Explore the best of East London with Paloma Faith
Having called it home her entire life, Paloma Faith knows London like the back of her hand. So, who better to lead a tour of the best spots in the East End?
Discover the dynamic draw of London, where history and modernity are always joined at the hip. This collection of guides is your key to unlocking the best-kept secrets and celebrated landmarks in the UK capital. Picture yourself strolling through the Royal Parks, catching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, exploring centuries-old food markets, or viewing the city from the soaring heights of The Shard or the London Eye.
For art enthusiasts, London's galleries and museums are a treasure trove. The Tate Modern is the country’s largest modern art space, while the National Gallery showcases masterpieces that date as far back as 1263. The British Museum and Natural History Museum tell stories of the world, and there are a few niche options too, like the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Churchill War Rooms. Prefer performing arts? The West End beckons with its dazzling musicals and buzzing nightlife scene — a must-visit for romantics and revelers.
Family fun? London's got it in spades. From the interactive wonders of the Science Museum to the historic Tower of London to Harry Potter heaven at the Warner Bros. Studios, there's something to spark everyone's imagination. And if those little legs need more space to run around, fantastic day trips set off in all directions from London.
And if you’ve heard about London’s food scene, you’ll know that there are tons of top places to eat in the city, from classic fish and chips to Chinese favorites to innovative vegan dishes — your taste buds are in for a treat.
This guide is your ultimate companion to experiencing London in all its glory. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, you’ll have the time of your life.
Whether you’re in London for a few days, weeks, or a month, below is a list of some original ideas to try during your stay, and some links, tips, and ideas for booking. Have a browse and see what best matches your interests or travel personality.
Having called it home her entire life, Paloma Faith knows London like the back of her hand. So, who better to lead a tour of the best spots in the East End?
Far from being contained in J.K. Rowling’s 7 Harry Potter books and the 8 films they produced, the world of Harry Potter extends across the city in which (some of) it is set. Seeking out the key places on a trip to London is a must for many Harry Potter fans.
London is one of the most iconic places in the world. Full of so many famous landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and more. But it’s home to beautiful corners that are off the beaten track too. Next time you visit, be sure to try out some of these hidden gems and see a different side of London, away from the tourists.
Hurrah! The sunny weekend that you’ve been praying for in London has finally arrived. With over 3,000 parks in London, you’d think there would be enough space for everyone, but it seems that they’re all full to the brim on a hot day. Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to make the most out of the city sunshine. This list of things to get up to in London when it’s sunny has you and your plans covered.
London is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in the world, with first-class museums, world-famous landmarks and museums, stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and trendy neighborhoods.
Given Europe’s long and rich history, its cities host numerous cultural treasures dating from the dawn of humanity to the present day. Standing out in this crowded field is not easy, but London manages to do just that. Fine arts, religious relics, and architectural wonders are found next to masterpieces of contemporary visual arts.
London is a city of many things. Great restaurants, great museums, and a never-ending list of top attractions and things to do. However, when it comes to adventure, especially outdoor adventure, there probably isn’t much that comes to mind. But there are many adventurous things to do in London and they’re a great way to escape the crowds and see the city in a new light. You just need to know what to look for.
Winter in London, and December in particular, is a magical time to visit as England's capital turns into a wonderland of lights and festivities. Of course, there's a nip in the air as you wander the streets, shopping for handmade gifts in the markets and admiring the lights. But the sights and smells of London in December will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. So whether this is your first or 20th time visiting London, you will find winter an enchanting season to explore this vibrant city.
London and Bristol are two of the UK’s most interesting cities. Of course, as the capital city, London attracts more crowds, but Bristol is well worth visiting while you’re in the UK.
London is one of the oldest and most visited destinations in the world, and a place every traveler should see at least once in their lifetime.
London's a buzzing hive of action and taste sensations, and for the culinary adventurers among you, it's a veritable playground. This city's streets are a smorgasbord of foodie delights, where every corner reveals a new taste to savor. You’re in for a treat — literally.
Despite its pricey reputation, it is possible to explore London on a budget — you just need to know where to look. The city is home to world-class museums and galleries that are free to enter, there are many free events in London, and there’s no shortage of picturesque parks, vibrant street art, or historical landmarks that can all be seen cheaply and even for free. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are 10 things to do in London on a budget.
London has some of the most famous landmarks in the world, from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben to the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. With its mix of historic and ultra-modern architecture, the city forms a compelling set of landscapes, waiting to be glimpsed and captured from a variety of different angles.
When it comes to visiting a major city like London, it’s hard to gauge how long you should spend there. I’ve always found that a weekend or three days is an ideal length of time to see the top sights, get a feel for the city, and dip your toe in the culture. There’s so much to see in the English capital, but this 3-day itinerary for London should help you choose what to fit in.
As one of the most exciting and iconic cities in the world, London has so many interesting places to visit. The UK capital’s best-known landmarks, like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, are steeped in history and known all over the world. Looking for the top London sights to see when you visit?
London is one of those metropolises where you could spend weeks and months exploring every corner of the city, and still find new things to do. When planning your next trip to London, be sure to consider the many popular day trips from London too. These trips offer a wealth of history, culture, natural beauty, and architecture that make them absolutely worth the small amount of time spent away from bustling city.
London is a vibrant city all year round, but it’s exceptionally charming in the winter. While hot weather in the summertime usually brings crowds to the capital, in the winter you can expect cool temperatures, fewer people, and plenty of festive cheer.
Often the backdrop for many romantic comedies (here’s looking at you, “Notting Hill”) and timeless literary love stories, London is an ideal destination for lovers and honeymooners seeking a sprinkle of romance. There is no shortage of sentiment in the English capital, from enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across the city to strolling hand-in-hand along the River Thames after dark under the city lights. Here are some of the most romantic things to do in London.
How many days do you need to see London? Ask a local and they will most probably say that no matter how many days you spend, there is always more to see. And that is so true!
There is no better time to visit London than in the summer. Whether you want to soak up some culture or relax in the city’s abundant parks, summer is the perfect opportunity to take a trip and see what makes it one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Counting down to your next birthday celebration? If you’re planning to spend your birthday in London, you’re in for an absolute treat. Whether you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience to commemorate a big birthday, a family-friendly fun day out in the city, or just want to play tourist for a day, here are some of the best things to do in London to celebrate a birthday and to fit any budget.
If this is your first time visiting London, there are undoubtedly countless attractions on your radar. From the famous — like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye — to more unique experiences like going into the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral or climbing on top of the Millennium Dome.
From historic castles and cathedrals to modern skyscrapers and observation wheels, London is packed with bucket-list landmarks and experiences. With so much to see, piecing together the perfect first visit to the city is always easier with recommendations for the best things to do.
With a history spanning back to the Roman Empire, London has been rebuilt and reforged countless times throughout its lifetime. Nowadays it's one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world, with an ever-changing skyline and a diverse population. Each of its neighborhoods boasts something unique, and the city manages to strike a balance of ultra-modern and proudly historic. While the skyscrapers and driverless trains have moved in, the red buses, royal palaces, historic cathedrals, and old markets are going nowhere.
London town is a global icon. You’ve seen it in films, you know the red buses, Big Ben, and quaint little taxi cabs, but how well do you really know England’s capital? These 9 fun facts will have you looking a little deeper.
Ready to pop the question? Or maybe you've started planning, but are still considering where? London is the perfect place to propose, and there are plenty of romantic places to do it.
London is bursting with well-known landmarks, but there is a treasure trove of hidden places in London for you to discover. Famous sites like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace draw visitors from around the world, so find respite from the crowds off the beaten path at underrated attractions in London. From handling ancient historical artifacts at the British Museum to exploring Henry VIII’s favorite palace, this list of hidden gems in London will take you beyond the typical tourist trail.
London is, essentially, one of the world’s coolest capitals; from its phenomenal bar and restaurant scene to the West End, its answer to Broadway, it’s got plenty to appeal to the solo traveler. Hang out in Soho to get a flavor of its fun nightlife, or head to foodie mecca, Borough Market, where hundreds of traders serve up delicious dishes. It’s riddled with history, from its dark past as the stamping ground of Jack the Ripper, to the royal ceremonial ritual of the Changing of the Guard. Gritty East London is where you’ll find creative street art by the likes of world-renowned Banksy, while around Whitehall you can retrace the steps of James Bond. So it doesn’t matter that you’re traveling alone; these are the best things to do in London when you’re going solo.
One of my top travel tips for getting acquainted with London and seeing its best views from the off is to stroll from the Tower of London, across Tower Bridge, and along the South Bank along the River Thames. Pass the London Eye and cross Westminster Bridge to find Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. This will take an hour or two, but you'll get to see many of London's most famous sights. If you don't feel like walking, a hop-on hop-off bus will take you around them all in no time.
London is one of the most Instagrammed cities in the world, with an abundance of picturesque spots that make the perfect posts. From royal residences and iconic bridges to bustling markets and a few hidden gems, there’s something amazing to snap at every turn. But where are the best places in London for grid-worthy photos?
These well-traveled content creators have shared their favorite spots for amazing shots of the UK capital, from famous landmarks like Tower Bridge and iconic red phone booths to picture-perfect hidden gems. There are tips on how to capture each one in a unique way, as well as a Google Maps link so they’re easy to find.
Ready to create your best post yet? Here are London’s most Instagrammable spots.
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to make sense of a big city, and with a population of nearly 9 million, London can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. Therefore, it makes sense to break down the best neighborhoods in London, especially when most were originally small, individual villages in the past, which slowly became absorbed into the metropolis. Each of them has its own individual flavor, character, and appeal; for instance, when Londoners talk about the “West End,” they mean Soho and Theaterland, where you can see a play or musical, stroll around Chinatown, or drink and dine at any number of bars and restaurants. Covent Garden is known for the imposing Royal Opera House and the fascinating London Transport Museum, while cinematic Notting Hill has a great antique market on its famous Portobello Road. Wherever you choose to spend your time, these top London neighborhoods are well worth a visit.
There's nothing quite like fall, a season of wrapping up warmly and enjoying the changing colors of the leaves. London has plenty of green spaces where you can stroll and observe the transforming of the season, and plenty of opportunities to spend time indoors if the fall chill gets too much. Pick from several parks, such as Richmond, where the deer who wander freely here are getting ready to impress a future mate, or Hampstead Heath, where you can cozy up in a traditional pub after a romp through piles of fallen leaves. Set a spooky scene in the run-up to Halloween with a wander around one of the city's most atmospheric cemeteries, Highgate, or attend an evening play or musical in the West End as the temperatures drop. Here are the best ways to enjoy London in the fall.
London in the winter might have a reputation for being unpredictable when it comes to weather, but don’t be put off, as winter is one of the best times to visit, especially in December, when the capital undergoes a festive transformation straight out of a movie. It’s true that it might not snow until February, if at all, but you can still see Hogwarts covered in snow at the Warner Bros Studios. Hop from one cozy pub to another, or take afternoon tea before catching a show at the theater. Here is the ultimate winter guide to London.
There's nowhere quite like London; England's capital city has attractions galore, from museums and galleries to theaters and markets, not to mention some of the best restaurants in the world. But there are plenty of places within the rest of the UK that have endless appeal thanks to their history, culture, or even beaches. London is well placed for traveling to other parts of the country, being incredibly well connected by transport links, so hopping on a train or bus, or into a car, is easy. The seaside town of Brighton is under two hours away, while you can get up to Scotland in fewer than five hours by train. Some of the prettiest places for a weekend trip from London include Bath, with its beautiful architecture and Roman Baths, and The Cotswolds, famous for its honey-hued buildings, where you can spend hours browsing antique shops and indulging in cream teas. You can visit the ancient university colleges in Oxford and Cambridge or indulge in art and culture in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Whatever you fancy, here are the 12 best weekend getaways from London.
One of the most expensive districts in the world, affluent Mayfair is home to banks, embassies, art galleries, Michelin-star restaurants, luxury hotels, and high-end car showrooms. No wonder it’s the most expensive property square to land on on the British Monopoly board. It’s beautiful to walk around, with gorgeous Georgian architecture, lovely parks - it borders Hyde Park, and you’ll find leafy squares such as Berkeley and Grosvenor - and fascinating history.
Soho has been the epitome of cool since at least the Swinging Sixties; a bubbling hotpot of music venues, theaters, independent boutiques, nightclubs, contemporary bars and historic pubs, as well as a residual air of loucheness (thanks to its reputation as a base for the sex industry in the 70s and 80s), it’s always been a magnet for Londoners and visitors who want to come out and play.
Who doesn’t remember seeing those iconic images of Prince Charles and Princess Diana share a magical kiss on the Buckingham Palace balcony during their wedding in 1981? Or Queen Elizabeth waving from it during 2022’s Platinum Jubilee?
You might not realize it, but there are over 3,000 parks and green spaces in London; that's a lot of places to enjoy the warmer weather heralded by spring. Flowers are just starting to bloom — admire the cherry blossom in beautiful Kew Gardens, or visit the annual Chelsea Flower Show, where different, colorful gardens are designed by artists each year.
Every British monarch since 1066 has been crowned at Westminster Abbey. The magnificent structure, created around 1245 under King Henry III, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the UK, and has been the location for several royal weddings, including Queen Elizabeth II and Philip Mountbatten’s wedding in 1947 and Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s in 2011.
The awe-inspiring Tower of London has stood by the River Thames since 1066. It has served as a royal residence and a place to host guests, but also served as a prison for traitors and gangsters.
It all started with a cupboard under the stairs… and went on to become a multi-million dollar franchise that includes a life-sized reimagining of Harry Potter’s world, which you can visit and explore.
London is a fun and fascinating city, but it can be on the expensive side. Fortunately, there are plenty of attractions to see and events to enjoy for free. Most of London’s peaceful parks and renowned museums don’t require a ticket. Some cultural events like the Notting Hill Carnival, where steel drums and feathered costumes create a magical atmosphere every summer, are free to attend. Banksys and other edgy street art in hip Shoreditch is on display to everyone on the sidewalk. Find how you can experience London’s best free activities in this roundup.
There are some people out there who claim they’re only happy when it rains, but for the rest of us, a downpour can put a literal dampener on our sightseeing plans. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do indoors in London, starting with the many museums and galleries the capital is known for. Stroll around the Tate Modern for some fantastic contemporary art, or see Old Masters at the National Gallery. If entertainment’s more your thing, make a beeline for the West End and take in one of its many award-winning plays or musicals. And there is always a classic, historic pub to take shelter in, or you could indulge in the tradition of afternoon tea. Here are the 12 best things to do in London on a rainy day.
London is home to icons like the British Museum, Churchill War Rooms, and the Charles Dickens Museum, so it’s no surprise that many of the museums in London also make the list of the best places to visit in London. Whether you have only 24 hours to explore the city or plan to spend five days in London, you’ll want to make time for these fun London museums.