London Travel Guide 2026
World-class museums, royal history, and a food scene that finally shed its old reputation.
Search flightsWhy London
London packs an extraordinary range into one city — free world-class museums (the British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery), royal landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, and a food scene that’s genuinely become one of the most exciting in Europe over the past decade.
What to know before you go
The UK is not in the EU or Schengen Area, but most Western passport holders enter visa-free for tourism (up to 180 days for many nationalities). An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required in advance for most visa-exempt visitors — apply online before you fly.
Best time to visit
May-September offers the mildest, driest weather, though London is genuinely a year-round city — winter brings Christmas markets and shorter museum queues, at the cost of colder, wetter days.
Getting there
Heathrow is the main international hub, with Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and City airports handling different route mixes — check which one your flight actually lands at, since they’re spread across different sides of the city.
Getting around
The Underground (Tube) covers the city extensively and is the fastest way to get around; contactless card payment works directly on all public transport, no separate ticket needed.
Where to stay
South Kensington or Covent Garden for central access to major sights; Shoreditch or Notting Hill for a more local, neighborhood feel with strong food and nightlife.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is excellent throughout Greater London and most of the UK.
Travel insurance for London
Standard coverage works well for a typical city trip; UK healthcare for visitors isn’t automatically free, so coverage is genuinely worth having.
Everything else for your trip
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Get an eSIMPractical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- British Museum (free entry)
- Tower of London and Crown Jewels
- Westminster Abbey and Big Ben
- Camden Market
- West End theatre
Culture & Etiquette
Queueing is taken seriously — cutting a line is a genuine social faux pas. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ get used constantly, even for small transactions. Tipping 10-12.5% in sit-down restaurants is standard when service isn’t already included (check the bill), but not expected at pubs for drinks at the bar.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
From Eurozone or USD, avoid the exchange counters in tourist areas like Oxford Street; a bank-branded ATM (or a no-foreign-fee travel card) gets a fair mid-market rate. Always decline ‘dynamic currency conversion’ at card terminals — choose to be charged in GBP, not your home currency.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: G (UK-style 3-pin rectangular)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.