Perhaps one of the most historic cities on this earth, London beckons any globetrotter to visit at least once in their life. From hearing the words of the Bard of Avon performed at the Globe Theatre to experiencing the cobblestone streets and cathedrals for yourself, it is sure to dazzle.
With all of this awaiting you, it can be challenging to know where to start. Many questions arise when planning a trip to London, among those being the best spot to grab a bite and the must-see attractions. So, grab a spot of tea with cream and sugar and dive into planning your trip to London.
When Should I Go to London?
Timing your trip to London must work with your schedule, but if you are hoping for a relaxing or uncrowded time, you may have to move some things around.
Summer months are a bustling season for London as students are on break, and the weather is warm and sunny. Streets, shops, and attractions have long lines and can be a bit pricier in general. Other school breaks and bank holidays will increase the overall cost of your trip significantly.
London bursts at the seams during Christmas time for obvious reasons, but it is a spectacular time to visit if you are able. With Oxford Street decked in decor, holiday magic will sweep you up, no doubt. Keep in mind hotels and other attractions will need to be booked well in advance.
So, when is the best time to visit London? For a budget-friendly and relaxing trip, we recommend mid-winter, early spring, or fall. These times allow you to see the sites without overextending your wallet.
How Long Should I Stay in London?
London has had two thousand years to build up its history, culture, and society. One cannot merely see it all in a day or two.
If you want to do a quick fly-by of the major London sites, most people can get a feel for the city without feeling like they left anything out in three to four days. However, it is often on day five and onward that someone truly begins to know their way around and understand more of the city. With this, one week is the best timeline for seeing London if you are on a set schedule.
Seven full days allow you to get acclimated from traveling and include a more restful day in your itinerary.
How Do I Get There?
Planes, trains, and automobiles. They will all get you there, but some have definite advantages over others. Flying is the most common way to arrive, although Eurailing is a viable option if you are already on the continent.
As far as airports go, Heathrow is the most popular, but there are many other airports around London that you can fly into. Let’s go over the options and their specialties:
- Heathrow International Airport: The most popular airport in London, Heathrow gets the job done. Being the largest airport in the area, it will have the highest amount of flight options, both within Europe and internationally. Also, it has an express train to whisk you to Paddington Square in 15 minutes.
- Gatwick Airport: Located 30 miles south of London, the London Gatwick Airport is the second largest in the UK. The Gatwick Express train will be a thirty-minute ride to the city center.
- London Luton Airport: This airport specializes in cheap flights around Europe. So, if you are jet setting before arriving in London, this could be an excellent option for you. To get to London from here, you have two options. You can take the shuttle bus to the Airport Parkway, then hop on the train. If you prefer, you can catch a bus directly from the airport to the city.
- London Stansted Airport: 42 miles northeast of London lies London Stansted Airport. While it is the furthest away, it does have an express train that will get you to Liverpool in 47 minutes. Departing every 15 minutes, it should not be an issue if you need to fly in here.
- London City Airport: Popular with the business class, it can be a little pricey to fly into. The trade-off? You arrive right in the city and do not have to lug things around as far before arriving at your hotel.
Do I Need a Visa to Get In?
It all depends on where you are coming from. Thankfully, the UK does make it simple for you to check this. Make sure to check ahead of time, as changes to regulations are coming under the Brexit rollout.
If you are traveling with a Canadian or American passport, you do not need a visa to visit London or the UK as long as you keep your stay under six months.
Where is the Best Place to Stay in London?
Hostels and luxury hotels are standard in the city center, while Airbnbs and more budget-friendly hotels pop up the further out you get. Depending on your budget, you can choose to prioritize your accommodations and neighborhood or decide to keep these low and, instead, spend more on sightseeing.
When it comes down to it, though, grab a spot near a Tube station, London’s railway system. Hopping around the different boroughs will be more comfortable this way.
As far as the neighborhoods go, the original Square Mile is now the financial district. It is the city center, so expect higher prices but quick access to everything. A crowd favorite here for it’s pub-charm and exceptional hospitality is the Counting House.
Nestled near the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral, you will have access to anything you need here. There are many hostel options, including family-friendly ones, in the city center if you would like to go that route.
If you would prefer to be served high tea than ale, consider staying in South Kensington. A fantastic spot for families or couples, it is a quieter spot with access to many free museums nearby.
For more spunk in your London excursion, stay in Soho. The former red-light district is vibrant with pubs, artists, and coffee at any hour of the day. Cheap food and great happy hours bump elbows with some of the most decadent restaurants in London. Just know, you will have lively nightlife on every corner here, so it is not for those in search of a quiet evening.
With all of these to choose from, we have saved the best for last. Covent Garden, a short walk east of Soho, is the theatre district. Great nightlife happens here while being a little more toned down than Soho. But, the theatres mean there is also phenomenal food. When you add this to the central location and multitude of tube stops, you can’t go wrong.
What Do I Need to See in London?
Any large city will have some amount of spectacular nightlife, decadent food, and unique attractions. You may already know many of London’s, so we will touch on those, as well as a few other delightful spots you shouldn’t miss.
With the majority of pay to visit attractions, it will be significantly cheaper to book in advance. Additionally, many items are included in the London Pass if you plan on packing a lot into your days. The London Pass not only grants you admission to most places but can also fast track you to the front of the line and give discounts on transportation.
Historic Landmarks
Seeing all the significant sights early on in your trip will check a few boxes off of your bucket list and allow you to relax a bit more as the visit goes on.
Westminster Abbey, a World Heritage Site and still active church, has held many coronations, weddings, and funerals. Walking in the footsteps of kings and queens is sure to thrill anyone, young and old. Check out the galleries upstairs as well if you have some time. You will have a great view of Big Ben from here as well.
Nearby, you can tour the Tower of London and take a cruise down the river Thames. Here you will see the crown jewels, experience depths of history, and perhaps see a few ravens guarding the prison.
Buckingham Palace is also central to the city, and observing the changing of the guard is terrific if you can fit it into your itinerary. In winter, it sometimes does not happen, so check their website ahead of time. Make sure to get there over a half-hour before the ceremony for a decent spot along the fence.
If you’re able, combine these with a trip just east to the Globe Theatre, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the London Bridge. After this, you will have hit most of the big attractions in central and east London that are must-sees.
For Beatles fans out there, you may have to plan a separate excursion to see the famous Abbey Road Crossing, as it is a bit north of the main sightseeing spots.
Lastly, combine seeing Kensington Palace in with some of the museums below as they are west of the city center.
Museums
The National Gallery is the best place to trace European artists over the years. With an unmatched collection, any cultured critic would love to be here. Of course, free admission doesn’t hurt either. If you choose, do this in the afternoon after seeing Buckingham Palace.
Similar to the National Gallery is the Tate Modern, a free museum displaying a plethora of stunning art and one of the most visited attractions in the city.
If you are an art and design connoisseur, then the Victoria and Albert Museum is a must. Formed by Queen Victoria in 1899, it is a dazzling display of human creativity and culture over the years.
Anyone with an inclination or interest in the medical field would love the Wellcome Collection. The free admission allows you to see many exhibits focusing on the intersection of medicine and humanity.
Other museums of note are the Natural History Museum and British History Museum. There are enough places rich in history to occupy you for months here. So, prioritize which ones you will find most appealing and give them ample time instead of hopping around to multiple without doing them justice.
Shopping
It seems that you can buy just about anything in London. From the most decadent riches to odd items for dirt cheap, London has it all. Finding these gems is key to enjoying a shopping day in London.
Oxford Street is a marvelous go-to for all things beautiful and buyable in London. Soho will also provide you ample quirky places to shop, especially if you like anything vintage. Both of these neighborhoods will have a myriad of spots to grab a traditional plate of bangers and mash as well. Just don’t forget to grab a pint, too.
Shopping in London is not just for the clothing fanatic, though. Considering the rich history here, the bookstores are also a shoppers paradise. Peruse the books at Word on the Water, a floating bookstore, or the most famed Daunt Books. From there, you can plan your next trip with their extensive travel guide collection and stories to accompany them.
Indoor and outdoor markets are a unique experience to have in London, too. They are conglomerations of stalls and sellers, each with its own flare. Old Spitalfields, located in east London, is the perfect group of small, boutique sellers in one spot.
Food, produce, antiques, and other textiles are all tucked within this gem, continually redefining and pushing the available options.
Another spot of shopping is Borough Market, especially if you want to try your hand at cooking while on vacation. Their delightful collection of fresh produce and unique flavors makes it a great spot to stop for lunch to experience some street magic in London.
A list of fun places to shop wouldn’t be complete without Leadenhall Market. While it is a glitzy place to window shop, it is also home to quite a few scenes from Harry Potter. So, if there are any wizards among your traveling partners, definitely grab a bite here.
Lastly, for a hip London experience, stop by the Maltby Street market for a snack. Locals frequent this spot, so know you’ll stick out a bit here. In this southeast London spot, you will find the best cheeses, coffee, seafood, and international fusion cuisine around. So, come hungry and be ready to taste it all.
Entertainment
London’s street charm and quaint neighborhoods like Notting Hill are enough entertainment for many. However, the city holds a bustling theatre district that should not go unnoticed by any visitor.
Book your show well in advance if there is one you’re dying to see. There are multitudes of theatres, so perhaps indulge in a ballet or opera if you so desire. Musicals, plays, and comedy run rampant as well, and there is something for everyone. Many fringe theatres here have also developed a unique scene worth checking out for any drama buff.
If you prefer to see where the days take you, stop by the TKTS booth and see what discounted tickets are available. Just note, you will rarely find the most popular shows here.
Other trips that entertain can quickly turn into a day away. But, when in London, you need to know all your options. The Studio Tour of Warner Bros’ Harry Potter set is based out of London and is spectacular if you have an interest. It is pricey but well worth it and does take an entire day. Similarly, you can visit many Downton Abbey locations by booking a tour as well.
In another day trip option, you can visit Bath, Stonehenge, and Windsor Castle all in a day. It will be a long haul, but it is doable and incredibly rewarding. If you prefer the sea, head over to Brighton to experience the cool breeze across the water. Oxford and Cambridge are also a quick journey away, as well. So, depending on what piques your interest, build your itinerary around that.
Where Are the Best Places to Eat?
Eating out can get pricey fast when traveling the globe. But, no visit to London would be complete without fish and chips at a local pub. If you see Poppies or Toff’s, you will be eating as the locals do, and we can assure you that it is just fine.
If you’ve booked an Airbnb and are making some of your meals, stop through a market to grab whatever is fresh and local. The markets usually have recipe guides on their website, as well as different vendors to cycle through. Grabbing a quick sandwich at a corner deli and taking for a picnic in St. James Park is also a delightful time. Make sure to take a break while out and about, as relaxing is essential to making the most of your London excursions.
As with any trip, there are always a few spots we would love to mention for their unique flare. Cereal Killer Cafe is one of them. If there was ever a cereal full of sugar that you can’t find anymore, they have it. A hilarious and stellar combination of food and fun lives here.
If you find yourself near Trafalgar Square, Cafe in the Crypt should be your lunch location. You’ll find yourself partaking in your home-cooked meal in the crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields church. Under brick-vaulted halls and historic tombs, you can sip wine while listening to jazz. What could be more London than that?
If you are looking for a classier evening of seafood and wine, consider taking a trip up to Highbury to eat at Westerns Laundry. The Spanish and French influences mix well with English seafood and creativity, creating one of the best dinners available in London. Their small plates allow you to taste a variety of dishes at once. Lastly, they take their vow to use whatever is fresh quite seriously, so the menu is always changing. It’s worth a trip if you fancy seafood at all.
What Are Some Free Things to Do Around the City?
Many of the museums around London are free. But, there is so much more to do that doesn’t cost a penny – or a pound.
The parks strewn about London contain fountains, views, and simple gardens. Greenwich Park gives just that. From atop its hill, you can watch the Thames curl through the city as you enjoy a bite. Nearby, you will find Hyde Park, Green Park, and Regent’s Park, too.
The best of all of these, however, is Kensington Gardens. Stroll through King Henry VIII’s hunting grounds to enjoy the Peter Pan Statue and Serpentine Gallery.
If you have kids, going to the Diana Memorial Playground is mandatory. With its pirate ships, cabins, and everything in between, your children will run their hearts out, exploring this decadent playground. It will give you a few minutes to rest your feet as well.
If you need a more relaxed afternoon and are willing to travel just a smidge, head up to Hampstead Heath. Its multitude of rolling hills will give you a rest from city life. If you go in the warm months, then you can take a dip in one of their three swimming ponds to cool off. While there, make sure to top out on Parliament Hill to see a majestic view of all of London.
Each of these, in addition to the free museums, will help you balance luxury and relaxation on your trip.
How is the Weather in London?
Summer is delightful. With temperatures ranging in Fahrenheit from the low 60s to the high 80s, it is a travelers dream. Sundresses and light, easy to pack clothing will be perfect for roaming the city.
Spring and fall tend to sit in the 50s with quite a bit of rain. London is much like the Pacific Northwest and is often a bit dreary. So, grab some galoshes and an umbrella, no matter what time you choose to visit London. A solid raincoat can also work wonders.
If you choose to visit in the winter, it will rarely fall below freezing. With this, snow is a rarity. Instead, make sure you can keep yourself dry from the rain, so you don’t end up both cold and wet.
As long as you prepare for rain, there is no reason the weather should stop your plans. Londoners are used to the rain and keep on keeping on through it all. If you’re able, have your itinerary a bit adjustable in case you need to switch your museum day to one with lots of rain. That way, you can save picnics in the park when the sun comes out.
What Else Is Helpful to Know When Visiting London?
Thankfully, London has many similarities to North America. The language is the same, so that is one less hurdle to jump through for many.
There are a few customs that are a bit different, however. Tipping is one. Included on the majority of your restaurant tabs will be a service charge, which functions as the tip for the waiter. If, however, you ride in a taxi, tips are appreciated.
Simple courtesies like tipping are prevalent throughout British culture. Most Brits tend to be a bit less open about life and practice more proper manners in public. With this, note that you will stand out if you are loud or overstepping your spot at any time.
This includes your place in line, too, or queuing, as they call it. Londoners will stand in line for almost anything, and it is a sacred space. You should make sure you do not cut.
Sticking to public transportation is best when traveling around London, as well as using your feet to walk around. One thing you should note about the cars, though, is they drive on the other side of the street. So, look right for oncoming traffic before crossing the street.
London Promises a Trip Rich in History, High Tea, and Beauty
London is the center of British life, but it is also an excellent mixing ground of a variety of different cultures, foods, and styles. While some tourist options have long lines and may not be worth the investment, such as the London Eye, the myriad of things to do will keep your visit packed with art, beauty, architecture, and quaint shops if you let it.
Some of the best trips to cities involve a deep dive into one particular aspect of the city. Great options for London are the market and food scenes, or the priceless art scattered throughout the museums and cathedrals. Of course, you can trace much of Europe’s history here, through visiting the Magna Carta, Churchill’s War Rooms, and the London Bridge.
Have you had a great experience in London? What were your favorite spots to see, eat, or stay? We love hearing from our readers about their adventures and ideas for things to do in this spectacular city.