The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames. It has served as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo. Visitors can see the Crown Jewels, attend a tour led by a Yeoman Warder or get a glimpse of the ravens that live on the Tower grounds.
The British Museum houses a vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone, mummies from Ancient Egypt, the Lewis Chessmen and many more. It is also a great source for researchers and scholars in the field of history and anthropology.
Hyde Park is a huge green space, perfect for taking a walk, riding a bike or having a picnic. It is also home to various landmarks and monuments, such as the Serpentine Lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Wellington Arch and the Speaker's Corner, where anyone can freely express their views about politics or literature.
London is famous for its public transportation system, which includes underground trains (the Tube), buses, and taxis. The best options for visitors are getting an Oyster card or a contactless payment card. These cards allow unlimited travel for a day, and the fares are based on the distance traveled. The cost for the three-day Oyster Card is approx £37.50.
If you have an extra day, consider visiting the British Library, the Tate Modern or the Westminster Abbey. If you have less time, prioritize the Tower of London and the British Museum, and skip shopping in Oxford Street or the West End theaters. Always bring a bottle of water with you, as the weather in London can change quickly, and book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
There are 6 major airports serving London, but the most convenient ones are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN). Heathrow is the busiest and largest one, located in the West of London, around 14 miles from the city center, with easy access to the Tube or the Heathrow Express. Gatwick is located in the south, around 30 miles from the city center, and provides quick access by train or bus, while Stansted is situated in the north-east, around 40 miles from the city center and has direct train connections to the city.