There are only a few cities in the world that can live up to the oft-made claim of offering everything to everyone. London is one of these great metropolises. With incredible shopping, one-of-a-kind historical opportunities and unrivalled nightlife, London is one of those destinations you have to visit at some point in your life. The city also makes a great starting off point if you're planning on travelling to the rest of Europe, particularly as international flights are often less expensive to London than to other destinations.
Getting in and around London
London Airport
As a major international hub, London is serviced by hundreds of airlines with connections to destinations all across the world. The most popular airport is Heathrow, where most overseas flights land. As Britain's busiest airport, over 100,000 people pass through each day, with plenty of food and shopping available to keep you busy for hours.
London Transport
Transport from the airports is easy, with a constant schedule running 24 hours a day. The Heathrow Express takes only 15 minutes to run from Heathrow to Paddington Station. There is also the Elizabeth line or the London Underground. Buses are also available, as are taxis.
For getting around town, your best bet is utilising London's great mass transportation system. You'll save money and the hassle of weaving your way through London's crowded streets. London Underground, aka The Tube, goes all over London to get you to your desired attractions.
London's famous black cabs are another option for transport. You can also make use of London's extensive bus system, with many services offering the classic red double-decker design.
London Car Hire
If you are after a hire car to go out and explore the countryside, you'll find all the major car hire companies around London.
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London accommodation
Accommodation prices vary widely by location. To save on costs, consider staying just outside of the city centre: you'll have quick access to all attractions via the Tube, but won't spend a fortune on a hotel.
Luxury
The Dorchester. Located right in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most prestigious districts, the Dorchester is known for its extravagant style and fantastic spa treatments.
Shangri-La The Shard. Stay in the height of style and sophistication in one of the world's most iconic buildings.The Dorchester: Located right in the heart of Mayfair, one of London's most prestigious districts, the Dorchester is known for its fantastic spa treatments.
The Hempel, A gorgeous boutique hotel in West London, complete with a private Zen garden.
Mid-range
The Luna Simone Hotel. Vacationers rave about this family-run hotel close to Victoria Station.
The Euro Hotel. A stay in this historic Georgian building right in the city centre won't disappoint. Luna and Simone Hotel Vacationers rave about this family-run hotel close to Victoria Station.
The Euro Hotel A 35 room hotel right next to the British Museum, this gorgeous hotel is right in the city centre!
Budget
Premier Inn London King's Cross is centrally located in King's Cross. It's a fairly no-frills hotel, but is clean, comfortable and has friendly staff.
The Ridgemount Hotel is a family run hotel with small, but comfortable rooms. The Premier Inn is centrally located in King's Cross. It's a fairly no-frills hotel, but clean and with a friendly staff.
The Ridgemount Hotel is highly recommended for families travelling with teenagers. The staff are reported to be fantastic.
Backpackers
Generator London. Choose from private or dorm rooms in a vibrant and fresh hostel. Generator Hostels With over 800 beds at each location, this hostel chain is one of the largest in London.
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Things to do in London
You could spend weeks exploring London's attractions. With millions of things to do, the must-see attractions include the following.
Red double-decker buses. There are many tour options that take you on a ride through the city on the iconic red double-decker bus.
London architecture. Make sure you take in all the wonderful architecture around London during your visit. Book a tour for excellent background information on some of London's architectural marvels.
Buckingham Palace. Many visitors come here to observe the changing of the guard, which happens at 11 am. You can also book a tour and see inside the palace, home to the British royals.
Tower of London. This tall, imposing structure has held its fair share of famous prisoners, including Queen Elizabeth I. Today, the Tower is still charged with making sure its contents stay inside, though instead of people, the Crown Jewels are now the focal point of attention.
Regent's Park and Hyde Park. London has a number of beautiful urban parks, the two most popular being Regent's Park and Hyde Park. The former is known for its vast expanse of green space lush gardens, while the latter is famous for its Speaker's Corner, where it's legal for speakers to show up and speak to the public without police interference, and where speakers gather each morning to espouse their views. It's a long-time site of debate, protest and assembly, and a symbol of free speech that's been visited over the years by the likes of Karl Marx and George Orwell.
Piccadilly Circus is London's Time Square, with lots of neon lights, tourist shops and casinos. Famous also for its statue of Eros, its position at the junction of five busy London Streets guarantees it's always bustling with action - in the day-time with tourists and shoppers, and in the night-time with clubbers, theatre-goers, and those out to sample London's cuisine.
West End of London. Together with New York City's Broadway, the West End of London is considered to have the best live theatre entertainment in the world.
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Day trips in and around London
Bath. The stage of Jane Austen's well-loved Persuasion and Northanger Abby, Bath is still the destination for pleasure and relaxation. With spas, museums, gardens, parks, countless attractions and amazing accommodation, Bath is well worth travelling two hours out of London for.
Stonehenge. An unmissable attraction, Stonehenge still mystifies its visitors year after year. This prehistoric monument is a great way to spend some time, especially if you're visiting nearby Salisbury.
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