London was one of those destinations that completely exceeded my expectations. I visited during the holiday season, and between the Christmas lights, festive markets, royal history, world-class museums, and iconic landmarks, I quickly understood why so many travelers return again and again.
As someone who loves Tudor history, London had been on my bucket list for years. Standing inside the Tower of London, visiting Hampton Court Palace, and walking through places connected to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn felt surreal. But beyond the history, London is a city that offers something for everyone—whether you love food, museums, theater, architecture, shopping, or simply wandering through historic neighborhoods.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another visit, this guide combines my personal experiences, favorite attractions, practical travel tips, and my custom Google Maps guide to help you make the most of your time in one of the world’s greatest cities.
Quick Facts About London
- Currency: British Pound Sterling (£)
- Language: English
- Airport Options: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and London City (LCY)
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, Fall, and the Christmas season
- Transportation: Excellent public transportation system with the Underground, buses, and trains
How Many Days Should You Spend in London?
I recommend spending at least four full days in London.
Suggested trip lengths:
- 3 Days: Major highlights only
- 4–5 Days: Perfect for most first-time visitors
- 7+ Days: Ideal if you want museums, day trips, and a slower pace
London is much larger than many travelers expect, and travel times between attractions can add up quickly.
Where to Stay in London
Covent Garden
My top recommendation for first-time visitors. You’ll be centrally located with easy access to theaters, restaurants, shopping, and many major attractions.
Westminster
Perfect for visitors who want to be near London’s most famous landmarks. I personally stayed at this hotel on my last visit!
South Bank
Great views, excellent transportation, and easy access to the London Eye, Borough Market, and the Thames.
Kensington
A beautiful and quieter area with excellent hotels, museums, and Underground access.
Must-See Attractions in London
Tower of London
If I had to choose just one attraction in London, this would be it.
The Tower of London is nearly 1,000 years old and has served as a royal palace, fortress, prison, treasury, and execution site. As a Tudor history lover, this was easily one of the highlights of my trip.
Don’t miss:
- The Crown Jewels
- Traitor’s Gate
- Tower Green
- The memorial honoring Anne Boleyn and others executed at the Tower
- The famous Yeoman Warder tours
Plan for at least three to four hours here.
Westminster Abbey
One of the most important churches in the United Kingdom and the site of royal coronations, weddings, and funerals for centuries.
History lovers could easily spend hours exploring the abbey.
Buckingham Palace
One of London’s most iconic landmarks and home of the British monarch.
If possible, time your visit around the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
No first visit to London is complete without seeing Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
This area is especially beautiful at sunset and after dark when everything is illuminated.
Tower Bridge
Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Walk across the bridge and enjoy incredible views of the Thames and the Tower of London.
Churchill War Rooms
One of the most fascinating museums in London.
The underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his government directed Britain’s efforts during World War II remains remarkably preserved. Walking through the actual rooms where critical wartime decisions were made is an unforgettable experience.
History buffs should not miss this.
Museums Worth Your Time
One of the best things about London is the number of world-class museums that are completely free.
British Museum
Home to some of the world’s most important historical artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone.
Imperial War Museum
One of my favorite museums in London.
The exhibits covering both World Wars are incredibly powerful and provide a deeper understanding of Britain’s role in modern history.
National Gallery
A must-visit for art lovers.
Victoria and Albert Museum
An impressive collection of art, fashion, and decorative arts from around the world.
My Favorite Day Trip: Hampton Court Palace
As a Tudor history enthusiast, my favorite day trip from London was undoubtedly Hampton Court Palace.
Originally built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey before becoming one of Henry VIII’s most famous residences, Hampton Court offers one of the best opportunities anywhere in England to step directly into Tudor history.
Highlights include:
- Henry VIII’s Great Hall
- The Tudor Kitchens
- The Haunted Gallery
- The Chapel Royal
- The extensive palace gardens
Compared to some of London’s busiest attractions, Hampton Court feels much more relaxed and allows visitors to immerse themselves in history.
If you have any interest in the Tudors, this is an absolute must-do.
Visiting London During Christmas
I visited London during the holiday season, and it remains one of my favorite times to experience the city.
Some of my favorite holiday experiences included:
- Covent Garden Christmas decorations
- Regent Street lights
- Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park
- Christmas markets
- Festive afternoon teas
- Seasonal decorations throughout the city
London feels magical during late November and December.
Afternoon Tea at The Wolseley
If afternoon tea is on your London bucket list, I highly recommend The Wolseley.
The atmosphere is elegant without feeling overly formal, the service is excellent, and it was one of the most memorable dining experiences of my trip.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a classic London experience, it’s worth making a reservation.
Getting Around London
One of my favorite things about London is how easy it is to navigate without a car.
I recommend:
- Using contactless payment or Apple Pay
- Taking the Underground (The Tube)
- Walking whenever possible
- Using Google Maps or Citymapper
Most visitors will find public transportation faster and easier than renting a car.
Money-Saving Tips for London
- Visit London’s free museums.
- Use public transportation instead of taxis.
- Book major attractions in advance.
- Carry a reusable water bottle.
- Walk whenever possible.
- Look for combination attraction tickets if you plan to visit several paid sites.
Our Favorite Places to Eat in London
- Borough Market-Definitely get the Strawberries
- Mr. Foggs for Gin Cocktails
- Italian Bear for incredible Hot Chocolate
- Sunday Roast at Blacklock
Taking the Eurostar to Paris
One of the best parts of my trip was continuing on to Paris via the Eurostar.
Instead of flying, I took the train directly from London to Paris, and it was incredibly easy. Traveling city center to city center eliminates the hassle of airports and allows you to maximize your vacation time.
If you’re planning a European itinerary, I highly recommend combining London and Paris into the same trip.
I’ve also put together a complete guide on taking the Eurostar from London to Paris if you’d like more detailed planning tips.
My London Google Maps Guide
To make planning easier, I’ve created a custom London Google Maps guide featuring my favorite attractions, restaurants, museums, afternoon tea spots, photo locations, and hidden gems throughout the city.
It’s the exact map I use when planning my own trips and will help you spend less time researching and more time enjoying your vacation.
Happy travels!
Written by Halee Whiting | Travel with a Flair
Halee Whiting is a travel advisor, content creator, and co-owner of Travel with a Flair. She specializes in cruises, river cruises, and European vacations, helping travelers plan unforgettable journeys around the world. Having personally experienced Alaska cruises, European river cruises, and destinations across Europe and the Caribbean, she combines firsthand experience with professional travel planning expertise to help clients create seamless and memorable vacations.
