Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Tower of London. This historic castle has served as a prison, palace, and royal mint. It also houses the Crown Jewels, which are a must-see! Afterward, stroll across the Tower Bridge and take in the breathtaking views of the Thames River.
Spend the morning at the British Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone. In the afternoon, head to Covent Garden for some shopping, dining and street entertainment.
Start at Westminster Abbey, where royal weddings and coronations take place. This beautiful Gothic church is also the final resting place of historical figures like Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Then head to the Houses of Parliament to see the iconic Big Ben and watch the democratic process in action.
Step back in time with a visit to the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theater, where you can attend a performance in the open-air or take a guided tour. Later, head to Tate Modern, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art from around the world.
Spend the morning at the Victoria and Albert Museum, which has a collection of over 2 million art and design objects. In the afternoon, explore the stunning Kensington Palace, which was once home to Princess Diana and now houses exhibitions on royal life and fashion.
Take the train to the outskirts of London to visit the grand Hampton Court Palace, which was once the home of King Henry VIII. Afterward, head to Richmond for a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the beautiful views of the city skyline.
Spend the morning at the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, which showcases European paintings ranging from the 13th to 19th century. In the afternoon, explore the bustling and vibrant Piccadilly Circus, known for its bright lights and advertisements.
Start the day with a visit to the vibrant Camden Market, which is home to over 1,000 shops, food stalls, and vendors. Afterward, head to the nearby Regent's Park, which has beautiful gardens and outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy.
Start at the stunning St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of London's most iconic landmarks. Climb the dome for breathtaking views of the city skyline. Afterward, take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge, which offers stunning views of the Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral.
Start the day with a visit to Her Majesty's official residence, Buckingham Palace, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the beautiful Green Park and the surrounding area.
Explore the trendy and culturally diverse neighborhood of Brick Lane, which is famous for its street art and vintage shops. Take a guided street art tour to discover the works of world-famous artists like Banksy and Invader.
Spend the morning at the Natural History Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of specimens from the plant and animal kingdoms. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Hyde Park and take a stroll around the Serpentine Lake.
Take a ride on the iconic London Eye and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Afterward, explore the trendy Southbank area, which is home to art galleries, theaters, and unique street performers.
Take the DLR to Greenwich and explore the historic sites of the area, including the Old Royal Naval College, the Royal Observatory, and the Cutty Sark. Take a stroll through Greenwich Market and enjoy the food, drink and unique shopping experience.
End your stay in London with a visit to the Harry Potter Studio and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the making of the films. Take a trip to Privet Drive and see where Harry grew up, and explore the magical world of Hogwarts.
A traveler can easily cover all the major sites by using public transportation like buses and trains. It is recommended to buy an Oyster Card, which offers discounts and pre-paid travel while avoiding long lines. Taxis and Ubers can be convenient, but they can be quite expensive. During rush hour, it's better to avoid roads either by public or private transport, that is expected to take a longer time to travel.
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to nearby destinations like Windsor Castle or Oxford. If you have less time, prioritize the top sites like the Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
London has six airports, including Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY) and Southend (SEN). Heathrow is the largest airport and offers the most international connections, while Gatwick is the second-largest airport and offers many discount carriers. London City Airport is the closest to central London with a travel time of 40 mins via underground. The other airports may take 60-90 mins travel by train or bus from the city center.