If you're like me and London is one of those places you've dreamed of going to for years. Maybe it was because Marry Poppins and Peter Pan were two of my favorite movies as a kid, but London always had this fairytale level appeal to me. Heading into our trip to London, I was warned by friends and even strangers online that we should "visit all of England except London," and to "stay away from London" because we'll hate it. With input like this, naturally my expectations were low.
While I do always recommend keeping expectations low and an open mind when traveling to new places, I'm pretty sure London would have met decently high expectations. I was in love almost instantly! The city (while not without its faults) felt like walking around a favorite book. It felt like there was something famous from literature or movies on every corner and seeing so many familiar sites in real life for the first time was so much fun.
Do keep in mind that this was my first trip to London and naturally a lot of what we did and saw would be considered very touristy. But in a place like London it's inevitable that you're going to do touristy things because its a city that is packed to the brim with iconic sites.
If you’re an American planning your first trip to London, this guide will make navigating the city like a pro. From how to get to London, all the must-see spots, where to stay, and more, I’ve got you covered.
How to Get to London
Getting to London from the U.S. is straightforward. Major airlines like British Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic operate direct flights to London’s key airports. If you’re choosing between London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN):
One of our favorite ways to snag incredible flight deals to London (or anywhere in the world for that matter) is by using Going (formerly known as Scott's Cheap Flights). You can choose your home airports (we choose airports all around the USA but you can choose one or however many you want) and select where you'd like to receive flight deal notifications for. Going is completely free to access domestic flight deals, however, if you’re looking for international or business/first class flight deals, you’ll need to grab their annual subscription.
We've seen deals to London for ~$400 from our home airport of Atlanta! Go sign up for Going to start getting your own flight deals directly in your inbox today.
London’s public transportation system is a dream come true for tourists. While it might seem daunting at first, it's actually pretty simple and is the best way to get around the city. In a hurry? Taxis and ride share programs are available, too. Here’s how to get around the city of London.
This reloadable travel card works across the Tube (subway), buses, and even some trains. It’s cheaper and easier than buying single tickets. Tap in and out of stations, and you’re good to go. Keep in mind that your Oyster Card is good forever. If you're like us and see yourself going back to London in the future be sure to hang onto it to save yourself $7 USD when you return.
You can buy an Oyster Card at any Tube station, Overground station, or major rail station in London. Look for the self-service ticket machines or ask at the ticket counter. You can also purchase one at Heathrow Airport or select convenience stores like newsagents displaying the Oyster Card logo.
Familiarize yourself with the Tube map (don’t worry, it’s color-coded!) to hop from one iconic destination to another. Be sure to "mind the gap" between the train and the platform! We found Google Maps was spot on with guiding us to Tube stations and and getting us to the correct platform for connecting trains.
For sightseeing on a budget, take London’s iconic double-decker buses. Routes such as 11 or 15 pass famous landmarks, and you can enjoy great views from the top deck. This isn't something we did since we had perfect warm and sunny weather while we were there, but it would be a really great option if you're visiting London when the weather is less than ideal.
Some areas, like Covent Garden or South Bank, are best explored on foot. London also offers bike rental options like Santander Cycles with stations scattered all throughout the city. Bikes are a great option for getting around the city on a sunny day and especially great for parks like Hyde Park.
Note: If you don't regularly ride bikes on roadways I wouldn't recommend starting in London. Instead stick to the parks and bike paths.
London’s iconic black taxis are a classic and reliable way to get around the city, offering professional drivers with extensive knowledge of the streets. However, black taxis can be a bit pricier than ride share apps, especially for longer trips. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, ride share services like Uber are widely available and tend to be more cost-effective. They’re convenient and easy to book through an app, but during peak hours or high-demand times, surge pricing can make them less economical. Both options offer convenience in their own way, so it comes down to personal preference and budget.
When choosing a neighborhood, think about your itinerary and style. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular areas for first-time visitors including our top picks.
Quick note about our hotel recommendations: We tend to use points and miles when we stay at hotels, especially in more expensive cities such as London. Because of this all of our hotel recommendations in this blogpost will be four and five star hotels. Keep in mind that you can still get great deals at some of these hotels so it's worth checking them out! Also please note that we haven't personally tried all of these hotels, only the one. Our recommendations are based on the thorough research we did before our visit and these were all of the hotels we considered staying at.
Ideal for landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. This is the area of town we stayed in during our stay and we found it super convenient but also not one we'd likely stay in again. Here's what I mean...
Westminster gets super busy with fellow tourists and it's right next to parliament so it's not uncommon to have a lot of protests and picketers in the area. While their causes are worthy, it does feel really loud and politically hostile at times. When we were there there was a really large protest with thousands of people and it blocked off a lot of the area all afternoon.
That being said, we found Westminster to be a good fit for us since much of what we wanted to do was right outside our doorstep. This was extra convenient when we wanted to see sites like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey without the crowds early in the morning. All we had to do was roll out of bed and walk three blocks to be right in the middle of some of London's most famous places.
If it's your first time staying in London, Westminster is a great pick. We really liked our hotel, Great Scotland Yard Hotel, and it was a bonus that we could use our Hyatt points to stay there since it's a part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection. You can book our hotel directly through the Hyatt website or through Booking.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.
The bustling center of London's tourist hotspots, perfect for foodies and theater fans. We were visiting London with friends from back home and they were staying in Covent Garden. While Westminster and Covent Garden are side by side in the city, I would pick Westminster instead. Covent Garden certainly seemed to have more American chain restaurants and shops, but the perk of its location is that places like The National Portrait Galley and loads of restaurants are right outside your doorstep.
Charming, colorful, and home to the famous Portobello Road Market. This neighborhood is iconic for its quaint, picture perfect streets that are begging to be photographed. The only real downside to staying Notting Hill is that you're pretty far from most of London's main attractions so you might spend more time on the Tube than you anticipated. That being said, if you're wanting to visit London specifically to blend into a neighborhood and soak up a bit of the quieter side of London, this might be just the place for you!
Mayfair is the neighborhood to turn to if you're looking for a little bit of luxury. Known for its high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants, and historic hotels, this area oozes charm and exclusivity. Strolling through Mayfair feels like stepping into a more refined side of London, making it perfect for travelers who are looking to indulge a bit.
While we aren't usually people who book five star hotels (one can dream though, right?), Mayfair was appealing to us due to its close proximity to major attractions plus being right next to Hyde Park and The Green Park. I'm a big fan of having a nice green space in the city and staying in Mayfair offers visitors a blend of the city and nature.
Marylebone is Mayfair's more relaxed next door neighbor. While Mayfair seems to flash expensive and luxury, Marylebone is a bit more of a laidback, old money sort of feel. There are still great boutiques, restaurants, and hotels, but without the hustle and bustle that comes with a busy neighborhood like Mayfair.
Next time we visit London I'd really like to try and stay in Marylebone! It had such a charming feel about it and seemed to be the best of both worlds: close to attractions but quaint and quieter.
Oh, and bonus: my new favorite bookstore, Daunt Books, has a location in this neighborhood! While Daunt has a few different locations throughout the city, this one is special because it's the only bookstore I've ever been to that organizes their catalog by country. So cool!
Pro Tip: Book your hotel in advance! Hotels in all of these neighborhoods tend to book up quickly leaving no rooms or rooms at elevated rates.
If it's your first time in London, England and you want to see as many of the iconic sites as possible and save money, you should definitely consider getting the London Pass.
The London Pass is a sightseeing card that gives you access to over 97 popular attractions, tours, and museums across the city. It allows you to skip the ticket lines and can save you both time and money during your visit!
Absolutely! The London Pass is worth it if you plan to visit multiple attractions during your stay. With access to so many iconic sites, like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and even a river cruise on the Thames, it can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying individual tickets. Plus, skipping long lines means more time to explore and enjoy your adventure.
The cost of the London Pass varies depending on the duration you choose. Prices typically range from around £79 for a 1-day pass to £194 for a 10-day pass. There are also discounts for children, making it a flexible option for travelers with different plans.
Yes! One of the great perks of the London Pass is that it often grants you access to attractions even when regular tickets are sold out. However, it's always a good idea to check the terms and conditions for specific locations to ensure availability. For example, when you purchase your London Pass you'll need to reserve your spot for a few certain attractions including the London Tower.
You can purchase the London Pass online through their official website or via their mobile app.
You’ve made it to London, and now it’s time to explore! Here are the spots we most recommend visiting during your first trip to this incredible English city. Keep in mind that seeing all of these during your first trip to London might be impossible if you only have a few days (like we did). So pick and choose the ones you most want to experience and save the rest for next time.
You can't visit London without a visit to Buckingham Palace. While the exterior of the palace alone is impressive especially when approached by walking down The Mall, tours are also available for portions of the interior of the palace.
Tours are primarily given during the summer months and on very few select days throughout the rest of the year. So if going inside the palace is high on your list, you'll want to visit London between July-September and book your tickets well in advance.
The changing of the guard is the most popular attraction at Buckingham Palace and it's free to all. While the changing of the guard is outdoors, the event takes place rain or shine on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 AM. You'll want to get there at least a half hour early to get a good viewing spot. Keep in mind that the changing of the guard doesn't happen solely in front of Buckingham Palace, but rather it moves from the front gates of the palace down the mall, St. James' Place, and the Wellington Barracks.
Image by rct.uk
Admission: Free to visit the outside; Tours start at £32 for adults (ages 25+), £20.50 for your persons (ages 18-24), £16 for children (ages 7-17)
Hours: Exterior is accessible 24/7, tour hours vary
Address: Google Maps
Sara and Kramer in front of Buckingham Palace
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the National Portrait Gallery celebrating British portraiture. It’s located right next to Trafalgar Square, making it convenient to get to. Admission is free but tickets are required and can be made in advance. Advanced ticketing guarantees you entry into the museum whereas snagging your tickets at the door could leave you in a long line or even without being able to visit on extremely busy days.
We didn't reserve tickets in advance but arrived at the museum about 15 minutes before it opened and we were still in the doors within five minutes of opening.
The National Portrait Gallery hosts a varied collection, many of which are iconic. Even if you're more of a casual art appreciator, the museum is worth your time seeing as it's free and a wonderful indoor activity for when the weather isn't ideal.
Admission: Free
Hours: Everyday 10:30 AM-6:00 PM
Address: St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE | Google Maps
Attached to the Houses of Parliament is what might just be the most iconic site in all of England: Big Ben. If I'm being honest, Big Ben was much more beautiful than I expected! The clock is ornate and truly incredible to look at. Maybe it's just me, but I had "The Second Star to the Right" running through my head every time we passed by Big Ben during our walks around the city of London and you very well might, too (just a heads up).
Tours inside Big Ben are available but these book out well in advance! I wish we had been able to do this but tickets were completely sold out by the time we knew we were going to be in London. If you'd like to visit the inside of Big Ben, keep in mind that there are 334 steps to reach the top (no elevator but [accessible tours are available upon request](https://Learn more about requesting an accessible tour)) and the tour takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Tickets for Big Ben tours go on sale three months in advance on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 AM London time (GMT +1).
Admission: Free to look at Big Ben from the outside, tours of Big Ben are £35 for adults, £20 for kids (ages 11-17)
Hours: Tour times vary, the outside of Big Ben is available to see 24/7
Address: Big Ben London SW1A 0AA | Google Maps
Just across the street from Big Ben is Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned and married for centuries. The cathedral is ornate and stunning from the outside, but if you have time and want to wander indoors, too, you are ables with a ticket. Like most places in the city, during peak season tickets to Westminster Abbey will sell out so you'll want to book your Westminster Abbey tickets well in advance.
*Westminster Abbey is available with the London Pass
Admission: Free to see the outside anytime; Tickets £30 for adults, £27 for seniors (ages 65+), £13 for children (ages 6-17), free for children 5 and under
Hours: Open to see from the outside 24/7; Tour operation hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-3:30 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, Sunday closed
Address: Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA | Google Maps
London’s "green lung" is perfect for a leisurely stroll or renting a rowboat on the Serpentine. When we needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the city we grabbed a coffee and took a walk around the park. We walked along the Serpentine, saw the Peter Pan statue, and wandered down the shaded pathways. Don’t miss Kensington Gardens next to Kensington Palace on the western side of the park.
Admission: Free to visit, vendors such as boat rentals have separate fees
Hours: Open 24/7
Address: Google Maps
From the dazzling crown jewels to the ominous tales of its ancient walls, the Tower of London offers a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s royal past. While the history of the tower is largely dark and (honestly) pretty depressing, today it's a beautiful and offers visitors to step back into time and catch a glimpse of those famous jewels in person.
*Tower of London is available with the London Pass but reservations should still be made up to 10 days in advance through London Pass.
Admission: A part of the London Pass or £35.80 for adults and £17.90 for children (ages 5-15)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM, Sunday & Monday 10:00 AM-5:30 PM
Address: London EC3N 4AB | Google Maps
Despite its fame, London Bridge might not be the romantic, picturesque structure visitors imagine it’s actually a rather functional and basic design. Interestingly, the original historic London Bridge no longer here (it's actually in Lake Havasu, Arizona!). However, this current bridge is still worth exploring, as it provides a convenient and iconic way to cross the Thames. Plus, while strolling across, you'll be treated to stunning views of the much more charming and photogenic Tower Bridge, making it a perfect spot to grab a photo.
Admission: Free
Hours: Open 24/7
London Bridge Address: London EC4R 3TN | Google Maps
Tower Bridge Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP | Google Maps
If you want to sample all of England's famous foods in one place, Borough Market is the place to go. With its buzzing atmosphere, the market is packed with stalls offering everything from artisan cheeses and freshly baked bread to international street food and gourmet ice cream. Borough Market is also a piece of history as there's been a market in the same place since at least the 12th century! Today Borough Market is the perfect spot to grab a bite, sample new flavors, and soak up the lively energy of one of London’s most iconic food destinations.
Personally we found the market really, really busy, but I'm still glad we went. Just prepare yourself for really crowded aisles and nowhere to sit and enjoy your food. At one point I found myself sitting on a curb eating a sausage roll while dogs walking by made a pass at my pastry. If you're willing to brave the crowds, give the market a go!
Admission: Free to visit, food prices vary by vendor
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, closed Mondays
Address: London SE1 9AL | Google Maps
I'm going ahead and including The British Museum on this list even though we didn't have time to make it there because I know it's an absolute must-visit. Next time we're in London I'll be making a beeline to get to this museum! The museum houses treasures from ancient Egypt, Greece, and beyond including The Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. The museum is free to enter so you don't have to stress about seeing everything in the museum in one visit. You can return again later at no cost!
Admission: Free
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM-8:30 PM, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG | Google Maps
Both the Marylebone and Mayfair neighborhoods offer chic streets and high-end boutiques perfect for shopping or just wandering around while sipping a latte from one of the many nearby cafés. My top pick: the Daunt Books location in Marylebone. This quaint shop organizes books by country, creating a completely unique browsing experience. It's a literary gem you don’t want to miss if you're a book lover like myself!
Admission: Free to walk around
Hours: Always open
Address to Marylebone: Google Maps
Address to Mayfair: Google Maps
If you're someone who enjoys the theatre, you should head to the Leicester Square and West End Theatre region of London. While I enjoy the theatre, this wasn't something we had planned to make time for during our few days in London. But, it is worth mentioning for those of you who want to see the latest show while in the city. Leicester Square is free to visit and a fun way to see homage paid to famous movie characters such as Mary Poppins.
Admission: Free to walk around, show prices vary
Hours: Always open to walk around, show times vary
Address to Leicester Square: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU | Google Maps
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an architectural marvel and a must-see destination for history and art enthusiasts alike. Standing proudly with its iconic dome, it offers breathtaking views of London if you're up for climbing the stairs to the top. Inside, the intricate details of the interior, combined with its rich history, create an memorable experience.
*St. Paul's Cathedral is available with the London Pass
Admission: A part of London Pass or £26 per adult and £10 for children, free to join the congregation for worship on Sundays
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Wednesday 10:00 AM-4:30 PM, closed for tours on Sunday since it is still a place of worship.
Note: Last tours begin at 4:00 PM and tours last 30 minutes
Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD | Google Maps
When packing for London, it’s essential to prepare for its unpredictable weather. Bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry during sudden rain showers. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the city offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities on foot. Layered clothing is key to adjusting to varying temperatures throughout the day, and a scarf or sweater can be handy for cooler evenings. Don’t forget a universal power adapter for your electronic devices, as the UK uses different plug types. Finally, pack a reusable water bottle and a small daypack or tote for carrying essentials while exploring the city.
We have a complete packing guide for London that you should checkout to ensure you pack the right gear for your first trip to this magical city.
London is a city that can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences. Spring (March to May) is a particularly charming season, as the parks and gardens are at their liveliest and full of flowers, and the weather begins to warm up. Summer (June to August) offers long daylight hours and a busy atmosphere, with numerous events and festivals taking place across the city. Autumn (September to November) brings crisp air and vibrant foliage, making it an ideal time for scenic walks. Winter (December to February) has its own appeal, with festive decorations, holiday markets, and fewer crowds at major attractions, despite cooler temperatures.
Do keep in mind that peak season (May-September) will bring the largest crowds and the highest prices. If you plan to go during these months we'd highly advise booking early!
Spring (March-May) and late summer (September) offer mild weather with fewer crowds. Plus, Hyde Park is stunning in spring!
Layers and comfortable walking shoes are key. Don’t forget a compact umbrella (rain is unpredictable!). Be sure to checkout our complete packing guide for London here.
Service charges are often included in restaurant bills. If not, 10-12% is customary but not mandatory.
London is largely cashless, so a credit card works almost everywhere. Carry small amounts of GBP for emergencies or markets.
Yes! Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in all of London.
London has a way of capturing hearts with its timeless charm and endless attractions. Whether you’re standing in awe of Big Ben or losing yourself in Hyde Park, your trip is destined to be unforgettable. Here’s to your first London tea, your first Tube ride, and a lifetime of stories from one of the world’s greatest cities. Cheers!
