South Kensington

London

London Natural History Museum featuring interior views, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Victoria and Albert Museum showing heritage elements
Victoria and Albert Museum featuring heritage architecture
Victoria and Albert Museum which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and interior views
London Natural History Museum featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and interior views

Some of the best free museum exhibitions in London, a world-famous concert hall and delightful pockets of greenery await in this upmarket neighborhood.

Home to museums dedicated to art, natural history and science, South Kensington is one of London’s busiest areas. Refined and architecturally impressive South Kensington was born in the 1850s, when Prince Albert had a vision to establish a district for the arts and education. Visit South Kensington to browse superb free exhibitions, attend a concert and relax in pretty parks.

Tourists and locals alike flock to the Natural History Museum, which celebrates Earth’s fascinating biology and geology. Discover dinosaur skeletons, experience an earthquake and observe taxidermy displays of curious creatures. See an 82-feet (25-meter) long whale skeleton and a 1,400-pound (635-kilogram) meteorite. Outside, thousands of native animal, insect and plant species thrive in the Wildlife Garden.

The hands-on and educational exhibits of the Science Museum cater to visitors of all ages. Witness a simulated rocket launch, see revolutionary aircraft, automobiles and locomotives and find an interactive play area geared toward children under the age of 5. Over 5,000 years of worldwide art and design are on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Highlights range from paintings by Botticelli and Raphael to Alexander McQueen dresses and ancient Chinese ceramics.

Book tickets for classical recitals, ballets, operas, jazz, pop and rock concerts at the resplendent Victorian-era Royal Albert Hall. Music legends the Beatles, Eric Clapton and Pink Floyd have all graced the stage. Guided tours takes you behind-the-scenes of this iconic concert hall. Uncover emerging artists via exhibitions at the Royal College of Art.

A varied culinary scene comes to life at the fast food joints and restaurants on Old Brompton Road. Sample Argentine steaks, gourmet burgers, Lebanese mezze dishes and Italian flatbread sandwiches.

Green spaces are never far away from the area’s attractions. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are two of London’s glorious eight Royal Parks.

South Kensington is part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, in central London. Travel here by taking the London Underground to the Gloucester Road and South Kensington stations. Belgravia, Chelsea and Knightsbridge are some nearby districts.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in South Kensington

Princes Gardens

Princes Gardens

4 out of 5
Watts Way, London, England
Stay at this 4-star B&B in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Hyde Park and Kensington High Street ...
7.2/10 Good! (327 reviews)
Amazing location
"Amazing lication and great value gor money. Shower coud be cleaner.....grout and silicone need scrubbed."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Princes Gardens
The Rembrandt

The Rembrandt

4 out of 5
11 Thurloe Place, Kensington, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P11,656 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P11,656
P13,987 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 24-hour room service, and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,046 reviews)
"I love staying at the Rembrandt. It is so convenient for the underground and it is right opposite my favourite museum the V&A. The staff are friendly and helpful, the room I had this time was perfect for me. The breakfast caters well for vegan and gluten free. It has its own gluten free stand with ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

The Rembrandt
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road, London, England
The price is P11,836 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P11,836
P14,203 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,088 reviews)
"Stayed in this hotel already several times. Very convenient, nice and clean. Intend to use it again. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
The Exhibitionist Hotel

The Exhibitionist Hotel

5 out of 5
8-10 Queensberry Place, South Kensington, London, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location for exploring West London…. Located on a quiet street, but with easy access to everything you could need. Staff were all friendly and our hot tub suite was great to relax in!"

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

The Exhibitionist Hotel
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate, South Kensington, London, England
The price is P10,959 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,959
P13,151 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (897 reviews)
"Lovely hotel. Staff so kind and professional. I look forward to returning every year."

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2025

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Gainsborough Hotel

Gainsborough Hotel

3.5 out of 5
7-11 Queensberry Place, Kennsington, London, England
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,060 reviews)
"Easy to get to from Heathrow Airport. Short walk to South Kensington station. If you have luggage and need to go to Sam Pancras International it's better to go to Gloucester Road Station, only a few stairs and the rest is all accessible via elevator. The only thing I missed was not having a mini ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Gainsborough Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around South Kensington

Chelsea showing heritage architecture

Chelsea

Museums, theaters, and shopping are just a few things travelers like about Chelsea. Sights like Royal Hospital Chelsea and Saatchi Gallery are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater London area at Sloane Square Underground Station.

Chelsea
Kensington Gardens featuring a garden

Kensington

4/5(4 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, beautiful gardens, and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Kensington. Top attractions like Kensington High Street and Kensington Church Street are major draws. Catch the metro at High Street Kensington Station or Notting Hill Gate Underground Station to see more of the city.

Kensington
Paddington featuring a square or plaza and a city

Paddington

Enjoy the popular shops in Paddington. Paddington Central is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Paddington Underground Station or Edgware Road (Bakerloo) Underground Station to see more of London.

Paddington
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

5/5(4 area reviews)

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster
Mayfair showing street scenes

Mayfair

Mayfair is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Oxford Street and Bond Street. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station.

Mayfair
Victoria showing heritage architecture and a city

Westminster

While you're in Westminster, take in top sights like Big Ben and jump on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station to see more of the city.

Westminster


South Kensington