London Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

London
London showing night scenes, skyline and a skyscraper
Albert Memorial featuring a garden, autumn colours and heritage architecture
London featuring a city, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
London

London is dizzyingly vast, thrillingly cosmopolitan and packed with culture at every turn there is no other city quite like it.

Take a trip in the London Eye, the giant wheel that sits on the banks of the River Thames, to get a sense of what makes London such an amazing city. Look below you to see immediately recognisable landmarks and streets bursting with life. As well as offering unparalleled sightseeing and culture, London today also promises a thriving foodie scene and peaceful parks, for when you need to escape the restless rush of the city.

Visit the Museum of London to find out about the fascinating story of Britain’s capital city. Learn about its origins at the Roman settlement Londinium, as well as the invasions and occupations that shaped the city in the following two millennia.

One of the best ways to spend your time in London is hopping between its numerous world-class museums and galleries, most of which are free to enter. The British Museum and the National Gallery are two of the most famous, but there are dozens more to discover. Learn about the history of healthcare in the Wellcome Collection or chart the story of design in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Saatchi Gallery also offer hours of entertainment.

The U.K.’s capital has no shortage of iconic landmarks, from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Houses of Parliament. Meet the silent, stoic soldiers that stand outside Buckingham Palace and encounter the crown jewels at the Tower of London.

Modern London hosts a thriving arts scene that every visitor needs to experience. Amble along Southbank to pass the Tate Modern, the British Film Institute and the National Theatre. Book tickets to see world-famous musicals in the theatres of the West End. Alternatively, seek out something more classical at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden for a night of extravagant entertainment.

Travel to London at any time of year, although wrap up in waterproofs if visiting in the rainy winter months between November and February. While the London Underground makes getting around easy, the city centre is also an exciting area to explore on foot.

Where to stay in London

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London City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre
London which includes markets, heritage elements and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
The City of London showing heritage architecture, a city and modern architecture

The City of London

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

The City of London is highly notable for its stunning cathedral, and you might want to visit top sights like St. Paul's Cathedral and London Guildhall. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bank Underground Station or St. Paul's Underground Station.

The City of London
Admiralty Arch which includes heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(470 area reviews)

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

City of Westminster
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho
Paddington featuring a city and a square or plaza

Paddington

Paddington Central and The Grosvenor Victoria Casino London are top sights in Paddington, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Paddington Underground Station or Edgware Road (Bakerloo) Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Paddington
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is NZ$225 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
NZ$225
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (5,291 reviews)
"Room was good, large place"

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is NZ$315 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
NZ$315
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8,444 reviews)
"Rooms were clean, but all a bit dated and tired."

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is NZ$382 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
NZ$382
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,507 reviews)
"Amazing hotel, spotless and such friendly staff. Will definitely return."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (450 reviews)
"Very new and clean aparthotel. Front desk is staffed 24 hrs. Great location. I had some trouble with the central “smart” controls setting off alarms and flashing lights in the middle of the night, otherwise no issues."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Rockwell East

Rockwell East

4 out of 5
99 Mansell Street, London, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (724 reviews)
A great short stay option
"My husband and I come to London each year for a shopping trip, and Rockwell East is now our favourite base. This was our second stay and it was just as good as the first! The accommodation is local to both Aldgate and Tower Bridge Tube stations. Our one-bedroom apartment was spotless, with a comfy ..."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Rockwell East
Citadines Trafalgar Square London

Citadines Trafalgar Square London

4 out of 5
18/21 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,694 reviews)
"The apartment was perfect for our 1 night stay as a group of 4 friends. Check-in was easy. Location was great for accessing Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The only slight negative was the very tight stairs up to the bedrooms but it wouldn’t it us off staying again."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Citadines Trafalgar Square London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of London

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
826
5 - Excellent 52%
4 - Good
645
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
86
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Kaela

Coronavirus wrecker the trip but it was great to be here!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Hop on hop off buses are great to give you an idea about where to go.Dont expect to be able to do too many things in one day. Most shops in Oxford St dont open until 10am. There will be a bit of walking and steep stairs .

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Seemed less stressed this trip. Customer service everywhere was friendly, people smiled and generally were helpful when you asked questions. Was a nice sunny crisp spring day. Cleaner streets than usual too.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

We have been to London many times before and there was no need to visit any tourists attractions. We went for our mother’s 90th birthday. London was cold, windy and raining.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We didn't plan to go here but decided to add the city to our trip and was really glad we did. Had an amazing time. Extrmely expensive however.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Busy !

Cities near London