Your ultimate guide toLondon

A casual stroll through London can feel like an immersive history lesson.

Does watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace appeal, or seeing a play in Shakespeare’s globe theatre? Becoming acquainted with the city’s gruesome past at the London Dungeon is one of the top London attractions for families, while a visit to the V&A museum will reveal hordes of treasure, including a collection of Alexander McQueen’s rarest designs.
Whatever lights your fire, you won’t be short of memorable things to see in London. And the best part? Many of London’s top attractions are free.

London’s best tourist attractions

Although it’s now dwarfed by Tower Bridge and the shiny skyscrapers of The City, the Tower of London still looms large among London’s top tourist attractions. Look out for the crown jewels, mysterious ravens and Beefeater guards in their bear-skin hats. Other unmissable sights include the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Find a more detailed list of London’s must visit historic buildings here. 

Central London is jam packed with free cultural attractions. Check out the Tate Modern and the Saatchi Gallery for contemporary art, the Natural History Museum for dinosaur fossils and Sir John Soane’s Museum to get a sense of London life in the 19th century.

Tours & Packages London

With so many iconic London attractions to choose from, it can be tricky to know what to prioritise. Fortunately there are any number of tours on offer, from food trails to ghost tours. Find our round-up of the best tours in London here. 

A free walking tour is a fantastic way of getting under the city’s skin without breaking the bank. Try a spine-tingling night tour around Jack the Ripper’s old haunts, raise a glass to The Beatles’ Soho and head underground to explore the ancient sewer network, one of the best secret attractions in London. Undiscovered London has a great selection.
Don’t fancy all that walking? A double decker bus tour of all London’s most famous landmarks is an absolute must for first timers. Opt for The Classic Tour to ride in style in an original 1960s double-decker bus.

If time is on your side, escape the Big Smoke with a day tour from London. The beautiful university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, majestic Windsor Castle and idyllic villages of The Cotswolds are all within easy striking distance.

And of course, anyone with an interest in history can’t miss out on a visit to the sacred pagan sight of Stonehenge. The world’s most famous prehistoric monument has mystified scholars for generations…

There are as many places to stay in London as there were sequins on Kate Middleton’s wedding dress (and believe us, that’s a lot!)

Does an atmospheric townhouse with a wood burning fire take your fancy, or a cutting edge design hotel? How about a palatial five-star residence overlooking a royal park? Or a historic pub with a handful of cozy bedrooms?

Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a warm British welcome. And a full English every morning, naturally.

Best Hotels in London

From princely to party-loving and everything in between, England’s grand old capital has a hotel to suit every personality. But which are the best places to stay in London?
With their decadent interiors and lavish service, The Savoy and The Wellesley ooze luxury, while you can’t beat the views from the Shangri La at The Shard, which boasts the highest infinity pool in Europe.

For period charm and funky detailing, opt for one of the best boutique hotels in London. The Portobello Hotel has four poster beds and serious rock’n’roll credentials (supermodel Kate Moss and actor Johnny Depp famously bathed in champagne in room No 16), while The Zetter Townhouse combines fashionably eccentric furniture with an excellent location.

Best areas to stay in London

You’ve survived the flight and navigated the journey into the city. Where should you put down roots?

The best area to stay in London depends on what sort of holiday you’re after. Looking for luxury? Stick to Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair. After a taste of authentic London with an arty vibe? Try Camberwell, Hoxton and Clerkenwell. And of course, Shoreditch and Soho boast many of the best bars in London.

Take the overground a few stops out of the hectic centre and you’ll begin to discover London’s villages. These residential pockets of calm typically boast tapestries of green spaces, pretty townhouses and independent shops, making them an ideal place to stay for those who prefer to take life a little slower. A few of our favourite are star-studded Primrose Hill, Hampstead and Dulwich.

Click here for a full guide of the best areas to stay in London by neighbourhood.

Best hostels in London

Meet like-minded travellers and keep your holiday spending at a minimum by checking into one of the best hostels in London.

Forget creaky bunks and limited facilities. The SoHostel in Soho has serious cool credentials and even offers a pamper room, complete with hairdryers and Hollywood mirrors. For easy access to Camden’s live music events, a stay at the Generator Hostel is a must.