StayAreasKensington or Paddington: where should you stay in London?
- Paddington is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $230 a night, against $295 in Kensington.
- Paddington is closer to 5 of the 12 big sights we timed; Kensington wins on 1.
- Kensington has less street crime: below the city average, against around the city average in Paddington.
- From Heathrow, Paddington is quicker: 32 min against 62 min.
KensingtonMuseums & Kensington GardensPick Kensington if
- Families
- Museum lovers
- Travellers who value calm, quiet streets
PaddingtonHeathrow Express & Hyde ParkPick Paddington if
- Travellers flying into Heathrow
- Budget-conscious families
- Short stays with lots of travel around the city
Kensington vs Paddington, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Kensington | Paddington |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $145 | $120 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $295 | $230 (better) |
| Luxury double | $645 | $440 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Leicester Square | 20 min | 10 min (better) |
| Natural History Museum | 11 min walk (better) | 26 min |
| Big Ben | 24 min | 25 min |
| Buckingham Palace | 28 min | 28 min |
| Trafalgar Square | 34 min | 29 min (better) |
| Camden Market | 44 min | 29 min (better) |
| London Eye | 32 min | 31 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Heathrow | 62 min | 32 min (better) |
| From Gatwick | 64 min (better) | 67 min |
| From Stansted | 94 min | 91 min (better) |
| From Luton | 75 min | 64 min (better) |
| From London City Airport | 52 min | 47 min (better) |
| From Eurostar (St Pancras) | 36 min | 26 min (better) |
| What it's like · crime: data.police.uk; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Below the city average (better) | Around the city average |
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Good |
| Nightlife | Limited | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Very good (better) | Good |
| Food | Good | Good |
| Families | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Transport | Very good | Excellent (better) |
Hotels in Kensington and Paddington
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Kensington or Paddington: questions
Is Kensington or Paddington better to stay in?
Paddington is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $230 a night, against $295 in Kensington. Paddington is closer to 5 of the 12 big sights we timed; Kensington wins on 1. Kensington has less street crime: below the city average, against around the city average in Paddington. From Heathrow, Paddington is quicker: 32 min against 62 min. Kensington suits families and museum lovers; Paddington suits travellers flying into Heathrow and budget-conscious families.
Which is cheaper, Kensington or Paddington?
Typical doubles in Kensington: $145 budget, $295 mid-range, $645 luxury. In Paddington: $120, $230 and $440. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Is Kensington or Paddington safer?
Street crime in Kensington is below the city average; in Paddington it is around the city average. Based on data.police.uk.
Which is closer to the sights, Kensington or Paddington?
Door to door: Natural History Museum is 11 min walk from Kensington and 26 min from Paddington; Big Ben is 24 min from Kensington and 25 min from Paddington; Buckingham Palace is 28 min from Kensington and 28 min from Paddington; Trafalgar Square is 34 min from Kensington and 29 min from Paddington.
How far is Heathrow from Kensington and Paddington?
62 min to Kensington and 32 min to Paddington, door to door by public transport.