In London, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Covent Garden & West End €€€ Higher prices
Best for: First-timers and theatre fans
The middle of everything, walkable to most sights.
02
South Bank €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: Views and walks
Along the Thames near the London Eye and Tate Modern.
03
Kensington €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Families
Elegant, calmer, next to the big museums and Hyde Park.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels in Covent GardenComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in LondonComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in central LondonComing soon
Airport to city
01
Elizabeth line ≈ 30–40 min
About 30–40 min to central London
Best balance of price and speed.
02
Heathrow Express ≈ 15 min
15 min to Paddington
Fastest, and priced accordingly.
03
Private transfer ≈ 50–75 min
About 50–75 min
Worth it for families or late arrivals; traffic varies.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is London safe for tourists?
Yes, London is safe for tourists. The most common problem is phone snatching by thieves on bikes or scooters in busy areas such as Oxford Street and Westminster, so keep your phone away from the kerb. Watch for pickpockets on the Tube and at crowded sights.
02When is the best time to visit London?
May to September brings the longest days, mild temperatures (around 20–25 °C) and the parks at their best. It can rain at any time of year, so pack a light jacket. Winter is cold and dark early, but the Christmas lights and markets make up for it.
03What language is spoken in London?
English. Spanish isn't widely spoken, but London is very multicultural and it's easy to find Spanish speakers in hotels and restaurants.
04How many days do you need in London?
Four days is ideal for the main sights and a couple of neighbourhoods. With 5 or 6 days you can add Stonehenge and Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge or Bath, or half a day at the Harry Potter studios.
05What are the top 10 attractions in London?
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Westminster Abbey
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard
British Museum
London Eye
St Paul's Cathedral
Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery
Covent Garden
Camden Market
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
London is one of the best cities for free sightseeing. The British Museum and the National Gallery are free, as are the Changing of the Guard, Big Ben and Parliament from outside, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Camden Market, Borough Market and Hyde Park. Tower Bridge can be crossed on foot, and the Sky Garden viewpoint is free if you book ahead.
07Which museums are worth visiting in London?
Most national museums are free: the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum. You only pay for special exhibitions, and some museums ask you to book a free time slot.
08What are the locals like in London?
Londoners are polite and reserved, and queuing is sacred: never jump a queue. On escalators, stand on the right. In pubs you order and pay at the bar, with no tip. Many restaurants add a 12.5% service charge to the bill, so check before tipping.
09What is the typical food in London?
Try fish and chips, a full English breakfast, a Sunday roast and pie and mash. Afternoon tea with scones is a classic, and curry is practically a national dish (Brick Lane is famous for it). Borough Market is the place to graze. To drink, a pint of ale or a cup of tea.
10Where should you stay in London?
Covent Garden and the West End put you among the theatres and within walking distance of the centre, at higher prices. South Bank has river views and good access to Westminster at mid-range prices. Kensington is elegant and quiet, next to the big museums, with higher prices.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
