Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in London. Every morning at 11 am, you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in which the old guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace to the new guard. From there, you can explore St. James's Park and its wildlife, or visit the Royal Mews.
Soho is known for its trendy bars, fancy restaurants, and the red-light district. It's just a short walk from Chinatown, where you will be transported to the streets of Beijing. You can visit the Chinese gates, supermarkets or tea shops for an authentic taste of Chinese culture.
The Tate Modern is a museum of modern and contemporary art. You can enjoy artworks from artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. From there, cross the Millennium Bridge and hop on the London Eye for incredible views of the city skyline.
The Tower of London is a historic fortress and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. You can walk around the castle walls and learn about the gruesome history of the tower during the reign of Henry VIII. You can also watch the ceremonial opening of the gates, or visit the famous ravens.
Camden Town is a vibrant area with a bustling market, unique shops, and music venues. It's the perfect place to grab a bite and relax after a hectic day of sightseeing. You can visit the famous Amy Winehouse statue, grab a drink in a local pub or sit by the canal for a picturesque view of the boats.
Leicester Square is located in the heart of the West End and is known for its cinemas, theaters, and red-carpet movie premiers. You can see a musical, dine in a restaurant or have a drink in one of the many bars. Leicester Square has something for everyone.
London has an extensive public transport network that includes the Tube, buses, trains, and taxis. The most cost-effective transport option is to purchase an Oyster Card or a contactless card. These can be used on all public transport within London. A single tube journey costs roughly £2.90, and buses cost £1.50. Taxis are more expensive, and Uber is widely available. Keep in mind the busy times of day and the need for transfers when planning your journeys.
If you have more time, check out the British Museum, The Wallace Collection, or take a day trip to Windsor Castle. If you are a Harry Potter fan, take a tour of the Warner Brothers Studio tour. If you have less time, prioritize the attractions based on your interests, book tickets in advance to skip the queues, and plan your itinerary to avoid backtracking.
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the largest airport in London, 14 miles west of Central London. Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second-largest airport, 30 miles south of London. London City Airport (LCY) is located in East London near Canary Wharf. All three airports offer a wide range of travel options, including the London Underground, buses, taxis, and car rentals.