How To Visit London: The Ultimate Guide
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The Big Smoke
London is one of the top tourist destinations in the UK, even the world. And for good reason! It is a multicultural hub of arts, food, science and history. It is one of the most desired destinations to visit, but it can be hard to know where to start, even with a handy london sightseeing map.
There’s so much to London, with many different neighbourhoods with many different things on offer. A map of london attractions can help you plan your route.
The great thing about London is that there’s something for everyone here. So, I’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your trip to the UK’s capital and discover the best way to see london!
Getting Around
Tube
The London Underground (or the Tube) can seem confusing at first but is probably the easiest, simplest and quickest way to get around London. With over 270 tube stations all over London, you will be able to reach anywhere you need to be as quick as possible, including top attractions like London Bridge, Tower of London, and The Shard, all conveniently near tube stations.
Make sure to download a downloadable london tube map before you go so you can figure out which stations you need to get on and off at. The TfL Go app is also helpful for navigating the Tube.
You can pay by contactless card or Oyster card. You can travel within Zones 1-2 for £7.70 a day. Key lines to know are the Central line, Piccadilly line, Northern line, Jubilee line, Circle line, Victoria line, District line, and Bakerloo line. The London Overground and Night Tube are also useful for getting around.
Bus
The bus is a more scenic and cheaper way of travelling around London. With single bus fares at £1.65, this is definitely the more affordable option.
Getting the right bus may seem intimidating at first, but simply put your destination into your maps app, select the public transport option and it will advise you on which bus you need to get and which stop to get off at.
Cycle
Cycling through the city may seem intimidating, but for the parks and along the canal paths this can be a fun and exciting way to see the city.
You can hire Santander cycle bikes throughout the city which cost only £2 to access – and you get your first 30 mins of travel free.
Top 10 London Neighbourhoods
1. Soho, Covent Garden and West End
This area is one of the most vibrant and creative in London. In the West End, there are a number of theatres with some of the biggest and most popular musicals on offer.
Covent Garden it’s home to luxury shopping and restaurant experiences, with the market here offering a number of unique products.
Soho is where to go if you want to visit a proper London pub. Famous for its clubs, bars and pubs, it’s the perfect place to head for a night out after the theatre. It has long been the home of musicians and poets and has a controversial and debauched history. It is also home to the LGBTQ+ community with a wide variety of gay clubs to choose from.
Tube: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Charing Cross
Top Hotel: Hazlitt’s
2.Westminster
Westminster is one of the most famous areas in London and is home to many sightseeing spots for when you visit. It’s a must-see on any london tourist map.
The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey are all found here. This is a great place to start if you want to tick off a number of bucket list items in the space of a few hours.
Not only is it full of historic and iconic buildings, there are also a number of green spaces nearby. These include Green Park and St James’s park.
It is also next to the River Thames, which can also provide a pleasant sightseeing experience.
Tube: Westminster, St James Park, Embankment
Top Hotel: The Royal Horseguards
3. Camden
Camden has long been known as the home of alternative cultures and artists in London and is definitely worth a visit. Most famously, Amy Winehouse lived in Camden, and you can find the statue of her in the market here.
Camden market is the place to go for alternative shopping and unique items and gifts. Many handmade and vintage traders sell here. Attached is a food market providing a wide array of cuisines all sold out of quaint food vans.
Camden has long been associated with the UK punk scene. It still has a thriving alternative music culture with venues found across the borough, including Dingwalls and the Camden Roundhouse.
It is also home to a number of pub theatres that provide a unique and intimate theatrical experience.
Tube: Camden Town, Chalk Farm, Mornington Cresent
Top Hotel: St Martins Almshouses
4. Kensington and Chelsea
This London borough is one of the most affluent in the capital and has been home to many own the rich and famous, including a young Princess Diana. Kensington has a particularly notable range of museums.
You can find the Natural History Museum, the V&A museum, and the Science Museum.
Due to the affluence of the area, many of the buildings are grand and impressive and simply walking around the area can make for lovely sightseeing.
This is the place to visit if you want to see the elegance of traditional high society in London.
Tube: High Street Kensington, Notting Hill, South Kensington
Top Hotel: Milestone Hotel
5. South Bank
The South Bank is home to many of the london attractions listed in this post, and is the area to head to for experience and entertainment.
Located on the south side of the River Thames, it provides beautiful views of the entire city.
There’s plenty to keep you busy, and attractions include the Globe Theatre, the National Theatre, the Tate Modern, the Sea Life Centre, the London Eye, and the London Dungeons.
In addition, you can easily walk to Westminster from here, as it’s only a hop away. Full of excitement, this one is sure to keep you busy.
Tube: Waterloo, Embankment, Southward
Top Hotel: London Marriott Hotel County Hall
6. Notting Hill
The setting of the 1999 Hugh Grant movie of the same name, this area of London is just as charming to visit in real life as it is in the movie.
The most famous attraction, open over the weekends is the Portobello Road market which is the world’s largest antique market. There are a number of quaint shops selling unique items in the area as well, making this a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys shopping for one-of-a-kind items.
It is a picturesque little place, with a number of pretty buildings, and Holland Park contains a Japanese Kyoto Garden.
In the summer, it is home to the wonderful Notting Hill Carnival, a carnival that celebrates the culture of Caribbean-British Londoners.
Tube: Notting Hill Gate, Holland Park, Bayswater
Top Hotel: The Portobello Hotel
7. Mayfair
Mayfair is the place to head for upmarket shopping, most notably in the Burlington Arcade, home to a number of upmarket boutiques.
Filled to the brim with designer outlets, this is a place to splash your cash. There is also a good chance of some London celebrity sightings here as many well-known residents like to shop for their luxuries here as well.
Grays Antique Market offers collectables and unique items as well, so those of all persuasions are catered for.
This is one of the most lavish and high end stops to visit in London, a new place to go if you really want to treat yourself.
tube: Bond Street, Green Park, Marble Arch
Top Hotel: The Beaumont Hotel
8. Hampstead
This location is home to many of the UK’s most famous celebrities, most likely because of the feeling that you’re stepping out of the big city and into a small town.
Small streets lined with independent retailers make for a unique and relaxing experience.
One of its most notable sites is Hampstead Heath, an enormous park where the celebs like to walk their dogs. From Parliament Hill you are able to see views of the entire city.
The heath is also particularly famous for its outdoor swimming ponds, used by the public for centuries. On a warm enough summer day, this can be the perfect way to cool down so make sure to pack your swimming gear just in case!
Tube: Hampstead, Golders Green, Belsize Park
Top Hotel: Palmers Lodge
9. Shoreditch
Transformed during the hipster revolution of the early 2010s, Shoreditch is now a trendy area of London, particularly for the young person to visit. It’s easily accessible via the London Underground, with tube stations like Old Street on the Northern line and Liverpool Street on the Central line nearby.
This is one for the foodies, with brunch being taken seriously in these parts. There are also a number of trendy, modern pubs and unique bars, such as jazz bars and those serving fancy cocktails.
There is even an off-the-beaten-track feel to the shops in the area, with vintage shops abound and Knick knacks to be found at the art market.
For a more modern experience of London and it’s young people, this is the place to go. You can easily plan your route here using a London sightseeing map or London Underground map with tourist attractions.
Tube: Old Street, Moorgate, Liverpool Street
Top Hotel: Batty Langley’s
10. Peckham
While Shoreditch offers a trendier view of modern London, Peckham offers a more authentic experience. You can get here via the Jubilee line to Canada Water, then switch to the London Overground to reach Peckham.
This is one of the most diverse areas of London to visit, and this can be particularly appreciated by the variety of foods on offer here. From Nigerian to Filipino, to Caribbean there’s food to tempt you on every corner here.
Rye Lane is the place to head, with a number of stores selling food, clothes, and accessories used.
There is a real sense of local culture here, and late-night entertainment includes a number of local DJ’s playing dancehall and grime.
If you’re willing to go off the beaten track and experience the true heart of London, Peckham has it all. Consult a map of London attractions or things to do in London map to plan your visit.
Tube: Bermondsey, Canada Water
Top Hotel: Peckham Rooms Hotel
Check Out This Comparison Of The Areas Of London
If you want to compare the different areas of London then check out this great video doing just that.
Sightseeing in London
Westminster Abbey
This historic abbey is found in, you guessed it, Westminster. It is one of the most iconic buildings in all of the UK and a must-see London attraction. First of all, because of its impressive medieval architecture, but also because of the history attached to it.
This is the location of all coronations of British monarchs over the last 1000 years, as well as royal weddings, including Charles and Diana’s and William and Kate’s.
It is also the location of the burial sites of many significant people including most kings and queens, as well as people such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, William Wordsworth, Geoffrey Chaucer and many others.
This is one of the most fascinating buildings you can visit in London. You can easily reach it via the District or Circle lines to St. James’s Park tube station.
Houses of Parliament
The home of British democracy, the Houses of Parliament is one of the other most iconic sights in the UK.
Another impressive old building with an impressive history to boot, this one is also found in Westminster, near the tube stops in central London like Westminster on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines.
Take a stroll outside, and see campaigners on Parliament Square, or buy tickets and have a tour of the inside.
You are even able to watch debates take place in the house of commons and, with such characters as part of the British government, this surely must be nearly as entertaining as a night out at a comedy club.
Big Ben
Immediately recognisable, Big Ben is one to check off your list when you visit London.
Conveniently, it’s just around the corner from the House of Parliament, so you won’t have to travel far to see it. A symbol of parliamentary democracy and an impressive and iconic sight, Big Ben also has a lot of history to offer.
To discover stories about bombings in WWII and the naming of the main tower, a tour is available to book, which takes you into the main tower and up to the other side of the clock face, so you can see it up close.
Buckingham Palace
One of the most iconic sights in London, Buckingham Palace was the Queen’s official UK residence.
It is still one of the King’s residences, and while the chances of seeing him are very slim, you will be able to see if she is in or not by whether the flag on the room is raised.
If the flag is flying, then he’s inside the palace. If not, he will be visiting one of her other UK residencies. The palace is located just outside of Green Park, so you can combine your visit with a beautiful walk.
Outside the palace, you can see the iconic Queen’s Guard and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. You can also book tickets to tour inside to see the Royal Mews and Gallery.
To get here, take the London Underground Piccadilly or Victoria lines to Green Park station.
London Eye
One of the other most iconic sights to visit in London, however this time slightly more modern, is the London Eye. Found on the South Bank, this wheel is iconic enough, especially when lit up at night, but you really want to take a trip on it to truly appreciate it.
This slow-moving wheel takes you right up where you can see across the whole of London and view its most iconic sights from the air.
Its large pods allow you to wander across and see the city from all sides, and there is always plenty of room in them for you to take a sit down or stroll across to the other side.
Make sure to pre-book and snag your tickets for £27 online. The nearest tube station is Waterloo on the Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines.
Top 5 London Parks
Kensington Gardens
Kensington Gardens is the location of Kensington Palace, home to many of the royals including Will and Kate, Princess Eugenie and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Previous residents include Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, and Harry and Megan. Sections of the palace are also available to tour, and they often have exhibitions on the history of the royal family.
Besides this, Kensington Gardens makes for a lovely walk, with a large lake in the middle a home for a wide variety of bird species.
Most unique are the green parakeets that can be found in the trees across the gardens. They can be hard to spot at first, as they blend in well with the leaves, but simply listen for and follow their loud cheep-ing sounds and soon you will have seen dozens!
The nearest tube stations are High Street Kensington on the Circle and District lines or Queensway on the Central line.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is the largest of the royal parks and is actually attached to Kensington Gardens. They are separated by a large lake called the Serpentine, where boating and swimming occur in the summer.
You can find a number of majestic fountains around this lake, as well as many swans and other types of waterbirds too.
To be found here are also the Princess Diana memorial fountain, the Peter Pan statue, and The Standing Stone – supposedly brought from Stonehenge.
Speaker’s Corner is over the far side of Hyde Park, an area where debate and political public speaking are allowed, and can often make for some rather interesting viewing.
The nearest tube stations are Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line or Marble Arch on the Central line.
Regents Park
Regents Park in Central London is split between the boroughs of Westminster and Camden. It is the home of London Zoo, where you can see animals such as giraffes, chimpanzees and elephants.
It is also home to the Regents Park Open Air Theatre, which shows a variety of unique musicals and plays in the summer. Previous examples of shows in include Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Evita.
Besides these attractions, you are also able to find many different types of waterfowl on the large lake, enjoy the manicured gardens throughout the park, and admire the old, large villas that surround the park’s exterior.
The nearest tube stations are Regent’s Park on the Bakerloo line or Great Portland Street on the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines.
Green Park
Green Park is a great place to stop and rest while visiting the sights listed higher up on this list. With Buckingham Palace on one side and Westminster on the other, it is in the middle of all your sightseeing locations.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle, then head here for the peaceful green space and catch your breath.
With fewer attractions than the other parks, this is like getting a taste of the countryside right in the English capital.
There are some historical monuments and memorials to see around the park, but mostly, this is the place to come to soak up the wildlife and find some peace and quiet.
The nearest tube station is Green Park on the Jubilee, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.
Richmond Park
This one is a little trip out of Central London, located in Richmond upon Thames, but I had to include it on this list because of how iconic and impressive it is.
It is the largest of the Royal Parks and is London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is particularly notable for its wildlife, especially its red and fallow deer that live there. Luckily, visitors are able to spot these fairly easily.
Otherwise, there are woodpeckers, frogs, insects, and many bird species that rely on this habitat.
For nature and wildlife lovers, this really is one to visit. I think the fact that the park’s newest pond, Attenborough Pond, was named after naturalist David Attenborough tells you all you need to know!
The nearest tube station is Richmond on the District line, then you can take a bus or walk to the park.
Discover More Great London Parks
There are loads more great parks in London. Check out some of the best city esapes with this great video.
Top 5 London Museums
Natural History Museum
This museum is located in Kensington and just up the road from the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum. It holds a wide range of natural history artefacts.
Most famously, its dinosaur gallery holds some of the first-ever discovered dinosaur skeletons.
You can also see artefacts related to mammals, prehistoric sea creatures, gemstones, and volcanoes.
You can find some of the largest and most impressive artefacts at this museum. These can be especially exciting for children, allowing them a space to have fun and learn.
For the adults, there is plenty to learn regarding science and the history of the Earth. There’s entertainment for all the family here.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the largest collections in the world, covering human history and culture from across the globe. Its collection spans some of the earliest artefacts crafted by humans to contemporary artists and designers.
There are many iconic artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, as well as artefacts from the Chinese Dynasties, the Aztecs and the Mayans.
This is a fascinated museum, particularly for fans of ancient and world history.
It is located near Covent Garden and Shaftesbury Avenue, so is an ideal way to spend a day before heading to dinner and a show in the evening.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum, located in Kensington, is almost like a cross between a museum and an art gallery. This is a great one to head to if you can’t quite decide what you’d like to see.
It is an art and design museum, and has a wide range of exhibits for you to choose from. This includes sculpture, photography, jewellery, painting, and its fashion exhibit is particularly famous.
The building itself is beautifully designed, with an open garden in the centre and a grand café for you to eat in.
Science Museum
This is another one in Kensington, and a slightly smaller London gallery, so you can easily visit within a few hours. The science museum covers everything from household appliances to aircraft.
Exhibits include space travel, locomotives, computers and the future of technology.
This is a particularly good museum to take children to, as there is a selection of hands-on exhibits to make learning fun and interactive.
In addition, parents can get nostalgic over the collection of classic cars.
The space travel exhibit is sure to impress anyone, especially with the gallery including rockets and meteor fragments.
A more light-hearted and modern museum, if you want a fun afternoon out rather than one of heavy and intense historical information!
Museum of London
If you’re looking for information about the city you’re in, England’s capital itself, then the Museum of London is your one-stop-shop.
This museum documents the history of London from the Roman occupation up until the present day.
You can view fragments of the old Roman city walls around the outside edge of the museum. Inside are artefacts from many different eras of the city.
These include the artefacts from the social life of Victorian London, fashions from the Swinging Sixties and the 70’s punk scene, and more modern items from television shows on the BBC.
Covering the capital’s social, political and cultural history, this is the place to go to really understand the history of the city you’ll be visiting.
Top 5 London Art Galleries
National Gallery
The National Gallery is based in Trafalgar Square, so you are able to combine these visits into one.
It offers a wide selection of European painters from throughout history, including Van Gogh, Turner, and Caravaggio.
This gallery holds the widest selections of famous paintings in the world, holding too many must-sees to name.
Additionally, they often hold exhibitions for famous painters such as Raphael or Monet, so make sure to check what’s on during your visit so you don’t miss out
Tate Britain
The Tate Britain offers a selection of paintings by British artists throughout history. Highlights include works by the pre-Raphaelites and followers such as Millais and Waterhouse.
It also holds those by famous artists such as Singer Sergeants and Turners. If you want to delve into British art history, then this is the place to go.
It is based in Millbank so you can find it near the attractions in Westminster and various other museums and galleries.
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is one of the sister galleries to the Tate Britain, this time offering a collection of British modern art from the last 100 years.
It is one of the most popular art galleries in the world and surely one of the most unique. This one is perfect for art lovers and non-art lovers who just wished to see something interesting.
You will never be bored at this art gallery, with artworks by Picasso and also a number of contemporary, Avant-Garde artists.
A short walk from The Globe theatre, this is the perfect opportunity to visit two different sites in one afternoon.
Saatchi Gallery
If you want to see the latest up and coming artists from across the globe, the Saatchi is where you want to head. Located near Sloane Square, this gallery showcases contemporary art exhibits, often by unknown artists.
It’s perfect for trendsetters, or those who want to be ahead of the curve. From paintings to photography, to motion artwork, there is a diverse selection of artworks here by a diverse selection of artists.
For those who want to stay up to date in the world of art, but aren’t quite adventurous enough to dip their toes into the modern art of the Tate Modern, this gallery is an excellent choice.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
This option is located slightly out of town, in South London. It is the oldest public art gallery in England and holds an extremely wide collection of artworks by the old masters.
You can find Rembrandt, Poussin, Reynolds, and Rubens in this gallery, plus many more. This makes it a great choice for those who like more traditional European artists, or those wishing to learn more about European art history.
The location of this gallery also gives you the opportunity to visit and explore a different part of London.
There is a park located in Dulwich itself, and the boroughs of Brixton and Peckham are nearby.
If you’re an art fan go and check out my extended guide to the art galleries in London.
Top 5 London Theatres
National Theatre
This theatre is one of the three top arts funded venues in the UK. Therefore, is one of the producers of the most impressive shows in the country.
It is actually made up of three different theatres in one building, which means there is always plenty to choose from.
The National Theatre often produces new plays, many of which go on to win awards.
However, its revivals of classic plays such as those of Shakespeare are also renowned for having an accessible approach to the text.
With a large theatre bookshop found there, this is one of the most important creative hubs you can visit in London.
The Globe
Want to see a Shakespeare play as it was originally intended? Head to The Globe theatre on the Southbank. This theatre is a loyal recreation of the open-air theatre in which Shakespeare’s plays would have been originally performed.
It is dedicated to the performing of his plays in the most loyal way possible. Many a famous name has been drawn to performing here too.
Also available are £5 tickets for those willing to stand in the pit this is a great budget option.
The theatre also contains an education centre, and tours allow you to get a deeper understanding of this iconic theatre.
Regents Park Open Air Theatre
This theatre is one of the largest and most unique theatres you can visit in London. It is all based outside in the green space of the park itself.
This makes for an impressive venue, and they make the most of it by showing plays that are full of magic.
Often offering musicals and plays aimed at children, this is a really special theatre and a unique experience too.
Luckily, they are only open during the summer months, so you can enjoy the summer weather as you watch.
Young Vic
The Young Vic’s goal is to produce accessible theatre that is experimental and forward-thinking. This theatre produces work aimed at all audiences and brings them unique and impactful work.
With a focus on diversity within their shows, they are a great option for underrepresented groups.
Many a famous face has performed on this stage, and their creativity and experimentation are a draw to many.
They have produced many award-winning plays, including revivals and new works. This is one to check out for the contemporary theatre lover.
Hampstead Theatre
Hamstead Theatre is located slightly north of the centre in Camden, but it is a very special one. It has a focus on producing new works and encouraging the development of new writers.
This theatre is one that is having a real impact on the development of the theatrical scene of the future.
There are two separate theatres. One is where larger productions take place and many a famous actor has trodden the boards. However, it remains a small, cosy, intimate theatre. A great place to head if you want to see your favourite stars perform up close. The second is the Downstairs, where new works by upcoming playwrights are performed.
Additionally, this theatre is particularly good for young people, as £10 tickets are available for those under 30.
Safety Advice For Visiting London
While London is one of the safest cities to visit, there is no harm in being prepared. Make sure to:
- Plan your route before you leave.
- Only use registered taxis.
- Stick to well-lit roads.
- Avoid walking alone at night.
- Be aware that vehicles drive on the left.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, particularly on the tube and at tourist attractions.
Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 999
Click this link to read the Met Police’s guide to staying safe in London.
Thank You For Reading!
Thank you so much for reading my post. I really hope it’s been helpful and given you a few ideas on what you might want to do when you come to London.
Check out the other posts on my blog for more ideas on what to do when you visit the UK, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know what else you’d like to see from me.
Check out my Ultimate Guide To The UK to discover more things to do outside of London.
Don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list to be the first to know when I publish a new post!
Ta-ta for now! x
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