The British Museum holds a vast collection of world art and artifacts and is free to enter! Some of its most famous pieces include the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Spend at least 4-5 hours here to fully appreciate the exhibitions.
The Tower of London is a historic fortress that has served many purposes over the centuries. It has been a royal palace, a prison, and even a royal mint. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and be sure to visit the Crown Jewels exhibition. Plan to spend around 3 hours here.
The West End is London's premier entertainment district, with countless theatres, restaurants, and shops to explore. Catch a matinee or evening show and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Buckingham Palace is the residence of the monarch and the Changing of the Guard, a formal ceremony that is free to watch and happens at 11 am daily during the summer months. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, and spend some time walking around St. James's Park before or after the ceremony. This will take around 2-3 hours.
The London Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe, offering stunning views of the city from above. It's located on the Southbank, a lively riverside area with plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to explore. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here.
The Tate Modern is a contemporary art gallery located in a converted power station. Spend some time admiring the artwork and then take a stroll along the Thames to Shakespeare's Globe, a replica of the original Elizabethan theatre. Check the schedule for performances or take a tour of the theatre. Total time spent here is around 4-5 hours.
Camden Market is a vibrant street market with stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to street food. After exploring the market, walk to nearby Regent's Park, where you can enjoy a picnic or visit the beautiful gardens and zoo. This will take around 3-4 hours.
London has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and the famous Tube. Consider purchasing an Oyster card for easy travel around the city. Taxi and ride-sharing services are also available.
Estimated costs: £30 for a 7-day travelcard, £50 for taxis and ride-sharing services.
If you have extra time, consider visiting other popular attractions such as Big Ben, the National Gallery, or the Churchill War Rooms. If you have less time, skip the West End, Shakespeare's Globe or Regent's Park.
London has six airports, with London Heathrow (LHR) being the largest and most accessible. It is located 15 miles west of the city center and can be accessed by train, bus, or taxi. Other airports include London City (LCY), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN), Stansted (STN), and Southend (SEN).