Overview
London, UK's capital, is a world-class city with over 2000 years of history. From the ancient Tower Bridge to the modern Shard, history and modernity intertwine.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (May-September) is peak season with warmest weather and longest daylight hours.
Top Attractions
大本钟
Big Ben
白金汉宫
Buckingham Palace
大英博物馆
British Museum
伦敦眼
London Eye
塔桥
Tower Bridge
Getting to Know London
London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a city that perfectly balances ancient history with contemporary innovation. With over 2,000 years of history, London has evolved from a Roman trading post into one of the world's most influential global cities, welcoming over 21 million international visitors annually.
The city's iconic landmarks tell stories spanning millennia. The Tower of London has witnessed royal intrigue since 1066, while the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben represent the birthplace of modern democracy. Yet London is equally defined by modern marvels like the Shard, the London Eye, and the transformed South Bank cultural district.
London's cultural offerings are extraordinary and largely free. The British Museum houses the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, the National Gallery showcases works from da Vinci to Van Gogh, and the Tate Modern presents cutting-edge contemporary art—all with no admission fee. The city's 8+ million residents speak over 300 languages, making London one of the most diverse cities on Earth.
The Underground ("the Tube"), the world's first underground railway, remains the most efficient way to navigate the city. Single journeys start at £2.80 with contactless or Oyster card, though an unlimited day cap makes extensive travel affordable. London is also remarkably walkable, with many attractions clustered in central areas.
Sample Itineraries
3-Day London Essentials
Day 1: Royal & Historic London - Morning: Tower of London and Crown Jewels (book online, arrive at opening) - Afternoon: Tower Bridge walk, Borough Market lunch - Evening: Thames South Bank walk to Westminster, Big Ben at sunset
Day 2: Museums & Culture - Morning: British Museum (Egyptian galleries, Rosetta Stone) - Afternoon: Covent Garden and West End matinee show - Evening: Soho dinner and drinks
Day 3: Parks & Palaces - Morning: Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guard (11:00am, check schedule) - Afternoon: Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and afternoon tea - Evening: Notting Hill exploration
Let our AI trip planner optimize your London adventure!
Essential Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need in London?
3-4 days covers major attractions and a taste of different neighborhoods. 5-6 days allows for day trips (Stonehenge, Oxford, Bath). A week or more lets you explore at a relaxed pace.
When is the best time to visit London?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September) offer the best weather and longer days. Summer is warm but crowded. Winter is cold and dark but has festive markets and fewer tourists.
Is London expensive?
London can be expensive, but free museums and parks help. Budget travelers can manage on £80-120/day including hostel accommodation. Mid-range is £150-250/day. Luxury experiences start at £400+/day.
Should I get an Oyster card or use contactless?
Contactless payment works exactly like Oyster with the same fares and daily caps. Just tap your card or phone. Oyster is useful if you want to avoid foreign transaction fees or prefer a dedicated travel card.
Can I see Buckingham Palace?
The State Rooms are open to visitors in summer (late July-September). Changing of the Guard is free and occurs at 11:00am (check official schedule). You can always view the palace exterior and walk through St. James's Park.
Overview
3-6 days
per person per day
Practical Information
Language
English
Currency
GBP
Voltage
230V
Visa Requirements
Visa required for most nationalities
