London Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in London

London's big sights sit close enough together to explore on foot, and many of its national museums are free to enter.

• Westminster — See the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, then stroll through St James's Park towards Buckingham Palace.
• The British Museum — One of the world's great collections of human history and culture, from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian antiquities.
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge — Explore nearly a thousand years of history and see the Crown Jewels, then cross the city's most famous bridge.
• South Bank — Walk the riverside path past theatres, galleries and street performers, with Tate Modern and views of St Paul's Cathedral.
• South Kensington museums — The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum stand side by side.
• Royal parks — Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Greenwich Park offer open space, lakes and sweeping city views.
• West End theatre — Catch a musical or play in Theatreland around Covent Garden and Leicester Square.

Best time to visit London

London has a mild, changeable climate, and rain is possible in any month. Late spring and summer, from May to September, bring the longest days, the warmest weather and a busy calendar of outdoor events.

Spring and early autumn are often the sweet spot, with fewer crowds and pleasant walking weather. Winter is cool, grey and short on daylight, but the city glows with festive lights and markets in December.

Getting from the airport

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is about 24 km west of central London. The Heathrow Express runs to Paddington station, the Elizabeth line connects the airport with central and east London, and the Piccadilly line of the Underground offers a slower but direct route into the West End. Licensed black cabs, ride-hailing services and coaches are also available from the terminals.

Where to stay

London is huge, so choose a base close to a Tube or rail station to keep journeys short.

• Covent Garden and the West End — The heart of the action, within walking distance of theatres, shops and major sights.
• South Kensington — Elegant streets close to the big museums and Hyde Park, popular with families.
• Shoreditch — A lively east London area known for street art, markets and nightlife.
• Paddington — Practical for Heathrow travellers, with a direct rail link to the airport.

Travel tips

• Money — Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, including on buses and the Underground.
• Getting around — Tap in and out with a contactless card or Oyster card on public transport; buses, the Tube and river boats cover the whole city.
• Etiquette — Stand on the right on escalators, and queue patiently at bus stops and counters.
• What to pack — Bring layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes whatever the season.
• Safety — London is generally safe, but keep an eye on phones and bags in crowded places.
• Before you go — Check current entry requirements for the United Kingdom before you travel.