London Travel Guide

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Top Attractions

Cheap Flying Tips

Where to Stay

Things to Do

Your Guide to London

It’s no secret that London is one of the most popular travel destinations on Earth. The city’s British culture, gorgeous landmarks, and one-of-a-kind eateries attract more than 40 million tourists per year.

In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about taking a trip to London. We’ll talk all about London’s top attractions, what to expect flying into the airport, where to stay during your trip, and more!

Top Attractions in London

London is home to a ton of attractions that keep travelers coming back year after year. The following sections will go into detail about three of London’s top attractions.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, which has been standing since 1837, remains one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. As the home of the Queen, this palace draws curious crowds year-round.

Visitors can book a tour and view:

The State Rooms – Nineteen rooms make up the State Rooms, which are used for entertaining the guests of royalty for the most extravagant occasions.
Picture Gallery – This gallery houses several of the most beautiful royal paintings created by world-renowned painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Claude.
Throne Room – Visitors absolutely love touring the throne room, where so many historic receptions and investitures have been held. If you’re familiar with the royal history of London, you may recognize certain items and fixtures from photos over the years.
The Grand Staircase – The appearance of this staircase is as magnificent as its name. Designed by John Nash, it evokes a feeling of richness and unmatched historic beauty. You’ll ascend the stairs with eagerness for what’s to come.
Changing the Guard – A well-known British spectacle, the Changing the Guard ceremony signifies the moment that one regiment replaces another. You can view the ceremony several days during the week in the Spring, Fall, and Winter, but in the summer, a daily ceremony is held.

The palace is located at Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum

Madame Tussauds wax museum is an experience to remember. You can book a ticket in advance for a unique experience with the most famous stars in their wax forms. You can have a fabulous photo-op with Beyonce or Spiderman or get up close and personal with Queen Elizabeth II or George Clooney!

If you take a look at the museum’s website, you can view the location’s opening hours and plan ahead for your trip.

There are several packages that you can choose from, with prices ranging from 30.50 to 45 British pounds. If you book your tickets online ahead of time, you can save 10% on your tickets.

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster

You’d be doing yourself an injustice if you visited London and didn’t stop to see Big Ben! This iconic landmark is synonymous with British culture. Stroll by to get a good look at the famous clock and stay for a tour of the Houses of Parliament.

You can visit the UK Parliament’s website to book tickets for a guided tour through the historic building. Some of the rooms included in the tour include:

Westminster Hall
Lords Chamber
Central Lobby
Robing Room
Royal Gallery

The Experience of Flying into London Airport

When you fly to London, you’ll land in one of six international airports, including:

Heathrow Airport
London Southend Airport
Gatwick Airport
London Stansted Airport
Luton Airport
London City Airport

The largest airport in London is Heathrow Airport, located in London at Longford TW6, United Kingdom. It is a 37-minute drive, or a 15-minute train ride, from Central London. Since this airport is the most prominent one in London, we will focus on the average tourist’s experience flying into Heathrow Airport.

Gates at Heathrow

First and foremost, you should have your passport at the ready as soon as you exit the plane. This will ensure that you aren’t held up after a potentially exhausting trip. At Heathrow airport, there are e-gates that are activated with a quick scan of your passport.

However, these gates can only be used by people flying in from certain countries, like:

USA
Australia
Canada
Japan
Singapore
South Korea
Switzerland
UK
EEA

If you are not flying in from one of the above locations, the passport check step may take quite a bit of time.

Baggage Claim and Lost Property

Once you have passed through passport control, signs will direct you to the baggage claim. To locate your baggage, you should look at one of the large information screens. Your belt number will be listed next to your flight number. You can then walk to the appropriate belt number and wait for your luggage to come out.

There is a lost property kiosk that you can utilize if you happen to misplace something in the terminal.

Since this airport is huge, lines for passport verification and eateries can be unimaginably long. So, make sure that you give yourself adequate time to land, get your passport verified, and pick up your baggage. This could take an hour or more.

Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to London

Flying to London does not have to be expensive, as there are ways to go to the beloved city without breaking the bank. Below, we will examine three of the top ways to fly cheaply to London.

1. Fly to London in February

If you want to save some money, fly to London in February. The most expensive time to fly to London is during the summer, especially from June to July. Around that time, you can expect to pay as much as $800 for a round-trip ticket. But if you book your flight for February, you’ll see that the price drops much lower.

2. Book Your Flight in Advance

In just about every case, you can get a lower price on your flight if you book in advance. As an example, if you book your flight 90 days in advance, it could cost about $500. But if you purchase a ticket to the same destination one day in advance, you’ll pay more than $800.

So, once you make the decision to travel to London, book that flight to secure an affordable price.

3. Shop Around for the Cheapest Price

While you can call the airport and book a flight directly with them, you may be able to save money by shopping around for the lowest possible price. Travel booking sites allow you to compare prices from multiple airlines.

Some of the top travel booking sites are:

Kayak.com
Hotels.com
Tripadvisor.com
Booking.com

These are just a few of the top booking sites. You can try using one or more of these sites to compare prices. This will help you find the cheapest ticket price for your London trip.

Popular Areas of the City to Stay

Many of London’s neighborhoods are known for one thing or another, but three areas are a cut above the rest: Westminster, Kensington, and London Bridge. Between the London Underground (the tube) and your own two feet, you can get just about anywhere from any of these London boroughs.

Westminster

Westminster is full of tourist attractions and is beloved by tourists everywhere. In Westminster, you’ll be close to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abby, and Big Ben! Also, if you’re in the mood to shop, spend to your heart’s content at the many exclusive boutiques in the area. And when you want to grab a bite to eat, you can sink your teeth into a variety of delectable food.

Kensington

Kensington is close to several museums and historic buildings, including the Natural History and Victoria & Albert Museums and the Royal Albert Hall. There is no shortage of restaurants, pubs, and culture. You’ll enjoy the lush beauty of Kensington Gardens and Palace, as well as several art galleries. Shopping ranges from the independent boutiques of Notting Hill to the world-famous Portobello Road Market and the luxury shops of Kensington High Street.

London Bridge

London Bridge never disappoints. With various boat and cruise options to explore, this area is a river lover’s dream! But even if you’re not into large bodies of water, there are many reasons why London Bridge is popular. Traveling within the area is a breeze, with reliable transportation readily available to take visitors to the many bars and restaurants in the area.

Popular Hotels in Westminster and London Bridge

Since millions of tourists come to Westminster, Kensington, and London Bridge every year, there are many hotel options to choose from.

Hotels in Westminster

Hotels in Westminster cater to both families and solo travelers. Below are some of the best hotels in the area.

The Goring Hotel – This five-star family-owned luxury hotel is one of the best the city has to offer. With amenities like marble bathrooms and fine Italian linens, you can expect to pay at least $500 per night. See on Expedia.com
DoubleTree by Hilton London – This hotel is a top pick for families and those who want to save money on their stay. You can find a room for less than $200 per night. See on Expedia.com
Hotel 41- Located on Buckingham palace road, this hotel is situated at the heart of all royal happenings. For less than $400, you can book a room at this regal hotel. See on Expedia.com

Hotels in Kensington

Victorian grace, contemporary luxury, or affordable apartment-style living – Kensington offers more accommodations options than you can imagine. Here are a few favorites:

The Bailey’s Hotel London – A four-star hotel full of Victorian charm in the heart of Kensington, the Bailey’s can be had for under $200 per night or less during promotional booking times. Located close to – well, everything. See on Expedia.com
The Kensington Hotel – 5 stars of contemporary, upscale luxury in a classic London townhouse. You’ll pay for the experience (upwards of $400), but you can also find seasonal or weekend values. See on Expedia.com
Residence by Marriott London Kensington – Four stars here as well, in an apartment-hotel style comfort walking distance from Harrods and Royal Albert Hall. In-room kitchens and laundry facilities make this affordable option attractive for a longer-term stay. Book for as little as $120 per night. See on Expedia.com

Hotels in London Bridge

Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel or a budget stay, London Bridge has you covered! Below are some of London Bridge’s best hotels.

London Bridge Hotel – This modestly priced 4-star luxury hotel is within walking distance of the Shard landmark. You can book a room at this hotel for as little as $200. See on Expedia.com
The Tower Hotel – The tower hotel is located less than a mile from Tower Bridge and boasts some of the most gorgeous views of the River Thames. Book for as little as $100. See on Expedia.com
Hilton London Tower Bridge – Located less than a mile from downtown, the location of this hotel is a driving force behind its popularity. Gaze at the tower bridge as you enjoy specialty cocktails and traditional British cuisine at their in-house restaurant. See on Expedia.com

Popular Airbnb Places in Westminster and London Bridge

If you want to skip the hotel, you can go for an Airbnb rental instead. Check out some of the best in Westminster and London Bridge below:

Park Lane Apartments – For just $164 per night, you can rent a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment in the heart of Westminster. It’s got a full kitchen, dining area, and delightful minimalist décor.

STK Home Private Room – For just $40 per night, you can snag a room in Westminster. It is a 15-minute walk to Buckingham Palace!

London Bridge Flat – For $200 per night, this one bedroom/1.5 bathroom flat gives you everything you need. You could walk to London Bridge in 10 minutes and sample a tasty meal at one of the brunch shops only minutes away.

Top Things to do in London

There are so many things to do in London that it may be near-impossible to choose. That’s why we have compiled a short list of things that you can do while you’re in London below:

Book a Tour of London – To get the most out of your London trip, your best bet is to see as much of the city as possible. There is no better way to do this than to book a tour. For a flat fee, you’ll be able to see many of the most popular landmarks and attractions. See more at tripadvisor.com
Ride the London Eye – If you’re not afraid of heights, hop aboard the London Eye. This is the single best way to get a bird’s eye view of London’s best architecture and landmarks. See more at tripadvisor.com
Visit the British Museum – If you are into history, don’t pass up an opportunity to visit the British Museum. You will get an unadulterated view into Britain’s checkered past. See more at tripadvisor.com

Coolest Airbnb Experiences in London

London hosts many awesome Airbnb experiences that will make your trip even more epic. Below are some of the coolest ones London has to offer.

Snapping Through London Experience – To get the absolute best photos of yourself in London, book this experience. This is a photo-op experience that you’ll never forget. You’ll start at Trafalgar Square and finish up the trek at Big Ben
Music Lesson in London – This experience is for music lovers who want to try their hand at DJing. For 1 hour, you’ll learn the basics of DJing and create your own mixes!
Retired Royal Guard London Walk – For 2.5 hours, you will walk and listen to personal stories from the perspective of a former Royal Guard.

Final Thoughts

Now you know about some of the best attractions in London, where you can stay for a rich British experience, and much more. We hope that this article will serve as a quick reference guide to assist you as you plan your London adventure!