London, England, Information

London is without doubt one of the world’s capital cities. It’s a perennial favourite amongst vacationers, providing a bit of one thing for everybody. There’s legendary structure, a storied historical past, regal inexperienced parks crammed 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, certainly one of Journey + Leisure’s A-Checklist journey advisors and proprietor of NoteWorthy, an organization specializing in journey to the U.Ok., Eire, and France. “Its nice infrastructure, variety, and security [add to its] total popularity as a welcoming metropolis. It’s an excellent introduction … when visiting Europe.”

There are countless causes to go to London, however when you want extra motivation to plan a visit, contemplate this. There was an enormous lodge growth as of late, with new properties getting into the scene and elevating the already sky-high bar set by icons like Claridge’s and The Savoy. Irrespective of what number of instances or how typically you’ve explored London, there’s all the time 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 certainly one of your favourite cities, right here’s the whole lot you should know earlier than planning a visit to London. 

Finest Lodges

The Peninsula London

A shiny, comparatively new building completely positioned 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 cost over £1 billion to build. Named top-of-the-line new accommodations of 2024 by T+L editors within the annual It List, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic historical past with a reproduction 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 List decide and one of many best hotels in London, as voted by T+L readers within the 2025 World’s Finest Awards. Housed within the nation’s former warfare workplace and Churchill’s WWII headquarters, this glam masterpiece is crammed 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 List 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 an area Londoner, test into Chelsea’s The Cadogan. Certainly one of its charms is that it’s “positioned in a quieter neighborhood,” says Butler. The luxury however refined location near Sloane Sq. and Harrods makes this well-dressed townhouse really feel like an area secret.

Claridge’s

“Claridge’s is certainly one of London’s most traditional accommodations,” says Butler. Taking satisfaction of place in prosperous Mayfair, this much-lauded artwork deco jewel has been the lodge of selection 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 an alternative, it delivers simply the correct amount of pomp and circumstance.

Finest Issues to Do

Go to London’s biggest landmarks.

First-time guests can’t miss seeing the 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 positioned in the identical neighborhood: Westminster.

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

“On the Changing of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Whitehall, you should have the prospect to see, and generally even meet, the King’s [Life] Guard as they put together for inspection. Then, view the ceremony from the easiest vantage level behind the gates,” she says. “After the ceremony, company can go to The Guards Museum to attempt on the crimson tunics and bearskin hats for some memorable picture alternatives.”

Stroll by way of 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. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing extra low-key, there are many choices off the vacationer trails. “The neighborhood gardens round London are hidden gems,” says Lady Amelia “Mel” Windsor, a North London-based British mannequin, inventive, and all-around It woman. She says her favorites are St. Mary’s Gardens, the Garden of Earthly Delights in East London, and Bloomfield Backyard in Little Venice. 

Go to the pub.

In accordance with Windsor, it is a quintessential, not-to-be-missed London exercise. Everybody, naturally, has their opinion of which is the very best, however some stable, historic choices embody 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 the town.

Finest Buying

Islington

“Islington is an effective spot for distinctive finds inside the old-school road markets and offbeat boutiques,” says Hector Maclean, a British clothier and Islington native. Maclean particularly recommends visiting Blue17 Vintage Clothing, the place yow will discover duds from the ‘40s and ‘50s, in addition to a wholesome collection of American classics.

Notting Hill

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

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 purchasing with lunch on the seafood spot Wiltons, which acquired a Royal Warrant as a purveyor of oysters underneath Queen Victoria. “St. James’s is known for London’s best shops with Royal Warrants, marks of recognition for many who have provided items or companies to the royal household,” says Butler. “These particular warrants are held by a variety of organizations, from tailors and hat retailers to chocolatiers and delicatessens.”  

Mayfair

Neighboring St. James’s, Mayfair gives London’s arguably most luxe purchasing, with the big-brand worldwide flagships of Bond Road 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 wish to head to Savile Row.

Nightlife

Hackney Wick

“Hackney Wick will all the time 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. Colour Factory, for instance, gives a platform for native artists to carry out in a thought of 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 Road Market Bar are regional classics and all the time good enjoyable. And Hacha is a stellar spot for a correct cocktail if mezcal is your jam; it is also residence to arguably the town’s greatest tacos,” he says.

Finest Eating places

Core by Clare Smyth

Positioned in Notting Hill, Core by Clare Smyth is a fine-dining spot that makes a speciality of trendy British delicacies and emphasizes sustainable meals produced from the best native produce. Core is the primary U.Ok. restaurant led by a girl chef to carry and retain three Michelin stars.

Gymkhana

London—and the U.Ok. basically—is famed for its Indian eating places. Begin with Mayfair’s Gymkhana, which dishes up modern Indian fare in a horny, 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 areas, however Smithfield is the OG, serving signature dishes like roasted bone marrow and oven-hot madeleines obtainable by the dozen and half dozen. “I always 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 guide upfront.

Mount St. Restaurant

An art-filled second-floor restaurant in stylish Mayfair—positioned above its sibling venue, The Audley Public House—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.

Finest Time to Go to

There’s no such factor as a nasty time to visit London. The town will get a nasty rap for being wet, nevertheless it’s extra overcast than anything, and summers don’t usually get too scorching (barring the odd heatwave). Plus, it not often snows within the winter. When it comes to timing your journey round issues to do, London is buzzing each month of the yr, nevertheless it’s particularly busy across the holidays and the height tourism interval from early June by way of early September. To keep away from crowds, attempt visiting throughout shoulder season, which usually falls from late April by way of Might and late September to mid-October. 

Learn how to 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 prepare hyperlinks—the Heathrow Categorical and the Gatwick Categorical—that arrive in central London at Paddington Station and Victoria Station, respectively. Heathrow can be linked to the London Underground by way of the Piccadilly Line and the Elizabeth Line. 

Irrespective of which airport you fly into, be aware that, as of January 2025, most U.S. residents want an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to go to the U.Ok.

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 retailers, 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 crammed with road artwork, talked-about eating places, and nightlife. Try close by Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market, the place nice people-watching alternatives await.

Notting Hill

Well-known for its pastel-hued homes and Portobello Street, 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 positioned Covent Backyard is virtually a compulsory vacation spot for first-time guests, because it’s residence 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. 

Learn how to Get Round

London Underground (Tube)

The Tube is London’s major transit system, overlaying 11 strains and 272 stations. Fares fluctuate by Zone, with contactless funds providing probably the most handy strategy to pay. Should you don’t have a contactless card, you can even 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 aspect of the escalator; the left is for many who wish 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 primarily based on the Zones you journey by way of.

London Buses

London’s iconic crimson double-decker buses function all through the 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 ideally suited for brief journeys by way of parks, Santander bikes can be found at docking stations throughout London. It prices £1.65 for a 30-minute experience, 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 simple to hail—you can even guide them on the Gett app—in central areas. Bank cards and money are usually accepted. Tipping isn’t strictly required, however a small gratuity (10 %) is taken into account well mannered, and when you’re paying in money, spherical as much as the closest pound.