The Tour Guy

London, England: The Big Smoke

Your Complete Guide to Visiting London Like a Local

Welcome to the ultimate London Travel Guide. We’re on the ground here, and we know exactly which queues to skip, which pubs to duck into, and how to conquer the Tube without a fuss. From the pageantry of the Crown Jewels to finding the perfect fish and chips, this is the only London travel guide you’ll ever need. Written by people who want you to experience the capital city like a true insider.

Discover Top-Rated London Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Absolute Best Tours to Take in London!

The Big Five: London Attractions You Absolutely Can’t Miss

London isn’t short on iconic landmarks, but some deserve your time more than others. These are the top attractions you can’t return home without seeing:

People standing outside Buckingham palace during the day.

Buckingham Palace
The official London residence of the British monarch, and home to the famous Changing the Guard ceremony.

👉 Learn how to visit Buckingham Palace

two guys taking pictures of Stonehenge

Stonehenge
A prehistoric mystery about two hours from London, whose massive stones have baffled archaeologists for centuries.

👉 Learn how to visit Stonehenge

beefeater speaking to a crowd

Tower of London
A historic castle guarding the city for centuries, home to the Crown Jewels and Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).

👉 Learn how to visit the Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey
A Gothic masterpiece and the site of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals.

👉 Learn how to visit Westminster Abbey

Exterior aerial view of Windsor Castle.

Windsor Castle
The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, still used by the Royal Family today.

👉 Learn how to visit Windsor Castle

The Top Things to Do in London (Quick Guide)

Start with the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace—then add Windsor or Stonehenge if you’ve got an extra day. For more ideas, check out our guides on the Top Things to Do in London This Year and the Best Free Things to Do in London.

1. Gawk at the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

men standing with beefeater in London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a must-visit. Join a tour to learn about its infamous past as a prison, and don’t miss the Crown Jewels or the resident ravens!

Book Your Skip-The-Line Tower of London Tour

Not ready to book a tour? Plan ahead with our guides on how to visit the Tower of London, the top things to see at the Tower of London, and whether the Tower of London is worth it.

2. Trace Royal History at Westminster Abbey

People standing outside Westminster Abbey.

Founded in 960, Westminster Abbey has hosted every coronation since 1066 and remains one of London’s most important sites. From royal weddings to famous burials, its history, architecture, and pageantry rolled into one.

Discover Top-Rated Westminster Abbey Tours

Not ready to book? Explore our guides on how to visit Westminster Abbey, the best Westminster Abbey tours, and the top things to see.

3. Catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Place in London

Buckingham Palace is a working palace and the administrative headquarters of the reigning British monarch. While access inside is limited to a brief summer window, the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard outside is a year-round display of military precision and British pomp.

Discover Top-Rated Buckingham Palace Tours

Not ready to book? Read our guides on how to visit Buckingham Palace, the top things to see at Buckingham Palace, and the best Buckingham Palace tours.

4. Descend into the Churchill War Rooms

Churchill war rooms in London

Step back in time and deep underground into the preserved bunker where Winston Churchill directed Britain’s strategy throughout WWII. It’s a chilling look into the nerve center of a nation under siege.

Discover Our Popular Churchill War Rooms Tour

Not ready to book? Learn more from our guide on how to visit the Churchill War Rooms

5. Take a Day Trip to Windsor Castle

Interior of Windsor Castle Drawing Room

A royal residence for over 1,000 years, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Explore the lavish State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and sprawling grounds.

Book Your Windsor Castle Tour

Not ready to book? See our guides on how to visit Windsor Castle, the top things to see at Windsor Castle, and whether it’s worth the trip.

Where to Stay in London: Best Neighborhoods by Travel Style

London is massive, and choosing the right spot can make or break your trip. For the quintessential, bustling experience, aim for the central areas like Covent Garden or Mayfair. Both are walkable, charming, and offer fantastic access to theater and dining. For more details, see our guidebook articles on Where to Stay in London, or click on each neighborhood name for a full breakdown!

The Best Areas to Stay in London map
  • Westminster: Best for first-timers who want to walk to Big Ben, the Abbey, and the Thames.

  • South Kensington: Best for museums (V&A, Natural History) and a classy, residential feel.

  • Covent Garden: Best for theater, dining, and lively nights—central and energetic.

  • Tower Hill: Best for history buffs who want the Tower and riverside at their doorstep.

You can also browse our recommendations by style:

Planning Your Trip to London: Logistics & Recommendations

For a more detailed guide, check out our article: How to Plan a Trip to London.

How Many Days Do You Need in London?

Plan for a minimum of four full days to see the city’s greatest hits, and be sure to build flexibility into your schedule. London is large and spread out, and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

Map of London

Once you know your time frame, you can match your schedule to a plan:

Best Time to Visit London (Crowds vs. Weather)

Don’t stress over choosing the “ideal” month for London—it doesn’t exist. Instead, check the forecast, pack those essential layers, and adjust your itinerary accordingly.

London in Spring (Apr–May)

  • Expect: Pleasant, cool temperatures, parks coming into bloom, and moderate crowds.
  • Why it works: Mild weather perfect for walking, plus beautiful flowers and lighter crowds than peak season.
  • Watch out for: Sudden, unexpected rain showers—always carry a small umbrella and sensible shoes.

London in Summer (Jun–Aug)

  • Expect: Long daylight hours, lots of outdoor events, and crowds around every major sight.
  • Why it works: Plenty of time to explore, and the best chance of sunshine. The city has a nice, energetic buzz, too.
  • Watch out for: High accommodation prices and potential heat in historic, un-air-conditioned buildings. Book tours and tickets in advance.

London in Fall (Sept–Oct)

  • Expect: Crisp, cool air, gorgeous autumnal foliage in Hyde Park, and noticeably thinning crowds after the school holidays end.
  • Why it works: The perfect balance of mild temperatures and energy without the high summer tourist crush.
  • Watch out for: The occasional rainy and cool day. Layers and a rain jacket are a must.

London in Winter (Nov–Mar)

  • Expect: Early sunsets, cozy pubs, Christmas markets, and fewer tourists.
  • Why it works: Lowest prices, minimal lines at attractions, and the city lights are magical during the holiday period.
  • Watch out for: Early sunsets and cold, damp weather. Cluster sights by neighborhood to save time and stay warm.

Getting Around London: Transportation Essentials

When it comes to getting around London, you have three main options: walk, ride the Tube, or use Uber.

  • Walking: Central London is surprisingly walkable, especially around Westminster, Covent Garden, and South Bank. You’ll also want to wander neighborhoods like Soho or Shoreditch, where the streets themselves are part of the experience.

  • Tube (London Underground): Quick, efficient, and iconic, the Tube is the best way to cover longer distances. All you need is a contactless credit card, and you’re good to go.
  • Uber: Handy for airport transfers or late nights when the Tube has closed. Traffic can be heavy, though, so use it strategically.

Insider Tips for Planning a Trip to London (Must-Knows)

The number one tip we give first-time visitors is to book the top sights you want to see first, then plan the rest of your itinerary around them. London is spread out, and you don’t want to spend more time on the Tube than exploring.

We also recommend booking a food tour on your first night in the city. Finding average food in the city is easy, but if you’re a foodie, you’ll want to pick the mind of a local guide who’s in the know.

Also, always remember to look right when crossing the street, as the traffic direction is the opposite of the US and most of Europe!For more, read our full guide on London Travel Tips.

Experiencing London: Food, Shopping, and Culture

Eating and Drinking in London

Here are the top three things you need to know about food in London:

  • Dinner is earlier. Unlike some European cities, dinner in London usually starts around 7:00 PM.
  • Embrace the pub lunch. They’re central to local culture. No trip to London is complete without a pint paired with fish and chips.
  • Don’t shy away from international restaurants. London is a legendary melting pot of global cuisines. Don’t just stick to British food; seek out the incredible and authentic Indian, Thai, or Turkish cuisine available across the city.

Unlock the secrets to London dining with these guides:

Shopping in London

From high fashion in Mayfair to bargain vintage finds in Spitalfields, there’s absolutely no shortage of great shopping in London. However, you need to go in with a plan—and we’re here to help!

Map of London

Make shopping in London easy with these guides:

Top-Rated London Tours: Why Book With Us

Don’t take a chance on messing up London. We’ll handle the tickets, timings, lines, and logistics. Plus, our licensed guides know all the juicy stories behind the city’s famous sites.

Check out these popular and highly-rated tours:

Discover ALL London Tours

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide on the Absolute Best Tours to Take in London!

YouTube and Podcast Resources

Articles aren’t the only way we share London travel insights. We also create YouTube videos and podcasts that bring destinations to life. Tune in for tips, stories, and practical advice to help you plan your trip!

The Best Things to See in London in 2025 (Travel Guide)
London According to Locals: Bars, Restaurants, Things to do
London In A Day | The Ultimate Guide

You can also find all our YouTube videos here and our Podcast Episodes here.

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