London Travel Guide: Updated for 2026

London, the capital of England, is a city full of attractions and things to see. It’s no wonder it draws millions of tourists a year and is one of the world’s favorite travel destinations.



The currency in England is the pound sterling (GBP). 



Credit and debit cards, including contactless payment, are accepted almost everywhere.
ATMs are easy to find all over the city.

Public Transport in London

London is covered by a very efficient public transport network, so it’s very easy to reach all the attractions, and we strongly recommend using public transport instead of a car. Car rental isn’t cheap, parking is hard to find, you’ll find yourself in plenty of traffic jams and of course you’ll have to get used to driving on the left.
You can get an Oyster card (official site:Oyster) for public transport across Greater London (or simply tap in with a contactless bank card), ride one of the hop-on hop-off bus companies’ buses, or cruise on the River Thames and see the attractions from a slightly different angle.

Where to Stay in London

Planning a trip to London and not sure where to book a hotel? It really isn’t easy to find the ideal place. London is a huge city, full of tourist attractions, nightlife, parks and historic sites, and every neighborhood seems to have something different to offer, especially if it’s your first visit.



To help you choose the right place for you, we’ve gathered information on London’s most attractive neighborhoods, with recommendations for excellent places to stay that will make your visit to London unforgettable. Click here to read our article on recommended hotels in London.



Recommended places to stay for a first visit:

• • Corinthia London: A luxurious 5-star hotel.
  
  

• • Sofitel London St James: A luxurious 5-star hotel. All the bedrooms were redesigned in 2019 by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
  
  

• • One Aldwych: Another luxurious 5-star hotel, in a central location in Covent Garden. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and a health club.
  
  

• • The Resident Covent Garden: A 4-star hotel in a central location.
  
  

What to Do in London?

London is a city full of attractions and things to see. It’s no wonder it draws millions of tourists a year and is one of the world’s favorite travel destinations. The choice of attractions is so rich that it’s sometimes easy to get confused and miss important places, and sometimes it’s worth learning more about the places you’re seeing, because there may be a fascinating story behind them.

• • London with kids: recommendations for a family vacation in the city
  
  

• • The most recommended tours in the city.
  
  

If you’re planning to combine several attractions and public transport on your vacation, it’s worth getting one of the special tourist passes that give discounts on attractions.



The London Pass (official site:London pass):  A pass that costs roughly £79 for one day up to £179 for ten days (prices change, so check the current rates). It gives free entry to over 90 attractions, including a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you between the different sites.



The Go City Explorer Pass (official site:Go City):  A pass that costs from about £50 for two attractions up to about £123 for a larger number of attractions. You choose the attractions that suit you best from the selection included in the pass.



Discount London (official site:Discount London):  A pass where you choose from the packages offered on the website. Each package includes attractions suited to a range of ages, preferences and interests.



Iconic attractions in the city: Among the city’s most famous attractions you’ll find the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Madame Tussauds, Hyde Park and Tower Bridge.



Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard: AtBuckingham Palace and the gardens around it you can spend a whole day of adventures. The highlight, without a doubt, is the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place several times a week.



Click here for more attractions in London

Shopping in London

Camden Market

For lovers of alternative culture and shopping, of course. It’s actually made up of 6 different markets, most of which are open every day. On weekends the market is especially busy, with both stalls and visitors, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s better not to come then. The most famous part is Camden Lock, a huge flea market. You’ll also find food from all over the world, clothes and accessories, including secondhand stalls, jewelry and much more. It’s really not a place to find “bargains”, since prices aren’t necessarily cheap, but it’s an experience of colors and smells you shouldn’t miss!

Covent Garden

A bustling shopping area with indoor and outdoor sections, with luxury stores alongside unique shops such as a store dedicated to the Moomins and a kite shop. There’s lots of atmosphere thanks to the street performers and live shows, a food market and many restaurants.

Urban Nature Parks in London

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is London’s most famous park, with stunning lawns and an amazing Christmas market (Winter Wonderland). It covers about 1.4 square kilometers (about 2.5 together with neighboring Kensington Gardens), and at its center is a lake where you can swim (for a fee) or simply enjoy a coffee at the cafe on its banks. Kids of all ages will enjoy the chance to roam in the open air. Visit Marble Arch and the Diana Memorial Fountain, and don’t miss the moving memorial to the animals that served and died in the British armed forces. If your kids like making speeches, take them to Speakers’ Corner in the park and give them a taste of what Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and George Orwell felt when they spoke there before them.



Kew Gardens (the Royal Botanic Gardens)



A huge botanic garden with plants from all over the world. A spectacular experience for the eyes and the nose.

A Cruise on the Thames

To see all of London’s beauty and its important sites, we recommend taking a cruise on the River Thames. There are several options.
The more relaxed experience: A leisurely cruise with commentary on everything you see along the riverbanks, including the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and more.
A speedboat ride: With music and a guide who keeps everyone entertained. An experience that’s a mix of an amusement park ride and a history tour.