London, the bustling English and British capital, is a city that never ceases to amaze me. From its iconic landmarks to hidden gems, world-class museums, and vibrant food scene, there’s something for every traveler. Having visited London multiple times over the years, it was exciting to return this May with a couple of friends to celebrate their anticipated birthdays and explore even more! Whether it’s your first time in town or you’re looking for fresh ideas, this comprehensive travel guide will walk you through the 9 best things to do in London, including where to eat and stay, best day trip ideas from the city and even a London map to help you easily locate the main attractions. Let’s dive in!

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Disclaimers:

• This post was written in May 2025 following my recent visit with a couple of friends to London. That being said, I have been lucky to visit the city various times over the years, including on a family road trip with our campervan, on an Erasmus tour or during the 2012 London Olympics. Even though the guide now reflects the latest information available, I’ll keep updating it as I discover more attractions and experiences worth sharing. Stay tuned!
• Check out my Instagram post to see the pictures from this recent trip.
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Throughout my most recent trip, I used this Great Britain travel guidebook by Lonely Planet to plan our stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find it helpful too!

What to do in London, the capital of the UK

In this comprehensive section about what to do in London, we will go over the following topics:

• Top 9 things to do in London
• Other things to do in London (by category)
• London hidden gems (including quaint neighborhoods, most Instagrammable locations and best panoramic spots to admire the skyline)

Feel free to jump directly to the section that sounds more appealing to you!

Top 9 things to do in London

Are you ready to start with the sightseeing? If it’s your first time in London, these 9 iconic landmarks are must-sees in the city. They will leave you in awe, promised!

• Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
• British Museum
• Buckingham Palace
• Hyde Park
• London Eye
• River Thames cruise
• St Paul´s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament 🕰

Big Ben is probably the world’s most famous clock thanks to its iconic silhouette overlooking the River Thames. Installed in 1858, it has kept the exact time of the UK almost without interruption since then.

The Big Ben clock tower dominates a complex of buildings accommodating the UK Parliament since the 16th century, namely the House of Commons and the House of Lords. However, the Palace of Westminster where these chambers were initially located was destroyed after a devastating fire in 1834, with the only exception of Westminster Hall. Charles Barry designed the neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament that we can admire nowadays.

🚇 Nearest tube stop to visit the Big Ben and the UK Parliament: Westminster.

British Museum 🏺

The British Museum is one of the most renowned museums in the world. Besides, admission is free, so you have no excuses not to visit it while in London!

It was founded in 1753 to house the extensive collections of the physicist Sir Hans Sloane and is the oldest public museum in the world. Over time, countless objects have been added to its vast collection, spanning thousands of years of world culture, from Africa to the Middle East and from Asia to the Americas.

Make sure to explore at least the following highlights on display at the British Museum:

• Room 3: The Mildenhall Treasure comprises over 30 items of silver tableware from Roman Britain. The most famous object of this series is an elaborate circular platter known as the Great Dish.
• Room 4: the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies are key to understanding this fascinating ancient culture.
• Room 18: The Elgin Marbles are a collection of ancient Greek sculptures from the Parthenon dating from the 5th century BC.
• Room 50: Lindow Man: the skin of this body, which was preserved for more than 2000 years, probably comes from a ritual ceremony.

Given the endless artifacts displayed at the British Museum, your visit could easily last a lifetime. That is why the museum suggests one hour or three-hour trails to make sure you cover the most popular objects. 🙂 Thankfully, the museum also offers a range of food and drink options as well as a shop should you wish to stay longer.

Refer to my section on ´Other things to do in London (by category)´ for further museum ideas in the UK capital.

🚇 Nearest tube stops to visit the British Museum: Goodge Street, Holborn, Russell Square or Tottenham Court Road.

Buckingham Palace 🇬🇧

The famous Buckingham Palace is the King’s official London residence and a working royal palace since Queen Victoria first resided here in 1837. This landmark is surrounded by gardens, namely Green Park, Hyde Park and St James´s Park. On special occasions, the Royal Family comes out to greet the public from the balcony of the East Wing facade overlooking the Mall.

One of the top things to do in London -and also free of charge- is to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, taking place in the courtyard, weather permitting, at 11:00 AM on selected days (currently Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). During this ceremony, one detatchment of troops takes over from another while marching to the Palace from Wellington Barracks with musical accompaniment. Watching the royal guards dressed in their colorful red tunics and their iconic bearskin hats is a truly quintessential London experience! In case you miss that, you can try the Changing of the King’s Life Guard on Horse Guards Parade in nearby Whitehall.

Should you wish to explore inside, Buckingham Palace’s magnificent State Rooms open to visitors each summer, while during the rest of the year the Palace opens on selected dates for small guided tours only.

🚇 Nearest tube stops to visit Buckingham Palace: Green Park, Hyde Park Corner, St. James’s Park, Victoria.

Hyde Park 🌿

Hyde Park is the largest park in London, first open to the public at the beginning of the 17th century by James I. It now has numerous sports facilities, restaurants, and even a space devoted to art known as the Serpentine Gallery.

If you have time, add the following spots to your itinerary around Hyde Park:

• Rotten Row: it became the first street in England to be lit at night and is now a horse riding area.
• The Serpentine Lake: this is probably the most popular attraction in Hyde Park. A former artificial lake, it is used nowadays for swimming and rowing.
• The Speaker´s Corner: since 1872, anyone can exercise the right to address people from this very spot. Sundays are particularly lively with many budding speakers and quite a few eccentrics.

Next to Hyde Park lie the Kensington Gardens, featuring the bronze statue of Peter Pan, the Round Pond – always full of toy boats- and Kensington Palace, which was the former residence of the Royal Family before moving to Buckingham Palace and where Princess Diana lived until her death in 1997.

Browse my section on ´Other things to do in London (by category)´ to find additional parks in the British capital.

🚇 Nearest tube stops to visit Hyde Park: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Queensway.

London Eye 🎡

Welcome to one of the best things to do in London, and certainly a very popular attraction too: the London Eye! If you´re looking for panoramic views of the city, make sure to ride this giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the river Thames.

Also known as the Millennium Wheel because it opened on December 31, 1999, this landmark is Europe‘s tallest cantilevered observation wheel at 135 meters, receiving over three million visitors annually. 
Should you want to check out the London Eye, note that there are various ticket options, from general admission or fast track, to exclusive experiences.

While you’re there, take the opportunity to walk along the South Bank for amazing views of London’s skyline, street art, and pop-up food stalls.

🚇 Nearest tube stop to visit the London Eye: Waterloo.

River Thames cruise 🚢

Measuring 346 km long, the Thames is one of the most iconic rivers in the world. In addition to London, the River Thames runs through other cities such as Oxford and Windsor. It is actually the longest river in England and the second longest in the United Kingdom.

The River Thames remains the artery along which much of the country’s trade ran from Roman times until the 1950s. Today it is one of the most pleasant recreational areas of London, with docks and warehouses converted into marinas, bars and restaurants. Without a doubt, one of the most pleasant ways to get to know the city is by boat, cruising the river Thames. If you would like to get a different perspective of some of London’s historic monuments, hop on a cruise going down from Parliament to Tower Bridge in a 30-minute ride.

There are numerous companies offering boat tours along River Thames in central London, including Big Bus London, River Thames Cruises, Thames Clippers, Thames River Boats or Thames River Sightseeing to name just a few. Most of these cruises depart from Embankment Pier, Tower Pier or Westminster Pier, with some of them operating all the way to Greenwich or Hampton Court.

🚇 Nearest tube stops to cruise the River Thames: Blackfriars, Embankment, London Bridge or Westminster.

St Paul’s Cathedral ⛪

Dominating the north bank of the River Thames, St. Paul’s Cathedral is Wren´s masterpiece after the devastating fire of 1666 left the original, medieval temple in ruins. Its subsequent reconstruction led to the creation of a magnificent baroque cathedral financed by a tax on coal.

The highlights of St Paul´s Cathedral are the following:

• The very ornate 114-metre-high dome and its surrounding galleries offers breathtaking views of London’s skyline. It is the most representative element of the cathedral.
• East and west façades with their characteristic towers, inspired by Borromini.
• Thanks to its great acoustics, the Whispering Gallery allows words whispered against the wall to be heard clearly on the opposite side!

🚇 Nearest tube stop to visit St Paul’s Cathedral: St. Paul’s.

Tower of London 👑

Shortly after being crowned in 1066, William the Conqueror built a fortress to guard the entrance to London via the Thames Estuary. First came the White Tower, which stands in the centre of the complex. Over the centuries other buildings were added. The Tower of London is a must-visit for history lovers as it has been the Royal Armoury, a Royal Palace and above all, a prison for the enemies of the crown. Today, visiting the Tower is one of the best things to do in London.

Here´s what you can´t miss at the Tower of London:

• Meet the legendary Yeoman Warders, also known as the Beefeaters. They are the ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London.
• The Chapel of St John is an austere Romanesque chapel and a good example of Norman architecture.
• Traitor´s Gate was the gate through which prisoners entered the Tower by boat after being tried at Westminster Hall.
• The White Tower is the most popular spot since it houses the precious Crown Jewels as well as other valuable objects. Its best-known tenants are seven ravens whose presence is protected by the legend that the Kingdom will fall in case they leave the Tower.

🚇 Nearest tube stop to visit the Tower of London: Tower Hill.

Westminster Abbey ✝

Westminster Abbey is our last must-see on our list featuring the 9 best things to do in London. Located steps away from the iconic Big Ben and the UK Parliament, it is actually the oldest and most important church in the city.

Although the first abbey was founded in the 10th century, numerous elements of glorious medieval architecture were added over the following centuries. Since the 13th century, Westminster Abbey has been the burial place of British monarchs as well as the scene of many coronations and royal weddings. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful buildings in London and a historic site.

When visiting Westminster Abbey, make sure to check out the following:

• The soaring central nave, that measures 31 metres and is one of the tallest in England.
• The Chapter House is a beautiful octagonal room illuminated by six large stained glass windows with scenes from the history of Westminster Abbey.
• The Henry VII Chapel was built at the beginning of the 16th century and features superb Gothic style vaults as well as a choir from 1512.
• Other places of interest inside Westminter Abbey include the cloisters, St Edward´s Chapel, the Poet´s Corner or a museum.

🚇 Nearest tube stops to visit Westminster Abbey: St. James’s Park or Westminster.

Other things to do in London (by category) 🎨

In addition to the nine things to do in London listed above, you won’t run short of options when visiting the UK capital. From endless museums to peaceful parks or iconic buildings, here are some more ideas of things to do in London sorted by category.

• 🌉 Bridges: the citiy of London features iconic bridges along the river Thames. To name just a few, let me mention London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Tower Bridge, Waterloo Bridge or Westminster Bridge.
• 🎟 Cultural venues: London offers a wide variety of shows, from theatre or opera to concerts or cinema. One of the best things to do in London is to enjoy a musical in the famous West End, which is precisely what we did during our most recent visit, where we saw ´The devil wears Prada´ at the Dominion Theatre. I must admit that, even though I was reluctant to see this movie turned into a musical at first, the 2h30 show flew by thanks to the great actors and the incredible wardrobe. Other famous cultural venues in London include the Barbican Cinemas, the London Coliseum, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Ballet & Opera House or the Shakespeare’s Globe.
• 🆓 things to do in London: London can be expensive, but there are plenty of free things to do! For example, you can explore a park for a morning walk or picnic, visit some world-class museums for free, watch street performances at Covent Garden or see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
• 🪻 Gardens & parks: in addition to Hyde Park mentioned above, London is a paradise for outdoor lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are numerous parks and gardens in London, but some worth mentioning include Battersea Park, Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hampstead Heath, Holland Park, Kensington Gardens, Kew Gardens, Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park, Richmond Park or St James´s Park. During this last visit, spring was in full bloom and it was sunny, which made our walks around the London parks even more enjoyable!
• 🎨 Museums: the city of London is home to world-class museums, many of them actually offering free admission or free guided tours at certain times. In addition to the famous British Museum mentioned above, here are some more options if you’re into all things culture: Design Museum, HMS Belfast, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, Peter Harrison Planetarium, Royal Academy of Arts, Royal Observatory in Greenwich, Saatchi Gallery, Science Museum, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Tate, Victoria and Albert Museum (also known as V&A), Wallace Collection. The London Zoo and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios (located in nearby Leavesden) are excellent alternatives too, especially if you´re traveling to London with kids!
• 📸 Other landmarks in London include Piccadilly Circus (a crossroads surrounded by flashy neon lights), 10 Downing Street (the official residence of the British Prime Minister), Temple and Inns of Court (hosting legal professionals for more than 500 years!) or Trafalgar Square (considered the center of the city).
• 🛐 Religious temples: in addition to St Paul´s Cathedral or Westminster Abbey, you may also want to explore the Brompton Oratory, the London Central Mosque, Southwark Cathedral, St Bartholomew-the-Great, St Christopher’s Chapel within the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), St Martin-in-the-Fields, Temple Church or the Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
• 🛍 Shopping: you can find endless shopping opportunities in London, from tempting vintage markets to large department stores such as Berwick Street Market, Brick Lane Market, Camden Market, Columbia Road Flower Market, Covent Garden, Fortnum and Mason, Greenwich Market, Harrods, Liberty, Marks & Spencer, Petticoat Lane Market or Portobello Road Market. Oxford Street and Regent Street are full of stores too, and Bond Street is known for its luxury shopping.

London hidden gems 🧡

London´s quaint neighborhoods

Beyond the big attractions, the real charm of London lies in its neighborhoods. Take your time to explore off the beaten path to discover its hidden gems. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Chelsea: plenty of art galleries and antique shops.
• Little Venice: a lesser-known gem with scenic canals, charming houseboats, and riverside cafés. I loved exploring this peaceful area that I had no idea existed!
• Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market: picture-perfect pastel houses, great shopping along its bustling streets, and the best antique market in the city.
• Shoreditch and Brick Lane: this is your spot if you love street art, graffitis, Bangladeshi restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and vintage stores.

The most breathtaking Instagrammable locations in London 📸

London is a paradise bustling with endless photo ops. When visiting the British capital, make sure to capture some of these iconic spots:

• If you´re a Harry Potter fan, which is my case, some attractions you need to check out include Platform 9¾ in King´s Cross, Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley) or St Pancras International Station. The Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios in nearby Watford are another must!
• Neal’s Yard, a colorful courtyard near Covent Garden full of pretty shop fronts.
• Nothing screams London or the UK louder than the red phone booths, the double-decker buses and the black cabs! If you manage to frame any of the major attractions on top of those, you will get a killer shot, guaranteed!
• The Churchill’s Arms is a famous pub in Kensington with a beautifully decorated facade.
• The elegant staircase at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in King´s Cross is another must.
• You’ll find a collection of beautiful buildings with coloured facades in Notting Hill, including Colville Terrace, Elgin Crescent, Hillgate Place, Lancaster Road, St. Luke’s Mews, Portobello Road or Pottery Lane.

The best panoramic views of London 👀

If you want amazing city views, make sure to add these spots to your itinerary for an unforgettable perspective of the UK capital.

• Bars, restaurants and roof gardens: if you would like to have a drink or meal to admire the London skyline, head to the Horizon 22 (free access), One New Change (roof terrace over St Paul´s Cathedral), Sky Garden, SushiSamba at Heron Tower, The Garden at 120 or The Shard. For even more options, check out my section on ´Where to eat and drink in London´.
• Monuments: the Golden Gallery at Saint Paul´s Cathedral (located at the very top of the dome) and the London Eye both offer breathtaking views of London.

London travel tips

In case this is your very first time visiting London, here are a few tips to help you navigate this bustling destination. For further details about the country, head to my United Kingdom destination page.

• ☔ Best time to visit London: the city is known for its unpredictable weather, and yes—it does rain, but not as much as people think! London is truly a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. On the one hand, spring and fall tend to welcome fewer crowds even though they´re ideal to enjoy nature at its best. On the other hand, summer (June–August) offers long daylight hours and outdoor festivals, but it’s also the busiest season. Last but not least, winter is chilly but magical with festive lights, especially around Christmas.
• 💷 Currency: whenever I travel abroad to a country that doesn´t use euros, I like to use my Revolut Card to convert money and then pay in local currency. It´s easy, efficient and helps you avoid commissions while you´re on the go.
• 🛂 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): depending on your nationality, you will need permission to travel to the UK. It currently costs £16 to apply for an ETA to enter the country and the processing time can take up to three days (although mine was approved in half an hour!). The good news is that the ETA lasts for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. Use the ETA app for a smooth experience. Once you land in the UK, just scan your passport and that´s it!
• 🏛️ Historic background: London’s origins date back to the 1st century AD, when the Romans founded “Londinium” as an administrative center, trade hub, and port connecting Britain to Europe. Over the centuries, it became the heart of British monarchy, business, and government, leaving behind a rich legacy of historical landmarks, royal palaces, and iconic monuments. Today, London remains a global powerhouse, blending its deep history with modern innovation, world-class culture, and a dynamic cosmopolitan vibe that attracts millions of visitors each year.
• 🎥 Inspiration before traveling to London: immerse yourself in the city’s magic by exploring the iconic books, movies, and series that have brought it to life on screen. Take a stroll through Notting Hill, Westminster, and the South Bank, where classics like Bridget Jones’s Diary, James Bond, Harry Potter, Love Actually, Mr. Bean and The Crown were filmed. For more London inspiration, follow top local influencers like Anoushka Probyn, Elensham, Kelsey in London, Matilde´s Fairytales or Sparrow in London.
• 📍Itinerary: if possible, I suggest that you spend at least three full days in the British capital to fully soak up the energy of the city. This should give you sufficient time to explore some of the best things to do in London. Starting off with a cruise along the Thames river would be a great idea to get a sense of this gigantic city.
• 🗓 Key events in London: no matter when you visit, there’s always something happening in town! Spring brings the London Marathon (April) and the Chelsea Flower Show (May). Summer is packed with Trooping the Colour (June), the Wimbledon tennis tournament (June–July), the BBC Proms (July–September), the lively Notting Hill Carnival (August) and the Great British Beer Festival (August). In the fall, enjoy the London Film Festival (October), and historic traditions like Guy Fawkes Night and the Lord Mayor’s Show (both in November). Winter kicks off with vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations (January/February).
• 🛟 Safety: as a pedestrian, note that the British drive on the left-hand side, so always look both ways before crossing the street. In busy areas, especially in central London, keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets. As with any major city, staying alert and using common sense will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit. For extra peace of mind when traveling abroad, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below. During my recent 4-day trip to London, I purchased my travel insurance through Safety Wing for just $10.05. It only took me a few minutes to buy it and what I loved is that you could even generate an insurance card and visa letter to keep them handy at all times.

Where to eat and drink in London

From classic British dishes to world cuisine, London is a dream for food lovers. Should you want to learn more about the culinary traditions and typical delicacies to try in the country, please head to this section of my United Kingdom destination page.

Listed below you will find the best places to eat and drink in the UK capital sorted by category. Enjoy your meal!

• 🥕 Markets and food stalls: Borough Market, Boxpark Shoreditch, Camden Market, Covent Garden, Maltby Street Market or Old Spitalfields Market are foodie paradises displaying fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and mouthwatering street food. Try Poppies for fish & chips.
• ☕ English breakfast, bakeries, brunch or afternoon tea: Arôme Bakery, Beigel Bake (although I’m not a big fan, the seeded bagel with salmon and cream cheese was really yum and affordable at this place in Brick Lane!), Bread Ahead Bakery, Buns From Home, Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley, Claridge´s, Common Breads, Eggbreak, E Pellicci, Fabrique Bakery (Swedish goodies spread throughout various London locations), Farm Girl, Fortitude Bakehouse, Fortnum & Mason (a timeless classic), Horse & Guardsman (I came to this historic pub in Whitehall back in 2008!), Jolene, Luminary Bakery, Pavilion Cafe Victoria Park, Peggy Porschen (iconic pink exterior), Pophams, Sketch (very Instagrammable interior), The Dusty Knuckle Bakery, The Wolseley. Head to Little Venice for charming houseboats and riverside cafés by the scenic canal.
• 🍻 Pubs: have a pint (or two) at Bloomsbury Tavern, Dog and Duck, George Inn, Skehans, The Churchill Arms (located in Kensington and offering Thai food, this is probably the most Instagrammable pub because of its facade covered in flowers – or endless lights during Christmas -), The Dickens Inn, The Eagle Farringdon, The Grapes, The Harwood Arms (Michelin-starred pub great for a Sunday roast), The Holy Tavern, The Lamb and Flag, The Spaniards Inn, The World’s End (I ordered a half pint of Guinness in this Camden pub for the good old times in Ireland), Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
• 🍽 Restaurants: Al Hamra (Lebanese food), Ambassadors Clubhouse (Punjabi cuisine; beautiful restaurant although the food was on the very spicy side and it was expensive; we had mango lassis, butter naan, samosas, BBQ chicken, butter chicken, prawns and chicken pilau), Antepliler (Turkish food), Bindas Eatery (Indian food), Busaba (Thai dishes), Circolo Popolare London (massive Italian trattoria featuring Sicilian decoration where we enjoyed a delicious dinner for a reasonable price after the musical; we had insalata di zucchine e caprino, pizza looking for truffle, pappardelle al ragù di vitello, il tigramisú and the incomparable lemon pie paired with a bottle of Grillo), Clarke´s, Claude Bosi (two Michelin stars), Club Gascon (restaurant with one Michelin star), Cubana (we ordered mojitos, parrilla mixta, pork ribs, plátanos fritos and croquetas de boniato y chorizo at this Cuban restaurant near our hotel), Din Tai Fung (Chinese food), Fatt Pundit, Gökyüzü (Turkish), Gopal´s (various locations throughout London serving Indian cuisine), Franco Manca (Italian pizza), Jamie Oliver Catherine St, L’Artiste Musclé (French cuisine), Manzi’s, Maroush (Lebanese), Mildreds (plant-based cuisine), Nobu London Old Park Lane, Ognisko Restaurant (Polish cuisine), Orrery, Royal China (various locations throughout London), Rules, Salloos (Pakistani cuisine), Sexy Fish (Japanese), St John restaurant, The Orangery at Kensington Palace, Wagamama (Asian food with multiple branches in town).
• 🍸Cocktail bars, rooftops and speakeasies: Cahoots (a 1940s-themed bar), Nightjar (Shoreditch), Zoo Bar (this is where we spent our nights during the 2012 Olympics!).
• 👀 Bars and restaurants with panoramic views: Coppa Club (perfect view of the Southbank skyline), Coq d´Argent, Oxo Tower Restaurant, Sky Garden (we came here after dining at the nearby Sushisamba and we enjoyed the incredible London skyline at night while sipping a few cocktails and listening to great music), Smiths of Smithfield, SushiSamba (serving Brazilian, Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in Heron Tower and Covent Garden, we visited their Heron Tower location for our last night in London and we had a great -but pricey- experience even though we had already paid a £20 deposit per person; we ordered plantain chips, tiradito kanpachi -my favorite-, Japanese eggplant tempura, anticucho black cod, churrasco Río Grande, Samba London rolls and cocktails. The food was good, but the place was way too Instagrammable and the music was so loud we could barely hear each other), Tate Modern Terrace Bar, The Portrait Restaurant, 12th Knot (offers breathtaking city views).

Where to stay in London: best hotels in the British capital

Unsurprisingly, as one of the most visited cities in the world, London offers an incredible range of accommodations for every traveler and budget. From cheap London hotels perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious visitors, to luxury London hotels that deliver five-star service and iconic city views, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for top London hotels in prime locations or simply searching for the best London hotels to make the most of your stay, the British capital won’t disappoint. That being said, book your accommodation early, as prices in London rise fast, especially around key events!

Here’s a curated selection of great places to stay in London, sorted by budget and style.

• Luxury hotels in London (💰💰💰): Blakes Hotel, Brown’s Hotel (famous for its splurging Afternoon Tea), Charlotte Street Hotel, Cheval Three Quays (featuring breathtaking views of Tower Bridge), COMO Metropolitan, COMO The Halkin, Covent Garden Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, London Marriott County Hall, No.5 Maddox St. (luxury apartments), One Aldwych, Royal Garden Hotel, Sanderson, Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, St Martin´s Lane, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London, The Dorchester, The Goring Hotel, The Lanesborough, The Park Tower Knightsbridge, The Ritz London, The Savoy.
• Medium-range hotels in London (💰💰): Arosfa Hotel, Bedford Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Brompton Hotel, Dorset Square Hotel, Durrants Hotel, Elysée Hyde Park, Gainsborough Hotel, Gem Langham Court Hotel, Hazlitt´s, Holiday Inn Express London – Southwark by IHG, H10 London Waterloo (we stayed at this Spanish chain of hotels during our last visit in May and we loved it thanks to its convenient location, walking distance from Waterloo Station and the London Eye; our room for three people was spacious and the buffet breakfast was very generous and varied), Leonardo Hotel London Croydon, London Bridge Hotel, London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch, Mabledon Court Hotel, Meliá White House, Mercure London Bridge, Park Grand Paddington Court, Portobello Hotel, St Giles Hotel, The Columbia, The Cranley Hotel, The Fielding Hotel, The Gore, The Gresham Hotel, The Hoxton Southwark, The Rookery, The Tophams Hotel, The Tower Hotel, The Waldorf Hilton, Thistle Trafalgar Square.
• Cheap accommodation in London, including campings and hostels (💰): Abbey Wood Club Campsite, Hotel Strand Continental, hub by Premier Inn London Goodge Street Hotel, International Students House, Lancaster Court Hotel, Rest Up. The White Ferry House (my friends and I stayed at this central hostel near Victoria Station during the London 2012 Olympics), YHA London Central Hostel, YMCA Indian Student Hostel.

For even more accommodation options in London, feel free to check out Airbnb, Booking or Hostel World, my go-to platforms wherever I travel around the world.

How to get around London

Getting around London is straightforward thanks to its world-class transport network. That being said, distances in London are HUGE and it takes a long time to go from one place to another, so plan accordingly. Even if the driving time might be shorter, you never know how much traffic there will be, especially at peak hours, so I highly recommend getting around London using the Tube.

Visitors to London no longer need an Oyster Card to use public transport—contactless debit or credit cards and mobile payments (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) are widely accepted on the Tube, buses, and more. Simply tap in and out (only tap in on buses), and benefit from daily and weekly fare caps just like with an Oyster. While a Visitor Oyster Card is still available for £5 plus added credit, it’s optional, and unused credit up to £10 can be refunded. Note that buses do not accept cash, so a contactless card, mobile payment, or Oyster/Travelcard is required.

Consider getting a Visitor Oyster Card or Travelcard if you plan to use the Tube and buses often during your stay. You may also buy the London Pass to combine sightseeing and transport.

Whether you’re navigating the city centre or planning day trips, you’ll find plenty of options to move around easily and efficiently. Let´s go through each of them!

• 🚲 By bike or scooter: if you feel like braving the London traffic, try Santander Cycles (also known as Boris bikes), which are available for short-term rental across the city. E-scooters are also available in some boroughs via apps like Lime.
• 🛥️ By boat: cruising the Thames river is a scenic way of exploring London and often a less crowded alternative. Travel with a view by hopping on a boat from any of these companies (Big Bus London, River Thames Cruises, Thames Clippers, Thames River Boats or Thames River Sightseeing). We took a boat with Thames Clippers from London Eye to Tower Bridge (the single ticket was £9.5 one way) and we waited for a long 1h30. When we finally managed to get on board, the cruise was pleasant but crowded. Also, remember to touch your card in and out for every journey to avoid being overcharged as was our case!
• 🚌 By bus: the red double-decker buses are not just iconic but also a convenient way to travel above ground. However, make sure to have your card ready, as they don’t accept cash! Another option to sightsee the British capital is to catch a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Should you be taking a bus to travel to or from London, chances are you´ll end up in Victoria Coach Station.
• 🚙 By car: unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t recommend using a car to visit London because of traffic congestion and limited parking. If you’re planning day trips outside of London, consider renting a car only for that day or using public transport.
• 👣 By foot: central London is very walkable, and neighborhoods like Soho, Covent Garden, South Bank, and Notting Hill are perfect for exploring on foot. In case you get tired, you will always find a tube or bus station nearby.
• 🚇 By underground (also known as ´the Tube´): over 3 million people ride the famous London Underground every day! Indeed, the Tube is the fastest and most popular way to travel across the city. Check the Tube map to learn how to get around.
• ✈️ By plane: London is served by six airports (namely Gatwick, Heathrow, London City Airport, Luton, Southend, Stansted), all connected to the city centre by public transport. You´ll see planes flying over the city at all times!
• 🚖 By taxi: London’s iconic black cabs are a convenient, though pricey, way to get around—especially late at night or when carrying luggage. For a more budget-friendly option, use ride-sharing apps like Bolt, Free Now or Uber.
• 🚂 By train: the Overground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), and Trams offer connections to areas not covered by the Tube. National Rail services depart from major train stations such as Charing Cross, Euston, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Paddington, St Pancras, Victoria or Waterloo and are ideal for exploring beyond London.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in London.

Climbing Experience on The O2 Arena in London

High Speed Jet Boat Tour on the Thames, London

Jet Boating the Thames from Tower Pier

Jet Boating the Thames Barrier

Ultimate Speedboat Adventure on the Thames River, London

160 ft Bungee Jump near Battersea Park London

Day trips from London

If you have extra time, hop on a train or rent a car to explore beyond London with these amazing day trips ideas:

• Bath: step back centuries by visiting the beautiful Roman Baths.
• Brighton: a vibrant seaside escape with a famous pier.
• Cambridge: rent a traditional punt and float down the river through a fairytale-like town.
• Hampton Court: visit the magnificent Tudor residence of King Henry VIII at Hampton Court Palace with its stunning gardens, royal apartments, and famous maze.
• Oxford: a stunning university city with historic architecture. From there, you can continue to the charming Cotswolds area.
• Stonehenge: see the mysterious Stonehenge site.
• Watford: if you´re anything like me and consider yourself a serious Potterhead, add the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios to your London itinerary. The immersive experience of seeing the sets of the Harry Potter movies is truly magical!
• Windsor: visit Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the world.

Browse my United Kingdom destination page for more information about the country!

London 2012 Summer Olympics (coming up soon)

Oxford

Summer road trip of 2000: exploring France and the UK with our campervan (coming up soon)

Top things to do in Gibraltar (travel guide & map)

London map featuring the best things to do

For your ease of reference, below you will find a London map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post. Use it to plan your next trip!

To recap, London is a city that you can definitely visit over and over again. That being said, it will still surprise you every single time thanks to its rich history and vibrant hustle.

How did you like this London travel guide? Are you planning a trip to London soon? Let me know what’s on your itinerary and feel free to leave your questions or comments below!

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✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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