London Travel Guide: Exploring the UK Capital

Thinking about planning a trip to London? From double-decker buses to royal palaces and everything in between, the list of things to do in London is massive, but don’t panic – I’ve got you covered with a scroll-friendly, no-fluff guide.

I’m Hazel, a travel blogger from Essex (just outside London) who knows the capital inside out. Whether you’re here for a quick city break or the start of a longer UK adventure, here are my top tips and must-dos for an unforgettable London trip.

So, Where Exactly is London? 🌍

London is the capital of England and the UK, nestled in the southeast of the country and sliced in two by the River Thames. It’s one of the most iconic cities in the world, famous for red buses, royal palaces, and a skyline that mixes medieval spires with glassy skyscrapers.

London Travel Basics 📋

£ Currency: British Pound (GBP)
🌐 Language: English
⏰ Time Zone: GMT (or BST in summer)
🚒 Emergency: 999
🔌 Plug Type: G (3 rectangular pins)
⚡ Voltage: 230V

The Lay of the Land 🌋

London is BIG. It’s spread across 1,500+ km² with 32 unique boroughs.

Central London is where the heavy-hitters live: Westminster (hello, Big Ben), Camden (markets & music), the City (London’s financial heart), and the South Bank (for riverside strolls and the London Eye).

But don’t miss the leafy parks, colourful neighbourhoods, and lesser-known gems scattered in every direction.

Getting to London ✈️

Six airports serve the city: Heathrow and Gatwick are the main international hubs, with Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend rounding out the list.

Train lovers? Eurostar zips in from Paris or Brussels, and National Rail connects the UK.

Getting Around London 🚌

Public transport is your friend. Use a contactless card or Oyster card for buses, tubes and even river boats. The Tube is fastest, but walking is often just as quick (and more scenic) in central London.

For cycling, Santander Cycles and Lime Bikes are everywhere (operated via apps).

Apps to download: Citymapper, TFL Go, Google Maps.

Avoid: Driving (trust me), peak Tube times (7:30-9:30 AM, 5-7 PM).

Map of London 📍

Here’s a Google Map with major London attractions pinned for easy exploring. You can zoom, scroll, and star it to save your faves.

When to Visit London 🌸

• Spring (Mar-May): Blooming parks & mild weather.
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Festival season but expect crowds.
• Autumn (Sept-Nov): Cosy pubs & fewer tourists.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Twinkling lights, Christmas markets, lots of rain, and chilly charm.

Top tip: Pack layers year-round – London weather is famously unpredictable!

👉 Read more: Things to Do in London in Winter | Visiting London at Christmas | What London is like in January.

Note: Weirdly, the Transport for London website states there are 11 tube lines, but I assure you there are in fact 12! The Elizabeth line opened in May 2022.

Top 12 Things to Do in London 🌟

🏛️Marvel at the Big Icons: Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace… yes, they’re touristy, but they’re famous for a reason. Walk the South Bank for views of most of them in one go.

👑 Get Royal at Buckingham Palace: Visit the palace exterior or time your visit for the Changing of the Guard. In summer, you can even go inside. Want more royal action? Add in Kensington Palace and Westminster Abbey.

🧐 Explore the British Museum (for Free!): This place is massive and completely free. See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and enough ancient treasure to fill your camera roll.

🎡 Ride the London Eye: It’s pricey but has great skyline views. Book ahead to skip the queues. Bonus: do it at sunset.

🎭 Wander Covent Garden: Street performers, boutique shops, and cosy cafes. It’s great for a midday wander or an evening out. Pop into Neal’s Yard for colourful photos and coffee.

🚣 Take a Thames River Cruise: Uber Boat or a guided cruise – either way, floating past the skyline is a chill way to see the sights. Try it at sunset for max magic.

🛍️ Hit the Markets: Borough Market for foodies, Camden Market for vintage lovers, and Columbia Road for Sunday flowers. Warning: you’ll want to eat everything at Borough.

⚔️ Visit the Tower of London: Crown Jewels, medieval tales, and Yeoman Warders (aka Beefeaters) with killer storytelling skills. Book tickets in advance.

🌺 Snap Insta-Worthy Streets: Notting Hill’s pastel houses, Shoreditch street art, and the view from Primrose Hill. Bring comfy shoes and your camera.

🎭 Catch a Show in the West End From “Hamilton” to Agatha Christie classics, London’s theatre scene is top-notch. Check TodayTix for deals.

🌳Escape to the Parks: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath… London’s green spaces are made for strolls, picnics, and squirrel-spotting.

☕️ Sip Afternoon Tea: Do it once for the experience. From The Ritz (fancy) to quirky cafes in Soho (fun), there’s a version for everyone.

👉 Read more: Things to Do in London 🇬🇧: Royals & River Vibes.

Best Neighbourhoods to Explore 📍

🎭 Soho & Covent Garden – Central, buzzy, great for restaurants and theatre.

🎨 Shoreditch – Edgy and cool, with street art, vintage shops and great coffee.

🌺 Notting Hill – Pretty streets, pastel houses and Portobello Road Market.

⚓️ Greenwich – Historic, riverside, and full of maritime charm.

🌟 Camden – Alternative vibes, live music, and one of the best markets in London.

Where to Stay in London 🏨

💼 Luxury Picks: The Savoy, The Langham, Claridge’s.

🏥 Mid-Range: Holiday Inn, Z Hotels, Point A Hotels.

💸 Budget: YHA London Central, Premier Inn hubs, Travelodge.

Tip: Book early! Prices jump closer to your dates.

👉 Read more: Best Areas to Stay in London & Best 5 Star Hotels in London.

London tip: Consider purchasing the London Pass or the London Explorer Pass, which offer discounts and fast-track entry to many attractions.

Quick Tips for Visiting London ✨

⛅ Bring an umbrella, just in case.

🚌 Always let people off the Tube before boarding.

⬆⬇ Stand on the right side of escalators.

🙅‍♀️ Don’t stop in the middle of the pavement.

🤡 Tipping: Optional but appreciated (10% in restaurants).

🍻 Pubs: Order at the bar; no table service.

Final Thoughts on London ✨

London is the kind of city you can visit 20 times and still find something new. It’s lively, layered, and full of little surprises around every corner. This London travel guide is just the start. Wear comfy shoes, bring your curiosity, and don’t stress about ticking every box. Just enjoy the ride.