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London

TRAVEL GUIDE

London

TRAVEL GUIDE

The Fodor's Five

The five things you need to know before traveling to London

# 1

Stay as central as possible in London.

As it’s one of the world's largest cities, you shouldn’t underestimate how long it can take to get from one side of London to the other. Plan to stay as central as you can afford: between 32 different boroughs, there’s plenty to choose from and you’re bound to find the perfect spot to call home.

Read More: The Complete Guide to London’s Neighborhoods

# 2

Fall in love with afternoon tea.

You can’t leave London without having tried the most quintessentially British tradition of all: plan a day around afternoon tea at one of the city’s grand and timeless hotspots, where you’ll be served delicious finger sandwiches, sweets like cakes and pastries, and scones with jam and clotted cream.

# 3

Visit London’s museums for free.

While special exhibitions do require an admission fee, the permanent collections at London’s world-class museums are completely free to visit, so make sure to take full advantage. Stop by the Tate Modern to see works by Dalí, Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock; the Tate Britain for works by local artists going back to the 1500s; and the National Gallery for your chance to see paintings by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Van Gogh. Set some time aside to browse the British Museum’s antiquities, the decorative arts at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and bring the kids to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum.

Read More: The Best Free Things You Can Do in London

# 4

There’s so much more to eat than fish and chips.

London is an exceptionally diverse city, and its rich and varied cuisines reflect this. From stylish classics to authentic food trucks and unique hidden gems, here’s your chance to eat your way around the world and be as adventurous as you’ve always dreamed.

Read More: The 15 Best Restaurants in London

# 5

Find some quiet in nature in London's many parks and gardens.

London is a vibrant city, but it can get extra busy. Step away from the hustle and bustle to visit one of the city’s many green spaces: from sprawling ones like Hampstead Heath, Green Park, and Hyde Park, or a romantic walk along the canals of Little Venice, to panoramic views in Primrose Hill, a deer-friendly stroll through Richmond Park, or an open-air show at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, your batteries will be recharged in no time.

Read More: The 10 Best Parks in London

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Top Neighborhoods

Why is East London the best neighborhood in London?
  • It's fun, young, vibrant, with a bustling vibe
  • Go vintage shopping
  • It’s where all the cool nightclubs are
  • 24/7 yummy bagels at Beigel Bake in Brick Lane
  • Gastronomic adventures for every budget
What makes Kensington so great?
  • Visit some of London’s most impressive museums
  • Shop at luxury department store Harrods
  • Hyde Park is gorgeous no matter the season
  • One of the capital’s most stylish, upmarket neighborhoods
  • Sample some artisanal fine foods at Duke of York Square Market
What's there to do in Notting Hill?
  • There are world-famous colorful houses
  • Be transported to the iconic ‘90s rom-com with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts
  • Catch a film at Electric Cinema
  • Most romantic neighborhood for a walkable first date
  • Don’t miss Portobello Market
What's special about Soho?
  • Some of the very best restaurants in the capital
  • See a play in the West End
  • The heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife
  • Revisit the Swinging Sixties on Carnaby Street
  • Rich history going back to the 1500s
Why visit Westminster?
  • There are plenty of historical and cultural landmarks
  • Visit Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the Churchill War Rooms
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace
  • Marvel at the largest collection of British art in the world at the Tate Britain

Hotels

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Language

English

Nearby Airports

LHR, STN, LTN, LON, LGW, LCY

Electrical Outlets

230v/50 cycles; plugs have three rectangular blades

Currency

Pound

Local Weather

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Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Language

English

Electrical Outlets

230v/50 cycles; plugs have three rectangular blades

Currency

Pound

Nearby Airports

LHR, STN, LTN, LON, LGW, LCY

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in London with curated recommendations from our editors.

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Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in London with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

Local Weather

{{monthAverage.f_high}}° {{monthAverage.c_high}}° {{monthAverage.f_low}}° {{monthAverage.c_low}}°
{{monthAverage.month}}
Historic Weather: Powered by Dark Sky
Weather info provided is using averaged daily data within the given month of the previous year.

Discover the best neighborhoods in London with curated recommendations from our editors.

Explore All

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