Guide · 9 Places

London

United Kingdom

Before You Go

When to Visit

May to September offers warmest weather (15-23°C/59-73°F) though rain possible. Spring and fall have fewer crowds. Winter is cold and dark but magical with Christmas lights.

Visa

Check requirements

US, Canadian, Australian, EU citizens can visit UK visa-free for up to 6 months. UK not in Schengen - separate immigration. Check gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

Getting There

Transportation

By Air: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN) airports.

By Train: Eurostar from Paris (2.5 hours), Brussels (2 hours) to St Pancras.

Language

Communication

English is official language.

Currency

Money matters

British Pound (GBP). Rate: ~£0.75-0.80 per USD. Cards accepted everywhere, very cashless.

Getting Around

Local transport

Underground (Tube): Extensive 11-line system. Oyster card or contactless (£2.50-5 depending on zones).

Buses: Comprehensive network (£1.75 flat fare).

Walking: Central London very walkable.

From the Airport

Arrival info

Heathrow: Tube Piccadilly Line (50 min, £5.50), Heathrow Express train (15 min, £25), or taxi (£60-80).

Gatwick: Gatwick Express train (30 min, £19.90) or Southern trains (35 min, £10-12).

Accommodations

Accommodations

The Hoxton Holborn

Design forward hotel with coworking spaces

Accommodations

Ham Yard Hotel

Attractions

Attractions

Big Ben

Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and Libraries

The British Library

Coffee and Tea

Coffee and Tea

Monocle Café

Cultural and Artistic Venues

Cultural and Artistic Venues

Barbican Centre

Markets and Shopping

Markets and Shopping

Dover Street Market

Restaurants and Food

Restaurants and Food

Dishoom Covent Garden

Restaurants and Food

St JOHN Smithfield