trip to london and back

The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos. Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m.

Pro Tip:  Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your  London Pass  to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at  Borough Market . It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

If you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married.

Pro Tip:  If you want to take a ride on the London Eye , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2. The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to  Buckingham Palace  where the  Changing of the Guards  happens.

The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare. The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip:  Check the  Changing of the Guard schedule  before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at  The Dorchester Hotel .

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at  St. Paul’s Cathedral  to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames.

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

The  Tate Modern  has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby  Globe Theatre  is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out!

Pro Tip:  Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The   British Museum . The art and artifacts on display are open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  or head over to  Soho  and  Oxford Street  for a shopper’s paradise. Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip:  There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to  Leicester Square  and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!),  get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at  Trafalgar Square . This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the  National Gallery  right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the  Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio . Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites with even just a half day’s worth of time.

Trains run from London to both  Windsor Castle  and  Hampton Court Palace . From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and maze.

Pro Tip:  Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the  London Pass . Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to  stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get nearly anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location. Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel  – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark  – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also opted for apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide . They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most places, you can spend an extended period of time and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

The  Heathrow Express  is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an  express train  which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for  Southern Railways  from Gatwick to compare.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the  London Tube  with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. Most taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip:  My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides.

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups  to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can get quite high with even the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly. Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

Use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

• Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
• If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
• If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
• You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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76 thoughts on “the ultimate cheat sheet for your first trip to london”.

I have been to London several times, but I found your guide and itineraries very helpful!

I’m so glad, Chrysoula! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve been to nearly 50 countries and still not the UK, so I’ll have to remember to come back to this article when I finally make it to London 🙂

Thanks, Tamara! 50 countries is quite an accomplishment! Awesome. Glad the guide will be useful when you make it to London. 🙂

Somehow I wish I’ve read this post before my first trip to London. Then I wouldn’t have skipped many experiences listed here) Thank you for putting this up! I’ve pinned it as well (maybe I’ll visit London again, then I’ll need it for sure)

Thanks for reading and sharing on Pinterest, Natalia. 🙂 Here’s to hoping you make it back to London soon!

Love the Pro Tops plus how you broke each day down into categories. What a great way to see London! I also like how you included things to see if it is your first time there. Going anywhere for the first time can be so overwhelming!

Especially in a big place like London, Bryanna. It’s nice to break it up and make the most of your time.

You made me want to visit London again! Love the way you divided the itinerary with themes and suggestions for good food. London is such a huge city and planning a trip there for the first time can be overwhelming, you just make it so easy! Cheers,

Thanks, Natalie! Sometimes, it’s just easier to work on trip planning in small chunks. 😉

I’ve been to London a few times, but I’ve never made it to the Windsor Castle or the Hampton Court Palace. There is just so much to do in the city and its surroundings, but you’ve highlighted the must-sees in a very comprehensive and informative post. I’d love to go back and take more advantage of the free museums, especially the National Gallery!

Next trip, Erika, take some time for Windsor Castle and/or Hampton Court Palace. They’re well worth your time. 🙂

Wish I had your cheat-sheet on m first trip to London! You certainly covered all the hot spots and then some. I can’t wait to go back and hit the places I missed.

Thanks, Sue. A return trip to London is always a good idea. 🙂

Loved your tips! I’ve pinned and will reference during my London trip planning. Can you share a bit more about the oyster card?

Thanks, Amanda! I’m so glad the post is helpful for planning your London trip. The oyster card is a plastic card you can use for quick and easy entry to the London’s metro, buses, and many commuter trains. The card is 5 pounds to buy, after which you load some money onto it. The fare you’ll pay for a metro ride with the oyster card will be cheaper than if you had simply purchased a single ticket for the ride. The Oyster card also caps off what you’d pay in a day making sure you never pay more than had you bought a day pass travel card. Hope that helps! 🙂

I love the addition of the pro tips, especially times of day best to visit. I do love London, but timed a few things wrong, ending up in bigger crowds than I like.

Thanks, Rhonda. I certainly know that feeling of being in a crowd and wanting to be anyplace but there! Glad the pro tips will help for your next London trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie! Any tips for going to London with a toddler? Going to London this Wednesday and I’m going to use your cheat sheet! Thanks!

Hi Jen! So exciting to hear about your trip. 🙂 I’d definitely do the London Eye, but book tickets ahead of time online to skip the line. The Changing of the Guard with its parade, music, and horses are also toddler-friendly. He’ll get in free to the London underground, but if you don’t want to do that, go for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The pirate-themed Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park is also supposed to be a big hit. Not sure if he’s too young, but the I’d also look at the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime and/or Transport Museum, and maybe a show like Lion King. If that show is too long, how about The Gruffalo? It’s based on the kids book and is less than an hour long. Let me know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!! 🙂

Awesome, thank you for this! I printed out your cheat sheet & 8′ using it for our guide! Thanks!

Great! Hope you have a fantastic trip, Jen!

I’m actually from London, yes all these places are great, but you haven’t mentioned how expensive they can be. Most museums and art galleries are free and fantastic but eating at fancy hotels is only for the rich! Try to go to restaurants and pubs that are not in the tourist areas and you’ll be much better value for your money. As for traditional fish and chips, there is a great place in Waterloo road called Superfish. It’s the best around and very reasonable. Lots of London Taxi drivers eat there, so you know it’s good!

Hi, Joanne and thanks for the tip about Superfish! It’s so great to get that from a local. Totally agreed about eating in hotels, too expensive. I only splurged on the Dorchester Tea because we wanted to have a fancy afternoon. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

Hi, thank you for your tips. We’re going to London ne te may, my husband and I. Do you recommend Stonehenge ?

Hi Helene, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, as many times as I have been to London, I have not made it to Stonehenge. To help you, I’m linking to another blog post all about visiting Stonehenge written by a blogger friend of mine. She’s got some great tips. Hope that helps! 🙂

There are some great tips here. I’m planning a trip to London during the high season with a variety of ages from grandmother, 4x 30 year olds, 4 kids between the ages of 8-3, and 2 newborns. Aiaiai. Just trying to get a place to eat together will be challenging. I loved your tips about the Oyster card, and pre-booking tickets, It saves lots of time to book in advance so that you are not waiting in line for tickets, and then waiting in another line for entry. Depending on how early you book it also puts that block of tickets on separate credit card bill instead of all at once. Just a tip from how I travel with all the children and trying to be budget concsious, I usually stop in a local grocery store and grab the 3 (pound, I don’t have the symbol on my keyboard) meal deal, Its filling and usually healthy. If you have any more kid friendly tips I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the guide, I found you on Pintrest, and will make sure to repin.

Thanks for reading, Erin, and for repinning on Pinterest. I appreciate it. 🙂 Sounds like your trip is set to make some amazing multi-generational memories. Thanks for sharing your food tip. London has great parks to make use of when the kids need a break. Hyde Park has paddle boats for rent and a great playground and fountain. St. James Park also has a popular playground. Enjoy your trip!

Do you have more ideas? We will be in London for 10 days. We will do all you mention but we need more?

Hi June, Thanks so much for reading and so exciting about your upcoming trip to London! 🙂 A couple other sites/places I’d recommend is Kensington Palace and if you’re at all a history buff, the Churchill War Rooms. If you’re doing all of that plus these last 2, check out the London Pass to save some money. Also, check out Free Tours by Foot and Sandeman’s free walking tours. If you’re interested in street art and/or learning more about London’s ethnic food scene check out a tour in the Shoreditch neighborhood. With 10 days, you can also plan day trips out of the city if you want. The Cotswolds Warwick Castle , and/or Stratford upon Avon are just a couple of hours drive, as are Stonehenge and Bath. Even Paris is a doable day trip with the Chunnel train taking just 2ish hours. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the tip about the London Pass! We went last year and no one told us about it, and we are going back in October and still want to do many of the activities included in the pass. Sounds like a great value!

Fantastic, Dana. I hope your trip is fantastic and enjoy the London Pass! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

The best North Indian food is in southall (West London), trains run from Paddington. Brilliant Restaurant highly recommended..

Thanks Preetvan for the tip! 🙂

It’s ravens that you find at the Tower of London, not crows!

Thanks for that! I have no bird ID skills! 🙂

Thanks for your post; definitely adding it to my Pinterest board. I’m heading there for Spring Break with my husband and three teenage girls. We have eight days (flying into Gatwick and out of Paris-CDG). How do you suggest we split the days between London and Paris? And what would your top recommendations be?

Thanks for reading, Sheath. So exciting about your upcoming family trip to London and Paris. Both cities have so much to see and do, it all depends on your interests. You can easily split your time in half, although the Francophile in me says to give yourself an extra day in Paris. Not sure if you’re into theatre, but a night out to see a show in London’s West End is unforgettable. Tower of London, Shakespeares Globe, Borough Market, high tea are all at the top of my London first time list. For Paris, visit the top of Notre Dame in the morning, Arc de Triomphe at dusk, Sainte-Chappelle, Musee de l’Orangerie, and wander through 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements for tucked away shops and cafes as a start to your Paris visit. Hope that helps and have soo much fun! 🙂

Thank you for this cheat sheet. Great tips and ideas. My best friend and I are traveling to Europe for our 40th birthdays in March. We are spending about 2 1/2 days in London. It seems you were recommended traveling by way of the tube for most everything. I had been looking at the Hop On and Off Bus before reading your cheat sheet. Would you recommend skipping the bus and just using the tube?

Hi Heather, Thanks for reading. London is such a great city for a friends birthday trip! I would still recommend the Tube. The traffic in London can be horrible and Hop on Hop off buses can get stuck in it with the rest of the vehicles. With 2 1/2 days, getting underground will help you maximize your time getting from place to place. Enjoy your trip! -Jackie

Do you have any recommendations for visiting in December (just prior to Christmastime)? My family and I will be arriving on a Monday and departing on Thursday (for Germany), flying in and out of Stansted. It will be myself, my husband, and our 2 kids, ages 20 and (will turn while we’re in London) 17 year old (boy and girl). My husband is normally into things like the museums, but he’s the type that would need several days in any one museum (he literally reads each and every plaque, and doesn’t miss a display, LOL). So, because we’re limited on time, we’ll probably skip museums until another time. My husband and I are doing Harry Potter/WB Studios on Tuesday (I’m a big fan, kids not so much) and we’re letting them go off on their own. Will definitely be getting Oyster Cards.

Any other recommendations, especially since will will be cold weather? Thanks!

Thanks for reading, Cammi. I’d definitely try and see a show, be it one in the west end or a special Christmas themed show or concert. I’d also like to see the seasonal attractions like the winter wonderland in Hyde Park and all the lights around the city. I’m a cold weather gal so I love to get outside. But just in case of super cold weather, I’d have 1 museum in mind just as a back up if you need to warm up. Not sure if your hubby has seen the Churchill War rooms not far from Westminster, but I highly recommend. Enjoy your trip!

My husband and I leave for our first ever trip abroad, London, in less than a week! The ironic and very strange thing is that as soon as I read the title of our article was that the authors last name is Sills. That is MY maiden name and some of my father’s family still lives in England! Dad himself, Charles Sills, was actually born in London! We will be visiting some Sills relatives in Suffolk on our trip!

Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Sincerely, Elizabeth (Sills) Hurd

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for reading and omg! My maiden name is Sills as well! I have done a ton of family research but always run into a dead end trying to figure out more about the George Sills who came over from England to the U.S. back in the 1800s. That’s so amazing you’ll be combining your tip with some ancestry travel. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy meeting your relatives! Thanks again for reading the blog. 🙂 Jackie

Nice tips overall. Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Thanks for reading, Brandy. 🙂

I must say this is an ultimate post for travelers who are looking for trip to London at affordable cost. You have covered everything in your post such as best places to stay, which is really helpful.

Thanks for reading, Sandeep. Happy travels to London!

Your blog is amazing – thanks for all the incredible ideas. We are considering going to London for Spring Break (March 8-17, 2019). Would you recommend going at his time ….will the weather be agreeable? Thanks, Stacey

Thanks for reading, Stacey, and for your kind words. So, it’ll likely still be chilly, but I’d say yes, go! Take this with the knowledge that I live in NYC and walk around in all kinds of weather and that I love visiting Europe in the off-season. I’d rather have cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, with London’s Underground/Subway, you can so easily pop underground and get around if you needed to escape the weather for a bit. Not to mention with delicious tea, scones, English pies, and Indian food, there’s plenty to warm you up! 🙂 Thanks again for reading.

very informative blog love to read it. i got so many new ideas about London. Thanks for sharing and it will help me during my visit to London. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mickey. Enjoy London. 🙂

Love this guide and the one for Portugal also. Now if I could print it and store it in my travel file folder for easier access when I go to London. Thanks for writing these detailed trip reports – they are extremely helpful

Thanks do much for reading, Jane. You can download the London cheat sheet to help with your travels. 🙂

Going to the Harry Potter Studios by bus from Central London is the silliest thing to do. It takes too long AND you can only stay at the studios until the time your bus would take you back (about 4 hours) – not enough time for a true Harry Potter fan. It is fastest and easiest to go by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction (Oyster can be used) and takes about 30minutes. The studio has buses at Watford Junction to take you there – it takes just about 10 minutes. We stayed over 7 hours at the studios – my kids would start a riot if we had to leave after some 4 hours only!

Thanks for reading, Deesi! And great tips! Appreciate you sharing. 🙂

Your blog is amazing. How do I download the cheat sheet??

Thank you ~Alison

Thanks so much for reading, Alison. All you need to do is fill in the fields on the cheat sheet sign up box. It’ll get sent to you. 🙂 So glad the blog has been helpful for you.

If you have enough time you should certainly consider Kew Gardens and Greenwich. You can take the clipper down the river to Greenwich. Also Kenwood is free to visit and set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Don’t pay to go up the Shard. Book the free tickets for Skygarden three weeks ahead. Or go up the tower at Tate Modern. Children like all these places but as other people have said the parks are lovely and all different. It’s lovely to see this thread still working and growing after such a long time. Well done!!!

Thanks for reading and sharing your London tips, Marian! I didn’t know that about the Shard!

The Dorchester is indeed a great hotel, but the very best Afternoon Tea has to be the Ritz.

Thanks for reading and sharing, David. I have heard great things about the afternoon tea at the Ritz. I’ll have to try it next time I’m in London. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this info about London. I am planning to visit in a neaxt month.

Thanks for reading, Alina. Have fun in London. 🙂

Amazing. you have told very easy and splendid ways for exploring London. London is my favourite place to travel and for food too. I love the food Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Amy. Glad you had great travels to London. 🙂

My niece and I want to go to London. We’ve considered a tour group, but the itinerary is limited, I enjoyed reading your cheat sheet. It was interesting, and we got very excited at the thought of actually visiting the sites, Have you ever traveled there in December? I am a teacher and my big break is in the month of December, I don’t want to go and freeze! The travel dates would be between December 14th and December 24th. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Rebecca and Brooke

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. I haven’t been to London in the winter but I’ve been to many other cities in Europe in winter like Paris, Prague, Budapest, Munich, and more, also during my winter school breaks! I’m probably not the most objective person on this as I live in NYC and walk around outside all winter long. But I love European cities around Christmas. Yes, it’s chilly. But if you dress right the charm and the ambiance is unforgettable. I’d highly recommend a London Christmas visit! If you want some freedom to explore mixed with a few organized activities, plan a couple of day tours instead of something more comprehensive. The London Pass is also a great way to see what’s popular while saving money by bundling sightseeing costs. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! 😉

Thank you so much. We are moving ahead with our plans. I agree, if you dress appropriately, the weather will not be a factor.. Again, I really learned a lot from your cheat sheet and have read it many times.

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. 🙂 So glad to hear the cheat sheet was helpful. I hope you have a wonderful trip to London.

Heathrow express!! Saved me so much time! So glad I read this.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yep, the Heathrow Express makes things super easy! 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.

Glad to hear it, William. Thanks for reading.

Hello Jackie, I am at the beginning of planning a second Girls Trip to London, and the country side of England. The first was with a group of high school girls friends,(tons of fun) and this one will be with all my sister in laws. Both groups are in their early 60’s. I appreciated the link to the GO transportation site. I like the idea of a van to haul us all to the hotel from Heathrow. There will be six of us in this up coming trip. There were only four on the high school trip. We all squeezed into one cab, and shared the cost. I don’t think we can squeeze six ladies and luggage into a cab, so the van idea sounds good. I suggested a cab for the HS group, knowing it is the more expensive way to get from the airport. I knew we would be sharing the cost AND also with the age of the group, didn’t think we (or I ) would want to be dragging our luggage in and out of tube trains. They were all ok with the idea of a cab. Also one thing I tell anyone I know who is on their way over, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I know they aren’t always the most fashionable, but gee, your feet will thank you at the end of the day. No new shoes that haven’t been wore in yet either. One last thought– the HS trip was a full week in London, so we all decided that the London Pass would be a good idea– and it was! The Shard visit alone would have cost 50 pounds for one person to enter. The payable sites do add up. All worth seeing, but can get pricy. Not so sure it will be worth it for this sister in law trip, we won’t be spending as much time in London. Thanks for the time and research you put into this travel blog. Very enjoyable read. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Deborah! So exciting to be planning another trip (and a Girls Trip, even better!) to London. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too. Totally agree on comfortable shoes! My go-to’s for lots of walking (live in NYC) and traveling (one pair is with me on every trip) are Allbirds . In fact, I just bought 2 new pairs (Tree Runner & Wool Runner) since I’ve worn my others out. If anyone in your group or you are looking for something comfy, definitely give these shoes a look. Enjoy your trip to London and come back if there are any questions I can answer. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

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From treasured landmarks to sipping afternoon tea, there is something for everyone in London. The Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, the giant clock and bell, on the banks of the Thames are the classic backdrop of London, with Westminster Abbey, the site of coronations and royal marriages, standing nearby. Enjoy panoramic views from Tower Bridge and visit the nearby Tower of London, with its rich history and the crown jewels of England. Speaking of royalty, catch the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, the residence of the reigning monarchs. In central London, enjoy Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, the British Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. London also has a splendid array of markets to explore, like Covent Garden or Portobello Road on Notting Hill. And for evening entertainment, enjoy world-renowned theaters and lively clubs in London’s West End. With all this and more, the historic and vibrant European capital of London is an absolute must-see.

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It's virtually impossible to forecast London weather, but you can be fairly certain that it will not be what you expect. It's generally mild—with some savage exceptions, especially in summer. In short, be prepared for anything: layers and an umbrella are your friends.

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Tower of London : Iconic castle and infamous prison, the Yeoman Warders and their ravens will regale you with tales of the exploits of history that occurred within its walls. A viewing of the Crown Jewels will complete the visit.

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Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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Find cheap flights to London from $136

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to london departing on 10/3. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to london.

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Flights to london - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to london to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to london.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to London was $136 for a one-way ticket from New York and $361 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Los Angeles to London and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $369.

How much is a flight to London?

On average, a flight to london costs $690. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $122 and departed from miami. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to london which costs $792 on average, and new york to london, which costs $674 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to london, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to london is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $819. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $893 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to london, the cheapest month for flights to london is january, where tickets cost $558 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $995 and $922 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $535., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to london, the cheapest time of day to fly to london is generally in the evening, when flights cost $593 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to london is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $667., what is a good deal for flights to london, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to london, 25% of our users found tickets to london for the following prices or less: from new york john f kennedy intl airport $314 one-way - $555 round-trip, from los angeles $340 one-way - $589 round-trip, from chicago o'hare intl airport $467 one-way - $698 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to london, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 87 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in london, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in london is london southend airport, with an average flight price of $73., which airlines fly to london, airlines flying the most to london from united states are british airways, american airlines and virgin atlantic. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to london., which airline offers the most flights to london, of the 6 airlines that fly to london, british airways offers the most flights, with around 473 per week, followed by easyjet with 315 flights per week., how many airports are there in london, there are 6 airports in london: london heathrow airport (lhr), london gatwick airport (lgw), london stansted airport (stn), london luton airport (ltn), london city airport (lcy) and london southend airport (sen). the busiest airport is london heathrow airport (lhr), with 50% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to london, the duration of your flight to london depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to london on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 20m, new york , which takes 6h 50m, miami , which takes 8h 45m, and san francisco , which takes 10h 19m., how many direct flights to london are there each day, there are around 224 direct flights from within united states to london every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 6:00 pm the most common departure time and 56% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to london are there each week, each week there are around 1,564 direct flights from within united states to london. the most common day for departures is friday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to london each week, each week, there are 1,462 long haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 103 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to london. there aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to london, from the united states, there are direct flights to london from 30 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 374 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to london, faqs - booking london flights, how many terminals does heathrow airport have.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has four terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Travelers can walk through the pedestrian underpass from terminals 2 to 3 and vice versa. You can use the free shuttle trains or underground London services when connecting to other terminals. Moving from one airport terminal to another takes about 20 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is recognized worldwide as home to the royal family. The state rooms are open to the public for ten weeks during the summer and selected days during winter and spring. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the palace, 9.2 miles away. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 15 miles, London Gatwick Airport (GBR) is 34 miles, London Luton Airport (GBR) is 34.3 miles, and London Stansted Airport (STN) is 39.5 miles from the palace.

How do I get to the city from London City Airport (LCY)?

There are various ways to get into the city from London City Airport (LCY). First, you can take a public bus which takes 50 minutes to the city and will cost £5 (about $6). A Taxi ride costs £41 ($50) and takes 15 minutes. A train ride costs £5 (about $6) and takes 21 minutes and lastly, a shuttle ride costs £58 (about $50) and will take you 21 minutes.

What services are there for business travelers in Heathrow?

Heathrow has bookable meeting rooms, such as its Regus Express business lounge, which can be rented by the hour. Along with their premium lounges, business travelers can also rent cell phones and pre-order foreign currency in advance, ensuring that the required currency will be available upon arrival. These services further enhance the convenience for business travelers.

Which London airport is closest to downtown?

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest in terms of physical proximity to the downtown area and can be reached via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and city buses. However, most of its flights are short hauls to mainland Europe. If your flight to London originated across the Atlantic, chances are that Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the best airport option for quick access to the city.

Which London airport offers good services for families traveling with children?

Both Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (GBR) have excellent facilities for families and children. Heathrow’s Stay & Play is available in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 and features slides, play spots, and separate areas for babies and young children. At Gatwick, there are Kids zones in both the North and South Terminals, both of which provide play areas and free TV for young travelers.

Can I store my luggage at Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

Layovers are frequent at Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airport has excellent luggage storage facilities managed by Excess Baggage Company, where storage duration determines charges. Baggage and luggage can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days. 0-3 hours will cost you £7.50 and 3-24 hours will cost you £12.50.

Are there good restaurants in Heathrow?

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has an expansive restaurant selection, ranging from fine dining to quick bites. Additionally, you can even order your food in advance from participating restaurants via the LHR London Heathrow Airport app. Furthermore, many restaurants in Heathrow offer 15-minute menus, as they understand that every minute counts during your travels.

Which London airport is closest to central London?

Out of the 6 airports in London, London City is the nearest to the city center (8 miles). You'll travel 14 miles to reach the center of London if you land in London Heathrow Airport, 24 miles if you land in London Gatwick Airport, and 28 miles if you arrive in London Luton Airport.

On average, a flight to London costs $690. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $122 and departed from Miami Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to London?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to London.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to London?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to London?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to London with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to London?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to London

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest London flight deals.
• Landing at any of the six international airports in London guarantees an excellent travel experience. These airports have passenger assistants to help travelers navigate through the airports and special assistance programs for those who require extra help. Programs such as the Sunflower Lanyard at London Luton Airport (GBR) and London Southend Airport (SEN), as well as the Blue Badge scheme at Heathrow Airport (LHR), assist airport employees in identifying travelers who may need additional assistance.
• Inter-terminal movements are often unavoidable at Heathrow Airport (LHR). If you land at the airport, you will need to obtain a free inter-terminal ticket from one of the machines at the station in order to use the airport shuttles. However, if you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, you won't need to use the shuttles. The airport provides frequent flight connections and buses to take you to the next terminal without leaving the passenger-only area.
• Flights to London can land you in any number of airports serving the greater London area . Six international airports service London and, in terms of number of passengers served, they rank as follows: Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (GBR), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (GBR), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN). Lucky travelers flying to London have a plethora of options.
• The most popular airport, Heathrow Airport (LHR) easily connects to the London Underground and can be reached via the Piccadilly Line. Travel time should be under an hour and a single-way fare will be upwards of £6 (around USD $8.00). Heathrow has three separate stations on the London Underground: one for terminals 2 and 3 and one each for terminals 4 and 5.
• Landing at London Gatwick Airport (GBR)? There are several popular ways to reach the city from the airport. Trains run to London Bridge and Victoria, and many locations around the city are reachable from London Blackfriars. As if that weren't enough, coaches and shuttle buses also offer services to numerous other locations across the city.
• When traveling with a lot of luggage and flying to Heathrow Airport (LHR), you can request porter services available at the airport. You can hail a porter in the baggage halls, and they will assist you with your luggage. Porters charge £30 for 1-8 bags and operate from 6 am to 9 pm.
• If you love animal therapy, you should consider landing at London Southend Airport (SEN). The airport has partnered with Essex Therapy Dogs to provide therapy dogs. These dogs roam around the airport's terminals seeking to ease the anxiety and stress travelers face.
• The No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is a serene refuge in one of the world's busiest airports, perfect for travelers on long layovers . It features snack machines, cozy seating, and complimentary buffet-style food options. The fully stocked bar offers a wide selection of premium beverages. The lounge provides various seating areas, including a mini cinema, a bistro with high tables for work and snacks, a lounge area with comfortable sofas, and private meeting spaces.
• Are you landing at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? If you would like a quiet place to meditate , take advantage of the multi-faith prayer rooms available. You can find the rooms at Terminal 2 Gate A21, Terminal 3 Gate 24, Terminal 4 Mezzanine Level, Terminal 4 Gate4, and Terminal 5 Gates A8, B34, and C52. The prayer rooms are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
• If duty-free shopping is one of the perks you enjoy while traveling, then Heathrow Airport (LHR) is definitely the airport to visit. Not only do they offer an extensive range of luxury stores and products, but you can also save time by pre-ordering purchases a day in advance, allowing you to skip the lines. Additionally, Heathrow Reward members earn points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for miles and various other perks.

Prefer to fly non-stop to London?

Find which airlines fly direct to London, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to London

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +119 more

ANA, AccesRail, +120 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +125 more

ANA, AccesRail, +126 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, +125 more

Nonstop returns

London to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to london.

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

Boarding was good, was able to get on early and get settled in . Loved the glass of wine before take off. Once in the air the service was amazing, from the snacks, drinks and the food was good. The flight attendants were very good and attentive. Love flying with Delta..

Seats in first class on the E175 recline too far back. I was in 2A, and the man in 1A fully reclined almost the entire flight. It took 6-7 inches of space away from me and made it very difficult to work on my laptop.

On 2 different flights the wifi was horrible and there was no drink or snack service.

Wifi wasn’t working well so we couldn't view any media.

Flight was late. Club was full. Experience is exactly what I expected.

Carly the flight attendant was extremely helpful and very accommodating to passengers on the flight from what I noticed. Couldn't be more satisfied with the service and assistance from Delta's flight attendant, Thanks again Carly!!

I didn’t not like that I could not select my seat and ended up with the worse seat.

I didn’t like that I could not select my seat and was assigned a seat when I checked in at LAX

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

We were in the last group to be called to the flight - which was 30 minutes late taking off. While we were lucky enough to have been given bulkhead seats (due to a medical condition I’d told them about beforehand) the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. A crying baby for the whole trip made things worse, so the crew managed very well with coping. The final thing I’d say was that there wasn’t enough food served during the flight.

Very good. Glad we had Premium for the flight out.

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff were fantastic friendly nice they came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff for a fantastic friendly nice we came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meeting was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast.

We originally had a window seat. Our seats were changed to the center isle between 2 bathrooms. This was a red eye flight and we were traveling with an infant. Due to the light from the bathroom doors opening and closing throughout the night our infant would not sleep and cried the whole night which kept us awake and everyone around us. It was a very unpleasant experience for everyone trying to sleep.

Tai-City to Atlanta :Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation that training was taking place would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him. Atlanta to London: Check in was difficult we had been unable to do this online for 2 of the family members on the same booking both in their mid to late-80s. No seats had been allocated for them and we were all travelling Premium Economy. After several phone calls to the booking agent and conversations with Delta staff at TriCites airport, we were told that seats would be allocated at the gate in Atlanta. When we arrived at Atlanta, and spoke to a member of the boarding staff at the gate, he was curt and repeated back exactly what we had just told him, that only one of us was checked in. I explained that we had been unable to check-in online for the 2 family members (I had tried twice). He again repeated back that we needed to check-in. As we were in transit, I was at a loss at what he wanted us to do, but he kept repeating that we needed to do this. I asked where we should do this. No answer. In fact all he did throughout was look at his screen. He told us that there were no seats in Premium Economy, and that he could offer my parents-in-law 'two seats at the back'. I asked if he meant at the back of Premium Economy, and he replied, 'No, at the back of the plane'. At this point, myself and my father-in-law pointed out that they had paid for Premium Economy tickets and expected seats there. He never took his eyes off the screen once. Then he hit a button and it printed out two boarding passes for my parents-in-law. The seats were directly across from my seat. He had gone from saying there were no seats to somehow finding two together. No explanation, no eye contact, nothing. The flight: As we boarded, our first introduction to the flight was the stewardess at the entrance addressing a passenger with an annoyed and loud voice about a bag that belonged to them. That was not promising. The seats were good, and so were all the accessories. The food, etc.: we had flown with Virgin on our outward journey and I could not fault it. The service and food was excellent, the stewards very helpful, offering additional drinks and snacks. The toilets were more accessible than Delta, which were in the economy area and were told in no uncertain terms that we should not use the First Class toilets, even though they were much closer to our section of the plane. We had a menu for both flights, yet when I asked for the chicken dish on Delta, I was told that there was none left and that there was another chicken dish with mashed potatoes and that 'it was fine'. This was almost pushed on me before I could answer. I was sitting 3 rows from the front of the section, so I was surprised that they had already run out. I repeated that I would like the chicken dish on the menu, and asked whether she would be able to get one from her colleague who was serving in the other aisle. The stewardess replied 'No, that's not how it works!' It always has on previous flights, so I was a bit confused. I accepted that I would have to opt for the pasta option (no choice), but was a little perturbed by her response. Minutes later she returns and hands me the chicken dish I had originally asked for. I had already started eating the other one, but was told curtly that I could have both. This was the same stewardess who was shouting at a passenger as we boarded the plane. The food was very poor in the end, nowhere near as good as Virgin's. Unlike Virgin, there was no starter, no bread roll, just a main and a brownie served in a cardboard container. Virgin had provided real china and glass. Unlike Virgin, they did not return to ask if we wanted more drinks, and there was no tea or coffee served after the meal. The breakfast that was served later was equally poor and inedible, apart from the fruit. At the time, the stewardess, a different one, completely walked past my mother-in-law and did not offer her a hot drink. Both my parents-in-law are in their mid to late 80s, they have been world travellers in their time and had decided that this would be the last flight that they ever take. They have health problems, including memory issues. I feel that overall the journey back to London was pretty unpleasant for them especially, and that they were treated badly, especially by the ground staff. We have lived on two continents and are used to long haul flights, and I have to say that this is up there in the worst flight category. Bearing in mind that we had paid extra money expecting comfort and additional attention, it was extremely disappointing. I would fly Virgin again, but never Delta. The two flights were incomparable.

Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him.

The flight was delayed for over four hours due to “maintenance “. Your ground staff made no efforts to avoid my family missing their connecting flight to London. They did not try to reroute them and didn’t even offer meal vouchers without being asked. My daughter, her husband and four children were in the States for our son’s celebration of life service. They experienced rude and unhelpful staff in Asheville. The lack of communication was disgraceful. They missed their connecting flight and the first rebooking. Then the 2nd rebooked flight was delayed by over two hours. They didn’t leave Charlotte until 1:30 AM. Since returning home my granddaughters sleep has been so disrupted that they are overly tired and cry hysterically at bedtime. I have already contacted you regarding compensation but have yet to receive a response. All I’ve received is a canned wrote response. This is not acceptable!!! When my wife and I traveled to England in December on your partner, British Airlines, we were delayed for 4 and one half hours. We missed our connecting train to Leeds and had to pay double. They not only reimbursed our extra train expense, they also refunded half our airfare. And upon our return to the States we were surprised to find that they had upgraded us for free! Now that’s customer service!!! I look forward to a prompt real human response. Sincerely, Jon Cannon

Was flying in premium eco and there were around 5-6 movies I wanted to watch and none of those could I play for some reasons. Not just me we checked w the person sitting next to me. Few of the movies were only playable :( Also that was not great that we couldn't upgrade to business however tried to, many times before the flight :(

You cancelled my flight by email then made it very difficult to get in contact with you. Then put me in a flight with a long layover in Mexico returning to the wrong airport in uk. Mind blowing my stressful. I missed see my grand dad because of you.

This was not the BA business class it used to be. Mediocre food, attendants seemed stretched thin. All the little luxuries that used to make BA business fun were missing. Flight delayed and the explanation given was they forgot to pick up crew - I hope I misheard! Transfer in LHR “sticky” - we thought we had way too much time at 3hours but it was needed. Next time will try different route.

Always getting updates by email very easy to check in on line. There was plenty of checking in staff to get you all through. It was nice that the flight attendants took time to talk to you and were interested in your holiday.

Flight from Phoenix to London was very quiet. Excellent space available for comfort, couldn't fault

Food was very average. And top up drinks offer was absent. For a 11 hour long flight that should be the minimum. The crew didn't want to be there. I understand it was new year day but given they had signed up for it

It was my fault choosing the seat nearest the entrance but it was ok.

It was good, the staff was friendly and it was a typical flight to Europe.

My flight was a little marred by poorly fuctioning / loose headphone sockets meaning I had to move twice. The meals were good and the staff are always amazing, attentive and friendly. My bag was lost on my previos trip with BA for 15 days of my 18 day trip, however I experienced no such issues this time despite my fears. Overall ok but aircraft need better looking after.

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

As expected for a BA long haul flight in economy - you get what you pay for. Good leg space, in flight entertainment and food and drink provided. Staff on the return flight (overnight) we're a bit brisk and just wanted to get everyone fed and watered before turning the lights down. We're vegetarian so ordered it separately through the booking, although when we were in flight we realised there was a normal and vegetarian option anyway, and we were given vegan. This is fine, however on the return trip we were told there were no more specially ordered meals left, so be aware in case you have specific dietary requirements.

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

The flight was delayed numerous times with inconsistent updates and very ambiguous information. When it was finally cancelled the logistics of handing out vouchers and rebooking was extremely chaotic. Meal vouchers were completely inadequate for the airport restaurants, and not even accepted at some. All-in-all, it was a very disappointing experience.

Terrible. The flight from Islamabad to London took 3 hours more then previously planned, I missed my connection to Chicago, and instead had to go New York, spend an extra day before arriving at my final destination. The return leg of the journey was similar. The connection time in Qatar was shrinked to less then an hour unannounced, I had to scramble to barely make it to my flight to Islamabad. Terrible experience, never using British airways again.

The crew on this flight were attentive, efficient and friendly. It really made for an enjoyable flight.

They canceled my flight , they put me on a different flight that was delayed and the connection was lost . They lost my luggage. And now I’m stuck with any of my belongings.

British Airways canceled our plane and gave us a new flight scheduled to leave in only three hours, so we had to drop everything and rush to the airport. The new itinerary only left us a one hour layover in Madrid, which was too short because the plane landed late and so we missed our connecting flight. We were then booked onto a flight scheduled to take off 8 hours later, and were not given any compensation or remedial measures.

Seat layout, flight/club attendant service, food variety and quality could have been better. Business class Standard is visibly low compared with 6 other airlines that we have traveled for the past two years.

I loved the ability to upgrade my seat which was worth it. The large seat and ability to recline made it comfortable to fall asleep. My only two complaints were entertainment (movie selections were old) and approx 30 mins before landing the crew started to collect the blankets despite the cabin air temperature remaining cold. Maybe wait for passengers to get off the plane before collecting the blankets.

Excellent! Although it stinks to pay extra for leg room and then have no screen option.

Very much dislike: Airline requires check-in at the Airport Airline does not work with TSA PreCheck

Overall a great experience. Only complaint was the movie selection was pretty limited, but that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of things and easy to overcome.

The crew was unfriendly front check-in. The filth in the plane was so disappointing. I could smell dirt and looked up and there was literally dirt that was blowing in through the air. Old food on the seat back tray in front of me so I didn’t use it. No toilet paper in the bathroom and scum/old dirt next to the seats.

No blanket pillow headphones, not even a water or snack makes for a very uncomfortable flight. There are too many extra fees that should be basic and standard included.

There was no communication about the check-in process, even the fact that Norse doesn’t do online check-in! And once we were at the Los Angeles airport (LAX), there was no signage or assistance about where to check in. I kept Googling for 3rd party information until I finally found on the airport website that we had to check in at Terminal 1 and be bussed back to Terminal B, the international terminal. How were we supposed to know that?! Otherwise, the flight itself was comfortable and the attendants were helpful and friendly. I just feel like we were lucky to have managed the check-in and boarding process on our own - why keep it a secret??

The flight was comfortable, smooth, hardly any bumps even though we encountered some jetstream. The onboard entertainment could be jazzed up a little, the TV shows were old ans not much variety. The movies we ok. The staff was pleasant. The Orlando ground crew was excellent, they were pleasantand friendly. My kids and I were seated separately but the Orlando crew was able to reassign us together. The ground crew at Gatwick, UK need some work on attitude, they were not so sociable. All in all wonderful flight to and from England. I will be definitely traveling with Norse again. Ps...Norse need to work on an app for both Android and iOS.

Crew at airport who completed boarding were incredibly and blatantly rude and unhelpful. 0/10 customer service. I was going to upgrade my seat to first class and upon asking, I was met with an awful attitude so I changed my mind.

Boarding was a disaster. 2 hours in line to get boarding passes and we had no luggage to check in. Coffee was $4 so is water. 11 and a half hour’s flight and food was not included. You could purchase the food but it was complete garbage, This is worse than spirit airline. Never again

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MY WANDERLUSTY LIFE

#TimeBudgetTravel

The Best 5-Day London Itinerary For First-Time Visitors

Last Updated: February 5, 2021 //  by  Ashley Smith 27 Comments

Coming up with a 5-day London itinerary had never been on my radar. It was as much a stranger to me as everything else I couldn’t care less about: Star Trek , pho, pacifiers, what sorority you were in.

I basically ended up going just to say I’d been and because hearing “OMG of all the places you‘ve traveled, you’ve never been to London?” had gotten stale faster than forgotten focaccia. What was London–some kind of gateway travel destination?

I had initially set aside just 2 or 3 days in London—as per usual—but the list of things I needed to see kept growing and growing, much to my shock. I’d never realized there was so much to do and, like, was I actually going to enjoy London? Were all your sorority sisters right after all? I already live in New England… was there a chance regular ol’ England was going to be even better?

I took a chance and came up with an entire 5-day London itinerary which is more than I typically allot for a new place I care so little about. Maybe I’d enjoy the hell out of it; maybe a 5-days London itinerary was too long; regardless, how could I get bored in a place with so many pubs?

To my surprise, I enjoyed the hell outta my trip and feel this 5 days in London is perfect for a first-time visitor. This 5-day London itinerary includes so much to see and do, you’ll never feel bored—but you also won’t feel rushed or exhausted or like Dobby with a desk lamp ( “Dobby had to punish himself, sir” ).

The one thing you will feel is astonishment at how good the food is (the exact opposite of everything you’ve been led to believe your whole life, no?). Regular ol’ England, here I come!

⇣⇣⇣  Click on this little square thing to see the key and layers.

5- DAY LONDON ITINERARY | DAY 01

Where to stay in london.

Deciding where to stay in London was a job in itself. London is absolutely massive and the only place I knew to stay was already booked up. I mean, c’mon Buckingham Palace; I know you’ve got a crapload of rooms in there. Why the snub? Hit me back.

I eventually settled on the Trafalgar Square area because of its central location and I can’t recommend this area enough for first-time visitors. I could walk almost everywhere, catching public transportation was a breeze, and pubs pubs pubs pubs pubs.

I stayed in a studio apartment room at the Citadines Trafalgar Square and it was perfect. There wasn’t anything I needed they didn’t already provide and that list includes free coffee in the lobby, an Italian male concierge, and a purple wall in my room. I can be pretty persnickety when I wanna be. Read more reviews on Tripadvisor | Book your room here!

After dropping off my bags at the hotel, I walked to the end of my street and over the river to the London Eye because I can only get my bearings at 443 feet up and no less.

Why visit the London Eye?

Though I’m not usually one for kitschy Ferris wheels, the views from the London Eye are the best in the city. And isn’t that why we all came to London anyway? To point out as many filming locations from Harry Potter as we could spot?

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

Since I had to go back and actually check in to my room, I followed that up with a trip around Trafalgar Square , my new ‘hood.

Why visit Trafalgar Square? 

For me, it was to get acquainted with my new digs. For everyone else, there’s Nelson’s Column in the center and the surrounding lion statues people come from far and wide to see; there’s a fountain, some other weird art I don’t get, some beautiful architecture, and like the most confusing street patterns I’ve ever seen. THANK GOD the streets tell you from which way the cars are coming.

ALSO CHECK OUT ─ Is your trip to London going to be your first international trip? (Yay!) Be sure to check out my step-by-step guide for how to get a passport . I’ve broken down this mildly confusing process into steps you can actually follow.

NATIONAL GALLERY

My first stop was the National Gallery which takes up the entire north side of Trafalgar Square. I had a little over an hour to explore before closing time when I imagine all those crazy paintings come to life. My personal favorite was this guy, illustrating what all my readers must look like when they read my blog posts:

Why visit the National Gallery?

London’s National Gallery displays paintings by such artists as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and everyone else you learned about in high school art class. The National Gallery has one of the largest collections of fine art in the world and the place is totally FREE. Seriously, just walk right in off the street, ain’t no thang.

Because I like to keep my life as balanced as possible, I went straight from the pretentious world of fine art and even finer tailoring and into the loudest, most testosterone-heavy pub I could find,  Lord Moon of the Mall .

Why visit Lord Moon of the Mall?

Well, even the sign outside said “Welcome to a traditional English pub.” And that it was—an eye-opening first London pub experience that left me with so many questions. First and foremost, where are all the women? This is a trend I noted in every pub I went into—heavy male presence, almost zero women.

Regardless, the atmosphere was jovial, the place was super cozy despite its large size, and the beers were delicious. What more do you want from a pub? Purple walls and an Italian male hostess? Damn. Get your priorities in check.

5- DAY LONDON ITINERARY | DAY 02

One thing I love about British culture more than anything probably (yes, even more than their funny words, even more than scones), is their penchant for decent, nay, phenomenally filling breakfasts. The French ways of café and croissant do absolutely nothing for me— I need meat, vegetables, eggs, beans, and, whatever bubble & squeak is, I need it more than I need oxygen . So what did I do on my first official morning in the of bountiful British breakfasts?

ALSO CHECK OUT ─ What to Pack for London and Paris in the Winter (for real people!) if you haven’t already. It’s full of helpful tips for packing for these two awesome cities.

BREAKFAST AT CAFÉ CONCERTO

I hit up the French café across the street because… lazy. I mean, it was right there. I should only be required to walk so far first thing in the morning.

Why visit Café Concerto?

I actually had breakfast at Café Concerto twice during my 5 days in London and though it’s not brilliantly British, I still include it in this 5-day London itinerary because the food was fantastic, the service was excellent and super friendly, and the atmosphere was cozy and chill.

Plus they had framed photos of He Who Must Not Be Named but like, in regular clothes. So… Ralph Fiennes, I guess. There, I named him.

DOUBLE-DECKER BUS TOUR

After filling up on ham, cheese, and caffeine, I headed into Trafalgar Square to grab a seat on a big red bus. I chose The Original Tour because I read they were the best and, well, they were right there. How many of my life choices are made for me because of proximity alone? Hmm. Regardless, I highly recommend them!

Why take an Original double-decker bus tour?

➤ These busses are hop on/hop off so you can even use them as your primary mode of transportation if you wish. Get off when you hit an attraction you want to visit; get back on and head to the next one when you’re done.

➤ Score a guided tour of the city just by staying planted (laziness + proximity win!). Plug in your earbuds (or they’ll give you a set) and listen to a pre-recorded guided tour of the city’s highlights as you drive past them. (They point out all the HP filming locations too! Nerd win!)

➤ Riding on the open-air top level of the bus is a kickass and unique way to see London. (Yes, riding on top of the bus in February is really, really cold. But if you’ve read my post on What to Pack for London and Paris in the Winter , you’ll be fully prepared!)

➤ Our double-decker bus tour even came with a Thames river cruise which I’m sure would’ve been awesome had I remembered to take it.

Believe me, I was totally against these uber-touristy red bus tours at first but quickly learned that the awesomeness of them outweighed how ridiculous I looked to strangers whose opinions I give no shits about.

These tours can be booked online (it is 2020 after all) but I simply walked into the Original London Visitor Centre and got my ticket there.

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

After a bit of a tour around the city, I got off the bus (ahem, hopped off) at St. Paul’s Cathedral . Now, I’m a big fan of cathedral hopping in Europe—Italy, France, Spain, etc.—but St. Paul’s was unlike anything I’d ever seen, being not Catholic and all.

When I look up pictures of it now, it just looks ornate and beautiful. But walking around inside I remember thinking, “What in the world is going on here?” and it wasn’t just because of the questionable modern art installations (let’s just say I saw more than one 21 st century boobie).

I can’t remember exactly what weirded me out (no photography allowed inside), I just remember it felt a little… off . Like Princess Leia in the last scene of The Force Awakens or Governor Tarkin the whole entire time . I see what you’re doing there… but no. Kickass floor though…

Why visit St. Paul’s Cathedral?

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world (#22 by Wikipedia’s estimate) and was consecrated a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (or 1697). That’s cool and all but… there’s also a whispering gallery here and a badass dome.

In the whispering gallery you’re supposed to be able to communicate with someone else clear on the other side of the church just by whispering. I failed at this sorcery so if you succeed, share your secrets!

St. Paul’s also has two levels of dome you can climb for 360° views of London (at no additional cost) from the 2 nd largest cathedral dome in the world (364 feet up, 528 steps to get there).

TOWER OF LONDON (a 5-day London itinerary MUST)

After leaving St. Paul’s I caught another Original bus and rode the loopty-loop around to the Tower of London . I joined the very next Yeoman Warder tour and afterwards explored the place on my own.

I made friends with ravens, plotted out who I’d behead if this were still medieval times, and bought a set of old rusty castle keys that are so comically large my husband knocks them off the wall every time he walks by.

Why visit the Tower of London?

Because Medieval times, yo! The Tower of London is a fortress founded in 1066 and is straight out of your every medieval nightmare. Guillotines and dungeons and tales of beheading and torture, yup, it’s all here.

The Tower of London is also home to the crown jewels—Queen Elizabeth II’s crown and a hundred other crowns with jewels the size of your morning scone; ermine capes and staffs and dishes worth more than, well, you. They’ve got a team of ravens jacked enough to kick your ass if need be and the most fascinating, hilarious, worthwhile tour I’ve ever been on.

The Yeoman Warder tours take place every 30 minutes, last one hour, and are included in your (and worth the entire) admission cost. Yeoman Warders have been the Royal Bodyguard since 1509 and to become one is to almost become royalty themselves. Also, they are HI-LAR-I-OUS. I had the pleasure of being led by Moira who was, at the time, the first and only female Yeoman Warder in history.

TOWER BRIDGE

Just outside the Tower of London is (proximity win!) the Tower Bridge . There’s also the Tower Bridge Exhibition that takes you up inside the bridge for great views, a lesson on “the magic of a bridge lift”, and a glass floor over the traffic because if you’re at no point afraid you might die a horrible death, where’s the fun? We learned that crossing the street in Trafalgar Square, now didn’t we?

I opted out of the exhibition in favour of (well look at that, my computer automatically spelled that in British) getting to the fish and chips a half hour sooner and chose simply to walk across the beautiful blue bridge.

Why walk across the Tower Bridge?

Because look how beautiful it is! It’s famous and blue and it’s a London icon. It’s meant to just be walked all over. Plus, ya gotta get over the river anyway.

LUNCH AT BOROUGH MARKET

Once over the Tower Bridge it was just a short walk down to the Borough Market where I would devour some freshhh fish and chips and it’s about damn time, right? I’d been in London like 24 hours by this point.

Why visit the Borough Market?

The Borough Market is London’s most renowned food market and you can get just about anything you want there. I opted for fish and chips, duh, but they have cheese shops and prosciutto shops and bakeries, pasta-eries, chocolate stands, seafood joints, paella, and even a pig roasting on a spit if that’s what tickles your fancy.

Everything is phenomenal (I TRIED ALL THE CHEESE AND PROSCIUTTO SAMPLES SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO) and the seating is communal. Regardless of what you order, you’re going to have a delicious meal next to the nicest people.

GLOBE THEATER

After lunch I hauled my beer-battered ass back up to street level and towards the Globe Theater on my way back over the river.

Why stop by the Globe Theater on your way back across the river?

The Globe is a theater built back in 1599 by William’s Shakespeare’s Playing Company and for over a decade put on some of his most famous plays. This one is a reconstruction. It was built in 1997.

However! As any ol’ play actor would tell you, pretending is super fun so when you pretend this is the original, fun times for all! It’s located right next to the spot of the original and you can still see plays here in the original style (and by that I mean yo’ ass is standing).

MILLENIUM BRIDGE

I turned left outside the Globe Theater entrance and found myself face-to-face with the Millennium Bridge and thought, “This will be a fine bridge to cross the river on.” JK, I had that planned out all along. ⚡

Why cross the river via the Millennium Bridge?

For those of you in the know: Death Eaters, son! For those of you not: Something to do with Harry Potter .

BACK ON THE BUS

After crossing the Millennium Bridge (that was harrowing for a while there, phew), I walked along the river until the sun set and caught another Original bus. The tour continued up to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, past some other sites I’ll get to, and back to Trafalgar Square.

Why get back on the bus?

They’s my ride.

BEERS AT SHERLOCK HOLMES

After decompressing back at the hotel for a hot minute, I headed just around the corner to the Sherlock Holmes —a London pub so cute it just couldn’t have been real—for a flagon of ale. They say stuff like ‘flagon of ale’, right? They better ‘cause I’ve got all the hobbit drinking songs in my back pocket should the occasion arise.

Why stop for beers at the Sherlock Holmes?

Proximity. But also because LOOK HOW CUTE. The Sherlock Holmes is a—no shit, Sherlock—Sherlock Holmes themed bar. That sentence was too much I think. I don’t know jack about Sherlock Holmes but if you do, this is your spot.

I do know a thing or two about consuming beer in a jolly environment and making new Japanese friends though. It was a Tuesday night when I went and the place was completely packed. I drank beers I had no clue about and ate chips (fries) until standing at the bar became leaning on the bar then headed back to the Citadines for a long winter’s nap.

5- DAY LONDON ITINERARY | DAY 03

Breakfast at café in the crypt.

While searching for places to have a good, English breakfast near Trafalgar Square on day 3 of my 5-day London itinerary, I came across something weird and truly questionable—so naturally I jumped on it like a wizard to a broom. Yer dining with dead people, Harry!

Why Café in the Crypt?

Say what you want about starting your day with tea on a tombstone but this place was awesome. Café in the Crypt is exactly what the name implies, a café located—why? Beats me.—inside the crypt of the Anglican church St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

They serve full English breakfasts and a host of other items, amazing pastries, and porridge . How cute is this place? Well, except for all the surrounding reminders that one day your eternal resting place may be located under a restroom.

The food was delicious and I followed up my meal with a look around the crypt, then a look around the church upstairs. Is it weird eating your breakfast on top of countless graves? Hell no, it rocks! 🤘🏼

BUCKINGHAM PALACE | CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Thinking it would take me, like, forever (it didn’t), I decided to walk to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard ceremony from Trafalgar Square. I ended up getting there super early which 1) sucked because it was freezing out and 2) rocked because I was able to get a great spot along the barrier, front and center.

When it’s all said and done, you’re left with great pictures and probably all your digits so, my advice is to get there EARLY. Even in February when it’s colder than a house elf on Hoth, the crowds are still ludicrous.

Why see the Changing of the Guard ceremony?

The Changing of the Guard is a quintessential London experience, that’s why. It’s really cold and the ceremony is not all that long but wouldn’t you feel stupid if you visited London and didn’t include this in your 5-day London itinerary? Besides, THIS IS WHERE THE QUEEN LIVES.

The outfits are fancy, there are ponies, and the whole experience is worth it to hear that one guy who is so bad on his trumpet you just know he snuck in off the street. Off with his head!

After the brief ceremony, I opted to grab a cab back to Trafalgar Square due mostly to the fact that I wasn’t even sure if my legs were still attached but also because it’s really fun riding on the left side of the street. #What?Shutup. I stopped into Café Concerto again for a cappuccino to raise my body temperature from the inside out.

HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR

From there I walked the two blocks to the Embankment Underground station to catch a train to Leavesden which was, by the grace of the nerd gods, on the tracks between platforms 9 and 10. A short train ride, then a longer train ride, then a shuttle bus later I was at the Warner Brothers lot for my Harry Potter studio tour .

Why take the Harry Potter studio tour?

The HP studio tour takes place at the Warner Brothers studios where all the Harry Potter films were made. You can see the sets, props, wardrobes, and behind the scenes technology; you can fly on a broomstick or in an enchanted car; you can drink butterbeer; you can go inside the Knight Bus, the Great Hall at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s Office, the Hogwarts Express, and 4 Privet Drive; you can get up-close to the scale model of Hogwarts; you can all around geek the f*ck out and nobody will make fun of you! It’s nerd Mecca and you’ll never want to leave, that’s why.

I had such an amazing time on the Harry Potter studio tour that I wrote an entire post about it. Read that here ⇣

DINNER AT BRONTE

After what felt like an entire day in Leavesden, I finally made it back to Trafalgar Square where I opted for dinner at Bronte because I passed it on my way back to the hotel from the train station (yeah, I took the looong way home) and there were flames on their porch to which I was inexplicably drawn.

Why have dinner at Bronte?

Great food, fancy-pants service. The tuna tartare was delicious and, had I the energy to consume anything more, I’m sure it would’ve been great. The place is trendy and aesthetically pleasing and I’m sure I looked like an absolute fool in there with my Slytherin scarf and bag of souvenir cat plates from Professor Umbridge’s office. Totally going back to Bronte for a proper fancy-pants do-over.

5- DAY LONDON ITINERARY | DAY 04

On Day 4 of my 5-day London itinerary I had a phenomenal breakfast! At a place that is now closed forever so… awkward…. I guess just eat wherever you want today.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY

After the best avocado toast I’ve ever had in my life (sorry), I caught a cab for Westminster Abbey . I spent a good couple hours there so I think that clears me for a while with the Man Upstairs, right?

Westminster Abbey was incredible and proved way more entertaining than I expected. I grabbed an audio guide upon entering and took my time weaving throughout the entire place. The audio guide, which you can also download ahead of time, takes about one hour and is narrated by Uncle Scar from The Lion King so… Hello, emotional roller coaster! Your voice is like a warm blanket. Murderer! But tell me more about this beautiful church. I hate you!  

(UPDATE: Their link to the audio guide is gone but you can still download it via your friendly app store. Just look for the official Westminster Abbey app.)

Why visit Westminster Abbey?

Personally, I was most interested in seeing the graves of a bunch of famous people because I’m creepy like that sometimes. Among the thousands of people buried at Westminster Abbey you’ll find: Charles Darwin (whose claim to fame is basically the opposite of ‘church’ so this one is particularly interesting), Sir Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens.

You can also visit the tombs of Queen Elizabeth I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and a ton of other historic figures you’d totally know if you read about them.

Westminster Abbey is also where all the royal coronations and a host of royal weddings have taken place since 1066 AD. Prince William and Kate Middleton were married here, Queen Elizabeth was crowned here, and you can check out the Coronation Chair that’s been used for every coronation since 1300. Shut up, it’s cool!

Note: There is no photography allowed inside Westminster Abbey. Worldwide broadcasts of intimate wedding ceremonies are apparently okay though.

BIG BEN | PARLIAMENT

After leaving Westminster Abbey I walked across the street to check out Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament . Something Brexit-related was happening so I couldn’t get inside but here are some pictures from the sidewalk. Being able to enter or not, seeing the clock tower and building up close is still a 5-day London itinerary must.

CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS

Just a few minutes walk down the street from Parliament, down an alley, then down a staircase, are the Churchill War Rooms . The Churchill War Rooms are the secret, underground bunker that served at Winston Churchill’s and the British government’s command center during World War II that also includes the Churchill Museum.

They even have one of his cigar butts here. Do you ever wonder how much of your cruddy old garbage could be worth millions someday? Something to think about.

Why visit the Churchill War Rooms?

Down here you’ll walk through the labyrinth of offices, bedrooms, conference rooms, and a bunch of other rooms where Winston Churchill & Co. lived and worked during the war. Everything is set up just as it was during the war when they all lived and worked in total isolation and secrecy.

It’s also really cool how they play footsteps and a person whistling like it’s still operational. (That is a total lie – it’s absolutely terrifying when you’re lost in the maze by yourself surrounded by lifelike mannequins.)

AFTERNOON TEA

After exploring the entirety of the War Rooms and the Churchill Museum I caught a cab back over by Westminster Abbey because it was TEA TIME!

Afternoon tea is a 5-day London itinerary MUST. Your options are endless so let me make it easy for you—the Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory -themed afternoon tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair has to be the best.

Why have afternoon tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair?

Well, I wrote an entire post on that too which you can (and should) read here .

I chose the Charlie and the Chesterfield afternoon tea for the fun and unique theme (I freakin’ love Willy Wonka ), everything they offer sounded amazing, I read a lot of great reviews, and they had chocolate tea which is pretty much Heaven in a dainty little cup.

The whole experience was so fun, the food was UH-MAZING and UN-LIMITED, and my afternoon tea turned out to be one of the top highlights of the trip. Seriously, read more about it here ⇣

RELATED POST ─ My complete review of Charlie & the Chesterfield , the Chesterfield Mayfair’s Willy Wonka-themed afternoon tea experience.

SEE A SHOW!

I stepped out of the Mayfair Hotel where a top-hatted gentleman opened a cab door for me. I rolled my overstuffed Violet Beauregard belly into the back seat and said, “Take me back to Trafalgar Square, kind sir!” You see, I’d just had afternoon tea at the Mayfair, I was fancy now.

I walked back into the Original London Visitor Center where I’d purchased my double-decker bus tour a couple days before and demanded a ticket to a Broadway show. Whatever’s cheap to whatever’s good (that I hadn’t seen). Question: Is it still called a Broadway show if it’s in London? Please advise. I left there with a ticket to Kinky Boots and time for a nap beforehand.

Why see a show?

If New York City is the #1 city for live theatre (which it is) then London is #2. I mean, hello?, does the name ‘William Shakespeare’ mean anything to you? The caliber of talent in these two cities is unlike anything you ever thought possible from human beings that aren’t LeBron James. No 5-day London itinerary would be complete without some live theatre. (Spelled -re for obvious reasons.)

London has all the best shows you need to see and you can get tickets to almost all of them the night of and at a huge discount. London’s West End (the theater district) is just a few blocks from Trafalgar Square and, besides, it’s an iconic London activity that requires nothing more than sitting in an upright position with your eyes open.

(I’m looking at the brochure for Kinky Boots as I write this and almost literally wrote “…with your legs open.” That would’ve been hilarious. I shoulda left it.)

Kinky Boots , by the way, was UNBELIEVABLEEEEEE.

5- DAY LONDON ITINERARY | DAY 05

Day 5 of the 5-day London itinerary could be a bonus if you wanted it to be since it doesn’t technically take place in London. There were a couple of day trips I had been considering: Stonehenge (but a whole day dedicated to seeing one thing didn’t appeal to me all that much) and Stratford-upon-Avon for all the Shakespeare history and goodness (but the weather was terrible and this town looks solely like a cute, good-weather town).

I settled on a day trip (it’s really just like 20 minutes away) to Greenwich basically because I wanted to check out the Eastern hemisphere while I was in town. It’s all about efficiency.

BRUNCH AT THE ADMIRALTY

I started my day by sleeping in (🙌🏽) then having brunch at the Admiralty in Trafalgar Square. This Brunch. OMG. For the record, this is my favorite meal out of my entire 5-day London itinerary.

Why have brunch at the Admiralty?

Besides the fact that the restaurant is boat-themed (I LOVE ANYTHING WITH A THEME AHHH), they serve beer + meat pie samplers. Three pies, three beers. Every bit of it was amazing.

ROYAL OBSERVATORY | PRIME MERIDIAN

I left the Admiralty and caught a train to Greenwich—which ones, I can’t remember but here’s  the page on how to get there. I went straight from the train station to the Royal Observatory, an observatory and museum that played a huge part in navigation and astronomy.

That sounds super nerdy but it was cool. It was maybe a half hour walk from the train station, and uphill, so make sure to charge your FitBit so you get credit for this madness.

Why visit the Royal Observatory?

There’s a planetarium, an entire museum dedicated to clocks, navigation, and telling time, and some historic buildings, but I went to stand on the Prime Meridian—the up & down equator, if you will.

The Prime Meridian divides the East and West hemispheres giving Greenwich the coordinates of 00° 00’. It’s also where time starts. For instance, I live in the Eastern time zone which is also written as “GMT -5”. This means Boston’s time is 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, get it?

I found the clock and time museum seriously fascinating and only partly because it also felt like the workshop lair of every creepy scientist in a time-travel flick.

DINNER AT THE MITRE

After coming back down the hill from the Observatory and spending 20 minutes trying to find one particular chippy with no luck, I settled for dinner and beers at the Mitre . I say “settled” because that wasn’t my intended destination but this place was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Why have dinner at the Mitre?

Chippy or not, I still got my desired fish and chips and they were more fabulous that I thought food could be from a place named after the Pope’s hat. The place was dark and relaxing and straight up filled with clocks of all kinds. Take it easy here and chill on the last night of your 5-day London itinerary because you have a busy 3 days in Paris coming up tomorrow.

Planning your own 5-day London itinerary? Find great places to stay here . But where do I personally recommend? The Citadines Trafalgar Square . Camera I used for this post?  Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mark II  with  12-40mm  &  40-150mm  lenses What else have I written about London? You can find more London posts here . Like this post? Have questions? Hit me up on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE TO THIS 5-DAY LONDON ITINERARY? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 33 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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London Flights

Visit london.

As a cultural, artistic, and educational hub, England’s capital city of is a must for your next euro-trip. London offers its visitors ballet performances at the Royal Opera House, breathtaking exhibits at the National Gallery, and the acclaimed University of Westminster. Plan on passing your time in the city by touring the Tower of London, making funny faces at the guards outside Buckingham Palace, and strolling through the manicured landscape of Regent’s Park. Wherever your British invasion takes you, book your flights to London today here on Expedia.com and take advantage of our deeply discounted deals which will have you feeling positively royal.

When to book London flights

Rain is not uncommon in Londontown, so no matter what time of year you travel to the city, prepare for a bit of drizzle. However, there’s no reason to let a little moisture ruin your vacation. Each season in London offers a unique and beautiful view of the city. The best weather is typically in the spring, from the months of March until May. Spring time offers a happy medium between cold winters and often muggy summers of the city. Summer is the most densely packed with tourists, so consider coming during the fall to beat the crowds. Lastly, winter months can be picturesque and ideal for touring museums, just don’t forget to pack a winter coat and some mittens.

Book your flight with Expedia

Get started on planning your European getaway today and book your London flights today. We compile the best selection of London airfare matching all your specifications. Whether you prefer a specific airline or need to stay in a budget with very little wiggle room, we’ve got you covered. What’s more, all of our prices are backed by our Best Price Guarantee. You can rest assured knowing you received the best deals out there on flights to London.

London Airports

Heathrow Airport (LHR) is consistently ranked as one of the top five busiest airports in the world. Annually, the facility transports over 72 million people which should come as no surprise considering Heathrow serves over 180 different destinations. Primarily a resource for international travelers, the establishment exudes a vibe of efficiency and professionalism. Don’t be awestruck by LHR’s massive size though; there are plenty of inviting lounges, restaurants, and shops to make you feel more comfortable. Additionally, there are free buses and trains to shuttle you around the airport in case you need to get to a different terminal or catch a connecting flight. More must-know information about London Heathrow is available at Flights.com .

Transportation from the Airport

There are a myriad of options to get to Londontown once you arrive at Heathrow. Utilize the city’s public ground transportation to get to the center of the action. The Underground, fondly referred to as “the Tube”, is a metro system which serves not only the various neighborhoods of London but parts of Hertfordshire, Essex, and Buckinghamshire counties as well. If you choose to forego the Tube, catch a ride on the Heathrow Express. The Heathrow Express is a high-speed train which takes about 15 minutes to get to the centralized Paddington Station. After you’re done saying hello to Paddington Bear at his very own gift shop, exit the station or board a connecting bus or train to further your travels in the city.

Lastly, choose to avoid the hustle and bustle of public transportation by renting a car for your stay in London ahead of time here on Expedia.com. This way, your journey can begin as soon as you land.

Frequently asked questions

• The secret to having a great travel experience is to plan ahead. So, let’s start with the basics: passport, boarding pass, bank cards and vital medications. Next, bring on board items that’ll help keep you occupied, like your laptop or a juicy novel. It’s also wise to pack your chargers, a quality neck pillow and a pair of earplugs. And of course, don’t forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, cleansing wipes and a fresh set of clothes.
• While the list of restricted items can differ between airlines, the general guide to follow is nothing sharp, flammable or explosive. This includes things like knives, scissors, fuels and bleaching agents. Sports equipment like ice skates, and objects that could injure passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, can’t come on board with you either.
• Comfort should be your prime concern when choosing what to wear during your flight. Consider your choice of footwear with care too, as swollen feet and ankles are a common occurrence. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are your best bet.
• A condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-distance flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Doing leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a high-quality pair of compression socks or tights is also a wise idea.
• Be sure to keep your travel documents and passport within close reach. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronic devices, including your laptop and phone, will also need to be scanned separately.
• Any gels or liquids, such as hair oil or hand cream, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• It’s also possible you’ll be asked to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing lightweight sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp or pointed objects (like knives and scissors) can’t be taken on board. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.

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London Family Travel Guide: How We Planned the Perfect Five Day Itinerary

London family travel guide for the perfect five day itinerary.

We recently returned from an early Summer trip that started in New York City, then to Paris, before ending our trip in London.  We spent five nights in London, which gave us four full days to explore the city, before flying back to San Francisco (SFO) from London Heathrow (LHR).   

In this new series titled, "Just Got Back", we go over a quick trip itinerary report on where we stayed, what activities we did, where we ate and our top recommendations on things to consider adding to your own trip to London.  

Where to Stay

There are many great options to consider staying at when visiting London that depend on your particular preferences, travel style, hotel location and budget.

One of the things to consider when traveling in Europe with kids is being able to find hotels that accommodate up to 4 people in one room or suite.  Most hotels max occupancy at 2 or 3 people per room, even for larger suites sometimes, so it can become very challenging to find a hotel and room category that will work and not break the bank at the same time.  And if you can't find a room for at least 4 people, then you may end up having to book two rooms (and not break the travel budget) and hope the hotel offers connecting rooms.

For this trip, we stayed at the Marriott London County Hall , which boasts a prime location on the River Thames, overlooking the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.  The convenient location on the South Bank at the Westminster Bridge is perfect for exploring the sights of London.  

We stayed here for 5 nights in a Family Room that offered two double beds for a family of four and featured views of Big Ben and River Thames.  Staying for five nights was the perfect amount of time for exploring the city and still having enough time in London to relax and be spontaneous as well, instead of always feeling like we had to be on the go if we had less travel days here.    

We selected this hotel since we have hotel status (Marriott Bonvoy Titanium) that unlocks extra benefits/amenities like free breakfast (saved us ~$100+ a day) and since we had lots of Marriott Bonvoy points that could help cover the cost of our entire stay.  I plan on writing more about this in an upcoming post and how we used a lot of Marriott hotel points to cover a majority of our trips for 2022 and the reasoning behind it.

Things to do

Here are some of the sights we visited and things we experienced on our recent trip to London:

• The British Museum

• Natural History Museum
• Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theater

• Big Ben, Houses of Parliament

• Tower of London and the Tower Bridge

• St. Pauls Cathedral

• Tate Modern
• Covent Garden
• Borough Market
• Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross Station and The Harry Potter Shop

• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych Hotel

• Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park

• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus 
• Shopping on Regent Street at Oxford Circus

I plan on writing more in detail about each of these items, including our experience with a private family tour of London with Context Travel, how to book and the best way to plan out each activity to maximize your day.

Places to Eat & Drink

London is very walkable and no matter where you are in the city, it seems like there is a restaurant, pub or cafe on every corner. 

The places we ate at largely depended on which part of London we were in around lunch or dinner time and location mainly dictated the available restaurant options for us.  

For example,  I always like to plan ahead and research food options closest to where we would be so we don't have to hunt around too long to get a bite to eat.  Knowing what options we have and where they are located comes in handy when traveling with younger children, but for this trip I didn't make a list of places to eat and figured there would always be something close by where we were that would work for everyone.

For breakfast each morning, we ate at the hotel (Marriott Bonvoy Titanium breakfast benefit) at The Library, which offered amazing views of River Thames and Big Ben, as well as helping us save over $100+ a day on breakfast alone.  Typically, breakfast would be served in the M Lounge, but we were pleasantly surprised to see it moved to the Library for breakfast at the moment.  

Other sit-down restaurants we enjoyed on this trip while exploring London include: 

• Dishoom (popular and trendy Indian Restaurant featuring amazing food)
• Oblix (at the Shard featuring great views of London)
• Gillray's Steakhouse & Bar
• Pizza Express near Borough Market (so many small restaurants and stalls)

• Sticks 'N' Sushi at Covent Garden (lots of restaurants here) 

• Osteria Dell'Angolo 
• Tower Bridge Cafe (just outside the Tower of London)
• Charlie & the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych  

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London Vacation Packages

Things to do in london.

This iconic symbol of London is best viewed from the River Thames, aboard a boat cruise or on the flanking pedestrian boardwalks.

Westminster Abbey is England’s coronation church and the final resting place of its great kings, queens, poets, musicians, scientists and politicians.

Indulge in royal fever with a glimpse of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

• Tower Bridge Slide 1 of 3: This iconic symbol of London is best viewed from the River Thames, aboard a boat cruise or on the flanking pedestrian boardwalks.
• Westminster Abbey Slide 2 of 3: Westminster Abbey is England’s coronation church and the final resting place of its great kings, queens, poets, musicians, scientists and politicians.
• Buckingham Palace Slide 3 of 3: Indulge in royal fever with a glimpse of Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

Stay: In a two-bedroom suite at the Grosvenor House, overlooking Hyde Park .

Must See: The changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace or a panoramic view of the city on the London Eye ride. See more amazing sights aboard an iconic double-decker, hop-on, hop-off bus with 60+ stops.

Don’t Miss: Standing on Platform 9 3/4 on a Warner Bros. Studios, The Making of Harry Potter Tour . Or take the family to explore kid-friendly, interactive exhibits at the London Transportation Museum or British Museum.

Do Try: Classic fish and chips or Soho’s international cuisine.

Adults/Couples:

Stay: On the doorstep of London's most celebrated theater district at the Radisson Blu Edwardian, Mercer Street.

Must See: The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, the unusual architecture of Leadenhall Market, and scenes from Notting Hill at Portobello Market.

Don’t Miss: Getting lost in Harrods on a legendary shopping experience. Or, exploring a choice of high quality and affordable museums – from The National Gallery to The Science Museum.

Do Try: English cheeses paired with local beer on a Secret Food Tour.

This is just a taste of all you can see, do and try in London. Go ahead, start booking a vacation that fits your style perfectly with the freedom to choose from great hotels and exciting tours.

Whether you are a family, couple or friends vacationing together, check out more info below or call our vacation experts at  1-800-800-1504  for assistance and tips!

A sprawling, global city, London is bursting with sightseeing opportunities, from Big Ben to the London Eye. London has 32 districts, each with its own personality. The West End offers theater and great nightlife, while Covent Garden and Strand are the liveliest areas for outdoor cafes, street artists and markets. 

Explore the British Museum — one of more than 170 museums in London — or see the Tower of London’s crown jewels. Discover awe-inspiring architecture and fascinating history at St. Paul’s Cathedral. Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum and The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street. A must-see, living pageant of British history is Westminster Abbey, a 700-year-old cathedral.

With a Delta Vacations getaway, you can also add an exciting tour to your package, such as a theater pass or sightseeing excursion. We also offer a myriad of European tour choices, ranging from fully escorted tours to independent multi-city stays and river cruises.

From designer jewels to thrifty vintage clothing to cutting-edge technology, London’s streets offer an exhilarating shopping experience. Shop like a queen at Harrods on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. Head over to Kings Road in the Chelsea area for oodles of chic boutiques or to Covent Garden for trendy shops and craft stalls. No matter what shopping hotspot you wander to, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise.

Want to try something authentic? Stop at a local pub for the best fish and chips London has to offer, or indulge in an afternoon tea — a real British tradition. From food trucks and lunch spots to cozy pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants, London has something for every taste. Quench your thirst at one of the many rooftop bars, cocktail bars, basement taverns and champagne bars around the city.

Delta Vacations flight + hotel packages include round-trip airfare aboard a Delta Partner Airline to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick International Airport (LGW). Round-trip transfers between the airport and London hotels are available for purchase, including private van, sedan and shared-ride transfers.

Learn more about the official vacation provider of Delta Air Lines.

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40+ London Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

Whenever people say they dislike London, I get weirdly defensive.

I mean… Not like London? How dare you?!

In a city with attractions, shows and restaurants catered to every whim, I find the prospect outrageous. Which is why I’ve come to the following conclusion: most of those who ‘dislike London’ simply fail to prepare for it properly… an easy failure, given the many, many mistakes tourists can make here.

… But that won’t be you. You’re going to love London, because I’m arming you with every London tip and must-know you could ever possibly need, accumulated over a dozen visits ranging from two days to two months.

So, read on for a truly maniacal range of London travel tips for first timers, from London planning tips and culture shocks to niche, practical must-knows upon arrival.

Soon, you too shall be a violently defensive London fangirl. See you on the other side.

Save this List of London Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Avoid visiting London in peak season

First, in terms of when to visit London… my number one rule is to avoid London in peak peak season, meaning July and August.

Sure, the city draws tourists year-round, but summer time is next level in terms of crowds, and there’s a bonus villain that comes in to guest star: muggy London heat , an absolute menace if you use public transport.

Overall, there’s a compelling reason for every season (you know it’s true because it rhymes), just avoid summer if you can, and also try to avoid school and bank holidays because London is a super popular family destination.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what every (other) season can offer:

• Spring: Flowers in bloom, May for wisteria hysteria, plenty of fun events like the Chelsea Flower Show/Chelsea in Bloom
• Fall: Gorgeous foliage and comfortable temperatures, fun events like the London Film Festival
• Winter: The sheer magic of London at Christmas (though this can be crowded too – plan for weekdays/earlier in the season for a slightly quieter experience). Winter can otherwise be a bit gloomy, but the relatively thinner crowds and lower prices help compensate

2. Plan to be in London for minimum four days

One of the best ways to hate London is to rush through it.

This is a city best enjoyed somewhat slowly – otherwise burnout is guaranteed.

I personally think first time visitors need at least four days to get a good feel for the city. You definitely won’t see everything in this time, but it’ll give you a good grasp of the main must-sees. I’d advise adding a few more days if you want to do some cool day trips too.

3. Research your airport to accommodation commute in advance

First time visiting London? Great news – the confusion starts before you even arrive!

When booking flights, you may find that there are actually six airports that service the Greater London area: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, London City Airport, and London Southend Airport.

For most visitors coming from overseas, Heathrow and Gatwick will likely be your main point of entry, whereas the others are popular for shorter flights, typically from elsewhere in Europe (often with budget airlines like Ryanair , easyJet and Wizz Air , especially with Stanstead and Luton ).

When planning, you should remember to factor in costs getting from these airports to central London, as it’s often not cheap.

While the options vary by airport, the most convenient (and most expensive) is of course by taxi or private transfer. Welcome Pickups can be a good option for pre-booking, if you are prioritizing convenience and ease.

There are also public transport options for all of them which are much more cost-effective.

One general word of warning though: regardless of which airport you arrive at, make sure you research different ways to get to the city centre. Often times, the most popular and most advertised options aren’t the best solution.

For instance, with Heathrow, often visitors will hop on the Heathrow Express, a ride notorious for being the UK’s most expensive train journey per mile (though a new train from Luton is set to dethrone it) … only to find out they need to complete their journey with further means because their hotel is nowhere near Paddington Station.

So, definitely explore different options for getting into the city!

4. Prioritize comfort when booking accommodation

In terms of places to stay, there are thousands of hotels and accommodation options to choose from in London. Unfortunately, their prices will make you want to cry, regardless of quality.

As I discuss in my guide on how to book the best accommodation every time , often sacrifices must be made depending on whether you’re prioritizing price, quality or location.

For London, I would advise prioritizing quality or price.

Whereas in other cities, I’m more inclined to prioritize location, the truth is London and its attractions are very spread out, so booking a hotel close to one attraction won’t necessarily put you at an advantage when it comes to seeing other places.

Plus, staying in touristy areas can mean noise, crazy prices, and a lack of good-value places to eat nearby. Rather, in London, I think it’s smarter to prioritize an area with good food options nearby and proximity to a Tube station (preferably in more central zones like Zone 1 and Zone 2).

Apart from that, to make your decision, I think you should be looking more at the specifics of the hotel and whether they suit your needs in terms of amenities and comfort. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want somewhere nice to come home to!

5. Thoroughly research your accommodation before booking

Related to the London planning tip above is the simple fact that many of London’s hotels are terrible value for money.

You’d assume (based on prices) that you’re getting a great place to stay, but oftentimes hotels will lack the amenities you typically expect.

This is because many (smaller) London hotels weren’t purposely built to be hotels, and are converted from old buildings, which may mean a lack of elevator and/or ‘quirky’ plumbing and temperature control issues.

So, be extra careful when you’re vetting hotels. Read the descriptions, comb through reviews, scroll through all the photos, and if amenities like Air Conditioning are important to you, triple check the hotel has it because many older ones do not.

Don’t automatically assume every hotel will have standard amenities (especially if the price seems too good to be true!)

6. Make sure you have a data plan

Another important London tip is to get a local SIM card or make sure you have an international data plan because having access to Internet in London is pretty crucial these days, with many restaurants/pubs offering their menus on QR code or confusingly stumbling around using Google Maps.

Three has really cheap data plans and you can pick up a card straight at the airport! You can also find their SIM cards on Amazon. An unlimited one costs less than my 5GB data plan back home in Canada. It simply doesn’t make sense.

7. Make sure you have a travel-friendly credit card

Another important London travel tip? Make sure you have a good credit card that travels well.

London these days is becoming very much a cashless city and you’ll be relying on card a lot more than cash, which is why it’s important to have a travel-friendly credit card like Wise , which doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees or overinflated currency conversion fees.

8. Do not rent a car for your London trip

When in London, I wouldn’t advise renting a car. Driving in the city is a horrific pain, with copious weird fees that tourists aren’t used to.

Public transport is definitely the way to go. Renting a car may make sense for further trips out in to the countryside, but just know that when you’re in London itself, public transport or taxis should be your pick.

9. Learn how to book taxis quickly and easily

On the topic of taxis, I’d recommend downloading an app called FreeNow which is basically Uber but with licensed taxis.

This is way easier than flagging down a taxi on the street, plus you can see how much the fare will be, which helps you avoid getting scammed.

10. Avoid hop on/hop off buses to get around

Another London tip for getting around: I wouldn’t advise using those ubiquitous hop on/hop off buses as a means of transport.

Not only are they wildly expensive compared to local buses, their schedules also aren’t as consistent or reliable as regular public transport, so it’s really a lose-lose situation.

Instead, just use the vast public transport network that serves millions of locals everyday! Sure it’s stuffier and you might get lost or meet some characters, but it’s all part of the experience.

NOTE: I do think the open top buses are fun, but I’d advise doing a tour for the experience, rather than use it as a way of getting from Point A to Point B. Local transport will cost you far less, and will make you feeling more like a Londoner, if that’s what you’re after.

11. Make sure you have a contactless card for public transport

If you DO end up using public transport in London, the good news is it’s quite easy. Both buses and the Underground (AKA the Tube) rely on a card tap system that automatically charges you.

As a tourist, the easiest option is to just use a contactless card for all payments. You tap in on the bus as you board, then you can just get off at your stop without worrying again. Or, you tap in at Tube stations at the gates on your way in, and at the gates on your way out. Easy!

There is a reloadable card called an Oyster Card that you can buy to tap in/out easily, like a gift card you fill up with travel credit, but the prices and caps are the same for both contactless cards and Oyster cards.

Plus there’s a 5GBP activation fee for Oyster cards, so it’s not worth it for a short trip, unless you’re dealing with some specific scenarios which I’ll outline below, after this cute photo of a tap in/tap out machine.

12. Get an Oyster Card (in some situations)

There are only two situations where I think getting an Oyster card makes sense if you’re a tourist.

First, if you plan to buy a RailCard, this saves you 1/3 on all journeys, including on the Tube so you will need to get an Oyster Card and link the two to take advantage of that. Of course this only makes sense for visitors staying longer or who plan to come back often.

Second, you should maybe consider an Oyster card if you don’t have a travel friendly credit card and get charged individually for foreign transactions, as those costs might add up.

In most cases though, just using a contactless card is the simplest solution because it deducts amounts automatically. You can even use this to get far out to popular day trip destinations like Hampton Court Palace.

Just make sure you use the same card all day though because there are daily caps on how much they can charge you!

13. Understand when to take buses vs. the Tube

In terms of public transport in London, there’s Underground trains AKA the Tube, buses, and overground trains which connect to suburbs and neighbourhoods that are farther out.

As a tourist, you’ll most likely be relying just on the Underground and buses. 

Both have their pros and cons.

I do think buses are fun for tourists because they’re above ground so you see a lot more, especially if you ride at the front of a double decker (which is a mandatory must-do in my opinion), plus you can get phone service on them and they are cheaper as well, especially because it’s one price across zones.

The downside is they’re not as punctual (the time tables on Google Maps are notoriously inaccurate, so focus on the digital estimates at the stops themselves whenever possible)… and you can get stuck in traffic.

So, keep these pros/cons in mind when choosing how to plan your journey. If traffic a mess, the Tube may be a better choice. If you need phone service, want views, or are prioritizing low cost, then the bus may be better.

NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, the Tube does not run 24/7. It actually stops running surprisingly early, so check times before you head out, or prepare to get comfy on the night bus.

14. Always plan for lots of buffer time in case there’s delays with public transport

Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan things with buffer time in between obligations, especially if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.

The Tube may not get caught in traffic like buses do, but there’s still often random delays and unexpected failures.

So, if you have a tour, show or attraction booked, be sure to add in 30 minutes or more of wiggle room, just in case.

15. Walk as much as possible

Truthfully though, while I’m a big fan of London public transport, my preferred way to get around is walking as much as possible within neighbourhoods, then taking the Tube or bus to cover huge distances.

In busier tourist areas, there’s often signs you can follow to find big attractions so don’t worry too much about navigating on foot, and walking can sometimes even be faster than the Tube depending on how far you’re going.

16. Learn to ride the Tube like a pro

If you want to navigate the Tube system like a slick, terrifyingly efficient professional, then there are some basics to keep in mind.

First, I would never ride the Tube by choice between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm. It’s more expensive at this time so it’s a lose-lose, plus it’s rush hour when everyone and their mom’s landlord is trying to get to/from work. Don’t get caught in this as a tourist. Remember, you’re here to escape that kind of minutia!

Second, remember, when riding the Tube, you need to tap out to leave, so have your card ready to tap out upon exit, and don’t block everyone’s way as you shuffle through the deepest depths of your chaotic tote bag.

Also make sure you have your full journey loaded on your phone or written down before you head out. There’s usually no service so you won’t be able to Google directions when you’re down there, hence why you may want to bring a book or some form of entertainment.

One random hack I have for finding the right exit to take from a Tube station is to plot your journey on Google Maps, and then rotate your map to make it look like your train is headed straight North. This way, you have a sense of which direction you need to move towards once you get off the train, and which exit makes the most sense.

In this example for instance, as you exit the train, you will know your end destination is behind and to the left of you:

Some busier stations will also have an exit guide:

Lastly, be sure to exercise proper Tube etiquette:

• Let people off the train before you try to get on
• If there’s a crowded train, take off your bag or have it on your front so you’re not in everyone’s way
• Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator – this is meant to be left empty for people who choose to walk up

17. Consider a BritRail Pass if travelling farther

If you’re staying a while in London and plan to do many day trips or side trips, one potential pass worth considering is the London Plus BritRail Pass .

With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period (either a consecutive few days or a set number of days within a month).

The London Plus Pass is especially good value because it covers the Greater London area, plus many of London’s most popular day trip destinations like Bath , Winchester , Windsor, Salisbury, Brighton , and Bournemouth.

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance, but overall if you plan to only do a handful of day trips, buying tickets well in advance will probably be cheaper. 

18. Don’t overload your London itinerary

Now let’s move onto some London itinerary planning tips. The first and most important one? Resist the urge to overload your itinerary!

London is a gargantuan city packed with fun attractions, so many in fact that even people born and raised there haven’t seen it all.

Which stands to reason that you, as a first time visitor, will not be able to see it all in one go either.

I would recommend limiting big paid attractions to 1-2 per day, then dedicating the rest of the day to just wandering, enjoying food, and pursuing more relaxed activities.

19. Plan your days by neighbourhood

Another important London must-know is that you should be organizing your itinerary based on strategic neighbourhood hopping.

London is really spread apart so planning things by neighbourhood is crucial for avoiding the inefficiency of doubling back. If you need help, I have a 3 Days in London itinerary you can steal.

Needless to say, it’s really worth getting out of Central London to explore other neighbourhoods during your visit. Notting Hill, Camden, and Shoreditch are super popular ones for instance, but if you want something quieter, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich are also great.

20. Consider the London Pass for potential savings

London is expensive, so I highly recommend you cap your paid attractions to only a few that you desperately want to do, then devote the rest of your time to free attractions.

That said, if you do intend on seeing lots of paid sights I can highly recommend the London Pass , especially if you can grab one on sale.

It’s essentially one card you pay for that then gets you into tons of paid attractions. If you plan correctly, this can save you SO much money. I bought a ten day one recently so that I could test out all of London’s paid attractions in one go. It was busy but I ended up saving a crazy amount of money.

Again, this would only be worth it if you planned to see a bunch of paid sights anyway, but it’s worth looking into if you’re a ‘see it all!’ type of visitor.

21. Prioritize uniquely ‘London’ attractions

We’ve already established that there’s a ton to see in London… so how can you decide which sights to prioritize above the rest?

Well, my advice would be to prioritize uniquely London attractions. There are many big name attractions in the city now that are fairly random and completely unrelated to the city, for instance Shrek’s 4D Adventure or Madame Tussauds.

And… Unless you are travelling with kids and need to entertain them, I think there’s way better attractions to be prioritizing, so try to pick ‘Londony’ attractions whenever possible.

22. Time your attraction visits strategically

Of course, it’s worth emphasizing how busy London can be when it comes to tourist sights, so if you want to enjoy attractions with minimal selfie sticks in your eyes, then avoid going to big attractions in the middle of the day.

Early morning or (even better) just before closing time is often way less busy.

23. Familiarize yourself with all the free things to do in London

I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth noting again just how many great free things there are to do in London!

You can visit parks, go to free museums, or simply absorb London’s most wonderful sights on a (very free) walk.

In terms of free/by donation museums, the V&A is my personal favourite – it’s full of amazing decorative art and also located very close to other free museums like the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

There’s also the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Imperial War Museum, the British Museum and more. So if you’re looking to save money, prioritize these sights over others.

There are some great free viewpoints as well, like at…

• Tate Modern – the views over the Thames from the viewing level terrace are too good to pass up
• Primrose Hill – a farther away view of the skyline in a very pretty park/colourful neighbourhood
• Greenwich Observatory  – the perfect place to see the London skyline at sunset

24. Learn when to book London’s most exclusive free/almost free tickets

While London is swimming with free things to do, some are harder to pursue than others due to limited tickets that are pre-released at set times before quickly being gobbled up by the eager freebie goblins.

SO, to help you prepare, here are some cool experiences in London that are free or almost free, but need to be booked in advance:

• Barbican Conservatory: Really beautiful and free green space in the heart of the City! Tickets released for next week Thursdays at 10am here
• Sky Garden: Free and stunning viewpoint, but you need to book in advance and the tickets go QUICKLY. Usually tickets are released every Monday up to a week in advance. Click here to book.
• Mithraeum: Cool ancient Roman temple underneath all the huge skyscrapers in the City of London. Tickets can be booked up to four months in advance here although they do accept walk-ins depending on availability.
• Ceremony of the Keys: Secret, centuries-old ceremony at the Tower of London where they lock up for the night. SUPER cool. Not free, but only costs 5 GBP. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the 1st working day of the month at noon, for the next month. You can book it here.

NOTE: If you don’t manage to book Sky Garden  for free, another fun way to see it which I prefer is to book it for breakfast to see it without crowds. It does cost 8.50 per person but you get a drink and a pastry so it’s not a bad deal!

24. Book important must-dos well in advance

From West End shows to reservations for popular restaurants, planning ahead is key in London, especially during peak season.

Some key attractions that tend to book out months in advance include the Harry Potter Studio Tour and tickets for shows at the Globe .

So, remember: preparation is key to avoiding disappointment! If you know what attractions you want to see, book in advance online and get a skip the line ticket. If there’s a special restaurant you want to visit, book a table. If there’s a non-negotiable show that you need to see, book those tickets.

… You can always book cancellable ones to secure your spot, then decide later!

25. Learn how to get the best deals on West End shows

On that note, if you’re hoping to get West End show tickets during your time in London, then here are some tips for saving money:

• If you’re flexible with what show you watch, get the TodayTix app – they always have great sales and deals and within that app you can enter different ticket lotteries and do day-of rush tickets
• In advance of your trip, enter different ticket lotteries – they have ones for Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and other popular shows. This is how I got these seats in Hamilton for only 10 GBP!
• And in a pinch, you can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted day-of tickets

26. Read local blogs/websites to find special events

Another VERY underrated London travel tip is to scour local blogs and websites for fun events/pop-ups.

In a city like London, there’s always cool things happening, so if you want to spice up your itinerary beyond the tourist must-sees, there’s plenty of opportunities. London is home to millions of locals after all!

Some good local websites to check out include London x London , Time Out London , Londonist , Secret London.

27. Be sure to try plenty of English classics

Ahh, now for London food and drink tips!

I know most visitors will flock to London to try fish and chips, but besides this English classic, there are many other great British foods to try (alongside excellent international options, but more on that later).

If you’re craving local food, be sure to try some…

• Savoury pies
• A full English breakfast
• Sausage rolls
• Sticky toffee pudding

Those visiting on a Sunday should also make sure they try a Sunday roast, which tends to be eaten as a heavy lunch or early dinner, although booking for this in advance is strongly advised. 

28. Visit food markets if you have trouble with decisions

Beyond English classics, be sure to head out to some food markets in London as well (the city is famous for them!)

These vibrant foodie hubs offer a taste of London’s incredibly diverse food scene, all in a ‘grab and go’ manner that’s ideal for those who are indecisive, or simply bottomless pits of sustenance like me.

Borough Market is a foodie favourite that’s always busy but fun. Other markets I love for food include Greenwich Market, Brick Lane Market, nearby Old Spitalfields Market and (the much smaller) Maltby St Market… although these all have their own specific opening days, so be sure to research before you head out!

29. Learn where to grab a quick, cheap bite

If you’re in a rush, on a budget, or both, the most cost-effective and quick lunch you can get for yourself in London is a Meal Deal. These are set combos that include a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. Most major supermarket chains do them.

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

I know how savage London can be on one’s budget, so keep these money saving tips in mind do help ease the pain a bit on some days.

30. Learn proper pub etiquette

Now, let’s have a quick chat about pub etiquette.

Going to a pub in London is an essential activity, even if you don’t drink. Pubs can be a great place to grab food, socialize or even listen to live music if you plan properly, so don’t write off the experience just because you’re not a drinker!

Of course, visiting a London pub for the first time can be an awkward experience for first timers, full of random little culture shocks, so here are some must-knows to help you prepare.

First – not all pubs in London have table service, so the most typical way to order (especially if you’re just getting drinks) is to go up to the bar and order from there. You can usually place food orders at the bar as well. If you plan to do this, take note of your table number (usually somewhere on the table) so that they know where to bring your food!

When ordering at the bar, you tend to pay on the spot, and not after the meal is over.

These days, it’s also common for pubs, especially chain ones, to have a QR code or app where you can order directly from your table using your Table number. If you’re feeling a bit anti-social, this can be an easy option.

Lastly, in terms of what to order, beers are most commonly ordered as pints which in the UK are 20 fluid ounces, but if you want something smaller, ordering a half pint (AKA just a half) is also possible, although not too common.

Bear in mind pubs don’t tend to have as wide a selection for drinks as in bars, so you’re probably best sticking to beer, wine, cider or whatever simple cocktails they list on their menu. Don’t go asking for anything too fancy or they may look at you like you’re an alien.

31. Learn how tipping in London works

Now, in regards to tipping, you’ll find that many restaurants in London these days add on a Discretionary Service Charge of about 12.5% which is automatically tacked onto your bill.

This isn’t a mandatory fee and you can ask them to remove it if you don’t think the service deserves that amount.

Otherwise, if you pay it, don’t worry – you’re not usually expected to pay an additional tip on top of that, unless you found the service to be really exceptional.

32. Be careful when crossing the street

Now, for some London safety tips.

Please, for the love of Peppa Pig, make sure you look the right way when crossing the street.

The first time I visited London, I almost died about five times. Brits drive on the left, which sounds cute enough until you realize it turns every street crossing into an auto-fuelled death trap.

This has become such a problem that most crosswalks in touristy areas literally have “LOOK LEFT” and “LOOK RIGHT” painted on the pavement in aggressive white block letters, so read them.

33. Keep your phone close at all times

While pickpockets do exist everywhere, the more common crime these days in in London is phone snatching. 

What thieves will often do is come by you on a bike or scooter, then snatch the phone from your hand and escape so be sure to avoid having your phone out when you’re in a busy area, especially next to the road.

… And review my guide on how to avoid pickpockets too.

34. Beware of commonly mispronounced words and names

If you’re a first time visitor to London, you may be shocked to find that many of the names you’ve been reading in your head actually sound nothing like how you’ve been pronouncing them.

That’s because British English is filled with fun little traps!

So, let’s review some of the most commonly mispronounced names in London:

• Thames is pronounced like “temz”, not THEY-mz
• Leicester Square is pronounced like “LEST-ER Square”, not like LAY-SESS-TER Square
• Greenwich is pronounced like ‘GREN-itch”, not green witch
• Clapham and Fulham are pronounced like Clap-mm Full-mm, not Clap-HAM or Full-HAM
• Southwark is pronounced like “Suth-irk” not South Wark

And trust me, that’s barely scraping the surface. SO, when in doubt, keep an ear out on the announcements at train stations and tube stations for the proper pronunciation of things. I still learn new pronunciation traps all the time!

35. Beware of differing words in British English

On a related note, remember there are quite a few day to day words that are different in England compared to North America, so remember…

• Bathroom = the toilet or loo
• Elevator = lift
• Garbage can = bin
• Line-up = queue
• Sidewalk = pavement

… Just to name a few examples.

36. Learn some basic London etiquette

Of course, norms vary from destination to destination. Here are a few to bear in mind for London specifically:

• Never jump a queue – this might as well be a punishable crime in England
• Avoid talking too loudly – North Americans have a reputation for being obnoxiously loud in public
• Don’t take up a seat on the bus or train with your bag if it’s busy
• And most importantly: don’t put on a fake English accent! You might think it’s funny or convincing, it’s probably not

37. Don’t bring too much cash out

I mentioned before how London is mostly a cashless city these days… but it’s an important must-know so I’ll mention it again!

Remember: there are now some places in London that are “card only” so you won’t be needing cash too often, hence why I’d recommend carrying very little with you at all times.

A good rule of thumb is to never bring more cash out than you could stand to lose. I usually just walk around with £20 juuust in case, but I’ve rarely had to use it.

38. Learn where to find free public toilets

If you need to find a public toilet while exploring London, either look for big train stations, McDonalds, Starbucks and department stores OR in a pinch, duck into a pub and order a drink.

39. A hooded jacket > an umbrella

If you’re running low on space and can’t decide what to pack, I would recommend packing a hooded jacket over an umbrella for your trip to London.

London’s rain can often come unexpectedly, and honestly the wind can be pretty vicious too, so having a hooded jacket is a better defense.

Because yes, it does rain a lot quite randomly in London, so make sure you’re prepared!

40. Remember to be respectful

Getting to the end of our list of London travel tips, please remember the importance of being a kind and respectful tourist!

Some examples of what NOT to do include…

• Trespassing private property to get a fake candid in front of a colourful wall
• Being loud and disruptive if you’re wandering around a cute residential neighbourhood
• Blocking the escalator/sidewalk/train door with huge suitcases and bags
• Stopping suddenly on the sidewalk to look at directions/take a photo

At the end of the day, there are a lot of tourists in London, sure, but there’s even more locals who call this city home… so let’s make sure we don’t ruin their day to day lives with our tourist debauchery.

41. Binge watch movies/shows set in London before your visit

Finally – last but not least, a very dorky tip: watch lots of movies and shows in advance of your visit which showcase London as the backdrop.

This will make your trip 1000x more delightful… trust me!

There’s way too many to choose from, but here’s a list to get you started:

• About Time (one of my favourite movies ever – please watch it)
• Paddington 1 & 2 (not just for kids. These are great and showcase London well)
• Bridget Jones’ Diary or Notting Hill (if you want a good rom com)
• Anything Sherlock Holmes related
• Love Actually (at Christmas time – a must!)
• The Harry Potter series (not a TON of London scenes, but still magical)

I hope this list of London Travel Tips was helpful!

I appreciate you trudging your way through this lengthy list of tips for London, my London fangirl in training. Hopefully this post answered most of your questions, but if you have any more, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » London

22 Items You NEED in your London Packing List (2024)

London is truly one of the worlds great cities and attracts millions of visitors each and every year. Not only is it a global mecca for culture, history, fashion and music – it’s got an incredible scene for nightlife, live theatre, and world-renowned cuisine.

Whether you are headed to London for a weekend trip or as part of a UK tour, packing for London takes a little bit of planning and forward thinking.

Lucky for you – we’ve put together a step-by-step London survival guide that’ll take the guesswork out of your packing strategy. Our goal is to make your prep as stress-free as possible so you can concentrate on the fun stuff – like the actual travel part!

So, let’s get on with it, shall we?

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The Ultimate London Packing List

What to pack for london checklist: personal gear, final thoughts on what to pack for london.

Nomatic Travel Bag

• Capacity > 30L
• Price > $299

Nomatic Navigator Carry On

• Capacity > 37L
• Price > $400

GoPro Hero 11

• Resolution > 5k

Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket

• Price > $600

Insurance From World Nomads

• Price > Click For a Quote

In this list, we are going to help you choose what to bring to London and what to wear in London.

Best Backpack For London:  Nomatic Travel Bag

Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for London, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the  Nomatic Travel Bag .

The Nomatic travel bag covers every detail to make backpacking travel the best experience. Because of its smart design, it manages to provide loads of packing space in a convenient, carry-on size package! Its handy built-in pockets make plenty of room for all the necessities on your what to pack for London checklist – you’ll find separate compartments for important items like shoes, water bottle, electronics, underwear and socks. As an added bonus, there’s also an RFID-safe and cord management pocket.

You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack. 

Best Suitcase For London:  Nomatic Carry-On Pro

Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro. 

This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Nomatic has been an industry leader when it comes to travel gear and that reputation is reflected in the quality build design and functionality of the Carry-On Pro suitcase.  Packing a carry on bag will also allow you to take full advantage of the budget flights to London from the rest of Europe.

Check out our  Nomatic Carry-On Pro review  to learn more about this epic suitcase.

Best Camera For London:  GoPro Hero9 Black

For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.

But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the  GoPro Hero9 Black .

It does deliver pro-quality video and gives you a bunch of a different angle options and shooting speeds to work with for photos (including a selfie-mode).

Think of a camera purchase like this as a long term investment that will have you capturing epic shots well beyond your time exploring here.If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic  GoPro Alternatives .

Best SIM card For London – HolaFly eSim

The good news about Londinium that there is decent 4g and 5g Internet coverage, taxi apps and food and drug delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.

You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the Bali/Indonesia package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport.

eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.

Toiletry Bag For London – By Nomatic

Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a  hanging toiletry bag . It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available. A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Make sure you fill it with all you need before you leave. Whilst you can find most things in China, trying to explain the particular kind of hair pomme you need across a language barrier can be challenging.

Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me. Plus they are not too expensive either. A no-brainer essential. 

Word up – it rain a lot in the UK. Even in summer, rain is never too far away. However, the temperature does vary quite a lot between seasons. Summer’s can get sweltering hot (but generally stay mild) whereas winter nights regularly plummet below freezing.

Packing and dressing for London is therefore, an art form you need to master to get the most from your trip.

The other thing to bear in mind is that Londoner’s are stylish. It is therefore worth making a bit of effort and maybe leaving those cargo shorts at home for this one eh?

Good Rain Jacket – Arcteryx Beta AR

Did you know that the surface of the earth is over 70% covered in water? And you know how that water got there? Yep because it tends to here rain here on planet earth quite a lot! It rains a lot in London and you would be a fool to come here without a raincoat.

There is no such thing as bad weather, only the wing gear for it. Don’t let a bit (of a lot) of rain ruin your trip and make sure you are ready with some top notch rain gear.

This is our pick of the many rain jackets we have tried. It’s reliable & stylish and looks good worn out in the mountains or in city bars – and believe us, Londoner’s take fashion very seriously.

Travel Insurance From World Nomads

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Money Belt – By Pacsafe

Whilst London is not particularly dangerous, crime can still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted. Pickpocketing does happen in Tube stations and near major tourist attractions and the occasional after dark mugging has been reported. With living conditions in the UK descending rapidly, the crime problem is only going to get worse in the near future.

Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.

When buying a money belt don’t cheap out as the budget ones tend to fall apart pretty fast. Instead, hit the button below and check out one of REI’s affordable, reliable offerings.

Waterbottle –  Hydroflask Vacuum Bottle 32 oz. 

Packing a reusable water bottle is probably the best thing you can personally do to combat single-use plastic bottle use whilst traveling. There is simply zero need to buy plastic water bottles. Everywhere in London the water is safe to drink. Fill up your bottle each time and carry it with you when you go out in order to avoid buying water throughout your day. 

We love the Hydroflask Vacum Bottle for its quality and because it keeps cold water  cold  for many hours and vice versa for hot beverages. This bottle is the ideal water bottle to get not just for your London trip but for daily use. Please don’t be that person buying plastic water bottles. We are all judging you…especially mother earth. 

If you go with the Hydroflask, you’ll probably never need to buy another waterbottle again. 

Good Daypack –  Osprey Daylite Plus

If you intend on doing any hiking, doing a London city tour or bussing around the country then you will need a daypack. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.

The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.

Check out our   full review of the Os p rey Daylite plus  for more details.

Additionally, you can attach it to other Osprey packs in case you want to add more capacity and carry just one piece of luggage… but the reviews on this feature are mixed.

The key to staying warm is to keep our extremities warm. This means a good hat for the head, gloves for the hands and some decent thick wool socks to wear under your boots. If you are visiting London in Autumn or Winter, I recommend getting some of these. I own 6 pairs of these and wear them between October and February in my home city of Liverpool. 

Check out our guide to the best gloves and mittens on the markets for a few different options.

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And there it is! Your complete London survival guide for what to pack for London with our practical 22-needs packing checklist, the city’s seasonal breakdown and how to pack for the weather, and specific tips for guys and gals. We also included what not to pack and the best backpack to carry all the gear you do pack.

Remember to focus on a select choice of classic items that you can easily layer and mix and match – with a stylish edge. And, more importantly, include those things that will make your travels comfortable and safe!

And now comes the fun part – get yourself to London and have an amazing time. Big Ben and the world’s best fish and chips await!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

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This London Neighborhood Has World-class Theater, Impressive Museums, and Cool Cocktail Bars

Both locals and visitors find entertainment and more in London’s West End.

Best Things to Do

Best restaurants, best hotels, best shopping, best nightlife.

Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

With five trips to London stamped in my passport, I’ve visited most of the spots that top tourists’ to-do lists, especially because two of the trips were with young nieces — first-time overseas travelers. We rode in an open-top bus, watched the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, enjoyed the view from the London Eye, and toured Kensington Palace. We shopped for souvenirs at Covent Garden Market and devoured fish and chips at a local pub.

I’ve spent time in Greenwich with a friend, arriving from Paris on the Eurostar, a few stops on the Underground, and a short river boat cruise. And my first visit to London many years ago included Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London. However, even after all those admittedly short trips, I still didn’t have a sense of London’s many neighborhoods and how they all fit together.

So, on my recent trip, with plans for theater and shopping, I decided to make London’s West End my home base as a way to become familiar with that lively section of the city. Famous for Oxford Street stores, restaurants, museums, Piccadilly Circus, and more than 40 theaters, the West End offered all I needed in a convenient location. What I found was more than enough to keep me busy from morning to night for nearly a week. If theater, shopping, and a bit of history sound appealing, you’ll find them in London’s West End with this guide.

Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images

Visit West End museums.

Explore the National Portrait Gallery where paintings, photographs, drawings, and maps take visitors from 16th-century portraits to photos of rock stars — and so much in between. Continue a day of art enjoyment at the Royal Academy of Arts .

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

See a show at a West End theater.

Take in a performance (or two) in one of London’s famed West End theaters, where you’ll find popular musicals, comedies, dramas, immersive shows, Shakespearean plays, and more. Theaters range from intimate to large, ornate neo-classical venues where the theater itself is part of the show.

Treat yourself to a spa day.

Maria Chevalet

On a rainy day, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment at the hidden-away, underground Akasha Wellbeing Center at Hotel Café Royal. There’s a heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and fitness center. Or visit The Retreat at The Londoner or the AWAY Spa at the W London Hotel.

See the church where a Bridgerton wedding was filmed.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

Visit St. James’s in Piccadilly, the church where the wedding in Bridgerton ’s second season was filmed. Check the schedule and come for a concert in the intimate space. When I stopped in, a mid-day piano performance was in progress — perfect timing.

Enjoy afternoon tea in an elegant setting.

Sip tea and nibble on savory and sweet bites with one of London’s premier afternoon tea experiences. I loved Fortnum & Mason ’s afternoon tea, and there are many other lovely spots including The Langham , The Ritz , and Claridges . 

Unique dining venues set in a three-story 18th-century townhouse include the Michelin-starred Lecture Room & Library, the elegantly decked-out Gallery, the Parlour, the East Bar, and the beautiful, if somewhat bizarre, Glade. The egg-shaped individual loos, set under a colorful ceiling, attract as much attention (and photos) as the delicious food and over-the-top decor.

Café Murano

Located near Piccadilly in St. James, the restaurant is convenient for a pre-theater dinner or for a late meal after a show. Chef Angela Hartnett’s signature arancini, crisp and tasty, are favorites, and there’s a good selection of Italian wines to accompany the seasonal menu of dishes representing Italy’s cuisine. 

This lively St. James dining spot serves lunch, dinner, Saturday brunch, and weekday breakfast. There’s a bustling bar scene (every seat at the huge bar was occupied during my visit, with many enjoying dinner there). Signature, classic, and no-alcohol cocktails are offered along with beer, wine, cider, and a list of gin and tonics. Seafood, beef, pork, and plant-based dishes are well-prepared, delicious, and presented beautifully.

Serving traditional dishes that represent the diverse food culture of Indonesia, Toba ’s cuisine offers an array of flavors and Indonesian spices. The menu includes Nasi Goreng a la Toba , fried rice with seafood or tofu and tempe for a vegetarian option, and guests can expect a bit of spice, making the dishes tasty and authentic. Sunday brunch and pre-and post-theater dining are available.

Claridge’s ArtSpace Café

Courtesy of Claridge

Creative breakfast and lunch menus include signature crêpes, tortillas, toasties, croque monsieurs and madams, and an appetizing selection of pastries, cakes, and coffee beverages. Casual, comfortable, and classy, the café sits above an art gallery with rotating exhibitions, free for all to view and enjoy. 

Heddon Street Kitchen

The menu at Gordon Ramsey’s West End restaurant includes sushi, salad, seafood, steaks, salads, and a special Beef Wellington for two. Kids eat free, and adults will want to check out Hidden Heddon , serving signature cocktails and nibbles in an underground setting. 

Courtesy of The Ritz London

The Ritz London

Located near Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, and West End theaters, this historic five-star hotel is in the heart of London. The elegant property features plush suites, refined design, superb service, and the Michelin star–honored Ritz Restaurant .

Hotel Café Royal

Hotel Cafe Royal is located on Regent Street steps from Piccadilly Circus, convenient to shopping, theater, restaurants, and London’s St. James's, Mayfair, and Soho neighborhoods. Below the hotel, the serene Akasha spa offers a variety of treatments, and an expansive lap pool, steam room, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

Dukes London

This classic London hotel , known for its superb martinis and traditional British style, is located in the heart of St. James’s Mayfair. Rooms are elegant, understated, and comfortable. The Great British Restaurant (GBR) offers all-day dining and specializes in “British dishes with a contemporary twist.”

Brown’s Hotel

Located in elegant Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel blends its nearly 200 years of history with sophisticated modern style and approachable Italian luxury. A favorite of royalty, Brown’s welcomes young guests thoughtfully with toys and treats. Dine at Charlie’s and drop in for a cocktail at the chic Donovan Bar .

Sofitel London St. James

British style with a Parisian touch, the hotel is located in the West End’s exclusive St. James neighborhood, convenient to shopping, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and theaters. The Michelin-starred Wild Honey St James for dinner, St James Bar for cocktails, and Afternoon Tea at The Rose Lounge combine for a delightful stay.  

The W London combines its hip vibe with excellent service, comfortable guest rooms, and convenient breakfast in the walkable Soho neighborhood near Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Chinatown. Dine, drink, or relax with afternoon tea at The Perception or stop in for a cocktail at the W Lounge.

More than 300 shops, designer boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and department stores make Oxford Street the perfect place to shop ‘til you drop. Selfridges , open since 1909, houses six floors of clothing, designer brands, housewares, jewelry, wine, food, and furniture. Restaurants, a night club, movie theater, Champagne bar, and afternoon tea means you could spend your whole day there.

Fortnum & Mason , dating to 1707, specializes in fine foods, cheese, wine, spirits, jams, jellies, chocolate, tea, coffee, and elegant gifts. The food hall boasts fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, restaurants, and a delightful afternoon tea, accompanied by piano music.

Burlington Arcade , England’s oldest shopping arcade, is a covered promenade with skylights and classical architecture, home to 40 gorgeous shops — a fascinating place for window shopping or a splurge on something special. Make time for a tour with a uniformed, top-hatted Beadle to fully appreciate its history.

Browse the collection at Hamleys , one of the world’s oldest toy shops, or buy a gift for a special youngster (or yourself!). Visit Hatchards Piccadilly, London’t oldest bookshop, the bookseller to the Royal Household.

Jermyn Street is famous for high-end men’s fashion that includes luxury grooming products, shirt makers, leather goods, and bespoke suits. Shoppers will also find restaurants, wine shops, and art galleries.

Shop for designer brands on Regent Street and Bond Street , with labels like Ralph Loren, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, and Ferragamo.

Upgrade your movie night.

For the perfect cocktail, dinner, and a movie date night in a sophisticated setting, The Cinema at Selfridges is the place to go. Guests enjoy the latest films with three screens, state of the art sound, and luxurious reclining seating. In the luxurious foyer, cocktails, wine, beer, and Champagne are available, along with snacks, popcorn (of course!), and sweets.

See London from a rooftop.

Take in panoramic views of London from above it all at Willows on the Roof , high above Oxford Street. Sip a dark chocolate espresso martini and snack on a burger, charcuterie board, or another tasty dish. You can also check out the view at The Nest , located atop Treehouse Hotel where you can imbibe on an extensive selection of cocktails, beer, and wine along with light bites or something sweet.

Enjoy a stage performance at a West End theater.

Choose a popular musical, drama, a new production, or an interactive experience in one of nearly 40 theaters in London’s West End. From intimate stages to grand theaters with curved balconies, chandeliers, and Art Deco glamour, the environment and audience are all part of experiencing a live production.

Try your luck at the UK’s largest entertainment and casino venue.

Check out the Hippodrome Casino , open 24 hours every day, where you’ll find four floors of gaming, including roulette, baccarat, poker, electronic games, and more. There's also the Magic Mike show and eight bars and restaurants, including the outdoor terrace overlooking Soho.

Take on some friendly competition.

Boom Battle Bar features games like beer pong, shuffleboard, crazier golf, augmented reality axe throwing and darts, karaoke, and American pool.

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Read our blog Let our blog inspire your next visit with insights into London's iconic sights, hidden gems, and must-see destinations

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Things to do in London

London’s top attractions go beyond Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the London Eye. One trip to the capital and you’ll soon see it holds much more than you imagined.

Where to eat

Munch on pie and mash

A must for any foodie visiting London is trying one of its most-famous delicacies: pie and mash. From Rules in Covent Garden to Pieminister in Farringdon, you’ve got plenty of choice – just remember to save room for the big serving of traditional liquor that’ll be poured over the top.

Sip on afternoon tea at the British Museum

If you’re going to travel to London, you can’t leave without enjoying a spot of afternoon tea. Book yourself a table in the British Museum’s Great Court Restaurant. Situated under the iconic glass roof, it’s definitely one of the most memorable ways to eat scones, jam and clotted cream.

Take the family to the Rainforest Café

With its dazzling waterfalls, epic special effects and mass of animatronic animals, one minute you’ll be walking around London, the next you’ll feel like you’re in the jungle. Perfect for a family meal, the menu comprises a mix of American and international cuisine. Sample dishes such as steak, ribs, burgers, pastas and salads before trying one of the mouth-watering desserts.

Where to drink

The trendy bars of East London

A favourite amongst East London locals, Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes is a bar, event space, nightclub and gallery all rolled into a neon ball of fun. Plus, with plenty of quirky cocktails and specialist food nights, you'll be well fuelled for the party. If you’re partial to a spot of board-gaming, take your friends to Draughts, the board game café in Haggerston that turns into a lively bar at night. Perhaps you’re in the mood for a big night, in which case bars such as The Book Club and Queen of Hoxton are always buzzing with hip locals.

The edgy underground bars of Soho

The streets of Soho may be full of revellers, but you’ll find just as much going on underground. A top choice is Cahoots, the retro Tube-themed bar with an extensive drinks list that makes for a memorable night. Other favourites include the Experimental Cocktail Club, a speakeasy-style club hidden in Chinatown, and the range of gay pubs and bars that guarantee to deliver a fun, friendly atmosphere.

The big names in clubbing

Want to experience the giants of London’s club scene? Following the revival of Fabric, the capital’s premier venue for electronic music, there are tons of great nights to choose from at this superclub. For options south of the river, Ministry of Sound in Vauxhall and Corsica Studios in Elephant and Castle are much smaller, but home to an equally exciting mix of up-and-coming DJ and live music nights.

Where to shop

Camden Passage, Islington

Camden Passage is overflowing with cute cafés, independent boutiques and vintage shops. Pick up everything from exquisite one-offs to fun party outfits before browsing the antiques market for affordable furniture, curios, war memorabilia and various bric-a-brac.

Spitalfields Market

Lovers of fashion and food will feel right at home here. Situated in an area that’s long been associated with traders’ markets, Spitalfields’ heritage as a place to unearth the best bargains sets it apart from most markets in London. Brilliant for a day’s browsing, haggling or just enjoying the amazing variety of food options.

Westfield Stratford

Shopaholics are also well catered to, with the options at Westfield’s two London shopping centres in Stratford and White City just as good as Oxford or Regent Street. All the big brand high street stores are available alongside luxury retailers, while the mall also has an events calendar that’s sure to keep you entertained regardless of what you’re into.

London Designer Outlet

Offering some of the world's biggest brands, London Designer Outlet is the ideal place to find a hidden gem for less. Plus, with it being sat right next to Wembley Stadium, if you book event travel to Wembley with us you'll get an extra 10% discount at LDO. The savings have started already!

Other tourist attractions

Buckingham Palace

Just a short walk from Victoria Coach Station, Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and the official London residence of the Royals. It’s also one of the best spots to take a winning photo. Try to get there in time for the daily Changing of the Guard, one of the capital’s must-see spectacles – it starts around 11.30am and lasts 45 minutes.

Trafalgar Square

Here you can spot a variety of famous landmarks, including Nelson’s Column, King George IV statue, St. Martins-in-the-Fields church and the fountains, while the more curious among you should pop in to the nearby National Gallery to find a world of exhibits ready to explore. If you’re walking from the station, there are plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat along the way.

Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and more

It takes less than half an hour to walk from Victoria Coach Station to the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You’ll be right next to the London Eye too, where you can take in views of the capital as far as the eye can see. There’s also Westminster Abbey, Winston Churchill’s statue, Downing Street and St James’s Park, all within walking distance.

Things to do for kids

Take them deer spotting in Richmond Park

Anyone who thinks of London as an urban jungle hasn’t explored the range of beautiful parks dotted around the city which are full of stunning wildlife. If the weather’s on your side, take your little ones for a day out in Richmond Park – it’s just a 16-minute train from Waterloo, and you may even spot a deer or three.

Let them loose in an interactive indoor city

The perfect rainy day activity, KidZania is like stepping into a whole new world – a world that’s run by children. Blending learning and fun, this indoor city in Westfield London lets kids try their hand at more than 60 real-life activities – one minute they could be mastering the art of chocolate-making in the factory, and the next assembling a car at the engineering centre.

Culture them with a range of family-friendly exhibitions

If museums are what you’re after, then we’ve got three that offer the ideal mix of education and family fun. In under half an hour’s walk from Victoria Station, you could be introducing your kids to the world’s greatest art and design collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, enjoying high-tech interactive displays and games at the Natural History Museum, or getting lost in a wealth of exhibits that are sure to excite and inspire all ages at the Science Museum.

London in one day

Hidden gems.

St Dunstan in the East

This church in the City of London was bombed in The Blitz, but rather than being restored, the ruins were turned into a free public garden. Today, the stunning space is open to the public daily and is ideal for a picnic and, of course, some fantastic photographs.

Kyoto Garden

Holland Park is beautiful in itself, but venture a little deeper and you’ll stumble across Kyoto Garden, gorgeous Japanese-style gardens full of exotic flowers, waterfalls and lanterns. Perfect for those looking for more tranquil weekend attractions.

Wilton’s is said to be the oldest music hall in London and still holds performances to this day. It may look slightly worn and weathered, but this only adds to the charm and beauty of the hall; a must-see for music fans and history buffs alike.

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If your return date is not yet known, open return tickets provide flexibility. When travelling within the UK, the return journey can be made within 3 months of the outward date of travel. To guarantee your seat on your return journey you need to confirm your ticket before you travel by visiting www.nationalexpress.com/en/help/tickets/open-returns or call us on 03717 81 81 81. Lines open 7 days a week, 8am - 8pm (calls to this number are charged at local rate). Valid on any day throughout the year.

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A 10-Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary

Make the most of your time in the UK with this 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. You’ll see all the best sights and get a taste of history, culture, and life in the UK. This trip is not to be missed!

My dad always told us that when we all grew up and got married, he wanted to take his adult children and their spouses to Hawaii. My dad passed away before my youngest brother got married, so we never got to fulfill his dream. Shortly after his death, my mom decided that she wanted to do it anyway—but to London instead! And she asked me to plan a 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. After getting input from the 13 of us (my mom, her 6 kids, and our spouses) on what everyone wanted to do, I came up with the following 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary. And it did not disappoint! This was seriously one of the most memorable and amazing trips I’ve ever taken.

Day 1: London sights

We arrived in London at 7 am local time. Yes we were tired, but we didn’t want to waste any time! (In my opinion, the best way to get over jet lag is to just adapt to local time by staying up during daylight hours in your new location and going to bed early that first night.)

After getting settled in our Airbnb and going grocery shopping, we set off to explore! We purchased a 5-attraction London Explorer pass, which made it easy to visit the attractions we wanted to see. With 20+ attractions to choose from, there was something for everyone!

Buckingham Palace

You can’t come to London and not visit Buckingham Palace! Although we missed the changing of the guard, we still got to see the palace and the grounds and the guards marching back and forth in those big furry hats.

Westminster Abbey

Next we hit Westminster Abbey and took the guided tour (included in our London Explorer pass). We learned all about the history of the abbey and the British monarchy. The architecture of the abbey is incredible!

Thames River cruise

We passed Big Ben on our way to the Thames River, where we took a river cruise (also included in the London Explorer pass). Our guide pointed out all the sights along the Thames, and explained their significance. We really enjoyed seeing the famous skylines from the river!

Borough Market

We ended the day at Borough Market, a large market selling all sorts of local foods. It was delicious and easy to try a sampling of a variety of English foods.

Day 2: Warner Bros Studio

Being the Harry Potter fans that most of my siblings and I are, we had to spend a day at the Warner Bros Studio. They provide a shuttle to the studio from several stops around London. We learned all about special effects, saw the costumes and sets used in the movies, and of course, drank butterbeer and pumpkin juice. Yum!

It was so fascinating to see the details of the costumes and sets, but my favorite part was learning the secrets of how they did the special effects. Here’s a cool video about some highlights—including Matt flying on a broom!

That night we ate at a traditional English pub, St. George’s Tavern. The fish n chips were excellent!

Day 3: London sights

Double-decker bus tour.

We started off the day with a double-decker bus tour around the city (included in the London Explorer pass). I loved this because we were able to see things and learn about stuff that we otherwise would not have if we’d just taken the subway to the destinations we wanted to visit. You could get on and off the bus whenever you wanted too, so we stopped at the following places along the route.

Our first stop was Kings Cross Station, because I wanted to see Platform 9 ¾. To be honest, Platform 9 3/4 was a little disappointing (they have a better version at the WB studio), but the station was fun to see.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Next we stopped at St. Paul’s Cathedral. I was seriously BLOWN AWAY! I loved everything about St. Paul’s, and it was a highlight of London for me.  A definite must-do. Both inside and outside were gorgeous. We went to a Sunday service, and the acoustics inside were just incredible! I loved hearing the choir and looking up at the immaculate ceiling. They also have guided tours you can take when there aren’t services going on. And the grounds are beautiful. You can even channel your inner Mary Poppins on the famous steps in front of the cathedral.

Tower of London

We hopped back on the bus and got off at the Tower of London. It’s not really a tower, but a fortress and prison. We learned all about the history, the ravens, and the crown jewels from our awesome guide, Beefeater Dave. (The prison guards were called beefeaters back in the day.) After our tour, we got to go in and see the famed crown jewels. I enjoyed hearing about all the coronation traditions and seeing the incredible crowns and other items on display.

London Bridge

From there, we went over to the London Bridge (included in the explorer pass), and learned all about this architectural gem. You can even go way up over the bridge to the glass bottom observatory. To be honest, walking on the glass floor that high up kinda freaked me out, but it was still cool!

We had planned for our last stop to be the London Eye, but when we arrived the line had been cut off because it was so late and there were so many people already in line. I was super disappointed, however some of my siblings were able to go and said it was amazing!

Day 4: Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge

We took a day trip out to Windsor castle, Bath, and Stonehenge. Our tour from International Friends Day Trips was awesome! They do smaller group tours (they only do groups of 10-15), so we were the only ones in our van and we had the BEST guide. They made it so easy and enjoyable, and we learned so much about each location. Our guide went above and beyond and talked to us about local culture and politics, etc., which we found so interesting.

For example, we went right when the whole Brexit thing was happening, so she told us all about it. She also told us the different ways locals prefer to top their scones and toasts (some do jam then cream, and others prefer cream then jam).

Windsor Castle was gorgeous and we even got to see the staff preparing for Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

Day 5: Oxford/Ilston on the Hill

Since two of my brothers are major fans of JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis, they requested that we visit Oxford. We took a day trip out to Oxford and did a guided walking tour from a local Oxford student. While I didn’t think Oxford would be super interesting, this charming town proved me wrong! We learned all about the university and the different colleges. Our guide even told us interesting facts and stories about those famous authors. We ate lunch at the local Eagle and Child pub where Tolkien and Lewis came to meet up with their writer friends and discuss their writing. The food was delicious, and the sticky toffee pudding was to die for!

Legend has it that when CS Lewis came out of the doors of the church on the Oxford campus, he saw a door with a lion and a fawn on it and looked to his right and saw a lamppost. And the idea for The Chronicles of Narnia was born! So of course we had to visit that church and see for ourselves. For other travel-inspiring books , check out our favorites here !

The local museum featured a really cool Tolkien exhibit that included some of his original manuscripts and drawings. We even saw original, illustrated letters that Tolkien had written to his children from Santa. Honestly, I wished we would have had more time in Oxford.

Ilston on the Hill

Later that day we visited a small town called Ilston on the Hill. My mom had been doing some family history and discovered that many of our ancestors came from this place. (This was actually the reason my mom wanted to come to London in the first place—to see the places where our ancestors came from.)

We visited the local church where many of our ancestors were christened, married, and buried. After talking with a local, we even got to go inside and look around and see the church’s 200 year old Bible! Honestly, this was a really special part of our trip. If you have the opportunity to visit the places your ancestors came from, I highly recommend it!

Day 6: London sights

Since we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , we wanted to visit our church’s London Temple while we were there. We hired a driver to take us out to the suburbs where the temple is located. It was a beautiful drive and so fun to see some of the country. (I highly recommend hiring a driver if you can. It was so nice not to have to worry about directions or traffic, etc in a foreign country.) We had a wonderful time at the temple, and I especially loved the beautiful grounds.

If you want to stay in London, I’d suggest visiting the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, the Churchill War Rooms, and/or Kensington Palace. Or, you could go out to Greenwich (home to the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and the National Maritime Museum). All of these attractions (minus Kensington) are included in the Explorer Pass.

After our morning at the temple, we indulged in afternoon tea at the Hotel Café Royal. I love going to afternoon tea! It’s a British tradition that should not be missed. They serve several different kinds of tea (including herbal), scones, sandwiches, and pastries. You think this might be a snack, but it’s a full-on meal! So we definitely left with full bellies!

After tea, we saw Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theater. There are several theaters in the West End that feature the best of Broadway! Hamilton was AMAZING! As I’m sure all the shows are that London has to offer.

Day 7: Train to Edinburgh

As much as I wished we would have had more time in London, we took a train to Edinburgh to finish out our trip. I loved riding through the countryside and seeing the beauty of the landscapes and the small towns we passed through.

Upon arriving in Edinburgh and getting checked into our hotel, we enjoyed dinner at The Tower Restaurant. The Tower features fine dining on the top floor of the National Museum of Scotland. This was the BEST meal! Seriously, I think this was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life. We even tried haggis there and it wasn’t gross. And the views from the roof were incredible.

Day 8: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Trossachs National Park

We had originally wanted to visit Loch Ness, but we discovered that Loch Lomond was supposedly prettier and closer. And had a song inspired by it! So we hired a driver to take us out to the loch. We used Kilted Piper Tours , and Graeme, our driver and guide, was incredible!

This was probably my favorite day of our whole trip. Stirling Castle was interesting, and the Scottish landscapes of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park were just gorgeous. Graeme even played the bagpipes for us and the highlight was when he let us have a turn!

Day 9: Kirkton of Glenisla

Another line of our ancestors come from the small Scottish town of Kirkton of Glenisla. We knew there was a home in Glenisla that my 3 rd great grandfather, John Robertson, had lived in as a child with his family before they immigrated to the US. And we wanted to find it! So we set out on a bit of a wild goose hunt because we didn’t know exactly where it was.

We saw the schoolhouse and the church in town where my ancestors went, and scoured the graveyard for our ancestors’ headstones. The local Glenisla pub, where we enjoyed lunch, had the best steak pie! Graeme drove us around again, and he was just as determined as we were to find the house. After much searching, we finally found it and were so excited!

The cute couple who lived there let us in and look around and told us about the history of the home. It really was a neat experience. I was even able to find some Robertson tartan souvenirs to bring home and wear proudly!

If you don’t have ancestors from anywhere near Edinburgh, you can skip the day trip and spend an extra day in Edinburgh—there’s plenty to do! Although the countryside is beautiful!

Day 10: Edinburgh

We enjoyed simply walking around Edinburgh and basking in the architecture and culture. Sounds of bagpipes echoed from outside of one of the churches and we just stopped to listen for a while. We also visited the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens.

There is so much history and beauty to enjoy in Edinburgh! One of our favorites included an old cannon called Mons Meg. We loved this because Meg is my mom’s name!

And don’t miss the cranachan—a traditional Scottish dessert with berries and cream. Yum!

As a recap, here’s the basic 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary

Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Thames River Cruise, Borough Market Day 2: Warner Bros Studios Day 3: Double-decker bus tour, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye Day 4: Day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, & Windsor Day 5: Day trip to Oxford Day 6: Temple, afternoon tea, Broadway show Day 7: Train to Edinburgh Day 8: Day trip to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, Trossachs National Park Day 9: Day trip to Glenisla or stay in Edinburgh Day 10: National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens

Yes it’s a lot, but it’s worth it! This was one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on. This 10-day London and Edinburgh itinerary made some of our favorite memories of all time! What questions do you have about London or Edinburgh?

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11 thoughts on “ A 10-Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary ”

Wonderful itinerary! These are two of my favorite cities. When my sisters, niece, mom and I did this tour, we added a couple of days in Dublin, Ireland as well! Edinburgh is my favorite city in the world.

We wanted to do Ireland as well, but not enough time! Hopefully we can go back and see Ireland too!

This is so inspiring! SO many places that I would LOVE to explore as I am Scottish too!

It really was so neat to see the places where our ancestors came from!

Visiting London and Edinburgh is definitely on the list! We have spent a brief time in London, but not with the kids, and definitely not long enough to explore everything it has to offer.

Oh! London is on bucket list now Edinburg too!

I was surprised at how much I loved Scotland. I definitely want to go back!

Wow, this really is the perfect itinerary! I’d love to experience all the things you’ve listed here. London and Edinburgh are definitely on my list; I just don’t know how I’m ever going to do everything! This makes is seem like it’s manageable. Someday!

Right??!! I don’t know how I’m ever going to get everywhere on my list! But I just keep chipping away a little at a time and hope that someday I’ll get everywhere!

We’ve been to London so would love to take these day trips! And love that you can just hop on a train to Edinburgh! Great guide and pics!

Wow, this is the most amazing trip ever! I want to go and do all of this!

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Heathrow--Is 3 hours enough time to check-in - London Forum

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14 replies to this topic

You can also travel between Heathrow and Windsor by train via Hayes & Harlington and Slough or on bus 703 from Terminal 5 to Windsor Parish Church.

If you allow one hour into the city, and one hour back you could take the tube to Westminster and arrive on the surface next to the Elizabeth Tower ( Big Ben ) and see some of the iconic buildings there free of charge except for your tube fare.

Also it's your life, so plan as you wish. Personally, I wouldn't try to be at the airport three hours before your next flight . Assuming you either have no luggage, or it's already checked in, all you need to go is go through security and on to your next gate. With that in mind, I'd be happy with arriving one hour before, but that's me and I know Heathrow and what I'm doing.

Assuming you are on one through ticket so your luggage is checked through, and you just have a backpack with you (i.e. you don't need to faff with left luggage) I would also be more than happy arriving back at Heathrow closer to 1 or 1:30 pm. And you'll be through immigration quickly on arrival on US passports at that time, using the e-gates. So having several hours in Windsor isn't a bad idea, you can get a breakfast, walk around Eton, and you could comfortably have 2 to 2.5 hours at the castle from 10 am as long as you have pre-arranged a taxi / Uber back to the airport.

It's a nice town but that wouldn't be my idea of fun.

This is all great information.

We normally travel with only carryon's, however, maybe we'll do this trip different. So if our main luggage is checked, then even with the long layover (9 hours), it will go on to our final destination? (South Africa to US) Do we have to claim our luggage when we get off and then recheck it?

Assuming you are on a through ticket between SA and the USA there is no need to claim your luggage as it will be checked through to your final destination.

3 hours is normally the advice for those starting at the airport. It's slightly different with a layover as there's no need to check in, drop bags etc you just need to go through security and head to the gate.

Thanks so much for this information!! Will definitely rethink checking luggage.

Then we could do the castle from 10-11:45, then head to transport to be heading back by 12 or 12:15. (A little rushed, but it may beat sitting in the airport.)

-- even with the long layover (9 hours), it will go on to our final destination?--

Should do, but ask when you check in if you're unsure.

--Do we have to claim our luggage when we get off and then recheck it?--

Shouldn't be any reason for you to

--Maybe they're open for breakfast--

--We had been told previously that Heathrow was very busy and that on international flights we should be there 3 hours early--

Good advice, if Heathrow is where you are starting your journey from, but you are not.

--Do any of the shops open early or not until 10?--

Each shop has its own rules, but some will be open at 9am

--then head to transport to be heading back by 12 or 12:15--

It takes 15-30 mins to drive from Windsor to Heathrow. If your flight departs at 2.45pm, I wouldn't bother leaving Windsor before 12.30, maybe even 1pm.

Nothing wrong with erring on the side of caution of course, but personally, I cannot stand sitting around in airports.

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‘Back to Black’: the story behind the Amy Winehouse film’s iconic London locations

Sam Taylor-Johnson on filming at Amy’s favourite pubs, clubs and tattoo parlours

A colourful and sure-to-be-contentious replaying of Amy Winehouse’s triumphant and tragic life, ‘Back to Black’ finally lands on UK cinema screens this month. ‘Industry’s Marisa Abela steps into Winehouse’s ballet flats and ‘Starred Up’s Jack O’Connell is her hubby Blake Fielder-Civil. But it’s London, too, that takes a starring role in a musical biopic that showcases the swinging, seedy, boozy side of the city we all know and love. From Amy’s Camden to Soho by night, via a quick trip to the Big Apple, director Sam Taylor-Johnson took her cameras to the real spots once frequented by the ‘Rehab’ singer. As the filmmaker tells us, it all adds a layer of authenticity to the film that will hit home with anyone who remembers those heady mid-noughties days when every step Winehouse took seemed to appear on the front page of the tabloids. ‘As much as possible, I wanted to be authentic to the places that she loved and feel the spirit of her,’ the director tells Time Out . ‘I feel like we’ve honoured the city.’

Flamin’ Eight Tattoo Studio, Camden

Kentish Town’s Flamin’ Eight scores highly on Time Out’s ranking of London’s best tattoo parlours – and it scored highly with Amy Winehouse during her Camden days. It was one of her favourite spots for getting inked – as reflected by several scenes in the film, all filmed at the studio itself.

Jeffrey’s Place, Camden  

Amy Winehouse’s old home turf in Camden, Jeffrey’s Place, forms a key part of the story. It’s where she’s living when she falls in love with Blake and – temporarily – storms away from her record label. It’s also where she finds herself routinely swamped by paparazzi. On set, it was a case of life imitating art imitating life when real snappers infiltrated the shoot. ‘It was confusing for Marisa and myself when one paparazzi infiltrated our actor paparazzi,’ remembers Taylor-Johnson. ‘I called “cut” and told him to leave set, and he said: “I've got every right to get that picture like they do,” and I said: “They're actors. There is no picture. This isn’t Amy.” That's when it gets meta and confusing.’

Regent’s Canal, Camden

‘I used to walk along the canals quite a lot, so it was good to have them as part of it,’ says the director. Sure enough, the canal in Camden, once an Amy Winehouse rat run, features prominently in the first half of the film. Filming on the narrow towpath came with some obvious perils. ‘We did have quite a few crew almost fall in on one day,’ remembers Taylor-Johnson. ‘Also, bolshy people who don't care when you're filming and just push their way through, so we’d have to cut. We had one guy who kept doing it, so that was quite entertaining.’ 

The Good Mixer, Camden

The film’s standout scene takes place in one of Amy’s favourite pubs, The Good Mixer. It’s a recreation of her first encounter with a cocky but charming Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O’Connell) over pints and pool. The immediately smitten Amy props up the bar on one side of the pub when Blake strides in, fresh from making a mint at the bookie, before decamping to the other half to flirt with him as he plays pool. The pub’s unusual geography worked perfectly for the scene, explains Taylor-Johnson. ‘It was a gift that the two rooms are divided by the bar,’ she says. ‘You could have her on one side watching him on the other, and then they come together in the back bar where we see them falling in love with that long one-take.’ Like the nearby Dublin Castle, another key location, the pub hasn’t changed much since the mid- noughties . ‘They have the same floor, bar, everything. The only thing we had to change was the jukebox.’

Primrose Hill

Two impromptu picnics in the film – one with Blake, the other with Amy’s nan Cynthia – were filmed on Primrose Hill. ‘We were filming February for July, so bless Marisa because she wasn't wearing a whole lot and it was really freezing cold,’ says Taylor-Johnson.

Ronnie Scott’s, Soho

Soho’s legendary jazz club appears twice in the film – for Amy’s landmark first Ronnie Scott’s gig and when she stops by with her dad and has an impromptu jam with a few rehearsing musicians – and both scenes were filmed at the venue. The club has special significance for Taylor-Johnson, too. ‘The only time I ever saw Amy play [was there]’, she says. ‘I remember thinking what an incredible voice she had, but also how painfully shy and nervous she was. I wanted to go back to Ronnie Scott's to feel her heritage of having sung there.’

Bar Italia, Soho

Another Soho staple pops up in a key scene when Amy tells her dad Mitch that she wants to go into rehab in Bar Italia. The moment took place elsewhere IRL, but dad and daughter would stop there for coffee. ‘I had fun filming there because I used to go to Bar Italia and Little Italy, the restaurant next to it, all the time,’ says Taylor-Johnson. ‘Tony, who still runs it, was just offering us plates of pasta.’ So what’s the key to filming in Soho at nighttime? Move fast. ‘We shot just outside Ronnie Scott’s… and let's just say it was challenging,’ says the director. ‘It was that feeling of: “We’ve got to move really quick because everyone's really behaving so far.”’

The Mildmay Club, Stoke Newington

‘The Krays’, Mike Leigh’s ‘Vera Drake’, ‘Made in Dagenham’ and ‘Call the Midwife’ are just a few films and TV shows to use this legendary Stokey snooker club. In ‘Back to Black’, it’s where Blake tells Amy it’s over for the first time. ‘It’s an amazing old working men’s club and snooker hall, and all the cues around the hall belonged to men who didn't come back from World War I,’ says Taylor-Johnson. ‘It’s so hard these days to find places that have remained untouched, but it adds another level of character.’

The Palm Tree, Mile End

This characterful East End fixture cameos in a key scene in which Mitch Winehouse discovers that Amy has got married and meets his new son-in-law over the phone – all in one stomach-churning mobile call. We’re not sure if Winehouse Sr ever stops by The Palm Tree, but it’s definitely worth a detour for anyone looking for an old-school Cockney drinker. 

The zoo makes a cameo appearance when Blake and Amy take a first date outing to see the chinchillas. They come up empty-handed: the zoo does not stock these Peruvian critters.

Golders Green Crematorium  

Amy’s beloved nan (and now Amy herself) is laid to rest in Barnet’s Edgwarebury Cemetery, but Golders Green Crematorium stands in for it on screen.

HMP Wormwood Scrubs

The real Blake Fielder-Civil did time in Pentonville Prison and Suffolk’s Edmunds Hill Prison. In the film, Wormwood Scrubs doubles up as the latter for an exterior shot of Winehouse leaving after a visit to see her hubby.

When is ‘Back to Black’ out?

It’s in UK cinemas on Friday, April 12 and in US theaters May 17.

• Phil de Semlyen Global film editor

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How I learned to love the slow route home to Ireland

Journeys are about so much more than getting from A to B, as our writer found when he ditched flying for the train and ferry between Dublin and London

T here’s always a moment in the journey from Dublin to London – which I make every month or two, taking the land-and-sea route via Holyhead instead of flying – when I stop what I’m doing – reading or writing or chatting to the person next to me – and think: you don’t get to enjoy this from 40,000ft.

Sometimes it’s at the Britannia Bridge in north Wales. As the train crosses the Menai Strait from Anglesey I can see, off to my right, a concrete statue of Lord Nelson keeping a lonely watch from the shore, and further upriver the grounds of Plas Newydd country house sweeping down to the water. To the left, on a tiny island with a curved jetty, stand two handsome whitewashed houses that will one day disappear beneath the rising sea levels but for now are holding out against the elements.

I’ll pause again as the train trundles past Conwy, with its hulking medieval castle and absurdly pretty waterfront, home to the smallest house in Britain, and later still as we move along the coast beyond Colwyn Bay, and legions of offshore wind turbines can be glimpsed through the haze.

On the return journey, as the ferry heads into Dublin Bay, I’ll cast an eye at Howth Head as it rises up to greet us, followed by the crimson lighthouse at the end of the Great South Wall and the looming red and white chimneys beyond – the unmistakable sign that we’re about to dock in the Irish capital.

People often ask me why I choose to travel between Dublin and London by ferry and rail instead of flying, which is considerably less time-consuming. I’ll respond by talking about the price, or the breezy check-in process with minimal luggage restrictions, or the direct connection into central London, or the carbon emissions, which by one estimate are about 95% lower than going by plane . But the little details – the things you see, the people you meet and the reveries you enter as the journey’s lulling rhythms take hold – matter to me almost more.

When I moved to London in 2002, the idea of taking the slow route home to Dublin didn’t occur to me. Going by air was quick: you can fly city to city in under 90 minutes, though of course you have to factor in the time it takes to get to the airport, clear security, wander through duty-free, wait to board, wait to take off, and go through the associated rigmarole on the other side. And it’s cheap.

Then, about 15 years ago, a friend tipped me off about SailRail, a package that bundled train and Irish Sea ferry tickets into a single fare – connecting not only to London but to any town across Britain with a station. I was dubious about the duration but the price was keen – these days it’s £102.20 return, but back then it was about half that – so I decided to give it a try.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t love SailRailing straight away. Train travel is one of life’s great pleasures but in Britain it can curdle to frustration in the face of delays, cancellations and broken-up routes. It took me a while to work out how to time my journey so I didn’t have to change trains in Crewe and again, 20 minutes later, in Chester. And Holyhead, for all the surrounding beauty of Anglesey, is not a town that makes the heart leap – not, at least, the stretch between the terminal and the ferry dock, which on even the sunniest afternoon feels oppressively grey.

The ships – Irish Ferries and Stena are the two options on the Holyhead-to-Dublin route – can feel dated and a bit tacky, and if you strike out from Dublin on a match day, you have the choice of watching football supporters getting stuck into cooked breakfasts and pints at 8am or joining them. The crossing can be rough, though it would take a serious gale to unsettle one of the bigger boats when its stabilisers are out. (In that kind of weather, I’d rather take my chances on a 50,000-tonne ferry than a dinky commuter plane.)

If you travel with Irish Ferries, which I tend to do, this unfolds within a literary theme park of unparalleled incongruity. The flagship Ulysses is riddled with allusions to James Joyce’s masterwork: you can eat reheated pizza slices (but not pork kidneys) at Boylan’s Brasserie, drink tequila slammers at the Leopold Bloom bar or engage in soft play at the Cyclops family entertainment centre. (The faster ferry, often cancelled if the wind picks up, is ingeniously named the Jonathan Swift.)

Despite – or perhaps because of – these idiosyncrasies, I kept returning for more. For years, I’d SailRail to Dublin and fly back; the journey out of London Euston tends to be smoother, especially if you catch the direct train to Holyhead departing about 9am. But since moving back to Dublin in 2020, I’ve ditched the air option and now actively look forward to my day meandering across the Irish Sea and down through Wales and England. The journey takes eight or nine hours, but without internet to distract me I usually get a solid day’s work done, or at least have time to read and think.

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Some distractions are welcome. When the Icelandic volcano eruption grounded European air travel in 2010, I got chatting to two fellow SailRailers on the train out of London. One, delightfully, was the actor who played Gestapo agent Herr Flick in the sitcom ’Allo ’Allo!. The other became a really good friend – and I often thank the ash clouds of Eyjafjallajökull for introducing us.

More recently I’ve fallen into conversation with touring graffiti artists, septuagenarian world travellers and a woman who found God after getting lost in the middle of the Sahara (she prayed for help and a crow appeared to guide her back to safety). Last autumn, when my partner and I took our whippet-saluki over on a morning sailing (pet-friendly cabins are available on Stena) he was lavished with attention by an elderly Traveller couple who told us about similar dogs they’d loved over the years.

The Traveller community uses the ferries a lot, following a route that Irish people with UK connections have taken for centuries. You’ll also encounter plenty of truckers, as well as students, backpackers and people who are averse to flying. What you don’t get a huge number of, among the SailRail contingent, are British tourists. When I mention the package to friends and colleagues in London, few of them have heard of it. And when I tell them the fare, which doesn’t shoot up for last-minute bookings, they’re astonished: £51.10 from London to Holyhead and then on to Dublin by boat? You’re joking, right?

Still, I rarely recommend SailRail without a string of caveats. It isn’t to everyone’s taste. And it could be so much better than it currently is – the rail connections are unreliable and foot passengers on ferries are often treated as afterthoughts. But despite its foibles I’ve come to enjoy the easy pace of the journey and offbeat crowd it throws together. I’ve even developed a fondness for those Joyce allusions.

And I love that long, slow train ride along the north Wales coast, past castles and wind turbines and island houses doomed to vanish beneath the waves. A journey is so much richer and stranger when you travel close to the ground.

SailRail tickets from London Euston to Dublin Ferryport from £ 102.20 return (+ booking fee) via trainline.com

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Retro Vacation Photos From Past Tourism Hotspots

Posted: March 7, 2024 | Last updated: March 7, 2024

Vacations from the past

London, England, UK, 1910

The Industrial Revolution ushered in a lot of changes in various aspects of life, one being the rise of travel for pleasure. Thanks to the introduction of steam trains, ocean liners and steamboats, the world was first opened up to the wealthy. London became a popular European destination for Americans, who could now make the journey from New York in just nine days and combine it with trips to other countries like France and Italy. Pictured here in 1910 is an American traveling party who stayed at the George Hotel in Southwark – a popular bolthole for visiting Americans.

London, England, UK, 1912

London, England, UK, 1936

London, England, UK, 1959

London, England, UK, 1978

By the 1970s, London was buzzing with tourists as around eight million international visitors crowded into the capital every year . Many were keen to capture their visit to the city, just like these two women using a coin-operated tourist camera, the Fotoking 8080, to photograph themselves in front of the statue of Eros in Piccadilly Circus in 1978.

Niagara Falls, New York, USA, 1859

Manhattan, New York, USA, 1910

Similarly to London, New York City grew considerably in a short amount of time and getting around Manhattan's attractions, from the marvels of Chinatown to the menagerie in Central Park , was difficult. Various city tours came into operation as early as the start of the 20th century and this incredible image captures a group of tourists sat in an open-top tour car, operated by Green Car Sight-Seeing Service in 1910. The tour departed from the Bartholdi Building, which was a hotel at the time and traveled 13 miles (21km) uptown or downtown for two hours.

Manhattan, New York, USA, 1940s

Coney Island, New York, USA, 1940s

The pleasure playground that is Coney Island attracted vacationers from Europe and across the US. Its development dates back to the 1840s and in the early 1900s it was the country's largest amusement park. This 1940s shot shows vacationers on Coney Island’s now defunct parachute ride, as well as hordes of tourists on the sandy beach. A series of fires throughout this decade would put Coney Island’s future at risk, though the seaside resort remains beloved today.

Luxor, Egypt, 1870

Giza, Egypt, c.1899

At the time there were no rules protecting the ancient monuments so it wasn't unusual to see street vendors selling off mummies and various trinkets from the tombs. Sometimes visitors would even climb the pyramids, bringing a picnic with them and spending hours sunbathing or taking tea. Here a group of Victorian vacationers (circa 1899) are making their way up the Great Pyramid in Giza.

Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain, 1965

Palamós, Costa Brava, Spain, 1981

Palma de Mallorca, Mallorca, Spain, 1959

Another popular Spanish destination, the Balearic island of Mallorca, saw the potential of travel early on and in 1959 the Spanish government simplified the entry requirements to encourage visitors. Traditionally, the island's main industry had always been fishing, but the advent of mass tourism brought new opportunities. In the following decades, tourism boomed and the city grew quite significantly, changing its traditions and even having an effect on its language. Here, fishermen and kids are pictured at the harbor of Palma with the cathedral in the distance and no cruise ships in sight.

Barcelona, Spain, 1954

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, c.1900

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, 1950s

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, c.1930

Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1970s

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 1949

A city that grew out of the desert thanks to the Union Pacific Railroad Project and gambling, Las Vegas started attracting vacationers as early as the 1930s, when the first gambling license was issued. A hotel boom followed during the 1940s – the legendary Flamingo Las Vegas (still in operation) was one of the ritzy hotels to open during this period. Then tipped as a "playground of the elite", the hotel boasted a palm-dotted patio, a vast pool and plush accommodations. This aerial shot was taken in 1949 and sees glamorous vacationers sun themselves beside the water. 

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 1950s

The 1950s solidified Las Vegas' position as the gambling and entertainment capital of the US. The city also attracted more visitors thanks to the so-called atomic tourism. Established in 1950 within the limits of Nellis Air Force Base, the Nevada Test Site earned Las Vegas the nickname Atomic City. The primary testing location for nuclear devices between 1951 and 1992, a total of 928 tests were carried out here. During the 1950s, the test mushroom clouds, which could be seen from Downtown hotels (pictured), became a tourist attraction in itself.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, 1965

During the following decades, Las Vegas truly enjoyed its golden era. From legendary performers taking to stage every night to new hotels that gave the city its modern face, this was the place to let loose and enjoy life. Pictured is a croupier dealing a hand in a blackjack game at the famous swimming pool casino at the Sands Hotel in 1965.

Venice, Italy, 1894

Amalfi Coast, Italy, 1955

Paraggi Beach, Italian Riviera, Italy, 1948

Portofino, Italian Riviera, Italy, 1950s

Miami, Florida, USA, 1930s

At the start of the 20th century, vacations in Florida grew in popularity as wealthy vacationers journeyed there in search of sun, sea and sand. Many luxurious tourist resorts and hotels popped up in Florida in the early 1900s, but the less affluent also found a way to vacation here. Trailers, which were lighter and more affordable than RVs at the time, gained popularity and in 1919 the Tin Can Tourists Club, an auto-camping club, was established. The club remained popular throughout the following decades.

Cypress Gardens, Florida, USA, 1959

Another draw for tourists to the Sunshine State was Winter Haven's Cypress Gardens. Often tipped as Florida's first major tourist attraction, the site was a theme park and botanical garden that opened in 1936. Cypress Gardens was famed for its water-ski shows, first introduced to entertain visiting Second World War soldiers. The show saw the skiers perform elaborate routines and eventually tourists would come to enjoy the sport for themselves. This water-skiing clan was snapped trying their hand at the sport in 1959.

Gulf Coast, Florida, USA, 1950

Miami, Florida, USA, 1965

Florida remained the destination of choice through the 1960s. As new hotels, resorts and amusements continued to spring up near the coast, the Sunshine State was flooded with people each summer and continues to be a popular vacation destination today. Here, sun-worshippers relax beneath the palms on Miami Beach in southern Florida circa 1965.

American Beach, Florida, USA, 1958

Up until the mid-1960s, racial segregation affected most parts of life – even a simple family activity like going to the beach. As most areas in and around Jacksonville didn't welcome Black vacationers, several beaches for minorities popped up, most notably, American Beach on Amelia Island. The largest and most popular beach community among African Americans, American Beach Historic District is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, a family is photographed on American Beach in 1958.

Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France, 1900s

Côte d'Azur, or the French Riviera, covers most of the French Mediterranean coastline and the end of the 18th century saw the region develop into a fashionable health resort and vacation destination for the British upper classes. Many notable Brits were among regular visitors, including Queen Victoria and Edward VII (then Prince of Wales). By the turn of the 20th century, a summer escape to Côte d'Azur was a must among the wealthy. Here, people are seen wandering beneath the palm trees of Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes in the early 1900s.

Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France, 1925

While much of Europe was still recovering from the First World War, the strength of the US dollar meant Americans became staple visitors to the French Riviera – everyone from businessmen and artists to movie stars and politicians came here to mingle. This influx of Americans is largely responsible for the birth of the summer high season in Côte d'Azur, but it was Coco Chanel who made sunbathing fashionable among the upper classes of Paris and beyond: she was snapped sporting a striking tan in the summer of 1923, as she hopped off a yacht in Cannes. In this image from 1925 beachgoers are captured enjoying the sun at Plage Les Baigneurs, also in Cannes.

Nice, Côte d'Azur, France, 1931

Another French Riviera city, Nice, was equally en vogue, especially for aristocrats who preferred to escape the gloomy British winter and settle here until spring. Nice's popularity boomed even more following the refurbishment of the city's main seaside promenade, the Promenade des Anglais, in 1931. In this image, captured shortly after its opening, people are seen enjoying a casual stroll, with the stunning Casino de la Jetée in the background. Sadly, the casino was stripped of all its metals for the German war effort during the Second World War and destroyed.

Cannes, Côte d'Azur, France, 1959

Saint-Tropez, Côte d'Azur, France, 1960s

Saint-Tropez had been particularly badly damaged in the war, but it too got a new lease of life. Featured in the 1956 flick And God Created Woman , starring Brigitte Bardot, Saint-Tropez became an international tourist destination, particularly for the "jet set" (a term used to describe society figures traveling around the world on jet planes). Here, a wealthy couple arrives at the harbor of Saint-Tropez in their MG sports car in the mid-1960s.

Paris, France, 1889

Arguably the most famous destination in France, Paris has attracted large numbers of visitors for over a century. During the second half of the 1800s, the city was mostly visited by the upper-classes for business or new fashions, but the tourism industry in Paris started to grow following the World's Fair in 1889. Here, the visiting crowds have gathered under the Eiffel Tower, which served as the entrance to the fair.

Paris, France, 1972

In the post-war era, tourism to the French capital continued to increase. At the same time, road trips across Europe surged in popularity, with many embarking on longer trips during the summer vactions. Here, a Dutch tourist has parked his car and trailer in the heart of the Place de la Concorde in 1972. 

Tokyo, Japan, 1923

Nikko National Park, Japan, 1974

In the decades following the Second World War, Western interest in Japan only increased and by the 1970s the memories of the conflict had faded. Tour groups and individual travelers from European countries and the US traveled to Japan in large numbers, keen to see this fascinating country and learn about its history. In this captivating shot from 1974, that could easily be mistaken for a tour group today with the guide's flag raised in the air, American tourists have gathered to tour Nikko National Park.

Machu Picchu, Peru, 1980s

As air travel became even more streamlined and widely accessible during the 1960s and 1970s, long-haul travel really kicked off, with backpacking becoming increasingly popular. Backpackers often chose far-flung destinations in Asia or South America for their sometimes months-long adventures. One of the most sought-after destinations at the time was Machu Picchu in Peru. This snap captures a couple of hikers looking over the ancient citadel and the mountains in the 1980s.

Now discover what your favorite destinations looked like before tourism

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

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Breed to lead a 30-person delegation to China. Will she meet with Xi Jinping?

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Facing a tough reelection battle, Mayor London Breed is flying to China this Saturday with a 30-person delegation and kicking off a weeklong diplomatic trip to strengthen the city’s international image and promote local tourism.

The trip, which includes stops in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, is built on the momentum from last year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco. China’s President Xi Jinping met with Breed, President Joe Biden and other U.S. leaders during the event.

About 30 people, including City Administrator Carmen Chu, Chamber of Commerce CEO Rodney Fong, Bay Area Council COO John Grubb and several business and Chinese American community leaders, will join Breed on the trip.

“It's going to be a great trip,” Breed said at a press conference Wednesday morning. “To receive an invitation to come to China to talk about these opportunities is critically important to the long-term success of San Francisco.”

The Mayor’s Office said that Xi and Chinese ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, formally invited her—but whether she will meet with Xi during her upcoming trip remains a question mark.

“I'm not certain right now,” Breed told The Standard Wednesday morning. “But as soon as I find out, you'll be the first to know.”

Breed will be meeting with multiple Chinese airlines to help promote direct flights to San Francisco as well as business leaders and the mayor of Shanghai to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the sister-city relation. She will be back April 21.

Will a China trip help Breed’s reelection?

The China trip comes as Breed faces a tough reelection fight, with candidates aggressively courting Chinese voters' support . Breed’s main mayoral opponents are Board President Aaron Peskin, former interim Mayor Mark Farrell, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie.

Breed’s visit to China may help shore up her lagging support in the city’s Asian American community, as many Chinese community leaders and activists are joining her. Local Chinese immigrants who frequently visit their motherland may also see Breed’s visit as a friendly move.

Bill Lee, a former city administrator, said he was invited on the trip but can’t make it because of family reasons. He said he has been to China with multiple former mayors, and said Breed should take this China trip as an opportunity to boost her image on a bigger political stage.

“This will help her reelection,” Lee said, pointing out the potential to establish new economic opportunities and the long history of ties between the local Chinese community and China. “This is an excellent trip for London Breed.”

The trip has another possible purpose: Breed has been vocal about getting a panda for the San Francisco Zoo from China, sending two letters promoting the city as a home for the beloved animals. She is expected to bring up the topic again with top Beijing officials during the trip and hinting some good news are pending.

“I am very hopeful,” Breed said. “But ultimately, we want to make sure that we are given the green light [from Beijing], so we can move forward.”

Lee added that it would be a “major accomplishment” for Breed if she can successfully bring back pandas from China.

Kevin Chan, the owner of Chinatown's popular fortune cookie store, will join Breed’s delegation. He said it’s important for Breed to deepen the connections between San Francisco and China for economic and cultural exchange.

“No matter if it’s election year or not, she needs to visit China,” Chan said. “There are so many Chinese immigrants here. It will help boost her polling, I think.”

Chan praised Breed’s hard work on getting a panda and said he hopes the effort will pay back with some positive news soon.

The zoo is expected to start a massive fundraising campaign to help build the panda habitat, which may be completed in 2025.

Jaynry Mak, the president of Chinatown’s Portsmouth Plaza Parking Corporation and the board president of the Community Youth Center, is among those accompanying Breed on the trip. She’s flying into Hong Kong a couple days earlier before joining the mayor, and her big goal for the trip is to help promote San Francisco—by getting some good news about pandas.

“I believe pandas will revitalize San Francisco,” Mak said. “I am happy to support the mayor’s effort working on the pandas.”

Dennis Wu, a longtime community leader who was invited to the trip, said he couldn’t go for health reasons.

Wu is expecting Breed’s trip to be a great boost for San Francisco tourism but said he was unsure whether it will help her win more Asian voters.

“A trip to China wouldn’t hurt, but the election is still seven months away,” Wu said. “Regardless of what the candidates are doing, at least Chinese voters are getting attention now.” 

Han Li can be reached at [email protected]

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Middle East latest: Israeli war cabinet 'favours response' to Iran attack but is 'split on scale and timing'

The five-member cabinet, in which Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and cabinet minister Benny Gantz have decision-making powers, met earlier today to discuss the attack - which saw over 330 missiles and drones fired at Israel.

Monday 15 April 2024 04:10, UK

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken talked with counterparts in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey on Sunday about Iran's attack on Israel.

The US State Department said each country's representative was called separately.

Mr Blinken told them the US doesn't want the Middle East conflict to get any worse and will continue to support Israel's defence.

He and Egypt's foreign minister Sameh Shoukry also talked about the need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, protect Palestinian civilians and to strike an immediate ceasefire deal securing the release of all hostages.

Iranian ambassador to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani spoke to Sky's James Matthews following the UN Security Council meeting.

He was asked about Israel's threat of a significant response to his country's attack and he replied: "I think it is a threat, talk, not an action."

"An empty threat?" Matthews asked.

"They know that - they know that what would be our second retaliation, so they understand the next one will be most decisive."

Apologies for the poor sound quality in the clip.

US President Joe Biden spoke to two US Air Force squadrons on Saturday night to thank them for their involvement in defending Israel against an Iranian attack over the weekend.

Mr Biden commended the members of the 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons "for their exceptional airmanship and skill".

494th is based at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, UK.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by President Joe Biden (@potus)

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) says its forces, supported by US European Command destroyers, destroyed more than 80 one-way attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles on 13 and 14 April.

The weapons were among more than 300 missiles and drones launched from Iran and Yemen towards Israel in retaliation for Israel's attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus on 1 April.

Iran's revenge attack on Israel caused little damage as most of the weapons were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defence system and with help from the US, UK, France and Jordan.

Does Washington hold the key to de-escalation in the Middle East?

Or is the situation too far gone for the Biden administration to make any difference?

Here, our US correspondent Mark Stone examines whether one of the world's great powers can convince Israel not to retaliate... 

A short while ago, we spoke to a former Israeli minister of the interior, Ayelet Shaked.

She declared that Israel is "fighting a terror regime" in Iran, saying it is "funding terrorists all over the Middle East".

On Saturday night's attack, she declared: "Israel will retaliate in due time, in the shape and form that fits for us."

Israel will "do whatever we need in order to protect ourselves", she added. 

"The Middle East has its own rules, and Israel will respond," she added.

Asked if it would be wise, considering the war in Gaza and skirmishes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, to open up a new front with Iran, Ms Shaked said: "Last night was a wakeup call for the international community to wake up and understand that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon."

She said Iran has been getting close to getting a nuclear bomb over the last two years, and said: "Just imagine what [would have happened] if Iran had a nuclear bomb last night.

"So I think it's not the job of Israel, it's the job of the international community to take care of this specific threat."

Earlier, we reported on comments made by Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, who said that the "incident is not over", with regards to Iran. 

Mr Gantz, himself a retired army general, said that Israel would exact a price from Iran in a manner and time "that's right for us". 

He described Iran as a "global problem" as well as a regional challenge. 

You can watch his full comments here... 

By Alex Rossi, international correspondent in Jerusalem

It's a new day in Israel but the unprecedented attack by Iran has left this country feeling shaken.

Schools and universities were closed for security reasons.

We met students Talia and Simona at a cafe in west Jerusalem. They said the crisis was all they'd discussed all day.

"I hope we'll be smart enough that it won't get worse and I think last night was a big win for us because our army saved us," Talia said.

The events of 7 October are still raw - but the attack on Saturday night has increased a sense of vulnerability.

"We were both very, very scared, we were on the phone but I think after 7 October I feel like we've already seen the worst," said Simona.

For many Israelis this is a pivotal moment - people go about their business as normal but this is the first time in history the nation has been attacked directly by Iran.

Israelis 'feel trapped'

Nelly Hayat, a mother of young children, was out with friends on Jaffa Street, a main shopping street in the city.

"The Israeli people, they feel trapped with what's happening," she said. "We woke up the kids at 2am, we ran outside because there was no bomb shelter in the house and you have to reassure the kids that everything will be fine even though you are frightened."

Israelis were expecting something - there had been numerous security warnings in the days leading up to the attack - but the size of it has shocked many and attention is now focused on how Israel will respond.

These images, taken in the early hours of this morning (Sunday), show Iranian people taking to the streets to celebrate Tehran's massive aerial offensive against Israel.

Iranians came out in numbers in front of the British embassy in the capital, brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting. 

Turkish, Jordanian and Iraqi officials have said today that Iran warned the US 72 hours before it launched its massive drone and missile attack on Israel, which helped avert mass casualties.

But a US official has categorically denied the claim.

Turkey's foreign ministry said it had acted as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran ahead of the attacks, with a diplomatic source adding that the developments last night were "not a surprise".

Although a senior US official said Washington had had contact with Iran via the Swiss, they did not receive 72 hours notice of the vast attack by Iran.

"That is absolutely not true," the official said. "They did not give a notification, nor did they give any sense of ... 'these will be the targets, so evacuate them'."

Tehran only sent the United States a message after the strikes has begun, with the intent being to be "highly destructive" said the official.

"We received a message from the Iranians as this was ongoing, through the Swiss. This was basically suggesting that they were finished after this, but it was still an ongoing attack."

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