Is London Worth Visiting? 54 Reasons to Visit London in 2023

Is London worth visiting? If you are wondering, you will find the answer in this post.

London is a vibrant and exciting city, and it has some of the world’s best sights, attractions, and activities to do. 

I live in London, and although I may be biased, here are 54 reasons why I believe London is indeed worth visiting.

Is London worth visiting?

London has been a top-visited city for decades. It is a city filled with fantastic museums, world-class galleries, iconic architecture, colorful decor, and lush parks. 

Also, it is the city that hosts the world’s most famous royal family, eccentric royal guards, a unique mix of cultures, distinctive red phone booths, double-decker buses, and massive markets.

In other words, for those seeking a diverse holiday with various experiences, such as cultural and historical excursions, delicious cuisines, glamorous tours at shopping centers, ventures through funky markets, and relaxing time at beautiful parks, London is calling you. 

So, let’s see in detail all the reasons why you should visit London.

Famous London Attractions

1. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a top landmark in London for its historical and artistic significance to the city.

It was founded in the 10th century by the Saxon king Sebert.

The current building was constructed in the 13th century with the ambition to match France’s prominent churches like Notre Dame de Reims.

The abbey has witnessed 16 royal weddings and keeps the remains of over 3,300 famous people.

Among those are actors, scientists, poet laureates, military leaders, prime ministers, and 17 monarchs.

2. The London Eye

A top activity in London is experiencing the city from the sky and a bird-view perspective.

Or, in other words, to go for a ride on the London Eye and enjoy an amazing 360-degree view.

London Eye is the tallest cantilevered observation wheel in the world at an impressive height of 135 meters and allows you to see up to 40 km away on a clear day.

Furthermore, today is one of the most iconic attractions in London, so it is often also seen as the city’s symbol along with other iconic landmarks.

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Perhaps, England’s most famous movie series is Harry Potter, which undoubtedly has millions of fans.

So, it would definitely be a unique experience to step on the original sets of the Harry Potter films while touring Warner Bros Studio.

Specifically, a tour of the studio allows you to relieve the movies’ magic and indulge in British talent, imagination, and artistry.

And whether you are a fan of Harry Potter or not, this tour is worth being included on your bucket list.

4. Tower of London

London Tower is a beautiful royal castle, secure fortress, and infamous prison that saw dozens of regimes and monarchs leading London for a thousand years.

Located in the heart of London today, millions of travelers visit the tower to get up close to the Crown Jewels and meet the legendary Yeoman Warders and ravens.

5. Buckingham Palace

If you are visiting London, you can’t miss the chance to get a glimpse at Buckingham Palace.

After all, this is probably the grandest, most elegant, and most lavish palace in the world. In fact, it is the most expensive residential building in the world.

Today it acts as the administrative headquarter of the United Kingdom’s royal family, but travelers can still visit it with guided tours. 

6. Madame Tussauds London

Madame Tussauds in London is an ideal spot for an alternative, relaxing, and fun activity while holidaying in England’s capital city.

It is an interactive wax museum giving you the opportunity to interact with about 200 lifelike wax figures of royalty, A-listers celebrities, world-class scientists, athletes, and famous fictional characters. 

7. The Big Ben

The famous Big Ben is undoubtedly London’s symbol, meaning if you don’t visit this beautiful bell tower, then it’s like you haven’t visited London.

This magnificent clock is on the northern side of the Palace of Westminster and dates back to 1859.

During its construction, Big Ben was the largest and most accurate four-faced clock in the world.

8. St. Paul’s Cathedral

Another symbolic tourist attraction worth visiting is St. Paul’s Cathedral.

It has a height of 111 meters, so since its construction in 1710 and until 1963, the cathedral was the tallest building in London.

However, today is the second tallest and largest cathedral in the whole of the UK.

9. Tower Bridge

This beautiful and grand bridge is probably one of the most gorgeous and famous in the world. Also, it is definitely an iconic landmark in London.

Made up of two 65 meters tower bridges, this 19th-century Tower Bridge is connected by two horizontal walkways with a pair of bascules opening in the center to allow ships to pass through.

10. The Shard

Another reason London is such a popular destination is its excellent blend of old and new.

So, you can experience historical sites, such as the Tower of London, and contemporary and futuristic buildings like the Shard, which at 310 meters is the tallest building in the country.

If you have the chance, be sure to visit the 72nd floor and marvel at London’s stunning panoramas.

Free London Museums

11. British Museum

The British Museum is an absolute must-visit if you are a history enthusiast.

With almost 8 million ancient artifacts, the museum can take you on a journey of two million years.

A fun fact about the museum is that it’s actually older than the United States. It dates back to 1759, making it the oldest national public museum.

12. Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum is a worldwide leading museum for art, design, and performance.

It hosts many treasures that praise and honor different forms of craftsmanship from around the world.

The various exhibitions include examples of architecture, painting, sculpture, fashion, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

13. Natural History Museum

Experience the world’s natural history through an extensive collection of specimens from different periods at the Natural History Museum.

Feel awed by an enormous whale, massive dinosaur skeletons, and unique rock sentiments, and learn more about the Earth’s evolution.

14. Grant Museum of Zoology

Whether you are an animal lover or want to explore the animal kingdom out of curiosity, the Grant Museum of Zoology is a must-visit.

Founded in 1827 as an educational collection of the University College London, the museum has since displayed skeletons, specimens, and stuffed animals of rare and extinct species.  

15. Queen’s House

Located in Greenwich, the Queen’s House features classical house design and architecture, marking itself as one of the most important buildings in London.

The museum displays an impressive Great Hall, a marble floor with a black-and-white geometric design dating back to 1635, and the iconic, elegant Tulip Stairs.

16. London Mithraeum

Constructed in 240 AD, London Mithraeum hosts the Roman Temple of Mithras.

It is a museum bringing to life the bustling world of Roman Londinium through a remarkable selection of Roman artifacts found during the excavations and a collection of contemporary art representing the city’s history.

17. Imperial War Museum

As the world’s leading museum of war, the Imperial War Museum displays vast collections encompassing a wealth of objects from the First World War until the present day that represent the horrific life during a war.

You will find uniforms, photographs, vehicles, films, weapons, and works of art that give a voice to stories of families torn apart, a world in chaos, and inspiring tales of brave soldiers.

18. National Maritime Museum

The Museum features 14 different galleries holding precious treasures that display the story of the oceans, navigation, and well-known sailors’ tales.

Specifically, you can wander through collections of exhibitions that talk of the adventures and extremes explorers and seamen went through to discover new lands, as well as brave navy soldiers.

Free London Art Galleries

19. Tate Modern

If museums and galleries are your favorite travel activity, a trip to London isn’t complete without going to Tate Modern.

It hosts modern and contemporary art from various artists, such as Cézanne, Bonnard, Matisse, Picasso, Rothko, DalÍ­, Pollock, Warhol, and Bourgeois.

The museum is in the former Bankside Power Station on the banks of the Thames.

20. Royal Academy of Arts

Founded in 1768 by artists and architects, the Academy still displays free exhibitions to promote appreciation, understanding, and practice of art in all its forms.

Here, you will find some of the finest art exhibitions. They feature art from various periods and cultures.

The permanent collection covers British art history of 250 years through works from John Constable, J.M.W. Turner, and David Hockney.  

21. National Gallery

The National Gallery is an excellent choice for exploring the evolution of European art.

It features masterpieces and inspiring works by various worldwide famous artists like Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Turner, Renoir, and Van Gogh. 

22. Tate Britain

Tate Britain allows visitors to walk through 500 years of British art history.

It holds the biggest collection of British art, showcasing several works of outstanding artists, temporary exhibitions, and an annual art commission.

Some works displayed are by MW Turner, John Constable, and John Everett Millais and by contemporary art from Bacon, Lucian Freud, Barbara Hepworth, David Hockney, and Bridget Riley.

23. Wallace Collection

Wallace Collection has an ideal central location in London, featuring beautiful art and a pretty courtyard restaurant.

It is perfect for admiring old masterpiece paintings, stunning ornamental art, world-class armories, and beautiful elaborate gilding and wall silks.

Specifically, the Wallace Collection’s 28 rooms display paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms and armor, and porcelain.

24. Whitechapel Gallery

Whitechapel Gallery has been the first to display artists’ masterpieces for more than a century.

From world-renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Frida Kahlo to modern masters such as Sophie Calle, Lucian Freud, Gilbert & George, and Mark Wallinger, Whitechapel strives to be the first to premier beautiful art to inspire others. 

Free London Parks and Gardens

25. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is London’s most famous park and for a good reason. It is right in the capital’s center but features a massive distance of greenery with over 4,000 trees.

At Hyde Park, you can go for a rest, a relaxing stroll, a bike ride, and even for swimming and boating.

Also, the park features a sylvan meadow, a lake with geese, rose gardens, and Princess Diana’s memorial fountain. 

26. Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest royal park and a haven for those who love wildlife.

It features remarkable and unique flora and fauna, including a herd of 650 deer.

So, it is a park visitors can roam free, chill, and capture some stunning photos of beautiful nature.

Also, you can participate in exciting activities like golfing, horse riding, cycling, and power kiting, offered at the park’s facilities. 

27. Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park is the oldest royal park. Its former hunting grounds host the Prime Meridian Line, Quwwn Elizabeth’s Oak, and the Royal Observatory.

Furthermore, it provides stunning Thames and the City of London vistas.

Often, herds of deer pass through the park, so be sure to be ready to capture a photo of this serene scene.

28. Holland Park

Located in the heart of London, Holland Park is home to a sizable woodland that is home to a remarkable variety of peacocks and other birds, animals, and insects.

The park also features a cricket field, tennis courts, orchards, and a Japanese garden.

29. St. James’s Park

St James’s Park is a majestic park that is surrounded by three palaces, the Clarence House, Buckingham Palace, and St. James’s Palace.

One interesting thing is that pelicans have been living in the park for about 400 years, which you can see every day around 2:30 pm during their feeding. 

30. St Dunstan in the East gardens

St. Dunstan in the East is a garden within the ruins of a Wren church. Originally built in the 12th century, it is listed as a Grade I building.

The church went through many changes and damages, so after the Second World War, it was decided to turn it into a public garden.

Today it is a green oasis with benches, a fountain, and greenery circling the church’s historic walls.

Free London Sights

31. Changing the Guard 

An exciting daily event you shouldn’t miss in London is the ceremony of the guard’s change at Buckingham Palace.

It follows a traditional format where the soldiers on duty form up in front of the palace and are relieved by the new guards who arrive from the Wellington Barracks.

You will notice that the guards carry regimental flags, which traditionally served as regimental emblems.

32. King’s Cross Station

King’s Cross Station is one of London’s primary transport hubs.

Located next to King’s Cross St Pancras Underground Station and St Pancras International Station, it’s connected to various London areas and other cities within England and even beyond the country.

But King’s Cross is not just a railway station. It is also home to the legendary Platform 9 3/4, where the train to Hogwarts departs.

33. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a public square named after Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, with Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson as the leader.  

Previously, Trafalgar Square was the Royal Mews until they moved them into Buckingham Palace in the 19th century.

Today, the square features the famous lion statues, the iconic fountains, and Nelson’s Column.

34. Abbey Road

Every music enthusiast knows Abbey Road’s importance to the British music scene. It has two of London’s most iconic music attractions.

Specifically, you will discover the renowned recording studios and the famous zebra crossing, where the Beatles captured the image for their album in 1969. 

35. Little Venice

Just to the north of Paddington is Little Venice, with its lovely canals and waterways.

This scenic area, located where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals converge, is home to unique waterside cafes, warm bars, and charming eateries.

This lovely district of London offers a wide variety of activities, including puppet shows and canal boat cruises.

36. Epping Forest

One of London’s three Special Areas for Conservation is the expansive woodland, Epping Forest.

It is surrounded by greenery and wetland but ancient woods and grassland with several uncommon flora and insects can also be found in Wanstead Flats, Wanstead Park, and Bush Wood, the more urban areas of the reserve.

London Markets

37. Columbia Road Flower Market

This well-known flower market held every Sunday in east London features friendly flower vendors selling gardening essentials and beautiful blooms.

You can find various plants, from banana trees to bedding plants.

In addition to flower shops, you will also find art galleries, cupcake shops, vintage clothing stores, Italian and English delis, and garden and antique stores.

38. Leadenhall Market

In the City of London, the lovely covered market Leadenhall with an elegant Victorian roof, features stands offering flowers, cheese, pork, and other fresh foods.

The market’s opening times are from 11 am to 4 pm, every Monday through Friday.

But there are also shops, pubs, and restaurants in the market building which are open daily.

An interesting fact about Leadenhall is that Diagon Alley scenes in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone were filmed here.

39. Camden Market

Camden Market is a unique market in the north of London, featuring more than a thousand shops selling vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, unusual gifts, and eye-catching accessories.

But frankly, Camden Market has everything and anything you might want, so you can easily have a whole day browsing around the various shops.

For instance, you can start with a hearty breakfast followed by vintage clothes shipping, a tasty lunch at one of the many street food stalls, and continue with more shopping. 

40. Broadway Market

Broadway Market is a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll through various unique food stalls selling fresh bread and delectable pastries, modern Persian cuisine, organic vegetables, Japanese street food, and fresh seafood.

Additionally, other vendors sell vintage clothing, photographs, vinyl, and stylish accessories.

41. Borough Market

Borough Market is a foodie’s paradise in the heart of London’s most visited area.

Located by London Bridge, the market is home to various street food vendors, stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and restaurants with hot dishes to feast on.

Some food choices you will encounter are handmade chocolate truffles, Indian street food, and raclette.

42. Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is a unique and fun spot to discover the best collection of British designer-makers.

The market showcases handmade gift ideas, lovely arts and crafts, impressive homewares, and beautiful accessories.

Furthermore, at the market, you can enjoy tasty street food from international cuisines, as well as many delicious vegan and gluten-free dishes.

Things to Do in London 

43. Day Trip to Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (9,536 Reviews)

England is a country with thousands of years of history. Therefore, it experienced many different regimes, lifestyles, and even architecture.

Perhaps, the most mysterious finding in England is Stonehenge, while the most impressive attraction is the historic Roman baths in the town of Bath.

Lastly, the royal family’s history is remarkable and a favorite topic for travelers and locals alike.

So, go for a London day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and the historic town of Bath to experience all these together in one day.

Our guides and driver were great, Katya and Barrington deserve special mention, great history primers before we go and explains stuff as we go around,

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ KevinBryan_L, Mar 2023

44. Harry Potter Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (2,125 Reviews)

If you are a Harry Potter lover, the Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros is a must-do activity.

The tour allows visitors to immerse themselves in the magical world of the movies by following the footsteps of Hogwarts’s student wizards.

You can set foot on the original sets of Platform 9 ¾ and Diagon Alley, witness the Hogwarts Express steam train, ride a broomstick, and even cast a spell.  

Make sure you have at least 3-4hrs to get through everything. So much to see. Lots of fun. Have spending money as well.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Erick_M, Mar 2023

45. Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruises

⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5 (7,421 Reviews)

A fantastic way to discover London’s beauty is by getting aboard the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise.

The open-top, double-decker Big Bus will take you to the most famous tourist attractions, including Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

While the River Cruise will give you scenic views of the city from the Thames. 

Good service and helpful from Big Bus operator officer especially when I did have bad experience with another tour operator (not the Big Bus). The covered routes are excellent….and many buses operating so we don’t have to wait long time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Grace_K, Mar 2023

46. Tower of London and Bridge Opening Ceremony

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (187 Reviews)

London’s history can be seen through remarkable architecture and centuries-old traditions.

So, an experience you shouldn’t miss is the Opening Ceremony Tower of London & Bridge.

This tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the tower’s significance to the city and enjoy panoramic views over London from the bridge.

Also, you will get a peek at the gorgeous and precious Crown Jewels.

I thought our tour guide’s explanations were authentic, to-the-point, appropriately humorous, and not mechanical. I appreciated his sharing of some behind-the-scenes stories about modern-day living in a historical monument.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cathy_A, Mar 2023

47. Thames Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (1,078 Reviews)

Sometimes the best way to experience a city is by sitting back and enjoying the scenery quietly.

In London, through the Sightseeing Thames Cruise from Westminster to Greenwich, you can marvel at various attractions such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London while listening to the entertaining commentary.

Also, you can visit essential touristy spots like the Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum.

Amusing commentary by boatmen! Magnificent views of London. Staff helpful and informative. Managed to get a seat inside the cabin which was sheltered.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Michael_T, Mar 2023

48. Southampton Excursion

⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 (106 Reviews)

Southampton is a port city and the beginning of the ill-fated journey of the Titanic. It is a beautiful seaside city with its most famous tourist attraction, the SeaCity Museum.

If you are going to Southampton for a cruise, the Tour from London to Southampton via Stonehenge is an excellent choice for a break to England’s most mysterious tourist location.

Enjoyed our tour guide and the experience at the Stones. It was a great way to get to our cruise in South Hampton.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Greg_A, Nov 2022

49. Experience the changing of the guard 

⭐️ Rating: 4.0/5 (1,202 Reviews)

Experience London’s most iconic attractions through the London One-Day Tour.

Visit Big Ben and Westminster Abbey and enjoy a fast-track entry and a guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Furthermore, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony and then visit the Tower of London to get immersed even more in London’s history.

Lastly, enjoy a traditional pub lunch for a complete London lifestyle package.

Sheila was our guide. She was fab, fun and informative. We had a blast. Thanks Sheila, from the ‘fun girls’

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jo_H, Mar 2023

Other reasons why London is Worth Visiting

50. Food and Drinks in London

Unfortunately, the UK doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to food. But London is a diverse city offering a vast selection of food and drinks.

Let’s see some must-haves in London.

🍽 English Breakfast: It consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and a hot beverage of your choice. 

🍽 Fish and Chips: Undoubtedly the most popular British dish, this dish consists of fried fish in crispy batter, potato chips, and mushy peas. 

🍽 Curry: Although it is originally from India, today, curry is the UK’s national dish. There are several variations of curry, so depending on the restaurant, the recipe, and spiciness might differ.

🍽 Shepherd’s Pie:  Found in most local cafes, this is a traditional British dish with its main ingredients: minced red meat, onions in gravy, and a topping of mashed potatoes.

🍽 London Gin: In the 19th century, the dry London gin made its debut in the British capital. Previously, gin used to be sweet. Today, London gin is prepared with juniper and other natural botanicals.

🍽 Beer: London’s refreshing beer is one of the things that make a trip to England’s capital worthwhile. The golden drink is available in many varieties and is served in every bar in the city.

🍽 Afternoon Tea: Usually, teas from Sri Lanka, China, India, and Africa are combined for English afternoon tea. These mixes are lighter than breakfast tea.

51. Nightlife in London

Since the Night Tube’s operation began, London has officially become a city that never sleeps.

Also, in London, just like in the daytime, during the night, you can find diverse experiences, from exciting nightclubs and extravagant cabaret performances to comedy shows and live music events. 

Some Free Night Venues you can do are enjoy a fun night at the free Angel Comedy Club at the Camden Head in Islington or apply for tickets to be in the audience of a major TV show like The Graham Norton Show.

Other Cheap Night Venues are participating in pub quizzes with friends and strangers, dining out at affordable eateries, joining Happy Hour at a local bar or pub, or discovering London’s exciting theatrical or musical performances or concerts.

If you are a party animal, London has many nightclubs, bars, and pubs to enjoy a pint, a tasty cocktail, and dance to your heart’s content. 

Whether you love clubbing, eating out, or join a cultural event, London at night will never disappoint you

52. London Theatre

London’s theater scene is famous worldwide and attracts visitors from around the globe.

The city’s renowned theaters perform classic plays and long-running musicals, including Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked.

But London is always creating new theaters and performances to please all ages and budgets.

Nowadays, many innovative plays have London as their base, while exciting comedy shows, newly debuted West-End performances, and other offbeat venues of unique and unusual shows currently run across London.

For instance, for budget travelers, rather than booking a West End performance, local pubs often perform unique and fun plays or stand-up comedy shows that you can enjoy over a pint of beer. 

53. London Fashion Week

Since dozens of years ago, London has been the definition of a gentleman in more ways than just an attitude. It is a style, a fashion belief, and a philosophy. 

Once upon a time, all the city boys and surgeons who wanted fashionable attire would venture to Savile Row, a street filled with traditional tailor shops for men.

However, today anyone can go to a tailoring shop, get measured up, and purchase a fancy suit.

Additionally, nowadays, London fashion week is a famous venue that people travel from across the world just to experience at least once in their lifetime.

Both menswear and womenswear are presented and displayed in a vibrant environment during the show. 

Also, the event has several fashion styles, from street style to couture, so it covers various fashion philosophies, making it interesting for every taste and preference.

54. Shopping in London

As seen above, London is home to elegant, chic, and eccentric fashion. So, shopping in London is certainly making the city a worthwhile destination. 

Popular spots for a shopping spree are Oxford Street and Regent Street. They offer a vast selection of clothing stores and styles, including sustainable fashion, high-end clothing brands, and street-style clothes. 

Also, London is home to one of the largest urban shopping centers at Westfield Stratford City and the iconic, luxurious department stores Harrods and Selfridges.

If you prefer something cheaper but will still wake your shopaholic side, a well-known retail shop in London that you should definitely visit is the Primark chain clothing shop. 

Additionally, London has many markets to browse around, as well as other alternative local shops to pick gifts, arts and crafts, unique items, antiques, and food.

When is the best time to visit London?

Generally, London has a mild climate, meaning you can visit all year round without much trouble. Nevertheless, summertime is the best period to visit the British capital. 

During summer, especially in July, the temperature can rise to 30 degrees Celsius allowing travelers to enjoy everything the city has to offer, especially outdoor activities.

In other words, this is the best time to make the most of London’s green spaces, beer gardens, and rooftop bars.

Also, during this period, events such as outdoor cinemas, music festivals, picnics, and sports days happen in the city, which can be enjoyed fully due to the perfect temperatures and climate. 

Furthermore, summer is probably the only time of the year London sees clear skies and sunny days, meaning you can immerse in the city’s beauty easier than in other months, which are gray and wet. 

☀️ What is the weather like in London?

London experiences mild weather all year round.

In summer, as already indicated, the highest temperatures are 30 to 35 degree Celsius. But overall, it is between 18 to 30 degrees with blue skies and sunny weather. 

In spring, the temperatures are mild, but the precipitation is regularly high, so expect rainy weather.

On the other hand, autumn is rather mild too and dry, but as winter gets closer weather starts getting colder.

Winter in London is quite cold, with the temperature falling below 0 degrees Celsius.

But the Christmas season is a beautiful time to be in London, with vibrant lights and spectacular New Year’s celebrations.

💰 What is the cheapest month to fly to London?

Typically the cheapest period to visit London is the shoulder months, specifically from November to March.

The prices during these months for hotels and flights are much lower than during peak season. 

But to be more precise, the cheapest time is mid to late January because the accommodation, flights, and other transportation means are much cheaper.

Also, you will find the biggest sales in every store, meaning you can shop more with less.

Is London expensive to visit?

As most people know, London is expensive. But even though that is true, it doesn’t mean it is not affordable.

London offers many experiences for all budgets, so if you create your itinerary wisely, you won’t have to spend much. 

🍹 Cost of food & drinks

Probably, your London budget will go mostly towards food and drinks. If you want to have a good meal, you will spend at least €35 per day.

For instance, a dinner at a local restaurant is about €20. 

However, if you want to spend less money on food, you can have street food from market vendors or go to local bistros and pubs for cheap meals. 

Similarly, drinks in London are quite expensive compared to other cities.

For instance, a pint at a local pub in London costs about €5, while a glass of wine in a restaurant can be about €8.

🛏️ Cost of accommodation

Similarly to food and drinks, accommodation in London is a lot more expensive compared to other cities.

For instance, the average price for a room at a hotel in London is €195, which is an insane amount.

The next most expensive is Manchester, with a price of €112 per night, so there is no doubt that London is expensive.

Still, this is the average price meaning you can find cheaper hotels. Also, if you are traveling on a budget, London has many hostels, which cost about €20 to €40 per night. 

🎫 Cost of tours and attractions

Surprisingly, London has many free museums where you can explore and discover fantastic historical and cultural artifacts, new scientific or technological knowledge, and art.

But there are also many other not-so-cheap attractions. In fact, most tourist attractions cost between €22 to €33.

However, if you use the London Pass, you can visit multiple attractions at a lower price.

🚌 Cost of transportation

London is a massive city, so public transportation can’t be avoided. In fact, you will probably need to use it a few times per day.

Therefore, instead of constantly buying tickets, it is better to purchase an Oyster Card, a top-up travel card, or contactless payment to reduce costs.

For example, a single one-way ticket is about €7, while with an Oyster Card, it’s only about €3.

If you need a taxi, you can either use one of the available taxi apps or just wave one of the traditional cabs. Those ones never get tired.

Where to Stay in London

✔️ Central London

For those who want to experience London’s bustling life and be as close as possible to the city’s major tourist attractions, Central London is an ideal location to stay.

The area is known for combining tradition, culture, large business headquarters, and technological innovation.

Furthermore, Central London is home to famous spots like the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and London Eye.

✔️ North London

North London’s neighborhoods are full of charm, beauty, and uniqueness. So, it is the perfect location for those who want to see an alternative side of London. 

The area has various must-visit spots, including Camden Market, Abbey Road, Warner Bros. Studio, and Walthamstow Wetlands.

Therefore, if you stay in North London, you can indulge in diverse, fun, and cool experiences.

✔️ South London

South London offers a more relaxing stay due to its village-like areas.

It combines an urban and rural ambiance perfectly, making it ideal for peaceful strolls in the parks like Richmond, exploring the royal family’s history at Greenwich, and enjoying fun nights at Clapham.

✔️ East London

East London is a melting pot of the city’s modern culture. Stay here to experience sports events in the Olympic Park, or go for a shopping spree at the Westfield Stratford City. 

Also, East London is the famous Jack the Ripper’s home. You can learn more about his story and crimes through a fascinating tour.

Otherwise, you can simply stay in this area for its cozy and fun pub culture, as well as incredible independent galleries in Hoxton.

✔️ West London

West London features beautiful, picturesque scenery, so if you prefer to stay in an area pleasing to the eyes, this is perfect for you.

It is home to the stunning Little Venice, which, frankly, lets you escape from London’s busy life.

Also, the area of Notting Hill is famous for its vibrant lifestyle, so it is a great neighborhood for young travelers. 

But also, in general, West London is full of lively neighborhoods, massive green parks, and cultural attractions to explore while staying at a fancy hotel.

How many days in London is enough?

London is massive, so to fully enjoy the city, it is advised to spend at least a week.

However, it all depends on where you want to go and what you want to see.

So, before booking any flights and accommodation, it is better to plan your priorities, as well as research all the attractions you would like to visit.

That is because some attractions like the Warner Bros. Studio Tour will take you a whole day from traveling to and from the studio, touring around the set for a couple of hours, and also taking some rest. 

Of course, some other attractions will take a short time of your day. Furthermore, many sites are within walking distance, so in one day, you can visit several places. 

So, depending on your priorities and itinerary, the ideal amount of days you should spend in London is three days up to one week.

How safe is London?

London is one of the safest large cities in the world. However, like other major tourist cities, London has many crimes involving tourists. 

More than often, thieves target travelers who travel using public transport, so an essential tip to avoid criminals is to always remain vigilant. 

For example, be sure to keep your belongings close to you, and if you see any suspicious activity around, report it immediately. Also, it is good to stay within the main streets and well-lit areas in order to avoid trouble.

Nevertheless, London is remarkably safe. The city is protected by the metropolitan police, which constantly patrols around the city, and the British Transport Police, which patrols the train and underground stations. 

Is London overrated?

Perhaps, for some, London may be overrated because of the city’s high cost and the overcrowded streets.

But London offers several experiences that can accommodate everyone, from free museums to affordable food and clothing markets to local cheap pubs and nightlife venues to green spaces.

So, no matter your budget, priorities, likes, and dislikes, London will surely give you an unforgettable experience.

Fun Facts About London

👍🏼 London is the smallest city in England

We all know that London is a massive city.

But actually, what we refer to as London is, in fact, the Greater London area which includes all the surrounding towns and the City of London, the real British capital.

And surprisingly, the City of London has less than 10,000 citizens, making it the tiniest city in the UK.

👍🏼 More than 300 languages are spoken in London

London is a diverse city due to its large immigrant population.

Today, there are more than 300 spoken languages, including the native languages of English, Welsh, and Scots.

Other spoken languages are Bengali, Punjabi, Hindu, Turkish, Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, and Spanish.

👍🏼 There are 170 museums in London

London is a multicultural city due to its large ex-pat population. But with more than 170 museums, London is literally home to culture, history, science, technology, and art.

The most popular museums include the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert, TATE Modern, and the Imperial War Museum.

👍🏼 There are a lot of urban foxes in London

Although wild animals tend to avoid big cities, London is home to more than 10,000 foxes. However, you shouldn’t worry about them.

They are indifferent towards humans and usually just back off quietly if they see one. So, if you see one, just think of it as a cute animal going for a stroll.

👍🏼 More than 20 rivers are flowing under London streets

Once upon a time, London had more rivers than just the Thames.

However, as the city expanded and urbanization took over, the city’s several marshlands were buried underneath the streets and houses.

Yet, if you pass through  Romford or Brentford underground stations, you will notice some rivers going up to the surface.

Is London Worth Visiting? Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Is London worth visiting?

London is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the world, so I would say it is worthwhile visiting this incredibly beautiful city.

Filled with marvelous landmarks, pop cultural sites, fun tourist attractions, world-class museums, and the most famous royal history, London offers everything you might wish for your next holiday!

Before you go…

• Madrid vs London: Where Should I Go on a Vacation?
• First Time in London? Read These Essential Travel Tips
• Is London Worth Visiting? 54 Reasons to Visit London in 2023
• 9 Days London Itinerary on and off the Beaten Track
• The most original activities in London: a compact travel guide
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