travel to london blog

London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides (Trip Planning)

These London travel blogs will help you create the perfect itinerary for your trip to one of the world’s most exciting cities!

One of my favourite parts of being a travel blogger is showcasing my home city via my blog. I mean, I adore travelling the world, but where do I know better than the city I live in?

I’ve built up lots of London travel guides on my blog, sharing my favourite quirky things to do in the city, where to eat , and some weird and wonderful places to stay too.

First time visitors should tick off the obvious sights like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll probably go on a free walking tour to see a few other sights too. But… after you’ve seen the obvious ‘in every movie about London’ landmarks, where’s next?

Well that’s where I come in! Once you’ve seen the top sights in Central London, it’s time to go local. Why not catch the tube north to beautiful, leafy Hampstead and mooch around Hampstead Heath or grab a bite to eat in one of the area’s characterful pubs?

How about heading west to Shepherd’s Bush , one of London’s vibrant areas, and enjoying neon crazy golf, tasty local food and some unique entertainment?

You’ve probably heard about Camden and its famous market, but would you know the best places to eat once you get there? My London travel blogs will guide you to the most delicious treats in the area.

In fact, if you travel with your stomach, I’ve got guides to the best food markets in London , some great ramen joints dotted around the city, a list of bizarre themed restaurants , as well as a few hot tickets if you’re travelling on a tight budget .

Find out about an amazing food tour of Borough Market, where Londoners go for cocktails in Covent Garden, and a few events at the Natural History Museum that are guaranteed to surprise you!

These London travel blogs are packed full of personal tips – things you’ll only learn from years of living in the city. Follow them and you’re guaranteed to plan a memorable, action-packed itinerary! 

London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides

After living in this incredible city for most of my life, it's time to share my top London travel blogs and guides with you!

If you have any questions, don't forget you can always email me or leave a comment below.

48 Quirky And Unusual Things To Do In London 

From afternoon tea with a twist, to solving mysterious crimes and playing captain for the day, this is the definitive guide to the unique, crazy and downright unusual things to do in London.

Quirky, Unusual And Unique Restaurants In London 

From watching circus performers as you tuck into your main course, to eating in the dark, in a prison or while watching some weird and wonderful entertainment, these unique restaurants in London all offer something very special.

London’s Best Food Markets

From Borough and Brixton to Camden and Hampstead, it's time to reveal the best food markets in London.

11 Quirky Hotels In London For 2021

Looking for quirky hotels in London? YES! From floating hotels, capsules and animal lodges, to arty rooms, old prisons and more, it’s time to find out about some of the BEST quirky hotels in London for this year.

The Best Escape Rooms In London

The best escape rooms in London will have you cracking codes, solving puzzles, escaping from Mafia bosses, perfecting your wizarding spells and stealing millions of pounds.

13 London Desserts You Have To Try

From super-duper freakshakes and croissant-donut hybrids, to the latest waffle sensation and ice cream filled macaroons, these are the top London desserts right now.

Best Ramen In London

Time to share where to eat the best ramen in London. From Tonkotsu and Ippudo to Bone Daddies and Kanada-Ya, where should you go for your bowl of noodle soup?

Amazing CHEAP Restaurants In Central London

This guide to the best cheap restaurants in London is perfect if you’re on a budget!

Best Cafes To Work From In London

Searching for the best cafes to work from in London? No doubt you’ll need Wi-Fi, power, good coffee and a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Find out which places I'd recommend.

Where To Go For Cocktails In Covent Garden, London

What are the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden? From secret and quirky bars to glam hotels, find out where to go for cocktails in Covent Garden, London.

The Best Things To Do In Shepherd's Bush Right Now

From immersive experiences, shopping and escape rooms, to crazy golf, spinning and delicious food, these are the best things to do in Shepherd’s Bush, London.

The Best Restaurants In Shepherd’s Bush

From cute cafes and romantic wine bars, to immersive dining experiences, delicious dim sum and tasty Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s time to reveal some of the best restaurants in Shepherd’s Bush.

Best Places To Eat In Camden Town

The definitive guide to the best places to eat in Camden, featuring the best pub for a Sunday roast, top burger, tasty curry, plus some great cheap eats in Camden Market.

A Helicopter Tour Of London

As bucket list activities go, a helicopter flight over London has to be one of them! Find out more about this once in a lifetime experience now.

The Best East London Street Art Tour

From incredible murals and unusual graffiti, to colourful hidden messages, it’s time for London street art tour. 

Top 10 Things To Do In Hampstead, London

With a great food market, adorable streets and of course Hampstead Heath, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Hampstead. 

The Best London Food Tour

Flavoursome salami from Sussex and Wales, English sparkling wines that compete with the best champagnes, and traditional pies filled with indulgent fillings – this London food tour is a reminder that British cuisine shouldn’t be overlooked!

When Is The Best Time To Visit London?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! Us Brits talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in London. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit England, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in London. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic in London which always puts a smile on my face!

Planning your trip to London? Here are a few quick highlights:

There are so many amazing things to do in London! What are you going to choose? 

Let me know if you have any questions about anything I’ve mentioned in my London travel guides, or any questions about public transport, safety or areas I’ve not mentioned already. If you want to check out any of my other travel guides about the UK, you can find them all here .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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Traveling to London for the First Time (2024): Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Traveling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London might be overwhelming indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city!

How long do I need to spend in London? When to visit? What are the best places to stay in London? How to save time and money and still see the best that London has to offer?

To help you plan your first trip to London, I selected some of the best tips for visiting London . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your London trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames River Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio (book well in advance!)
• The View from The Shard .

These are our top travel tips for visiting London:

1. Stay in Central London

The question that gets asked a lot by first-time visitors is what are the best places to stay in London.

Hotels in central London can be expensive, yet while it might be very tempting to choose cheaper accommodation outside the city center, it’s a choice that you’ll quickly regret. First, commuting into the city every day will cost a lot of money and time. Precious time, that you could otherwise use for sightseeing.

Visiting London for the first time? Stay in central London!  By staying in central London you can see much more in less time. Ultimately this will save money not just on transportation, but also on your overall trip budget because you’ll need fewer days in order to see just as much.

Now that we established that central London is the best place to stay when visiting London for the first time, you might be wondering which neighborhoods are the best for sightseeing.

There is probably no single best answer to this, but here is a short list of neighborhoods that we personally looked at when planning our recent trip to London with kids : Westminster, Trafalgar/ Covent Garden, Soho, Bankside, and South Bank. 

Ultimately we chose the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel , which is located on the South Bank close to the London Eye . We loved being in the center of the action and being able to easily walk everywhere. Staying in the center makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance or just a short bus/ tube drive away.

The area around Covent Garden/Trafalgar Square is another great choice. Check out Citadines Trafalgar Square if you are looking for a nice price/quality/location hotel.

TIP: Using the map below, you can also easily see what’s available in central London for your travel dates and group size.

In general, I’d say just look for the best deals that you can find for your group and travel dates and as long as it’s in Central London, you know you made a good choice.

TIP: If you are looking for a lower budget stay in central London (although ‘budget’ is a relative term here), check out the Waterloo Station area (10 minutes walk to London Eye ). It’s one of the few places in the center where you can often find good quality budget accommodation. Here are two of the best choices in this area: Nox Hotel Waterloo and Point A Hotel London Westminster .

If you go further from the center, accommodation gets a bit cheaper. But a lot also depends on the specific area. In general, west/ northwest of the River Thames is better than going further east/ southeast because most of the main landmarks and attractions of London are on the western side of the river. Unless you stay very close to the river, in which case, it’s as good as it gets.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in London

2. Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and one of the most popular cities in Europe. It’s an extremely popular destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The busiest times to visit London are July and August, as well as European bank holiday weekends and school breaks. If you can, try to avoid these peak periods for fewer crowds and better prices and availability.

If you plan to see London during Holiday Season, it’s best to avoid the main shopping streets on the weekends and the last days just before Christmas.

TIP: Since spring school holidays in Europe usually fall later than in the U.S., London is a great European destination for spring break . It can also be very nice in June when most European countries still have school.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Travel in Europe

3. Foresee Enough Time and Don’t Try to See Everything

If you are traveling to London for the first time, you are probably wondering how much time you need in London. You have to realize that London is huge and there is no way to see everything in just a few days or even a few weeks… So don’t come to London thinking that you can see it all in just one or two days.

While you can see most of the main sights in London in one day or two days , for first-time visitors, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This should give you sufficient time to get acquainted with the city, see the main landmarks, and visit a few of the most popular tourist attractions in London .

However, we also suggest visiting at least a few places outside of the city as that will make your trip so much more special. In that case, you should really plan at least 5-7 days in London. More about day trip suggestions further below.

Also, don’t try to see ‘everything’ in London. This is simply not possible and will leave you tired and frustrated. Plan to visit no more than two or three bigger attractions every day and leave some time for unexpected discoveries.

4. Book as Much as Possible in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting London is not to plan your visit in advance. Long in advance!

Starting with flights and accommodations and ending with London attractions and activities – booking in advance means more choice, better prices, and less time wasted queuing. After all, you want to make the most of your trip to London and not spend all your precious time standing in line.

TIP: Often tickets for the main London attractions are cheaper if booked online at least a day in advance. For example, you can usually get cheaper tickets for Madame Tussauds , The View from The Shard , or the  London Eye online (not even to mention avoiding the biggest queues and actually being able to visit).

For some places not reserving in advance usually means that you won’t be able to visit at all. For example, the Harry Potter Studio Tour , which is often booked up weeks and months ahead. To give you an idea, recently, we couldn’t find tickets for the day (let alone the time) when we wanted to go 16 weeks in advance! I checked all the possible websites and tour options and this day tour was the only one that still had availability, and only because it was just new at that time. And it’s not even the peak season!

If you want to go see a musical in London, book your theater tickets well in advance. Sometimes, there are last-minute tickets available as well, but not to the most popular shows and the seats you get are usually far from great.

TIP:   If you didn’t think to prebook and are looking for last-minute theatre tickets in London, check the TKTS ticket booth on Leicester Square. You can buy theatre tickets only in person for performances on the same day, or up to two days in advance.

5. Save Time and Money on London’s Major Attractions

Visiting London for the first time means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions in London . However, if you aren’t prepared, it’s very likely you will waste hours and days standing in lines.

If you want to make the most of your time in London, consider skip-the-line tickets and priority passes at the most popular attractions.

Yes, they are expensive but think of it this way. What’s the point of paying all that money to travel to London to then spend all your time queuing instead of sightseeing…

Sunday 40% Off (2024 Spring)

If you are visiting London between March and May 2024, you might be able to take advantage of the 40% discount on some of the major London attractions if you book in advance and visit them on Sunday.

Below is the list of the attractions that offer this discount. Click on the links to activate the promo code and book the ticket directly on the official website:

• Madame Tussauds London .
• London Dungeon .
• SEA LIFE London .
• Shrek’s Adventure .

The London Pass

One of the best ways to see a lot of the major attractions in London with a priority entrance is The London Pass . For example, it includes FREE entrance to places like The Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, or London Zoo and experiences like the Thames River Cruise or Hop-on Hop-off bus tour (to mention just a few)…

However, it only makes sense to get the pass if you visit at least 2-3 of the included attractions per day, so you need to decide if it’s worth it for you.

If you are planning to visit a lot of major attractions in a very short time, then the London Pass is definitely worth it. But plan well and make sure you get the most out of your pass during its validity period.

TIP: If you are staying in London longer, buying a pass for multiple days is more beneficial than just getting a pass for one day. Note that there are several different choices of passes in London ( The London Pass , London Explorer Pass ). Our research shows that the London Pass is one of the best options.

Fast Track, Skip the Line & Timed-Entry Tickets

The London Pass includes free entrance to 60 top attractions in London, but some of the most popular attractions like the London Eye are not included in this pass. Furthermore, many popular attractions now work with timed entry slots.

So for the most popular attractions, it’s best to book fast-track or timed-entry tickets well in advance.

We visited London with our three kids and used fast-track tickets wherever we could. I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to wait in line everywhere. We could have never seen half as much in the time that we had, not to mention our sanity, standing in line for hours with young children…

For example, you can buy fast-track tickets for the London Eye , Madame Tussauds , and some others. You can get timed-entry tickets for the Tower of London , The Shard , and many others.

A fast-track ticket to the most popular attractions like the London Eye or even Madame Tussauds can easily save you a couple of hours! The queues here can be 2-3 hours long, so believe me, a fast-track ticket is a real lifesaver . As a minimum, get a standard timed-entry ticket online before you go.

TIP: The London Eye also has several different prices depending on when you book and when you visit. For example, the early morning, late evening, or weekday tickets are usually a bit cheaper. Plus, you can save up to 20% if booking online and at least 24 hours in advance! You can find all the best ticket options for The London Eye on the official website .

6. Visit London’s FREE Attractions

Here are some places and activities that you should definitely add to your London travel list:

Free Museums in London

Visiting London is not cheap, but there are so many great things to see and do completely for free. Here are just a few London museums that can be visited free of charge : British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Museum of London and many more.

London’s Parks and Gardens

London has many gardens, parks and playgrounds that are free to visit. It is also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

London Views

While some places require a ticket, there are lots of great views in London that don’t cost anything at all. For more information, please see our guide to the best views of London .

London’s Shops

Don’t get me wrong – shopping in London isn’t cheap by any means. But visiting the shops is of course absolutely free and can be an attraction in itself. Don’t miss Harrods and Oxford Street ! Kids will love  Hamleys (the world’s largest and oldest toy store), the LEGO store , and the  M&M store .

TIP: Try to avoid shopping streets and big department stores on the weekends and just before Christmas.

London Markets

London has lots of wonderful markets, scattered all around the city. With quirky, unique shops and food stalls that will leave you mouthwatering, it will likely be hard to resist buying something. But you can spend hours and days wandering around London’s markets without spending anything…

TIP: Some of our favorite markets include Camden Market , Greenwich Market , Spitalfields Market, and Borough Market (this is where some of the best food tours in London come too).

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is one of the free things to do in London that are not to be missed. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place at Buckingham Palace at 10.45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (weather permitting).  It’s very popular among tourists, so make sure to arrive early in order to secure a spot with a good view.

For the exact location and up-to-date schedule, please consult the website of the Household Division .

READ ALSO: Top FREE Sights & Things to Do in London with Kids (many suggestions will also be interesting for adults)

7. Use Credit Cards (or Smartphone)

These days, you hardly ever need cash for payments in the UK. Pretty much every place accepts credit cards and most places now also accept payments directly via your smartphone. You may want to get some cash for small purchases, but it’s so much easier to just use your credit card or smartphone.

You can use all major credit cards in London, but VISA and Mastercard are by far the most accepted cards. Amex is not widely used in Europe and Diner’s Club is pretty much useless. Debit cards (or cash-only cards) are also accepted pretty much everywhere.

One thing you should know is that if you use a card, often, you need one with a chip and a 4-digit PIN. Make sure that you know your PIN number by heart! You’ll need a credit card with a PIN for most payments all over Europe. Some places might still accept a card with your signature, but often, they don’t even know that they can or how to approach it because nobody in Europe uses that system anymore.

Good to know: When using an ATM or paying for purchases, you’ll be asked to choose currency – either local currency (UK pound sterling) or your own currency (US dollar if you’re traveling from the US, or Euro if you’re from Europe). Always choose to pay in local currency (UK pound sterling) and let your own bank do the currency transaction, or you risk losing a lot of money. A lot.

TIP:  If you don’t have the right credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin, check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel . I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .

8. Use Public Transport & Use a Contactless Credit Card or Oyster Card

London is a big city and visiting everything on foot just isn’t feasible. The good news is that London’s public transport system is very efficient.

One of the best and quickest ways to get around in London is metro, aka the London tube . The biggest advantage of the tube is that you can quickly get to the other side of London without having to waste your time in the traffic. Here’s a tip for you I once got from a local. Avoid the tube during rush hour and during Christmas.

However, while traveling underground, you don’t see anything of the city, so for shorter distances, I recommend taking one of the city’s buses. Riding these original red double-decker buses is a typical London experience you should try at least once.

TIP:  Get the Oyster card . It’s a sort of electronic ticket that can be used for all public transport in Greater London and is much cheaper than paying for single-ride tickets. You can find more information about the Oyster Card here .

Alternatively, just use your contactless credit card . You can scan it when entering the metro, then scan it again when you leave. It works the same way as the Oyster card and if you use public transport several times a day, the maximum amount you spend will be capped at a daily ticket rate.

Note that children often travel free of charge (more information here ). However, for older kids where kids’ tariff is applicable, you better get a ticket. Using your credit card for the kids as well would mean that you’re paying adult rates for them. On top of that, you need one card per person anyway.

TIP: Since the recent Uber ban in London, a traditional London cab is the best option if you have lots of luggage. You really don’t want to take the tube with young kids and big suitcases, take my word for it. We took a cab twice in London and it was much more affordable than we expected. Furthermore, riding a traditional English cab is part of the experience of visiting London for the first time.

9. Walk or Rent a Bike

I know that I just told you that seeing London on foot isn’t feasible. However, you’d be missing a great deal if you take a tube or a bus every time. After all, one of the best ways to see a new city is to explore it on foot . London is no exception.

Another great way to see London and easily cover bigger distances is by bike . There are lots of self-service city bike stands where you can rent a bike, or you can join a guided bike tour.

If you are visiting London for the first time and don’t know the city well, renting a bike without a guide is maybe not the best idea, unless in the parks. London traffic is really busy, it comes (for most of us) from a different side than what we are used to, and if you also need to read the map, it can get quite dangerous.

TIP: If you want to explore London by bike, book a tour with a local guide. There are several great options, e.g. this half-day bike tour that covers the main highlights of London , or this bike tour that brings you to the less-known places of London .

10. Use Hop-on Hop-off Buses and River Cruises

There are so many ways to see London! For the complete experience, I recommend you try as many different means of transport as you can during your London trip.

Hop-on hop-off buses are extremely popular and are a great way to see the city and major attractions.

One of my favorite ways to see any city is by taking a boat where possible. There are so many boat trip options in London, so you really have no excuse not to see London from the Thames. One of the most popular options is hop-on hop-off boat on River Thames . It allows you to see many attractions close to the river in an easy way.

TIP: Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets usually include one FREE Thames River cruise ride and a FREE walking tour.

11. Get off the Beaten Path

It’s understandable that you want to see the main landmarks when traveling to London for the first time. However, London is so much more than Big Ben or Buckingham Palace!

There are so many quirky neighborhoods, local markets, lesser-known museums, and beautiful gardens in London.

Visiting a few less known places like this will just make your first trip to London even more special and memorable.

TIP: Here you can find some great ideas for different things to do, the hidden gems of London . And here you can find some nice ideas for the best views and viewpoints in London .

READ ALSO: Camden Town – one of the coolest neighborhoods in London

12. Eat Like the British

London is an expensive city and dining out can be a pricey experience. Furthermore, restaurants located close to tourist attractions don’t always serve the best food, so researching restaurants in advance can be a good idea.

Here are some insider tips on where to find the best food in London and save money :

• Try traditional Fish&Chips where locals eat (e.g. Poppies Fish&Chips or The Golden Chippy).
• Local supermarkets offer lots of affordable options for sandwiches or salads – perfect for a picnic in the park.
• Borough Market is the best food market in London, but there are also so many other smaller markets and food stalls.
• Ottolenghi deli sells delicious packed lunches.
• Harrods food hall is not to be missed.
• Lots of fine restaurants cost a fraction of the price if you go there for lunch rather than dinner.
• Traditional afternoon tea experience is a must in London and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We had  afternoon tea with kids at St. Ermin’s and loved it! Nowadays, there are many easily accessible and very affordable high tea experiences all over London (see here for some of the best options ).

READ ALSO: British Food to Try in the UK

13. Take a Day Trip Outside of the City

While London has so much to offer, there are also so many nice places to visit outside the city as well! From the most popular destinations like Windsor Castle and bucket-list places like Stonehenge to the English countryside and charming villages of the Cotswolds , but also some of the UK’s best towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford, or Cambridge – there are so many amazing possibilities near London.

So if you can, plan a longer stay in London and take at least a few day trips to explore more of England. This will make your trip so much more special!

TIP: If you are short on time, we recommend that you take organized tours that cover some of the nicest places in one day. That way you can see a lot in just a few days – much more than you’d ever be able to do on your own. And yes, it’s not exactly exploring deeper, but if this is your first time in the UK, it’s better than nothing.

Here are some of the best day tours from London that we recommend for first-time visitors:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Oxford, Stratford & the Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfer .
• Liverpool and The Beatles (a very long day, but well worth it for The Beatles fans). See also our guide on how to visit Liverpool from London .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips and One Day Tours from London

14. Don’t Forget The Little Important Details

Here are some more practical tips to consider when traveling to London for the first time:

• You can pay by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. And no, you can’t pay in Euro or US Dollars in London, you really need to get Pound sterling from an ATM.
• You are not expected to tip in the UK and service charge is often included in your restaurant bill. In most London restaurants, you’ll get charged 10-15% in addition to your bill. Locals say they don’t typically tip at the bar, but would usually leave a 10% tip at a restaurant if the service was good and not yet included in the bill.
• Don’t forget your travel adapter . UK uses Type G plugs, which are very different from other European countries, or the US.
• You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes . Nowadays, Europeans wear sneakers in the cities too, and London is no exception. However, we tend to wear more fashionable sneakers (something like this ), not the ones you wear when playing tennis… However, some places in London still throw upon (and some doormen give you ‘the look’ or even refuse entry) if your clothing and/or footwear looks too casual…
• Look right(!) when crossing a street in London. Yes, right, because they do drive on the other side of the road in Britain. If this is your first trip to the UK, it might take some getting used to. So be careful!
• You may want to consider buying a local SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi to save on roaming charges.
• Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket. It rains a lot in London, especially in the colder season. Although, as climate changes, the weather has gotten significantly drier here too. So check the weather forecast before your trip. Wearing layers is always the best way to go!

So, these are some of the most important practical tips you should know when traveling to London for the first time.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience and tips from visiting London? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Secret Places of London That Most Tourists Never See

London Travel FAQ

The best time to travel to London is in the warm season between March and October. Summer is the peak season with big crowds. For mild weather and fewer people, come in spring or in the fall. The very best months to visit London are April-May and September-beginning of October.

London is huge and there’s no way to see everything in one trip. If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This will allow you to see the main landmarks and visit a few tourist attractions. If you also plan to take day trips and see some of the UK from London, then plan to stay for at least a week.

The best way to explore London is by focusing on one area at a time and walking between the main attractions that are located next to each other. For bigger distances, use the London subway, hop-on hop-off buses, or river cruises.

If you are visiting London for the first time and want to see all the main landmarks and attractions, we recommend staying in Central London. The areas around Big Ben – London Eye have the prime location for sightseeing. Staying here will save you lots of time for commute and will allow you to make the most of your trip.

London is one of the best cities in the entire world and definitely worth visiting! With famous landmarks, royal history and traditions, fun tourist attractions, world-class museums, theaters, and a unique cultural mix, London has something to offer for any type of traveler. It’s a bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime!

More inspiration for your trip to the UK:

• Best Things to Do in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days in London
• Things to Do in Greenwich
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• London with Kids
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Things to Do in Blackpool
• Tips for Visiting Blackpool
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends who are planning their first trip to London. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Travel tips for other major cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Paris Travel Tips
• Rome Travel Tips
• Read also our step-by-step guide with planning info and tips for traveling to Europe .

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Monday 18th of March 2024

Hello - your article has been very helpful - I do have a few specific questions with regard to the 'skip the line' or 'fast track' tickets - I am not clear on where to buy those? Do I buy from the individual attractions like St. Paul's, Tower of London or some other way? And when it says to book well in advance using one of the apps such as the London Pass - is that days in advance or weeks in advance? (we will be there in late August, just 2 adults). Does the London Pass include/automatically give you Priority entrance? Thank you so much!!

@Jurga, Thank you! This is indeed super helpful - I appreciate all the tips!

Hi Tracy, 'fast track' or 'skip the line' might mean different things depending on attraction. It's usually indicated when you book tickets. Nowadays, many of the most popular attractions also work with timed-entry tickets, so you book a specific time slot and the wait is limited. A few examples: * the London Eye tickets. You can choose standard, or fast-track tickets, and many other options like multi-attraction tickets, etc. In most cases (unless you opt for flex tickets), you have to choose a time slot. However, even with the reserved time slot, the fast-track ticket will give you a much faster entry (skipping most lines) than the standard ticket where you'll have a much longer queue with everyone who reserved those tickets for the same time. * The Tower of London tickets - here, you book a specific time slot. It's not completely skip-the-line, but the line will be limited to only those people who reserved the same time slot. * Madame Tussauds - you can choose between standard and fast-track tickets. * St Paul's Cathedral tickets are now valid on the specific date, not time, and it shouldn't be too busy. Entrance to the Golden Gallery might be limited if it's very busy, but it's not something you can reserve in advance.

If you buy any multi-attraction pass, then you will usually receive instructions from them and they will advise you for which attractions it's best to reserve time slots separately. Each place has different ways how they work, but e.g. if you get this London Pass, you will find all the instructions for each of the attractions. The majority of less popular places will be simple to enter just like that, but for the most popular ones, you will need to make a reservation. It's a bit more complicated that way, but you might save quite some money depending on which pass you get, for how long, and which places you choose to visit. Let's just say that if money isn't an issue, it's usually simpler to get the tickets for the most popular attractions separately, with reserved time slots, and potentially fast-track/skip-the-line access where available.

As for how long in advance to book - as soon as you know your travel dates and/or when tickets become available. The earlier you book, the more options you will have and time slots to choose from. That said, some places only open their booking system a month or two/three in advance. But there are also others that get completely sold out half a year in advance. August is a peak season, so I'd book everything that you absolutely want to do asap. If you use GetYourGuide and other websites which we personally use and recommend for most tickets and tours, you will see that they offer a free cancelation option for most of the attractions for up to 24 hours before the visit, so you have nothing to lose. All this information is available for each ticket/tour separately, and you can see it all before you book.

Alternatively, book guided tours for the most popular places. Most of them have skip-the-line access and some even offer something unique. For example, we are visiting London again soon, and this time we reserved this early-access tour to the Tower of London. The same company also has this amazing after-hours tour.

Hope this helps a bit. I know how overwhelming it can be, but nowadays not making advance bookings often means that you will not be able to visit the most popular places at all. It's not just London or Europe, but pretty much any big city in the world. In the USA, you even have to make reservations for many national parks and similar... So if you want to have a truly fun and relaxing trip, you have to do your homework. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

My name is Wendy! I am planning to visit London soon .I very enjoyed your article. It was really helpful .thanks a lot

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Glad to help, Wendy. Enjoy London!

Sunday 26th of November 2023

I really enjoyed your article and it was VERY informative. It helped me decide not only what to do, but what not to do. I have 2 teenagers. I was wondering if the Harry Potter studio is considered a "must-do" or is it a tourist trap or falls somewhere in between. It seems like all-tolled it will take about 7-8 hours, and that is a lot of time spent out of the city for 1 place. We will have 5 1/2 days in London and already planning 2 full-day excursions, so will have 3 1/2 days. Thank you in advance for your help!

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi Brian, I know exactly how you feel. We ourselves are going to London soon with our three teenagers, for just 3 days, and we're also considering Harry Potter Studios on one of those days. It is a long day, indeed, and not cheap either. But from everything I read and heard, it's extremely well done and everyone I know who visited with teens was very enthusiastic about it. We recently visited Harry Potter studios in LA and the whole family found it amazing. From what I understand, the ones in London are much bigger and even more impressive. But we have a couple Harry Potter fans in the family AND we have been to London many times before, so we are less worried about 'missing' something else out. We are actually going for the more special experiences this time (ABBA Voyage, Tina Musical, maybe one of the Walks' exclusive tours, street art, markets, etc.) rather than traditional sightseeing. I guess it all comes down to your family's interests and which alternatives you consider instead. But remember that most of the places you'll visit will likely be less interesting to your kids than to you, so sometimes you have to balance things out to make sure the trip has something for the whole family. I know from experience that there are only that many churches and museums that our kids can handle... ;) So I'm afraid I can't help you much, and you'll have to ask your kids and decide together with them. Maybe make two alternative plans for a day, present it to the kids, and let them choose which one they prefer. If you decide to go, the research I just did for our own trip shows that - at the moment - this transfer + Harry Potter Studios entrance ticket is the cheapest option (about 50£ savings for a family of 4 vs other providers). Have a great time in London!

Thursday 12th of October 2023

My name is Albert, I was very impressed after reading your article and I also got a lot of useful information. Thank you.

Glad to help, Albert. Have a great time in London!

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Wow !!Planning to visit London along with out of city October, Thank you for helping me find thé information I needed ,it’s so helpful and informative! looking forward to hear you more 💙

Glad to help, Diki. Enjoy London!

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » London

EPIC LONDON Itinerary! (2024)

London – a perfect blend of the old and the new – is a city soaked in thousands of years of history yet sits at the forefront of the modern world! It’s amongst the biggest cities in Europe and is one of the world’s largest financial centers.

The UK’s massive capital is filled with iconic London landmarks and far-reaching history, as well as incredible views and some of the best museums in existence. The city has something for everyone and while it is possible to see a fair amount of London in two days, there’s no shortage of things to see if you’re able to stay longer.

The below London trip itinerary will help you plan your trip, whether you’re just stopping by for a weekend in London or intend on staying for much longer! If you want to know what to do in London, you’ve come to the right place.

A Little Bit about this 3-Day London Itinerary

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London’s history, architecture, and cultural diversity are a few of the main reasons why people visit the English capital. It has something for every traveler, from the picturesque royal parks to fascinating museums and spooky tours, you’ll never run out of things to do in London !

London is a huge city, and you’re wondering how many days to spend in the city, it really depends on how adventurous you are and how much you want to cram in. Ideally, you should spend anywhere between three and five days in London, to really get the most of it (any less than three days and you’ll miss the magic, in my opinion). 

If you want to see all of the important landmarks you will want to stay in central London in the City of Westminster – here you’ll be able to see the postcard attractions such as Tower Bridge, London Eye, Covent Graden, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the royal residence of Buckingham Palace, of course. If this is all you want to see, you MIGHT be able to fit everything into 24 hours, but that’ll guarantee a lot of stress because even though they are close by, walking around London is a huge hassle because of the number of people and navigating the underground as a tourist takes some getting used to (don’t worry, after the first day, you’ll get the hang of it). 

However, as I mentioned earlier, the ideal number of days in London is three to five, so in this London itinerary, you’ll find three days packed with action, culture, history, and adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t have to rush from A to B, trying to fit everything in – I’ve strategically planned this three-day itinerary so you spend time in each neighborhood before moving on to another one.

In this itinerary, I’ve chosen the ideal daily structure, added times, routes to get there and suggestions on how long you should spend at each spot, but of course, you can add your own spots in, swap things around, or even skip some places if they’re not to your taste. Use this itinerary as inspiration instead of a fixed plan, because not everyone is travelling with the same style and budget. 

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3 Day London Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in London: Westminster Abbey , Westminster Palace & Big Ben , Lunch at Quirinale , London Eye , Tate Art Modern Gallery , St. Paul’s Cathedral , SoHo , Chinatown
• Day 2 in London: Tower Bridge , Tower of London , Buckingham Palace , Hyde Park , Victoria & Albert Musem , Knightsbridge , The West End
• Day 3 in London: The British Museum , National Gallery , Oxford Street , Camden Town & Market  

With a London City Pass , you can experience the best of London at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

There really isn’t a ‘ best area’ to stay in London as all of the attractions are spread out across the city, meaning you’ll have to travel regardless of where you stay. However, the more central areas are nearest to the majority of the iconic London attractions, so I wouldn’t recommend staying too far from the center.

The West End (SoHo, Leicester Square, Covent Garden) is one of your best bets for touring London, as it’s centrally located and near to many of the best entertainment, gallery, shopping, nightlife areas. The West End can be a bit pricey though, so it’s worth checking out some of the neighboring areas such as Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury.

Kensington, South Bank, and Bank Side are all near to some of the iconic attractions, fairly well-positioned, and well connected to the airports. Areas like Camden and the East End are more affordable than the other areas discussed but aren’t as conveniently located. However, you can find some affordable cottages in London in these outlying districts and they are close to transport links to the city..

You may save quite a bit of money by staying in outer London (ie Wembly) but will end up spending extra money and time getting to the action each day. Hostels are a great way to cut costs, make friends and the best hostels in London are all central.

Best Hostel in London – SoHostel

SoHostel is perfectly located in SoHo, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Square. It’s an awesome option if you’re backpacking in London. They offer clean, stylish, and comfortable accommodation for a very reasonable price. There is a wide range of rooms to suit any kind of traveler, and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly!

Best Airbnb in London – Private room in central location

This massive room is great for travellers who visit London for the first time. The apartment is located in central Leicester Square. There are lots of great places, cafes, and restaurants around. You’ll also get free breakfast every morning. The main bathroom is shared, however, you’ll have a private toilet. If you’ve seen enough of the city, you can enjoy the free Netflix and Amazon Prime Video on your TV.

Best Budget Hotel in London – 202 Apartments

202 Apartments are in an excellent location in Kensington, just a quick journey away from some top attractions and entertainment areas. 

Each apartment is fitted with a terrace, a private bathroom, a TV and a balcony with incredible city views!

Best Luxury Hotel in London – Hotel Indigo London – Kensington

Hotel Indigo was designed beautifully in the Victorian style, and is well located in Kensington, just a walk away from many iconic London attractions.

The rooms are individually decorated, and extremely comfortable. Each room has its own TV and free minibar, and guests have access to a health and fitness center.

For other luxury hotels, consider looking at hotels in London with private hot tubs .

Your first day in London will be spent taking in some truly iconic stops including the Westminster Parliament buildings. We do cover some ground today so wear comfy shoes and bring an umbrella in case of rain.

If you’re suffering from jetlag and you get up super early, then consider taking a walk through Borough Market to find some fresh fruit for breakfast before starting your itinerary. Borough market opens at 8 am and is the best place to find fresh produce in central London.

Let’s get stuck into the best things to do in London in 3 days.

9:00 AM – Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large, abbey church built in 1269 AD and designed mostly with a Gothic style of architecture. The outside is striking and incredibly ornate. The inside is just as impressive with soaring ceilings, intricate detailing, and an array of historical relics and ornaments.

The site was home to previous church buildings and has been a daily place of worship for over 1000 years!

The abbey was traditionally the burial site for English and British monarchs and has hosted all coronations of British and English monarchs since 1066. Multiple royal weddings have also taken place at Westminster Abbey.

The building holds significant historical value and boasts exceptionally enchanting architecture – a visit here is a profound and informative experience. The included audio tour will acquaint you with the fascinatin and far-reaching history of this iconic site.

• Cost  – $26.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  90 – 120 minutes.
• Getting There  – Take the underground to either Westminster or St James’ and it’s an easy 5 minute walk from there

11:00 AM – Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

Also known as the London Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is the political center of the city and a UNESCO world heritage site. This is where British members of parliament meet to debate and discuss political matters.

The impressive complex contains an astounding 1 100 rooms and the Perpendicular Gothic architecture is breathtaking! The complex was rebuilt in the mid 19th century after a fire tore down much of the original building-complex in 1834.

The House of Commons and House of Lords are both open to the public but you generally need to visit as the guest of your MP. If you have the time, I do recommend going inside the buildings, but if not, it’s worth taking a photo stop outside. The buildings are some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world and the atmosphere around the complex is pretty intoxicating – you’re sure to see either a protect or an MP being hounded!

The Palace of Westminster is also home to the Elizabeth Tower, where Big Ben is housed. Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben is not the name of the bell tower itself nor its enormous clock face. Rather, it’s the nickname for the great bell that resides within the tower.

Unfortunately, the Elizabeth Tower is currently undergoing construction, and tours have been postponed until 2021. But you can still get a glimpse of this iconic London landmark from the outside.

• Cost –  NA.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  30 minutes should do.
• Getting There –  It’s literally next to Westminster Abbey.

12:00 – Lunch at Quirinale

Quirinale is an upmarket Italian & med restaurant that caters to the political classes and London tourists alike. Booking ahead is advisable. 

It isn’t cheap, so if you are backpacking London on a budget and looking to save money, I suggest diving into a Tesco Express or Boots for a meal deal instead. You could easily sit outside the houses of Parliament on the grass to eat and watch the world go by, or as you walk along Westminster Bridge to admire the views of Big Ben and the London Eye. There are also plenty of benches along South Bank overlooking the River Thames. Basically, it’s quite usual for people to eat on the street in London.

• Cost –  Budget $25 per person.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minute.
• Getting There –  It’s a 5 minute walk from the last stop.

1:00 PM – London Eye

Originally intended as a temporary attraction built in celebration of the year 2000, the London Eye has established its place as a permanent attraction due to its significant popularity and financial success. It is, in fact, the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom!

Situated right against the South Bank of the meandering Thames River, the wheel stands an impressive 440 feet tall! Needless to say, it offers exceptional views of London’s impressive skyline.

As you soar into the sky above the river you’ll be able to see a vast array of London’s iconic sights and landmarks including Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and of course, the Thames River.

A round trip on the London Eye takes 30 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the stellar views! However, note that the queues can be bloody long – if you are thin on time but fat on budget, I suggest booking a “skip the queue” pass in advance.

• Cost –  $50.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  The ride takes 30 minutes but those queue’s…
• Getting There –  15 – 20 minutes from Quirinale.

2:30 PM – Tate Modern Art Gallery

The Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of contemporary and modern art in the world and the second most-visited attraction in London. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the massive gallery is home to a vast and impressive collection of art.

The collection features pieces by some of the world’s most famous artists including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, David Hockney and Andy Warhol! Paintings are not the only artistic medium found here – the gallery also contains a large collection of other art forms including photography, film, performance, and live art exhibitions.

The building is incredibly large and extravagant – a comprehensive visit to the Tate will generally take between three and four hours, though it can be made shorter or longer depending on your level of enthusiasm.

The Tate Modern is an amazing gallery and it’s certainly worth a visit during your trip to London if you’re into modern art. If you’re not, then you could skip it and not miss out. If you’re travelling on a budget and want to save money, hey, at least it’s free!

• Cost –  Main galleries are free. Exhibitions require a fee.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  90 – 120 minutes
• Getting There –   It’s a 20 minute walk along the river.

4:30 PM – City of London St Paul’s Cathedral

The City of London is the UK’s financial centre, home to the Bank of England and major offices of pretty much every financial institution in the entire world. The city is home to some modern architectural marvels including the “inside out” Lloyds Building and the Shard with its epic views over London.

And of course, at its centre sits St Paul’s Cathedral.  This Grade I listed building is a 17th Century Anglican Cathedral, beautifully designed and built in English Baroque Style. The stunning building is the seat of the Bishop of London, and a site of daily worship.

Visitors who wish to experience one of the daily services at St. Paul’s can do so for free, provided they arrive on time for the service. However, those entering for free during service hours won’t be allowed to access the domes, memorials, and tombs as they are closed during service.

When visiting the city, you can make a beeline and take a look around the mighty Cathedral or dive into one of the many, old, atmospheric city pubs for a pint.

• Cost –  NA.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minutes.
• Getting There –  12 minutes walking from the Tate across Millenium Bridge.

6.00 PM – SoHo

After a day filled with historical sites and old ornate buildings, take a big step-back into the modern world and experience a completely different side of London by paying a visit to SoHo.

SoHo is famous for its incredible shopping, live entertainment, and nightlife. It also has a thriving LGBT bar scene and is home to many of the city’s sex shops and burlesque shows.

The streets are tightly-packed with a series of narrow alleyways running between them. Night time in SoHo brings quite a spectacle – as the sun drops from the sky, thousands of neon lights vibrantly color the streets and the evening energy starts to emerge!

Whilst in SoHo you could walk through the dazzling lights of Leicester Square which is lined with cinemas and well known for hosting the premiers of many famous movies. Leicester square has welcomed the footsteps of plenty of celebrities!

If SoHo isn’t your vibe, and it’s definitely not for everyone, consider heading over to Covent Garden just a few blocks away to enjoy a nice meal in the square and watching some street performances. If you have the energy, you could even pick up a cheap last minute ticket for a West End performance in the area.

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minutes is plenty of time to explore.
• Getting There –  Catch the underground to SoHo – it’s a 15 minute ride.

7:00 PM – Dinner in Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is bang in the middle of Soho. Home to bookmakers, karaoke bars, and loads of Chinese restaurants, it’s the perfect place to end the day with some delicious, hot Chinese food.

You might be thinking, I am coming to London I want to eat British food ! Well, London is quite a multi-cultural city, and you’ll find some of the best international cuisines in Soho. You can have a pie any day.

• Cost –  $30 per person.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  The night is yours!
• Getting There –  It’s in Soho.

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On day two you’ll delve into London and the UK’s Royal past with a visit to the Tower of London as well as the Queen’s current residence. Even those indifferent to the Royalty (like your humble narrator) can appreciate the splendid architecture, history & cultural significance. 

8:30 AM – Tower Bridge

London boasts many famous bridges covering the mighty Thames but this one is my favourite. Best of all though, it is stated a short walk from The Tower of London which is your first major stop of the day. Cross the bridge on foot, watch the river roll below and get your photo fix.

• Cost –  NA.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  15 minutes is enough.
• Getting There –  The nearest underground stop is Tower Hill.

9:00 AM- Tower of London

The Tower of London is an impressive castle with a fascinating history built in 1066. In its almost 1 000 years of existence, the Tower of London has acted as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, an astronomical observatory, a treasury, and an armoury. In fact, it was originally part of the city walls that encompassed The City of London.

One of the main attractions to the castle is the Crown Jewels – a collection of the world’s finest jewels set into a variety of items including swords and crowns. The Queen still dons the Imperial State Crown for ceremonial occasions.

The other main draw to the tower of London is its incredible and extensive history. Many famous historical figures were imprisoned and/or executed here. If you want a really immersive experience you can jump on a tour guided by a beefeater. If you’d prefer to explore at your own speed, a comprehensive audio guide tour is also available.

If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the armoury in action experience – visitors can assemble firearms, brandish swords, and shoot arrows!

Right next to the Tower of London is the Tower Bridge, an Iconic Victorian Turreted Bridge that crosses the Thames. Be sure to walk across the bridge’s high level walkway and enjoy the stunning views. You can also take tours of the bridge to learn about its history and the mechanical systems that lift it for water traffic to pass!

When you’re done with the Tower and the Bridge, take a walk amid the towering skyscrapers in the area that distort your perception with their eccentric curves and angles.

• Cost –  $35.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  90 minutes to look around but queue’s can be long.
• Getting There –  Walk here from Tower Bridge.

12:00 PM – Buckingham Palace

If you are visiting London for the first time, then chances are you’ll want to see the Queen’s residence. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British Royal Family and has been since the 18th century.

Most tourists pay a visit to Buckingham Palace to witness the iconic Changing of the Guard where one set of the palace’s fuzzy-hatted protectors (beefeaters) hand over their duties to a fresh bunch. It’s a spectacular ceremony which takes place in the forecourt of the palace featuring marching and live music!

The ceremony takes place most days (weather dependent) at around 10:45am and lasts for around 45 minutes. Check out  this schedule  for up-to-date information. Watching the changing of the guards is completely free, but you’ll want to get there early to be sure to get a good view of the proceedings.

There is, however, more to see at the palace for those who are interested. Though access to the palace itself is limited to the summer months of August and September, guests can visit the Queen’s Gallery and Royal Mews (both on the palace grounds) during the rest of the year.

If you do have the time, it is definitely worth going inside to see the Stately rooms which are still in use today. You get to see where the members of the Royal family entertain guests and perform ceremonies, such as knighthoods, still to this day. You do need to book in advance though, because tours are likely to sell out on the day.

• Cost –  $40 – $60.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minutes to look around but queue’s can be long.

2:00 PM- Hyde Park

Hyde Park is large and beautiful, and it offers a huge variety of great activities – even hosting some of London’s festivals . Take a walk through this beautiful park and soak up some natural beauty away from the chaos of the city streets.

Just off the Northeast side of the park visitors can check out the iconic Marble Arch, whilst the Northwestern side hosts the Diana Memorial Playground, which is absolutely awesome for kids.

If your trip coincides with London’s winter months, go for a Winter Wonderland ice skating session at the largest open air ice rink in the UK. It’s a beautiful experience filled with festive energy and beautiful lights set around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand.

If you’re in London during the summer months, you can go for a boat ride on the Serpentine lake in the park! Or just have a picnic! Hyde Park is the largest park in London and one of the most relaxing places to visit in London.

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minutes to explore and take in the air.
• Getting There –  It’s a 12 minute walk from Buckingham Palace.

3:00 PM – Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A museum is the largest museum of applied and decorative arts in existence, featuring 2.2 million art pieces and relics from all around the globe. The museum’s collection covers 5 000 years of art spread out over 145 galleries.

Whilst the V&A is an art museum, the pieces here are not restricted to paintings and sculptures – it houses everything from jewelry and clothing to furniture, pottery, and even ancient cave paintings.

Visitors can squint at tiny ancient relics or be dwarfed by some enormous pieces of history that extend far over head in cavernous rooms. A visit to the V&A museum is a powerful and worthwhile experience.

The Victorian building is exceptionally large (spread out over seven floors) and is too vast to explore fully in one day. I recommend deciding on the galleries you want to see before getting started. Alternatively, you could just wander through the museum and get lost amongst a sea of history.

If you have more time, you could also venture across the road and check out the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, which if you have kids, are two museums not to be missed! Both offer interactive exhibits and make history and science come alive! (especially in the Natural History Museum, which has a ginormous T-Rex robot…yes, it is as cool as it sounds).

• How Long Should I Stay Here?  60 minutes will do.
• Getting There –  Walk here from Hyde Park – it takes 10 minutes.

4:00 PM – Knightsbridge, Dinner & Change

The V & A Museum is located in Kensington, which is an area you could spend a whole day in and not get bored. If you do find you have more time, consider taking a trip to Kensington Palace which was the residence of Princess Diana and other members of the royal family.

But, by now, you’re probably feeling a little peckish, so I recommend hearing to the nearby affluent Knightsbridge area of London. The world-famous Harrods Department Store can be found here and Sloan Square which is also nearby. Use your time to check out this very impressive area, grab some dinner and then head back to your accusation to change for tonight’s trip to the West End.

7:30 PM- West End Show

After a long day of walking around, it’ll be time to take the weight off your feet and enjoy some incredible theatre. Prepare yourself for some awesome and immersive entertainment – a vacation in London wouldn’t be complete without watching a West End show.

The West End is to London as Broadway is to New York, and together they are generally considered to represent some of the highest levels of commercial theatre in the world.

Watching a West End show is not just about the incredible performances – the theatres themselves are gorgeous and impressive, and they really add to the entire experience. Many famous Hollywood, British, and international film actors have performed on these stages.

Have a look at this schedule of West End shows well before you travel to London, so you can decide on your favourite, plan around the times, and book tickets to ensure you get seats. Whether you decide to watch a musical or an incredible play, a West End show promises to be the experience of a lifetime!

• Cost –  Tickets range from $20 – $200.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 -3 hours.
• Getting There –  Get the underground to Leicester Square.

From admiring the Ancient Egyptian Mummies at the British Museum to drinking and shopping in Camden, let’s delve into our third and final day in London.

9:00 AM – British Museum

The British Museum covers everything related to human culture, art, and history. Its’ collection of over 8 million items is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world! The British museum sees more visitors each year than any other tourist attraction in the country.

The museum was established in 1753, making it one of the oldest in the country too – in fact it was the first national public museum in the world. If it’s your first time in London, you’ll love the British Museum.

The museum is exceptionally large and you could spend days there getting lost amongst it’s vast web of human culture.

The British Museum is a journey back in time and a vibrant representation of human culture – it offers an incredible experience for those who visit. If you are in  London for the weekend , this place gets very busy.

• Cost –  Entry is  free.
• Getting There –  Get the tube to Russell Square.

12:00 PM – National Gallery

The National Gallery is an impressive building perched boldly in Trafalgar Square, opposite Picadilly Circus. It’s an art museum with over 2 300 paintings that were committed to canvas between the mid 13th century and 1900. 

The National Gallery is one of the most famous art museums in the world, and one of London’s most popular Museums, with over 5.5 million visitors passing through its doors each year.

The work of some of the world’s best known artists line the walls of this impressive gallery. Here, you’ll find paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Rembrandt to name a few!

The gallery has a computerised lighting system that automatically adjusts the lights in relation to the intensity of light coming from outside. This ensures that the paintings are always perfectly lit and ready to be admired.

An impressive series of free talks and scheduled guided tours are offered by the gallery for free, and audio tours peppered with interesting information are free too.

The building can get pretty crowded as it’s not very large yet extremely popular. The gallery suggests that you aim to get there first thing in the morning in order to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful artwork in peace.

• Cost –  Free!
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  90 minutes.
• Getting There –  It’s a 16 minute walk from The British museum.

2:00 PM – Oxford Street

One of London’s most famous shopping streets is also the busiest in Europe, with over 500.000 visitors passing through every day! It’s no surprise that Oxford Street sees so much footfall – it offers one of the best and most extensive shopping experiences in the world.

From technology to fashion and beauty to entertainment, Oxford Street has absolutely everything any shopping fiend would need to keep busy. You could spend days weaving amongst the sea of people shopping yourself silly!

If you’re fortunate enough to be in London between late November and Early January, you’ll get to experience Oxford Street as it bursts into shimmering color each evening with the extensive annual festive lights. It’s a magical time of year in London and the lights are truly dazzling.

After walking about in the bustle of Oxford Street, you’ll want to chill and recharge with an awesome meal. Fortunately, there are several hundred restaurants within walking distance of Oxford Street, so you’ll be spoilt for choice and tucking into some great food in no time.

Note, on a Saturday afternoon this street gets seriously busy with shoppers. It is my personal idea of hell.

• Getting There –  Get the underground to Bakerloo – it’s an 11 minute ride.

3.30 PM – Camden Town & Market

Camden is a district of northwest London that was once known as the rock ‘n’ roll capital of the world due to its rich musical history. These days, Camden is best known for its shopping, markets, live music, and unique atmosphere. But there are loads of London’s hidden gems by the canals.

The smell of incense floods the Camden streets as you wander through them – the district has a really relaxed vibe and a plethora of interesting markets waiting to be picked through and explored.

Amongst the countless stores and stalls you’ll find tie dye hippy shops, old record stores, and amazing food stands to name a few! Wandering through Camden Market, you’re sure to find some interesting stuff to take home with you. It’s also a perfect place to find unique gifts! This is a great place for souvernirs so when you pack for London , leave a little bit of space in your bag.

After digging for some treasures at the markets and stores, take a walk along Regent’s Canal, the picturesque waterway around which Camden Town sits.

After exploring, settle down at one of the many  live music venues  to pair an awesome music performance with a couple of drinks. Many big name artists have performed on the Camden Town stages over the years, including Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers!

Whether you’d prefer to mellow out with some jazz at the Jazz Cafe or do a bit of dancing at Koko, Camden’s got you covered.

• Cost –  Depends what you eat, drink or buy.
• How Long Should I Stay Here?  2 – 3 hours.
• Getting There –  Get the underground to Camden Town or Mornington Crescent – it takes 15 – 20 minutes.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in London:

Covent Garden

This lively and vibrant neighbourhood is located in the centre of the city. It is home to incredible tourist attractions and boasts a fantastic selection of world-class restaurants, high-quality shops and boisterous bars.

• Take a short walk to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace.
• Marvel at St Paul’s Church.
• Delve deep into the world of cars, buses and beyond at the London Transport Museum.

In case you are lucky enough to have some extra days in London, here are a couple of ideas on how to fill them.

1. The View From the Shard

The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark with a striking design and walled almost entirely with glass! It’s the tallest building in the United Kingdom, standing at 1 000 feet.

The viewing platforms are located on the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors of the building. They are the highest viewpoints in the whole of London and offer truly amazing 360 views of the city.

You’ll be able to see the majority of London’s iconic landmarks – including all of the ones that you will have visited on your London adventure thus far! This bird’s eye view will really help you map out and gain a new perspective on your preceding journey through the city.

You will need to book your tickets in advance for a particular date and time, but once you’re up there, there is no restriction on the length of your stay, and you can enjoy the sites at your leisure.

• Cost –  $40.
• Getting There –  Get the tube to London Bridge.

2. Natural History Museum

As I mentioned earlier, the area of Kensington has so much to offer you could spend a whole day there. Whether you swing past Kensington Palace or the Science Museum, if you have got moe time and only one more museum to fit in, let it. bethe Natural History Museum.

London’s Natural History Museum is large and incredibly comprehensive, with around 80 million items spread out across five main collections!

The London History Museum covers everything related to the history of our natural world and beyond, from chunks of moon rocks to a 25-meter Blue whale skeleton hanging lazily overhead. It is one of the largest collections of natural history worldwide.

Some of the noteworthy items include ‘Dippy’ the enormous diplodocus skeleton replica, the world’s largest gold nugget (54.4lbs), and a 14 700-year-old cup made from a human skull! There is also a 4.6-billion-year-old meteorite and an earthquake simulator.

The London Natural History Museum has something for everyone, and there are plenty of sights and experiences to keep you intrigued and entertained.

• Cost –  Free.
• Getting There –  Nearest Tube is South Kensington.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Though London is notoriously gray and rainy, the weather actually varies a fair amount throughout the year as the city experiences the typical four seasons; winter, spring, summer, and autumn (fall). Below, I’ll give you some guidance on when to visit London.

Despite this variety, London’s weather is rarely extreme and is generally very manageable with the appropriate preparation. The city is also well equipped to deal with the cold and the rain, and the majority of the London points of interest can be visited comfortably regardless of the weather conditions. There’s no need for the weather to deter you from planning a trip to London.

The late spring and summer months (May-August) are peak tourism season when the weather is pleasant and children are on holiday. London also sees a lot of tourists at the end of the year, around the December holidays. There is a festive atmosphere in the air at this time of year, and plenty of stunning light displays throughout the city.

Getting around London is fairly easy – the transport system is world-class and fortunately, some of the London attractions are within walking distance of one another. Walking is a great way to see the city, and I recommend going on a walking tour if you have time.

The first two days on my London itinerary will be staying in central London, but that does not mean to say getting around will be easy. Most of the first day you can spend on foot, but your feet will be tired if you try to walk it all. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks if you do want to walk! On the third day, my itinerary takes you to some of the further afield areas – not too far out of the center, but still a few stops on the underground.

For journeys that are too far to walk, it’s best to use public transport. The easiest way to make use of the transport system depends on the length of your stay.

Being the massive and diverse city it is, London does have a fantastic public transport system. One of the most popular ways to get around in London is via the underground (or the Tube, as the Londoners call it) which is an underground train system that pretty much connects you to everywhere in London. 

Locals use oyster cards which can be topped up and scanned in order to access the busses or tubes (subway). For zones 1-3 (inner city) oyster cards are capped at £10 for the day, and they can be picked up at any train station.

7-day Travel Cards are a great way of getting around if you’re staying in London for more than a few days. For just $50 you can enjoy unlimited travel in zones 1-3 for a week.

To operate the underground, you will need to buy an Oyster card or day tickets. You can get this from any Underground station from the ticket office. You can also use a contactless debit/credit card, which operates in the same way as an Oyster card. You could also jump on one of the city’s handy buses using an Oyster card, but to be honest, the traffic in London is so terrible I do not recommend buses, as you’ll likely sit in traffic for a long time. 

It’s very easy to get around London as the Underground is colour-coded. But I do recommend getting your hands on a map of the Underground so no time is wasted by getting lost!

You can also make use of the Santander Cycles – they’re bicycles located at docking points around the city and can be rented for £2.50 per 24 hours! Cycling is also a great way to explore the city (especially in spring and summer). This is a perfect option if you’re just spending one day in London.

If you’re planning a trip to London, then you’ll be delighted to learn that it is a really safe city, but as with any large city, crime does occur occasionally and there are ways to minimize your chances of being victimized. Most of the crime in London is opportunistic theft, so as long as you don’t make yourself seem like an easy target, you should be fine.

Recent years have seen a number of terror attacks in London and these may happen again. At the time of writing, London is also struggling with knife-crime but this appears to be gang-related. Statistically, though, it is a safe city and you don’t have much to worry about at all.

• Though pickpocketing is very rare in London, it’s best to be aware of your personal belongings when in busy public spaces. 
• If you’re walking around late at night, try to stick to relatively populated areas – especially if you’ve ventured away from the city center.
• Walking and public transport should get you around the city just fine, but if you decide to catch a  cab, make sure you only get into clearly marked taxis – never get into unmarked cars or accept rides off the street. Uber is popular in London and also very safe.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning London itinerary.

What should you include on a 3 day London itinerary?

No trip to London is complete without visiting these top places: – Borough/Camden Markets – Covent Garden – Westminster Abbey – St Paul’s Cathedral – Buckingham Palace

How many days do you need in London?

London is massive and full of things to do. While 3 days is enough to see the top attractions, 5 days will give you enough time to really get to know the city.

Where should you stay for a weekend in London?

If you’re only in London for a short time, you’ll want to stay central. Look for accommodation in SoHo, Leicester Square, and London Bridge.

What are the best day trips from London?

There are some awesome places to visit just outside London. Top picks include Windsor Castle, Brighton, Stonehenge, and the South Downs National Park.

London is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The city is large, vibrant, and full of energy, and it really does offer some of the world’s most fascinating tourist attractions.

Whether London is your main destination or you’re just spending two days in London while backpacking the UK , the above London trip planner will take you on an exhilarating and varied journey through this vast city.

You’ll explore all of the best sights and places to visit in London in 3 days – from some of the oldest pieces of human history to some of the hippest and most forward-facing areas in the world.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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Thank you for this informative blog! My family is winding down a week long trip to London and Edinburgh. The London part I planned with WeKnow. Everyone has been so pleased with the attractions and restaurants they chose.

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Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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How to Spend a Week in London

London . The Big Smoke. It’s a sprawling city, covering over 600 square miles and home to almost nine million people. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world.

While referred to in the singular, London is actually a collection of cities. The City of London (aka “The City”) is just 1.1 square miles (and the site of old Roman settlement Londinium). What we think of as London today is actually other cities (Westminster, Camden, etc.) that “The City” gobbled up over the years. (Fun fact: The West and East Ends of London are so named because they were outside the ancient wall that enclosed London.)

My like for London turned into love on a visit several years ago. Maybe it was the beautiful weather that stood in stark contrast to my other visits, maybe it was the people who I suddenly felt bonded with, maybe it was all the good restaurants and bars I found. Maybe it just took a decade of visits for the city to just “click” with me. Maybe it was all of it. I don’t know.

But now it’s one of my favorite cities in the world.

With so much to see and do, planning a trip to London can be overwhelming. Where should you stay? How should you plan your days? What day trips are worth doing?

To help you make the most of your visit, have fun, and save money, here is my detailed itinerary for visiting London.

London Itinerary

Day 1 : Walking tour, Parks, Soho, & more!

Day 2 : British Museum, National Gallery, & more!

Day 3 : Buckingham Palace, War Rooms, & more!

Day 4 : Natural History Museum, Jack the Ripper tour, & more!

Day 5 : Art galleries, Tower of London, & more!

Day 6 & 7 : Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, & more!

What to See and Do in London: Day 1

Take a Free Walking Tour Start your first day off with a free walking tour to orient yourself and learn about the history of London. They are the best way to get situated on arrival and get some tips from a local guide (you can ask the guide for suggestions about what to see and where to eat during your visit).

New Europe and Free Tours By Foot both offer tours that can show you the highlights and help you get your bearings. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

If you’d prefer a more detailed and in-depth tour, check out Walks . They offer all kinds of cool tours around the city, including an early-access guided tour of the crown jewels .

For more walking tour suggestions, here’s a list of the best walking tour companies in London.

Explore New Neighborhoods London is a great city to explore on foot. You can follow the ancient Roman wall (part of the wall still exists and so does an old Roman amphitheater, which was rediscovered in the 1980s) from the Tower of London through the center of the city. The city maintains a series of panels about the wall and the history of the city along the way. Visit London has a free app that lets you create personalized maps and itineraries that you can use offline as well.

For in-depth paid tours that take you around specific neighborhoods, check out tour marketplace Get Your Guide . It’s where local operators can list their tours, so there are a ton of different tours for all interests and budgets, including a street art walking tour around East London and a Harry Potter tour around central London.

Relax in a Park After all that walking on the first day, chill out in any one of the city’s many parks. Some of my favorites include:

• St. James’ Park (Westminster)
• Green Park (Westminster/Central London)
• Regent’s Park (Camden Town)
• Kensington Gardens (Kensington)
• Hyde Park (Central London)
• Holland Park (Holland Park)
• Battersea Park (Battersea)

I like to pack up some food, bring a book, and just relax and watch the world go by. It’s what the locals do — and you should too!

Hang in Soho I love Soho. It has cute little parks, world-class restaurants, lots of popular bars, funky bookstores, beautiful buildings, and everything in between. I recommend you spend your evening (or many evenings) here eating and drinking and hanging out with the locals. Some recommended places include:

• Ceviche Soho – Great Peruvian food. 17 Frith Street.
• Flat Iron – Simple menu featuring steak and salad and a daily special. 17 Beak Street.
• La Bodega Negra – Amazing Mexican food. 16 Moor Street.
• Eat Tokyo – Delicious ramen. 16 Old Compton Street.
• Mr. Foggs – The best gin London can offer! Several differently themed locations.
• The Three Greyhounds – A fun traditional pub. Fun story: I ended up drinking with Rami Malek from Mr. Robot! He was nice. 25 Greek Street.

What to See and Do in London: Day 2

Museum Hop Take advantage of London’s incredible of museums and overload on history, art, weird oddities, and everything in between. Some of them are so big you can barely see them in a week, let alone a day. Here are some of the best ones to start with:

• British Museum – By far one of the best museums in all of Europe, this giant museum houses one of the most comprehensive art, cultural, and historical collections in the world. Be sure to budget at least three hours to get a good sense of the museum, though you could easily spend a whole day there. Great Russell St, +44 20 7323 8299, britishmuseum.org. Open daily 10am-5pm (8:30pm on Fridays). Admission is free but they recommend booking tickets in advance .
• National Gallery – This art museum was founded in 1824 and houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to around 1900. There are works by Johannes Vermeer, Sandro Botticelli, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo, among many more! It’s a really extensive and wonderful art museum. Trafalgar Square, +44 20 7747 2885, nationalgallery.org.uk. Open daily 10am-6pm (9pm on Fridays). Admission is free but they recommend booking tickets in advance. An official guided tour of the museum’s highlights is 19 GBP.
• National Portrait Gallery – Here you’ll find portraits of famous Brits from over the centuries, from kings and queens to celebrities and artists. St. Martin’s Place, +44 20 7306 0055, npg.org.uk. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Open daily 10:30am-6pm (10:30-9pm on Fridays and Saturdays).

What to See and Do in London: Day 3

Visit Buckingham Palace Start off with a stroll through Hyde Park’s lush and expansive grounds, with its picturesque walkways, ponds, and ducks, before heading to Buckingham Palace, the royal residence and administrative headquarters of the monarchy, to watch the changing of the guard at 10:45am. It lasts for about 45 minutes (arrive early to get the best view). Be sure to check the website first though as the changing of the guards doesn’t happen daily (it’s usually every other day).

If you’re visiting during the summer, Buckingham Palace is open to the public. Booking online in advance is recommended. Tickets cost 30 GBP if you book in advance and 33 GBP on the day . You’ll be able to explore the lavish State Rooms and see some of the crown’s treasures. Expect to spend a couple of hours. Note that the State Rooms are only open for 10 weeks each summer (this year from July 14 to September 24, 2023). Book your tickets to the State Rooms in advance here.

See the Churchill War Rooms

Next, meander over to the Churchill War Rooms. Located beneath the Treasury Building in the Whitehall area of Westminster, this includes the government’s command center during World War II and a museum about the life of Winston Churchill, who served as Prime Minister of the UK from 1940-1945 and again from 1951-1955. The centerpiece of the whole place is an interactive table that enables visitors to access digitized material from the Churchill archives. It is one of the best museums in London. Book online in advance to avoid the multi-hour wait! Admission is 30 GBP. Open daily 9:30am-6pm.

Tour Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

Afterward, marvel at Westminster Abbey and Parliament. You can see the tombs of 17 monarchs dating back to Henry III (who died in 1272) in the Abbey. Other famous people buried here include Charles Darwin, Sir Issac Newton, Aphra Behn, and Charles Dickens. Westminster Abbey costs 27 GBP ( book online in advance here ) but you can visit for free if you go during a service. Just be quiet and dress respectfully. Open 9:30am-3:30pm (last entry).

On Saturdays, you can tour the Parliament. This is where the UK government conducts its business. Tours last 75 minutes and include visits to the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and Westminster Hall. You’ll learn about the history of the building (the first parliament was held in 1265), how the government was created, and how the UK political system functions. Amongst the ornate rooms, there are all kinds of artwork to admire, including statues of Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, and Winston Churchill.

Tours are 32 GBP and tickets can be booked online in advance. During July and August, tours are also offered Tuesday-Friday in addition to Saturdays.

Eat in Borough Market After that, hop on the tube from Westminster to London Bridge (or walk along the South Bank) and head to the famous Borough Market to grab a meal from one of the many vendors. It’s hugely popular with locals, especially around lunchtime. The market here dates back to the 12th century while the building itself is from the 1850s. It’s open daily from 10am-5pm. Bring an appetite!

Wander South London After you’ve satiated your hunger, wander around South London. See the site of the original Globe Theater (where Shakespeare put on his plays), visit the eerie Crossbones Cemetery that honors the working girls and lost souls of London, walk along the riverfront, marvel at Millennium Bridge, and pop into the Tate Modern for a few hours to take in some of the best modern art London has to offer (it’s free).

Then head back toward Borough Market for a drink at the George Inn, one of London’s oldest pubs and where Charles Dickens used to drink (it’s also likely that William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe drank here). The new Globe Theater is also here if you want to take in a Shakespearean play (standing tickets can be found for as little as 5-10 GBP).

What to See and Do in London: Day 4

Visit More Museums London is a museum city. It has some of the best in the world, so I suggest you visit a few more before you go:

• Natural History Museum – There are over 80 million items in this comprehensive museum, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin. It also has a great collection of fossils, making it a fun and educational stop if you’re traveling with kids. Cromwell Road, +44 20 7942 5000, nhm.ac.uk. Open Monday-Sunday from 10am-5:50pm (last entry at 5pm). Admission is free but you should pre-book your ticket online in advance .
• Science Museum – Founded in 1857, this is actually one of the most popular museums in London, attracting millions of visitors each year. There are some really neat interactive galleries on flight and space, and the temporary exhibitions are usually pretty amazing (though those often cost extra). Exhibition Road, South Kensington, +44 20 7942 4000, sciencemuseum.org.uk. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Admission is free but you should pre-book tickets online in advance as they cannot guarantee tickets at the door.
• Victoria and Albert Museum – Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, this museum is home to over 2,000 works of art covering over 3,000 years of human history. Cromwell Road, +44 20 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk. Open daily from 10am-5:45pm (10pm on Fridays). Admission is free (temporary exhibits may charge a fee).

Eat on Brick Lane Head east to the famous Brick Lane and eat your heart out — it has some amazing Jewish delis (Beigel Bake is the most famous — and delicious) and Indian cuisine. On the weekends, this street becomes a bustling flea market and a hub of activity when it fills with antique and flea market sellers, food vendors, and people eating and drinking their way down the street.

Take a Jack the Ripper tour Jack the Ripper was a serial killer in London from 1888-1891 with at least 5 murders to his name. He’s one of the most infamous killers in the world and every night, you’ll find tons of people in the East End learning about Jack the Ripper on a ridiculous number of similar tours.

My favorite is the original Jack the Ripper Tour . Their guides are experts on the 19th-century murders and really bring this dark, gruesome topic to life. While dark, the tours are fun and informative, lasting just under two hours and costing 18 GBP. Every day at 7:30pm and weekends 5pm and 7:30pm .  

What to See and Do in London: Day 5

Wander Trafalgar Square Stroll around and admire the fountains and the famous monuments, such as the four bronze lion statues and Nelson’s Column. The column honors Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The naval battle saw over 70 ships and 50,000 men battle for control of the seas, with the English defeating the combined forces of Spain and France. Lots of people hang out here so it makes for a good place to people-watch and takes in the local pace of life.

Explore the Tower of London and See the Crown Jewels Built in 1070 by William the Conqueror to defend his royal power, the tower is actually a castle located on the north bank. The fortification was used as a prison and palace and was expanded many times over the centuries. Until the 1800s, weapons and armor were made here and all coins were made here until 1810 under the Royal Mint.

Today, it houses the famous crown jewels (royal ceremonial objects, including coronation regalia). Admission is 33.60 GBP ( book your tickets online in advance here ).

The Tower of London’s changing of the guard (known as the Ceremony of the Keys) takes place daily at 9:30pm and is worth seeing. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked because it fills up quickly. Make sure and get there beforehand as they won’t let anyone in after 9:25pm.

Be sure to also head to nearby Tower Bridge, which opened in 1894 (and a lot of people confuse it with London Bridge). You can access the bridge deck to take in the view or check out the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can see the old Victorian engine rooms and get a sense of just how epic an engineering feat the bridge’s construction actually was. Open daily from 9:30am-6pm. Admission is 12.30 GBP.

Take in a Show London is my second favorite theater spot after New York City . You can’t leave without seeing a show. Check out TKTS for discounted tickets for shows in the West End.  

What to See and Do in London: Days 6 and 7

See Stonehenge Stonehenge, located near Salisbury , is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world (it dates back to 2500 BCE). You can’t approach the stones anymore as they are now cordoned off, but it’s still quite a fascinating site to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, each stone weighs around 25 tons and stands around 4 meters (13 feet) tall. And because Stonehenge was built by a culture that didn’t leave any written records, we still have no idea why they built it.

The audio guide is a must so you can get some historical context (it’s free to download here ). Admission ranges from 20.90-23.60 GBP depending on the time of year and you can book your tickets online here (though it’s possible to legally visit without paying by taking the nearby pedestrian path).

Day Trip to Bath Bath is named after its famous mineral baths and is home to an ancient Roman bath that is marvelously well preserved.

The Romans settled here when they invaded Britain because of the hot springs that bubble up from the earth. The locals thought this place had spiritual significance, and when the Romans came, they felt the same and dedicated this site to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom. Despite being on the edge of the frontier, the city grew to become a major religious and cultural center. People came from all around to pray to Minerva and use the baths, which they believed had special healing powers.

Admission costs 28 GBP on weekends and 26 GBP on weekdays. Audio guides are free. For a more detailed experience, take a guided walking tour around the city with Footprints Tours . You’ll learn a ton about the city and have a much more in-depth experience before you explore the baths.

Day Trip to Oxford Oxford is home to one of the oldest universities in the world (it was founded in the 11th century as a hub for theological learning). Exploring all the beautiful colleges here makes for a fun day trip. The University is the main attraction here and Bodleian Libraries offers guided tours of the university, including the inside of many historic buildings. During the tour, you’ll get a look at university life, the history of the school, the architecture, and more. You can take a 30-, 60-, or 90-minute tour, with costs ranging from 10-20 GBP.

Other highlights include South Park, the Bridge of Sighs, the botanical gardens, and punting on the river (pushing a small boat around the River Thames or the River Cherwell with a pole).

Day Trip to Cambridge Cambridge is similar to Oxford with some of the best universities, parks, museums, and theatrical productions in the country. I enjoyed the museums, wandering around the parks, and embracing the relaxed pace of life (there are only around 125,000 people here compared to the almost 10 million in London!). Visit the colleges, stroll along the Backs, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, or go punting.

Most people visit for just the day; however, I recommend staying overnight. For such a small city, there’s a lot to see and do here!

Take Another Walking Tour During a recent visit to London, I tried out over 25 different walking tours. There are many amazing companies that have created some insightful, entertaining, and delicious walks for every type of interest. From Harry Potter walks to historic pub crawls, there will definitely be something for everyone. No matter your interests or budget, there is a tour for you.

Here are some of my favorite walking tours in London to help you get inspired and plan your visit.

London is one of the biggest — and best — cities in the world, with a ton of things to see and do (I didn’t even get to mentioning Camden, Notting Hill, and all the other neighborhoods!). It’s easy to get lost in every neighborhood as you explore this bustling, exciting metropolis.

And while a week in London barely scratches the surface, it is enough to get a good overview of the city, dive into its smaller neighborhoods, and experience the local history and culture. Use this London itinerary as a guide for your next trip and get a feel for why I love this city so much. You won’t be disappointed!

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Book Your Trip to London: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggested places to stay, check out this list of hostels .

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of London !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want a Guide? London has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks . They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!

Want More Information on London? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on London for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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THE ULTIMATE FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING LONDON

Luxury travel, october 2, 2022.

We have been getting a lot of requests to design custom trips to the United Kingdom lately. For many, it is their first time abroad! This reminds me of when we took our young twins to London when they were seven years old. We had lived in Mexico for three years, so we were not strangers to traveling in a foreign country. But for our first European trip, England was an easy introduction to another continent. We knew the language and a bit of the culture, but the fact that they drive on the “wrong side of the road” made it foreign enough for us to have a fun adventure!

If you’re unsure if a trip to this historical city is for you, close your eyes… Imagine yourself sitting in a parlor in an exquisite London luxury hotel, sipping perfectly-brewed tea and enjoying a three-tiered tray of delicious cucumber sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and clotted cream. Or shopping at the iconic Harrod’s department store in search of the perfect Christmas Stocking. Or experiencing the famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Or going behind the scenes on your very own private viewing of the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. You can do all these things and much more on a trip to London!

London is a fun and exciting city filled with history and culture and should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Planning your first trip to London can seem daunting with so much to see and do. To help you plan your first (or even tenth) trip, I’ve outlined some of the best tips and tricks for visiting the city. 

Stay In Central London:  Central London is the heart and soul of the city. You’re only a few minutes’ walk from noteworthy sites, bars, and restaurants. You can easily hop on London’s underground (affectionately called “The Tube”) to zip around the city. Staying in central London will ultimately save you a lot of time and money!

Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks:  London is regularly filled with visitors due to its popularity as a travel destination. However, during bank holidays and school breaks, the number of tourists nearly doubles in size. People from other parts of the UK and Europe travel to London for a short weekend holiday, meaning even more crowds. 

Set Aside Enough Time:  London is a massive city, and the last thing you want to do is rush through Buckingham Palace or skip the Tower of London because you ran out of time. Plan to stay at least a week for your first time in London. This should give you enough time to see the historic landmarks and get to know some local neighborhoods. 

Book in Advance : This is essential! You can spend countless hours of your trip standing in lines if you don’t plan. From theaters to the London Eye, you’d be amazed at how many attractions you can purchase tickets for in advance. You can even get a discounted price if you aren’t buying at the door. When you book with a travel advisor, they will often have the best deals in town, help you plan your trip, and determine if you should purchase the London Pass. 

Visit Free Attractions:  London can get expensive quickly, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar (or pound) to see all the sights. Many of the museums in London have free admission, and the parks and gardens are also a must-see and cost nothing to stroll around and picnic. Seeing classic London sights like the Changing of the Guard and walking through the famous Harrods is also free of charge! 

Before visiting a city for the first time, there’s so much to know, but this list is a great place to start when planning a trip to London! Just reach out to us  HERE  to get the ball rolling!

Next week, I’ll tell you all about the different neighborhoods to stay in and what makes them unique to help you decide which is the best fit for your next trip to London.

Our bespoke itineraries are uniquely designed to completely immerse you in your destination, with delightfully unexpected surprises along the way. We have a special passion for all things culinary—and we would love to introduce you to your destination’s distinct (and delicious!) food and wine traditions through one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. The best part? You won’t have to do a thing except relax, recharge, and create memories that last a lifetime!

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I created London Dreaming to help you have an amazing time in London, regardless of whether it’s your first trip, tenth time visiting or even if you live here too!

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London is beautiful, but it can be a bit of a chaotic and daunting place to visit. There’s just so much to see and do all over the city, where do you even start? I’ve put together all my top London travel tips to help you have the best and smoothest trip possible!

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Lady’s Ultimate London Travel Guide

Today I want to bring you A Lady in London’s ultimate London travel guide. I’ve spent more than a decade writing about London. From big attractions to secret spots, I’ve endeavored to share as much of the city as possible with you. And because I’ve written hundreds of blog posts about London, I thought it would be helpful to put them all in one place.

London Travel Guide

This London travel guide covers all aspects of the city, from sightseeing to restaurants, neighborhoods to afternoon teas. It offers advice for where to stay , what to do, how long to stay , and how to make the most of your time in London.

It also contains useful tips on the best day trips from London if you’re in the city long enough to want to explore further afield. I hope it helps you plan your trip to London!

London Travel Guide: When to Visit London

I’ll start my London travel guide with when to visit London, including the best time to be here, what to pack, and annual events and festivals.

Best Time to Visit London

There’s no right or wrong time to visit London, but there are a few things to consider when choosing your dates. This being Britain, weather and daylight hours are usually the biggest factors.

The best time to visit London is generally in the warmer months and over the summer , but Christmas is also a great season for visiting.

If you’re only here on a long layover, here’s what to do , and if you’re here on a rainy day, here’s how to spend it .

What to Pack for London

Once you’ve decided when to come, you have to pack for London. Depending when you visit, that will mean different things.

I’ve written packing lists for summer , autumn , winter , and spring that can help you decide what to wear in London , and a general list of things to bring all year.

London Events and Festivals

If you want to plan your trip around a specific event or festival, you have a lot of choices. There are 51 great events to experience in London during the year, and I’ve included some of the highlights below.

The big New Year’s Eve fireworks kick off the calendar, followed by Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year .

In spring there’s the London Coffee Festival , the renowned Chelsea Flower Show , the Chelsea in Bloom floral art festival, and Open Garden Squares weekend, when many of the city’s most secluded gardens open to the public.

The summer season gets underway around this time, with highlights like the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and the Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival .

Then there are the Proms at Royal Albert Hall and the Notting Hill Carnival , which brings us into September.

Autumn sees great events like Open House London , when many of the city’s architectural gems are accessible to the public.

Then come Bonfire Night, Poppy Day , and the Lord Mayor’s Show in November, and the annual Christmas festivities to round out the year.

London Travel Guide: London Sightseeing

This section of my London travel guide covers London sightseeing. It has everything from London itineraries to attractions, parks, gardens, views, walks, and more.

London Itineraries

If you’re looking for a set sightseeing itinerary for London, I’ve written 1-day , 2-day , 3-day , 4-day , 5-day , 6-day , 7-day , 1-week , 8-day , 10-day , 36-hour , and weekend in London itineraries that can help. I’ve also written a lot of themed London itineraries for those with special interests.

London Attractions

The main attractions in London are well known. Buckingham Palace , the Tower of London, and the London Eye are iconic landmarks .

Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral dominate the city’s historic church scene, and Tower Bridge is the prime feat of Victorian engineering.

Tate Modern, the British Museum, and the V&A are some of the best museums in London , which is to say nothing of the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery.

Further afield, Hampton Court Palace and The Royal Observatory, Greenwich are worth a visit. And while there’s not a single location for it, no trip to London would be complete without taking in the city’s famous theater scene.

If you’re on a budget, I’ve written about 51 free things to do in London . If you’re here on your own, you can use my blog posts about planning a solo trip to London and the best things to do in London alone for ideas.

Under-the-Radar London Attractions

If you’ve already walked through Leicester Square and undergone sensory overload in Piccadilly Circus, there are a lot of lesser known places to explore in London.

Apsley House and Wellington Arch hide in plain sight on Hyde Park Corner and the Royal Mews is tucked away behind Buckingham Palace. There are plenty of hidden museums and secret galleries for every niche interest, too.

Away from the bustle of the city center, Eltham Palace is the prettiest place you’ve never heard of, and Strawberry Hill House is straight out of a fairytale.

But what I like best are the city’s accidental attractions, places that aren’t intended to be destinations in their own right but become so by virtue of their excellence or quirkiness. Like the 9 loos you have to visit , or the mysterious Eel Pie Island .

London Parks and Gardens

In addition to the sights, I’d be remiss if I left the parks and gardens out of my London travel guide. My favorite is the secret Pergola Garden in Hampstead , but there are lots more to discover.

Hyde Park is the obvious place to start, but there are 11 parks in London that are worth a place on any traveler’s bucket list. I also love Regent’s Park , Dulwich Park , and Hampstead Heath .

And that’s to say nothing of the spring gardens , summer gardens and secret gardens dotted throughout the city.

London walks

If you bring your walking shoes (and you should), there are a lot of places to explore on foot in London.

From the 5 best walks to a leisurely stroll along the Thames , there’s no shortage of ways to see London through its streets.

You can have a perfect Saturday walking around South Kensington and Notting Hill, a perfect Sunday in east London, and a great day off the beaten path in Hampstead Garden Suburb .

Or you can stick to the parks and gardens, which contain no shortage of things to enjoy.

If you want self-guided walks, I’ve written posts about Notting Hill , Hampstead , Kensington , South Kensington , Chelsea , literary London , and more .

London Views

If you want to get up high, London has a lot of good vista points.

The 9 best views of London offer a range of perspectives on the city, and river cruises on the Thames are a great way to see London’s attractions from a different angle.

Best Places to Photograph London

If photography is your thing, London will delight. I should know, and my London travel guide will help you find the places I’ve photographed.

You can start with the 9 most Instagrammed places in London , then work your way down to the smaller sights locals love. These include the beloved mews streets , pretty houses , and abandoned tube stations .

If you want to take the best photos of London, you can also take a look at my 7 photography tips for the city.

London Travel Guide: Best Places to Eat and Drink in London

This part of my London travel guide covers the best places to eat and drink in the city. From restaurants and afternoon teas to bars and pubs, it has you covered.

London Restaurants

Gone are the days of bad British food. Today London is one of the world’s leading culinary centers, with creative new restaurants opening all the time.

If you’re looking for a good breakfast, these 7 restaurants are worth a trip. If you’re on the sightseeing trail, there are lots of great places to eat near London’s top attractions , and some lovely museum cafes as well.

I’ve reviewed a lot of London restaurants over the years, so you can read about many of the top places in the city in my previous posts . If you’re looking for my favorites, they’re here . And this self-guided London food tour will take you to the highlights.

London Afternoon Teas

Afternoon tea in London is a must, and there’s no shortage of places to have it.

Sketch tops my list of the best afternoon teas in London, but there are a lot of others worth trying, too. I’ve written about 3 places you must try , as well as lots of reviews of the city’s favorite afternoon teas .

London Coffee Shops and Tearooms

If all you’re after is a quick coffee or tea, my London travel guide still has something for you.

There are coffee shops I can’t live without, and I love having a cup of tea at Candella Tea Room on Kensington Church Street.

I’ve also written about pretty cafes that will get your inner photographer excited, and London itineraries for tea lovers and coffee lovers .

Oh, and if you’re not British, you’ll want to brush up on tea etiquette with my quick expat’s guide to British tea culture . You’ll thank me!

London Pubs

No London travel guide would be complete without the mention of pubs. They’re not only part of the fabric of British society, but also great places to cozy up by a fire in the cooler months (and some years they’re all cooler months).

My favorite traditional pub in London is the Holly Bush in Hampstead. It’s everything a pub should be, from the warren of wooden rooms to the warm winter fireplaces.

But if it’s an amazing meal I’m after, there’s no better place than the Harwood Arms in Fulham.

When the weather heats up, there are 12 riverside pubs and 8 pubs with beer gardens I enjoy, and when I’m feeling adventurous there are 8 international pubs that allow me to travel the world without leaving the city.

As far as aesthetics go, there are 17 pretty pubs I adore. I’ve even written a pub-themed London itinerary .

London Bars

And speaking of watering holes, London’s bar scene is always lively. Given I’m a travel blogger, I love the city’s travel-themed bars . But when I’m in a more local mood, I never turn down a trip to the city’s best rooftop bars .

Out in east London there are lots of trendy options. I love the rooftop bar at the Queen of Hoxton in Shoreditch , and the cocktails go down a treat at Happiness Forgets in Hoxton Square.

If you want more, take a look at my cocktail lover’s itinerary for London .

London Travel Guide: Best Places to Shop in London

This part of my London travel guide is all about shopping. From farmers’ markets to fun souvenirs, shopping streets to bookstores, it covers everything you need to know to find what you want to buy in London.

London Markets

London’s markets are some of the best places to visit in the city, and they come first on the shopping list in my London travel guide. From fresh food to quirky antiques, there’s a market for pretty much every interest here.

My favorite London market is the Columbia Road Flower Market , but there are 14 markets worth visiting in the city, from the iconic Borough Market to the hip Maltby Street Market and Chatsworth Road Market .

There are also 7 under-the-radar markets and lots of Sunday markets that are fun to discover. Of the latter, Herne Hill Market is one of my favorites.

London Shopping Streets

I’m not a big shopper, but when I need something I usually head to one of two places: the King’s Road in Chelsea or Marylebone High Street .

Both have a good mix of shops and boutiques, and fewer crowds than Oxford Street and Regent Street.

I also like the fun pedestrianized area on Carnaby Street and Brick Lane in Spitalfields. If you want to dig deeper, take a look at my London itinerary for shopping addicts and my guide to the best shopping streets in London .

Places for London Souvenirs

When it comes to souvenirs, London has a range of places to browse.

General souvenirs can be found on every corner in the city center, but for more unique offerings I always send people to three places: Fortnum & Mason, the Buckingham Palace Shop, and Camden Market.

Fortnums’ edible goodies make great (if disappearing) mementos, not to mention perfect gifts for friends and family back home.

The Buckingham Palace Shop has a range of royal souvenirs, from commemorative dishes to tea towels and toys.

Camden Market has a huge variety of things to buy. From vintage goods to cool souvenirs, there’s something for everyone here.

If you want more inspiration, take a look at my lists of lovely London must-haves and things to buy in London .

London Bookstores

If you’re looking for books (or just love them), London’s bookstores are worth a browse.

From the top places for books in London to the 7 specialty bookstores and 9 independent bookshops you should visit, the city’s literary corners are worth exploring.

If there’s one place you can’t miss, it’s Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street. I’ve written a literary itinerary for London if you want more.

London Travel Guide: Where to Stay in London

This part of my London travel guide will help you figure out where to say in London for your personal style. It covers London neighborhoods and accommodation options.

London Neighborhoods

There’s no right or wrong place to stay in London. The city center is huge and the attractions spread out across it.

But if you’re looking to match your location to your personality, you can dig a bit deeper to find the perfect neighborhood. Here’s a helpful guide to choosing the best area to stay in London for your style.

Whether you want to stay in upscale South Kensington or literary Bloomsbury , newly revived King’s Cross or popular Earls Court , there’s somewhere for every taste.

To get a better feel for London’s neighborhoods, take a look at my interactive London map .

London Hotels

Once you’ve chosen a location, you’ll have to choose accommodation. London has no shortage of great hotels for every budget, so the hardest part is picking which one is right for you.

I’ve written about a lot of London hotels in my post about how to choose a London hotel for your style, and my best advice is to book early if you’re coming during the peak summer months.

You can use my guides to the best quirky hotels in London and the top themed hotels in London if you want to find somewhere unique to stay.

London Travel Guide: Trips from London

This section of my London travel guide is about day and overnight trips from London. It has information about the best day trips from London and great weekend trips in the UK .

Day Trips from London

If you’re visiting for more than a few days, you might want to take a day trip from London.

There are 15 day trips I highly recommend and 17 more I love , but if I had to choose a few favorites, they would have to be Brighton , Cambridge , and Oxford .

I’ve also written about the best day trips to take in the summer , autumn , winter , and spring if you want seasonal tips.

And if you only want to travel by rail or car, take a look at my blog posts about day trips from London by train and by car .

Weekend Trips from London

If you have even more time, it’s worth getting away for a bit longer or traveling a bit farther. There are 16 weekend trips I adore, but if you can only take one I recommend the Cotswolds or Kent .

You can take a look at my blog post about weekend trips from London by train for more ideas. If you have even more time, there are some great 3-day trips from London you can take. My guide to train trips from London has additional inspiration, too.

So there you have A Lady in London’s ultimate London travel guide. If you want more inspiration, these films will get you excited. Happy travels!

What would you include in a London guide? Any top tips for visitors?

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24 Comments on Lady’s Ultimate London Travel Guide

This is such a great guide! I’m going to recommend it to friends who live around the world, for the next time they visit. <3

Thanks, Bronwen! I really appreciate it.

Good example of sightseeings !

Thanks, Sarah!

Great post as always, Julie! Ironic timing for me to read it also, because just a few minutes ago I finished reading an article in Bloomberg Businessweek about the booming night food scene in London. A couple companies, London Union and Smorgasburg, were mentioned. What shocked me was that the article stated that food trucks are no where to be found late on Friday and Saturday nights. Why on earth is that?? Anyway, I thought of you the second I started reading it! I hope you have a fantastic week, my friend! 🙂

Thanks, Mike! Yeah, that’s funny about food carts not being a late night thing in London. They seem to be elsewhere, don’t they?

Wow, this is amazing. Also so jealous that you live in London, it’s one of my faves! I always recommend Borough Market and SoHo Garden and Notting Hill for people who are visiting, they’re some of my favorite spots in London 🙂

Those are great places! Thanks for sharing your recommendations.

I came across your blog on bloglovin and I wish I read this post before I went to London, however it was still an amazing trip and I need to go back just for afternoon tea alone.

I’m glad you had an amazing trip! Afternoon tea is definitely worth coming back for.

THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!! I am going to share on my Facebook, maybe make a mention on my blog, and have this for a reference for when I go!!!!! I have been planning for literally about 2 years now (Since I moved to Western Australia) I don’t like where I am currently living, and the city girl in me wants to BURST!!!!!!!! London is my dream destination, and when I move to Perth next month, I am going to make LISTS, GOALS and PLANS!!!!!!

Thanks! I’m glad you like it. I hope you enjoy London when you get here!

The information given here is sufficient for a person to check out the places with ease. Brilliant stuff !

Wow, this is Great.We got a lot of information about London.Actually next week we are planning to visit London.So it’s very helpful for us.Thanks for sharing this article.

You’re welcome!

Thank you for sharing this, it’s really helpful. Awesome!!

You’re welcome! I’m glad to hear that.

My friends are coming to London and I was struggling for ideas, when I found your lovely blog! Your pictures are so inviting. Such a great idea about stopping for an afternoon tea somewhere – walking in London all day can be so tiring! Thank you so much!

Your blog gave me a lot of amazing ideas that I can use on my trip to London. Actually on the coming month I am planning for a tour to London with my family and kids. Thanks for sharing such amazing tips.

There is literally so much to do in London. I feel like I could never get a chance to do it all even if I lived there!! :]

Definitely!

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London Family Travel Guide: How We Planned the Perfect Five Day Itinerary

London family travel guide for the perfect five day itinerary.

We recently returned from an early Summer trip that started in New York City, then to Paris, before ending our trip in London.  We spent five nights in London, which gave us four full days to explore the city, before flying back to San Francisco (SFO) from London Heathrow (LHR).   

In this new series titled, "Just Got Back", we go over a quick trip itinerary report on where we stayed, what activities we did, where we ate and our top recommendations on things to consider adding to your own trip to London.  

Where to Stay

There are many great options to consider staying at when visiting London that depend on your particular preferences, travel style, hotel location and budget.

One of the things to consider when traveling in Europe with kids is being able to find hotels that accommodate up to 4 people in one room or suite.  Most hotels max occupancy at 2 or 3 people per room, even for larger suites sometimes, so it can become very challenging to find a hotel and room category that will work and not break the bank at the same time.  And if you can't find a room for at least 4 people, then you may end up having to book two rooms (and not break the travel budget) and hope the hotel offers connecting rooms.

For this trip, we stayed at the Marriott London County Hall , which boasts a prime location on the River Thames, overlooking the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.  The convenient location on the South Bank at the Westminster Bridge is perfect for exploring the sights of London.  

We stayed here for 5 nights in a Family Room that offered two double beds for a family of four and featured views of Big Ben and River Thames.  Staying for five nights was the perfect amount of time for exploring the city and still having enough time in London to relax and be spontaneous as well, instead of always feeling like we had to be on the go if we had less travel days here.    

We selected this hotel since we have hotel status (Marriott Bonvoy Titanium) that unlocks extra benefits/amenities like free breakfast (saved us ~$100+ a day) and since we had lots of Marriott Bonvoy points that could help cover the cost of our entire stay.  I plan on writing more about this in an upcoming post and how we used a lot of Marriott hotel points to cover a majority of our trips for 2022 and the reasoning behind it.

Things to do

Here are some of the sights we visited and things we experienced on our recent trip to London:

• The British Museum

• Natural History Museum
• Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theater

• Big Ben, Houses of Parliament

• Tower of London and the Tower Bridge

• St. Pauls Cathedral

• Tate Modern
• Covent Garden
• Borough Market
• Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station and The Harry Potter Shop

• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych Hotel

• Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park

• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus 
• Shopping on Regent Street at Oxford Circus

I plan on writing more in detail about each of these items, including our experience with a private family tour of London with Context Travel, how to book and the best way to plan out each activity to maximize your day.

Places to Eat & Drink

London is very walkable and no matter where you are in the city, it seems like there is a restaurant, pub or cafe on every corner. 

The places we ate at largely depended on which part of London we were in around lunch or dinner time and location mainly dictated the available restaurant options for us.  

For example,  I always like to plan ahead and research food options closest to where we would be so we don't have to hunt around too long to get a bite to eat.  Knowing what options we have and where they are located comes in handy when traveling with younger children, but for this trip I didn't make a list of places to eat and figured there would always be something close by where we were that would work for everyone.

For breakfast each morning, we ate at the hotel (Marriott Bonvoy Titanium breakfast benefit) at The Library, which offered amazing views of River Thames and Big Ben, as well as helping us save over $100+ a day on breakfast alone.  Typically, breakfast would be served in the M Lounge, but we were pleasantly surprised to see it moved to the Library for breakfast at the moment.  

Other sit-down restaurants we enjoyed on this trip while exploring London include: 

• Dishoom (popular and trendy Indian Restaurant featuring amazing food)
• Oblix (at the Shard featuring great views of London)
• Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
• Pizza Express near Borough Market (so many small restaurants and stalls)

• Sticks 'N' Sushi at Covent Garden (lots of restaurants here) 

• Osteria Dell'Angolo 
• Tower Bridge Cafe (just outside the Tower of London)
• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych  

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London Travel Guide

Useful tips for your city trip to London

London is one of the most vibrant and exciting European capitals, and we think everyone should visit London at least once in their life.

The British capital has something for everyone: famous sights, great museums, a huge alternative scene with great bars and clubs, and so much more.

Our London travel guide features all the best attractions, the coolest neighborhoods, the best places to stay, and plenty of exclusive travel tips to make your city trip to London a truly unforgettable experience!

This page is the entry point to all our London travel blog posts – just click on one of the posts below to start your journey, and before you know it, you’ll be eating fish ‘n’ chips and complaining about the weather like a true Londoner!

Hi! We are Jenny & Basti.

We’re head over heels in love with photography and traveling. We turned our shared passion into our profession and have been at home everywhere in the world ever since. On 22places we share everything about our travels: with a lot of attention for details, inspirational, authentic, and above all: always honest. On our travel blog, we share useful travel tips and give you practical photography advice.

Our London travel blog posts

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Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To London: A 5D4N Itinerary Of What To See & Eat In This Capital City

Ahh … London. My love for this city has grown with every visit and while I’m by no means a Londoner just yet, I’ve spent a solid year exploring this exciting capital of the United Kingdom.

There are so many new things to do all the time that it’s just impossible to cover everything in one visit. If you’re planning your first-ever trip to London, I’m here to help you cover the basics with this 5D4N itinerary for gung-ho travellers .

And even if you’re already a serial repeat-visitor like me, you might still find something you haven’t ticked off the list yet. Either way, pack some comfy shoes and a seize-the-day attitude.

I crafted this itinerary with a Wednesday-to-Sunday trip in mind to make full use of the weekend, but you can customise it however you please. You ready?

Getting Around

Once you land at the airport (I’m guessing Heathrow), you can easily find your way to central London by either taking the normal Tube a.k.a MRT (longer journey time but only approx. £3.10 each way), or by getting a Heathrow express train (very fast, One-way ticket; £22 – £25 , Return ticket ;  £37 ).

Whatever you decide, it’s pretty straightforward to find out how to get tickets when you’re at the airport. If you’re taking the Tube, get an Oyster Card (which is essentially an EZ-Link card) and top it up since you’ll need it to ride the London Underground, or see what Tube travel passes are available.

If you plan on having access to mobile data, download an app called Citymapper  (this isn’t an ad, it’s just really useful!) which will make your life super easy. It also works in Singapore and basically gives you detailed routes, live bus timings, train timings etc. in getting from point A to point B.

— Day  1 (Shopping) —

1. oxford street/ regent street/ marble arch.

Now that that’s out of the way… SHOPPING! Taking into account jet-lag, time spent finding your accommodation and general travel lethargy, you’ll probably want to take it easy on the first day, so go about some own-time-own-target shopping.

Hit up Oxford Circus, Regent Street and the Marble Arch area for pretty much every brand under the sun, and don’t forget a stop at Primark.

Primark: 499 – 517 Oxford St, Mayfair, London W1K 7DA | Opening Hours: 8am – 10pm (Mon – Sat), 11.30am – 6pm (Sun) | Website

2. Afternoon Tea at Sketch (Mayfair)

Afternoon tea is a must when you visit London (scones!) and while you’ll be spoilt for choice, I recommend treating yourself to the one at Sketch because the restaurant is just so beautiful. Reservations are very important, so check out the website before your trip.

The Gallery in Sketch where afternoon tea is served is decked out with quirky artwork by David Shrigley and makes for a very Instagrammable experience. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the toilets before you leave (trust me).

Prices: Afternoon tea sets start from £59 per person

Sketch (The Gallery): 9 Conduit St, Mayfair, London W1S 2XG | Tel: +44 20 7659 4500 | Opening Hours (Afternoon Tea): 11.30am – 4.30pm (Daily) | Reservations | Website

Harrods is a classic stop on any London itinerary and a shopper’s paradise. The upscale department store is known for its variety and home brand offerings, with an elegant interior and store design.

Wander the food halls and sample quality ingredients or splurge on that designer handbag you’ve wanted for the past five years.

Harrods: 87 – 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL | Tel: +44 20 7730 1234 | Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon – Sat), 11.30am – 6pm (Sun) | Website

4. Dinner at Burger & Lobster (Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge)

Once you’ve had your fill of Harrods, it’s time to tick off another London staple. Head next door to Harvey Nichols (another department store) but go straight to the fifth floor and get ready for some lobster at Burger & Lobster .

Prices have increased over the years so it’s not that value-for-money anymore, but the Original Lobster (Steamed) (£31) still hits the spot with the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.

Burger & Lobster (Harvey Nichols): 109 – 125 Knightsbridge, Level 5 Harvey Nichols, London, SW1X 7RJ | Opening Hours: 12noon – 10.30pm (Mon – Sat), 12noon – 10pm (Sun) | Website

5. Cocktails at Mr Fogg’s Residence

Your eyes will probably be heavy by now, but if you can keep yourself going past dinner, squeeze in a stop at Mr Fogg’s Residence for a nightcap. Themed after Jules Verne’s ‘Around The World In 80 Days’, the bar itself will transport you into a different world altogether.

The whimsical cocktails here were inspired by fictional adventurer Phileas J. Fogg’s travels around the world. Rep’ Singapore by ordering the  Jungle Flora (£14) which was created as a nod to our little red dot.

Mr Fogg’s Residence: 15 Bruton Lane, Mayfair, London W1J 6JD | Tel: +44 20 7036 0608 | Opening Hours: 4pm – 2am (Mon – Fri), 1.30pm – 2am (Sat), 3pm – 12midnight (Sun) | Website

— Day 2 (Sightseeing) —

6. breakfast picnic in hyde park.

Given your inevitable jet-lag, you’ll probably be up bright and early the next day. Make the most of your British morning by getting breakfast and chilling in Hyde Park . I recommend getting takeaway from Pret a Manger (a cafe chain that you’ll pretty much see everywhere ).

Even if you’re there in the colder months, just wrap up warm and you can still slowly stroll through the park with a hot cuppa and a bagel.

Pret a Manger: Outlets

7. Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour from Hyde Park Corner

Day Two is all about sightseeing, so once you get your breakfast and some chill-time in, prepare for a busy day. London is home to sooo many iconic sights, and unless you’re visiting for 10 days, you’ve got to be strategic about what you actually want to see.

Your best bet would be to get a day ticket for a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus tour. There are many companies offering tours, but I recommend Big Bus Tours because they offer a ‘RED Tour’ that gets you around most of the main sights for a first-timer.

The first bus leaves from Hyde Park Corner at 8.30am, and you can just buy tickets from the guide at the bus or online in advance (save 10%). Try to score a seat at the top!

Prices: 1 Day (Bus-only) tour starts from £34 (online price)

Big Bus Tours: Website

8. Trafalgar Square

You’re on a hop-on/hop-off bus so you can get on and get off as many times as you like from the official bus stops (look at the map given to you) for however long your ticket lasts.

Like I said, have a think about what’s worth getting off to explore further, or what you’re happy to just see from the bus. Trafalgar Square is a good example of a stop you can see from the bus and then decide to return to if you have time over the next few days.

Trafalgar Square: London WC2N 5DN

9. Coca-Cola London Eye

The famous London Eye (now known as the Coca-Cola London Eye ), is an iconic part of the London skyline and worth a visit if you fancy paying for a bird’s eye view of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

It’s right next to the River Thames and if you know in advance that you want to ride this Ferris wheel, get tickets online.

Prices: Standard ticket online starts from £27

Coca-Cola London Eye: Lambeth, London SE1 7PB | Opening Hours | Website

10. St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is a beautiful structure that’s worth a visit if you’re the kind of person who likes marvelling at church architecture and history.

It’s been around for more than 1,400 years and has been built and rebuilt five times! Visitors are welcome but it’s still a church, so be mindful of visiting hours and decorum.

Prices: Online admission rates start from £17

St Paul’s Cathedral: London EC4M 8AD | Opening Hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm (Mon – Sat, Last entry at 4pm), Open on Sundays for worship only | Website

11. Tower Bridge & Tower of London

Loads of people mistake Tower Bridge for London Bridge (the latter is much less impressive) and it’s worth getting off here to get a good picture or explore the bridge itself (yes you can go in and up for a fee).

The Big Bus stops at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge is right next to it. The Tower of London is a historic castle, former prison and former grand palace that used to be surrounded by a moat. It’s now open to the public and also houses the Crown Jewels.

Prices: Online ticket for Tower Bridge is £8.70; Tickets for Tower Of London start from £22.70

Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP | Opening Hours & Website

Tower of London: St Katharine’s & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB | Opening Hours: 9am – 4.30pm (Tue – Sat), 10am – 4.30pm (Sun & Mon) | Website

12. Lunch at Coppa Club (Tower Bridge)

If you’ve gotten off the bus to explore the Tower of London/Tower Bridge area, stop by the Insta-worthy Coppa Club for lunch. The restaurant has become known for its Paradise Pods (Summer)/ Igloos (Winter), and bookings for a seat in those sell out months in advance.

Still, normal seating is available right next to the pods where you’ll be able to get a great picture and a view of The Shard. Walk-ins can sometimes also score a seat in the pods/igloos so try your luck!

Coppa Club (Tower Bridge): 3 Three Quays Walk, Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AH | Tel: +44 20 8016 9227 | Opening Hours: 7.30am – 11pm (Mon – Thu), 7.30am – 12midnight (Fri), 9am – 12midnight (Sat), 9am – 10.30pm (Sun) | Website

13. Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminister Abbey

Interested in British politics? Then a stop at the Houses of Parliament is a must. Visits are allowed but remember to check the opening hours. You’ll also be able to see Big Ben , the famous clocktower, which is currently undergoing refurbishment* so it’s sadly surrounded by scaffolding.

Still, the Westminister area and pier is worth exploring and you’ll get a great view of the London Eye from this side.

*Note: Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower tours are suspended due to refurbishment. They are scheduled to resume in 2021.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA | Opening Hours & Website

Westminister Abbey: 20 Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA | Opening Hours & Website

14. Buckingham Palace & The Royal Mews

Everyone wants to go to London to meet the Queen and while that’s probably not going to happen, you can see where she lives (in a non-creepy way). Buckingham Palace tops the list of very-touristy-things-to-do-in-London and is worthy of a hop off the bus.

You can even enter certain parts of it and watch the changing of the guard.  Or you can visit The Royal Mews beside the palace where the royal carriages are kept, and where one of the finest working stables in existence operates.

Buckingham Palace: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA | Visit – The State Rooms | Visit – The Queen’s Gallery |  Visit – The Royal Mews

15. Dinner & Drinks at Duck & Waffle (Heron Tower)

After a super long day of sightseeing, you’ve earned yourself a good meal with a view to remember. Head back to your hotel to freshen up and don’t worry about taking your time, because Duck & Waffle is open 24-hours every day.

Situated on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, the restaurant offers sweeping views of the city, and you can take it all in because of the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Book a visit at sunset and order the Duck & Waffle (£18) which is a delicious medley of crispy duck leg confit, fried duck egg and mustard maple syrup over waffles. Stay on for drinks because the cocktails are equally yummy.

Duck & Waffle: Heron Tower, 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY | Tel: +44 20 3640 7310 | Opening Hours: 24 Hours (Daily) | Website

— Day 3 (Museum & Musical) —

16. brunch/nibbles at borough market.

If you go to London for the first time and you don’t go to Borough Market … you’re missing out. One of the oldest and largest markets in London, I recommend getting there early to sample some really fresh produce.

The oysters from Richard Haward’s Oysters are to-die-for as well as the coffee from Monmouth Coffee.

Borough Market: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL | Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm (Mon – Thu), 10am – 6pm (Fri), 8am – 5pm (Sat), Closed on Sun | Website

17. Lunch at Padella (Borough Market)

The key word at Borough Market is to “sample”, because you’ll want to leave room for some pasta from Padella . It’s a small restaurant located at the edge of Borough Market, serving up affordable and delicious handmade pasta.

There’s always a queue, but it moves pretty quickly so just hang in there. When ordering, don’t miss out on the  Pappardelle with 8 Hours Dexter Beef Shin Ragu (£10) and the Pici Cacio & Pepe (£6.50) .

Padella: 6 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TQ | Opening Hours: 12noon – 3.45pm & 5pm – 10pm (Mon – Sat), 12noon – 3.45pm & 5pm – 9pm (Sun) | Website

18. View Of The Shard From Sky Garden (Walkie Talkie Building, Free Entry With Booking)

This next stop is still pretty unknown to Singaporeans – did you know that you can get an awesome view of The Shard (the tallest building in London) FOR FREE from a “Gardens by the Bay”-type setting?

The Sky Garden is on the 43rd floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ building and offers 360-degree views of London.

It’s free to enter but you’ll need to book a visit online in advance. There are several eateries housed in the garden as well so you can always have a meal or coffee while admiring the view and the indoor greenery.

Sky Garden: 20 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 8AF | Opening Hours (Public Ticketed Visits): 10am – 6pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 9pm (Sat & Sun) | Book free visit | Website

19. National History Museum/ Tate Modern/ British Museum (All Free Entry)

Another thing that London is known for is its museums. There are quite a few to choose from, so I recommend just picking the one that will interest you most and save the others for your next visit.

The Natural History Museum , Tate Modern and British Museum have all stood out to me, and are also all free to enter (for general exhibits).

National History Museum:  Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD | Opening Hours & Website

Tate Modern: Bankside, London SE1 9TG  | Opening Hours & Website

British Museum: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG | Opening Hours & Website

20. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is always bustling with activity and tourists and it’s no surprise since there’s quite a bit to do here.

From a variety of shops, to markets, restaurants and random opera singing in the basement… it’s worth spending a bit of time taking it all in. Oh, and there’s also a Shake Shack .

Covent Garden: The Market Bldg, 41, London WC2E 8RF | Website

21. Dinner at Flat Iron (Covent Garden)

If you can tear yourself away from Shake Shack and save some space for dinner, head to the nearby Flat Iron for an affordable meal – by London standards anyway.

Flat Iron serves up £11 steaks that are grilled to perfection and has become a successful chain in London. Only the Covent Garden outlet gives out free salted caramel ice cream after your meal though, so… you know what to do.

Flat Iron (Covent Garden): 17 – 18 Henrietta Street, London, United Kingdom WC2E 8QH | Opening Hours: 12noon – 12midnight (Mon – Sat), 12noon – 11.30pm (Sun) | Website

22. Musical & Drinks

No virgin London trip is complete without a musical and you’re in the best place to watch one. There are so many to choose from, but my recommendations would have to be: The Book Of Mormon, Wicked, The Lion King and Kinky Boots .

Try to get cheaper tickets in Leicester Square (you’ll see many shops offering discounts) but just make sure you don’t end up with an obstructed view. Every theatre has a bar so get there early for a bevvy .

London Musicals: Schedules & Tickets

— Day 4 (Markets & Central London) —

23. portobello road market (notting hill).

Start your weekend bright and early by travelling to Notting Hill to check out Portobello Road Market . It’s the world’s largest antiques market and you’ll find loads of the stalls literally by the road.

The main market day here is Saturday, so that’s when you’ll find the most variety of stuff. There are also a few quaint cafes where you can have breakfast ( GAIL’s Bakery , Lowry & Baker ) or if you fancy a cupcake, stop by The Hummingbird Bakery .

Portobello Road Market: 306 Portobello Road, London W10 5TA | Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Sat), Other Days  | Website

24. Pretty Pastel/Colourful Houses (Notting Hill)

Since you’re in the area, Notting Hill is also known for its beautiful pastel and colourful houses. In fact, a scene from the movie ‘Love Actually’ was actually filmed here.

Try to look for it ( *hint St Luke’s Mews hint* ) and get a photo for the ‘gram !

25. Camden Town & Market

Camden Town is like a whole different world in London; the streets are lined with shops selling everything from souvenirs to punk-rock and gothic outfits.

There are a few markets in the area and the main one ( Camden Market ) is home to many stalls selling food from all over the globe. If you’re up for a crazy shopping experience when you’re there, stop by Cyberdog  (fair warning).

Camden Market: Camden Lock Place, London, Nw1 8AF | Opening Hours: 10am – Late (Daily) | Website

26. Lunch at The Cheese Bar  (Camden)

If you can’t decide what to have and love everything cheese-related, have lunch at The Cheese Bar . The super-melty Mozzarella Sticks (£7) make for a great Boomerang and if you visit in winter, you won’t want to miss the fondue.

The Cheese Bar (Camden): Unit 93 – 94 Camden Stables, Camden Town, Chalk Farm Road, London, United Kingdom NW1 8AP | Opening Hours: 12noon – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 10pm (Sat), 11am – 8pm (Sun) | Website

27. Piccadilly Circus

From Camden, make your way back to central London and experience the crowds at Piccadilly Circus . Sit on the steps of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and watch a nearby busker while soaking in all the magical city vibes.

Just remember to watch your stuff as this capital isn’t immune to pickpockets (same goes for any busy area).

Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain: Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS

28. Leicester Square

If you only stopped by Leicester Square to get discounted musical tickets, head back to explore the many shops. There’s a four-storey M&M’s World store that’ll make any chocolate-lover go crazy!

Leicester Square: London, WC2H 7LU |  Website

29. Chinatown

Yes, you just came from an Asian country but trust me, wandering the streets of London’s Chinatown is still pretty enjoyable. It’s right next to Leicester Square and naturally, you’ll find lots of amazing Chinese food to be had.

Save space for dinner though and just grab a small snack if you’re hungry – Bubblewrap does delicious Hong Kong waffles that you’ll want to share so you don’t spoil your appetite.

Bubblewrap: 24 Wardour Street Chinatown London, W1D 6QJ | Opening Hours & Website

30. Dinner at Dishoom (Carnaby)

Why save space for dinner? Because you need to squeeze Dishoom into your itinerary. The Bombay-inspired chain has become a hit amongst Londoners, serving up palatable Indian-Irani food that’s great to share.

All the outlets are beautifully designed and decorated, but you should head to the one in Carnaby so you can check out the area after. Reservations are highly recommended (but only allowed if you’re >6 pax), so go early unless you don’t mind waiting.

Whatever you do, order the House Black Daal (£6.20) with some Roomali Roti (£2.90) .

Dishoom (Carnaby): 22 Kingly Street, Soho, London W1B 5QB | Tel: +44 20 7420 9322 | Opening Hours: 8am – 11pm (Mon – Thu), 8am – 12midnight (Fri), 9am – 12midnight (Sat), 9am – 11pm (Sun) | Website

31. Drinks in Carnaby/ Soho/ Fitzrovia

Carnaby Street is a popular shopping street in Soho, but you need to visit purely because of the street decorations and how pretty everything is when lit up at night.

You’ll find many places in Soho as well to get a cocktail after dinner, or you can head to Berners Tavern in The London Edition hotel (Fitzrovia) for a fancy drink in a fancy setting.

Berners Tavern: London Edition Hotel, 10 Berners St, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3NP | Tel: +44 20 7908 7979 | Opening Hours & Website

— Day 5 (Sunday Roast & Shoreditch) —

32. columbia road flower market.

Want to feel like a London local? Wake up early on a Sunday and find your way to Columbia Road Flower Market (Citymapper to the rescue!).

The market is only open on Sundays and is a sight to behold, filled with rows and rows of plants and flowers looking for a home.

While you probably shouldn’t buy anything green to bring back, you can still soak in the atmosphere and pop into one of the many neighbouring shops selling quaint knick-knacks and vintage clothes.

Columbia Road Flower Market: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG | Opening Hours: 8am – 3pm (Only open on Sundays) | Website

33. Sunday Roast Lunch at Marksman Public House

Bet you were wondering when I was going to get to the Sunday Roast. If you go to Columbia Road Flower Market, it’s a short walk to Marksman Public House , a Victorian pub selling one of the best Sunday Roasts in the city.

The menu changes occasionally, but the Sunday Roast Lunch is always featured and you can get that and a starter for £29 (two-course) or throw in dessert as well for £33 (three-course) . Reservations are highly recommended.

Marksman Public House: 254 Hackney Road, London E2 7SJ | Tel: +44 20 7739 7393 | Opening Hours: 12noon – 4pm (Sun) | Reservations |  Website

34. Old Spitalfields Market

Since you’re already in Hackney, walk off your roast lunch and pop by the Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch.

I’m guessing you’ll be full by this point but you could always get an artisanal brownie or shop vintage at one of the many stalls set up.

Old Spitalfields Market: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW | Opening Hours: 9am – 5.30pm (Mon – Fri), 11am – 5pm (Sat), 9am – 5pm (Sun) | Website

35. Afternoon Snack at Poppie’s Fish & Chips (Spitalfields)

If all that walking and browsing has made you a bit peckish ( #yolobecauseholiday ), stop by Poppie’s Fish & Chips for the best of a British classic.

Popular amongst tourists, the Fish & Chips here is pretty consistent and while not exactly cheap ( £12.20 for Cod/Haddock ), the portion is huge and can easily feed two not-so-hungry people.

Poppie’s Fish & Chips (Spitalfields): 6 – 8 Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR | Tel: +44 20 7247 0892 | Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Mon – Thu), 11am – 11.30pm (Fri & Sat), 11am – 10.30pm (Sun) | Website

36. Vintage Shopping at Brick Lane

If you’ve heard of London, you’ve probably heard of Brick Lane . Located a short walk from the Old Spitalfields Market, this area is worth a visit, especially if you’re looking for more of a cool-London-street-vibe.

Lined with vintage shops, quaint cafes, bookshops and curry houses, Brick Lane will make for a chill Sunday stroll as you wind down your holiday.

Brick Lane Sunday Market: 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR | Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm | Website

37. Hot Chocolate from Dark Sugars

As you walk along Brick Lane, you’ll probably spot a shop called Dark Sugars selling wooden bowls of artisanal chocolate. This chocolate heaven has also been hailed for whipping up what’s apparently “the best hot chocolate in London”.

I guess you’ll only know if you try it for yourself, and at £4 – £5.50 a cup, you’ll get your money’s worth because it’s topped with an abundance of chocolate shavings. Hello, diabetes.

Dark Sugars Cocoa House: 124 – 126 Brick Lane, London, E1 6RU | Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Daily) | Website

38. Take Away Dinner at Beigel Bake

Okay, I think we can establish that your Sunday is basically going to be spent eating. If you’re in Brick Lane, it would be such a waste not to drop by Beigel Bake for an affordable Salt Beef Bagel (£4.50) .

The Jewish bakery serves up this hearty “sandwich” 24/7, and I’d get one to go if I were you.

Beigel Bake: 159 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB | Tel: +44 20 7729 0616 | Opening Hours: Open 24/7 |  Website

39. Drinks at Queen of Hoxton Rooftop Bar

It’s sad whenever a holiday comes to an end, but you can go out with a bang and knock back a few at a cool rooftop bar.

The Queen of Hoxton is in the area and beckons with fun, themed decor and a buzzing atmosphere amidst some London skyscrapers.

Queen of Hoxton: 1 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3JX | Opening Hours: 4pm – 12midnight (Mon – Wed), 4pm – 2am (Thu – Sat), 2pm – 10pm (Sun) | Website

40. Sunset Stroll along Southbank

If you have time, race to catch the sunset from Southbank where the city is extra pretty when bathed in an orange glow. Take one last look at the skyline and say goodbye till next time, because you’ve only just scratched the surface.

Southbank Centre: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX

— Bonus Recommendation —

41. warner bros. studios tour london – the making of harry potter.

AND YOU THOUGHT IT WAS OVER. No friends and fellow wizards, I did not forget the wonderful world of Harry Potter.

The  Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter just would not fit into a 5D4N itinerary (and let’s face it, some muggles may not be keen), but if you have another day to spare, you must go!

Hop on a train (not Tube) to Watford Junction and follow the signs to the tour where you can visit the Great Hall, walk through Diagon Alley and drink Butterbeer.  The latest addition, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, is opening 6 April 2019, so brooms at the ready everyone?

Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR | Opening Hours: 9.30am – 10pm (Mon – Fri), 8.30am – 10pm (Sat & Sun) | Website

Written By Marissa Mir

I got 99 problems and wondering what to eat for lunch is 98 of them.

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London travel blog — the fullest london travel guide blog & suggested london itinerary 4 days.

If you’ve ever heard of Big Ben Clock Tower at Palace of Westminster, have been fascinated by the romantic works of the great writer William Shakespeare. Surely, you can’t help but make a trip to London, once stood by the banks of the River Thames overlooking the famous Big Ben clock tower. Or simply, come to England to experience a long-standing culture, with a lot of differences compared to the rest of Europe .

• Top day trips from London — 5 best day trips from London you should make
• Where should I go in London? — 21 top famous places to go, see & best places to visit in London
• Cambridge blog — The UK Cambridge travel guide for first-timers
• Leeds blog — The fullest Leeds travel guide for first-timers
• What to buy in England? — 25+ souvenirs must buy in England & best things to buy in England

The capital of England is a so famous city already. Located in the southeast and quite close to France, London is quite large and known for its cultural and historical values. You should spend at least 3-4 days to explore this wonderful city, of course the longer the better.

UK in general and London in particular, to get here you have to apply for a separate visa because the UK is not in the Schengen Area. The UK visa application is similar to the Schengen visa application, but it seems to be more paperwork and procedures.

London travel blog: How to get to London?

Fly from vietnam to london.

Currently, there are many airlines operating direct flights from Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City to London. These include Qatar Airways , Emirates , or Vietnam Airlines , most of which do not fly directly, but you have to transit at least once. Ticket prices fluctuate around $ 1.000/round trip.

If you go to London from other cities in Europe, the popular way is fly because London does not have borders adjacent to the rest of the old continent of Europe. However, if you go from Paris to London , you can take a train because there is a tunnel through the Manche strait (English Channel, Channel Tunnel) that connects England and France. The cheapest train fares to London or other cities in the UK from € 45, can be booked through www.eurostar.com or www.loco2.com .

Cheapest & Fastest Trains from PARIS to LONDON

How to travel from Heathrow Airport to central London?

By london underground (london tube).

This is the easiest and cheapest way to get from Heathrow airport to London city center. The train operates 24/24 on Friday, Saturday from Terminals 1, 2, 3 & Terminal 5. On weekdays the train operating hours from 5:10am and the last train at 11:45pm.

Ticket price of £ 5.10/trip during peak hours and £ 3.10/trip for the remaining hours. You should buy an London Oyster Visitor Card with the price of $25 at the airport, the traveling time to get to London center about 50 minutes and from here you can change trains to get to where you want.

London Visitor Oyster Card

If you arrive late at night on weekdays, then London Tube does not work, you may consider another option is to go to the city by night bus. Bus N9 departs from Terminal 5 and Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 & 3).

The bus departs from around midnight at 11:30pm, the fare is only £ 1.50 / way but cannot be paid with cash, you must use a contactless card or an Oyster card.

By Airport Express Train

There are two main types of trains going to central London: Heathrow Express and TfL Rail. The Heathrow Express run faster and takes only 15 minutes to get to London Paddington station, the TfL train takes 25 minutes because it will stops at some stations along the way.

Heathrow Express Ticket

Tickets cost only £ 5.50/trip if you book in advance, and if you buy on the day of travel, the price is up to £ 22/trip. You can use Trainline.com to reserve tickets in advance.

Prices range from £ 45 – £ 70, and take about 45-90 minutes because the traffic is quite crowded in London.

In addtion to above ways, you can use a private transfer service to get to the city center through Klook here .

Shared Coach Transfers Between Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Central London

London travel guide blog: Getting around the city

Like most other big cities in Europe, London has a developed and diverse public transport system. London’s Metro network – London Underground, also known as “the Tube”, is spread across the city so you can traveling around the city as quickly and conveniently as possible.

The whole city is connected by 11 Tube lines, and divided into 9 zones. The central area is zone 1 and zones 6-9 are located at the edge of the city. The useful tip when traveling in London is that you should buy an Oyster Card which like a credit card and use the money in that account to buy tickets, quite similar to the MRT card in Singapore or Seoul. Oyster Card can be used when taking bus, tram and railways in the city.

The fare for each route depends on the zone and the distance you want to go. The longer the journey, the more expensive. Buying Oyster card is always cheaper than buying single ticket, unless you only go one or two trips during the time you stay in London.

Note that not every Metro station has an elevator, so if you bring a lot of luggage, you need to consider, pretty heavy when have to carry it. In addition, if you planning to travel a lot, you can refer to the London Pass , you can get on any hop-on hop-off bus to reach the location you want when using this pass.

London Pass with 1 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

My trip to London blog: Where to stay?

In fact, London that people often known only occupies a very small part of The Greater London, an extremely large territory of England. Greater London is divided into 33 region, large and small areas, and the city of London only is one of them. The districts in London are also not named by the number as in Paris but they have separate names.

To experience the hotels / hostels in London we probably have to visit this city many times, and each time stay in a different neighborhood. Each neighborhood has a unique feature that you can refer to as below:

• Southbank ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : A place for those who like sightseeing and exploring in London.
• Victoria & Marylebone ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : Suitable for family.
• Mayfair , Notting Hill & South Kensington : For those who want a romantic vacation.
• Soho & Camden : A vibrant nightlife area, where there are many bar and restaurants.
• Camden & Shoreditch : For those who want to experience cultural with indigenous people.

Cheap hostels but good quality in London

In fact, hostels in London are not cheap, with average room rates ranging £ 25 – £ 40/night/dorm bed. You can find some hostels for less than £ 15/night but the quality will be quite low. Hostel prices often go up on weekends, so you should avoid these dates and book early for more options.

Some good hostels with good prices you can be referred like Wombat’s CITY Hostel – London ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) near the attractions and have a private bar. Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) is located in Victoria area but not near the center but very stylish and beautiful.

Upscale hotels in London

With good finance, you can choose to stay in luxury hotels come with have many beautiful views. I can suggest some here:

• St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : Old hotel with an appearance like an old castle. Located just close to The British Library and the bustling downtown area, it is hard to describe the beauty of this hotel when the night is bright under the street lights.
• Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : The room here owns so beautiful view, wide glass windows with panoramic view to the London Tower Bridge.
• London Marriott Hotel County Hall ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : This luxury hotel has plenty of views to the parliament building (Palace of Westminster), Big Ben Clock Tower and London Eye Ferris Wheel.

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $165/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

InterContinental London – The O2 , a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $326/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Chesterfield Mayfair , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $182/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Park Grand London Kensington , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $137/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Amba Hotel Charing Cross , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $270/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

The Tower Hotel , a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $270/night (Check rates on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

London travel blog: What and where to eat in London?

If you come to London and want to taste Vietnamese food, don’t forget to visit Kingsland Road. With so many restaurants as well as Vietnamese branded cafes here like Pho House, Hanoi Cafe, Green Papaya Vietnamese Restaurant, .. make sure you will immediately forget homesickness.

London of course is also famous for international cuisine because this is an open city with many people living and working here from many countries. Asian food such as Indian, Chinese, Thai all available here. If you want to eat Chinese food, let’s go to Chinatown, Indian food is very much in Southall and Brick Lane, ..

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15 London travel tips & hacks no one told you about

Things to do in London London Travel Guide London Travel Tips

In the bustling metropolis of London, the pace can leave you breathless as you strive to keep pace with its energy. Yet, amidst its dynamic atmosphere, there are several simple tips for travelers to bear in mind. London, a city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and pulsating with life at every turn, rewards careful planning with the avoidance of tourist traps and the maximization of enjoyment. Although it may initially appear daunting, securing your tickets in advance serves as an excellent initial stride towards ensuring a seamless visit. Here are some invaluable travel pointers to ensure your time in London is unforgettable.

London Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to London . Don't forget the pack the right adapter and maybe brush your British English! Also, get yourself used to British high tea maybe.

Read our complete London Travel Guide here

Language English

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +020

Socket Type G

Currency Pound (£, GBP)

Best Time To Visit London

March to May

London's weather can be unpredictable, requiring both sunglasses and umbrellas at different moments! While Spring is often considered the optimal time to experience London's charm, don't worry if your plans are set for other seasons; each one offers its own distinctive allure. From March to May, temperatures fluctuate from chilly to pleasantly warm, making it an ideal window to explore the city. Be sure to carry a jacket to navigate the occasional weather shifts. Alternatively, if you're enchanted by the magic of Christmas, bundle up and visit between December and January to witness the city's spectacular festive celebrations.

Read our complete blog on the Best Time To Visit London .

London Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Keep right on the escalators

Though it might seem peculiar, there's an unspoken convention in London advising individuals to stick to the right side of escalators to allow others to pass. In a bustling metropolis like London, where everyone's racing against the clock, even the smallest gesture of politeness can make a significant difference!

#2 Get yourself an Oyster card

An Oyster card offers both convenience and affordability, making it a smart choice for saving money during your city visit. Easily obtainable from the airport or your local station, simply top it up as needed. With an Oyster card, navigating London's subway network, known as The Tube, becomes effortless, eliminating the need to rush around or wait in lengthy ticket lines.

Here's all you need to know about using an Oyster Card in London

#3 London is the home of Hop On Hop Off Buses

With an excellent network and cost-efficient transportation, these buses will make sure you get acquainted with London in the best possible way! With a number of buses connecting and dropping you off at key attractions, Hop on Hop Off bus is ideal for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Apart from that, these buses also provide you with an audio guide so that you don’t miss out on anything important during your journey.

#4 Crossing the streets are a task in London

The sidewalks and streets are labeled ‘Look Right’ or ‘Look Left’ to help you remember where the cars are coming from. Following traffic rules in London can help you escape unwanted fines, apart from keeping you safe. Keep in mind that cars are driven on the left side of the street in England and that designated pedestrian walkways exist on busy streets at all times.

#5 Tipping in London is not customary

Although considered a mandate in the US, tipping in London is not really a requirement when you’re dining at the restaurants. The service charge which is otherwise provided in tips is usually included in the cost of your bill in London, so don’t sweat it by trying to tip big money at restaurants! However, if you do feel like appreciating the service, a couple of pounds can be a nice gesture.

#6 Book ALL your attraction tickets in advance

While it is possible to avoid the crowd on the weekdays, some of the popular attractions of the city witness crowd throughout the week. Booking well in advance or getting yourself a skip the line pass could help you avoid the queues that are two to three hours long. This could not only help you save time but could also save you a good amount of money.

Check out discounted tickets to the top things to do in London and save big money by booking in advance.

#7 Pack for all weathers. Always carry an umbrella

London is best known for its erratic weather changes, where it can be sunny one minute and you can wind up feeling cold after an unpredictable shower! Pack your essentials wisely so that you have plenty of layers at hand to tackle any weather. Having an umbrella at all times is advisable.

#8 Keep an eye out for freebies

Although an expensive city, there are several museums, art galleries and architectural marvels around that can be explored for free. Do your research to find out more about these, which can also help you save some money during your stay. You may also take a stroll into some of its vibrant street markets which won’t charge you an entry fee as well.

15 Absolutely Free Things To Do In London

#9 sometimes walking is faster than the tube.

London is widely connected by the Tube, and while it seems like the best option to travel around, there are places which are accessed quicker by foot. For instance, Leicester Square to Covent Garden is located in the same vicinity and they can be easily reached by a brisk 2 to 3-minute walk.

#10 Visit Oxford Street on a weekday

If you’re in the mood to shop, differ it till its a weekday instead of stopping by on a Saturday. Not only does the area witness an upsurge of a crowd on the weekend, but there are also times the Tube is closed down for crowd control. Enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted shopping trip on a weekday morning and make the most of your visit to Oxford Street.

67 Experiences You Cannot Miss Out In London

#11 ride a bike around the city.

You may come across several bikers on a typical day in London, as bikes are quite an inexpensive mode of transport in the city. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind losing their way during their excursion, rent a bike which is easily available on bike-bays on the street using a debit/credit card.

#12 London follows military time

While most countries follow a 12-hour clock, you may find London displaying military timings on clocks across the city. Acquainting yourself to this system will help you avoid silly mistakes that can easily occur otherwise. Make sure to double check your train and bus tickets to know if you got the right time on it!

#13 Eat like the Brits

London is dotted with several flashy restaurants, however, make sure you enjoy a roadside plate of fish and chips for an authentic taste of Britain. Explore markets such as Borough market amongst others, which have affordable food stalls lined up. Experience the English palate by trying out various delicious street food that London has to offer instead of picking a usual restaurant for a change.

#14 Carry a type-G plug or a universal travel adapter

London, unlike the US, uses a type-G plug which requires a different type of pin. It is essential to carry a type-G converter for you to successfully charge your electronics of any sort. Make sure you buy one from your respective country, as it may become expensive hunting for one in London.

#15 London = West End Show is a MUST

West End shows, unlike Broadway, are affordable in London and can be easily booked both online as well as offline. There are plenty of shows if you’re not too picky, and you can also choose your seats according to your preference! But you simply cannot leave London without watching a Westend show.

Here's our complete guide to West End Theatre for first timers in London.

Book discounted London Theatre tickets for the best selling shows

Tips for saving money on transportation in london.

• Familiarise yourself to London’s zones : While it is impossible to become an expert with the London rail network due to its complexity and vast connectivity, keep an eye out for some of the zones that are helpful for your daily travel. Download the Underground Application for your phone to make sure you don’t board the wrong train.
• Get an oyster card : Get yourself an oyster card which would help you on saving both time as well as money during your trip in the subway. The card, which works for both metro and underground, can be easily topped up at any station in the city! Having an oyster card will also mean you will not have to wait it out at the long queues.
• Buses over cabs, always : London has an extremely well-connected network of public transport, and buses can be of great use during your trip. A bus journey across the city will cost you as less as £1.50, irrespective of the distance. Apart from that, the buses also have a cap of £4.50, which will mean that is all you can spend on public transport for the day!
• Rent a bike : Affordable, reliable and eco-friendly, bicycles are found almost everywhere in London and they only cost £2 per day! Find docking stations on the side of the street, and activate a bicycle using a debit/credit card. You can make a trip between two docking stations for thirty minutes before you get to activate it again.
• Walk most of it : Walking is a viable option in London as there are a multitude of places accessible by foot. Not to mention how great it is to escape the traffic that clogs the city on weekends as well! Book yourself a guided walking tour to make the most of your excursion in the city, along with simply saving your money on transportation!
• Ferry it if you'd like : Cruising on the Thames, whether for leisure or purpose is highly recommended. You could use the Thames to get around attractions in the city, or just take a luxurious Thames river cruise and enjoy a meal on the boat.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In London

• Never eat around prime attractions : Avoid being sucked into touristy traps and make sure you go through the restaurant before investing money in it. Do a quick check on some of the local restaurants that serve authentic food instead of walking into the first restaurant you see. Asking a local to guide you can also be a great way to indulge in something worthwhile.
• Pick a Bed and Breakfast : Choose hotels or home-stays that offer you breakfast along with your stay. Most hotels in London offer a breakfast buffet that will consist of a variety of food. Filling up on a heavy breakfast before starting your day would mean you will wind up with an affordable, light lunch.
• Try street-side vendors : Fine dine is great, but you can taste some of the most authentic British food at local food stalls. Take a stroll through some of the city’s most famous street food markets (such as Borough Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market) to gorge on some delicious road-side food.
• Look out for BYOB and prefer tap water : Save up on bottled water during lunch or dinner by asking for tap water or regular water — which is considered safe to consume in London. You may also keep an eye out for ‘BYOB’ (bring your own beer/ alcohol) restaurants which will allow you to carry your drinks. This will help you save on the expensive drinks that the restaurant otherwise offers.
• Pick buffet food : An all you can eat buffet is a great idea if you’re worried about whether you’re going to like what you try. Apart from that, portion sizes at a buffet are not an issue, and you can invest in the kind of food you prefer. Run a quick search to locate restaurants serving up a buffet, and you’re good to go.

More Tips To Save Money In London

• Accommodation tips

Accommodation in London is expensive, so make sure you choose a hotel or Airbnb in the suburbs. Since traveling around the city is quite affordable with an Oyster card, choose a traveler’s hostel or a Bed and Breakfast instead of a regular hotel to cut down your expenses on accommodation.

Free attraction tips

Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend! Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Free museum days

• While everything in London may seem expensive, there are plenty of museums to visit free of cost. Places like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum are some of the attractions where you can visit for free! Make sure you do your research before setting out on an excursion around the city.

Online ticket purchasing

• Purchasing tickets ahead of time can save you not just monetarily, but also with respect to time. Keep an eye out for discounts and combo offers that can help you grab a great deal for your trip. If you’re someone who enjoys musicals, getting cheap West End show tickets can also be helpful.
• Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend!
• Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Top 10 Things To Do in London

I'm sure you have your London itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in London. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Tower of London

The Tower of London is a defining British structure that has served as an armory, royal residence, and jail throughout history. The tower today houses the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeaters, who guard them. A visit to the Tower of London is essential for any first-time visitor to London.

2 London Eye

The London Eye is the second highest observation point in London, surpassed only by The Shard. Its site on the river's banks provides an amazing view. The London Eye has been labeled as London's Eiffel Tower, allowing everyone a chance to see the huge metropolis from a new perspective.

3 Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace is a veritable showcase of royal magnificence, and it served as the Queen's official residence until 2011. The entirety of Buckingham Palace is grandeur personified, and it's nothing short of regal opulence. This remarkable architectural beauty in the center of London is a must-see for all tourists.

4 Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic church in London, England, and one of the country's most significant religious structures. According to legend, a group of Benedictine monks arrived at this location and began a practice of worship every day during the Bishop Mellitus era. Westminster Abbey truly made headlines in 1605, when Edward the Confessor constructed his throne here where he was eventually buried along with his wife.

5 Harry Potter Tours

Harry Potter Tours, London will take you on a journey through the city of London (and beyond) to get your photo snapped at platform 9 3/4 and board the Hogwarts Express, experience Diagon Alley and drink butterbeer, among other things. Not to mention any number of film locations where you may go.

6 Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and London's largest. It is the world's biggest botanical collection and the world's biggest UNESCO World Heritage Site in London.

7 West End Theatre

West End Theatre is the most popular form of theatre in London and is typically associated with musicals. It encompasses a wide range of genres, from Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary comedies.There are currently 40 theatres operating in London’s West End, with a combined seating capacity of over 100,000.

8 Thames Cruises

What are some tips for traveling to London on a budget?

1. Travel during the off-peak season. You can save a lot of money by avoiding the busiest times of year.

2. Look for discounts and deals. There are often great discounts available if you book your travel in advance or look for package deals.

3. Stay in hostels or budget hotels. You don't have to spend a lot of money on accommodation to have a great trip.

4. Eat like a local. Take advantage of the many cheap and delicious eateries London has to offer instead of splurging on meals every day.

5. Use public transportation. London's public transportation system is extensive and relatively inexpensive, so make use of it as much as possible.

How can I avoid getting lost in London?

1. Get a good map. Before you even leave for your trip, make sure you have a good map of London so you can orient yourself and plan your route in advance.

2. Ask for directions. If you do get lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions from a local. People in London are generally very helpful and will be happy to point you in the right direction.

3. Use your smartphone. If you have a smartphone, make use of its GPS capabilities and download a map of London so you can always find your way.

4. Take a walking tour. A great way to orient yourself in a new city is to take a walking tour. Many hostels and hotels offer these for free or for a nominal fee.

5. Stay in a central location. If you're worried about getting lost, consider staying in a centrally located hotel or hostel so you're always within easy reach of the main sights and attractions.

What are some good restaurants to eat at while in London?

Pret-a-Manger, Wagamama, The Breakfast Club, Dishoom and Honest Burgers are popular fast food joints and coffee places in London!

What are some helpful tips for using public transportation in London?

If you're unfamiliar with the London Underground, it can be daunting to try and navigate your way around the city using only public transportation. Some useful things to do would be to plan your route in advance & purchase an Oyster Card among other things. Besides this, here's Everything you need to know about the Public Transport in London !

What is the tipping etiquette in London?

In London, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service in restaurants and bars. If you're taking a taxi, it's common to round up to the nearest pound or give 5-10% of the fare as a tip. For other services, tipping is not required but always appreciated if you received great service.

Ready to explore London?

Check out the top things to do in London and our London Travel Guide to plan your vacation like a pro! .

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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• 51 London and UK Travel Bloggers to Follow in 2023
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51 London and UK Travel Bloggers to Follow in 2024

Many Britain enthusiasts actively share their love for the city and the country online by posting interesting writeups on their blogs and gorgeous photos on their social channels.

Exactly the kind of inspiration you may need to prepare for your day tour from London ! Practical guides, hidden gems, advice to settle in London, honest reviews or weekend getaways in Britain - on their websites, you can find valuable and inspiring content to ease your life. 

So, we decided to compile a comprehensive list of some of the best London and UK travel bloggers to follow in 2023 - all sorted by Domain Authority decreasing order - to add unique experiences to your bucket list!

Here's a small infographic including their website logos:

• Nomadic Matt

On top of being a super inspiring travel blogger, Nomadic Matt is a New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad ! Since Matt Kepnes created his blog in 2008, he has helped millions of people answer essential and practical questions related to travel and settling abroad with advice from his own experiences.

Our favourite article: Where to stay in London: the best neighbourhoods for your visit

• The Blonde Abroad

Born in California native, Kiki left her career in corporate wealth management in 2011 for a life-changing world tour. She set up her blog, The Blonde Abroad , to share her journey stories and travel tips with women solo-travelling worldwide. She travelled to 70 countries, lived in Cape Town, South Africa, and has settled in California, but counts on making a move again.

Our favourite article: 10 places to visit in England that aren't London

• Hand Luggage Only

Founded in 2014 by bloggers Lloyd Griffiths and Yaya Onalaja-Aliu, Hand Luggage Only was born in a university dorm room to share amazing travel stories and photos with other like-minded travellers. Over the years, they built a significant travel fanbase who love reading their blogs giving inspiring tips on destinations, food, travel hacks and more.

Our favourite article: 14 very best beaches in Cornwall to visit

For 22 years, the award-winning Makepeace nomad family have been travelling the world with their two daughters in an RV. They launched their Y Travel blog in 2010, where they regularly post advice to help travellers create unforgettable experiences while touring with kids. Fun fact? In 2014, they were invited by The White House as one of the world's top digital travel influencers. On top of blogging, they regularly give conferences worldwide to share their expertise in mixing nomadic lifestyles and parenting.

Our favourite article: 27 top things to do in Oxford for 2023

• The Londoner

Rosie is a dedicated travel and lifestyle blogger who writes as much about useful tips for touring London for the first time as how to be fashionable like the Londoner she is. On her website, she shares about her enriching life and adventures, which makes her writeups incredibly exciting to read. She started it to stay in touch with her loved ones and built strong followership worldwide.

Our favourite article: The Queen's Rose Garden

• Wanderlust Chloe

In 2014, Chloe left her media job to explore Central America, Cuba and Mexico. A year after she launched her blog, Wanderlust Chloe , she got the travel bug and decided to visit 15 different countries to make travel and blogging her job. Her passion for all things luxury and fun led her to freelance for major travel brands - she was named one of the top Visit England Ambassadors.

Our favourite article: 19 quirky hotels in London for 2022

• The Travel Hack

Wales-based blogger Monica is a travel writer who created The Travel Hack in 2009 while backpacking around Asia and Australia. On her blog, she shares travel hacks and inspiration to help her readers and fellow travellers get out and see the world, as well as ideas for family getaways and activities.

Our favourite article: 2 days in Glasgow: How to spend 48 hours in Glasgow

• A Lady in London

Award-winning travel and lifestyle blogger Julie Falconer, originally from San Francisco, creates the most outstanding content regarding her experiences in London and beyond. She created her blog, A Lady in London , in 2007 when settling in London for the first time after leaving her career in finance in California. Since then, she has been digging many secret gems in the capital and has visited more than 100 countries!

Our favourite article: Lady's 11 Best Museums in London

• The Wanderlust Within

Author of The Wanderlust Within , Roshni was born and raised in London and enjoys climbing, photography, and arts and crafts. She has visited 77 countries and worked for years on “The Spreadsheet”, her comprehensive guide to travel. She has been nominated by British Travel Awards 2020 for Best Newcomer and is still working with major travel and tourism brands today.

Our favourite article: 120 inspirational Hiking Quotes for Adventurers 2023

• Vicky Flip Flop

Vicky Philpott has been a digital nomad, lived abroad and visited more than 70 countries like Niagara Falls or Yukon. She also has a thing for festivals, as she went to tens of them, and helps her audience plan their time off wisely. Her blog Vicky Flip Flop will suit anyone who wishes to visit the places she's been to and should inspire you to travel further.

Our favourite article: 55 unique world festivals for your 2023 Bucket List

Inside the Travel Lab

Multi-award-winning author, journalist and broadcaster Abigail King has founded an exciting blog, Inside the Travel Lab , which is defined by National Geographic Traveler as “essential reading” and Lonely Planet as “one of the best in the world". Abigail worked in the medical sector for a decade before shifting her career. In total, she visited over 60 countries and, besides helping her readers travel in a friendlier way for the environment, she also shared her expertise about sustainable tourism at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

Our favourite article: Best things to do in Belgravia, London's beautiful neighbourhood

Created in 2012 by Victoria, this blog is a must for people interested in fashion and beauty on top of travel. The blogger launched Inthefrow upon completing her Fashion PhD and career as a Fashion Marketing Lecturer at the University of Manchester. Within its first six months, In the Frow won the Company Magazine Best Newcomer Blog Award and the award for Best Established Blog a year later.

Our favourite article: 5 must-have items I can't travel without

• Emily Luxton Travels

For the past decade, Emily Luxton - from Dorset - has been a travel blogger and freelance writer about solo female travel and other tips about food and mindfulness. Today she runs two successful UK travel blogs, including Emily Luxton Travels , where she posts her experiences about knowing the world better while connecting deeper with other cultures. She has explored more than 50 countries so far and gives very useful advice to travellers visiting Britain.

Our favourite article: 33 of the best places to visit in the South of England

• WishWishWish

On her beautifully designed blog WishWishWish , Carrie Santana da Silva writes about everything from fashion and food to London and cities worldwide. She has worked with brands from across the globe and has been featured in numerous publications. On her blog, you'll find various topics like beauty, travel, looks, inspiration and tips for women.

Our favourite article: A guide to visiting Somerset

• Pommie Travels

Originally from Manchester, Victoria now lives in the US but solo travelled to over 60 countries to explore the world and share her journey with her readers on her blog Pommie Travels . Via her writing, she aims to inspire her audience and motivate them to travel and achieve anything they want in life, as long as they're prepared.

Our favourite article: Cotswolds Road Trip: Route + Best places to visit

• What Olivia Did

Talented blogger Olivia (or Liv) Purvis lives and writes about her life in London on her blog What Olivia Did , which she created in 2010. Online, she posts about must-see spots, fashion, beauty, music, cooking and current trends. She also interviews other inspiring women whom she looks up to. Recently Liv founded The Insecure Girls Club to empower vulnerable women with valuable resources and advice.

Our favourite article: Lunch in London: 6 new favourite spots

Mrs O Around the World

Originally from Lisbon, Ana Silva O’Reilly (or Mrs O) lives in Oxfordshire and has always been an avid traveller following her mother’s mottos: “If you are leaving home, it has to be to a better place” or “I love camping… in 5-star hotels”. In 2011, she created her amazing travel blog Mrs O Around the World where she started to write primarily to benefit her friends, family and wider online community. Today her blog focuses on luxury and relates stunning destinations and endless tips and tricks.

Our favourite article: Luxury UK Staycation ideas

• SilverSpoon London

Award-winning blog SilverSpoon was created in 2011 by Angie (mum of Oscar) and is a reference if you're looking for anything related to London lifestyle, food and luxury travel. She actually has a very handy Restaurant Index , which she regularly updates. Angie has started this adventure by exploring Europe, South East Asia, Australia, the USA and South Africa and is always somewhere new! She takes care of her blog with the support of her husband, who she married in 2014 at The Dorchester Hotel in London.

Our favourite article: My Top Hotels of 2021

• Homegirl London

Since 2012, Tanya Lake has been a famous London Lifestyle Blogger, writing content about things to do in London, walks to neighbourhood guides, museums and galleries to visit. On her blog, Homegirl London , Tanya writes restaurant reviews and references charming London shops.

Our favourite article: Ten things to do in Dalston during the day

• Poppy Loves London

Ten-year communications expert, Eva lives in the Walthamstow area and has been writing on her blog Poppy Loves London about fashion, destinations, recipes, homeware and coffee haunts. Mum of a little girl, she not only enjoys sharing about parenting but also fances restaurants, bakeries, gorgeous interiors, books, knitwear... anything that sparkles her curiosity! Essentially, her blog is a great place to learn how to think like a true Londoner.

Our favourite article: A glorious weekend at No.1 Guesthouse, York

• Bridges and Balloons

Victoria and her family enjoy travelling to special places and, after each trip, she creates extraordinary itineraries, with ways to experience life like a local. In them, she shares about bookshops, nature, farmers' markets, street art and creativity. Detailed itineraries, Airbnb selections, city guides, and special editions... on Bridges and Balloons , everything is carefully curated with their incredible journeys.

Our favourite article: The best views in London

• The Style Traveller

Recently voted in the Top 25 Influencers in the UK by Evening Standard, Bonnie Rakhit is a fashion and travel influencer with a gorgeous blog called The Style Traveller . Formerly the fashion Editor of British Elle Magazine, with 15+ years of experience in the fashion industry, she is also a fashion editor, consultant and TV presenter. She has worked for Grazia, Vogue and Sunday Times Style and has been on ITV’s This Morning Show as a travel expert and on BBC and Sky News as a Fashion Expert. Impressive!

Our favourite article: The Style Traveller Guide to The Isles of Scilly

• The London Diaries

Founded by Paula Holmes in 2012, The London Diaries is an award-winning London lifestyle blog with everything that London has to offer. Featured in many publications like Time Out, Huffington Post, Metro, The Guardian and the Daily Mail, it was also shortlisted for Best Beauty at the Pinterest Awards 2019.

Our favourite article: Best Restaurants in London

• The Travelbunny

What a cute name! Originally from Sussex, Suzanne Jones was a corporate travel planner and decided to create her travel blog for people who love authentic travel experiences. On her website, The Travelbunny , you can find interesting guides to cool destinations, practical itineraries and advice to help you plan your next trip.

Our favourite article: Best things to do on the Isle of Wight - castles, cottages and coastlines

• The Travelista

This award-winning UK blog was launched by Yorkshire-based influencer Jess Gibson in 2013 and is now one of the most influential travel blogs in the country. From 2015 to 2018, The Travelista was listed three as a Top 10 Luxury Travel Blog by Vuelio . On it, Jess writes genuine hotel, airline or restaurant recommendations and anything Yorkshire-related. 

Our favourite blog: A weekend Guide to Leeds: Highlights and Hidden Gems

• A Little Bird

Back in 2010, art and fashion journalists Francesca Martin and Daisy Allsup began blogging about culture, food, home, fashion, kids and Christmas and all. On A Little Bird , you can find luxury fashion finds and tips on what to wear to London parties. You can also read many inspiring interviews with women entrepreneurs, founders and even illustrators!

Our favourite article: Gorgeous Houses to Rent

• Luxury Columnist

Suze Renner is the author of Luxury Columnist , one of the best luxury lifestyle bloggers in the world. Suze writes about her travels and adventures and offers tips and recommendations on having perfect holidays. On top of that, she advises living a luxurious life on any budget. Suze's blog was named one of the top 3 luxury blogs by Vuelio.

Our favourite article: 12 best restaurants in Mayfair, London

• Chérie City

Published in 2009, Chérie City is a UK travel and lifestyle blog created by Neily Marshall, where you can find city guides leading to the best places and hidden gems. Neily shares as much about tiny Paris bistros or neighbourhood cafes than art exhibitions or design hotels, and her blog was featured in Time Out London.

Our favourite article: The best takeaways in London

• A Girl, A Style

Blogger, writer and digital strategist Briony was born in Australia and moved to the UK a decade ago - she currently lives in Cambridge. Besides her blog A Girl, A Style which she started in 2009 to share her favourite things, she worked as a political advisor in Westminster, Canberra, and Washington DC. Today she splits her time between her blog and freelancing, working for various brands. She also writes for Travel + Leisure, Departures, and Fortune Magazines, amongst other projects.

Our favourite article: 20 ways to celebrate the Holidays at home

• Hey! Dip your toes in

Another amazing and award-winning blog is Hey! Dip your toes in . Created by Eulanda and Omo, this blog relates news and guides about travel, food culture, and lifestyle. The authors, based in Kent, believe "identity is not static, and that with every new adventure and experience, we add more fabric to our own".

Our favourite article: Places to book an Igloo Dining Experience in London

• Scarlett London

A published author, aspiring journalist and multi-business owner, Scarlett created her blog ten years ago to share her life events and challenges. On her blog Scarlett London , you can read inspiring articles about travels, moving out, career, relationships, buying a house and even living with a pet. Today, Scarlett's blog is such a big part of her life that it enabled her to travel the world with the support of key sponsored campaigns - she even aired on TV!

Our favourite article: The Ultimate Guide to UK Getaways

• Carl Thompson

Carl Thompson mostly writes for London gentlemen, including advice on men’s fashion, grooming, lifestyle, and anything about what the UK capital offers. Ideas for your shopping list, tips on your finances, resorts, road trips, etc. Carl also gives recommendations to maximise space in London homes and other essential lifestyle advice.

Our favourite article: Top 22 best dressed male influencers in 2022

• Stylish London Living

Kent-based influencer Micaela Burr founded her lifestyle blog Stylish London Living back in 2012 to share her experiences with the world. She writes about travelling, plant-based cooking, reading, and tech on her blog. She also writes genuine reviews to encourage discussion and gives general information about daily life in London. Having graduated with a Master's Degree in Creative Industries (Arts & Media), she also creates DIY step-by-step and home tips, which makes her blog the place to go if you'd like to nail London living!

Our favourite article: 5 Top Tips to Create a Comfortable Apartment

• The London Thing

The interesting fact behind The London Thing is that it all started as practical knowledge. Having lived in London for the past decade, Tania created her blog while studying Marketing as a project alongside her other academic projects. She also felt inspired after visiting multiple cities and values personal opinions more than travel guides, so she decided to provide her readers with real insider knowledge.

Our favourite article: A Visit to VA for a Victorian Afternoon Tea

• Heroine in Heels

Since 2012, Laura - born and raised near Manchester - blogs about her adventures in London and shares her views as a 27-year-old living big city life. She started Heroine in Heels while studying at university, and in 2013 she got a job in London as a Cloud Computer Engineer.

Our favourite article: A very British country road trip

• Kirsty Leanne

Kirsty Leanne 's love for travel began when she first moved to America at only 19 years old. You can find everything from her inspiring escapades to the best travelling tips on her refreshing and colourful blog. Anyone planning a trip somewhere will be interested in this go-to resource, as Kirsty also writes awesome posts about lessons she learned during her journeys.

Our favourite article: A flight attendant's guide to flying while plus size travel

• Amy West Travels

In her travel journal, Ohio-born Amy, a published travel author, aims to "inspire others to take the first step towards a lifelong passion for exploration". She believes travel should be a lifestyle and an ability to get outside your comfort zone. On her blog Amy West Travels , you can access enriching city guides, including London's, some travel expertise, product reviews, and destination insight. 

Our favourite article: 48 hours in London

• Raulerson Girls Travel

Heather is a mature Solo Adventure Traveler exploring the world, one destination at a time. She worked as a full-time engineer for 24 years but left her job for exciting travel experiences. On her blog Raulerson Girls Travel , she writes stories of the places she visits and inspires her audience to use their time off to the fullest.

Our favourite article: The Top 12 Fascinating Things to do in Llandudno

• Diary of a Londoness

Born in Paris, Scarlett studied Creative Writing in Virginia in the US and English Literature in London. Her passion for literature enabled her to speak five languages! Another fun fact? She lives with her husband above one of the oldest riverside pubs in London, and they have three daughters. On her blog Diary of a Londoness , she publishes what's happening at London museums and galleries, writes about theatre plays, cinema and opera and gives suggestions for restaurants, shops and tips for families.

Our favourite article: Cultural things to do in London this December

• Outdoor Scott

Blogger and outdoor lover Leslie Gilmour is from Glasgow, Scotland and currently splits his time between Dublin, Glasgow and Prague. He loves camping, hiking and long walks like the 780km Camino de Santiago across Northern Spain. He happily dedicates his blog Outdoor Scott to his travel and hiking adventures when not out hiking or cycling.

Our favourite article: 8 hiking routes near London

• Sunny in London

A former journalist from Florida, Sunny now lives in London and loves sharing behind-the-scenes views of London’s food, life and culture. Her blog Sunny in London features reviews on top restaurants, hotels, afternoon teas, attractions, events, experiences and more. This is a great resource to start with if you're planning to visit or live in London.

Our favourite article: Major differences in American and British cultures

• Gallivant Girl

Originally from Yorkshire, Anastasia Jones is a doctor and adventure lover who caught the travel bug long ago! She first went on a trip in 2007; since then, she hasn't stopped exploring and has visited over 90 countries. On her blog Gallivant Girl , she has been sharing inspiring content on solo travelling, creative photographs and exciting outdoor trips.

Our favourite article: 20 awesome things to do in Manchester

This is a lovely blog where Amanda Rose started to write about her personal anecdotes while living and working in London. On her blog LDN | ROSE , she shares content related to travel, career tips and fashion guides. She's always loved photography and writing, so having her own blog only felt natural.

Our favourite article: My travel bucket list: the top destinations I'm travelling to in 2022

• Postcards by Hannah

Hannah has worked for a while in the travel industry, first fixing travel arrangements at a luxury safari agency, then selling trips at a major tour operator, but decided to start her own company InstaBritain. As a result, today, she juggles social media management for various travel brands, travelling throughout Britain as much as possible and blogging about her amazing travel life on Postcards from Hannah .

Our favourite article: Best National Trust properties to visit for autumn colours

• Candace Abroad

Since 2016, Candace has been an expat in London - and started her blog at about the same time - featuring practical advice on her blog Candace Abroad and providing travel inspiration to her readers. She created highly engaging Instagram content and in-depth travel guides and aims to constantly reinvent herself with her experiences in the Uk capital.

Our favourite article: How to find work-life balance in London

• Timeless Travel Steps

Timeless Travel Steps was created by travel writer Georgina and offers cultural and historical stories for midlife travellers. If you're looking for the right information ahead of planning your visit to England, bookmark this website: you'll find curated itineraries, guides, recommendations, cultural tours, transport, and more.

Our favourite article: Canterbury Cathedral and the best 16 highlights

• Biggsy Travels

In real life, Steve Biggs Biggsy Travels is a Digital Analyst and a dad. But he also likes to take off to new destinations and blog about it in his free time! On his website created in 2014, Biggsy Travels , he writes about things that - normally - nobody has experienced before. Which can be a challenge when you think about it! But we'll let you find out.

Our favourite article: Hitchin Hoop - walk 12 miles around the town

Ashley’s Footprints

Originally from Newcastle, Ashley studied sciences at the University of Bristol and now works as a Senior Data Consultant in London. Her blog Ashley's Footprints focuses on her travel passion and trips as she shares anecdotes and info alongside London events for those looking to visit the capital.

Our favourite article: 48 hours in Inverness

• Family Friendly London

This vibrant London-based family focuses on the fun to experience as parents and kids in the big city. On their blog Family Friendly London , you'll find posts about parks and gardens, zoos and museums, theatres and markets, and family-friendly adventures in and around London. An excellent resource for family travel!

Our favourite article: Top 10 tips for travelling to London with Family

• Illyana London

In her blog bio, Illyana Mputu defines herself as a "fashion-obsessed" individual as she's been into clothes since a very young age. At 16 years old, she studied Fashion and Fine Arts and then moved to the US to study Political Science and International Relations as she always pictured herself travelling the world; hence her blog Illyana London created in 2016.

Our favourite article: Hotel Review: The Shendish Manor Hotel Experience

• My London Lifestyle

Originally from the Netherlands, in 2016, Marjolein decided to leave her hometown for the metropolitan city life of London. Since then, she created her blog My London Lifestyle , where she writes weekly about the city, new restaurants, events, places to discover, and general tips to ease your London life!

Our favourite article: What to do in Hampstead Heath?

The 51 influencers mentioned in this article:

• Inside The Travel Lab
• In the Frow
• Mrs O Around The World
• Ashley's Footprints

If you know other travel and London bloggers, influencers or writers, feel free to let us know! Meanwhile, we hope this listicle was handy for finding great inspiration ahead of preparing for your next trip to London. And if you liked it, why not share it on your social channels with your followers?

Don't miss out on checking out our exciting London tours and day tours from London to make your experience in England and the capital even more memorable.

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Are you planning the trip of a lifetime to London or a city break to the UK capital? Let us help you plan the best trip ever with our London travel blog.

I’ve spent almost a third of my adult life in London, now as a parent and earlier as a student, but I still look at this city through a visitor’s eyes.

On this page we share all our London resources including the best way to see the city’s classic sights and tourist attractions, places to eat and quirky things to do in London that you might not have thought of.

These ideas are suitable for all visitors – from the littlest members of your family, to seasoned travellers. As a mother I always call out fun things to do with kids in London as well as what is not suitable for children.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR LONDON TRAVEL BLOG

Practical information for helping you plan your trip to London – packing guide, accommodation guide, best apps and more

• A 3 day itinerary:  Classic London
• Where to stay   in London
• What to do in London at  night
• Best ideas for   visiting London with kids
• A  packing list   for London
• Visiting  London in winter
• Best   London apps

‘When you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life’ or so the saying goes, here are some of the many wonderful things to do in London

• Top  London art galleries
• Highlights of the  British Museum
• The  Wallace Collection
• Famous parks and  gardens in London
• London shopping –  souvenirs ,  books and gifts ,  Oxford Street shopping tips, Liberty of London  scarves , and  more
• Celebrating a  London Christmas

Try a uniquely London experience with these properly British tours and activities in the UK capital

• Tour and afternoon tea at the  Houses of Parliament
• A  canal boat ride   to Camden Lock
• Primrose Hill and  Camden walking tour
• East London  street art tour
• In full bloom –  Chelsea Flower Show

My family is winding down a week long trip to London and Edinburgh. The London part I planned using one of your blog posts. Everyone has been so pleased with the attractions and restaurants “I” chose. I had to tell them it was actually your blog that planned it – I just trusted your recommendations. Thank you for helping make our visit to London a happy one! Ann Miller – reader

From afternoon tea to fish and chips and Borough Market, here are some of the best food experiences to be had in London

• The best  coffee in London
• London’s best picks for  quick and tasty meals
• Where to go for  afternoon tea
• Dinner  overlooking Trafalgar Square
• Brunch at  Balthazar   – Covent Garden

Each neighborhood of London has its own quirks and attractions. Dind out more with our guides to the districts of London

• Glorious  Greenwich
• Shoreditch – coming soon
• Soho | Belgravia | Fitzrovia – coming soon

If you’re dreaming of the countryside or quaint towns and villages, take a trip out of London for the day

• Discover the Tudors at  Hampton Court Palace
• The famous university town of Cambridge
• Beachy fun in  Brighton
• A  Jane Austen roadtrip  in Hampshire
• Stepping back in time at  Sutton Hoo
• Visit the seaside at  Whitstable   in Kent
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We could write forever, and we still wouldn’t be able to list all the amazing things to experience as a solo traveler in London. This sprawling city offers up amazement no matter where you go, and it’s one of the best places for a solo adventure—no matter what you like to seek out when you travel. Read on to find out why solo travel to London is always a good idea, and check out some of our staffers and travelers’s favorite things to do in London on a solo trip.

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London travel news LIVE: Delays hit Underground, Overground and DLR on Friday night

LIVE – Updated at 06:49

Delays have hit multiple Tube lines on the Underground during rush hour on Friday night.

The Victoria line is facing delays after a fire scare at Seven Sisters.

The London Fire Brigade was called to reports of smokes coming from the tracks at the north London Tube station but they did not find anything.

This left the line part suspended from King’s Cross St Pancras to Walthamstow Central on Friday afternoon but this stretch is now running again.

The Hammersmith and City line is also experiencing major delays due to a shortage of trains.

Meanwhile, disruption has hit the Central, Circle, Bakerloo and Metropolitan lines, along with the Overground and the DLR.

Follow live updates below.

Severe delays on Victoria Line

Good morning, and welcome to the Standard’s travel live blog.

It’s bad news this morning for those using the Victoria Line, which is experiencing severe delays due to the late finishing of engineering works.

TfL says there are also minor delays on the Central Line due to the ongoing train shortage, but there is a good service on the rest of the Underground network.

No Southeastern trains from Cannon Street or via Greenwich this weekend

No Southeastern trains will run from London Cannon Street or via Greenwich tomorrow or on Sunday, says National Rail, due to engineering works.

Traffic queuing for three miles after M25 crash

A lane of the M25 anticlockwise is closed in north London following a crash near Potters Bar.

Three miles of traffic is queuing following the collision, which involved a lorry and a car, says traffic monitoring system Inrix.

The traffic is tailing back between junction 25 for the A10 (Enfield) and junction 24 for A111 Stagg Hill (Potters Bar).

Minor delays on Victoria Line

Earlier severe delays on the Victoria Line, caused by late-finishing engineering works, have now been downgraded to minor delays.

The TfL says there are also minor delays on the Central and Bakerloo lines due to a shortage of trains, but a good service on all other lines.

Traffic eases on M25 near Potters Bar following crash

Traffic is moving normally again on the M25 anticlockwise near Potters Bar following this morning’s crash, says traffic monitoring system Inrix.

Minor delays on the Bakerloo line

There are minor delays on the Bakerloo line this morning, Transport for London has said.

A shortage of trains has led to the link experiencing some disruption.

TfL has not said when it expects to resolve the issue.

Weekend closures on the A21

Motorists heading into the south east have been warned about A21 closures into Kent this weekend.

There will be weekend closures in the Tonbridge area from 8pm to 6am with further disruption next week.

Details below.

Traffic had stopped on A2 due to police incident

Traffic has been released on the A2 eastbound in Kent between the A227 (Gravesend) and M2, National Highways has said.

“Delays remain in the area but should start to ease,” a statement added.

On Friday morning, the motoway had been brought to a halt due to a police incident. Long queues then formed.

Delays still being shown on the M25

Data from Inrix shows traffic to still be heavy on the M25 after an earlier crash.

The build up is shown between junctions 10 and 11 after the collision between the car and the lorry.

Central line now reporting minor delays

Minor delays due to train cancellations have now led to the Central line experiencing minor delays - Transport for London has said.

All other lines are now operating a good service.

M25 closed from J27 (M11) to J26 (A121)

The M25 has been closed and traffic is stationary from J27 (Epping / M11) to J26 (A121 / Waltham Abbey).

The incident in north, east London, occured after a crash involving a lorry.

Inrix data shows the traffic has stopped just after the Bell Common Tunnel.

Everything is at a standstill as of 1.10pm.

Disruption on the London Overground

The London Overground is disrupted between Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside due to passengers causing a disturbance on a train.

National Rail has warned there could be disruption until 3pm.

Heavy traffic in East London

Heavy traffic is beginning to build in East London, data has shown.

Inrix graphics show that vehicles are moving slowly in East Ham, Beckton and Barking areas.

There has been no associated problem flagged.

M25 now reopen but delays expected

The M25 has now reopened after an earlier crash anticlockwise from J27 (Epping / M11) to J26 (A121/ Waltham Abbey)

This stretch still has congestion to J28 (A12 Brook Street Roundabout) with the opposite side back to J25 (Enfield).

Lanes three and four (of four) remain closed, with recovery under way, Inrix said on Friday around 3pm.

Severe delays on Hammersmith and City line

Severe delays due to train cancellations are currently being felt on the Hammersmith and City line, Transport for London has said.

The entire line from Hammersmith to Barking is marked as impacted.

TfL has not gvien any further detail about the waiting times expected.

Part suspension and severe delays on the Victoria line

Transport for London has said the Victoria line is not running from King’s Cross to Walthamstow Central due to a fire alert at Seven Sisters.

There are severe delays on the rest of the line, south to Brixton.

May wrote on Twitter: “Why is there always some sh*t going on with the Victoria line I just wanna go home.”

Victoria line no longer part suspended

The Victoria line is now running a full service but it is currently severely delayed.

More on the 'fire' at Seven Sisters

The London Fire Brigade said: “Crews responded to reports of smoke issuing from tracks at Seven Sisters Underground Station in Tottenham.

 “Firefighters carried out a systematic search of the track and found no signs of fire or smoke.

 “The Brigade was called at 3.35pm and the incident was over for firefighters at 4.17pm.”

Severe delays to Circle line

There are currently severe delays due to train cancellations.

Victoria line delays now minor

The delays to the Victoria line, which were severe, are now minor.

DLR part suspended

There is currently no service between Gallions Reach and Beckton while we fix a faulty train at Beckton - good service on the rest of the line.

Minor delays to Overground

There are currently minor delays between Stratford and Richmond due to a person getting ill on a train earlier at Hackney Wick.

Bakerloo line severely delayed

There are currently severe delays between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone while Network Rail fixes a signal failure at Harrow & Wealdstone - good service on the rest of the line.

Bakerloo line now part suspended

There is currently no service between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone while we fix a signal failure at Harrow & Wealdstone - good service on the rest of the line.

Overgound delays now severe

The delays between Stratford and Richmond / Clapham Junction, due to a person ill on a train earlier at Hackney Wick, are now severe.

Minor delays to Metropolitan line

There are currently minor delays between Moor Park and Amersham / Chesham due to train cancellations.

That concludes the Evening Standard’s coverage of London travel news, check back in with us on Monday!

Money latest: Tourist tax warning - here are 10 cities in Europe where you'll need to pay

The latest official data on inflation has been released - read all the reaction and analysis on what the numbers could mean for interest rates in the Money blog. Listen to the latest Sky News Daily podcast about inflation as you scroll.

Wednesday 17 April 2024 21:14, UK

• Inflation falls to lowest level since 2021 - but less than predicted
• Ian King analysis: Why an interest rate cut may not come as soon as you think
• Basically... What is inflation - and how can it affect interest rates?
• Spending calculator: Use our tool to see which prices have gone up or down
• Tourist tax warning - here are 10 cities where you'll need to pay

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The day began with the release of the latest inflation figures by the Office for National Statistics at 7am.

Inflation fell to 3.2%, though economists had predicted it would ease further, to 3.1%.

We've dug into the ONS data, which shows that food prices were among the biggest drivers of the inflation drop in March.

This chart, updated with figures released today, shows food and non-alcoholic drinks fell by 0.11 percentage points last month.

"Once again, food prices were the main reason for the fall, with prices rising by less than we saw a year ago," Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said. 

This helped bring inflation to its lowest rate for two-and-a-half years. 

Other big downwards drivers included furniture and household goods, and clothing and footwear. 

At the other end of the scale, the largest upward contributions came from communication and transport. 

 By Mickey Carroll , science and technology reporter

"I had just woken up and I got an email that said, 'We're going to have a company-wide meeting'. I knew right away."

James (not his real name) was visiting his family earlier this year when he saw the message.

"I started thinking about everything I was set to lose."

He had worked as a game designer at one of the UK's biggest video game studios for nearly a decade. It was a job he loved and had dreamt of since he was nine years old. But recently he had been worried.

All around him, friends in the gaming industry were being let go.

"My mind was racing, what could I do? I wasn't going to be the only one job-seeking at the moment because there were so many layoffs. They all happened at the same time."

He went to the meeting, where his worst fears were confirmed. The company's chief executive said around 25% of people at the studio would be cut. James was one of them.

Gaming is an anxious world right now. There's been more than 8,000 jobs cut globally since the start of this year and in March, the number of available jobs in the UK hit a record low, according to the report Games Jobs Live.

But in London, as the BAFTA Games Awards 2024 rolled around last week, gamers could just enjoy themselves.

Read the full story here ... 

B&M has said it will open at least 45 stores across the UK in the next year. 

It comes after the discount chain recorded a 10.1% revenue increase in its 2023/24 financial year, with its UK arm seeing sales rise by 8.5% to £4.4bn. 

The company currently trades from 741 stores in the UK under the B&M brand, 335 stores under the Heron Foods and B&M Express brands, and from 124 stores in France.

Chief executive Alex Russo said the group's "relentless focus on everyday low prices, great product ranges and excellence in operational standards" had chimed with customers.

Miss getting a Tango Ice Blast at the cinema? Well, its creator has announced it's releasing limited edition drinks in their iconic flavours. 

The fizzy frozen treat has slowly been disappearing from cinemas since 2019 when Cineworld stopped selling it, and opted to replace it with the Icee product created by Vimto. 

Fans have been disappointed by the decision since then and it seems its owner Britvic has finally produced a drink to satiate their taste buds. 

The drinks company has unveiled its new Tango Raspberry Blast and Cherry Blast drinks, which will be sold exclusively in convenience stores. 

The on-the-go, vegan friendly soft drink will be available from 22 April. 

"Tango's latest launch will look to engage Gen Z shoppers with its bold flavours, striking colours and eye-catching packaging," Britvic said. 

"We expect the launch to appeal to fans of the brand who have come to expect something bold and different from Tango, while attracting new shoppers too." 

Some drivers are being charged nearly 40% APR when paying for their car insurance monthly, according to Which?. 

The consumer champion asked 39 car insurers what APRs were being applied to monthly payments and, while many didn't respond, it found several that were charging similar interest rates to credit cards.

Among those that did respond, Which? found that 1st Central charges between 5% and 39.11%.

It gives customers a personal interest rate after a credit risk assessment, Which? said.

1st Central said: "We understand it is important to customers that we keep the price of insurance as low as possible - and benchmarking tells us that we are competitive for both annual premiums and for those that wish to pay monthly through a credit arrangement.

"We offer a range of APRs from 5% to enable us to provide credit to as many customers wishing to pay monthly as possible, including those with low or poor credit scores. Over the past quarter less than 2% of customers paid our highest APR."

The average rate offered by insurers was found to be 23.37%.

Only two car insurers asked - NFU Mutual and Hiscox - said they do not charge interest on monthly repayments.

What about home insurance?  

Which? also looked into the rates being charged on home insurance and found some insurers were charging nearly 35% APR on monthly payments. 

The highest rate in the study was from Co-op Insurance, which charges between 31.31% to 34.75% APR on monthly payments.

The average across the providers that charge a rate and disclosed it was 23%.

Co-op Insurance works with partners to provide insurance cover - and it said it is looking to reduce rates where possible. It added that it chose to share its rates with Which? as it is committed to transparency.

Fifteen home insurance providers surveyed said they do not charge interest: Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Hiscox, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, MBNA, M&S Bank, Nationwide Building Society, NFU Mutual, SAGIC, Sainsbury's Bank, Santander, TSB, Urban Jungle and Yorkshire Building Society.

Nearly one in five first-time buyers are now in their 40s, data from Santander has shown. 

Around 6,000 agreement in principles were completed for people aged 40-49 by Santander in 2024 alone, its homeownership report found. 

The oldest person to get their foot on the property ladder was 67 - nearly double the average first time buyer age of 36. 

Graham Sellar, head of business development, mortgages at Santander, said there were a number of reasons more people were opting to rent or live with their families until later in life.

"At Santander, we know it can be challenging to save for a deposit and get onto the property ladder, especially for those also juggling rental payments," he said. 

"However, we are here to help our customers in whatever ways we can - at whatever stage of life." 

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs, top bloggers or critics to pick their favourite cheap eats where they live and at home. 

This week we've got the popular food blogger Pam Gilmour, better known as Glasgowfoodgeek, who has more than 57,000 followers on Instagram. 

Can you tell us your favourite places in Glasgow where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

Ramen Dayo - if you're looking for cheap but delicious eats, you can't go wrong with a filling ramen, and Ramen Dayo is the best in the city.

Owner Paul lived in Japan for years, so he knows great ramen. 

With massive bowls of soup coming in at around £13 I know I'm going to leave stuffed but so happy.

La Pastina - no one stuffs a sub like La Pastina, which makes sandwiches so big that you can keep half for dinner.

Packed with layers of cold cuts and toppings, this Italian sandwich shop is a great stop if you're looking for a to-go lunch.

The Bordain is a masterpiece, and definitely buy one of their made-in-house cakes.

El Perro Negro - if you're looking for the best burger in Glasgow you won't go far wrong visiting award-winning El Perro Negro, where you can enjoy a classic burger and side of fries for just £13.

The flavour and quality will absolutely blow your socks off.  My favourite is the signature juicy Top Dog burger.

Read all our Cheap Eats recommendations around the UK  here ...

Some Scottish Power customers are set to receive refunds and compensation payments after the energy firm was found to have overcharged them at the height of the energy crisis. 

The energy firm charged 1,699 direct debit customers a higher rate between 2015 and 2023 - across 11 price cap periods. 

The rate should only have applied to those who pay by standard credit, or on receiving a bill.

On average, each customer paid an extra £149 more than they should have. 

Energy regulator Ofgem said Scottish Power was paying a total of £250,000 in direct refunds to affected customers as well as another £250,000 in goodwill payments. 

This equates to an average of £294 per customer, and all payments will be made automatically. 

Ofgem said Scottish Power reported itself to the regulator last summer, when it discovered that operational errors had led to the mistake.

Scottish Power has also agreed to pay £1m to Ofgem's Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Fund, which benefits charities and community projects that help vulnerable customers with energy-related support.

Travellers have been warned trips abroad will cost more this year as cities across Europe increase tourist taxes.

Tourism taxes range anywhere between less than €1 to almost €15 and can be charged per person per night.

People looking to book a trip abroad are being encouraged to incorporate additional costs into their holiday budget to avoid being left out of pocket.

Travel insurance expert Tiffany Mealiff said the fees allow cities to fund measures to attract more visitors, support local infrastructure and prevent problems caused by overtourism. 

"If you’re taking a trip to any city in Europe this year, you must be aware of the potential additional costs to your holiday – which are often not obvious beforehand and normally due for payment when you check out of your accommodation," Ms Mealiff, from Quotezone.co.uk, said. 

Here are some of the charges in popular European destinations:

Tourists visiting Venice for the day will have to pay a €5 (£4.27) entry fee to enter the city between the hours of 8.30am and 4.00pm. The scheme is currently going through a trial period, but it is expected to come fully into force in next year.

Manchester 

The city introduced a £1 per room per night tourist tax across 73 hotels to fund improvement measures to attract more tourists.

A recent increase to the existing tourist fee means visitors now pay €3.25 (£2.78), up from €2.75 (£2.35), to stay in some accommodation. 

The Portuguese capital enforces a €2 (£1.71) per person fee for every night tourists stay but it is only applied for a maximum of seven nights. 

Tourist tax in Athens varies depending on the hotel category and the time of year, ranging anywhere from €0.50 (43p) - €10 (£8.54) per room per night.

Visitors to Dubrovnik must pay €2.65 (£2.26) per person per night throughout April to September. The Croatian government has temporarily reduced this fee to €1.86 (£1.59) for the rest of this year.

France charges visitors a tourist tax, which varies depending on the type of accommodation. The most expensive charge is €14.95 (£12.77). Those staying in a typical four-star hotel are charged around €8 (£6.83).

For visitors to Prague, tourist tax has increased from 21 to 50 CZK each day (71p - £1.69).

Tourists staying in Budapest are charged an additional 4% each night, which is calculated based on the price of the room.

Tourists must now pay 5% of the room price, excluding VAT and service fees. 

Prices in March were 3.2% higher than prices at the same time last year, putting pressure on already stretched household budgets.

This figure, the lowest since 2021, is inching closer to the Bank of England's 2% target.

Food prices rising by less than they did last year was the biggest driver of March's overall inflation rate fall. That was partly offset by fuel prices rising this year when they were falling in March 2023.

A fall in inflation doesn't mean prices are coming down, but that they're rising less quickly.

Use our calculator to see how much your groceries, clothing and leisure activities have increased in cost.

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Solo travel: the 'ultimate indulgence in 2024'

Why more of us are choosing to go on holiday on our own

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The number of holidaymakers choosing to go it alone is rising, whether in escorted groups, or independently. And it is an active choice, not forced by an inability to find a travelling companion. 

"Rather than a function of necessity or compromise, holidaying alone has become the ultimate indulgence in 2024: a rare chance in this ultra-demanding world to put one's own needs and priorities first," said the London Evening Standard .

"Regardless of life stage or relationship status", many more people are taking solo trips, "not because they have to – but because they want to", said the newspaper. 

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And one factor fuelling the independent travel trend may be an after-effect of the pandemic's enforced isolation, which "emboldened" people with a 'now or never' attitude", rendering them "more confident than ever about spending time in solitude".

And that solitude can have benefits for our wellbeing. Research by Netta Weinstein, a professor of psychology and clinical language sciences at the University of Reading, has shown that there is a big difference between imposed solitude and chosen solitude, reported The Guardian .

"Having space gives us time to connect with ourselves, and connecting with ourselves benefits our wellbeing," said Weinstein. A key factor appears to be the sense of autonomy we get from being alone. "What we found was that, on any given day when people felt autonomous and competent in solitude, they feel better on that day," she added.

According to an Abta report, 16% of travellers went on holiday by themselves in the year to August 2023, compared to 11% during the previous year, said Travel Weekly . In the 35-44 age group, the proportion of solo travellers more than doubled to 13% in 2023 from just 6% in 2022.

The main attraction of a solo trip is being able to do what you want, when you want. Being on your own is a "chance to really savour the world around you – at your own pace", said Annabelle Thorpe in The Observer . There are "no compromises to be made, no itineraries discussed; get up when you want, eat what you fancy, do nothing or everything, talk to the friendly person next to you at breakfast, or pop in your headphones and ignore them completely". 

And this freedom can bring a change in behaviour. "When I'm travelling alone, I become the best version of myself," said Thorpe: "the most decisive, the most charming, the most curious. I see more, go further, strike up conversations with people I'll never meet again, yet always remember."

And it's not just for single people. For those in a relationship, differing work patterns and destination preferences also play a part. "Like many women who travel alone, I have a partner, but his life is a lot less flexible than mine and he doesn't always want the kinds of breaks I do," said Joanna Moorhead in The Guardian.

Research by online travel agent Opodo.com in 2023 revealed that 41% of us prefer to travel alone, reported The Telegraph . "It puts us in control of decision-making", giving us the option "to linger for hours in a museum without our partners or children having a meltdown, or to undertake a lung-busting hike to the top of a mountain to be made small by nature when our close ones prefer the indoors". 

And apart from the sightseeing, solo travel "gives us tranquil time for personal reflection and growth".

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Adrienne Wyper has been a freelance sub-editor and writer for The Week's website and magazine since 2015. As a travel and lifestyle journalist, she has also written and edited for other titles including BBC Countryfile, British Travel Journal, Coast, Country Living, Country Walking, Good Housekeeping, The Independent, The Lady and Woman’s Own.

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

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• Amy Winehouse

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• Trivia Marisa Abela did all the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

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