Traveling London on foot is the easiest and best way. Bring comfortable shoes and an umbrella.
No tip is expected in the UK; instead a service charge may be included with restaurant bills. As Type G plugs are used here, make sure you bring an adapter.
Pubs are an integral part of British life. Visit your nearest one for an enjoyable pub experience like The Harp or White Hart.
What to see
London, England’s vibrant capital, offers world-renowned museums, galleries, and attractions for every taste and age group. Take a short break to view Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” or plan a full-day tour of the National Gallery—there’s something here for everyone! For something extra special, book one of the guided art workshops or life drawing sessions available.
The British Museum is another must-visit. It houses an incredible array of world treasures, such as the Rosetta Stone and Magna Carta. Additionally, this engaging space provides plenty of interactive displays and fun facts designed to keep children engrossed.
Westminster Abbey is a Unesco World Heritage Site known for hosting coronation ceremonies and royal weddings. Its stunning architecture dates back centuries, and it is the resting place of former kings and queens. Step inside this historical treasure today!
London’s most well-known clock tower, commonly referred to as “Big Ben,” but locally more frequently as simply “Ben,” offers visitors the opportunity to climb its 334-step spiral staircase in order to meet its iconic bell and stand beneath its chimes.
At the heart of the West End is an exciting theatre district filled with must-see productions and shops offering everything from designer boutiques to high-street staples.
Visit Trafalgar Square’s vast art museum as one of the free things to do in London – you’ll be delighted by what awaits! Explore everything from 13th-century masterpieces to modernist works or drop in for one of their themed tours for a different perspective on each work on display.
RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) is one of the premier schools for acting. It welcomes tours and performances by the public. You can catch one of RADA’s productions or masterclasses on campus or simply walk around its stunning building and take in its atmosphere.
Discover the path of time at Greenwich; its historic Prime Meridian marks out all time zones around the globe. Additionally, explore its historic observatory or try your luck at virtual reality space-descent experience or stargazing during planetarium show!
Madame Tussauds in London houses its most famed waxworks. Packed with celebrities and notables alike, it’s a must-see attraction! For an alternative experience, explore Camden Market or browse its unique stores and stalls.
How to get there
London offers many attractions, world-class shopping establishments, and gourmet restaurants to keep visitors occupied. With so much to see and do, planning can seem daunting at first. To maximize your time and make the most of every moment on your vacation, break your itinerary up into 2-3 activities or sights per day for maximum efficiency and ensure you see everything on your must-see list without overstretching yourself.
Due to London’s convenient central location and efficient transport networks, reaching London has never been simpler. No matter if you are coming from America or Europe – there are flights and trains that will get you right into its heart.
Heathrow Airport travelers looking to arrive quickly in London’s Paddington can take the Heathrow Express train, departing from Heathrow Central station. This nonstop ride will take them there in under 30 minutes! Alternatively, bus travel options, such as National Express coaches, are also available from both terminals. When arriving at Victoria Coach Station, it is easy to connect with London Underground services for onward travel into the city.
Visitors flying into Gatwick will also find it straightforward to travel into central London via National Express buses from both terminals, with travel taking between 65-85 minutes to Victoria Coach Station before continuing onto central London with all its major landmarks and attractions.
London streets can become congested during peak times, particularly on weekdays when businesspeople rush between appointments. To bypass some of the traffic, rent a car and drive in or use public transit, such as the Tube or bus, to travel in and around London.
At London you can arrive by sea as well, with luxury liners like Cunard docking at Dover, Harwich, and Southampton. Additionally, direct routes from France can be booked with DFDS Seaways and P&O Ferries who operate ferry services into Britain.
Where to stay
London is an internationally renowned capital city offering something for everyone. Home to iconic historic monuments and palaces, soccer stadiums, trendy galleries, fantastic (and often free) museums, street markets and an ever-evolving eating and drinking scene – London also boasts plenty of hotels available at every price point in its capital city.
Tourists tend to favor staying near Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair of London’s West End and Royal Mile; or try staying in more localized neighborhoods such as Shoreditch or Notting Hill where boutique hotels may provide an unforgettable experience while remaining easily accessible from some of its main attractions.
Luxury travelers will find many top hotels in London, such as the Ritz-Carlton and Dorchester. These may be more costly, but they offer superior facilities and services that more than justify the costs. Other luxury hotels, such as The Berkeley House and Counting House, are owned by similar companies and provide similar amenities.
If you’re on a tight budget, staying outside central London might be your best bet. These boroughs can be divided up into smaller neighborhoods where accommodations are usually cheaper. Just keep in mind that getting into central London might take longer and could result in higher transport fees like Tube or bus tickets.
If you’re new to London, try staying in Kensington and Chelsea – home to several museums as well as residences of the Royal Family – which also has Harrods department store for shopping and dining. Another good choice would be Knightsbridge district; although more quiet but offering plenty of activities such as visiting Saatchi Gallery, Royal Court Theatre performances, Natural History Museum exhibits as well as boutique stores on King’s Road for shopping and dining experiences.
Where to eat
London is a global city offering something delicious for everyone, with old faithfuls like St John and Quo Vadis standing alongside new arrivals offering everything from Filipino cooking, Antipodean small plates, Nigerian tapas and beyond.
The city offers an abundance of budget options, from street food vendors and cheap eateries to Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants that provide incredible value. Furthermore, London offers an opportunity to experience British culinary traditions like afternoon tea and Sunday roast.
If you need something quick to eat in the city, try one of its 24-hour restaurants, like Duck & Waffle. They stay open all day and serve signature dishes like crispy duck confit and waffles. Not to mention, they have breathtaking views!
One fast and affordable meal option is a sausage roll. These snacks consist of sausage wrapped in pastry and baked—perfect for filling up while exploring a city! They’re available at most bakeries, making them convenient on-the-go meals.
If you’re craving something heartier, the classic British dish of fish and chips should definitely be on the menu. It is easily accessible in pubs across the UK and is also popular in bars where local cider can be sampled. Just make sure it comes from an independent brewery instead of Big Chill for optimal results!
Afternoon tea is an absolute must when visiting London. This British tradition, which can be enjoyed at most hotels, includes finger sandwiches, savouries, cakes, and scones drizzled with jam and clotted cream. It provides a luxurious way to relax after a busy day exploring or shopping.
For those who prefer drinking their dinner, many of the city’s bars and pubs provide an ideal venue to indulge in an ale or beer from one of many UK brewers. And with gin becoming increasingly popular across the UK, many bars across London now provide numerous varieties from both large manufacturers to local craft producers – ideal places for enjoying an enjoyable pint before dinner!