London

The United Kingdom’s capital is known recognised around the world for its red double-decker buses, royal palaces, Big Ben, and shopping, to name just a few. Because of the city’s sheer size, we’ve put together a short itinerary to make the most out of a two-day visit to London and get to know it in the best possible way. Here are a few of the city’s best and unmissable spots.

London at a glance

- Marvel at the city’s many iconic buildings and palaces, immerse yourself in culture at one of the 170 museums and relax amidst the natural beauty of the Royal Parks.

- Take a spin on the London Eye to experience spectacular views of the city’s skyline and get a unique perspective on iconic London landmarks like Big Ben, London Bridge, Westminster Abbey and the Hungerford Bridge.

- The world’s foremost fashion destination, London is a shopper’s paradise: from flea markets and vintage shops to luxury department stores like Selfridges and Harrods, the options are endless.

- Many famous films have used the city as a backdrop, follow in the footsteps of James Bond or Harry Potter with a guided tour.

- Londoners love to eat. Tuck into innovative fare on the city’s trendy street food scene or treat yourself to something really special at one of London’s many Michelin star restaurants.

Did you know? There are more than 230 theatres in London. Watch a musical in the West End or head to the Globe Theatre to tour Shakespeare’s playhouse, reimagined as it would have been in Tudor times.

Whether your budget’s too tight for regular trips away or you’re just a homebody by nature, there’s at least one trip you need to make, and that’s to the country’s capital.

1. The famous sights

Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the list goes on and on. There’s nothing quite like the experience of hopping on a red double-decker bus and seeing some of the most recognisable sights in the world from its top deck.

2. The shopping

Whether you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket or you just want to have a nose past some windows, there is no better place to experience the best shopping in the world than London. Get overwhelmed by the number of people on Oxford Street, stunned by the prices in Knightsbridge and charmed by the boutiques around Carnaby Street.

3. The nightlife

Londoners may work hard, but they also play hard too. There’s everything any night owl could possibly want in the capital, from classic pubs, to chic clubs, quirky dive bars, theatres packed with Hollywood stars taking their turn on the boards. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you book tickets for some kind of show one evening, whether it be a West End musical, a stand up comedy show, or a great live concert. The biggest stars and the best shows always make a stop in our nation’s capital, so you’re sure to find something that will blow you away.

4. The history

The story of London is ever so long and dramatic. So much of our culture as a country developed in this city and you’ll discover more than you can possibly remember if you visit some of its museums and historical attractions. Terrify yourself with the gruesome past of the London Dungeons or bask in the splendour of royalty at Hampton Court Palace.

5. The unexpected bits

The best bits of a trip to London will be the bits you won’t expect. There are some things you’d never know until you experience them in person, like how peaceful the green spaces in such a bustling city can be, or how distinctive different neighbourhoods can feel. The one-of-a-kind memories can only come from travelling to the city, putting on some comfortable walking shoes, and going out to explore.

6. The people

London, and in fact Britain in general, may not have a great reputation for being full of friendly, welcoming people, but actually, the city is the wonder that it is because of the great diversity of fascinating people that live there. Everywhere you look you’ll see people doing incredible things, whether it’s building businesses or performing circus acts in the street. Everyone has a story to tell, and on a visit to London it’s worth talking to as many people as possible to hear some of the amazing stories, as well as creating one of your very own.

7. Top London attractions

An aerial view of Tower Bridge on a bright day, with The Shard and City Hall in the background. — An aerial view of Tower Bridge and the Shard © Shutterstock/Photos.London . Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Amazement is guaranteed by London’s top attractions. See London from above on the London Eye; discover the secrets of Hogwarts and the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter; learn about the city’s royal history at Buckingham Palace; examine the crown jewels at the Tower of London or marvel at the magnificence of Tower Bridge.

8. London theatre

Giraffe and Cheeter puppets on stage in front of a large yellow and orange sun in The Lion King — Be dazzled by an incredible cast of actors and puppets, including full-size zebras and giraffes at The Lion King. Image courtesy of SEE Tickets.

London has one of the best theatre scenes in the world and attracts many famous faces to the stage. Take your pick from classic plays, long-running musicals including the Lion King, Phantom of the Opera or Wicked, or new works making their West End debuts.

9. Free London attractions

The steps at the back of the Natural History Museum's Hintze Hall on the left lead into the main hall on the right with the blue whale skeleton above — The Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum, image courtesy of London & Partners

London is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the world – many of which are free, as well as many other free attractions. Spend an afternoon at the British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum or Science Museum, where you can browse the permanent collections at no cost.

10. Food and drink in London

Mini patisseries including a strawberry cake, a lemon dessert, a chocolate treat and a Paris-Brest on a white plate alongside a pot of tea and a pot of milk. — Afternoon tea at The Hansom in St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. Image courtesy of Red Letter Days.

Take a culinary journey around the world with London’s best food and drink, with choices ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants, to gastropubs, traditional British restaurants, afternoon tea and quirky restaurants. London’s bar scene is equally as varied, so make sure to check out rooftop bars, riverside pubs and champagne bars.

11. Best views in London

The purple coloured IFS Cloud Cable Cars fly over a Transport for London sign with the words Lift Off on it. — The purple IFS Cloud cable cars fly over the Thames in London. Image courtesy of TfL.

There are plenty of places to get the best views of the iconic skyline during your trip. Make sure to take in a panoramic views of London from up high at locations such as The View from The Shard or the London Eye, or take in the sights from the sky on an IFS Cloud Cable Car.

12. Sports in London

Looking up at Wembley Stadium from the lower concourse outside the stadium, on a bright day. — Wembley Stadium © visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet.

London attracts some of the biggest sporting events in the world, not least the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. See a football, cricket or rugby match in London, or take a tour of the capital’s spectacular sporting venues, from the home of the English national football team at Wembley Stadium, to Lord’s Cricket Ground, Arsenal Emirates Stadium or the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

13. Parks and outdoor London

City skyline from Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath. — Hampstead Heath skyline. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Lush green space is abundant in London, which has been crowned the world’s first National Park City. The capital is home to eight beautiful Royal Parks, including Hyde Park and Richmond Park. There’s also Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Park, with amazing views over the city. Alternatively, visit peaceful Kew Gardens, a botanical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14. London’s river Thames

The sun sets over the river Thames as its bridges glow with colourful lighting as part of the Illuminated River installation — London to Millennium Bridge – Illuminated River. © Jason Hawkes

The river Thames provides a stunning backdrop to many of the city’s top attractions. Enjoy wonderful views of London on a river sightseeing tour, check out the Illuminated River at night or dine in style on a lunch or dinner river cruise. Don’t forget London’s canals as well, including Regent’s Canal and Little Venice.