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Plan Your London Holiday: Best of London

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Explore London

London’s a sprawling city at the centre of everything: art, history, culture—you name it. But what sets it apart from other major hubs are its distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe. Spend an afternoon with the fam in Kensington: It’s got museums, parks, and plenty of other kid-approved things to do. Or check out edgy Shoreditch for cool shops and street murals (perfect for photo ops), then head to Soho where you can grab a pint at a pub or hit a club and party ‘til dawn. Food’s a big deal here: Yes, there’s fish and chips, but also next-level curry houses thanks to London’s thriving Bangladeshi community (take your pick from tons of spots on Brick Lane), plus a growing roster of celebrity chef-driven restaurants in posh Mayfair. There’s always something new going on and we’ve got more recs, below.
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Essential London

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Travel Advice

Traveller Guides

A London pub crawl

After more years writing about them than I care to admit, I can spot a good London pub faster than you can say “Pint, please.” What’s the secret? Big or small, central or suburban, it comes down to the person behind the bar. And of course, the place itself needs to have some personality, too. Here are my favourite pubs.
  • The Coach & Horses
    293
    Even in Soho, which probably has more pubs per square mile than anywhere else in London, the Coach & Horses stands out. With its literary traditions and quirky features—check out the spittoon by the bar—this is a must-visit, and that’s before you consider the exceptional quality of the beer. My order: London Pride, a traditional English bitter.
  • The Harp, Covent Garden
    591
    Few places are as enticing on a warm day as this traditional British ale house in Covent Garden—the front windows folded back and a happy atmosphere drifting out into the street. Like all good English pubs, the cask ale is excellent. Heads up: This slim space gets packed after work. Come during the day if you want to get a seat at the bar.
  • The Gladstone Arms
    54
    Run by brother-and-sister team Gaurav and Meg Khanna, the Gladstone is exactly what you need after elbowing your way around nearby Borough Market. The bijoux gastropub stocks a wide-range of taps—though if wine’s your thing, there’s an interesting (and affordable) list. There’s also some decent Anglo-Indian pub grub—think chicken tikka masala pies and Indian-style roast dinners.
  • Blythe Hill Tavern
    48
    The Irish landlord, Con, sets high standards at this unpretentious neighbourhood pub in southeast London: The staff wears ties and the beer is always perfectly poured. Thursdays are my favourite for performances by local musicians, but you can’t go wrong any day of the week thanks to the friendly, welcoming vibe.
  • Dog & Bell SE8
    43
    Deptford—an up-and-coming area on the south bank of the Thames—used to be full of pubs, but most have shuttered over the past few decades. The Dog, though, goes from strength to strength—it even did a recent expansion. Come for the billiards table, live music, and the best Friday night atmosphere south of the Thames.
  • The Kings Arms
    12
    There’s a huge range of drinks available in this East End stalwart, from Kentish Ale to Finnish gin, not to mention killer cheese plates. Although it’s been modernized, the King’s Arms still retains an old-school ambiance, just the thing if you need an escape from the hipster scene in the surrounding Shoreditch neighbourhood.
  • King Charles I
    48
    Is it possible to find a village pub in the heart of Western Europe’s biggest city? Yes, and this is it. Small but perfectly-formed, the community-owned King Charles I is just a hop and skip from St Pancras station. Don’t forget to check out the jukebox.
  • The Mall Tavern
    368
    Parts of West London seem almost too posh for pubs these days, which is what makes The Mall Tavern such a delight. Modernized but unspoiled, it offers probably the best pub atmosphere in Notting Hill. The excellent beer and food doesn’t hurt either.
  • The Southampton Arms
    151
    The beer-lovers of North-West London swear by this place, and I have to admit they’ve got a point. Excellent drinks from independent producers, high-quality pub snack food (much of it pork-based), regular jazz sessions, and a charming back garden for sunny moments. The perfect place to while away an afternoon.
  • The Sutton Arms
    19
    Run by a father-and-son team, The Sutton Arms is the epitome of a high-class street-corner pub: handsome on the outside and cosy inside. Get a pint of London Black, a delicious porter from local brewery Anspach and Hobday, and soak up the atmosphere of a classic London pub.
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London Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing London

Trockie

BE PREPARED: Regardless of the weather report, always have an umbrella and/or rain jacket on hand!

robbelcher

Don't use the hop-on-hop-off buses. Get an Oyster card each and use the normal buses and tubes, it is so much cheaper.

joannstringer

Walking tours … are a great way to see the city and the neighborhoods for a very reasonable cost (tip the guide at the end of the tour).

PMQuestions

The World City, both dynamic and historic; both multicultural and cultural; humming, loud and intimate. It is whatever you seek.

Misk8786

It's the greatest city on the planet.

CarpeNox

London is a destination that you can continue to come back to again and again and continue to enjoy its delights.

What is the best way to get there?

flying

London is served by six international airports: Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, London City Airport, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport and Southend Airport. Together, they make up the busiest airspace in the world by passenger numbers.

train

St Pancras railway station is the main terminal for high speed Eurostar and High Speed 1 services linking London with Europe.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting London from overseas, use the government’s visa survey to see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer (June to August): With average temps around 70°F (21°C) there’s no shortage of entertainment in London over the summer months, when Trooping the Colour, London Pride, Notting Hill Carnival, and Wimbledon Tennis Championships draw huge crowds to the capital.

Alternatively, the holiday season brings with it a host of festivities, including Christmas markets, the famous NYE fireworks, and spectacular illuminations.

Get around

bicycle

Santander Cycles is a bike-share system with hundreds of bicycle docking stations located across London.

Visitors can hire a bike using a bank card at the docking station or downloading the app.

train

London’s Underground rail network, or "the Tube," services Greater London between 5a.m. and midnight Monday to Saturday, with reduced operating hours on Sunday.

Five Tube lines run a 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays: Victoria, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines.

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

bus

London’s bus route network services the city on a 24-hour service.

For more information about the network and fares, see here.

taxis

Hailing down a taxi on the street in London can be difficult so it is best to find an official taxi stand. You can also book a taxi online or on your smartphone here.

ridesharing

Uber, Bolt, and Kapten are readily available in London on your smartphone.

trams

South London operates a small tram network, Tramlink, with trams running approximately every 10 minutes in the daytime on Mondays to Saturdays.

On the ground

What is the timezone?

Greenwich Mean Time

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in the UK is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The plug has three rectangular pins.

What is the currency?

The Pound Sterling

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Yes

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Yes

Is it easy to find a bank?

Yes

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not always obligatory in the UK, however, it is customary to leave gratuity of 10-15% when eating out and it is polite to tip Black Cabs and minicabs 10-15%.

Are there local customs I should know?

Drinking

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Walking

Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.

Public transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

Queuing

Queuing is revered in British culture and it is considered incredibly rude to skip in front of people.

People will say “sorry” a lot — and you should too

British people are famous for saying “sorry” frequently — even if they are not at fault (such as apologizing for the weather or getting in someone’s way). It is considered polite.

London travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Location and Price Range

Some travelers recommended the Premier Inn and Travelodge chains for budget-friendly options in central London, with prices potentially fitting within a $150-250 range. The Premier Inn County Hall and Travelodge Covent Garden were specifically mentioned for their good rates and central locations.

High-End Options

For those with a higher budget, hotels like One Aldwych and Cafe Royal were suggested, provided they fit within the budget constraints. One Aldwych was particularly recommended if available for under $500 per night. The Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel and The Henrietta Hotel are also considered good choices, with prices around 300-500 pounds per night.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

For families, the Park Plaza County Hall was highlighted as a great option due to its proximity to major attractions like the London Eye and its vibrant surrounding area. This hotel, alongside the Premier Inn located in the same building, offers a balance of convenience and potentially more budget-friendly rates.

General Recommendations

Travelers have called out the importance of location in London due to the spread-out nature of attractions. Areas like Kensington, Covent Garden, and the County Hall area are frequently recommended for their safety, accessibility, and proximity to tourist sites.

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Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, travelers can take the Piccadilly line of the Underground, which connects Heathrow directly to central London in about 45-50 minutes. This is often considered the cheapest and most straightforward option. Another alternative is the TfL Rail services to Paddington, which operates even during some disruptions like rail strikes.

Heathrow Express

Some travelers mentioned the Heathrow Express (HEX), which provides a faster connection from Heathrow to Paddington Station, taking approximately 15 minutes. However, it tends to be more expensive and may not be the most convenient option if the final destination is not near Paddington.

Private Transport

For those preferring a more private option, forum users suggested booking a car service, which offers convenience especially for those with more luggage. Prices and journey times can vary greatly depending on traffic, with estimates not explicitly detailed in the posts.

Overall, the choice of transport may depend on factors such as budget, time constraints, and final destination within London.

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Day Trip Options

According to forum posts, some recommended day trips from London include Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton, Canterbury, Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury, and York. Each of these destinations offers unique attractions and can be reached approximately within an hour by train, except for York, which is about two hours away.

Specific Recommendations

Some travelers suggested specific activities such as punting in Cambridge, which is highlighted as a favorite. Additionally, Salisbury is noted for its proximity to Stonehenge and the majestic Salisbury Cathedral.

Organized Tours

For those preferring organized tours, it's mentioned that London Walks offers day trips to places like Cambridge. These trips are appreciated for being well-organized and informative, providing guided explorations with knowledgeable guides.

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Public Transport Options

According to forum posts, many users recommend using the London Underground and buses for family-friendly transportation in London. These options are not only economical but also provide an enjoyable experience for children. Travelers have called out that children under a certain age can travel for free, making these options cost-effective for families.

Private Transport Services

Some travelers said that for direct transfers, especially from airports to the city, private car services like Blackberry Cars or Parker Cars are recommended. These services are noted for their convenience and the ability to accommodate families with children, offering a comfortable travel experience right from the point of arrival.

Travel Cards and Payment Methods

For managing travel costs effectively, forum members suggest using contactless payment methods or an Oyster card. These payment options automatically cap daily expenses, ensuring that families do not spend more than necessary on public transport. This method is particularly useful for extensive travel across the city.

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Annual Festivities

According to forum posts, London hosts a variety of popular annual festivities. Notting Hill Carnival, highlighted by travelers, is a vibrant event featuring costumes, music, and a parade, with distinct experiences on both children's day (Sunday) and the main parade day (Monday). The discussion also mentions a steel band competition on Saturday night during the carnival weekend.

Holiday Celebrations

Travelers have called out Easter as a quieter holiday in London, with no major city-wide events compared to Christmas, but small-scale activities like Easter egg hunts for children and church services occur. Additionally, a Passion Play in Trafalgar Square on Good Friday was mentioned, which could be of interest to those visiting during the Easter weekend.

New Year's Eve

For many users, New Year's Eve in London is a highlight, with discussions around bars and restaurants that offer special celebrations. Although specific event details for New Year's Eve weren't provided, the interest suggests significant activities and celebrations occur city-wide during this festive night.

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Teen Activities in London

Some travelers have suggested a variety of teen-friendly activities in London that cater to different interests. For those interested in history and military, the Churchill War Rooms and the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London have been recommended. For entertainment, options like a ghost bus tour, bike tours, and a ride on a RIB down the Thames are popular among teenagers.

Interactive and Unique Experiences

For more interactive and unique experiences, some users have mentioned activities like the Tomb Raider Live experience, which combines an immersive environment with elements of an escape room. Additionally, visiting markets such as Camden Market can be a fun experience, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of stalls and food options.

Outdoor and Cultural Activities

Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy bike riding in various parts of the city or a boat ride from Richmond Park. Furthermore, for those interested in cultural activities, attending a musical in the West End or exploring the offerings at the British Museum could be appealing.

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Museum Recommendations

According to forum posts, the National Gallery and the Tate Modern are highly recommended for art enthusiasts. The National Gallery offers a classic art experience with works by artists like Van Gogh, whereas the Tate Modern is celebrated for its modern art installations and exhibitions.

Historical and Cultural Exhibits

For those interested in history and culture, the British Museum is a must-see, known for its vast collection of artifacts. Additionally, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, both located in South Kensington, are popular for their engaging and educational exhibits, ideal for families and science lovers.

Unique Museum Experiences

Travelers have called out the Churchill War Rooms and the Museum of London for those looking for a deep dive into specific historical periods. The Churchill War Rooms offer an immersive experience into wartime history, while the Museum of London provides insights into the city's rich past from Roman times to the present.

Alternative Options

Some travelers suggested exploring less conventional museums like the Hunterian Museum and the Wellcome Collection for unique medical and scientific collections. These museums offer distinctive exhibits that are not typically found in more mainstream locations.

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Payment Methods

According to forum posts, London's public transport system is cashless, allowing payments through contactless bank cards, Oyster cards, or mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Travelers have called out the convenience of tapping these payment methods directly on the card readers at stations.

Daily Capping and Benefits

Some travelers said that using contactless payment methods, including devices linked to bank accounts, offers the benefit of daily capping, where a maximum charge is applied regardless of further travel within the same day. This ensures cost efficiency for users traveling multiple times in a day.

Children's Fares

For many users, it's beneficial to note that children under certain ages can travel for free on public transport in London, which can be a significant saving for families traveling together.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.