London is one of the world's truly great cities — a sprawling, history-soaked global capital where royal palaces and ancient pubs sit beside glass skyscrapers, world-class (and often free) museums, and some of the best theatre, music and food anywhere. Endlessly diverse and always reinventing itself, it packs hundreds of distinct villages and over 300 languages into one electric, green and surprisingly walkable metropolis on the Thames.
London has a mild, changeable maritime climate — rarely very hot or very cold, but often grey and drizzly, so an umbrella is wise year-round. As one of the most multicultural cities on Earth, it is home to a vast international community, and with English the native language it is an exceptionally easy place to settle. The cost of living, especially rent, is among the highest in Europe, but salaries, culture and opportunity are on another scale.
Location Info
- A vast, diverse, English-speaking city with world-class culture and opportunity
- Generally safe, with the usual big-city care needed late at night
- The Underground, buses, Overground and hire bikes make getting around easy
Top Experiences
The Big Sights
Tick off the icons — Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the London Eye — all linked by a riverside walk along the Thames.
World-Class (and Free) Museums
The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern and the Natural History Museum are among the world's finest — and, like most London museums, completely free to enter.
West End Theatre
London rivals Broadway as the home of theatre. Catch a blockbuster musical, a new play or a Shakespeare at the reconstructed Globe, often for the price of a cinema ticket if you queue for day seats.
The Parks & Markets
Sprawl out in the royal parks — Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Hampstead Heath — then browse the food, vintage and flower stalls of Borough, Camden and Columbia Road markets.
The Villages of London
Each neighbourhood has its own character — riverside Greenwich, trendy Shoreditch, leafy Notting Hill, bustling Brixton — and exploring them is the best way to feel the real city.
Day Trips Across Britain
Fast trains and the city's airports put Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, the countryside — and the whole of Europe — within easy reach for a weekend away.
Getting Around
London has one of the world's most comprehensive transport networks, and you won't need a car. The Underground (the Tube), buses, Overground, DLR and Elizabeth line cover the city, all paid for by simply tapping a contactless card or phone, with fares automatically capped each day. Santander Cycles are dotted everywhere, and the centre is surprisingly walkable — often the quickest way between nearby stops.
When to Go
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the most pleasant, with long days, green parks and a packed calendar of festivals and outdoor events — though rain is always possible. Winters are cold, dark and damp rather than freezing, but the city sparkles with lights and Christmas markets.
Good to Know
- The pound sterling (£) is the currency, and London is one of Europe's most expensive cities, especially for rent.
- English is the native language, making London one of the easiest big cities to settle into.
- The UK is not in the EU or the Schengen Area, and the city runs on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
- Contactless pay is accepted almost everywhere — many places no longer take cash at all.
- London is generally safe, but keep an eye on phones and bags in crowds and on transport.
- Most major museums and galleries are free, making culture surprisingly affordable.
