Top 5 Can’t Miss
- There’s no quicker way to feel like a local than by hitting the pub: Order a pint with the after-work crowds at one of London’s oldest spots, like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese.
- Walk along the River Thames to see some of London’s most popular attractions, including Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and Tower Bridge.
- Head to the 18th-century department store Fortnum & Mason to sip Earl Grey and slather clotted cream on scones at afternoon tea.
- If you’re into shopping, there are several markets to check out—Borough Market is best for foodies, Portobello Road is great for antiques and vintage fashion, and the atmospheric Maltby Street Market feels like it was plucked from a Charles Dickens novel.
- London’s museums—from the treasure trove of The British Museum to less-visited gems like Sir John Soane’s Museum—are second to none (and entry is usually free).
London is one of the world’s capital cities. It’s a perennial favorite among travelers, offering a little something for everyone. There’s legendary architecture, a storied history, regal green parks filled with swans and flowering trees, and a multicultural food scene that is the very definition of world-class.
“London has global appeal,” says Nicola Butler, one of Travel + Leisure’s A-List travel advisors and owner of NoteWorthy, a company specializing in travel to the U.K., Ireland, and France. “Its great infrastructure, diversity, and safety [add to its] overall reputation as a welcoming city. It’s a great introduction … when visiting Europe.”
There are endless reasons to visit London, but if you need more motivation to plan a trip, consider this. There has been a massive hotel boom as of late, with new properties entering the scene and raising the already sky-high bar set by icons like Claridge’s and The Savoy. No matter how many times or how often you’ve explored London, there’s always somewhere new to stay—and something new to see.
Whether it’s your first trip across the pond or you’re heading back to one of your favorite cities, here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to London.
John Athimaritis/Courtesy of Raffles London at the OWO
Best Hotels
The Peninsula London
A shiny, relatively new construction perfectly located at the intersection of Hyde Park, sophisticated Belgravia, and blingy Knightsbridge (Harrods is a 15-minute walk away), The Peninsula London is the very definition of quiet luxury—despite the fact that it reportedly cost over £1 billion to build. Named one of the best new hotels of 2024 by T+L editors in the annual It List, this sharp 190-key property pays homage to British automotive and aeronautic history with a replica of the Concorde on the ceiling of its elegant rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi.
Raffles London at The OWO
Butlers describe Raffles London at The OWO as a property with a “fabulous refurbishment and magnificent design with service to match. It’s also another 2024 It List pick and one of the best hotels in London, as voted by T+L readers in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. Housed in the country’s former war office and Churchill’s WWII headquarters, this glam masterpiece is filled with history—ask about The Spy Bar speakeasy, hidden in the hotel’s secret subterranean tunnels.
Broadwick Soho
There’s just one word to describe this 2024 It List winner: fun. Broadwick Soho is an outré carnival in hotel form with colorful and vibey decor—and it has a circus elephant for a mascot, which is just what you want from a hotel in the nightlife and theater hub of Soho.
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
If you want to feel like a local Londoner, check into Chelsea’s The Cadogan. One of its charms is that it’s “located in a quieter neighborhood,” says Butler. The posh but refined location close to Sloane Square and Harrods makes this well-dressed townhouse feel like a local secret.
Claridge’s
“Claridge’s is one of London’s most classic hotels,” says Butler. Taking pride of place in affluent Mayfair, this much-lauded art deco jewel has been the hotel of choice for royals, heads of state, and A-listers since 1856. But just because this is a historic property doesn’t mean it’s stuffy; instead, it delivers just the right amount of pomp and circumstance.
A mom and child looking at birds in St. James Park.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Best Things to Do
Visit London’s greatest landmarks.
First-time visitors can’t miss seeing the city’s greatest architectural hits, including the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace (where the Changing of the Guard takes place), and Westminster Abbey. Best of all, these are all located in the same neighborhood: Westminster.
Other major attractions are also clustered together, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, often confused with London Bridge, from which you can sometimes see the top of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Most travelers just pass by these famous attractions, but Butler recommends taking a closer look if time allows.
“At the Changing of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Whitehall, you will have the chance to see, and sometimes even meet, the King’s [Life] Guard as they prepare for inspection. Then, view the ceremony from the very best vantage point behind the gates,” she says. “After the ceremony, guests can visit The Guards Museum to try on the red tunics and bearskin hats for some memorable photo opportunities.”
Stroll through the gardens.
London’s public gardens and parks—like Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Primrose Hill, Holland Park, and St. James’s Park—are peaceful green spaces perfect for relaxing or having a picnic when the weather cooperates. If you’re looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of options off the tourist trails. “The community gardens around London are hidden gems,” says Lady Amelia “Mel” Windsor, a North London-based British model, creative, and all-around It girl. She says her favorites are St. Mary’s Gardens, the Garden of Earthly Delights in East London, and Bloomfield Garden in Little Venice.
Visit the pub.
According to Windsor, this is a quintessential, not-to-be-missed London activity. Everyone, naturally, has their opinion of which is the best, but some solid, historic options include Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Spaniards Inn, Ye Olde Mitre, and The Grapes, the latter of which is partially owned by Sir Ian McKellen. Windsor’s pick is The Culpeper in East London, which has a rooftop garden and terrace overlooking the city.
Stalls in Old Spitalfield Market.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Best Shopping
Islington
“Islington is a good spot for unique finds within the old-school street markets and offbeat boutiques,” says Hector Maclean, a British fashion designer and Islington local. Maclean especially recommends visiting Blue17 Vintage Clothing, where you can find duds from the ‘40s and ‘50s, as well as a healthy selection of American classics.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is another shopping hot spot. “It’s home to two vintage designer shops, Retro Man and Retro Woman, which I frequent as they house such affordable gems. I’ve bought Alexander McQueen pieces there,” says Maclean. The charming neighborhood is also known for Portobello Road, a street and market with a variety of quirky, eclectic shops. “It’s a great pocket of London for cute bric-a-bracs, antiques, and the most delectable on-the-go bites,” he adds. “Plus, its bohemian energy is undeniable.”
St. James’s
In St. James’s, check out wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd; Lock & Co. Hatters (which bills itself as the world’s oldest hat shop); and the historic bootmaker John Lobb. Follow up shopping with lunch at the seafood spot Wiltons, which received a Royal Warrant as a purveyor of oysters under Queen Victoria. “St. James’s is famous for London’s finest stores with Royal Warrants, marks of recognition for those who have supplied goods or services to the royal family,” says Butler. “These special warrants are held by a wide range of organizations, from tailors and hat shops to chocolatiers and delicatessens.”
Mayfair
Neighboring St. James’s, Mayfair offers London’s arguably most luxe shopping, with the big-brand international flagships of Bond Street and chic art galleries like Halcyon and Hauser & Wirth peppered throughout. For one-of-a-kind British spots, shop The Royal Arcade and Burlington Arcade. And for Bond-worthy tailored suits, you’ll want to head to Savile Row.
Neon lights on a busy street in London.
Maremagnum/Getty Images
Nightlife
Hackney Wick
“Hackney Wick will always be a firm favorite of mine,” says Maclean. “I’vee lived in this playground of East London for a very long time, and the rave scene is second to none. Colour Factory, for example, provides a platform for local artists to perform in a considered sonic space.”
Dalston
The East London neighborhood of Dalston is another nightlife favorite for Maclean. “I try to support new clubs. One new arrival, The Divine, is already gathering crowds. Dalston Superstore and Ridley Road Market Bar are regional classics and always good fun. And Hacha is a stellar spot for a proper cocktail if mezcal is your jam; it’s also home to arguably the city’s best tacos,” he says.
Seating area of St. John Smithfield.
Courtesy of St. John Smithfield
Best Restaurants
Core by Clare Smyth
Located in Notting Hill, Core by Clare Smyth is a fine-dining spot that specializes in modern British cuisine and emphasizes sustainable food made from the finest local produce. Core is the first U.K. restaurant led by a woman chef to hold and retain three Michelin stars.
Gymkhana
London—and the U.K. in general—is famed for its Indian restaurants. Start with Mayfair’s Gymkhana, which dishes up contemporary Indian fare in a sexy, low-lit setting. Made with Hampshire-bred lamb and marinated for hours, the tandoori lamb chops are a crowd favorite.
St. John Smithfield
St. John Smithfield is a pioneer of nose-to-tail British dining. With a frill-less monastic setting, this institution has several London locations, but Smithfield is the OG, serving signature dishes like roasted bone marrow and oven-hot madeleines available by the dozen and half dozen. “I constantly fail to resist its bakery’s cinnamon buns,” says Maclean.
The Devonshire
“The Devonshire—my favorite!” says Butler. This classic Soho hot spot serves pub-style food and what Butler says is the “best pint of Guinness in London.” Reservations are hard to come by, so book in advance.
Mount St. Restaurant
An art-filled second-floor restaurant in chic Mayfair—located above its sibling venue, The Audley Public House—Mount St. Restaurant serves zhuzhed-up traditional bites like bubble and squeak and the omelet Arnold Bennett in the presence of priceless pieces by Lucian Freud, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol.
People walking in Battersea Park.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Best Time to Visit
There’s no such thing as a bad time to visit London. The city gets a bad rap for being rainy, but it’s more overcast than anything else, and summers don’t typically get too hot (barring the odd heatwave). Plus, it rarely snows in the winter. In terms of timing your trip around things to do, London is buzzing every month of the year, but it’s especially busy around the holidays and the peak tourism period from early June through early September. To avoid crowds, try visiting during shoulder season, which typically falls from late April through May and late September to mid-October.
How to Get There
While London is served by several international airports, most flights from the U.S. land at Heathrow Airport (LHR) or London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Both airports have direct train links—the Heathrow Express and the Gatwick Express—that arrive in central London at Paddington Station and Victoria Station, respectively. Heathrow is also connected to the London Underground via the Piccadilly Line and the Elizabeth Line.
No matter which airport you fly into, note that, as of January 2025, most U.S. citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the U.K.
People walking through Covent Gardens.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
Neighborhoods to Visit
Soho
A vibrant district in London’s West End, Soho is renowned for its nightlife, eclectic dining, and LGBTQ+ scene. Streets are lined with theaters, music venues, and boutique shops, making it a go-to hub for all things entertainment.
Shoreditch
Set in gritty but trendy East London, Shoreditch is a hot spot for young creatives; it’s filled with street art, talked-about restaurants, and nightlife. Check out nearby Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market, and the Columbia Road Flower Market, where great people-watching opportunities await.
Notting Hill
Famous for its pastel-hued houses and Portobello Road, Notting Hill is London at its most charming and cinematic. A spate of new restaurant openings and reopenings (Dorian and The Pelican) and lauded classics (The Ledbury and Core by Clare Smyth) make this a must for gourmands.
Covent Garden
Centrally located Covent Garden is practically a mandatory destination for first-time visitors, as it’s home to the Royal Opera House, historic Covent Garden Market, the cobbled streets of Seven Dials, and the Victorian booksellers of Cecil Court (also known as Booksellers’ Row). Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find the National Gallery, and the always-crowded Leicester Square (basically the Times Square of London) are nearby, too.
A red double-decker bus in London.
Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure
How to Get Around
London Underground (Tube)
The Tube is London’s main transit system, covering 11 lines and 272 stations. Fares vary by Zone, with contactless payments offering the most convenient way to pay. If you don’t have a contactless card, you can also buy an Oyster card from a newsagent (basically a newspaper/convenience kiosk or shop, similar to a bodega). Pro tip: When ascending and descending Tube stations, stand on the right-hand side of the escalator; the left is for those who want to walk.
London Overground
Complementing the Underground, the Overground serves suburban areas with connections to central London. It accepts contactless payments and Oyster cards, with fares based on the Zones you travel through.
London Buses
London’s iconic red double-decker buses operate throughout the city. A single fare is £1.75 (about $2.50 USD), with a daily cap of £5.25 for bus-only travel. Buses are cashless: Tap in with an Oyster card or contactless card. Enter in the front and exit via the middle or back door.
Santander Cycles
A public bike-sharing service ideal for short journeys through parks, Santander bikes are available at docking stations across London. It costs £1.65 for a 30-minute ride, but additional charges apply for longer use. Access the service via the Santander Cycles app or at docking stations.
Ride-sharing Services
Uber and its European equivalent, Bolt, operate in London.
Black Cabs
Metered black cabs are readily available and easy to hail—you can also book them on the Gett app—in central locations. Credit cards and cash are typically accepted. Tipping isn’t strictly required, but a small gratuity (10 percent) is considered polite, and if you’re paying in cash, round up to the nearest pound.