London is a world city built from villages. Each neighbourhood – Westminster, Covent Garden, the City, South Bank, Notting Hill – has its own character, and between them you will find palaces, markets, parks and some of the greatest museums on Earth.
Why visit London
Many of London’s best museums are free: the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum, Tate Modern and more. Add the royal sights, the West End theatres and the parks, and it is easy to fill a week.
Top things to do in London
Westminster
Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then a walk to Buckingham Palace through St James’s Park.
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
A thousand years of history, the Crown Jewels and the Yeoman Warders – with Tower Bridge right next door.
The great museums
The British Museum in Bloomsbury and the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, both free.
St Paul’s Cathedral
Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, with views from the dome over the City.
The South Bank
A riverside walk from the London Eye to Tate Modern and Borough Market.
Covent Garden and the West End
Street performers, shops and the theatres of the West End.
Best time to visit London
Late spring and summer bring long days and the parks at their best. Autumn is quieter, and December has Christmas lights and markets. Rain is possible at any time: pack a light umbrella.
Getting to and around London
London has several airports; the Elizabeth line and the Heathrow Express link Heathrow to the centre, and fast trains serve Gatwick and Stansted. In the city, use the Underground and buses: pay with a contactless card or phone, and daily fares are capped.
What to eat in London
A Sunday roast in a pub, fish and chips, afternoon tea, and the food from all over the world in markets like Borough Market.
London travel tips
- Book timed tickets for the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.
- Stand on the right on Underground escalators.
- Check opening days: churches open for worship only on Sundays.
