London Travel Guide: Insider tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to explore
Planning a trip to England’s capital? This London Travel Guide covers what to see, eat, and pack, and the best time to visit.
London is one of those cities that lives up to its reputation as a world-class travel destination—and then some. England’s capital packs royal palaces, best-in-class museums, medieval towers, and some of Europe’s best markets into a city center that’s easy to navigate and fun to explore. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to go deeper, this London Travel Guide covers everything you need to know: the best things to do in London, when to visit, what to eat, what to pack, and how to find the experiences that go beyond the obvious. Here’s what you need to know before you go and how to see the best of it on one of our London tours.
London travel basics
Currency: London uses pound sterling, not the euro. You’ll hear locals refer to one pound as a “quid,” the British equivalent of calling a dollar a “buck” in the United States. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including on the subway and buses, though having some cash for smaller cafes and markets is always useful.
Language: English is the official language, though you’ll quickly notice distinctly British vocabulary, spelling, and expressions that give the city its character.
Best way to get around: London’s underground transportation network is famously known as the Tube. If you want to make the most of your time in London, make sure to buy an Oyster Card, which allows you to travel throughout London using multiple public transportation methods.
Phrases to know: Although Brits speak English, they have plenty of their own slang worth learning before you arrive. “Fancy a cuppa?” means “Would you like a cup of tea?” If you’re exhausted after a long day, you’re “knackered.” “Cheers” functions as thank you, goodbye, and a toast. And if someone asks if you’re “alright,” it’s a greeting, not a genuine inquiry into your wellbeing. (Want to speak like a local? “Alright, yeah” is the correct response.)
The best time to visit London
What is the best time to visit London? London is a genuine year-round destination. The city has enough indoor attractions, seasonal events, and covered markets to keep any trip to London packed regardless of the weather. That said, each season has a distinct character, and the best time to visit London depends on what you’re after.
Visit London in the spring for blooming parks, longer days, and ideal weather for exploring on foot
April through June brings mild temperatures (typically 55-65 F), longer daylight hours, and London’s royal parks in full bloom. Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and St. James’s Park are spectacular in May. Crowds haven’t hit summer peaks, making this the best time to visit London for first-time travelers—lines are manageable, and the energy is easy and unhurried.
Visit London in the summer for open-air events and rooftop bars
June through August is London’s liveliest season: long days in the 60s-70s F, open-air theater in the parks, rooftop bars with skyline views, and a festive energy that fills every neighborhood. It’s also the busiest time of year with the longest lines. Visit major London landmarks early in the morning and use the city’s world-class museums as a midday retreat.
Visit London in the fall for crisp mornings and cozy evenings in historic pubs
September and October offer an ideal balance of mild weather, with temperatures in the 50s-60s F, and thinning crowds. Parks turn golden, London’s theaters and museums shed summer crowds, and pub culture becomes increasingly appealing as evenings cool. Lower prices and easier reservations make fall one of the smartest times to plan a London itinerary.
Visit London in the winter for holiday festivities and peaceful sightseeing
December through February is London’s quietest, most affordable season. Christmas markets create a festive atmosphere, and January and February bring the shortest lines at iconic sites. Snow is rare, but temps hover in the 30s and 40s, so pack waterproof layers. Try our Off-Peak United Kingdom: Edinburgh & London tour for this more relaxed city experience.
Discover London in every season
What to see in London
There’s no shortage of famous things to do in London, and our expert local guides make sure you don’t miss a single one on our London tours. These are some of the must-see places that define the city. See our guide to the best places to visit in London for a deeper look.
Buckingham Palace
One of the most iconic places to visit in London, Buckingham Palace is the official royal residence. Check it out on our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour and time your visit to catch the famous Changing of the Guard for one of the city’s most watched (and free!) traditions.
London Eye
For the best view of London, the top of the London Eye Ferris wheel offers it. Plus, you’ll get to sit in an enclosed, air-conditioned capsule for your viewing experience. Join the London Eye & Pub Dinner excursion on our London & Paris tour for a new perspective on the city.
Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. Walk across the lower level, or check out the Tower Bridge Exhibition for skyline views and glass-floor walkways. Visit during free time on our Highlights of Southern England: London, Bath & Oxford tour.
Westminster Abbey
The coronation church of the British monarchy since 1066, Westminster Abbey is also the burial place of monarchs, Chaucer, Darwin, Dickens, Newton, and Hawking. The Gothic interior and Poets’ Corner alone merit a long visit. Admire it with your group on our London, Paris & Rome tour.
Big Ben
The iconic clock tower is a must on a tour of London and a given in any London travel guide. Big Ben is actually the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower—a distinction locals love pointing out. See our guide to the things you probably didn’t know about Big Ben to learn more.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the world’s largest occupied castle. Founded by William the Conqueror, it’s been a royal retreat for 900 years. About an hour west of the city, it’s one of the best day trips from London. Add the Windsor Castle excursion to any of our London tours.
Get inspired for your London trip
What to eat and drink in London
London is one of Europe’s great food cities. The food scene goes far beyond classic English fare, but traditional dishes are still some of the most memorable. From hearty pub fare to afternoon tea, these are the dishes worth seeking out on your next tour of London.
Fish & chips
You’ll find this iconic dish on the menu in most of the classic English restaurants and pubs. White fish is lightly breaded and fried to perfection and served with a side of crispy chips (or fries), to make for the perfect lunch or dinner.
Sunday roast
Less a dish than a weekly ritual, you really can’t go wrong with this traditional spread. Your plate will be filled with a few main components: meat, like medium-rare roast beef or chicken, brown gravy, Yorkshire pudding (called popovers in the U.S.), roast potatoes, and a vegetable side like peas.
Beef pie
Savory pies are a British pub staple with a long history. The classic is slow-braised beef, mushrooms, and ale beneath a pastry lid, served with mashed potatoes and gravy. They’re found on virtually every London pub menu and make excellent cold-weather fare.
Tea
Another of England’s staples that’s as much an experience as a beverage. Afternoon tea is one of the most quintessentially British things to do in London. Enjoy a cuppa on the Kensington Palace & Afternoon Tea excursion on our Off-Peak United Kingdom: Edinburgh & London tour.
An English breakfast
Also called a full breakfast or a fry-up: bacon, sausages, eggs, grilled tomatoes, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast, sometimes with black pudding and a potato dish known as bubble and squeak. Substantial enough to carry you through a full day of sightseeing.
Scones
Scones are denser than an American biscuit, made with eggs and butter, and meant to be split and topped with clotted cream and jam. They’re best from a bakery or as part of an afternoon tea service. The order of cream and jam application is a regional debate, but in London, either order is accepted.
Fun things to do in London
Beyond the famous landmarks, some of the best things to do in London are everyday experiences. If you’re wondering “What are the best things to do in London?” start with its squares, parks, markets, and neighborhoods. They’re the places where London feels most distinctly itself.
Stroll through Trafalgar Square
Among the best places to visit in London is Trafalgar Square, one of the city’s great public spaces. It was named after the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar and neighbors the National Gallery, one of the finest free art museums in the world—home to works by Vermeer, Turner, Constable, and Van Gogh.
Visit Hyde Park
At 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in central London. Visit during a free afternoon on a tour of London to explore tree-lined paths, formal gardens, open grassland, and the Serpentine lake with its contemporary art gallery. In the summer, the park hosts major concerts and events.
Grab a bite at Borough Market
The oldest food market in London, Borough Market has operated in some form since the 11th century. Open Thursday through Saturday, around 100 stalls sell artisan bread, cheese, seafood, and street food from around the world. Unsurprisingly, it tops our list of can’t miss markets to visit in London.
Visit St. James Park
The most central of London’s royal parks sits between Buckingham Palace and Westminster. Its small lake has been home to a pelican colony since 1664, and the view from its bridge toward the palace is one of the most photographed in the city. St. James’s Palace sits on the park’s northern edge.
Cross Abbey Road
The zebra crossing (crosswalk) outside Abbey Road Studios was immortalized on the 1969 Beatles album cover, and visitors have been recreating the photo ever since. Snap a pic on our Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland tour before heading to Liverpool, where The Beatles’ story began.
These London tours leave travelers positively chuffed
Souvenirs to buy in London
The best souvenirs from London are the ones that connect to something you actually experienced there. You’ll have ample time to pick up a few of these before you leave during stops like the Covent Market visit on our London, Paris & Rome for Solo Women Travelers tour.
A tea tin
British tea quality is noticeable, and London’s proper tea shops are a different category from supermarket brands. A decorated tin from Fortnum & Mason (established 1707) doubles as a souvenir once the tea is finished. Their Royal Blend and Afternoon Tea are reliable blends that travel well.
Union Jack merchandise
The Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom, appears on more products in London than anywhere else. A mug, tote, or pin makes an easy souvenir. It’s worth looking beyond the tourist shop racks for versions actually made in the U.K.
Gin
London has a distinguished gin history and a thriving craft distillery scene. A bottle of London Dry gin from a city distillery makes an excellent gift. Look for Sipsmith, Beefeater, or Jensen’s Old Tom Gin at shops across the city.
An umbrella
A practical and appropriate London souvenir. James Smith & Sons on New Oxford Street has sold quality umbrellas since 1830—the Victorian shopfront is worth visiting even if you don’t buy anything.
What to pack for a trip to London
London’s weather is famously unpredictable, and packing for a trip to London is less about the season and more about being prepared for changeable weather. A single day can bring sunshine, wind, and drizzle, so versatile layers and rain-ready essentials will make your trip far more comfortable.
Windproof umbrella
Drizzle is part of the quintessential London experience, but London rain tends to arrive with wind, which will best a standard lightweight umbrella within a few blocks. Pack a compact but wind-resistant model or pick one up as a souvenir when you arrive.
Raincoat
A packable waterproof layer handles the drizzle that comes and goes throughout a London day more comfortably than an umbrella for extended time outdoors. It’s essential for park days, Thames walks, and any autumn or winter sightseeing.
UK power adapter
The U.K. uses a three-pronged plug, different from both the European two-prong and the North American standard. Order one before you travel—it’s easy to forget and genuinely disruptive if you do. Most electronics handle the voltage difference automatically.
Layers
London temperatures can shift significantly within a single day. A light base, a mid-layer sweater or fleece, and a waterproof outer layer cover most conditions year-round. Layers are more flexible than a single heavy coat and easier to manage across a full day of sightseeing.
Prepare for your trip to London
London travel FAQs
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