London, the vibrant capital city of the United Kingdom, is a diverse and exciting destination for first-time visitors. With a rich history dating back to Roman times, London offers a unique blend of historic landmarks, modern architecture, and multicultural influences. London is also known for its bustling shopping districts, picturesque parks, and lively nightlife, ensuring there's something for everyone in this dynamic city.
Average Cost of Hotels in London
Trip.com offers discounts of up to 20% on 2798 boutique hotels in London.
- There are 280 five-star hotels in London at an average price of 419 USD per night.
- There are 667 four-star hotels in London at an average price of 199 USD per night.
- There are 486 three-star hotels in London at an average price of 115 USD per night.
- There are 155 two-star hotels in London at an average price of 78 USD per night.
As a popular tourist city, London has many renowned chain hotels. Ramada is the top choice of many travelers in London. Hilton London Kensington Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in London. Ibis London Heathrow Airport is also one of the most frequently chosen hotels.
Top Attractions for First-Time Visitors
- The British Museum: This world-class museum houses millions of works from all over the world, covering over two million years of history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
- The Tower of London: A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, it offers a glimpse into the country's royal history. Don't miss the Crown Jewels exhibition.
- Buckingham Palace: The London residence of the Queen, it's a must-see. Try to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony for a true British experience.
- The London Eye: This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames offers stunning views of the city.
- St. Paul's Cathedral: One of London's most iconic buildings, it's an architectural masterpiece with a stunning interior.
Transportation in London
Public transportation: London has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the famous Tube (underground subway). Familiarize yourself with the system and consider purchasing an Oyster card or a Travelcard for more affordable and convenient travel.
- Heathrow Airport (LHR) : The busiest airport in the UK and the second busiest in the world. It serves as the main hub for British Airways and offers flights to over 180 destinations worldwide.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW): Gatwick Airport is the second largest airport in the UK. It operates as a base for several major airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, and Virgin Atlantic.
Better to Know Before Visiting London
- Weather: London's weather is known for being unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared for rain or sunshine. Bring an umbrella, a light raincoat, and layers to adjust to the changing temperatures.
- Currency: The currency in London is the British Pound (GBP). It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases, but most places also accept credit and debit cards.
- Tipping: Tipping is not as common in London as it is in the United States. In restaurants, a service charge of 12.5% is often added to the bill, but you can tip extra if you feel the service was exceptional.
- Power outlets: The UK uses a different type of power outlet than many other countries, so you may need a power adapter to charge your electronic devices.
- Etiquette: Londoners are known for being polite and reserved. Be respectful of personal space, queue up in lines, and try not to be too loud or disruptive in public spaces.
- Time zone: London is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) time zone. Be sure to adjust your watch and devices accordingly to avoid confusion with scheduling and appointments.
What to Eat in London
- Fish and Chips: This classic British dish is a must-try in London. It consists of battered and fried fish, typically cod or haddock, served with thick-cut fries known as chips.
- Full English Breakfast: Also known as a "fry-up", this hearty meal includes eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, and toast or fried bread.
- Sunday Roast: A traditional British meal that's typically served on Sundays, it includes roasted meat, roast potato, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy.
- Pie and Mash: A traditional London dish, it consists of a minced beef and onion pie served with mashed potatoes and a green parsley sauce known as "liquor".
- Bangers and Mash: This is a traditional British dish of sausages (bangers) served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.
- Chicken Tikka Masala: Although it has Indian origins, this dish is very popular in the UK. It's a creamy, mildly spiced curry made with marinated, grilled chicken pieces.
- Afternoon Tea: A quintessential British experience, afternoon tea typically includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and pastries.
Best Time to Visit London
The best time to visit London is during the spring (late March to early June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, these are also peak tourist seasons, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
If you want to avoid crowds and don't mind colder weather, winter (December to February) can be a good option. You can enjoy Christmas markets, festive decorations, and lower prices. However, the days are short and the weather can be quite cold and rainy.
Average Temperature
• January to March: 7.81°C during the day, 4.62°C at night
• April to June: 15.26°C during the day, 10.71°C at night
• July to September: 19.79°C during the day, 15.22°C at night
• October to December: 10.25°C during the day, 7.02°C at night
Average seasonal Rainfall
• Spring: 17.098425 cm
• Summer: 18.216536 cm
• Autumn: 18.779528 cm
• Winter: 23.594488 cm
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