With its roots in the Roman times, London has been every traveler’s delight for ages. A beautiful blend of history and modernism, London has glass skyscrapers surrounded by old cathedrals and tiny Victorian houses. Home to the royal residence of the monarch, London has always enjoyed the status of a princely state, capturing the fascination of millions across the globe. This diverse and spirited city is dotted with famous landmarks, architectural grandeur, and historical museums. Vibrant streets, open green spaces, art & theater, cultural events & festivals are all an integral part of London.
London essentials
LanguageEnglish
Time zoneGMT
Country Code+44
Socket Type G
CurrencyPound sterling (£)
London trip planner
Here is everything you should know before you plan to visit London.
The London Itinerary
Whether you're in London for 1 day or 3, there's always something to do.
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Top 10 attractions in London
Below are a compact list of 10 things to do in London, regardless of whether you're in the city for a day or a week. Tick these 10 things to do in London off your list and consider it all done.
Getting around London
London is notorious for being a city that is difficult to drive around, with exorbitant parking charges. Renting a car is therefore not the best option. Cabs are also very expensive in London and there’s always a probability of getting stuck in traffic.
The best way to get around London is using the excellent public transport or still better on foot. Public transit with multiple options such as the London Underground (tube) and modern double-decker buses are the most extensive, convenient as well as budget friendly. Buses give you a nice view of the vibrant city, although the tube is a faster means. You can download maps to understand the tube network here.
If you are planning to cover a lot of attractions over a limited period of time, travel cards are a good option. Check out your travel card options here. You can also hire a bike to get around the city; this is especially fun in summer.
Places to visit near London
While there is much to see in London, the city is also close to some stunning towns and villages in the countryside. If you're in London for over three days, you must definitely check out these day trips from London and embark on the ones that suit your liking.
Best neighborhood to stay in London
We've rounded up the best neighborhoods to stay in London to suit all budgets. Book your stay in advance, especially if you're traveling around peak tourist season.
- The West End, comprising of areas like Leicester Square, Covent Garden, Mayfair, Piccadilly, Soho, Oxford Street, etc., is a very central district. It is known for its nightlife and has most of the theatres, top art galleries, and high-end shopping places. It has many expensive 4 star and 5 star hotels.
- Bloomsbury is just a walking distance from West End, and has relatively cheaper hotels.
- Victoria, the transport hub of London, forms a good base for sightseeing and has a range of hotels that are not very cheap, but not too expensive either.
- Kensington is well-connected, and has quite a few attractions, along with places to stay for all budgets.
- King's Cross, St Pancras, and Euston are the areas ideal for a budget accommodation or a B&B.
- Paddington and Bayswater are also pleasant areas with quite a few budget properties.
Kensington
Paddington
What to eat in London
London is full of delicious delights which you simply cannot miss enjoying! Here are some dishes you must try when in the city.
Fish and chips
The tasty combination of fried battered fish and hot potato chips/fries is the most common and staple takeaway food of London. There is a chippie in every other street of London. Some of the best places for this must have snack are The Chipping Forecast, Fish Lounge, Gilly's Fry Bar, and Golden Hind.
Full English breakfast
A full English breakfast typically includes bacon, sausages, fried eggs, baked beans, and a beverage such as coffee or tea. It has everything to make the most important meal of your day delicious. Pellicci’s Full English, Hawksmoor Guildhall, Koya Bar, Parlour Kensal are some of the top places of London to enjoy a Full English Breakfast.
Eton mess
It is a traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped double cream. This delicious mess of a dessert is quite simple yet one of the most loved and satisfying desserts of London. Vivat Bacchus, Bob Bob Ricard, Tuttons Brasserie etc, are a few places best known for this popular dessert.
Sticky toffee pudding
A classic British dessert consisting of a moist dense sponge cake, the sticky toffee pudding is made with finely chopped dates, topped up with toffee sauce, and often served with a vanilla custard or vanilla ice-cream. Originated from the Lake District, this dessert is very popular all over UK. Hawksmoor, Bumpkin, and The Abingdon are some places that serve the best sticky toffee pudding in London.
Bangers and mash
It is a traditional dish of UK made of sausages and mashed potatoes. A variety of flavoured sausages made of pork, lamb, or beef are used in this dish. It is sometimes served with onion gravy, fried onions, or peas. Some of the best Bangers and Mash can be had at The Queens Arms, The Victoria, and Speedy's Sandwich Bar & Cafe.
London on a budget
London - the world’s top dream destination is also one of the most expensive cities. However, this aspect should not get in the way of your travel plans. Apart from looking online for discounts on best things to do in London, here are a number of hacks to support a budget traveller.
1Do the free things in London
Do not get disheartened by the steep ticket prices of a lot of attractions of London. Apart from the paid attractions, there are scores of lush green parks, national museums, ceremonies, and other incredible sites that are entirely free to view and enter. British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, Hyde Park, changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, etc. are a few to name.
2Look for cheap accommodation
While hotels can be expensive, there are other stay options for you to check out. Hotels can be obnoxiously expensive in high season. Choose the off peak travel time to save on cost. There are also many hostel accommodations, as well as bed and breakfast options for those who are budget conscious.
3Use public transport
Exploit the extensive public transportation network of London. With great connectivity and reach of metro, it is one of the cheapest way to commute in London. To save further, get yourself an Oyster card or a London Travel card.
4Eat at cheap restaurants
While London has cuisine from all over the world, you may end up spending more than you want to if you're not careful about where you're eating! Food can make a huge hole in your pocket if you don't watch out. Besides the expensive cafes and fine dining places, London has many great budget-friendly options to eat like Pret a Manger, yo! Sushi, LEON, etc.
5Explore the city on foot
One of the best ways to explore most of this beautiful city is on foot. Besides saving big bucks, moving at your own pace, stopping by to admire what you enjoy, sipping a hot cup of coffee at a nearby cafe, and rubbing shoulders with the locals, you get a first hand experience of this vibrant city.
Best tours in London
While London is a city best explored by foot, there are lots of guided and bus tours to help you make the most of your visit. Here's a quick list of the Top tours in London that you must definitely sign up for.
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Know before you visit London
While visiting a country it is good to have an understanding of their culture or else unintentionally you may end up rubbing someone the wrong way.
- The English, proud of their rich history and global status, are a courteous and reserved lot. They appreciate politeness and restraint. It is advisable to not be overly familiar with people you do not know. Though, despite their steely appearance, the British are friendly and helpful towards visitors.
- They are not too demonstrative of their affection towards formal people in public so backslapping or touching is not appreciated. They like their personal space and expect you to maintain some physical distance at all public places.
- At a restaurant, you summon a waiter by raising your hand not by waving or shouting. You are also supposed to watch your volume at public places as the British consciously speak softly.
- They follow the Continental table manners holding the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
- Use of last name with appropriate title is the way to address people in the UK.
- A handshake is the common way to greet everyone including children. Women are expected to extend their hand first.
- Always hold the door for the person behind you.
FAQs
There is so much to see and do in London that it can be difficult to narrow down the list! Some of the must-see sights include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. For those interested in history, a visit to the British Museum is a must. And no trip to London would be complete without seeing a West End show!
The London Underground is the most efficient way to get around the city, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors. If you don’t mind walking, London is a very walkable city. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the many black cabs or “minicabs” that are available.
There are plenty of ways to save money while visiting London. Purchase an Oyster Card to receive discounts on public transportation, take advantage of free attractions like museums and galleries, and eat your meals at less expensive lunch spots.
It really depends on what you want to do while you’re in London. The summer months are ideal for outdoor activities, while the winter is perfect for Christmas shopping and holiday festivities.
Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, as you will do a lot of walking while sightseeing. Weather-wise, London can be unpredictable so it’s always best to bring layers that you can easily add or remove. An umbrella is also a good idea, just in case!
London is generally a safe city, but as with any major metropolitan area, it’s always best to exercise caution. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you at all times. If you’re feeling unsafe, please don’t hesitate to ask a police officer for help.
Some other helpful tips include learning a few key phrases in British English, carrying small bills and coins for tipping, and being respectful of queue lines
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