London

Travel Guide
Tower Bridge showing a bridge, a monument and heritage architecture

London Travel Guide Video

London is dizzyingly vast, thrillingly cosmopolitan and packed with culture at every turn there is no other city quite like it.

Take a trip in the London Eye, the giant wheel that sits on the banks of the River Thames, to get a sense of what makes London such an amazing city. Look below you to see immediately recognizable landmarks and streets bursting with life. As well as offering unparalleled sightseeing and culture, London today also promises a thriving foodie scene and peaceful parks, for when you need to escape the restless rush of the city.

Visit the Museum of London to find out about the fascinating story of Britain’s capital city. Learn about its origins at the Roman settlement Londinium, as well as the invasions and occupations that shaped the city in the following two millennia.

One of the best ways to spend your time in London is hopping between its numerous world-class museums and galleries, most of which are free to enter. The British Museum and the National Gallery are two of the most famous, but there are dozens more to discover. Learn about the history of healthcare in the Wellcome Collection or chart the story of design in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Saatchi Gallery also offer hours of entertainment.

The U.K.’s capital has no shortage of iconic landmarks, from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament. Meet the silent, stoic soldiers that stand outside Buckingham Palace and encounter the crown jewels at the Tower of London.

Modern London hosts a thriving arts scene that every visitor needs to experience. Amble along Southbank to pass the Tate Modern, the British Film Institute and the National Theatre. Book tickets to see world-famous musicals in the theatres of the West End. Alternatively, seek out something more classical at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden for a night of extravagant entertainment.

Travel to London at any time of year, although wrap up in waterproofs if visiting in the rainy winter months between November and February. While the London Underground makes getting around easy, the city center is also an exciting area to explore on foot.

Where to stay in London

Carnaby Street which includes a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

5/5(33 area reviews)

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are a few top attractions in London City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, stunning river views, and acclaimed art galleries.

London City Centre
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(4,574 area reviews)

Buckingham Palace and Big Ben are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster
The City of London which includes a skyscraper, heritage architecture and a sunset

The City of London

4.5/5(808 area reviews)

The City of London is highly notable for its stunning cathedral, and you might want to visit top sights like St. Paul's Cathedral and Liverpool Street. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bank Underground Station or St. Paul's Underground Station.

The City of London
London featuring signage, heritage elements and markets

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colorful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighborhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
West End showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes

West End

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in West End. Hop around the city on the metro at Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station or Oxford Circus Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries.

West End
Kensington Gardens which includes a park

Kensington

4.5/5(2,799 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, beautiful gardens, and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Kensington. Top attractions like Hyde Park and Kensington High Street are major draws. Catch the metro at High Street Kensington Station or Notting Hill Gate Underground Station to see more of the city.

Kensington
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is ¥23,568 per night from Apr 7 to Apr 8
¥23,568
per night
Apr 7 - Apr 8
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,202 reviews)
"The location, cleanliness, staff"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

The Tower Hotel, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is ¥28,080 per night from Mar 25 to Mar 26
¥28,080
per night
Mar 25 - Mar 26
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,964 reviews)
"Travelled from Northern Ireland and was delighted to be able to check in straight away"

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥32,245 per night from Mar 24 to Mar 25
¥32,245
per night
Mar 24 - Mar 25
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,500 reviews)
Wow!
"We had a wonderful stay in our beautiful room with a Big Ben view! We were upgraded from a studio to a suit which was just an amazing gift…thank you! Staff were efficient & polite. We couldn’t stay at the Park Plaza without ordering a pizza to our room, very tasty! Thank you for another memorable ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Leman Locke
Leman Locke
4 out of 5
15 Leman St, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,321 reviews)
"It was super clean and the staff were helpful and polite."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Leman Locke
Locke At Broken Wharf
Locke At Broken Wharf
4 out of 5
Broken Quay House, 2 Broken Wharf, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
"I would recommend Locke at Broken Wharf with my whole heart! I showed up five hours before my checkout time expecting to ask for my bags to be held and my room was already ready for me. The reception staff were all incredibly kind, patient, and accommodating and I have genuinely never had a better ..."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Locke At Broken Wharf
Bermonds Locke
Bermonds Locke
4.5 out of 5
157 Tower Bridge Road, London, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (300 reviews)
"Such a great place to stay and will definitely recommend to family and friends who are visiting London in the future. The location is quiet, safe, clean, and trendy. The staff were all very friendly and quick to answer our questions."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Bermonds Locke
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of London

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
8436
" "5 - Excellent 67.63951250801796%
4 - Good
3439
" "4 - Good 27.573765234124437%
3 - Okay
505
" "3 - Okay 4.049069916613214%
2 - Disappointing
63
" "2 - Disappointing 0.505131494547787%
1 - Terrible
29
" "1 - Terrible 0.2325208466966004%

5/5 - Excellent

S.Brewer
May 12, 2020

I Love London it's my favorite city to visit, I would live in or near there if I was ever given the chance!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 27, 2020

This is a very beautiful country. The gateway to Europe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 9, 2020

I love London as a city. I grew up near New York City and it reminds me a lot of New York. We have direct flights from Orlando to London so Its not too much of a hassle to get there. Love it and looking forward to returning!

5/5 - Excellent

Remy
Apr 1, 2020

Go with someone special to you. it makes all the difference :)

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Mar 28, 2020

If you are using tube/underground for getting around be prepared for a lot of stairs!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 25, 2020

This was our first time in London and we loved it. It was unfortunate that it was just before the COVID-19 shutdown, but that worked to our advantage since it was less crowded than usual. We loved staying in Trafalgar Square and loved the sites.

Cities near London