In this article, I give you tips and recommendations for visit London and make the most of your stay in the British capital!
Here you'll find
- Things to do in London
- Tips and tricks for a stress-free visit to London
- What you can see and do as a family
- Ideas for budget holidays
- Itineraries to suit the length of your stay
- And much more!
If you're looking for information on how to visit London easily, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Visiting London: article summary
Visiting London: 5 must-do activities in the capital
It takes organization to visit London to see as much of it as possible. To help you, I suggest top 5 activities and must-see toursto help you see the essential.
Explore London's most beautiful districts
London is divided into 33 neighborhoods and you won't be able to see them all during your stay. In any case, not all of them have the same appeal for passing visitors: here are the ones you shouldn't miss:
- Westminsterfor its palace and famous abbey
- Kensingtonwith its gardens, palace and opulent ambience
- Sohoshopping temple and entertainment mecca
- Notting Hillfor its romantic atmosphere and famous antiques market
- Camden TownLondon's punkest district!
- The City and Canary Wharftwo business centers that are extremely lively during the day, with their skyscrapers.
- Covent Garden and its timeless charm
- ShoreditchLondon's most hipster neighbourhood!
- Hampstead or Greenwichfor a bit of calm and fresh air
Admire the most beautiful monuments
These are not monuments that London lacks, and you'll come across many of the capital's most famous buildings. Don't miss:
- Big Benthe famous tower and its bell tower, recognizable among 1,000 others
- Westminster Abbey
- Buckingham Palace
- Visit Tower of London and the Tower Bridge neighbor
Discover the capital's superb museums
London is a city of culture and there are countless museums, art galleries and exhibitions in the capital.
Enter the museum of natural historythe Dock Museum, the House Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Sherlock Holmes Museum or the London Transport Museum, there's plenty to do.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
But if you have to do just one, go to the British Museumone of the most impressive museums in the world!
Green spaces
There are many parks in Londonthe perfect place for a relaxing break away from the crowds, for a romantic picnic or to observe scenes of everyday life.
Among the most popular is the famous Hyde Park or the superb Richmond Park with its free-ranging deer!
Shopping in London
London is an enchanting city shopping enthusiastsAll year round, but even more so during the sales season. There's something for every budget and taste!
Don't miss the futuristic boutique Cyberdogof the luxurious Liberty or the impressive Harrods Londonfor unforgettable shopping sessions.
For shopping, the best streets remain Oxford Street, Carnaby Street or the Piccadily Circus
Visiting London with the family: 5 activities for young and old
For those who come to visit London with children, you need to adapt your stay a little to keep your little ones happy. Here are a few ideas to delight the whole family!
Harry Potter Studios
Harry Potter is certainly the most famous of English characters and Harry Potter Museumwhich takes place in the studios where the films were shot, is the perfect opportunity to (re)immerse yourself in the magical world of the little wizard.
A outstanding experiencefor fans and lovers of 7e art!
London Zoo
The capital's zoo is located north of the famous Regent's Parkin the heart of the city. It's a fun and original way to spend a few hours with the family.
Attend a musical
Enter The Lion King, Wicked or even Les MisérablesLondon has no shortage of shows for young and old alike. With a little advance planning, you can secure tickets for a memorable show at one of London's magnificent theaters.
Visit soccer stadiums
If your children are Soccer fansWhat could be more logical than taking them on a pilgrimage to the stadiums of some of the world's biggest clubs?
You can visit Emirates Stadium Arsenal, Le stade Stamford Bridge or the emblematic Wembleyto discover what goes on behind the scenes and follow in the footsteps of the greatest champions.
Discover Madame Tussauds
If there's one visit that's sure to work with kids, it's the Museum of Wax Statues in Paris. Madame Tussauds. It's the first of its kind, with playful experiences reserved for the very young!
How to visit London for less?
Visiting London can be a breeze be expensive. Fortunately, even small budgets can benefit, by following these tips and recommendations.
A card for savings
Opt for Oyster Card so you don't have to pay full price for your tickets! You'll save money on travel...and on partner restaurants and attractions!
Take advantage of our free tours
There are plenty of activities to choose from enjoy free in London. Here's what you need to know:
- Entry to the British Museum is free (as are the Natural History Museum, the National Gallery and many other London museums!).
- You can climb to the top of the Sky Garden without paying a penny
- It's free to attend changing the guard Buckingham Palace!
Sleeping in a hostel
Rather than choosing an expensive hotel or Airbnb accommodation at prohibitive rates, turn to the best youth hostels of the city.
From low pricesYou're guaranteed to meet new people and enjoy the privacy of a private room!
Great ways to eat without breaking the bankÂ
While there are some excellent restaurants in LondonBut you can also eat for less by focusing on street food.
Among the most popular places for this, I recommend Brick Lane (for curries), Chinatown for Chinese food, or Traditional pubs if you want to enjoy 100 % local dishes!
How long will it take to visit London?
If you're staying in London for a short period of time, it's a good idea to draw up a precise itinerary, so as not to waste any time. Here are a few suggestions.
London in 1 day
We need to focus on downtown (Westminster and surrounding area) and visit Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Westminster and its Abbey, before heading up to Soho via Trafalgar Square.
You will have a quick but fun overview from London!
London in 2 days
Many people come to London for a weekend, which makes for a more in-depth visit.
In addition to the stages of the 1-day itinerary, I recommend that you spend a morning in Camden Town and at the Camden Marketto Regent's Park and then choose between :
- A visit to the British Museum
- A other districtDepending on your interests, you could visit the London Tower to discover this admirable fortress.
Take advantage of the evening to dine in a Pub or at one of the local chains, such as Dishoom !
London in 3 days
In my opinion, 3 days in London is the ideal duration for a short stay.
To the following itineraries, you can add a visit to at least two districts and enjoy atypical experiences such as :
- The panoramic view from the skyscraper The Shard
- A ride on the Ferris wheel London Eye
- A visit to the famous ship Cutty Sark
For party-goers, it's also the perfect opportunity to spend a wild evening in the heart of the city. from a London club !
London in a week
In 5, 6 or 7 days in London, you'll have time to see as many things as possible. Once you've seen the main districts and major attractions, I invite you to explore the surrounding area:
- Hampton CourtHenry VIII's famous palace
- Mandiran astonishing Hindu temple on London's doorstep
- Visit Windsor Castlethe time for a day trip
- The surprising city of Milton Keynes !
When to visit London?
As you know, the climate in the UK can be quite temperamental. To avoid the rain, damp and cold, it can be pleasant to visit London. between May and September. However, this is the most touristic period.
In March, April and October, temperatures oscillate between 12 and 15°, which is reasonable, but it could rain a little more, especially in October.
For shopping fans, keep in mind that the most interesting sales take place on Boxing Dayfrom December 26 to early February!
Enjoy your stay!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
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