4 Days in London: The Ultimate First-Time Visitor's Itinerary + Map

Our 4-day itinerary for London covers the top sights, cultural attractions, and local neighbourhoods. This is our hometown, and it’s one of our favourite cities in the world.

While putting this guide together, we realised just how much there is to do in London.

As long-time residents, we know the city well. We see many of the attractions we’ve included in this guide on a daily basis. Yet, even writing this post created a tinge of excitement, as if we were visiting for the first time.

This itinerary is about exactly that.

It focuses on the main attractions you’ll want to see as a first-time visitor, but also includes some of our favourite local hangouts.  

It’s primarily designed as a walking itinerary, with the sights mapped out in an order that allows you to see them all on foot. However, London is also very easy to navigate by public transport, so you can always hop on the Tube or a bus.

At the end, we’ve included some practical tips for your visit.

If you’re visiting during the festive period, you may find our London winter itinerary useful.

Itinerary Overview

We have put together this itinerary for first-time visitors to London. It allows you to see the top sights in London, along with some of our favourite local spots.

We have organised this itinerary so you can see things in the correct order without too much backtracking. Each day is mapped out to minimise the time spent getting between places.

That means this is essentially a walking itinerary of London with only a few occassions where you’ll need to use public transport.

Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary:

• Day 1: Westminster & Southbank
• Day 2: Oxford Street & Covent Garden
• Day 3: City, Borough & Shoreditch
• Day 4: Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington

Map: London Itinerary

London is a large city, but many of its main tourist attractions are concentrated in a relatively small area in central London. (Not to be confused with the City of London, which is the financial area.)

We’ve put all sights and attractions we cover in the guide on the map below, with the walking route for each day.

We suggest booking a place to stay in the highlighted section on this map. This area is central, and there are several Underground stations if you need to use public transport.

We have more accommodation suggestions on our Where to Stay in London guide, which breaks down each area.

4-Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Westminster, South Bank & the West End

We suggest starting your London itinerary by visiting the main tourist attractions around Westminster. This will give you a great feel for the city while seeing some of the most impressive royal and political sites in London.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the UK sovereign and the working headquarters of King Charles.

The palace is in the heart of central London, with St James’s Park and Green Park on its edges and a great starting point for any trip to London.

For most of the year, you’ll just be admiring the facade, but you can go inside on the State Room visit between mid-July and late-September. Book tickets online in advance.

Changing of the Guard // If you want to see the changing of the guard, it leaves St James’s Palace at 10:43 am and marches up The Mall to Buckingham Palace on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

St James’s Park & Horse Guards Parade

After visiting Buckingham Palace (if you didn’t do the State Room tour), walk through the beautiful St James’s Park to Horse Guards Parade.

St James’s Park is the oldest of the 8 royal parks in London. From the Blue Bridge, you can capture an iconic picture of Buckingham Palace.

Facing the other way, you’ll see Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall, which we captured in the photo below.

Horseguards Parade is a ceremonial parade ground and one of the largest open spaces in London.

Two mounted cavalry troopers of The King’s Lifeguard are posted outside from 10 am to 4 pm daily. You are welcome to take photos, but they appreciate it if you keep a respectful distance.

If you want to see more of regal London, have a look at our London. Royal Parks Self-Guided Walking Route, which includes 4 royal parks and 4 palaces.

Churchill War Rooms

After Horse Guards Parade, we highly recommend Churchill War Rooms, the underground operation centre used by Winston Churchill to direct the Second World War.

The maze of rooms in the secret bunker provides a fascinating insight into what it would have been like to live and work beneath the streets of London during the war.

It has some excellent memorabilia, including the Cabinet War Room, where Churchill met with his advisors. The Transatlantic Telephone Room is a small room disguised as a toilet where Churchill would speak to President Roosevelt in secret

Tickets – You can book tickets in advance, but tickets are generally available on the day.

Guided Tour // This excellent WWII walking tour of Westminster includes entry to the Churchill War Rooms, plus a guided tour of other sites impacted by the war. Perfect for history buffs.

Whitehall & Downing Street

After the Churchill War Rooms, head back through Horse Guards Parade and turn right at Whitehall to have a quick walk past Downing Street.

Downing Street is the home of the British Prime Minister. You can’t get very close, but you can peer between the gates and almost make out the famous number 10 on the black door.  

Lunch

You should be ready for lunch now, and we recommend a proper British experience for your first full day in the capital. Here are a few suggestions nearby.

• Red Lion (£££) – A traditional British pub, popular with politicians, with a grand Victorian interior and a menu of pub classics.
• Westminster Arms (££) – A classic English pub full of history and atmosphere.
• Regency Cafe (£) – A little further away, but worth the walk, Regency Cafe is a traditional greasy spoon with Art Deco interiors. The old-school interiors have appeared in several films and TV programmes.
• Buckingham Arms (££) – Another traditional London pub with classic British pub food and craft beers.

Westminster Abbey

After lunch, it’s time to visit Westminster Abbey.

The building was originally constructed on this site in the 11^th century by Edward the Confessor, who wanted a royal burial church for himself.

Rebuilding commenced under Henry III in the 13th century and continued until Sir Christopher Wren was appointed to restore the exterior in the 17^th century.

Even if you’re not religious, the building is extraordinary, and we highly recommend it for anyone visiting London.

Tickets – Timed-entry tickets need to be booked in advance for Westminster Abbey to avoid long queues.

South Bank

After Westminster Abbey, head over Westminster Bridge to explore the South Bank.

The bridge itself is a great spot to photograph Big Ben. You can also take a small detour by turning right at the end of the bridge and taking the steps down to the waterfront.

Here, you’ll find the National COVID Memorial Wall and the best vantage point to photograph Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

There are plenty of things to do south of the river, but a good place to start is our South Bank self-guided walk, which will take you past all the main attractions plus a few of our favourite spots.

London Eye // On the walk from the Southbank to Soho, you’ll pass the London Eye. It’s expensive, but iconic. If it’s something you want to do, you definitely want to book tickets in advance as the queues can be astonishing.

Soho & a West End Show

For the rest of the evening, we suggest you make your way across the Golden Jubilee Bridge and into Soho and the West End.

Soho has a rich bohemian heritage with everything from vintage shops to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Small streets are packed with traditional pubs, cafes and restaurants which spill onto the street in the summer months. It’s a wonderful place to explore.

Navigate around Carnaby Street, Berwick Street, and Old Compton Street, and you can’t go wrong.

If you plan on seeing a West End Show, performances usually start at 7:30 PM. Ticketmaster has a comprehensive list of what’s on.

We spend a lot of time in Soho and consider it our local area. Here are the restaurants we recommend in Soho for dinner tonight.

• Barrafina (££££) – Authentic Spanish tapas in a contemporary setting. Whenever people ask about our favourite restaurant in London, Barrafina is always the first place to spring to mind.
• Yauatcha (££££)- Cantonese-style teahouse in a cool, dimly-lit vibe. The dim sum is excellent, as is the cocktail list.
• Yalla Yalla (££) – Lebanese street food in a home-style setting. The food is delicious and comforting, and it’s one of our go-to places.
• Kiln (££££) – A Thai barbecue restaurant with an open kitchen and counter seating, specialising in northern Thai flavours. Their claypot noodles are superb.
• Berner’s Tavern (£££££) – Superb British cooking, using high-quality seasonal produce in a grand dining hall. This is a high-end night out.

Day 2: British Museum, Oxford Street, Covent Garden

On day 2, start at the British Museum, then explore the area around Oxford Street and Regent Street, and then on to Covent Garden.

British Museum

The British Museum was the world’s first national museum open to the public. It contains important artefacts of human history and culture dating back 2 million years. 

Highlights include the Egyptian mummies, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Rosetta Stone.

The museum is free to enter; however, the entry queue directs you to payment terminals, allowing you to leave a voluntary donation if you wish. It’s a sneaky way to get a donation, but rest assured, the museum is free.

We highly recommend visiting this museum on a tour. There’s so much to see, and you’ll have a much better experience with a knowledgeable guide selecting a few key items to explain in detail.

The museum holds regular tours throughout the day for different interests. Many are free, but some require a fee. There is a board at the information desk displaying the day’s times and sessions.

Both Viator and GetYourGuide offer very well-rated, affordable tours.

Oxford Street & Picadilly Circus

After leaving the British Museum, make your way down to Tottenham Court Road (a 6-minute walk) to explore Oxford Street.

Take a slow amble down Oxford Street towards Oxford Circus, then turn left onto Regent Street to explore one of the most iconic streets in London.

Mayfair

To the west of Regent Street, you’ll be in Mayfair. This is the most stylish neighbourhood in London, with upmarket boutiques, fine dining and beautiful squares lined with Georgian architecture.

We suggest you navigate towards the following streets.

• New Bond Street – Main shopping strip with luxury brands.
• Mount Street – High-end boutiques and Georgian architecture.
• Burlington Arcade – London’s most beautiful covered arcade.
• Savile Row – Home to traditional bespoke tailoring.

Lunch in Soho or Chinatown

Soho, where we finished last night, is south of Oxford Street and east of Regent Street. It’s basically the area between Picadilly Circus, Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road Tube Stations.

Chinatown is just over Shaftesbury Avenue from Soho.

Having got your initial bearing last night, Soho is also great to explore during the day. It’s full of interesting lunch spots, great cafes, and plenty of opportunities for people-watching.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Koya Soho (££) – Our favourite undon noodle bar in the city. You’ll need to queue, but it’s well worth it.
• Brasserie Zédel (£££) – Traditional lunch in a beautiful French brasserie.
• Nessa Soho (££££) – Modern British cooking in a refined atmosphere. This is good for a longer, boozier lunch.
• Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar (£) – Famous for their hand-pulled noodles, the beef brisket soup is excellent.

The French House is a bit of an institution in Soho. It’s a historic pub that only served half-pints.

We love the coffee at Hideaway Cafe, located in a tiny, hidden square, and Rapha London, which is also a bike shop.

National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery

After lunch, head over to either the National Gallery or the National Portrait Gallery, both of which are in Trafalgar Square.

If you’re visiting London over Christmas, this is the centre of the London festivities.

The National Gallery has an extensive collection of European art from the 13^th to the 19^th centuries. It recently reopened after a revamp and rehang.

Some of the most famous pieces are:

• Sunflowers – Vincent van Gogh
• Venus and Mars – Sandro Botticelli
• The Virgin of the Rocks – Leonardo da Vinci
• Madonna of the Pinks – Raphael
• The Fighting Temeraire – J.M.W. Turner

Just around the corner, the National Portrait Gallery is our favourite gallery in London. As a free museum, we often pop in when we’re in the area just to see what’s on.

The collection celebrates British history through portraits and has recently reopened after a big facelift.

They have around 11,000 portraits in total, with around 4,000 on display at any given time. Subjects range from contemporary photography to paintings spanning centuries.

Here are some of the standouts for us:

• The Chandos Portrait – The most famous portrait believed to depict Shakespeare.
• Sir Winston Churchill by Graham Sutherland – Churchill had this destroyed because it wasn’t flattering; what you see today is a reproduction.
• Diana, Princess of Wales by Mario Testino – A colllection of 1997 photographs.
• Self-Portrait by David Hockney – Hockney’s minimalist self-portrait.

Trafalgar Square

Finish up the day by having a quick look around Trafalgar Square before you head over to Covent Garden.

Each corner of Trafalgar Square is adorned with a statue of notable names from British history, except the northwest corner.

Known as the Fourth Plinth, it was left empty when it was built in 1844 because the funds had run out. Every 2 years, a new contemporary artwork is commissioned to stand on the fourth plinth.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of those rare places that somehow manages to be extremely touristy yet great for locals, too.

It’s the heart of London’s West End and a great place to spend the evening.

There’s so much to do in Covent Garden that it would take a whole other guide to cover, which we should get onto. But here are some suggestions:

• The Barbary Next Door – Enjoy North African / Spanish-inspired food in an intimate wine bar setting.
• Seven Dials Market – Although it can get a bit crowded and touristy, it has a wide selection of international food.
• St Paul’s Church – Attend one of the free concerts and events at St Paul’s Church, also known as the Actor’s Church, for the shows performed by West End stars.
• See a West End show – If there’s something on during your visit, we highly recommend seeing something at the Donmar Warehouse.
• Blind Spot – This cool speakeasy in the St Martin’s Lane Hotel has a fantastic selection of cocktails.
• Stereo – This dimly lit basement has a great late-night snack menu with American/French influences, with regular musician or DJ sets.

Day 3: City of London, Borough & Shoreditch

For your third day in London, we suggest exploring a bit more of the South Bank and the City of London. We finish up with an evening in the very cool East End.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is an imposing fortress on the North Bank of the Thames, which has played a pivotal role in British history.

Over the centuries, the tower has served as a fortress, a palace, a prison and even a zoo. It’s probably most famous for incarcerating and executing Queen Anne Boleyn.

The highlight is the Treasury, which houses the Crown Jewels, among the world’s most valuable and historic royal jewellery and regalia.

If you decide to get a guided tour, keep in mind that only Accredited Guides or Blue Badge guides are allowed inside the tower.

Tickets – It’s a good idea to book timed tickets in advance to skip the line at the ticket desk.

Tower Bridge to Borough Market

After the Tower of London, walk over Tower Bridge to Borough Market, the oldest and largest market in London.

Borough started as a medieval market around 1,000 years ago. Today, it celebrates sustainable food production, short supply chains, and top-quality food.

There are also plenty of restaurants and food stalls dotted around the market, which could be a good option for lunch on this day of the itinerary. Some of our favourites are:

• Arabica Bar & Kitchen – Sample Middle Eastern small plates and mezze.
• Padella – Amazing hand-rolled pasta.
• Berenjak – Persian stews, kebabs and sharing dishes.  
• Mallow – Excellent plant-based restaurant.  
• BAO Borough – Taiwanese street food.

You certainly won’t have Borough Market to yourself, but it’s one of those London experiences we think is worth putting up with the crowds for. Borough Market is closed on Monday.

Shakespeare Globe

After Borough Market, walk along the South Bank, picking off some of the sights you didn’t get to on day 1. (You’re at the other end today)

Weave through the backstreets behind Borough Market (use our map above) to get to Bankside, the pedestrianised footpath along the banks of the Thames.

One of the first landmarks you’ll encounter is the Shakespeare Globe. This is a realistic recreation of the Globe Theatre, built in 1599 and home to many of Shakespeare’s original plays.

For this itinerary, you’ll probably just be admiring it from the outside, but if you are keen on seeing a production, visit the Shakespeare Globe website.

Tate Modern

If you are interested in modern art, the Tate Modern Art Gallery is definitely somewhere you’ll want to visit while exploring the South Bank.

It houses the UK’s national collection of modern and contemporary art in the converted Bankside Power Station.

Here is a quick walking itinerary through Tate Modern that will let you see some of the gallery’s most famous pieces, working from the ground floor up.

• Start in the Turbine Hall to see the current installation.
• Walk up to the first floor (Boiler House) to see the Seagram Murals by Mark Rothko and Fountain by Marcel Duchamp. (Gallery 3).
• Go up to the second floor to see Weeping Woman by Pablo Picasso (Gallery 5) and Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dalí (Gallery 6).
• Still on level 2, see Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol (Gallery 9) and A Bigger Splash by David Hockney (Gallery 10).
• Cross the bridge on level 2 to enter the Blavatnik Building to see Cubi XVIII by David Smith.
• Finally, head up to the Level 10 viewing terrace for a wonderful view over London.

The Tate Modern is free to enter.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Now head across the River Thames on the Millennium Bridge to go to St Paul’s Cathedral.

The beautiful interior is filled with monuments to key figures in British history and artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mosaics. If you plan to go inside, the last entry is at 4 pm, so you’ll need to head here quickly after leaving the Tate.

The Crypt contains the tombs of Sir Christopher Wren and Nelson, as well as a memorial to Florence Nightingale.

If you are able, it’s well worth climbing the 528 steps to the top of the dome and the Golden Gallery, a small viewing platform at the very top, which is probably the best I’ve seen in London.

Tickets – We suggest booking tickets in advance to avoid the queues. Tickets include a multimedia guide, and you can book a guided tour or talk on arrival.

Sky Garden

If you decide not to go inside St Paul’s, you can admire the remarkable building from the outside and explore the area, taking a slower walk towards the Sky Garden.

Here are some notable buildings on the way:

• Bank of England – The impressive building is the heart of London’s financial district.
• Royal Exchange – A luxury shopping arcade and historical trading hub.
• Leadenhall Market – Beautiful Victorian covered market.

The Sky Garden is one of the best views of London, and it’s free to visit. It closes at 6 pm Mon-Thurs, 9 pm Fri-Sun, so you’ll probably only have time if you didn’t go inside St Paul’s.

Located at the top of the Walkie-Talkie, also known as the Fenchurch Building, Sky Garden is a lush indoor garden featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a 360° view of London.

The views of the Thames stretching off into the distance from the 43^rd floor are simply spectacular.

Tickets – The Sky Garden is free to visit, but you need to book a timed ticket in advance for entry.

Brick Lane & Shoreditch

After Sky Garden, head over to Brick Lane to enjoy an evening in one of London’s most colourful neighbourhoods.

Throughout most of its history, the area around Brick Lane has been one of the most deprived parts of London. But migrant groups over the years have bestowed a unique cultural fingerprint on the area, which makes it what it is today.

If you’re planning to have dinner, Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses. The best approach is to pick one you think has the energy you’re looking for and go for it.

There are plenty of other great things to do around Brick Lane and Shoreditch in the evening. Here are a few suggestions:

• Shoreditch Street Art — Our self-guided walk showcases the best of the area’s street art, giving you a good sense of the overall neighbourhood.
• Spitalfields Market — This wonderful market near Shoreditch is great for vintage clothes, jewellery, and gourmet food.
• Cheshire Street — For more vintage shopping, check out the area around Cheshire Street.
• Cocktails — The Discount Suit Company is one of our favourite cocktail bars in London. Found is another with dark cosy nooks, great service and excellent cocktails.
• Pride of Spitalfields – For a more traditional pub, you can’t go past the Pride of Spitalfields.
• Princess of Shoreditch – We’ve always loved the food and atmosphere at this classy pub.

Getting there by bus // Sky Garden to Brick Lane is one journey you may want to take by bus. The best way is to check the journey on Google Maps, which will show all available bus options. Otherwise, take the Tube on the District Line from Monument to Aldgate East.

Day 4: Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington

For your final day in London, we suggest heading to Notting Hill and grabbing brunch in this colourful neighbourhood. Then, exploring Hyde Park and Kensington.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a vibrant neighbourhood in West London, and a great place to experience the city’s diverse personalities.

You’ll find high-end boutiques, colourful houses, a wonderful street market and some cool independent shops.

A good way to get your bearings is to start with our Notting Hill self-guided walk. The walk takes 2 to 3 hours if you explore at a leisurely pace.

Notting Hill also has some great breakfast options, which we have summarised in our Notting Hill brunch guide.

To get to Notting Hill, take the tube to Notting Hill Gate station, which is on the Central, Circle and District Lines.

Portobello Market

Depending on the day of the week you are visiting Notting Hill, you’ll want to check out Portobello Road Market.

There’s something happening every day of the week, but the whole market operates on Friday and Saturday. Generally, Fridays are slightly less busy, making it the best day to visit.

The market is closed on Sunday.

We have more ideas for what to do in the area in our guide to visiting Notting Hill.

Hyde Park

After exploring Notting Hill, you’re well-positioned for a walk through Hyde Park, Britain’s largest royal park, on your way to Kensington.

Stop off at Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana, and have a stroll around the Round Pond just in front of the palace.

We’ve allowed a good amount of time in Hyde Park, so you’ll also have time to head down to the Italian Gardens, a formal water garden featuring statues and fountains.

Navigate towards Royal Albert Hall, taking as many paths as you like through the gardens.

Royal Albert Hall

Have a quick stop at the Royal Albert Hall to admire the unique round building and the adjacent Prince Albert Memorial.

If there’s anything you want to see, you could also come back in the evening after visiting the museums in Kensington (which is next).

If you are planning to visit London over the festive period, read our London winter itinerary, which includes the Christmas shows at Royal Albert Hall.

Victoria & Albert Museum, or Natural History Museum

Next, take the short walk to South Kensington to visit one of the museums – either the V&A or the Natural History Museum.

The Victoria & Albert Museum is an exhibition of human creativity with a vast collection spanning 5,000 years.

Some of the most famous items include:

• The Raphael Cartoons – The 7 huge paintings by Raphael were designed for tapestries to hang in the Sistine Chapel.
• Tipoo’s Tiger – A sculpture of a tiger mauling a soldier, which also contains an organ that can be operated by turning a handle.
• Cast Courts – Housed in a 25-metre-high hall, these incredible plaster and electrotype reproductions include a copy of Michelangelo’s David and Trajan’s Column, which needed to be cut in half to fit.
• Glass Chandelier – The huge chandelier by Dale Chihuly makes a grand statement in the Cromwell Road entrance. 

The Natural History Museum is a fantastic exhibition showcasing all aspects of the natural world.

There are literally millions of objects on display. A good place to start is the Treasures Gallery, which features just 22 items, each carefully selected for its remarkable scientific or cultural significance.

It’s free to enter; however, you need to pay for special exhibitions, such as the excellent Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

The Natural History Museum is free.

Knightsbridge

After the museums, you’re in the right spot to enjoy some of the best shopping (or window shopping0 London has to offer.

Harrods is around a 20-minute walk from the museums. You’ll be walking through one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods to get to this slice of British retail therapy.

There are 330 departments in Harrods, but Mark and I generally make a beeline for the food hall.

You could also pop into Harvey Nichols, a British luxury department store chain founded in 1831. The flagship department store houses seven floors of exclusive fashion and beauty brands.

The 5th floor is a famous dining destination in London.

The Berkeley Hotel Rooftop (6:30 Pm)

A classy way to finish this itinerary would be to have cocktails inspired by the Italian Riviera at the Berkeley Hotel Rooftop Bar. It has wonderful views of London and is open to the public over the summer.

If the rooftop bar is not open during your visit, the Berkeley Bar & Terrace is a great alternative.

Day Trip Additions

One of the great advantages of being based in London is that there are so many great destinations you can visit as day trips.

If you have some extra time, here at the top day trips we’d recommend. For more, read our day trips from London guide.

Windsor Castle (30 Minutes)

Windsor is the easiest and most rewarding half-day trip from London. The castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the weekend home of the Royal Family.

The State Apartments are magnificent, and St George’s Chapel — the burial place of ten monarchs, including Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth II — is one of the most beautiful buildings in England.

Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, or from Paddington to Windsor Central, changing at Slough.

Book castle tickets in advance, particularly at weekends.

Oxford (1 Hour)

Oxford is one of the most beautiful cities in England, with a compact, walkable centre and sights packed with history.

Trains run frequently from London Paddington, taking around an hour, making it very achievable as a day trip.

We have a complete itinerary on our Oxford day trip post.

Cambridge (50 Minutes)

Cambridge has a distinct character of its own — compact and beautiful, with the extraordinary River Cam running behind the colleges. Punting on the Backs is the quintessential Cambridge experience and is easy to arrange on arrival.

All the information you need is on our Cambridge day trip guide.

Planning & Logistics

Where to Stay

We have a complete guide about Where To Stay In London, but here is a quick summary of the best areas for first-timers.

Westminster is a great option for first-time visitors as it’s right in the centre of the main tourist attractions. It lacks the neighbourhood feel of other areas, but you can find some surprisingly good hotels.

Soho has a bohemian feel and excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great base if you plan on enjoying London’s nightlife and want to be in the centre of the action.

Paddington is slightly out of the centre, but it has excellent transport links. You can be in Soho within 15 minutes, and you’ll find some of the best value accommodation here.  

• Luna & Simone Hotel (Westminster) – This modern, clean, and comfortable family-run hotel is conveniently located near Victoria bus and train stations.
• Z Hotel Strand (Soho) – It’s not easy to find decent-value hotels near the West End, but Z Hotels has a few, with the pick being on The Strand.
• Kensington Gardens Hotel (Paddington) – There are lots of good-value hotels near Paddington, but this 2-star hotel is one of the best.

New Visa Requirements (2026)

As of February 25, 2026, most non-UK citizens travelling to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – a digital pre-approval linked to your passport – before you travel.

This new visa applies to travellers from 85 countries who previously didn’t need a visa to visit the UK — including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, and all EU countries.

The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to 6 months.

The easiest way to apply is through the UK ETA app.

We suggest you apply for the ETA before you book anything else, as without a valid ETA, your airline will deny you boarding.

One important note: if you transit through a UK airport without passing passport control, you don’t currently need an ETA. But if your connection involves clearing immigration, you still need one.

Getting to London

London is one of the best-connected cities in the world, with excellent rail, air, and coach links from across the UK and Europe.

By Air

There are three main international airports serving London: Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Each airport has a direct rail link to the city. Details on getting from each airport into central London are in the section below.

From Europe

The Eurostar connects London St Pancras with Paris (2h20), Brussels (2h), and Amsterdam (3h30). This is a great way to get to London if you’re starting your trip in Europe.

Booking early usually secures much better prices. We use Rail Europe for the best prices on the Eurostar.

From Within the UK

The easiest option if you’re arriving in London from elsewhere in the UK is almost always the train.

London has six main terminal stations — Paddington, Victoria, Waterloo, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, and Euston.

London is around 2 hours from Manchester, 2.5 hours from Edinburgh, and 1.5 hours from Bristol. Book in advance through Omio for the best fares.

Getting to London from the Airports

The quickest way in from Heathrow is the Heathrow Express.

You can purchase tickets on the train, but it’s cheaper to book online, even if you do so on your phone when you get to the airport.

The other, more affordable option from Heathrow is to take the Elizabeth Line. Currently, the Elizabeth Line’s fare from Heathrow to London Paddington is £13.90, using contactless.

HEATHROW TERMINALS // There are 5 terminals at Heathrow. You can use the free train service to get between them.

The most convenient way to travel from Gatwick to London is by taking the Gatwick Express, which takes approximately 30 minutes to reach London Victoria.

From Stansted, the fastest option is the Stansted Express. This takes around 35-50 minutes to reach Liverpool Street Station. It’s direct, and like other airport express services, you get discounts for advance booking and multiple tickets.

How to Get Around

London’s main tourist attractions are concentrated in a compact area of central London, and this itinerary is designed so you can walk between the majority of them.

When you do need public transport, the best way to pay is with contactless — just tap your card or phone at the barriers.

Payments are automatically capped at £8.90 per day (or £5.25 for buses only), so there’s no need to buy a Travelcard, which at £16.60 for a day works out more expensive.

The London Underground (the Tube) is the quickest way to get around when needed, with trains running every 2–3 minutes in central London from around 5 AM until just after midnight.

There’s a 24-hour service on five lines on Friday and Saturday nights. London Buses are slower but scenic — if you can grab the front seat on the top deck, it’s well worth it.

Use the TfL Go app or Google Maps to plan journeys on both.

Best Time to Visit London

London is a year-round destination with no truly bad time to visit — it really comes down to what you’re after.

In our opinion, the best time to visit is Spring (March–May). The parks are at their most beautiful, crowds are manageable, and the weather is mild without the summer price premium.

Avoid Easter week if you can, when school holidays bring bigger crowds.

Summer (June–August) is the most popular time to visit, with big events including Trooping the Colour in June and the Notting Hill Carnival in August. The downside is peak prices and long queues.

Another good time to visit is Autumn (September–October). Crowds thin out, prices drop, and the parks turn golden.

December is festive and atmospheric, but expensive and busy. January and February are the quietest and cheapest months of the year. Read our London Christmas itinerary if you’re visiting over this time.

Tips for Visiting London

Plugs & Power – You’ll need a Type G plug adapter. You can pick one up cheaply before you leave or at the airport on arrival. We never travel without a universal adaptor.

Queuing – Queuing politely is taken very seriously in the UK. Jumping a queue is considered one of the most antisocial things you can do in London.

Escalators – Stand on the right to let people pass on the left. You’ll thank us when you get here.

Pubs – Order at the bar rather than wait for table service; payment is made when you order. If you’re in a group with British locals, it’s customary to buy drinks in rounds.

eSIM – This is the most convenient option for compatible phones. You can purchase and activate one before you travel. We use Airalo.

Free WiFi – Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and pubs, and many Underground stations now have WiFi in the ticketing areas.

Healthcare – US Medicare and Medicaid do not work in the UK, and the NHS charges tourists 150% of the cost of treatment for any care received. EU citizens visiting the UK can use a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) issued by their home country to access necessary healthcare during their stay.

Driving – As locals, we can say you probably won’t want to drive in London. If you do, keep in mind there’s a Congestion Charge.

Money – Like most big cities, London is pretty cashless. Contactless card or phone payment is accepted virtually everywhere, including buses, the Tube, markets, and most street food stalls.

Tipping in London

Tipping in the UK is quite different from tipping in the US. UK hospitality workers are paid at least the National Minimum Wage, so tips are a genuine bonus rather than an essential part of their income.

That said, tipping for good service is customary in certain settings.

Restaurants — Many London restaurants automatically add a 12.5% service charge to your bill. Anything on top is unnecessary, but they will love you if you do. If no service charge is included, 10–12% is appropriate for good service.

Pubs and bars — Tipping is not expected when ordering at the bar. If you have a table with full table service, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture.

Taxis and black cabs — Rounding up to the nearest pound is standard for short journeys, or adding around 10% for longer ones, especially if the driver helps with luggage. For Uber and other ride-hailing apps, tipping through the app is appreciated but not expected.

Hotels — Tipping is not generally expected, though a small tip for a porter carrying your bags (£1–2 per bag) is appreciated. Leaving a tip for housekeeping would not be expected.

Tour guides — A tip of around 10% is standard for a paid tour. For free walking tours, which typically operate on a pay-what-you-like basis, £5–10 per person is a fair and appreciated amount.

Cafes and coffee shops — Tipping is not expected, though many now have tip prompts on card readers. If I’m ordering a takeout coffee and they add a tip, I’ll always decline it.

Weather & What to Pack

London’s weather is famously unpredictable, and the most important thing to understand is that it can change several times in a single day. Your only defence is to layer up.

Here’s a rough seasonal guide:

Spring (March–May) — Mild but changeable, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Pack a light-to-midweight jacket, layers, and a compact umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Summer (June–August) — Generally warm and pleasant, but rarely hot enough to pack light summer-only clothing. A light jacket will still be handy for cooler mornings and evenings, and a small umbrella is always a good idea.

Autumn (September–November) — Comfortable in September, turning progressively cooler and wetter through October and November. A mid-weight waterproof jacket and layers are ideal. As always, you’ll need an umbrella.

Winter (December–February) — Cold, frequently grey, and damp, but rarely as harsh as many visitors expect. Average January temperatures sit around 5–6°C (42°F). A proper winter coat, scarf, and gloves are needed, but heavy snow is rare. Bring an umbrella.

More Guides to Plan Your London Trip

• To get an idea of what you might like to do, read our guide to the best things to do in London.
• Our London Itinerary helps you plan 3 or 4 amazing days in the city.
• Find your perfect accommodation with our Where To Stay in London guide, which includes a review of the best areas.
• A great neighbourhood to explore is Notting Hill – this guide covers the highlights.
• For a completely different area, take our Shoreditch Street Art walk.
• Read our Hackney neighbourhood guide for all the best things to do in this East London area.
• Our guide to accommodation in Soho includes our hotel recommendations and things to do.
• Get out and about with our top walks in London – each with a detailed map.