StayAreasCovent Garden or South Bank: where should you stay in London?
- South Bank is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $295 a night, against $360 in Covent Garden.
- Covent Garden is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; South Bank wins on 2.
- South Bank has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Covent Garden.
- From Heathrow, Covent Garden is quicker: 61 min against 67 min.
Covent GardenTheatres, shopping & street lifePick Covent Garden if
- First-time visitors on a short trip
- Theatre-goers
- Couples who want to walk everywhere
South BankRiverside galleries & theatresPick South Bank if
- First-time visitors who like to walk
- Culture lovers: galleries, theatre and concerts
- Families, with lots to do along the river
Covent Garden vs South Bank, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Covent Garden | South Bank |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $190 | $155 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $360 | $295 (better) |
| Luxury double | $805 | $605 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Leicester Square | 5 min (better) | 15 min |
| Covent Garden Market | 1 min walk (better) | 27 min |
| Tate Modern | 34 min walk | 4 min walk (better) |
| Trafalgar Square | 9 min walk (better) | 21 min |
| Borough Market | 30 min | 11 min walk (better) |
| British Museum | 17 min walk (better) | 36 min |
| St Paul's Cathedral | 18 min | 19 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Heathrow | 61 min (better) | 67 min |
| From Gatwick | 64 min | 51 min (better) |
| From Stansted | 82 min (better) | 88 min |
| From Luton | 58 min (better) | 68 min |
| From London City Airport | 43 min | 36 min (better) |
| From Eurostar (St Pancras) | 20 min (better) | 32 min |
| What it's like · crime: data.police.uk; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Above the city average | Around the city average (better) |
| Sights on foot | Excellent | Excellent |
| Nightlife | Very good (better) | Good |
| Quiet at night | Limited | Good (better) |
| Food | Very good | Very good |
| Families | Very good | Excellent (better) |
| Transport | Excellent (better) | Very good |
Hotels in Covent Garden and South Bank
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Covent Garden or South Bank: questions
Is Covent Garden or South Bank better to stay in?
South Bank is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $295 a night, against $360 in Covent Garden. Covent Garden is closer to 6 of the 12 big sights we timed; South Bank wins on 2. South Bank has less street crime: around the city average, against above the city average in Covent Garden. From Heathrow, Covent Garden is quicker: 61 min against 67 min. Covent Garden suits first-time visitors on a short trip and theatre-goers; South Bank suits first-time visitors who like to walk and culture lovers: galleries, theatre and concerts.
Which is cheaper, Covent Garden or South Bank?
Typical doubles in Covent Garden: $190 budget, $360 mid-range, $805 luxury. In South Bank: $155, $295 and $605. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Is Covent Garden or South Bank safer?
Street crime in Covent Garden is above the city average; in South Bank it is around the city average. Based on data.police.uk.
Which is closer to the sights, Covent Garden or South Bank?
Door to door: Covent Garden Market is 1 min walk from Covent Garden and 27 min from South Bank; Tate Modern is 34 min walk from Covent Garden and 4 min walk from South Bank; Trafalgar Square is 9 min walk from Covent Garden and 21 min from South Bank; Borough Market is 30 min from Covent Garden and 11 min walk from South Bank.
How far is Heathrow from Covent Garden and South Bank?
61 min to Covent Garden and 67 min to South Bank, door to door by public transport.