The Ultimate 2024 London, England Travel Guide

 

The ultimate London, England travel guide will answer all your questions about your upcoming holiday to this beautiful city.

There are a lot of reasons why holidaymakers never stop talking about London. The age-old capital is a world-renowned spot where life, music, arts, and culture are vibrant despite its cloudy sky. London is not as flashy as Paris or as romantic as Venice. But its mellow atmosphere makes for an urban getaway rivalling any other European city.

You can have a wondrous trip around the city visiting all kinds of exciting attractions, like the London Eye, and iconic historical buildings like the Buckingham Palace. You can also have a trip that is as calm and peaceful as an afternoon tea party by spending your days visiting some of London’s gigantic collection of art galleries and museums.

This London travel guide will show you how to plan your perfect trip around the city and give you tips on where to stay, how to get around and how to check all the attractions, all without spending a ton!

London Travel Guide: The Entry Requirement

London is one of the most famous destinations in Europe. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock.

Like any other city in the UK, entry to London requires valid travel documents (a passport, a VISA) to be presented at the airport or any other port of entry. On one hand, you might also have to answer questions regarding the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay and any other travel arrangements you’ve made prior to your arrival.

Make Sure Your Passport Is Valid

A valid passport is one that is at least 6 months away from the expiration date. Whether you’re accessing London, England, by air, boat, bus or train, as long as you’re coming in from another country, you will have to present your valid passport when asked by the border patrol. Any London travel guide will tell you the same.

As of late, England has no restrictions against a specific nationality on a passport. But immigration laws are constantly updating, so make sure to visit official websites before booking your London trip. 

Visa Ready for London Travel

People from some countries might need to get a visa to enter England. The duration of your stay and your travel purpose also determine whether you’ll need a visa.

For European Citizens

Citizens of EU and EEA countries can enter and stay in London, England, without a visa. This includes countries like France, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Citizens of Russia, Turkey and Ukraine may need to apply for a visa.

For USA Citizens

US citizens can travel to London, England, without a visa for short-period stays such as for tourism and business meetings for up to 6 months. 

For Asian Citizens

The requirements vary for different Asian countries. Generally, strong passport holders like those in Japan, Singapore and South Korea can visit London for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 6 months. 

For other Asian countries, it’s advisable to check England’s latest visa requirements on their official site before embarking on your journey to this city of dreams.

How Many Days Do You Need In London, England?

A good London trip can be 3 to 7 days long. IG: @jillianmorkan

If London is not the only stop on your travel checklist, 3-4 days in this gem of capital is an ideal enough length. A 3-day stay in London allows you to visit just enough famous attractions with a bit of extra time to squeeze in a short shopping spree and food tour.

CabinZero’s Advice: Since many top attractions in London can be crowded on weekends, it’s best to plan your 3-4-day trip during the weekdays to avoid taking too long to get around or queuing in a long line.

If London is your only stop in England or in all of Europe, you can aim at a 7-day trip. This is a perfect length for those who want to enjoy the majority of London’s most iconic attractions, go shopping or dining, and spend the last day and a half exploring the outskirts of the city, where many historic castles and fairy-tale-like villages reside.

CabinZero’s Advice: Save the attractions for weekdays and a trip to the outskirts for the weekend. 

Knowing The Best Time To Visit London, England

When people ask what the best time to visit London, England is, what they actually mean is, “When is it not raining in London so that I can visit?”. 

With the reputation of being a rainy country year-round, it’s hard to pinpoint which months are completely dry and which are not. But it’s the rain that makes this old city so unique. If you’ve never been caught in a London drizzle, you might as well just say you’ve never been to London at all!

However, that doesn’t mean the city is always as soggy as a milk-dipped biscuit. Even though it rains year-round in England, most of the time, it’s a drizzle. And there are, of course, months when the weather is milder. (nevertheless, it’s never a bad idea to have a brolly at hand).

April-May and September-October are perfect months to visit London. IG: @martamyska

• Between April and September: This is the best time to travel to London, England. Daylight hours are longer during these months, making it a good opportunity to explore the city. There are also plenty of outdoor events and festivals taking place during this period, so you can sprinkle an extra bout of fun on top of your usual attraction-visiting itinerary.
• June, July and August: international tourists’ favourite time to visit London. These months are perfect for those who love people. It’s also when festivals and events are in full swing around the city.
• April-May/September-October: these low tourist seasons are typically calmer. Things also tend to be a bit cheaper, so if you’re conscious of your travel budget, consider visiting London in these months.

Overall, London is rainy year-round, so you will not get a clear timeframe completely free of rain. But there are still months that are more ideal for travelling than others.

Is December A Good Time To Visit London?

How does that song go again? It’s the most wonderful time of the year~. 

That’s right. The only exception is a Christmas holiday in London. It’s the time when London comes to life with all the avant-garde Christmas decorations and sparkling lights. 

In fact, despite the crowd and the cold, many people flock to enjoy a Christmas getaway in London because of how beautiful and unique it is. The bubbly, exciting and merry atmosphere of this festive season is a jolly charm of London that you can enjoy.

A Guide To How To Plan Your London Trip

Amongst the things that you shouldn’t be asking yourself when you arrive in London, one of them is, “Hmm, what do I do now?”. Of course, there are those who like to just go with the flow and don’t plan ahead, but a trip is only truly hassle-free, safe and fun if you have a clear idea about where you want to visit, what you want to do and how you can do it. 

It saves time. And it saves some money as well. Better spend more time at home preparing than to waste time on holiday doing things you should’ve done at home, isn’t it?

To begin planning your trip, you should consider the following things:

How Can I Get To London, England: A Walkthrough Guide

A well-planned London trip saves you a ton and allows you to explore many places at the same time. Photo by Sergii Figurnyi - stock.adobe.com

Flying to London is a great chance to see Heathrow, one of the world’s most famous airports. It’s 15 miles (24 km) from central London and is itself an attraction. 

From Heathrow, you can travel to the city centre by bus, the Heathrow Express, and the London Underground (Piccadilly Line). The journey will take around 30-60 minutes.

Another option that is closer to central London is the London City Airport, which is only 9 miles (14 km) away.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Emirates are favoured airlines bound for London from major European cities If you look around a bit, you can get your hands on some really amazing flight deals.

And speaking of deals, if you have a tight budget for your London travel trip, then picking a cheap flight deal, and simplifying your luggage to avoid extra charges might be a good idea. Our cabin bags collection is one of the options you can find for your trip. 

Getting To London By Train 

A train journey is a special part of most European holidays. The Eurostar, the most well-known railway service, operates high-speed journeys from major European cities to London, England.

You can catch a Eurostar in cities like Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam and even Geneva. The trains arrive at London St. Pancras International Station.

CabinZero’s tip for saving money: book your tickets in advance, and don’t forget to compare prices on multiple websites. Early tickets are often cheaper. If you’re planning a multiple-stop journey, consider buying a package.

Getting To London By Bus And Ferry

If you’re visiting London from nearby countries like France and Belgium, going by bus and ferry is also a great way to add a bit of adventure to your London trip. By ferry, you can access London through ports like Dover or Harwich. Then you can take a train or bus to London. 

Bus is by far the cheapest and most flexible option. Multiple bus companies operate trips from major European cities to London, like Flixbus, Eurolines, and Megabus with economy tickets. 

What To Do In London, England: Must-have On Your England Travel Itinerary

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” - Samuel Johnson. Credit: @paja.berka

The majestic London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England. With an impressive history, vibrant art and music scene, and diverse attractions, London is truly a gift that keeps on giving to globetrotters. No single London, England, travel guide can capture it all (but we will try anyway!).

There are many things to see, do, and shop in London. Regardless of how long you’re planning to stay in London, you can always find fantastic, fun and fabulous things to do in this city.

Visit Iconic Landmarks Of London

• Explore the Tower of London to learn about its history.
• Admire the architecture of Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard.
• Take a ride on the London Eye for stunning views of the city.

Enjoy The History And Arts In London

• Visit the British Museum to see ancient artefacts from around the world.
• Explore the Tate Modern for contemporary art exhibitions.
• Discover the National Gallery to view famous masterpieces.

Stroll Beautiful Parks And Outdoor Spaces Of London

• Relax in Hyde Park and enjoy boating on the Serpentine Lake. 
• Stroll through the beautiful Kensington Gardens, home to Kensington Palace.
• Take a walk along the South Bank and enjoy the views of the Thames River.

Enjoy Wonderful Performances In London

• Catch a world-class theatre performance in the West End district where world-renowned theatres, like the Lyceum Theatre and Gillian Lynne Theatre, reside.

Explore Historical Sites Of London

• Wander around the historic Westminster Abbey, where British monarchs are crowned. 
• Visit the Palace of Westminster to see the iconic Big Ben clock tower. 
• Explore the Churchill War Rooms to learn about Winston Churchill's life and legacy.

Feast Local Delicacies In London

• Sample diverse cuisines at Borough Market, one of London's oldest food markets.
• Experience the eclectic street food scene in areas like Brixton or Shoreditch.
• Enjoy traditional afternoon tea in renowned establishments like The Ritz or Claridge's.

Did you know London is also known as the city of foodies? Photo by Monkey Business - stock.adobe.com

Shop To Your Heart’s Content In London

• Visit iconic shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street where popular malls, flagship stores, and high street shops are.
• Drop by art and crafts stalls in Covent Garden to support local artists.
• Shop til you drop at the largest shopping centre in Europe, Westfield Stratford City, for luxury goods or enjoy a multiplex cinema. 

How To Get Around London: Essential Travel Guide And Tips

There are two popular options to get around London, England. One is to rent a car; the other is using public transportation. Between these two, the best way to get around London is by public transport. 

It’s a marvellous chance to explore the public transport system of London, which is one of the most iconic in the world, if not to say one of the oldest in history. The most famous of it all is The London Underground, which is also referred to as “the Tube” by Londoners.

Also, it can be a cheaper option than renting a private vehicle as you only have to pay for the trips you take and not the entirety of your stay. 

Cheap Way To Get Around London - Getting An Oyster Card

The London Oyster card is a smart card to pay for public transport in London, including buses, trams, the Underground, and some national railway services within the London fare zones.

For a tourist, the London Oyster card is a hassle-free way to use public transport. You can buy an Oyster card at ticket machines at bus, train, tram and tube stations around London. 

You can also purchase an Oyster card from an Oyster card shop or online through the Transport for London official website.

What Type Of London Oyster Card Should I Buy?

For a short holiday, purchase the Visitor Oyster Card, a must-know tip for every London travel guide. Apart from being able to receive it at home before your trip, you can also earn a few discounts on attraction tickets. For an extended stay (a month or more), it’s better to get a Regular Oyster card. 

A London Oyster card works like any standard public transport ticket. You can top it up at a ticket machine, online or at an Oyster Ticket shop. And you swipe your card as you go from station to station.

The best way to get around London is by public transport. Photo by DavidPrado on Adobe Stock.

Best Hotels To Stay In London, England

No London travel guide is completed with a list of the best hotels to stay in for your trip. But choosing the right hotel in London can be a headache if you have no idea which area you want to stay in and what price range is perfect for your travel budget. 

Here are some of CabinZero’s recommendations in the East, West and Central London areas.

Hotels in East London for fans of chic and hip style

• The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A trendy hotel in the vibrant Shoreditch neighbourhood.
• Town Hall Hotel & Apartments: A luxury boutique hotel housed in a restored Edwardian town hall in Bethnal Green.
• One Hundred Shoreditch: A hip hotel with stylish rooms and a lively atmosphere.

Hotels in West London, where historical meets contemporary

• The Kensington Hotel: A sophisticated hotel located in one of London's most desirable neighbourhoods, Kensington.
• The Dorchester: A legendary luxury hotel overlooking Hyde Park in Mayfair.
• K West Hotel & Spa: A contemporary hotel offering excellent amenities in the trendy Notting Hill area.

Hotels in Central London, with stunning views and a bustling atmosphere 

• The Savoy: A historic and iconic hotel located in Covent Garden with luxurious rooms and stunning views of the River Thames. Often featured on various London, England, travel guides.
• The Langham, London: A grand Victorian-era hotel situated near Oxford Street and Regent Street.
• The Ned: A stylish hotel housed in a former bank building in the heart of the City of London, featuring several restaurants, bars, and a rooftop pool.

Your Guide To Travel London On A Budget

London - all the historical attractions, the fancy afternoon tea and dessert, and the world-class shopping centres! While they make for a wonderful holiday, they can give your pockets a hard time if you don’t know how to plan ahead, with or without the right travel guide. To save your money, it starts even before you arrive in London. Here’s how:

Smart Packing Saves Money On A London Tour

The smarter you pack, the more you save. Credit: Wysłano z

Packing smartly should be the number one tip on your London travel checklist. Space-optimising packing techniques help you downsize your luggage. And the smaller and lighter your luggage is, the less you have to pay at the airport and on the train.

Another point is that big luggage takes up space on public transport, meaning that if you’re carrying your overweight and oversized luggage around London a lot, you’re going to have to rely on private transport. 

CabinZero’s Advice: Try travelling with only carry-ons. Most airlines charge checked bags when flying economy, so to save money, opt for a carry-on-only trip. Not only can this save money, but it can also save you the hassle of having to move around with too much stuff. 

A good carry-on bag can give you the same exact comfort in packing just as much as a checked bag does. For example, CabinZero’s classic backpacks, which can fit just about anywhere - planes, trains and buses. 

If you’re flying with a specific airline, you can check to see which cabin-sized bag you should travel with here.

Public Transport For The Win!

There’s nothing that can beat public transport in terms of cost. It’s the best way to navigate your way around London as a tourist. Stay outside central London. Look for hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs in Zones 2 or 3. You'll save on rent and still have easy access to central attractions via public transport.

You can save money since tickets are relatively cheap. You can save even more money if you have convenient public transport cards, like the London Oyster card. 

Just hop on whenever, and hop off wherever. You don’t have to worry about parking fees or rental fees, and if you’re not carrying a zealous and suspicious number of bags, you are good to go without paying for your baggage.

Almost All London Museums Are Free: Essential London Travel Tip

Beautiful water-resistant backpacks inspired by the V&A are perfect for your London adventure.

A London trip without visiting a museum? We don’t think so! And visiting a museum in London is not as costly as you might think at all. A great London travel guide will tell you this: the majority of them are free for everyone.

Big names like the British Museum, the Victoria And Albert Museum, the National History, and the Tate Modern all offer free entry to their permanent collection. Start your museum-hopping journey at the iconic British Museum, where the most impressive collection of historical artefacts are. 

After that, give your eyes a feast of stunning decorative art and design at the Victoria And Albert Museum. Since you’re at the V&A, give your London trip a sprinkle of style by shopping at CabinZero's V&A Collaboration line. It features beautifully patterned backpacks with art inspired by the museum itself. Call it an artsy twist to the already beloved classic backpacks!

The backpacks are sleek-looking with a pop of traditional art-inspired patterns. With high water-resistant rates and multiple pockets for storage, they are perfect for the London weather year-round.

You can plan a day of museum-hopping, and it will cost you almost nothing. Just keep in mind that even though many museums in London are free, some require you to book a ticket in advance.

For special collections or temporary exhibitions, it’s usually not free. You will need to buy tickets to enter. However, third-party apps such as Klook often have bundles where you can enjoy a special exhibition along with other attractions around London at a discounted price.

Travel Hassle-Free With The Ultimate London Travel Guide

We hope our 2024 London, England Travel Guide can give you a clear idea of what to do, where to stay and how to make the most out of your London getaway. 

If you find this article useful, don’t forget to hit that like button and share it with your friends. We are big fans of your travel experience (in fact, that’s what we’re here for!), so don’t hesitate to reach out via social media or the comment section to tell us your wonderful stories.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh