Visit London

Even though London’s cuisine doesn’t have the best reputation, there are still iconic dishes that tourists scramble for once they set foot on English soil. London is a vast city with numerous restaurants offering 100% local cuisine, often mixed with other types of cuisine from neighboring countries. In the end, London’s culinary scene has more than one surprise up its sleeve—or rather, more than one surprise on its plate. You’ll quickly see this when sampling the dishes at restaurants on Rosebery Avenue or Kennington Lane Vauxhall. The cuisine is known for being “bold” (you’ll see) with hearty servings in settings described as “typically English.” There’s also Suffolk Place, which offers refined and reinvented local cuisine. It’s one of the best places to try London’s dishes.

There’s no easier place to sleep than in London! The city is bustling with all kinds of establishments across all neighborhoods: comfortable, welcoming, with good value for money, and close to the monuments you’ll want to visit. The establishments near Grosvenor Place are mostly starred hotels that offer all the necessary comforts for an enjoyable stay in England. There’s also Great Windmill Street, which has a perfect location for sightseeing and discovering London’s famous spots. The accommodations here are peaceful havens that attract solo travelers and couples looking for relaxation and a quiet stay.

There are plenty of escapes around London. Within a 100-kilometer radius of the city, there are several attractions that make for memorable excursions. You can visit the world’s oldest miniature park, “Bekonscot,” which is especially loved by families who want to end their trip with some greenery and fresh air. Greenwich, located on the outskirts of the city, is known for its museums and various sites that help us learn more about London’s history. Its maritime district, which is great for a stroll, is even classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The ideal stay in London is at least three days. You’ll need time to explore the city, visit its historic center, shop, taste the local cuisine, and take part in cultural activities. After visiting the British Museum, one of the city’s most famous landmarks that attracts thousands of visitors daily, head to the Soho district, the most vibrant part of London, especially at night when it becomes a festival of lights. Then, why not visit South Kensington, which offers a lovely walk where you can admire pretty brick houses? For Harry Potter fans, a visit to the iconic Warner Bros Studios is a must to discover the secrets behind the young wizard’s universe. There are so many things to do that we’ll let you explore them for yourself!

Summer is probably the best time to visit London as temperatures can easily reach 23°C. It’s definitely the optimal season for city excursions and to experience iconic events like Wimbledon. From June to September, it’s the perfect time to explore one of England’s most famous cities. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, Navaway also recommends visiting London during the holiday season. The atmosphere is festive, and the city comes alive with Christmas markets, holiday lights, and hot dishes that warm both the soul and stomach. It’s important to note that, since October 1, 2021, a valid passport is required to travel to London, as an ID card is no longer sufficient.

To reach London, it’s best to take the train, bus, or plane. Every day, at least one train, six buses, and three planes arrive in the city. If you’re concerned about the environment, the train is probably the safest, most affordable, and most eco-friendly option. London is well-connected by train, and you can reach it from major cities like Lyon, Paris, Marseille, and Lille. There are also direct bus routes from 17 different cities, while affordable flights to London are available from 21 cities. Once in the city, you can take the Gatwick Express train for a quick ride to Victoria Station, right in the heart of London.

To get around London, it’s best to use the bus and the underground: both are quick modes of transport. The great thing is that some trains run all day without stopping, so you can travel late at night and return to your hotel without any trouble. The price of the metro ticket depends on your departure and arrival points, but to avoid spending too much, it’s best to buy tickets during off-peak hours when crowds are smaller. A little tip: even for a short stay, it’s a good idea to get an Oyster Card. This card will allow you to benefit from cheaper fares and is easy to obtain at machines. You can top it up either at machines or online once it runs out.

If you’re planning to stay in London, it’s ideal to choose a hotel near the airport. This way, you’re close to it, avoiding any delays and not having to rely on unreliable public transport. If you’re flying from Gatwick, it’s best to stay near the South Terminal: the rooms feature a king-size bed with Egyptian cotton linen, and shops and restaurants are just a minute’s walk away. Couples love this place for its cozy, intimate atmosphere. Alternatively, you can also stay near the North Terminal, where the clean and well-maintained establishments are very popular with visitors.

If you’ve decided to rent a car for your trip around London’s lively neighborhoods and famous spots, the big question is: where to park? It’s best to avoid parking in the city center, as it can be expensive (even for just a few hours), and finding a spot is often a struggle. The best option is to park on the outskirts, and Navaway recommends the Lewisham Shopping Center, which offers discounted rates for multi-day parking. Located about 40 minutes from central London, you can take the bus and metro to get around. There are also free parking spots near Greenwich on the outskirts.

If you want to sleep near London Luton Airport, head to Percival Way. This area is the closest to Luton and offers pleasant rooms in comfortable establishments with good value for money and all the necessary amenities for a great stay. Plus, it’s just a 20-minute walk from Luton Parkway train station. For Heathrow, Navaway suggests the Terminal 5 area in Hillingdon, just 5 minutes from Terminal 5. From there, you can take a train into central London in just 20 minutes. These accommodations are calm, simple, and have a lot of charm.

The most famous group activity in London is undoubtedly visiting the Warner Bros Studios, the filming location for the Harry Potter series. It’s a great option for both children and adults and perfect for group outings! Alternatively, you can visit the Tower of London, an old site of torture and execution. You’ll need at least two to three hours to explore this massive landmark. Another great group activity is riding the London Eye, one of the city’s iconic attractions. Tickets are usually easy to get, with several kiosks available near the attraction.

London is a popular destination for couples. Many enjoy having an “afternoon tea” on the Thames, in peace and tranquility. The English are known for their love of tea and sweets, making it a romantic and delightful activity. Afterward, take a stroll through Richmond Park, where you can admire majestic deer and other animals. To end the day on a green note, head to the Kew Gardens, especially in the summer when the gardens are in full bloom with vibrant flowers and plants. It’s a romantic haven where couples love to walk hand-in-hand.

Sometimes the best company is yourself, and a solo trip to London can be a lovely adventure. Start by visiting the British Museum if you’re a culture lover interested in British history. And since you’re traveling alone, why not enjoy some street food at one of the many food markets around the city? At any time of the day or night, you’ll find food stalls offering delicious and varied street food. As a solo traveler, you can also visit the Tower of London, a UNESCO-listed historic building that has served as a palace, fortress, and prison over the years.

Often, when people talk about London, they tend to widen their eyes and praise this well-known and beloved city. It’s true that it welcomes many visitors every year. London is an important economic powerhouse, as it is home to key British power centers. Specifically, it holds 19 seats in the world’s 500 largest companies. Tourists are present year-round, as the city’s appeal is both significant and captivating. Constantly evolving, the number of attractions to see and do is vast, both day and night. You will need more than a week just to experience the main highlights!

For a one-day visit to London, Navaway recommends starting with Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony—a truly amazing spectacle you shouldn’t miss if you’re in London. Then, head to Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament—a place where the country’s political decisions and future are made. This is also where you’ll see the iconic Big Ben, frequently mentioned in books and movies. After lunch, consider visiting a museum to learn more about the city’s history. The British Museum and Tate Modern are two must-see landmarks.

London is certainly not just any city, and you can’t just arrive without a plan! There are so many things to do! It’s best to prepare in advance. If you’re looking for thrills, take a ride on the London Eye to admire the city from above. The “Millennium Wheel” offers a breathtaking view at 135 meters high! Alternatively, visit the Tower of London, a historic landmark with a fascinating history. This medieval Norman fortress is definitely worth the visit. And of course, you’ll likely want to cross the Tower Bridge, built in 1984, one of the world’s most famous bridges.

To make the most of a one-day visit, it’s best to stay in the city center to see as many attractions as possible on foot. However, the city can be quite dense, especially on weekends, and it can quickly become inconvenient, especially if you’re walking. Therefore, using the subway is the most efficient and quick way to get around. It’s also affordable, allowing you to venture outside the city center. Alternatively, tourist buses are another option for seeing as much as possible in a day. But be cautious during the summer, as the queues can be very long!