Looking for a rental home in London? Discover the perfect place to call home for your extended stay. From Hackney to Shoreditch and from Islington to Brixton, this comprehensive guide will help you make the right choice for your adventure in this vibrant metropolis.
London is a diverse and exciting city, boasting some of the world’s best sights and attractions. While there are numerous reasons that entice travelers to explore the U.K. capital, there are those who dream of making the Big Smoke their home for an extended stay.
Fortunately, finding a place that suits you has never been easier, thanks to websites like Rentola. It’s a rental home search engine, giving you access to thousands of listings worldwide.
So whether you’re relocating for work, studying abroad or planning an extended stay, we’ve got you covered, with our neighborhood guide to help you find your perfect home away from home.
Hackney
This hip East London borough encompasses the neighborhoods of Hackney Downs, Hackney Central and London Fields, providing all sorts of apartments and houses for different budgets.
It’s a desirable choice for young families, professionals and the creative crowd, who appreciate its proximity to the city center. Newly constructed flats mingle with Georgian-style houses and Tudor mansions, amid colorful street art and historic church steeples, the latter of which have remained largely unchanged since the 18th century.
Mare Street, the primary thoroughfare of Hackney, stretches all the way south until it joins up with Regent’s Canal and becomes Cambridge Heath Road. Within its borders, you’ll discover a wide range of offerings, from cultural hubs to lively markets, plus plenty of green spaces — a whopping 696 acres (282 hectares) in total!
Hackney Downs
This neighborhood takes its name from the central park within its borders, and its expansive meadows make it the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday picnic.
Set in a former print works factory on the park between Dalston and Clapton, Hackney Downs Studios offers a cool space for creative folks. You'll find co-working areas, artist studios, exhibition spots, shops and an all-day bar and restaurant called the Russet.
Hackney Central
In the heart of Hackney Central is the fantastic Hackney Empire, one of the East End’s finest Edwardian theaters. During its music hall era, legends like Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Stan Laurel and Julie Andrews graced its stage. Nowadays, it’s a versatile spot for comedy, live music, theater and even opera.
Hackney Central is also home to the bustling Bohemia Place Market, which features a weekly showcase of vegan food stalls. The presence of local microbreweries has turned it into a lively and buzzing spot (pun intended).
London Fields
London Fields is one of Hackney’s most beloved parks. It’s got two cool playgrounds for the kiddos, a nice pub and a year-round, heated, Olympic-sized swimming pool known as London Fields Lido.
Around the park, you’ve got a mix of old-school townhouses and trendy new buildings. And when you head south, you’ll hit Broadway Market, a lively spot full of places to eat and drink.
Islington
Nestled in the heart of North London, Islington is a highly sought-after neighborhood, attracting a mix of young professionals and families alike. If you’re thinking about moving to London, this is a solid choice, with its friendly vibe.
Islington offers a mix of traditional homes and newly constructed apartment buildings. But the most sought-after properties in the area are the elegant Georgian houses that line many of its streets.
In addition to its theaters, street markets, restaurants and bars, the borough is exceptionally well connected, with 16 Tube stations, providing convenient access to Central London.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the neighborhood is a combination of green spaces and squares interwoven with historic churches. Islington is known for the Angel, a historic landmark comprising a series of buildings situated on Islington Green and Upper Street. This vibrant shopping and entertainment hub includes Ottolenghi, the first restaurant concept by Israeli-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
For some offbeat shopping fun, check out Camden Passage. It’s a car-free zone packed with antique shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés. And if you’re into early 20th century Italian Futurism, there's a cool museum near Canonbury Square you shouldn’t miss.
Shoreditch
Recognized for its edgy, energetic vibe, Shoreditch sits at the epicenter of the city’s artistic East End — the very place where Shakespeare first staged his plays.
It’s also worth mentioning that Banksy and D*Face played significant roles in shaping this neighborhood, which is characterized by its ever-changing street art.
Shoreditch is abundant with creatives and professionals looking to live in one of the city’s most fashionable areas. Its mix of housing options provides a wide range of choices in terms of budget and style. Here, you’ll find classic Victorian and Georgian townhouses, as well as warehouses and factories that have been converted into flats.
Shoreditch High Street features indie shops, vintage boutiques and a bustling nightlife scene. You can discover some of the city’s finest dining spots, starting with street food served from stacked shipping containers that have been converted into shops and restaurants at Boxpark. And if you’re looking for something fancier, there's Lyle’s, which is housed in an old tea warehouse just across from Shoreditch Station. With three Tube stations, there’s no London address that’s out of reach.
Brixton
Heading over to South London, Brixton is a cultural melting pot, attracting foodies, party people and artists from all walks of life. When strolling through Brixton Village or Electric Avenue (the first market street to be lit by electric lights, in the 1880s), a strong sense of community becomes evident, and you’ll frequently find locals enjoying a bevvy outside the Ritzy Picturehouse — a restored 1911 cinema featuring a café and bar.
Brixton is popular with creatives, families and professionals who want a peaceful place to live without being too far from the action. Many of the homes are single-family late Victorians, and you’ll even find some that have been converted into flats.
The hood holds a special place for music enthusiasts, with a rich legacy in reggae and punk music. Entertainment options include Brixton Jamm and Windmill Brixton, just to name a couple. For food enthusiasts and shoppers, Brixton Village and Market Row offer a mix of independent stalls, shops and dining spots, all influenced by the diversity of the neighborhood's residents.
In addition, you can explore the outstanding Black Cultural Archives, an independently operated museum that provides valuable insights into the life experiences of individuals of African and Caribbean descent in Britain.
Peckham
Located a few miles southeast of the city center, the culturally diverse neighborhood of Peckham has become a trendy hood in South London. However, for those who appreciate a community with character and want to avoid an overly gentrified environment, it still has an edge.
Peckham has an artsy vibe, plenty of independent shops and lively street markets. This area includes the lovely Peckham Rye Park, a large green space where both locals and visitors enjoy leisurely walks, picnics and various recreational activities. Moreover, the neighborhood is home to a flourishing arts scene, replete with galleries, studios and cultural events.
Those considering living here will find a range of affordable options, including modern and traditional family-friendly homes. The bustling business district off Rye Lane is highly coveted due to its charming cottages. In Peckham North, you’ll find young professionals and students living in charming flats situated above colorful shops.
Bermondsey
If you’re in search of historical charm, Bermondsey might be the ideal neighborhood to call home. Among the notable landmarks in this South London district is Tower Bridge, a Victorian masterpiece that spans the River Thames.
The Bermondsey Street Festival unites the neighborhood every year. Exuding the charm of a village fête, and features a range of live entertainment, from theater performances to maypole dancing. However, its pièce de résistance is the crowd-pleasing annual dog show, which takes place in Leathermarket Gardens, so named because, during the Industrial Revolution, it prospered as a thriving hub for manufacturing and the leather trade.
This borough attracts young, affluent professionals with its varied properties, including apartments for rent along the River Thames, chic warehouse conversions and traditional townhouses. Its central location is well served by public transportation, and many parts of the city are accessible on foot.
With a bit of planning, you can find the perfect place to call home in this vibrant metropolis. What are your favorite neighborhoods in London? –Uliana Veremchuk
