London Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
This London travel guide covers everything you need to know about one of the world’s greatest cities. Whether you’re stepping off the plane for the first time or returning for the fifth, there’s always something new to discover. For us, London has become one of our favorite cities in the world, and we keep finding reasons to go back.
London Travel Guide: When to Visit
Skip the summer crowds. We’ve found that fall is the sweet spot for London. The weather is still comfortable, the queues are shorter, and the city feels more like itself without the peak season crush. Shoulder season travel is one of our core travel philosophies, and London is a perfect example of why it works.
Where to Stay
Finding the right hotel sets the tone for your entire trip. Our advice: map out your must-do experiences first, then find a hotel that puts you in the center of all of it. Look for a property near a well-connected Tube station. London’s Underground is excellent and getting around is easy once you understand the lines. Being well-positioned saves time and energy every single day.
Getting Around
The London Underground is your best friend. Get an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card and you can hop on and off across the entire city with ease. Walking is also highly recommended. Some of London’s best moments happen between destinations.
Historic Royal Palaces
London and its surroundings are home to some of the most remarkable royal palaces in the world, and we’ve been to all of them. The Tower of London is perhaps the most historically layered of all, with centuries of stories embedded in every stone. Westminster Abbey demands a visit. The history contained within its walls is staggering. Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and Hampton Court Palace each offer something unique. And don’t overlook Windsor Castle, just outside the city. It makes for an excellent day trip and one we cover in detail on the site.
The Ceremony of the Keys and Changing of the Guards
Two of London’s most iconic traditions are also two of its best values. The Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London is one of the oldest ceremonies in the world and one of the best deals available to visitors. The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, or Windsor Castle as an alternative, is a must-see spectacle. We cover both in detail on the site.
Food and Pub Culture
London is a far better food city than its reputation sometimes suggests. Borough Market is one of the great food experiences anywhere in the world and a must-visit on any London trip. Beyond that, embrace the pub culture. London pubs tend toward the casual side but the food is often excellent and the atmosphere is unbeatable. If you’re a Ted Lasso fan, we’ve got a post on the pub made famous by the show that’s worth a read before you go.
Afternoon tea is another London tradition worth experiencing at least once. We’ve enjoyed it at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and at the Shard, where we had an unforgettable Peter Pan themed tea experience that we cover in detail on the site. Each venue brings something different to the table, but all of them deliver on the quintessential London experience.
Beatles London
London is essential territory for any Beatles fan. Walking the Abbey Road crosswalk and stepping inside the Abbey Road Studios gift shop is a genuine bucket list moment. The history of the band is woven throughout the city, from their early performances to their final days, which have a surprising connection to a place you might not expect.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and absolutely worth your time. The dome, the history, and the views from the top are all remarkable. Plan ahead and book in advance.
The London Eye
The London Eye is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks and you will almost certainly see it on your visit. Our honest take: skip the ride. The queues are long, the cost is high, and the views, while impressive, can be matched or bettered from other vantage points around the city. It makes for a great photo opportunity from the ground, and we’d leave it at that.
Consider a Blue Badge Guide
If you want to maximize your time in London, consider hiring a Blue Badge Guide. These guides are licensed by the government and undergo rigorous training. They are extraordinarily knowledgeable and can bring the city to life in ways that a self-guided tour simply cannot match. It’s an investment that pays off many times over.
Harry Potter in London
London is full of Harry Potter filming locations and experiences, enough for a dedicated guide of its own, which we’ll be publishing soon. Stay tuned.
Our London Travel Guide Articles
- Borough Market: A Top Food Destination
- The Ted Lasso Pub
- Changing of the Guards Ceremony
- Westminster Abbey: A Planning Guide
- Ceremony of the Keys Tower of London
- Tower of London
- Planning Guide Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at London’s Aqua Shard
We hope this London travel guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip. There is, after all, still so much to be done.
