London

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Overview

Instantly recognizable icons like Big Ben and St. Paul's Cathedral welcome you to history-laden London, the UK's multicultural capital that's a tireless innovator of art and culture.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Westminster Abbey
The West End
A splendid mixture of architectural styles, Westminster Abbey is considered the finest example of Early English Gothic. It's not merely a beautiful place…
Hyde Park
Kensington & Hyde Park
One of London’s best parks, Hyde Park spreads itself over 142 hectares of neat gardens, wild expanses of overgrown grass and glorious trees. As well as…
Science Museum
Kensington & Hyde Park
The Science Museum will mesmerize with its interactive and educational exhibits covering everything from early technology to space travel. Take the family…
Buckingham Palace
The West End
Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, Buckingham Palace replaced St James's Palace as the monarch's official London residence in 1837. Queen Elizabeth…
Houses of Parliament
The West End
Both the elected House of Commons and the House of Lords, who are appointed or hereditary, sit in the sumptuous Houses of Parliament, officially called…
Kew Gardens
Richmond, Kew & Hampton Court
Where else in London can you size up an 18th-century 10-storey Chinese pagoda and a Japanese gateway while finding yourself among one of the world’s most…
Natural History Museum
Kensington & Hyde Park
With its thunderous, animatronic dinosaur, riveting displays about planet earth, outstanding Darwin Centre and architecture straight from a Gothic fairy…
St Paul's Cathedral
London
Sir Christopher Wren’s 300-year-old architectural masterpiece is a London icon. Towering over diminutive Ludgate Hill in a superb position that's been a…

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02 / Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Experience the very best of London with our guide to the top things to do.

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Best Time to Visit

The long days of summer make it a peak season for London visitors but there is plenty to do all the year. Here's how to choose when you should visit.

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Things to Know

London is a world city with so much to see – here are our top tips for navigating the capital and doing as the locals do.

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Transportation

London has a huge public transportation system, but is not the most intuitive city to navigate. Here's what you need to know about getting around London.

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Free Things to Do

On a budget? London may be expensive but you can still enjoy yourself without melting your wallet. These are the 12 best free things to do in 2024.

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Best Neighborhoods

There's way more to London than Soho, Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street. Step beyond the center with our guide to the capital's neighborhoods.

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Day Trips

Beaches, cathedrals, pony-filled forests, Harry Potter–esque buildings and more: you can see a whole lot of England on these top day trips from London.

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Money and Costs

London has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, but it's perfectly possible to visit – and see the sights – on a budget.

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Traveling with Kids

London is a huge city that can be tiring for tiny travelers. Here's how to make the most of a family visit without running out of steam.

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Spending Diaries

I traveled to London to see Paul Mescal on stage. It was the perfect excuse for a long weekend getaway.

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