Things To Do
in London
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a vibrant metropolis blending centuries of history with cutting-edge modernity. Iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament stand alongside contemporary attractions like the London Eye and the Shard. A melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and languages, the city offers world-class museums, theaters, and galleries, many of which are free to enter.
Whether strolling along the Thames, exploring colorful neighborhoods, or sampling global dishes, London captivates every traveler.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touchdown at Heathrow Airport marks the start of your London adventure and you’ll glide into town by Heathrow Express or Heathrow Connect. Upon arrival in Covent Garden, drop your bags at a stylish boutique hotel and take a moment to freshen up. Step out and meander through the cobbled piazzas, lively street performers, and designer boutiques to set the tone for exploration.
Lunch at a classic British spot in Covent Garden energizes you for an orientation walking tour. You’ll wander past Trafalgar Square, Admiralty Arch, and the Carpenter’s Arms Pub before reaching the Mall. As you stroll along The Mall, you soak in the regal ambiance leading up to Buckingham Palace.
Savor a traditional pub dinner with fish and chips or bangers and mash at a historic gastropub in Soho. Cap off the night with a West End show under the glittering lights of Leicester Square. A nightcap at a hidden speakeasy rounds out the perfect first evening in London.
Begin your day witnessing the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Arrive early at the palace forecourt to secure a prime viewing spot as the guards march in full regalia. Listen to the fanfare and watch the precision drills that have defined royal tradition for centuries.
Head to Westminster Abbey to marvel at its Gothic architecture and royal tombs, exploring the Poet’s Corner. After that, stroll across the River Thames via Westminster Bridge for scenic views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Grab fish and chips or a gourmet street food dish at Southbank Centre Food Market for a riverside lunch.
Board a sunset cruise on the Thames to see London’s skyline glow from the water, passing under famous bridges. Disembark near Covent Garden and indulge in a gourmet dinner at one of the world-class restaurants in the Piazza. End the night with cocktails at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated London Eye.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer | $5-8 |
| 🎟️West End theatre ticket | $50-120 |
| 🚇Single Tube fare | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and world-class museums
- Excellent public transportation
- Diverse food and cultural scene
- Vibrant nightlife
- High cost of accommodation and dining
- Unpredictable weather
- Crowded tourist spots
- Occasional transport strikes
Places to Visit in London
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic bascule bridge best photographed at sunrise or sunset from the south bank.
Classic shot from Westminster Bridge looking back at the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower.
Capture the dome from Millennium Bridge or inside from the Whispering Gallery for dramatic angles.
Colorful pastel houses and Portobello Road market offer a vibrant, Instagram-friendly backdrop.
Food in London
London Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy battered cod or haddock with chunky chips, best enjoyed at a classic chippy in neighborhoods like Soho or Covent Garden.
Must-Try!
Eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans and toast served in cafes across the city, especially in Marylebone.
A ritual of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries, served at hotels like The Ritz or The Savoy.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods and international street food stalls.
Eclectic mix of international foods—from Venezuelan arepas to Japanese takoyaki—with canal-side seating.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always join the back of the line and wait your turn at bus stops, ticket counters and shops.
Being on time is appreciated for tours, restaurant bookings and meetups.
A reserved, polite tone is standard; say “please” and “thank you” frequently.
Avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and keep a respectful distance.
Safety
Tipping in London
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10–15% tip is customary in sit-down restaurants if service isn’t included; round up in taxis and leave small change in pubs.
Contactless cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; cash (GBP) is still used for markets and small shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather with blooming cherry blossoms in Kew Gardens; occasional showers—carry an umbrella.
Warm temperatures around 20–25 °C (68–77 °F), long daylight hours, ideal for parks and rooftop bars.
Cooler days and golden foliage in parks; season of harvest festivals at food markets.
Chilly, damp weather with temperatures around 3–8 °C (37–46 °F), plus festive Christmas markets and ice rinks.
London at Night
Hiking in London
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ancient woodland 20 km northeast, with trails, ponds and deer sightings.
Designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering rolling hills and quaint villages 40 km southwest.
Gentle chalk escarpments and beechwood scenery 60 km northwest, ideal for long walks.
Airports
How to reach London by plane.
Major international hub 25 km west of central London, connected by the Heathrow Express train and Piccadilly Tube line.
Second-largest airport 45 km south of the city, served by Gatwick Express to Victoria Station.
Small airport in the Docklands, convenient for business travelers, connected by the Docklands Light Railway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Over 300 languages spoken; large communities of Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian and Eastern European origin.
Vibrant scene centered in Soho, with annual Pride parade in June attracting millions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to world-famous clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur with matches at Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge.
Historic games at Lord’s Cricket Ground, known as the ‘Home of Cricket.’
Wimbledon hosts the oldest tennis tournament in the world every summer.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting London.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pubs and restaurants offer vegetarian roasts, pies and street-food options; look for dedicated meat-free menus.
Wide vegan scene with specialty cafés such as Temple of Seitan and vegan brunch spots in Dalston.
Gluten-free breads and pastries are available at major chains, and many gastropubs accommodate gluten-free diets.