London, England

Royal History Meets a Modern Global City

London packs centuries of history and one of the world’s great food and culture scenes into a single sprawling, walkable-by-neighborhood city. You can watch the Changing of the Guard in the morning, wander a free world-class museum by lunch, and be eating Bangladeshi curry on Brick Lane or a Michelin-starred tasting menu by dinner. Few cities offer that range within a single Oyster card tap.

London rewards travelers who slow down and pick a few neighborhoods to actually explore rather than sprinting between checkbox sights. This guide covers everything from the new entry-authorization rules to where to sleep and eat, so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.

When to Visit

Late spring (March–May) brings blooming parks, milder temperatures, and thinner crowds than summer — a great balance of good weather and manageable prices. September is a local favorite: kids are back in school, the summer crowds have thinned, and the weather is often still mild and dry.

Summer (June–August) has the longest daylight hours and the busiest festival and outdoor-events calendar, but also the highest hotel prices and biggest crowds at major sights. Winter (November–February) is cold, damp, and gets dark by mid-afternoon, but it’s also when hotel rates drop and the city leans into its Christmas markets, ice rinks, and cozy pub culture.

Getting There & Entry Requirements

Most international flights land at Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW), both connected to central London by fast rail links (the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express) as well as the Underground and coach services. Stansted, Luton, and City airports mainly serve European and regional routes.

As of February 25, 2026, US, Canadian, and other previously visa-exempt visitors must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling — it applies to tourism, business, family visits, and even airport transits. The ETA currently costs £20, is tied to your passport, and covers multiple short trips (stays of up to six months each) for up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply through the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk/eta at least a few days before you fly — most applications are approved within minutes, but it is not guaranteed.

The ETA is not a visa: it doesn’t guarantee entry, and you’ll still go through a normal Border Force check on arrival. Bring proof of onward travel and accommodation if asked.

Neighborhoods to Know

• Westminster — The postcard core: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.
• Covent Garden & the West End — Theatre-land, street performers, boutique shopping, and the piazza’s market stalls.
• South Bank — The riverside walk from the London Eye to Tate Modern and Borough Market, with the best skyline views of the north bank.
• Shoreditch & the East End — Street art, indie galleries, Brick Lane curry houses, and London’s best nightlife.
• Notting Hill — Pastel townhouses, Portobello Road Market, and a laid-back, residential feel.
• Kensington & Chelsea — Leafy and upscale, home to the Natural History Museum, V&A, and Hyde Park’s western edge.

Hotel Picks for Every Budget

Base yourself near Covent Garden or South Bank for walkable sightseeing, or Kensington for a quieter, leafier stay with easy tube access.

Must-See Attractions

5-Day London Itinerary

What to Eat in London

Getting Around London

Daily Budget Breakdown

Approximate per-person, per-day costs in USD, excluding flights and the UK ETA fee:

What to Pack for London