Introduction - Planning a Trip to London

Planning a trip to London

With so much to do and see, we know that planning a trip to London can sometimes feel overwhelming. From planning how many days to spend in London to choosing hotels and accommodation, as well as deciding which attractions and neighbourhoods to visit, these are the questions we always get asked from travelers, and hopefully our answers will help you plan your trip!

There’s so much to see- where do I start?

Start by reading our “things to do” article, which is a very comprehensive list of the most popular types of things to do in London.
Also, check out our guides to London based on different themes. There’s a guide on visiting London with kids, and another on how to visit London on a budget.

Where is everything located?

London is enormous and attractions are spread out across the city. We’ve created a guide to each of the main London neighbourhoods that lists all the things to see, do and experience. In general, for first-time visitors, the main areas to visit are Buckingham Palace/Westminster, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Soho, City of London, Southbank and Camden.

How can I use my time to maximize sightseeing and minimize traveling?

There are a million things to do in London, but how do you fit it all in? We’ve created lots of different itineraries which are planned so you can maximize your sightseeing and minimize travel time.

WHERE IS the best area to stay in London?

Our really comprehensive guide to hotels in London goes through the city area-by-area and lists the pros and cons of staying in each place.

Finding the best area depends on your budget and interests, but in general, families and couples like to stay in Bloomsbury, Bayswater or South Kensington, whilst single travelers might also stay in Soho. The secret is finding a Central London hotel that’s in walking distance from an underground station.

What’s the easiest way of getting around?

The simple answer is by underground and bus. The underground is usually the fastest way to get around the capital. However, sitting on the first floor of the bus is also a great way to see London at the same time as travelling.

Make sure to buy an oyster travel card which you use to pay for public transport (you can get them from the airport, at underground stations, or through mail-order where they are sent to your home). Do not buy paper tickets as this will cost you much more than the oyster card!

Is London expensive?

Accommodation in London can be very expensive, like all major cities!
Food prices are comparable to other major European cities.
The London underground is affordable when you use an oyster card.
Sightseeing can cost a lot of money, but we’ve created a money saving tips guide that shows you all the ways to save when visiting the capital!
The major museums, including the British Museum, are free.