neat geometric tiles give it something of the feel of a potter’s studio in deepest Cornwall. As it is, you’re actually in a lovely, lively area of London crammed with good places to eat (including on other boats along the canal). Take a walk along the water to Regent’s Park and have brunch in at the Wallace Collection. Chilled, cultured and centrally-located: what more could you want?

What’s the budget range? You’ll take to it like a duck to water.

What’s it like to stay here? This boat has the aura of an artist’ studio.

Rooms? 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps four.

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. 

What’s the budget range? Enjoy a cosy, lavish stay in one of London's swankiest boroughs. 

What’s it like to stay here? A very vintage-luxe apartment in a very becoming part of town, where you have first dibs on High Street Kensington's best cafes and shops. 

 Rooms: 2 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 3.

In the late nineteenth century, Holland Park became known as the home of a collection of artists known as the ‘Holland Park Circle’. Who really knows what those eminent Victorians would make of this gorgeous art-filled flat close to the green space that gave the group its name, but we think they would probably have approved. Soaring double-height ceilings (not so common in London) ensure the living room is saturated in light and uplifting to sit in. A clever hybrid of vintage and modern furnishings gives the whole place a distinctly ‘West London’ artsy feel without the place being unnecessarily overstuffed with items. There’s a lovely little balcony for you to admire the redbrick Victoriana opposite, plus a soothing white-on-white bedroom to help you drift into peaceful slumber. This flat is so stylish it was once featured in Elle Décor magazine – and yet here is it available to book on Airbnb. Pretty cool, huh?

What’s the budget range? Holland Park prices (and there’s a seven-night minimum booking policy). But it is beautiful.

What’s it like to stay here? Carefully curated elegance befitting its swanky address. Not to mention, it's on one of those tree-lined squares.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

Embrace London’s penchant for old and new in close proximity with a stay at this unique church conversion in the Kilburn area of north London. Originally built in 1866, the building has since been transformed to include this enjoyable garden apartment. The heritage features of the church remain and are coupled with lots of plain light coloured wood and practical furnishings. We’re fans of that bright turquoise sink in the bathroom.

What’s the budget range? Quite pricy, but it is a pretty special place.

What’s it like to stay here? Your sleep will be heavenly – promise.

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

If your version of ‘London’ is made from red bricks, Paddington bears and well-plumped cushions, this very stylish flat will get your heart racing. Location-wise, you’re in sophisticated Maida Vale, with the charms of Little Venice a short stroll away (it’s also great for Tube links to central London and is walkable from Paddington station). Inside, the hosts have preserved the nicest Victorian features (tiled fireplace included) but gone big and bold with the maximalist colour scheme and eclectic ornaments. It takes a brave person to paint a living room black and, frankly, we think it totally works.

The budget range? For an upmarket location, the price has been kept fairly moderate.

What’s it like to stay here? You’ll feel like you’ve transformed into an influencer.

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 3.

This very British (read: posh but mud-splattered) flat is the perfect crash pad for anyone looking to combine the charms of a specific neighbourhood – in this case, Taylor Swift’s namechecked Highgate – while still being able to get to all the major London attractions in a jiffy. Its well-lit rooms are filled with slightly eccentric artworks and inviting cosy furniture. This place caught our attention specifically because it’s a tiny bit rough around the edges. It feels ‘real’ in a way only a true home can. Hidden perks? A little south-facing terrace with a vintage-style bench; lovely European-feeling shutters on the windows and a funky lighting system that allows you to play around with different colours. Oh, and in the summer months, it’s not all that far to the bathing ponds of Hampstead Heath either.

What’s the budget range? High-er, but fair price for High-gate.

What’s it like to stay here? Think North London boho eclecticism with lots of pictures.

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 4. 

No, not the swankiest. No, not the biggest. And no, not floating on water. But this studio flat in Hackney hits all the right buttons for us. It’s located literally on the edge of East London’s Victoria Park (as in: overlooking the park), putting you in a prime location to live your Hackney Hipster 2.0 life to the fullest. The interiors take their lead from 60s and 70s fashions (Swinging London here we come) and feel fresh and quirky without resorting to cliché. There’s also a sweet balcony with hanging chair to recharge in while admiring the treetops. All in, this is a super little crash pad for a few hours’ grounding in amongst all the wining, dining and park-walking.

The budget range? For this location? Superb.

What’s it like to stay here? This place is Pure Airbnb. It drops you down in one of the hottest locations in town and feels like a genuine home. Live like a local, and all that.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1.5 baths. Sleeps 2.

As this list shows, houseboats aren’t exactly a totally novel thing when it comes to the quirkier end of London accommodation. But this seriously sweet one moored in Hackney deserves the double thumbs-up thanks to its very cute interiors and, specifically, its penchant for house plants. If you’re someone uses the phase ‘plant babies’ and sincerely buys products to make their leaves shinier, this is your boat. It’s a lovely space to hang out in (and take photos) but when you do want to venture onto dry land, you’re a short ten-minute walk from any and everything you could want.

What’s the budget range? Cute enough to justify it.

What’s it like to stay here? Like your own personal slice of Kew Gardens (just indoors and on water)

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

Get this one: not only is it in super edgy, 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 glamorous.

What’s the budget range? Boujie price tag for the hippest part of London Town. 

What’s it like to stay here? A gold dust location – close to Spitalfields Market, Liverpool Street Station and Brick Lane. 

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 3. 

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, putting you 15-20 minutes away from Soho, Oxford Circus and The City. 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.

What’s the budget range? Enjoy a luxury couple's stay or an affordable stay for four. 

What’s it like to stay here? It's industrial, modern, and very very cosy.  

Rooms: 2 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 4. 

Time Out tip: While you're in the neighbourhood visit the award-winning Cricks Corner – a cracking little coffee shop nearby.

“One bedroom, sleeps four” can be one of those marginally dodgy descriptors where, in truth, the second sleeping space leaves quite a bit to be desired. This spacious loft near London Fields station, however, definitely has room for four (which makes the nighty price pretty sweet as well). It’s had the whole exposed-brick-loft-conversion thing done to it, but there’s something so much softer and more feminine about its overall looks than your average urban crash pad. We love the warming lighting design, the printed screen and those teeny plants hanging above the kitchen space. Very nicely done.

What’s the budget range? For four? You’ll be happy with this.

What’s it like to stay here? Like being in the home you always wished you’d created for yourself.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 4.

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?

What’s the budget range? Expect to cough up a pretty penny for this very posh pad, situated in a serene, leafy cul-de-sac with a view of the Thames. 

What’s it like to stay here? It's Regency-style, so it's practically dipped in gold. 

Rooms: 6 beds, 3.5 baths. Sleeps 6. 

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 find yourselves a street from Pall Mall, and a mere stroll from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Monopoly goals right there! 

What’s the budget range? A budget-friendly stay for large groups. 

What’s it like to stay here? It's the best place for trotting around the shops, best fine dining, museums, parks, and more. 

Rooms: 8 beds, 6 baths. Sleeps 16 or more.

The Big Smoke is well Known for its converted warehouses, but perhaps you've yet to experience one quite this stylish and modern. Situated in London's art and design district, this stunning space is a scrummy architectural mix of metal, glass and that signature bare brick wall - a real mastery of texture that makes this three-bed home feel all feng shuied out, and, well, cooler than we'll ever be. Here you'll find a tranquil space fit for leisure and focus with a study area, huge terrace, living room and high-spec kitchen to enjoy. 

What’s the budget range? An affordable group stay or a luxury city break for the family – the choice is yours. 

What’s it like to stay here? Some say it's an "architectural masterpiece" and we second that – it perfectly encapsulates the city's swagger and sophistication.

Rooms: 3 beds, 2.5 baths. Sleeps 6.