- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RegionEurope
- Best time to goMay–Sep
London is the United Kingdom's vast, multicultural capital, where royal palaces and centuries of history sit beside world-class museums, markets, theatres, and green parks.
When is the best time to visit London?
The best time to visit London is May to September, with long, mild days, blooming parks, and outdoor events, though you should always pack for the chance of rain.
Top things to do in London
Tap any experience for photos, a little history, and practical tips.
See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
The neo-Gothic Palace of Westminster on the Thames, home of the UK Parliament and the famous clock tower whose great bell is Big Ben.
- History
- The current Houses of Parliament were built after a fire destroyed the old palace in 1834. The clock tower, renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, has chimed since 1859, and 'Big Ben' is really the name of its 13.5-tonne bell.
- Insider tip
- Get the classic photo from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank across the river. Visitors can book paid tours of Parliament when the House is not sitting.
- Good to know
- Free to admire from outside, always. Tube to Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines), right by the river.
Explore the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
A formidable riverside fortress guarding the Crown Jewels, beside the instantly recognizable twin-towered Tower Bridge.
- History
- Founded by William the Conqueror around 1078, the Tower has been a royal palace, prison, and execution site. The Victorian Tower Bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge, opened in 1894 and still lifts for tall ships.
- Insider tip
- Take a free Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour, see the Crown Jewels first thing to beat the crowds, and meet the ravens. Walk across Tower Bridge and visit its glass-floored high walkway for a thrill.
- Good to know
- Tower entry is about £35; book online to save. Tube to Tower Hill. Tower Bridge is free to cross, with a separate ticket for the exhibition.
Wander the British Museum
One of the world's greatest museums, holding the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and treasures from across human history under a soaring glass-roofed court.
- History
- Founded in 1753, the British Museum was the world's first national public museum. Its Great Court, the largest covered square in Europe, opened in 2000 around the historic Reading Room.
- Insider tip
- It is free but huge, so pick a few galleries (Egypt, Greece, the Enlightenment room) rather than everything. Go at opening or late on Friday evenings for fewer crowds.
- Good to know
- Free entry, with donations welcome and special exhibitions ticketed. Tube to Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, or Russell Square.
Watch the guard at Buckingham Palace
The London residence of the British monarch, famous for the ceremonial Changing of the Guard and the grand State Rooms open each summer.
- History
- Originally Buckingham House, it became the official royal palace under Queen Victoria in 1837, and its familiar front facade dates from 1913. The Royal Standard flying means the monarch is in residence.
- Insider tip
- Arrive early for a good spot at the Changing of the Guard, and check the schedule, as it does not run daily. In summer you can tour the opulent State Rooms; otherwise enjoy St James's and Green Park alongside.
- Good to know
- The forecourt and ceremony are free. State Room tours, in summer only, are about £30. Tube to Green Park or Victoria.
Ride the London Eye
The giant observation wheel on the South Bank, whose glass capsules climb to 135 metres for a slow, sweeping panorama over the city and the Thames.
- History
- Built to mark the millennium and opened in 2000, the London Eye was the world's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Intended to be temporary, it quickly became one of the city's signature sights.
- Insider tip
- Book a timed ticket online, and go near sunset to watch the city shift from day to night. Pair it with a stroll along the South Bank past the theatres, food stalls, and street performers.
- Good to know
- Tickets from about £29 online, cheaper than at the gate. A rotation takes around 30 minutes. Tube to Waterloo or Westminster.
Step inside Westminster Abbey
The magnificent Gothic abbey where English and British monarchs have been crowned for nearly a thousand years, and where many lie buried alongside great poets and scientists.
- History
- A church has stood here since the 10th century, and the present abbey was largely built from 1245. It has hosted every coronation since 1066, plus royal weddings and funerals, and holds the graves of Newton, Darwin, and the Unknown Warrior.
- Insider tip
- Book online to skip the queue, and don't miss Poets' Corner and the Coronation Chair. The included multimedia guide is excellent, so allow at least 1.5 hours.
- Good to know
- Entry is about £30, and it is closed to tourists on Sundays for services. Tube to Westminster or St James's Park, beside Parliament.
Eat your way through Borough Market
London's most famous food market, a buzzing maze of stalls under Victorian railway arches selling artisan produce, street food, and treats from around the world.
- History
- A market has traded near London Bridge for around a thousand years, making Borough one of the city's oldest. Its current home grew up in the 19th century beneath the railway viaducts of Southwark.
- Insider tip
- Go hungry and mid-morning on a weekday to graze without the weekend crush. Try the cheese toasties, fresh oysters, and global street food, then walk to the river for views of the City.
- Good to know
- Free to enter, with most traders taking cash and card. Closed Sundays and limited on Mondays. Tube to London Bridge.
Browse Camden Market
A sprawling, alternative warren of markets along Regent's Canal, packed with vintage fashion, quirky crafts, street food, and live-music history.
- History
- Camden's markets grew from a small crafts fair in the canal-side stables in the 1970s into one of London's biggest attractions, long tied to the area's punk and indie music scene.
- Insider tip
- Wander beyond the main strip into the Stables Market for the best stalls, eat your way around the international food court, and stroll the canal toward Regent's Park or Little Venice.
- Good to know
- Free to browse, open daily and busiest on weekends. Tube to Camden Town.
Know before you go
English, spoken in countless accents alongside many world languages across its neighborhoods. You'll have no language barrier as a visitor.
The pound sterling (£). London is expensive, but its many free museums and parks help balance the budget.
Cards and contactless are accepted everywhere, including on transport, so you barely need cash. A service charge is often added in restaurants; otherwise around 10–12% is normal.
The Tube, buses, and Overground cover the city, so just tap in and out with a contactless card and your daily fare is capped. The centre is also very walkable.
Type G plugs (the chunky three-pin), 230V / 50Hz. Visitors from outside the UK and Ireland need an adapter.
London is generally safe, with the main risks being pickpocketing and phone-snatching in tourist areas and on transport. Stay aware in crowds and keep your phone secure.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in London?
Four to five days is ideal for a first visit, enough for the major sights (Tower of London, Westminster, a museum or two) and time to explore neighborhoods and markets at a relaxed pace. London easily fills a week and rewards return trips.
Is London worth visiting?
Absolutely. London is one of the world's great cities, layering royal history, free world-class museums, theatre, diverse food, and green parks. There's far more to do than any single trip can cover.
Is London expensive?
London is one of the world's pricier cities. Expect mid-range hotels from around £130–220 a night and a pub meal for £15–25. The many free museums and parks, plus markets and chain lunches, help keep costs down.
What is the best area to stay in London?
Westminster and the South Bank are central and near the big sights. Covent Garden and Soho put you in the action, Kensington is elegant and museum-rich, and Shoreditch suits a hipper, nightlife vibe.
Is London safe for tourists?
London is generally safe, with violent crime rare in tourist areas. The main risks are pickpocketing and phone-snatching in crowds and on transport. Keep your phone and bag secure and you'll be fine.
Do you need a car in London?
No, and you're better off without one. Traffic, parking, and the congestion charge make driving a hassle. The Tube, buses, and walking cover everything, so just tap in with a contactless card.