London travel guide

Guide me through London

London’s calling! Britain’s thriving multicultural capital is filled with countless attractions, a seriously rich history, world-class museums, and a spectacular food scene. Whatever you love, London has it. Enjoy a cup of English tea, head to a pub for a pint, plunge into real shopping heaven or attend one of the many cultural events London has to offer. It’s no wonder that this energetic metropolis is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world.

Not yet sure where to travel after London?

travel guide

London Top 5

Tour Westminster Abbey

Visit the museums

Stroll London’s iconic squares

Walk over Tower Bridge and along the Thames

Join a tour or have a day trip

Best things to do in London

The Highlights

Top 5 • Specials • Museums • Other Activities • Unique Experiences • Delicacies • Travel Tips • On a Budget • Transportation • Itinerary

There’s no end of activities to do and attractions to see in London! Hit the museums, visit the historical sites, stroll through the parks or take a tour. Depending on your budget, plan which paid attractions are your priority. Here are plenty of options on what to do and see in Britain’s capital:

Historical Landmarks

Admire the famous bell tower, Big Ben, from the outside or the opposite side of the river near the London eye.

If possible, take a tour of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Westminster Abbey, one of the greatest churches in the world, important setting of English history and therefore recommended to visit from inside as well.

To catch a glimpse of Britain’s crown jewels, weapons, armor, and medieval palace rooms, visit the Tower of London.

Enjoy Buckingham Palace and the Changing of Guard ceremony from the outside, or if you are willing to spend more money from the inside during summer.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is another historical landmark not to be missed on your agenda. Inside, you can visit the crypt, the Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery for spectacular panoramic views.

If you’re a history nut, get a ticket for the Churchill War Rooms or visit Highgate Cemetery.

The iconic London

Stroll around Trafalgar Square to take pictures and admire its surrounding buildings and sights.

Another famous square with character is Picadilly Circus. Once you’re there, walk to Chinatown for great food and a change of atmosphere.

One of London’s strengths is its parks. Wander through Hyde Park, St. James Park, or Kensington Gardens to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ruins of St. Dustan in the East church were converted into a unique and beautiful public park.

Part of the city’s soul is its river Thames, on which visitors can take rides on Clipper boats to admire London’s Highlights such as the Tower Bridge from the water. The Tower Bridge can also be crossed and marveled at on foot.

For a spectacular panoramic view of the city, ride the giant Ferris wheel called London Eye, climb the galleries of St. Paul’s Cathedral or have a drink at the Shangri – La The Shard London rooftop bar.

Don’t miss a visit to Brick Lane. The fusion of an outdoor gallery for the city’s best street artists, London’s Bangladeshi community, and the Sunday outdoor street market make it a local favorite, as well when it comes to great (and cheap) food.

The popular neighborhood and the market of Covent Garden are filled with creative stalls, shops, cafes, and people and are well worth a visit for their atmosphere.

To cross the world’s Prime Meridian which separates the Earth’s western and eastern hemispheres, visit the Royal Observatory and Meridian Courtyard.

Neighborhoods of London

London'S Districts

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For those who have never been to London before, deciding on what to do and where to stay in this vibrant capital can be quite a challenge. Here is an overview of London’s neighborhoods, each offering a unique flavor to the city.

The City of London: Home to London’s biggest skyscrapers and financial district, it adds a modern character to London like no other district.

Westminster: Where history, splendid architecture, and tourists meet. Home to main attractions like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.

Covent Garden: One of the city’s most popular areas with some of the best theatres and great food options.

SoHo: In this energetic borough, you will find excellent pubs, live music acts, and exciting parties.

Camden: This charismatic neighborhood is known for its vibrant mix of markets, eateries, boutiques, tattoo parlors, and music venues and it’s where hippies and punks parade peacefully on the streets of London.

Kensington + Chelsea: The posh part of the city with luxurious shops and residents.

Shoreditch: Famous for its street art and vintage shopping, this trendy neighborhood awaits a great food scene, nightlife, and lots of creativity.

Best art & culture to experience in London

Art & Culture

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Due to Britain’s rich history, it is no wonder that London is home to some of the world’s best museums – and most of them are free!

Visit the British Museum and the National Gallery. The British Museum differs from the National Gallery in that it is as much an anthropological museum as an art museum.

Go to Tate Modern to see Modern Art or to the Museum of London to learn about the city’s history. Don’t miss out on the fantastic Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum to admire international art and design.

Talking about superb art, don’t miss exploring the city’s street art scene in East London with artists like Banksy! The British Library contains a vast collection of books and stunning reading rooms. Shakespeare fans get their money’s worth at a guided tour or performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. Or see one of the many other performances in a theatre that make London’s theater scene so famous.

Top unique experiences in London

Unique Experiences

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If it comes to walking tours, London has it all! Free walking tours are a great way to see the city’s main attractions and learn something about Britain’s history or culture. Please make sure to tip your guide at the end.

You can also take one of the many specialty tours that are offered on the internet that meet your interests, such as a Harry Potter Tour or Tea Tour if you are a fan. For the Harry Potter nerds amongst us, a half-day trip to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios will be a highlight of their trip. Take a Jack the Ripper Tour in the evening to learn about London’s famous serial killer.

Talking about horror attractions, a visit to London’s Dungeon Museum with amusement park character can be fun for young and old. Another iconic activity is a stop at the original Madame Tussauds’ wax figure cabinet.

Best food to try in London

Local Delicacies

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Being a melting pot of cultures, London has a fantastic food scene to explore. Try some British staples such as fish & chips, Yorkshire Pudding, or meat pies, or go for exquisite Indian or Chinese food, which is amongst the favorites in London.

Dining in a pub or not, don’t leave London without visiting a historic pub for a pint and its special atmosphere. And what would England be without tea? For a proper high tea, check out the most luxurious hotels in London for the best spreads.

A rather economic way of enjoying London’s food is by visiting its markets. Borough market is the place to go for fresh produce and great national and international bites. Brockley Market, Shoreditch Market, and Portobello Market are good options, too. A visit to Camden Market is a whole different experience. This charismatic neighborhood is known for its vibrant mix of markets, eateries, boutiques, tattoo parlors, and music venues and is highly popular amongst the locals, both, for shopping and great food.

Best travel tips for London

Useful travel tips

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Some tips before you start your adventure:

Check out the other parts of our guide to learn more about how to save some of your pocket money in London.
Take the Tube to get around the city. Depending on the length of your stay, you may want to get an Oyster Card to use public transportation.
Some of London’s pubs offer rooms for rent or dorms at a fair price. Airbnbs and hostels are also cheap alternatives for staying overnight.
Find out about upcoming events in the city – there is always something (free) to experience.
If you’ve been to London before, check out worthwhile day trips from the capital.

Best budget travel advice for London

London On a budget

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Unfortunately, London is a rather expensive destination. A visit here can eat a hole in any budget if you aren’t prepared. Luckily, there are lots of free and cheap things to do in London and we have some money-saving tips for you.

Visit the free museums: Most of the museums in London are free, including the Museum of London, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern. Don’t miss East London’s street art scene with artists like Banksy.

Enjoy free or cheap activities: Watch the ceremonies of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. Take a free walking tour to learn about London’s history (don’t forget to tip your guide at the end). There are loads of free events throughout the city. Use the Time Out app to search for events or keep your eyes open for small concerts, art exhibitions, and bookshop readings. If you’re a theatre fan, go for last-minute tickets from the booth in Leicester Square or visit small theatre performances in Leicester Square Theater.

Eat smart: English eateries, called Caff, offer simple food and all-day breakfast at very cheap prices. Visit London’s markets (especially worth it on Sundays) like Camden Market, Borough Market, and Portobello Market for people-watching and cheap, but excellent food. Buy some fresh groceries for a picnic in the park on a sunny day.

Use discount cards: Get the London Pass if you are planning on doing a ton of sightseeing (access to some of London’s main attractions, museums, and free public transport). Get the Taste Card if you’re a gourmet and plan on visiting a lot of restaurants (50% discount at many restaurants or two-for-one specials).

Transportation tips for London

Transportation

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Skip cabs and use the Tube to get around. Buy the Oyster Card for public transportation if you plan on using it a lot. After 12:30 am, take the night bus to get home on the cheap. Take the city bus to spot some sights while getting from A to B. Take the busses (both airports) or Tube (only LHR) to get to the airports. The train is a fast and comfortable option as well and train tickets can be booked in advance to save some money.