How to Plan the Perfect Trip to London England
Are you planning a trip to England and wondering how much time to spend in London?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Be inspired by this guide as you plan your next adventure to London, England!
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Welcome to London, the bustling capital of the United Kingdom. The city is filled with classic pubs, fine dining, high-end shopping and a thriving arts scene. Double-decker buses, black cabs and bright red telephone boxes are familiar sights on the streets of London. You may even catch a glimpse of the Royal Family.
London has an incredible history, surviving plague, fire and war. An iconic mix of ancient landmarks and modern architecture situated along the River Thames. There is no wonder why London is a popular destination for travellers year-round.
London’s Main Attractions
Below is a sample of the best places to see and things to do in London. Find inspiration for your trip here!
How Many Days to Spend in London
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
London’s main highlights can be seen in three to four days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors or if you are continuing on to see other parts of the United Kingdom or Europe during an extended stay.
Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring London for a few days will certainly be worthwhile. Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary.
If you are able to extend your trip beyond London, check out these recommended itineraries:
When to Visit
London is a popular tourist destination year-round, but the best time to visit truly depends on what you want to see and do. Some travellers visit simply to explore the city while others seek out theatre shows, sporting events and seasonal festivals. Regardless of when you choose to visit, you will fall in love with one of the greatest cities in the world.
Visiting during spring increases the likelihood of favourable temperatures for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Blossoming gardens and lush royal parks are beautiful this time of year. Expect to find lower prices for airfare and accommodation.
Summer is peak tourist season. Longer days and warmer temperatures attract large crowds to the city’s most popular attractions. Make sure to book flight, accommodation, theatre tickets and dinner reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Fall/Autumn continues to bring many travellers to London despite shorter days and cooler temperatures. Make sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof clothing. Despite the rain, there are plenty of activities to make your time in the capital memorable.
Tourism and prices in London tend to surge during the winter and holiday season as couples and families arrive to spend their vacation time in the city. Flights and accommodations are quickly booked and streets become packed with holiday shoppers. London is a charming city during Christmas and New Year’s displaying festive lights and hosting several holiday markets.
To plan your perfect holiday to London, use this summary to understand England’s seasons:
Spring – March, April, May
Summer – June, July, August
Fall/Autumn – September, October, November
Winter – December, January, February
How to Get Around
London has numerous attractions and neighbourhoods to explore. Navigating this expansive city is easy due to its fantastic transportation system.
London Underground
London’s underground metro system, known as “The Tube,” is a very convenient option for travellers as there are many stops concentrated around the city’s most popular destinations. The underground also offers a direct route from Heathrow International Airport (LHR) to central London.
Bus
Travellers have the option to stay above ground and sight-see while getting to their destination on a double decker bus. There are numerous bus routes with connections all over the city, some of which operate 24-hours a day. Traffic congestion in London can cause delays especially during the weekday rush hour. Alternatively purchase a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. Tours stop at all the major landmarks while providing audio commentary.
River Bus
Travelling on board the Thames Clipper, provides a unique view of London from the water. There are also sightseeing and dining cruises available. Enjoy the River Thames while passing by some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Palace of Westminster.
Cab, Taxi & Rideshare
London’s famous black cabs, Hackney Carriages, have been transporting passengers and navigating the city without relying on maps or technology for hundreds of years. Hiring a cab will be more expensive but offers convenient door-to-door service. Ride share services such as Uber also operate in London.
Bicycle
Cycling in Central London and the Royal Parks is a popular tourist activity. Hire a bicycle from one of the many docking stations (Santander Bikes) scattered throughout the city as a unique way to see the sights. Cycling with a group or as part of a bike tour is recommended if you are not comfortable riding in high-traffic areas or on the left-hand side of the road.
Oyster Card
Reusable transit pass for quick and easy payment on London’s underground system and city buses. The card costs £5 and is pre-loaded with pay as you go credit for you to spend on travel. Buy your card before you leave home so it’s ready to go when you arrive.
- If you’re visiting London for 2 days, start with £15 credit
- If you’re visiting London for 4 days, start with £30 credit
London Pass
Sightseeing pass for tourists offering discounted access to over 80+ popular attractions, tours and museums in the city. The pass also includes one day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Where to Stay
There are a number of unique neighbourhoods in London that each cater to a specific type of traveller. Regardless of whether you are on a tight budget, only in town for the weekend or visiting with children there are many accommodation options available.
1. Westminster
Westminster is the ideal place to stay for first-time visitors to the city. This area is packed with pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops. Many of London’s main tourist attractions are within walking distance or only a short ride away. Due to its central location, accommodation prices will be more expensive. Nearby attractions include: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) & Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower).
2. Covent Garden
Convent Garden is one of London’s best-known neighbourhoods and a very popular place to stay for travellers. Here you will find charming cobblestone streets, coffee bars, theatres and museums. Buskers perform daily at the Covent Garden Marketplace. Nearby attractions include: Covent Garden Market, Trafalgar Square, Cleopatra’s Needle & The National Gallery.
3. Soho
By far the most popular neighbourhood for party-seeking travellers. There’s a high concentration of pubs that come alive at night, offering endless entertainment. The energetic streets have excellent options for dining and shopping. Central London attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away on public transit.
4. City of London
This is the historical center of London, established during ancient times, well before the Black Death, the Great Fire or the Blitz. Here you will find a contrasting mix of old fortresses and churches surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Now considered the financial district of the city, this area is known to have a fantastic atmosphere during the work week, but more subdued on the weekend. Depending on what type of vibe you are looking for, this may be the perfect neighbourhood for you to stay during your trip to London. Nearby attractions include: St.Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, Tower Bridge & the Museum of London.
5. South Bank
Considered the arts and entertainment district, South Bank is a riverside neighbourhood spanning along the shore of the Thames River. This area stretches from the Tower Bridge to the Westminster Bridge. For visitors staying in South Bank, it’s an easy walk across the river to access the City of London or Westminster neighbourhoods. Nearby attractions include: London Eye, Tate Modern, The Shard & Borough Market.
6. Kensington
This is a great location for families visiting London, offering a quieter, more relaxed experience. There are a number of free museums and greenspaces to explore. Public transit connections to Central London attractions take less than 30 minutes. Nearby attractions include: Natural History Museum, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall & Hyde Park.
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to London, England!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
Recommended Reading
Have any questions about planning your trip to London? Please share your questions or comments below!