United Kingdom · Europe
London
Royal history, world museums and buzzing markets
Trip length
3–5 days
Best time
May–September (mild, long days)
Mid-range budget
£180–300 / day
Overview
London is a city of villages stitched together by the Thames and the Tube — royal pageantry and cutting-edge art, centuries-old pubs and street-food markets, all in a dozen languages. Its world-class museums are free, its parks are vast, and each neighbourhood has its own character. Endlessly rewarding, it packs a continent's worth of culture into walkable pockets.
Where to stay & explore
Westminster & South Bank
Big Ben, the Abbey, the London Eye and a riverside walk past the Tate Modern and Borough Market.
Soho & Covent Garden
Theatreland, restaurants and nightlife — central, buzzy and a smart first-visit base.
Shoreditch & East
Street art, vintage markets and the city's best bars and brunches; creative and lively.
South Kensington
The great free museums (V&A, Natural History, Science) and elegant, quieter garden squares.
Top attractions
- British Museum and the Tate Modern (both free)
- Tower of London and Tower Bridge
- Westminster, the Abbey and a walk along the South Bank
- Borough Market for a food crawl
- A West End show and a historic pub
Sample itinerary
Royal London
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Changing of the Guard, then St James's Park and Trafalgar Square.
City & river
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, walk the South Bank to the Tate Modern and Borough Market for lunch.
Museums & markets
British Museum, Covent Garden, and Shoreditch's street art and bars in the evening.
Budget guide
Budget
£90–140 / day
Hostels, street food, public transport
Mid-range
£180–300 / day
Boutique stays, restaurants, some tours
Luxury
£500+ / day
Top hotels, fine dining, private guides
Approximate spend per person, per day, excluding flights.
Practical travel tips
- 1Tap in and out with a contactless card on the Tube and buses — it auto-caps the daily fare.
- 2The big national museums are free; special exhibitions are ticketed.
- 3Book the Tower of London and any West End shows ahead for the best prices.
- 4Stand on the right on Tube escalators, and mind the gap.
Plan your own London trip
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