London travel guide

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Introduction to London

Welcome to London! This capital and largest city of the United Kingdom is a bucket list destination, home to many famous attractions, including lastminute.com London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and The British Museum. In this ultimate travel guide to London, you will learn everything you need to know before booking your ticket to England. Discover the day-to-day life of the over 8.9 million people who call London home and explore the city’s fascinating history, rich culture, and distinct architecture.

Easily accessible from London Stansted airport, London is the perfect base for a memorable and unique vacation in England any time of the year.

You'll learn more fascinating facts about London as you explore this spectacular city.

Traveling to London is especially rewarding for anyone eager to connect with locals and learn more about their unique culture and traditions.

Get ready to explore and learn more about the city of London below!

History of London

London's history is a rich and vibrant tapestry dating back over 2,000 years. It was founded by the Romans, who named it Londinium.

Over centuries, London has evolved from a small Roman settlement to one of the world's most important financial and cultural hubs. Medieval London witnessed the construction of iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey.

The 16th and 17th centuries, known as London's 'Golden Age', saw the establishment of the Royal Exchange and the Globe Theatre.

The city survived the Great Fire in 1666 and the Blitz during World War II. Today, London is a vibrant, multicultural city, home to world-renowned museums, galleries, and landmarks.

Top services in London

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in London, England. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 345 airlines that fly to England. Browse the 2344 top-rated tours available to you in London. Compare the rates and services of the 7 types of places to stay in London and the 9 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in London.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to London, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of London on your vacation in England.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in London from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of London!

Best time to visit London

The best time to explore London is during the spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild weather, which is perfect for sightseeing. Springtime is especially picturesque with blooming flowers in the city's many parks. Autumn offers a stunning array of colours as leaves change. Summer (July to August) attracts the most tourists, resulting in crowded attractions. However, it hosts special events like Wimbledon and the Notting Hill Carnival. Winter (December to February) is chilly but has its perks such as the festive Christmas markets and ice rinks. If you want to avoid the crowds, late autumn and early spring are ideal. It's worth noting that London's weather is famously unpredictable, so pack for all possibilities. When you're planning your trip, remember to check the dates of key events or festivals, as these can significantly enhance your overall experience of the city.

Weather in London

London, England has a temperate maritime climate with regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year. Summers in London are typically warm but not excessively hot, with average high temperatures in July reaching about 24°C (75°F). The city often experiences long daylight hours in this season, sometimes stretching past 9 PM. Winters, on the other hand, are chilly and damp, with temperatures commonly dropping to around 2°C (36°F). Snowfall is infrequent but possible, primarily in January and February.

Spring and autumn, while mild, can be rather unpredictable with temperatures ranging from single digits to the low twenties in Celsius (mid-30s to low 70s in Fahrenheit). Rain is a common occurrence, regardless of the season, albeit typically light. Therefore, it's advisable for travelers to carry an umbrella or light raincoat. The city can also get foggy, especially in autumn and spring, adding a mystical charm to the city's landscape. In summary, London's climate is generally moderate but changeable, so packing a range of clothing options is recommended for any visit.

Local tip for visiting London

When visiting London, a local insider tip is to explore the city's labyrinth of hidden alleyways and courtyards. These secret passages, dating back to medieval times, provide a unique perspective of the city that is often missed by tourists. Many of these hidden gems are nestled between modern buildings or tucked behind busy streets, providing a serene escape from the bustling city. They often lead to quaint pubs, charming shops, and historical landmarks. The best way to discover these secret passages is to wander aimlessly and let curiosity guide your way. This spontaneous exploration allows you to stumble upon less frequented spots and appreciate London's charm from a unique angle. Just remember, while venturing, respect the privacy of locals living around these hidden spaces. This insider tip will undoubtedly enrich your London experience, adding a touch of mystery and adventure to your visit.

Learn more about England

There are many reasons to visit the city of London, but a trip to England needs no explanation.

Exploring England, which spans 130,278 square kilometers, is an adventure of a lifetime. England offers an abundance of truly magical places to discover, including cultural, historic, and scenic sites of significant value to both locals and travelers.

As the home country of many world-famous attractions like the spectacular lastminute.com London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the The British Museum, you’re all set for a unique and memorable travel experience in England.

Click or tap the link below to discover more about England.

What to see in London

Photo of Westminster palace (Houses of Parliament) and Big Ben, London, UK.

London has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of London.

Top attractions in London

Home to plenty of top attractions, London is more than just a wonderful city in England. London is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of England.

One fascinating sight in London is the unforgettable lastminute.com London Eye. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to London. This remarkable attraction is located at Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 11:00-18:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in England, check out our list of top attractions in London below. Discover the best places to visit in London, including the fascinating lastminute.com London Eye, Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, Tower Bridge, and Hyde Park.

Map of attractions

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in London.

Things to do in London

Photo of regent's canal, Little Venice in London, UK.

Enrich your travel experience in London by joining tours and activities. London offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in London below.

Most popular experiences in London

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of London.

London offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Walking Tours, and Bus Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in England.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in London by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Top tours & tickets starting in London

Travelers in London can choose from 20 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Cultural Tours is the answer.

The most popular tour in London is the fantastic The London Landmarks, Afternoon tour. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes London one of the best travel destinations in England.

London also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable London LGBTQ Detective Mystery Outdoor Escape Game is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 6 EUR and allows travelers a great time in London. This Historical Tour is available in 2 languages: English, and Spanish. Around 3 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 3 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to London and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in London below.

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Search for things to do in London

Discover the best things to do in London. Choose from 2344 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in London. Click the green button to view your options.

What to eat in London

When you set foot in London, you immerse yourself in a rich culinary scene that fuses tradition with international influences. The city's gastronomic landscape is a treasure trove of diverse dining experiences. London's food markets, such as Borough Market and Street Feast, are among the best places to eat in London for foodies seeking a casual yet authentic experience. These markets offer an array of global street food, from British fish and chips to Indian curry. For a more refined dining experience, head to the restaurants in Soho or Mayfair, where you’ll find everything from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy bistros. Here you can savor traditional English dishes like Sunday Roast or Shepherd’s Pie, presented with a gourmet twist. A trip to London would also be incomplete without indulging in a quintessential afternoon tea, a centuries-old tradition that continues to charm visitors. Whether it's the salted caramel doughnuts of Borough Market or the Beef Wellington in a high-end restaurant, London’s food scene will never fail to satisfy your palate. Remember, meal times in London typically run from 12-2pm for lunch and 7-9pm for dinner, so plan your culinary adventures accordingly.

Nightlife in London

London's vibrant nightlife is an eclectic mix of classic British pubs, atmospheric cocktail bars, and pulsating clubs. The city's unique night culture is a testament to its cosmopolitan allure. Soho, often considered the best area for bars in London, features a diverse range of establishments, from sophisticated wine bars to lively LGBTQ+ venues. The district's iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club is a must-visit for music enthusiasts, while the Comedy Store offers a dose of British humor.

For a more upscale experience, head to Mayfair, home to some of London's most exclusive clubs and cocktail bars. If you prefer a more alternative scene, check out Shoreditch, known for its edgy clubs and trendy rooftop bars. A night out in Camden is also recommended for its live music venues and traditional pubs. No matter where you choose to spend your evening, London's nightlife promises a memorable experience. Remember to check opening times as they can vary, and don't forget to tip your bartenders!

Best Free Things to Do in London

Discovering the best free things to do in London allows you to enjoy the city's rich history, culture, and vibrancy without emptying your wallet. Stroll along the iconic South Bank, a bustling hub of street performers, markets, and breathtaking views of the Thames and the city skyline. Venture into the British Museum, home to a vast collection of world art and antiquities, truly a treasure trove for history lovers. Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a quintessentially British spectacle of pomp and ceremony. Lovers of literature can visit the historic house of Samuel Johnson, where the famous dictionary writer lived and worked. Explore the verdant expanse of Hyde Park, which offers a serene escape from the city's bustle. Finally, enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the top of Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath. These are just a few examples of the bounty of free experiences London has to offer, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers craving a rich cultural journey.

Vacation packages in London

Photo of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament, London, UK.

The best and easiest way to visit London is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in England.

Booking a vacation package to London means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in London to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to London is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find 214 unique vacation packages to London, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of London.

Popular types of vacations in London

The most popular way to experience London is by visiting the city as part of a road trip across multiple destinations in England. However, it is also common for travelers to go to London on both shorter and longer getaways, to get a break from everyday life, relax, and experience something new.

With Guide to Europe you can find road trips, city breaks, and weekend getaways in England, ranging from budget to luxury. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip across England, or you just want to enjoy a few days exploring London, there is a vacation package for you.

Discover the most popular vacation packages in London below.

Top vacation packages in London

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in England. In fact, you can choose from as many as 214 different top-rated vacation packages to take you to London, and even more if you expand your search to include a bigger area of England.

To help narrow your choices down, here are some of the best vacation packages for exploring the city of London.

For an epic vacation, discover London and other top destinations in England on a top-rated holiday like the 10-Day Road Trip to England, Wales, and Scotland. This vacation package provides travelers with tons of opportunities to experience not only the most popular attractions in London, but also in other top places to visit in England. If Trafalgar Square, Tower of London, The British Museum, The National Gallery, and Tower Bridge are on your bucket list, this is the perfect vacation package for you.

If you would like to go on a budget vacation in London, book the popular Cheap 3-Day England City Break in London and spend as little as 274 EUR. This vacation will take you on a journey to experience some of the most incredible attractions and sights in London, including the fantastic London Bridge, The British Museum, lastminute.com London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Hyde Park.

Get more London vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in England that match your needs and budget.

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Find vacation packages in London

Discover and compare 214 vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of London.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in London get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in England. Your customized holiday package to London is only a few clicks away!

How to get to London

To get to the city of London the fastest way possible, travelers from outside England can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to London by booking flights with any of the 172 airlines that offer direct flights to London Stansted airport. Some airlines that operate flights to London Stansted airport are British Airways, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ryanair, and Azul. Go to this page to compare all flights to London.

To reach the city of London, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at London Stansted airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to London, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to London Stansted airport and London below.

Find cheap flights to London

Photo of London city urban lifestyle tourist woman walking.

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to London, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in England. However, it is usually cheaper to fly to London, England, in May.

The cheapest one-way flight to London costs around 15 EUR and is offered by the airline Ryanair. The flight leaves on May 2 at 3 and departs from Vigo–Peinador airport in Vigo, Spain.

The cheapest round-trip flights to London cost approximately 35 EUR in total. The departure flight leaves on May 16 and the return flight is scheduled on May 16. The flight time is around 2 hours per way.

The return flight is operated by Newcastle.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to England and the city of London from your city of departure.

Popular flights to London

Travelers visiting London in England can fly to London Stansted airport directly from 2039 destinations worldwide.

The three most popular routes to London Stansted airport and the city of London in England depart from London International airport in London, Canada, Albany airport in Albany, Australia, and Santa Rosa airport in Santa Rosa, Argentina.

Travelers can fly to England by choosing from from 3 weekly flight(s) from London; from 3 weekly flight(s) from Albany; and from 1 weekly flight(s) from Santa Rosa.

The airline that operates most flights to England is Hong Kong Express Airways. Hong Kong Express Airways offers 124 scheduled flight routes to England.

Discover the most popular flights to London below. Click to view flights to London, England from destinations all across the globe.

Where to stay in London

Photo of Westminster Abbey viewed from Victoria tower gardens, London, UK.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as London is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in London usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown London offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in London and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in London planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In London, you'll find 7 different types of places to stay catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in England can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in London. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in London.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in London in the next sections.

Popular types of accommodation in London

A trip to the fascinating London, England, means opportunities to relax at any of the 7 different types of places to stay in the city. Overall, travelers can choose from the following: 4400 hotels, 2336 vacation rental apartments, 308 cottages, 34 guesthouses, 13 bed & breakfasts, 6 hostels and 2 castles. While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that London provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Among all these choices available in the city, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London Hotel is one of the top picks of travelers in London.

The hotel is located at 200 Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth and boasts many great utilities, including 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, and Bar.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in London. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

In London, travelers looking for an economical yet top-rated place to stay usually choose The Birdsnest Guest House. For approximately 20 EUR, guests can book a comfortable Unknown at this popular hotel.

Below is a list of all 7 different types of places to stay in London. Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Top hotels in London

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in London for the unique experience they provide. So if you're the kind of traveler who prefers staying at hotels, you'll be glad to know that the city is home to around 7,099 hotels.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in London provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in London are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in London.

Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel offers the most luxurious rooms and is perfect for travelers looking for the ultimate 5-star hotel experience in London. If comfort, convenience, and affordability are your non-negotiables, check out Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London Hotel, the top 4-star hotel in the city. When all you need is a pleasant place to rest and sleep in between your activities in London, the highest-rated 3-star hotel, Zedwell Piccadilly, is for you.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the London. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

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Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of London on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of London that match the information provided.

Car rental in London

Photo of London eye, County Hall, Westminster Bridge, Big Ben and Houses of Parliament.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in London. London has 9 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in London start from 42.02 EUR per day or 294.17 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Vauxhall Corsa.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in London, starting from 25.5 EUR per day or 178.53 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Toyota Aygo.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in London, England, below.

Popular types of car rental in London

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of London to find the best car for your travel plans. Travelers in London can choose from small cars, medium cars, large cars, estate cars, mini vans, SUVs, convertibles, premium cars, camper vans, mini campers, vans, cars. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore England at their own pace. The most popular type of car rental among small groups of travelers in London is a TopLevel.

Another very popular type of car to rent in London is a TopLevel. This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of London.

Check out all options available in London and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in England below.

Search for car rental in London

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of London. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in London, England, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

Popular destinations to visit after London

Photo of beautiful landscape around Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom.

The city of London is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in England. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that England has it all.

England is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in England that are as magical as the city of London. The most popular travel destinations in England are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

All the best destinations in England

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in England. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Domestic flights from London

Photo of aerial view of Windsor castle, a royal residence at Windsor in the English country.

A taste of England through a visit to London can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from London to another remarkable destination in England.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of London to other spectacular locations in England, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

Search domestic flights from London

Traveling to another city or region in England? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from London to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in England on the selected dates.

Popular domestic flights from London

Travelers in England can catch flights to domestic airports in Newquay, Bristol, Bournemouth, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Domestic flights in England are operated by 8 airlines: Ryanair, Jet2, British Airways, Eurowings, and Ryanair UK. There are around 15 scheduled flight routes operating to London on a weekly basis.

From London, travelers can book scheduled flights to 11 domestic destinations. The most popular flights from London depart to many top-rated destinations in England and are offered by Ryanair, Jet2, and British Airways.

Most popular countries in Europe

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