United Kingdom · LHR
London travel guide
London absorbs however much time you give it. The centre is walkable in patches and quite deliberately not walkable across, so the practical decision is which two or three areas you want to know properly rather than trying to cover the map. The city is served by six airports, and which one you land at meaningfully changes your first two hours.
When to visit
May to September has the longest days and the best odds on weather. Late autumn and winter are darker and wetter, but noticeably quieter and easier to move around.
Getting around
The Underground and buses cover almost everything; a contactless card or phone works as your ticket with no separate purchase. Fares are capped daily, so tapping in for short hops is not penalised.
Good to know
- Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City and Southend all serve London and are spread widely — confirm which one your ticket uses before booking onward transport.
- Many major museums have no admission charge, though special exhibitions are ticketed and often sell out ahead.
- Sunday transport schedules are reduced and engineering works are common; check before relying on a specific line.
