Insider’s Information to London, England

London is among the world’s capital cities. It’s a perennial favourite amongst vacationers, providing just a little one thing for everybody. There’s legendary structure, a storied historical past, regal inexperienced parks stuffed with swans and flowering timber, and a multicultural meals scene that’s the very definition of world-class. 

“London has world attraction,” says Nicola Butler, considered one of Journey + Leisure’s A-Checklist journey advisors and proprietor of NoteWorthy, an organization specializing in journey to the U.Okay., Eire, and France. “Its nice infrastructure, variety, and security [add to its] total fame as a welcoming metropolis. It’s a terrific introduction … when visiting Europe.”

There are limitless causes to go to London, however should you want extra motivation to plan a visit, take into account this. There was an enormous lodge increase as of late, with new properties coming into the scene and elevating the already sky-high bar set by icons like Claridge’s and The Savoy. Regardless of what number of occasions or how usually you’ve explored London, there’s at all times someplace new to remain—and one thing new to see.

Whether or not it’s your first journey throughout the pond otherwise you’re heading again to considered one of your favourite cities, right here’s the whole lot you want to know earlier than planning a visit to London. 

Greatest Accommodations

The Peninsula London

A shiny, comparatively new building completely situated on the intersection of Hyde Park, refined Belgravia, and blingy Knightsbridge (Harrods is a 15-minute stroll away), The Peninsula London is the very definition of quiet luxurious—although it reportedly price over £1 billion to construct. Named the most effective new inns of 2024 by T+L editors within the annual It Checklist, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic historical past with a duplicate of the Concorde on the ceiling of its elegant rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi.

Raffles London at The OWO

Butlers describe Raffles London at The OWO as a property with a “fabulous refurbishment and luxurious design with service to match. It’s additionally one other 2024 It Checklist decide and one of many greatest inns in London, as voted by T+L readers within the 2025 World’s Greatest Awards. Housed within the nation’s former warfare workplace and Churchill’s WWII headquarters, this glam masterpiece is stuffed with historical past—ask about The Spy Bar speakeasy, hidden within the lodge’s secret subterranean tunnels.

Broadwick Soho 

There’s only one phrase to explain this 2024 It Checklist winner: enjoyable. Broadwick Soho is an outré carnival in lodge kind with colourful and vibey decor—and it has a circus elephant for a mascot, which is simply what you need from a lodge within the nightlife and theater hub of Soho.

The Cadogan, A Belmond Resort

If you wish to really feel like a neighborhood Londoner, test into Chelsea’s The Cadogan. Certainly one of its charms is that it’s “situated in a quieter neighborhood,” says Butler. The luxurious however refined location near Sloane Sq. and Harrods makes this well-dressed townhouse really feel like a neighborhood secret.

Claridge’s

“Claridge’s is considered one of London’s most traditional inns,” says Butler. Taking delight of place in prosperous Mayfair, this much-lauded artwork deco jewel has been the lodge of alternative for royals, heads of state, and A-listers since 1856. However simply because it is a historic property doesn’t imply it’s stuffy; as a substitute, it delivers simply the correct amount of pomp and circumstance.

Greatest Issues to Do

Go to London’s biggest landmarks.

First-time guests can’t miss seeing town’s biggest architectural hits, together with the Palace of Westminster, Large Ben, Buckingham Palace (the place the Altering of the Guard takes place), and Westminster Abbey. Better of all, these are all situated in the identical neighborhood: Westminster.

Different main sights are additionally clustered collectively, together with the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, usually confused with London Bridge, from which you’ll typically see the highest of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Most vacationers simply go by these well-known sights, however Butler recommends taking a better look if time permits. 

“On the Altering of the Family Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Whitehall, you’ll have the possibility to see, and typically even meet, the King’s [Life] Guard as they put together for inspection. Then, view the ceremony from the perfect vantage level behind the gates,” she says. “After the ceremony, friends can go to The Guards Museum to strive on the crimson tunics and bearskin hats for some memorable photograph alternatives.”

Stroll via the gardens.

London’s public gardens and parks—like Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Primrose Hill, Holland Park, and St. James’s Park—are peaceable inexperienced areas good for enjoyable or having a picnic when the climate cooperates. For those who’re searching for one thing extra low-key, there are many choices off the vacationer trails. “The group gardens round London are hidden gems,” says Girl Amelia “Mel” Windsor, a North London-based British mannequin, inventive, and all-around It lady. She says her favorites are St. Mary’s Gardens, the Backyard of Earthly Delights in East London, and Bloomfield Backyard in Little Venice. 

Go to the pub.

In keeping with Windsor, it is a quintessential, not-to-be-missed London exercise. Everybody, naturally, has their opinion of which is the perfect, however some stable, historic choices embrace Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Spaniards Inn, Ye Olde Mitre, and The Grapes, the latter of which is partially owned by Sir Ian McKellen. Windsor’s decide is The Culpeper in East London, which has a rooftop backyard and terrace overlooking town.

Greatest Buying

Islington

“Islington is an efficient spot for distinctive finds inside the old-school road markets and offbeat boutiques,” says Hector Maclean, a British designer and Islington native. Maclean particularly recommends visiting Blue17 Classic Clothes, the place you could find duds from the ‘40s and ‘50s, in addition to a wholesome collection of American classics.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one other procuring scorching spot. “It’s dwelling to 2 classic designer outlets, Retro Man and Retro Girl, which I frequent as they home such reasonably priced gems. I’ve purchased Alexander McQueen items there,” says Maclean. The charming neighborhood can also be recognized for Portobello Highway, a road and market with a wide range of quirky, eclectic outlets. “It’s a terrific pocket of London for cute bric-a-bracs, antiques, and probably the most delectable on-the-go bites,” he provides. “Plus, its bohemian power is plain.”

St. James’s

In St. James’s, try wine retailers Berry Bros & Rudd; Lock & Co. Hatters (which payments itself because the world’s oldest hat store); and the historic bootmaker John Lobb. Comply with up procuring with lunch on the seafood spot Wiltons, which obtained a Royal Warrant as a purveyor of oysters beneath Queen Victoria. “St. James’s is legendary for London’s best shops with Royal Warrants, marks of recognition for individuals who have provided items or providers to the royal household,” says Butler. “These particular warrants are held by a variety of organizations, from tailors and hat outlets to chocolatiers and delicatessens.”  

Mayfair

Neighboring St. James’s, Mayfair affords London’s arguably most luxe procuring, with the big-brand worldwide flagships of Bond Avenue and stylish artwork galleries like Halcyon and Hauser & Wirth peppered all through. For one-of-a-kind British spots, store The Royal Arcade and Burlington Arcade. And for Bond-worthy tailor-made fits, you’ll need to head to Savile Row.

Nightlife

Hackney Wick

“Hackney Wick will at all times be a agency favourite of mine,” says Maclean. “I’vee lived on this playground of East London for a really very long time, and the rave scene is second to none. Color Manufacturing unit, for instance, gives a platform for native artists to carry out in a thought-about sonic area.”

Dalston

The East London neighborhood of Dalston is one other nightlife favourite for Maclean. “I attempt to assist new golf equipment. One new arrival, The Divine, is already gathering crowds. Dalston Superstore and Ridley Highway Market Bar are regional classics and at all times good enjoyable. And Hacha is a stellar spot for a correct cocktail if mezcal is your jam; it is also dwelling to arguably town’s greatest tacos,” he says.

Greatest Eating places

Core by Clare Smyth

Situated in Notting Hill, Core by Clare Smyth is a fine-dining spot that focuses on trendy British delicacies and emphasizes sustainable meals comprised of the best native produce. Core is the primary U.Okay. restaurant led by a girl chef to carry and retain three Michelin stars.

Gymkhana

London—and the U.Okay. usually—is famed for its Indian eating places. Begin with Mayfair’s Gymkhana, which dishes up modern Indian fare in an attractive, low-lit setting. Made with Hampshire-bred lamb and marinated for hours, the tandoori lamb chops are a crowd favourite.

St. John Smithfield

St. John Smithfield is a pioneer of nose-to-tail British eating. With a frill-less monastic setting, this establishment has a number of London places, however Smithfield is the OG, serving signature dishes like roasted bone marrow and oven-hot madeleines out there by the dozen and half dozen. “I consistently fail to withstand its bakery’s cinnamon buns,” says Maclean. 

The Devonshire

“The Devonshire—my favourite!” says Butler. This traditional Soho scorching spot serves pub-style meals and what Butler says is the “greatest pint of Guinness in London.” Reservations are arduous to return by, so e-book upfront.

Mount St. Restaurant

An art-filled second-floor restaurant in stylish Mayfair—situated above its sibling venue, The Audley Public Home—Mount St. Restaurant serves zhuzhed-up conventional bites like bubble and squeak and the omelet Arnold Bennett within the presence of priceless items by Lucian Freud, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol.

Greatest Time to Go to

There’s no such factor as a nasty time to go to London. Town will get a nasty rap for being wet, but it surely’s extra overcast than the rest, and summers don’t usually get too scorching (barring the odd heatwave). Plus, it not often snows within the winter. By way of timing your journey round issues to do, London is buzzing each month of the 12 months, but it surely’s particularly busy across the holidays and the height tourism interval from early June via early September. To keep away from crowds, strive visiting throughout shoulder season, which usually falls from late April via Could and late September to mid-October. 

Get There

Whereas London is served by a number of worldwide airports, most flights from the U.S. land at Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Each airports have direct practice hyperlinks—the Heathrow Categorical and the Gatwick Categorical—that arrive in central London at Paddington Station and Victoria Station, respectively. Heathrow can also be related to the London Underground by way of the Piccadilly Line and the Elizabeth Line. 

Regardless of which airport you fly into, observe that, as of January 2025, most U.S. residents want an Digital Journey Authorization (ETA) to go to the U.Okay.

Neighborhoods to Go to

Soho

A vibrant district in London’s West Finish, Soho is famend for its nightlife, eclectic eating, and LGBTQ+ scene. Streets are lined with theaters, music venues, and boutique outlets, making it a go-to hub for all issues leisure.

Shoreditch

Set in gritty however stylish East London, Shoreditch is a scorching spot for younger creatives; it’s stuffed with road artwork, talked-about eating places, and nightlife. Try close by Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, and the Columbia Highway Flower Market, the place nice people-watching alternatives await.

Notting Hill

Well-known for its pastel-hued homes and Portobello Highway, Notting Hill is London at its most charming and cinematic. A spate of recent restaurant openings and reopenings (Dorian and The Pelican) and lauded classics (The Ledbury and Core by Clare Smyth) make this a should for gourmands.

Covent Backyard

Centrally situated Covent Backyard is virtually a compulsory vacation spot for first-time guests, because it’s dwelling to the Royal Opera Home, historic Covent Backyard Market, the cobbled streets of Seven Dials, and the Victorian booksellers of Cecil Courtroom (also referred to as Booksellers’ Row). Trafalgar Sq., the place you’ll discover the Nationwide Gallery, and the always-crowded Leicester Sq. (principally the Instances Sq. of London) are close by, too. 

Get Round

London Underground (Tube)

The Tube is London’s principal transit system, masking 11 traces and 272 stations. Fares range by Zone, with contactless funds providing probably the most handy technique to pay. For those who don’t have a contactless card, you can too purchase an Oyster card from a newsagent (principally a newspaper/comfort kiosk or store, just like a bodega). Professional tip: When ascending and descending Tube stations, stand on the right-hand facet of the escalator; the left is for individuals who need to stroll.

London Overground

Complementing the Underground, the Overground serves suburban areas with connections to central London. It accepts contactless funds and Oyster playing cards, with fares based mostly on the Zones you journey via.

London Buses

London’s iconic crimson double-decker buses function all through town. A single fare is £1.75 (about $2.50 USD), with a day by day cap of £5.25 for bus-only journey. Buses are cashless: Faucet in with an Oyster card or contactless card. Enter within the entrance and exit by way of the center or again door.

Santander Cycles

A public bike-sharing service preferrred for brief journeys via parks, Santander bikes can be found at docking stations throughout London. It prices £1.65 for a 30-minute journey, however further fees apply for longer use. Entry the service by way of the Santander Cycles app or at docking stations.

Trip-sharing Providers

Uber and its European equal, Bolt, function in London.

Black Cabs

Metered black cabs are available and straightforward to hail—you can too e-book them on the Gett app—in central places. Bank cards and money are usually accepted. Tipping isn’t strictly required, however a small gratuity (10 %) is taken into account well mannered, and should you’re paying in money, spherical as much as the closest pound.