London United Kingdom

Overview

London is a world capital where two thousand years of history on the Thames meet world-class museums, parks and a vibrant stage scene. Westminster's landmarks, free museums, markets and multicultural food sit close together. Fast Tube and rail links make green suburbs and the countryside easy to reach.

Getting around

An Oyster card or contactless bank card works on the Tube, buses and trains, with daily fare caps. The Tube is fastest, while the red double-decker buses are scenic. From Heathrow, take the Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line into town.

Where to stay

• Westminster – The historic seat of government with Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
• Covent Garden and the West End – The city's entertainment heart, with theatres, restaurants, street performers and shopping.
• South Bank – A riverside cultural strip with Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and the London Eye.
• Shoreditch and the East End – A creative district of street art, vintage markets, Brick Lane curries and nightlife.
• Notting Hill and Kensington – An elegant area of colourful houses, the Portobello Road market and major museums.

Guide topics

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  Food & Drink

  London's food scene blends British classics with Indian, Middle Eastern and global influences. Markets, pubs and tea rooms sit at the heart of its eating culture.

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  Museums

  Most of London's great national museums are free and open the world's collections to all. From art to science and war history, there is a museum for every interest.

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  Hiking

  London offers excellent walking, with large parks, canal paths and woods even inside the city. The Surrey Hills are a hillier option about an hour away by train.

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  Extreme Sports

  Adrenaline in London ranges from rooftop climbs to Thames speedboats and indoor skydiving. Olympic-legacy venues offer world-class rafting and cycling.

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  Culture

  London's culture is shaped by royal ceremony, theatre tradition and multicultural street life. Thousand-year-old buildings live alongside today's vibrant festivals.