Sandra Avila
3 weeks ago
Great treatment, great staff that organizes your trip, excellent!
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Destination guide
London: royalty, museums and markets along the Thames
From the chime of Big Ben to the stalls of Borough Market, London shifts character with every neighbourhood. Royal palaces, free museums, West End theatres and vast green parks sit side by side in a capital best explored on foot and by Tube. This guide places you in the city and helps you decide where to stay.
Destination guide
What to see and do
The destination's essentials, hand-picked to spark your trip.
Tower of London
A medieval fortress on the Thames guarding the Crown Jewels and nine centuries of history, watched over by the Beefeaters and their famous ravens.
The British Museum
One of the world's great collections, home to the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon marbles and vast Egyptian galleries. Like many British national museums, its permanent collection is free to enter.
The Royal Parks
Hyde Park, St James's and Regent's Park form a green lung in the very centre, perfect for rowing on the Serpentine, spotting squirrels or resting between sights.
The West End
London's theatre heartland packs musicals and plays into a cluster of stages rivalling Broadway, around Leicester Square and Covent Garden.
Borough Market
Under the railway arches beside the Thames, this historic market gathers cheeses, breads, spices and street food from around the world. The city's finest food outing.
South Bank and the London Eye
The riverside walk offers the best views of Westminster and Parliament, with the London Eye turning slowly as a giant observation wheel above the skyline.
When to go
London is a year-round city, but its weather is famous for changing within hours. Rain or shine, pack layers and something waterproof.
Spring (March-May)
The parks bloom and temperatures turn mild. Until Easter the crowds stay thin and the days lengthen, making it one of the best times to wander without the rush.
Summer (June-August)
Long days, riverside terraces and a calendar packed with open-air festivals. This is the liveliest, busiest season, with the warmest weather, though rarely sweltering.
Autumn (September-November)
The parks turn golden and the summer crowds fade. The theatre season gets going and cosy pubs beckon as the first chill sets in.
Winter (December-February)
Cold, grey and dark early, but magical: Christmas lights, ice rinks, snug pubs and museums almost to yourself. The best season to enjoy London indoors.
Destination guide
Where to stay
The neighbourhoods and areas with the most charm to stay in.
Westminster and the West End
Postcard London, beside Big Ben, the Abbey and the theatres. Perfect for first-timers who want everything a short walk away, though it is the priciest area.
South Bank and Southwark
The pedestrian south bank of the Thames, brimming with culture: Tate Modern, the Globe and Borough Market. Ideal for riverside walks and skyline views.
Kensington and Chelsea
Elegant, leafy neighbourhoods with the great South Kensington museums and Hyde Park next door. Calm and refined, very comfortable for families.
Shoreditch and the East End
Creative London: street art, vintage markets, diverse food and the best nightlife. Perfect for younger travellers after atmosphere and buzz.
Destination guide
Featured hotels
Our selection: rating, location and that special something.
Destination guide
Practical tips
The small details that make travelling easier.
Tap to pay for transport
The Tube, red buses and urban trains all run on contactless card or phone; just tap it on the reader. It is simpler than buying single tickets.
Many museums are free
The permanent collections of the great national museums, such as the British Museum and Tate, are free to enter. Keep some budget for the temporary exhibitions.
Dress in layers
London weather changes fast: a sunny morning can end in drizzle. Carry layers and a folding umbrella or rain jacket, in any season.
Book attractions ahead
The most popular sights, like the Tower of London and the London Eye, draw long queues. Booking a timed ticket online saves you the wait.
Time your visits well
See the most famous museums first thing or late in the day to dodge the groups, and consider West End matinees, which are quieter and easier to book.
Eat beyond fish and chips
London is a global food capital: curries on Brick Lane, dim sum in Chinatown, street-food markets and the ritual of afternoon tea. Try it all.
Gallery
Glimpses of the destination to whet your appetite.
Frequently asked questions
Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds. Summer is the liveliest but also the busiest, while winter has its own charm with festive lights and quiet museums.
