- The museums (British Museum, Natural History, Tate Modern) are world-class and mostly FREE.
- The Tube (Underground) is the best way to get around—just tap your contactless card.
- Walk the South Bank from the London Eye to Tower Bridge for the best views.
- Borough Market is a foodie paradise (go hungry).
- Stand on the right on the escalator. This is the most important rule in London.
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When to go: Spring or Autumn
May-June and September-October usually have the best weather. Parks are green and mood is high.
Summer is busy and can be hot (AC is not everywhere). Winter is mild but grey, though Christmas lights are spectacular.
- Spring: Blooms and mild days.
- Summer: Parks and pints.
- Winter: Cozy pubs and lights.
Getting there: Train (Express or Elizabeth)
Heathrow (LHR): Elizabeth Line is the best balance of speed/cost. Heathrow Express is faster but pricey.
Gatwick (LGW): Elizabeth Line/Thameslink. Stansted (LGW): Stansted Express. Luton (LTN): Train.
City (LCY): DLR (right in the city).
- Elizabeth Line: The game changer.
- Express Trains: Fast but expensive.
- Taxi: Very expensive.
Where to stay: Zone 1 or 2
Stay central (Soho/Covent Garden) if you have the budget. South Bank/Waterloo is great for sightseeing.
Shoreditch/Camden are cool and lively. Kensington/Chelsea are posh and quieter. Stay near a Tube station.
- West End: Theatre and action.
- Shoreditch: Hip, nightlife.
- Kensington: Museums and quiet.
What to see: Icons and Art
See Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Eye. Visit the Tower of London (Crown Jewels).
Spend hours in the British Museum (Rosetta Stone) or Tate Modern. Relax in Hyde Park or Regents Park.
- Tower of London: History and ravens.
- British Museum: World history.
- Sky Garden: Free view (book ahead).
- Buckingham Palace: Changing of the Guard.
Food: Curry and Sunday Roast
London food is incredible. Have a Sunday Roast at a proper pub. Eat Curry on Brick Lane (or Dishoom).
Afternoon Tea is a treat (try Fortnum & Mason or a hotel). Borough Market offers amazing produce and street food.
- Sunday Roast: Beef and Yorkshire pudding.
- Curry: The national dish.
- Fish & Chips: Classic.
- Borough Market: Foodie heaven.
Getting around: Tube and Bus
The Tube is iconic. Buses (double-deckers) are great for sightseeing (sit upstairs front).
Use Citymapper to navigate. Tap your contactless card/phone on the yellow readers. Daily cap applies.
- Tube: Fast and deep.
- Bus: Scenic and cheap.
- Walk: Best way to see details.
Budget: Expensive
London is expensive. Accommodation and transport add up. Food ranges from cheap eats to sky-high.
Save money by visiting free museums, walking, and eating meal deals from supermarkets (Tesco/Pret).
- Museums: Mostly Free!
- Transport: Pricey.
- Food: Meal deals save lives.
3 Days in London
Day 1: The Icons. Westminster (Big Ben), South Bank walk, Tate Modern, Borough Market for lunch. Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2: Culture and Parks. British Museum. Covent Garden. Afternoon Tea. Evening West End show.
Day 3: Cool London. Camden Market or Shoreditch street art. Regents Park (Primrose Hill view). Pub dinner.
- Day 1: River and royals.
- Day 2: Museums and theatre.
- Day 3: Markets and vibes.
FAQ
Do I need an Oyster card?
Not anymore. Just use your contactless bank card or phone (Apple/Google Pay). It's the same price.
Is it safe?
Yes, generally. Watch for phone snatchers (mopeds) and pickpockets in busy areas. It's a safe big city.
Do I tip?
10-12.5% is usually added to the bill as 'service charge'. If not, tip 10%. No need to tip at the bar in a pub.