London is the cultural, political and economic heart of Britain. Or better yet, it is the heart of Britain, pulsing and alive with world-class museums, galleries, royal palaces, shopping and nightlife destinations, West End theatre shows, and award-winning restaurants. You can also stay in a 5-star luxury hotel and sip champagne on the London Eye, or find an affordable stay and rather stroll in one of London's beautiful Royal Parks, odds are you'll find something that suits you.
Bus is a popular mode of transportation in London, known for its iconic double-deckers. Those who want to explore London are recommended to use this mode of transportation as it operates 24 hours daily. You do not need to worry about missing a bus after enjoying the beautiful view of London.
Ticket fares for buses in London are affordable. To explore the city, you simply need to pay 1.65 GBP using an Oyster card (an electronic payment system for public transportation in London).
In addition to regular public buses, hop-on and hop-off buses are available for touring various tourist sites in London. A ticket for a one-day tour costs around 30 GBP, which includes an electronic guide that provides information about all the visited locations.
The city has the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, London Bridge and the London Eye. London is famous for the Harrods department store, where you can get the finest shopping experience.
The town has beautiful nature, too. You can explore the green spaces and attractive parks in the capital city. Pick your favorite activities, from boating in Hyde Park to deer spotting in rural Richmond Park.
It depends on your country of origin. London has more than three main airports, so there are many airlines to choose from to get you to London. If you are visiting from Europe, you can take trains and buses from cities like Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Zurich and Amsterdam. You can also get a boat if you are going from Ireland or France.
Many places in London are welcoming visitors for free. This includes the history, money and the dinosaur museum. You can visit the Bank of England Museum, Natural History Museum, Queen's House, Museum of London Docklands and National Maritime Museum.
You can also have a free tour to visit the park and enjoy the beauty of London. Climb to the top of Greenwich Park, wind down at Wimbledon Common or go for a jog in Hyde Park as you embrace London's skyline.
Remember to check out art, medicine and science exhibitions at London's Science Gallery. Another option is to visit Spitfire fighter aircraft and Harrier fighter jets on showcase at the Imperial War Museum.
If you want to go on a tour, choose the right time. Come during winter (January-March) to save on your airfare and accommodation. Once you've set your time, choose accommodation that fits your needs and budget.
Make a list of tourist attractions and find out the admission fee. You also have to remember that many free tourist attractions exist in London. If you already know where you are going, learn about the transportation you will use in London. The places on your list may go in the same direction.
The best souvenir shops in London are Harrods. Here you can find a wide selection of fashion, household appliances, technology, food and even perfumes with international brands.
Don’t miss Liberty London for a shopping experience with a close connection to British heritage. You can find its famous Tudor-style exterior to the iconic Liberty fabrics.
If you like postcards, puzzles, cushions and accessories featuring British landmarks, cityscapes and cultural icons, Arty Globe is the perfect place.
Get to Know London
Travel Tips for London
Explore London