Need an unforgettable mix of history, culture, and world-class attractions? I always think of London. After 26 years of travel writing, I still find something new every time I go. If you love royal palaces, museums, theater, or just a good pint, you’ll feel right at home here. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I promise you London never runs out of magic.
London, England Highlights:
- Tour the Tower of London: I’ve wandered its ancient halls more than once, and you’ll be fascinated by the Crown Jewels and tales from the Yeoman Warders.
- See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: I always stop for a photo here—you’ll feel the weight of history and the beauty of Gothic architecture all at once.
- Stroll through Hyde Park: I go here to unwind, and you’ll love the peaceful lakes, flower gardens, and wide-open space in the middle of the city.
- Catch a show in the West End: I never skip a night at the theater when I’m in town. You’ll be wowed by the talent and the energy of London’s iconic stage scene.
- Explore the British Museum: I’ve spent hours here and still haven’t seen it all. You’ll get to view treasures like the Rosetta Stone—for free!
Best Time to Visit London, England
If you're asking me, I’d go between May and September. That’s when you’ll enjoy pleasant weather for parks, open-air events, and long sightseeing days. I also love visiting in December—London’s holiday lights and Christmas markets bring a special kind of magic you won’t forget.
How to Get to London, England
- By Plane: I usually fly into Heathrow or Gatwick—both offer tons of international connections. You’ll find London has five main airports, so getting in is easy no matter where you’re coming from.
- By Train: I’ve taken the Eurostar into St. Pancras and loved every minute. You’ll get a smooth ride from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, plus great train links across the UK once you're here.
- By Car or Coach: I’ve hopped on a Megabus for budget travel, and you can too. If you’re driving, just know London’s congestion charge zones and limited parking can be tricky—plan ahead.
Where to Stay in London, England
- The Z Hotel Soho: I’ve stayed here when I wanted to be close to the action without breaking the bank. You’ll love its location in the heart of the theatre district.
- Premier Inn London City (Aldgate): I recommend this spot for families—it’s comfortable, reliable, and you’ll have easy Tube access to all the big sights.
- The Ritz London: When I’ve splurged, I’ve done it here. If you’re after luxury and timeless elegance, you’ll be in heaven with the service, the tea, and the sheer grandeur.
Best Things to Do in London, England
Hear the Chimes of Time at Big Ben
One of the world's most famous landmarks, iconic Big Ben has been synonymous with the City of London and the Houses of Parliament for centuries. Often mistaken for a tower at the northeastern end of the Houses of Parliament, it is actually the bell within the tower that is named Big Ben and whose strikes were heard for the first time on July 11th, 1859.
Resting in the Elizabeth Tower, renamed by the House of Commons in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, Big Ben swings behind the clock face and has rarely stopped ringing the hours. Visited, viewed, and admired by millions of people from all over the world, this iconic landmark is not only magnificent to look at but has also played a vital role in the history of the city of London and of England itself.
Big Ben , Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK, Phone: +44-20-7219-4272
Taste the World at Borough Market
Based in Southwark in Central London and one of the largest and oldest food markets in the city, Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market that sells an array of gourmet foods, delicacies, fresh fruit and vegetables, and made-to-order fare. Established in 1014 as a fresh food market for the local people, Borough Market has been selling fresh produce, including bread, cheese, fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, coffees, cakes, and patisseries for over 1,000 years.
The market has more than 100 stalls, including stands that specialize in imported goods. The market is open from Monday through Saturday, with full market days on Wednesday to Saturday and a variety of fruit and vegetable stalls and hot food traders on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK, Phone: +44-20-7407-1002
Wander Through the Ages at the British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is home to a remarkable collection of treasures spanning more than two million years of human history and encompassing an array of world cultures. Centered around a magnificent Great Court, the museum's permanent collection features more than eight million objects, including extraordinary mummies from Egypt, ancient Greek sculptures from the Parthenon, and the world-renowned Rosetta Stone.
In addition to the impressive permanent collection, the British Museum also hosts special exhibitions, displays, and events designed to encourage a greater understanding of the collection and the cultures they represent.
Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG, UK, Phone: +44-20-7323-8299, Map
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
Witness Tradition at Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and administrative headquarters of the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom and an iconic symbol for the people of London. Located in the City of Westminster and housing the Royal Family for more than 180 years, Buckingham Palace is also one of London's most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors every year to view the magnificent building and watch state occasions, royal hospitality, and other special events.
The palace has 775 rooms. The state rooms, which are used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public every year during August and September. The palace's garden is the largest private garden in London.
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, UK, Phone: +44-303-123-7300
Small Car Big City
If you are in London and want to feel like a local, try seeing the city from the seat of the Mini Cooper, the true London icon. Small Car Big City is a tour company that offers to take you on a tour of London in your own beautifully restored Mini. Buzz through the city from your Mini like so many Londoners and drive by Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, and much more. You will be guided by true Londoners, people who love their city as much as they love the fun little cars. They offer a range of tours such as two-hour long Landmarks of London, London’s Best Bits, the four-hour long The Italian Job that includes a stop for a coffee, a visit to the local markets and street art, and the eight-hour long Live like a Local.
Small Car Big City Tours , 8 Northumberland Avenue, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5BY, Phone: +44 2078 396 737
Step Into Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre is a famous Elizabethan open-air theater in London that is associated with William Shakespeare and his works. Built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, known as the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the theater was designed as a three-story, open-air amphitheater that could house up to 3,000 spectators.
The original theater was destroyed in a fire in 1613 and rebuilt a year later; a modern reconstruction, named "Shakespeare's Globe," was completed in 1997. Today, the oak-and-thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theater puts on open-air Shakespeare plays, offers guided tours of the building, and features an engaging and informative exhibition that explores the life of Shakespeare and the theater for which he wrote.
Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK, Phone: +44-20-7902-1400
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
Go for a Walk in Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London's eight Royal Parks and the largest in the city. The park is the greatest of four that form a chain of green urban spaces, including Kensington Gardens, Green Park, and St James' Park, and is home to several famous landmarks, including the Serpentine Lake, Speaker's Corner, and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Hyde Park covers 350 acres in the heart of London and attracts millions of Londoners and tourists every year to enjoy its beautifully landscaped grounds, peaceful lakes, and an array of recreational activities, including boating, cycling, horseback riding, and open water swimming.
Hyde Park , The Old Police House, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, UK, Phone: 0300-061-2000
Stroll Through Royal Elegance at Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence overlooking the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens. Set in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the palace has been a residence for the British Royal Family since the 17th century. The palace is currently the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Today, several of the state rooms are open to the public, including the King's and Queen's State Apartments, which display many paintings and other objects from the Royal Collection, and the Royal Gardens. Kensington Palace also features various exhibitions as well as a shop and The Orangery Café.
Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK, Phone: +44-20-3166-6000
Chimes Music
For more than six decades now, Chimes Music has been the number one name for printed music, instruments, and other musical products in London. The brand boasts three stores around the capital city, as well as offering online orders.
Kensington Chimes Music was the original Chimes Music location, situated just a couple of minutes away from the South Kensington underground station and in the heart of the city's museum district, with storied music venues like the Royal Albert Hall mere minutes away. This store has the biggest selection of all three Chimes Music shops, so it's a good one ot choose if you want to be sure of getting what you want. The Kensington Chimes Music store is situated at 9 Harrington Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 3ES.
Sozai Japanese Cooking Classes
Sozai is the first cooking school in the UK focused solely on Japanese food.
As well as helping students learn the classics like sushi and tempura, Sozai goes deeper into Japanese cookbooks, offering tutorials and classes on food like shojin and kaieseki, as well as delicious okonomiyaki and various types of ramen too.
Classes are held on a regularly scheduled basis at two locations around London, with private classes and catering available too.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Hear the Chimes of Time at Big Ben
- • Taste the World at Borough Market
- • Wander Through the Ages at the British Museum
- • Witness Tradition at Buckingham Palace
- • Small Car Big City
- • Step Into Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre
- • Go for a Walk in Hyde Park
- • Stroll Through Royal Elegance at Kensington Palace
- • Chimes Music
- • Sozai Japanese Cooking Classes