London travel guide: everything you need to plan your next trip

London is a tourist's paradise. It’s a smorgasbord of attractions for all ages, for couples, for families and for solo travellers. But once you’ve ticked off the big-ticket items like Big Ben, the Natural History Museum and Buckingham Palace, what’s next? This is our travel guide to London for both first-timers and people who’ve been before and are now scouring the city for unusual activities and experiences. We’ve got activities for kids, hidden corners of parks and quirky nights out that you won’t find anywhere else. Start planning your next break to London and make it extra special with our insider tips.

London for first-timers

Planning a visit

Get ready to have your socks knocked off by this amazing city. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. But don't worry we've put together weekend itineraries and guides with the top places to visit to help – everything you need to plan your next London break is right here!

3 days in London

Some ideas on how to make the most of a three-day break in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

24 hours in London

Here are a few options if you've only got 24 hours to make the most of London.

Top 10 museums in London

Want to soak up the whole city? Head to one of these spots for perfect views of this photogenic city.

The best tours

If you want to see all of the highlights of London without missing a thing, a tour is one of the best options. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced visitor, discover the city's history by foot, bus or boat. From classic red bus tours to spooky ghost walks, there are plenty of different tours to enjoy. Find the right London tour for you with our guides below..

London tours

Take it all in on a number of guided tours, each seeking to outdo the rest in imagination and flair.

Wembley tours

We all know Wembley. From the endless football matches to the numerous concerts held there - the stadium is iconic.

London ghost tours

One type of unforgettable tour from your time in the capital is a ghost tour. With many allegedly haunted spots in the city.

Best Buckingham Palace tours

A guide to the most haunted places in London

If you want to scare yourself silly in London here's a list of haunted places to get you started.

A guide to exploring Soho in London

You can't say you've really seen London until you've had a saunter round Soho.

Where to stay

From luxury spa hotels to budget-friendly hostels, from popular central spots to up-and-coming trendy neighbourhoods, London is a diverse city with a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. Read on to discover the best accommodation in London.

Best areas to stay in London

From diverse food scenes to top attractions and cultural institutions.

Hotels with a jacuzzi in the room in London

When visiting London, there’s always the temptation to go big, get glam, and make it a true city break to remember.

Top 10 best spa hotels in London

Sometimes we all need to press pause, take a moment for ourselves and recharge.

Best time to visit

When to go?

London can be enjoyed at any time of the year. With long sunny days in summer, beautiful colours in the spring and autumn and festive markets in the winter, it's always a good time to visit. Find out what to do in each season and plan your next adventure!

Things to do in London in summer

Here are our top ways to chill out, relax and make the most out of the warmer weather.

Top things to do in London in winter

If you're wondering what to do during winter, and indeed Christmas, in the capital, here's a helpful guide.

Where to see spring flowers in London

Where are the best places to go for a wander and see the city in full bloom? That's where our guide comes in.

Best events in London

One of the best things to do in London is to attend one of its many exciting events. From world-class music festivals to prestigious art exhibitions, spectacular firework displays to colourful parades, there's an event for every taste throughout the year. Check out all the details with our guides.

Best 10 activities not to miss this London Fashion Week

To help you along here’s our top 10 most fashionable activities not to miss this London Fashion Week.  

Where to do your Christmas shopping In London

You'll find world class independent stores, flagship big-name brands and Christmas lights.

Best of London

London for families

Travelling with kids? No problem, this city has so much to offer families. If you're travelling with young children, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds where they can run free. Older kids and teens will also be amazed by London's world-class shows, entertainment and museums. Check out our guides to find out more things to do in London for families.

Things to do in London with kids

Here's our pick of the best places to take the kids in the city.

Best things to do in London with toddlers

There are a million and one things to do in London - even if you’ve got toddlers in tow!

Best free museums in London

From the National Gallery to the Tate Modern, there is a huge selection to choose from.

What to do in London

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in London! From iconic landmarks to trendy rooftop bars, you'll never run out of things to do in this exciting city. Check out our guides to find out the best attractions, free things to do and of course, the best things to do rain or shine.

London attractions

London’s calling: Europe’s most diverse metropolis is jam-packed with awesome attractions.

Things to do in London when it rains

Free things to do in London

London is a fantastic city to enjoy plenty of attractions - all without spending a single penny.

Best views of London

We’ve gathered the ultimate spots for the best London views, whether it’s up high in a tower, on a roof garden or outside in nature.

Best independent cinemas

The independent cinema scene in London is thriving showing niche films to please the most serious cinema buff.

LGBTQ+ guide to London

Gay London is the gay capital of Europe – official! - with the largest LGBTQ+ population and is somewhere you can be yourself.

Nightlife in London

From rooftop bars and exclusive nightclubs, to cosy pubs and intimate jazz clubs. Explore all the different areas, from trendy Shoreditch to upscale Mayfair, there's something for everyone in the city after dark.

Things to do at night in London

From its iconic museums, to its shopping experiences and its fascinating arts culture, there’s something for everyone here.

Late night bars in London

If you're looking for bars that are open late in London, here's our guide to where to find somewhere in the small wee hours.

London museums with late night opening hours

Fancy some interesting one-off events or just a child-free atmosphere, here are some late night openings you can go along to.

Best things to do in London for couples

If romance is on the cards, London has it all, from candlelit dinners in world-renowned restaurants to strolls through picturesque parks, you'll find endless opportunities to create memories that last a lifetime. Read our guides to discover all the romantic spots London has to offer.

Romantic things to do in London

We’ve picked out our favourite things to do in London for couples seeking some quality time.

Top romantic hotels in London

When it comes to romantic cities in the world, London has a huge amount to offer and is perfect for a spontaneous romantic getaway.

Best London walking tours

London walking tours are always popular with tourists, but for locals they can also be a way of stepping away from the commute and discovering more about the city you live and work in.

Explore London's markets

From the famous Portobello Road Market to the historic Borough Market, you'll find great shopping and dining experiences at the unique London markets. Whether it's your first or tenth time in London, visiting a market is always a joy. Check out our guides to find your way around.

Borough Market

There have been markets in this area for more than a thousand years, and Borough Market has been at its present site since 1756.

Greenwich Market

Surrounded by pubs, restaurants and boutiques, this is a must-visit destination for anyone hunting for that perfect gift.

London markets: From food to fashion and antiques to art

You can now buy local produce, artisan jewellery and quirky antiques without having to travel out of the capital.

Nature in London

Take a stroll, have a picnic or simply soak up some fresh air and sunshine. Our guides will take you through the best nature spots in London.

London's best parks and green spaces

Whether you are making a day of it with family or friends or just escaping the office for a spot of lunch, these are the best parks in London for a bit of tranquillity.

Best beaches near London

This list will tell you where to go to the beach near London – all you need to do is set aside a day or two!

Lakes in London

Whether you want total tranquillity, summer swimming or rowing boat adventures, London's lakes are the place to be.

Take your dreams to London