London
Temperature
9°
Time
11:38 AM
London
London is the cultural, political, and economic heart of Britain, famous for its world-class museums, galleries, royal palaces, shopping destinations, West End theatre shows and award-winning restaurants. Whether you want to stay in a 5-star luxury hotel and sip Champagne on the London Eye or find a cheap hostel and stroll around one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, you're sure to find something that suits your budget and interests.Find your trip
Take a tour of the Palace of Westminster, also referred to as the Houses of Parliament, and experience 1,000 years of history. Visitors are welcomed into the building through Westminster Hall, before following in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of the Lords Chamber and see the famous green benches in the Commons Chamber. Audioguides and tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin.
Enjoy the Perfect Introduction to London. Embark on an adventure with Big Bus Tours. Our Non-stop London sightseeing tour allows you to soak up the city's atmosphere with ease. Relax and enjoy fascinating facts about London's rich culture and dramatic history as you pass its famous landmarks and attractions. And, on selected Red Tour buses, pick up tops tips from our experienced guides to help you uncover London’s secrets and stories. Our bus route has been carefully planned to ensure that you'll capture all the best sights of London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, the British Museum is home to some of the most treasured historical artefacts ever found. The extensive exhibition includes the Rosetta Stone, Assyrian treasures, Egyptian mummies and the museum's spectacularly illuminated Great Court, where you can find the museum's new restaurant. This restaurant is an ideal spot for taking afternoon tea under the court's spectacular roof. Free tours of the museum and guides are also available. The tours are led by knowledgeable experts in their field of study — don't miss this amazing learning opportunity.
During the summer months, Buckingham Palace — the official residence of The Queen — opens the doors of its elegant State Rooms to the public. As well as proving a very fancy backdrop for many an official royal engagements, the rooms contain some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection, including paintings, sculptures and fine French furniture.
At a staggering height of 135 metres (443 ft), The London Eye offers a superb view of the capital's most famous attractions. A full rotation around the observational wheel in one of the glass capsules lasts some 30 minutes and it is so popular that each year it receives more visitors than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza. And once you've taken a 360-degree ride on the wheel you'll understand why.
Locals know King’s Cross as one of the city’s busiest train stations serving much of the country since 1852. The place became internationally famous when Harry Potter used the station on his train journey to Hogwarts. Take a picture with a trolley disappearing into the brick wall and get some wizarding memorabilia from the Potter-themed souvenir shop.
Tower of London is one of the most famous fortified buildings in the world. It's also a mysterious place full of dark secrets, strange stories and historic relics. Here you can admire the priceless Crown Jewels, explore the Medieval Palace, visit the infamous Bloody Tower, and go on a tour with a Yeoman Warder to learn about the many executions that took place here.
Soho is an absolute must-see, since it's so multifaceted. Dean, Frith, Beak, and Old Compton streets are lively around the clock, and long-running Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club can be found here. Shaftesbury Avenue attracts theatre-goers, while Carnaby, Oxford and Regent streets and the iconic Liberty's department store are there for your shopping needs. Music shops, small cafes and quaint bakeries are on every corner! The energetic streets of Soho are the most popular nightlife destination. The neighbourhood still retains a somewhat risqué vibe with bars, cafes and restaurants that cater to hip crowds of international creatives. Soho is also known as the centre of LGBTQA+ community, so don't miss out on all the gay and lesbian party spots in the area.
Take a tour of the Palace of Westminster, also referred to as the Houses of Parliament, and experience 1,000 years of history. Visitors are welcomed into the building through Westminster Hall, before following in the footsteps of the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of the Lords Chamber and see the famous green benches in the Commons Chamber. Audioguides and tours are available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin.
Enjoy the Perfect Introduction to London. Embark on an adventure with Big Bus Tours. Our Non-stop London sightseeing tour allows you to soak up the city's atmosphere with ease. Relax and enjoy fascinating facts about London's rich culture and dramatic history as you pass its famous landmarks and attractions. And, on selected Red Tour buses, pick up tops tips from our experienced guides to help you uncover London’s secrets and stories. Our bus route has been carefully planned to ensure that you'll capture all the best sights of London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace.
Arguably London's best ramen chain now has three location across town. They specialise in tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen; some bowls feature chicken bone broth or a combination of the two. All locations except the original one in Covent Garden serve a vegetarian option.
Quite possibly the only place of its kind in Europe, Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall is a massive food court with spacious seating. Totally worth making the trip to Colindale. The top floor hosts a couple dozen restaurants representing cuisines from all across the Asian continent, with a 360-seater Chinese restaurant occupying the ground level.
M.Manze is a bit of Cockney heritage dates back to 1902 and serves an all-time classic menu of pie, mash and jellied eel. Arrive Mon–Sat before 2pm to get your serve. This Tower Bridge eatery holds significance in the gastronomic history of the area, but it’s also earned a place in British popular culture appearing in numerous books, TV shows, and films, and formed the backdrop for Elton John’s music video for his single ‘Made in England’. Celebrities pop in for a meal quite often, too!
Tucked away between Leicester Square and Covent Garden, J Sheekey has been in business since the 1890s and is the place to go for sustainably sourced fish, oysters and shellfish. From Sheekey's Fish Pie to potted shrimps (plus vegetarian and meat options), there's plenty of selection for everyone.
Inamo is a pioneering Oriental fusion restaurant and bar where the control of the dining experience is placed firmly in your own hands, thanks to an interactive ordering system. Instead of reading a long list of dish names, you simply pick your favourite from an illustrated food and drinks menu projected onto your table surface. The pan-Asian menu includes influences from Japan, China, Thailand, Korea and beyond.
Housed in a former car showroom on Piccadilly, The Wolseley is an elegant cafe-restaurant inspired by the grand European style of years gone by. The food follows the same classic European thread, with favourite dishes including veal Holstein and chicken soup with dumplings. Pop in for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner.
If the name alone doesn’t sell it, the three Michelin stars that Restaurant Gordon Ramsay was honoured with should. Located in affluent Chelsea, the restaurant serves up modern French food from carefully picked ingredients in an elegant, intimate atmosphere. Wear something smart to feel right at home.
London's Borough Market is unsurprisingly popular — it's been gaining momentum since the 12th century, after all — but those who arrive for an early lunch can take advantage of this London fixture's ample offering of street food from all over the world, followed by a stroll through the stalls vending local produce.
Arguably London's best ramen chain now has three location across town. They specialise in tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen; some bowls feature chicken bone broth or a combination of the two. All locations except the original one in Covent Garden serve a vegetarian option.
Quite possibly the only place of its kind in Europe, Bang Bang Oriental Food Hall is a massive food court with spacious seating. Totally worth making the trip to Colindale. The top floor hosts a couple dozen restaurants representing cuisines from all across the Asian continent, with a 360-seater Chinese restaurant occupying the ground level.
Oxford Street is the ultimate London shopping destination, packed with high-street fashion, international brands, technology, homewear and much, much more. No wonder its streets are always crowded with bag-laden shoppers! Favourite destinations include a huge branch of Topshop, plus iconic department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
Selfridges' flagship London store is one of the world's finest department stores. It is six floors of fabulous fashion, pop-up concessions, electrical gadgets, stylish homeware and tasty food. But it's far more than just a shopping destination. It's also a social hub with events, bars, restaurants, cafes, art exhibitions and the odd rooftop party.
Head to Notting Hill on a Saturday, when the Portobello Road Market (claimed by some to be "the world's most famous market") is in full swing. The market is known for its antiques and collectables, but there's huge variety that goes beyond, ranging from second-hand clothing to fruit & veg, plus street food. The market closes on Sundays, but shops and restaurants are mostly open all days of the week.
This souvenir shop with a difference stays true to its self-asserted mission of 'revolutionising London souvenirs' by packing its compact Soho outlet in 57 Carnaby Street full of non-banal pieces designed by local artists. There's something for everyone: music- and art-lovers, as well as those with a penchant for a particular area of the city.
With its beautiful curved facades, listed architecture and elegant hotels, Regent Street is a cultural destination as well as a shopping hotspot. Top brands such as Liberty, Apple and Hamleys congregate here, alongside what is the largest Burberry store in the world.
Instantly recognisable by its iconic mock-Tudor frontage, Liberty is a lavish design emporium located just off Regent Street. It first opened its doors in 1875, and was later crowned by Oscar Wilde “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper”. Today it's best known for its elaborate fabric patterns, top-notch fashion, jewellery, beauty, furniture, toys, oriental rugs and much more.
Located next to the picturesque canal, the Camden Lock Market is a must if you're into quirky, alternative and unique gifts, fashion and crafts. Comprising a mix of shops and stalls, the buzzing market has been attracting crowds of visitors since 1972. While you're in the area, make sure you visit the nearby Stables Market and Camden Market (formerly Buck Street Market).
Covent Garden is famous for its street entertainment and covered markets: Apple Market, Jubilee Market and East Colonnade Market. Everything from British-made arts and crafts to jewellery and antiques can be found here. The area has many permanent shops too. From the ever-popular Disney Store to travel book shop Stanfords. Close by are two other unique London shopping destinations, Neal Street and Covent Garden's 'village' Seven Dials, a small agglomeration of streets packed with fashion boutiques, vintage shops, jewellers and design furniture stores.
Oxford Street is the ultimate London shopping destination, packed with high-street fashion, international brands, technology, homewear and much, much more. No wonder its streets are always crowded with bag-laden shoppers! Favourite destinations include a huge branch of Topshop, plus iconic department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
Selfridges' flagship London store is one of the world's finest department stores. It is six floors of fabulous fashion, pop-up concessions, electrical gadgets, stylish homeware and tasty food. But it's far more than just a shopping destination. It's also a social hub with events, bars, restaurants, cafes, art exhibitions and the odd rooftop party.
Citizens of the European Union member-states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) only require a valid passport to enter the UK. Residents of a further 10 countries do not require entry visas for stays under 6 months: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Nationals of some further countries do not require a visa, but need to hold an entry certificate. Use the UK Government website to check for specific requirements: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
FAQ – What is the best way to explore London? London is an extremely walkable city and most locals rely on public transportation to get around. As a tourist, you have a lot more to see when you are travelling overground, so consider picking busses and trams over the Tube just for that reason. Seeing London from the river is a great opportunity to understand the city’s geography and get away from the crowds. Remember to carry comfortable walking shoes, some sort of rain protection and don’t forget about sun cream. An Oyster card is your best tool for shrinking distances in this huge city, so get one as soon as possible. – How many days in London is enough? While you can see most of the main bucket list sights in London in a couple of days, spending at least 3-4 days in London is the best way to do this incredibly diverse city justice. You’ll have enough time to get acquainted with the city and go beyond the most obvious sight. Save a day to do something that speaks to you and your interests in particular. – Where can I get an Oyster card? An Oyster card is an essential tool for every Londoner. You can buy one at the Oyster ticket stops in many newsagents, at all Tube, London Overground, most TfL Rail and some DLR stations. Visitor Centres sell them as well. The card Oyster itself costs £5 and you can recharge it in all the same places where you can buy them, plus through the TfL Oyster and contactless app. – What’s the tipping culture in London? It is customary to leave 10–15% of the bill when eating out. Many restaurants will add a 12.5% service charge, especially if you’re dining out with a large group. Check your bill if you don’t want to tip twice. You can also ask for the service charge to be removed if you found the service to be completely unacceptable. – Is London a safe city? As most big cities, London does have a higher crime rate. According to the Economists Safe Cities Index, London is the 15th safest city in the world (tied with San Francisco). – Is it safe to walk around London at night? London streets at night are generally safe, but do remember that public transport doesn’t run all night — you might be in for a very long walk to your hotel or a potentially costly cab ride. – Where is the best place to stay in London? London has many neighbourhoods to choose from, so spend some time researching what personalities each one has. Price is another important consideration, of course. Brixton is a great residential area, known for its diversity, shops and street markets. Quite hip, but that also means it can get loud. Mayfair is right next to Hyde Park. Park yourself here for old British architecture and cute boutiques. The prices are somewhat high and Mayfair doesn’t have the best airport connections. Shoreditch is a hipster paradise with excellent coffee shop culture — great for digital nomads. Shoreditch is not the most polished neighbourhood, though. Almost all neighbourhoods in London are very safe, so don’t make that your main concern. Nightlife areas like Camden, West End and Deptford can turn a bit rowdy and loud at night, but you’ll be in the middle of the action. – Is London really always rainy and grey? People tend to exaggerate. London does have decent weather, with full on sunny days. The best time to visit to avoid crowds and stay dry is early summer or early fall. Bring a jacket for the nights, even in the summer. – What should I pack for my trip to London? London is great for shopping, so don’t worry too much about forgetting things at home. To stay comfortable, you’ll definitely need a pair of good walking shoes. A water-resistant jacket won’t hurt either. And do bring your favourite going out outfit for the weekend!
London is graced with a mild climate and, as such, can be visited at any time of the year. However, a few things need to be considered. Most of the royal palaces and residences, like the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, are only open to the public during the summer months. Many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival, also take place during this time. Late June to mid July is also when some of the best sales are on in shops around the capital. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and finding accommodation is both easier and cheaper (high season in London means a lot of tourists). And if you're not too bothered about the grey weather, then low season (January and February) can be a good option too, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
London Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, with five terminals. There are various ways to travel from Heathrow Airport to your destination. The cheapest and most versatile way of getting to and from the city centre to Heathrow is by tube. The fastest way is the dedicated airport train — the Heathrow Express — which takes just 15 minutes from Heathrow to Paddington Station and runs every 15 minutes.
London Gatwick Airport is the second largest airport in the UK (Heathrow Airport is the largest), with two terminals: North and South. The fastest route from the airport into Central London is via the Gatwick Express, with trains departing every 15 minutes. The non-stop journey to Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Try the trip planner on the official website to see which of the many transportation options works best for you.
London Stansted Airport is the third busiest airport in the UK, and many low-cost airlines serving Europe and the Mediterranean operate from here. On the Stansted Express you can reach Liverpool Street station in 47 minutes. Trains run every 15 minutes. You can see the full up-to-date list of transportation options on the official website
London Luton Airport is located just 56km north-west of Central London, and is a popular base for low-cost airlines. A regular shuttle bus transports passengers from the airport to the nearest station, Luton Airport Parkway, which takes about 10 minutes. From the station you can catch an East Midlands Trains or First Capital Connect service into Central London taking somewhere between 21 and 25 minutes. Other options include the easyBus express service, the Green Line 757 coach service to Victoria Coach Station or Terravision coaches to Victoria Coach Station. Each transport service stops at different destinations en route. A metered taxi ride to or from Central London costs around £80.
London City Airport is a single runway airport located 9.5km east of Central London, and serving mainly short-haul and business flights. The airport is on the Docklands Light Railway, which connects to London's Tube network at Canning Town, Stratford and Bank and uses the same price structure. Buses serve the airport too, with numbers 473 and 474 providing a connection to other East London destinations. You can also take a cab from the taxi rank outside the airport.
Citizens of the European Union member-states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) only require a valid passport to enter the UK. Residents of a further 10 countries do not require entry visas for stays under 6 months: the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Nationals of some further countries do not require a visa, but need to hold an entry certificate. Use the UK Government website to check for specific requirements: www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
FAQ – What is the best way to explore London? London is an extremely walkable city and most locals rely on public transportation to get around. As a tourist, you have a lot more to see when you are travelling overground, so consider picking busses and trams over the Tube just for that reason. Seeing London from the river is a great opportunity to understand the city’s geography and get away from the crowds. Remember to carry comfortable walking shoes, some sort of rain protection and don’t forget about sun cream. An Oyster card is your best tool for shrinking distances in this huge city, so get one as soon as possible. – How many days in London is enough? While you can see most of the main bucket list sights in London in a couple of days, spending at least 3-4 days in London is the best way to do this incredibly diverse city justice. You’ll have enough time to get acquainted with the city and go beyond the most obvious sight. Save a day to do something that speaks to you and your interests in particular. – Where can I get an Oyster card? An Oyster card is an essential tool for every Londoner. You can buy one at the Oyster ticket stops in many newsagents, at all Tube, London Overground, most TfL Rail and some DLR stations. Visitor Centres sell them as well. The card Oyster itself costs £5 and you can recharge it in all the same places where you can buy them, plus through the TfL Oyster and contactless app. – What’s the tipping culture in London? It is customary to leave 10–15% of the bill when eating out. Many restaurants will add a 12.5% service charge, especially if you’re dining out with a large group. Check your bill if you don’t want to tip twice. You can also ask for the service charge to be removed if you found the service to be completely unacceptable. – Is London a safe city? As most big cities, London does have a higher crime rate. According to the Economists Safe Cities Index, London is the 15th safest city in the world (tied with San Francisco). – Is it safe to walk around London at night? London streets at night are generally safe, but do remember that public transport doesn’t run all night — you might be in for a very long walk to your hotel or a potentially costly cab ride. – Where is the best place to stay in London? London has many neighbourhoods to choose from, so spend some time researching what personalities each one has. Price is another important consideration, of course. Brixton is a great residential area, known for its diversity, shops and street markets. Quite hip, but that also means it can get loud. Mayfair is right next to Hyde Park. Park yourself here for old British architecture and cute boutiques. The prices are somewhat high and Mayfair doesn’t have the best airport connections. Shoreditch is a hipster paradise with excellent coffee shop culture — great for digital nomads. Shoreditch is not the most polished neighbourhood, though. Almost all neighbourhoods in London are very safe, so don’t make that your main concern. Nightlife areas like Camden, West End and Deptford can turn a bit rowdy and loud at night, but you’ll be in the middle of the action. – Is London really always rainy and grey? People tend to exaggerate. London does have decent weather, with full on sunny days. The best time to visit to avoid crowds and stay dry is early summer or early fall. Bring a jacket for the nights, even in the summer. – What should I pack for my trip to London? London is great for shopping, so don’t worry too much about forgetting things at home. To stay comfortable, you’ll definitely need a pair of good walking shoes. A water-resistant jacket won’t hurt either. And do bring your favourite going out outfit for the weekend!
