Start at the breathtaking Buckingham Palace, the monarch's official residence. View the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony (schedule and weather permitting) in the morning. Walk through the tranquil St James's Park to reach the historic Westminster Abbey, where many royals have been crowned, wed and laid to rest.
Head to Portobello Road Market, where you can find anything from antiques to street food. Walk through the colorful facades of Notting Hill and snap some Instagram-worthy shots at the famous blue door from the movie. Visit the Design Museum for an inspiring collection of contemporary design, and end the day with a stroll along the tranquil Little Venice Canals.
Step back in time at the British Museum, home to a vast collection of world-famous artifacts and artworks from ancient civilizations. Entry is free, except for special exhibitions. Stroll through the greenery of the Russell Square, where you'll find the fascinating British Library, holding rare books and documents dating back centuries. Head to Camden Market for some bargain shopping and street food before departing London.
London's public transportation system is extensive and efficient. The Tube, buses and trams accept contactless payment cards or an Oyster card, which costs £5 and can be topped-up at stations. A daily cap of £7 applies when using Oyster. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available, but tend to be more expensive than public transport.
Travelling between zones can increase the fares, so plan ahead to save money. Walking or cycling is another way to save money and enjoy the city's landmarks.
If you have more time, consider visiting other cultural highlights such as the Tate Modern, Science Museum, or Natural History Museum. You could also venture out of central London to explore the trendy districts of Shoreditch or South Bank. On the other hand, if you have less time, prioritize your must-visit locations and consider taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to cover more ground.
London has several airports, but the main ones are London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW) and London City (LCY). London Heathrow is the busiest and located 14 miles west of central London, accessible by underground, train, bus or taxi. London Gatwick is located 28 miles south of central London, with direct train or bus services to the city. London City is the smallest and closest airport to the city center, 6 miles east, and served by the DLR, buses or taxi.