The iconic view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament along the River Thames in London. A quintessential sight featured in every London travel guide, with boats gently gliding on the water beneath a typically cloudy sky.

London Complete Travel Guide – England Travel Ideas – Bucket List

ByLetsFly Editorial Team

The Ultimate Guide to Exploring London – Top Travel Ideas for Your England Bucket List

Introduction

Get ready to dive deep into the ultimate London Travel Guide to exploring the iconic city of London. In this comprehensive article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about where to go, what to do, where to eat, and most importantly, how to save money while discovering one of the most amazing cities in the world. So put on your walking shoes and let’s hit the streets of London town!

London is an astonishing place brimming with rich culture, fascinating history, and world-famous attractions. There’s so much to experience here, from the grandeur of Buckingham Palace to the hip vibes of Soho. With this guide in hand, you’ll be navigating London like a true local in no time.

Getting Around London

First things first, let’s talk about how to get around this bustling metropolis. The London Underground, affectionately known as “the Tube,” is your best friend. It may look daunting at first glance, but trust me, it’s incredibly easy to use. Just grab an Oyster card or use your contactless credit card, tap it on the turnstile, and you’re good to go! You can also hop on one of the iconic red double-decker buses or take a scenic ride on the riverboats.

Pro tip: the tube map is not to scale, so sometimes it’s actually quicker to walk between stations. Keep that in mind when planning your routes.

Where to Stay in London

When it comes to accommodations, I highly recommend staying in the West End or theatre district. This area is the heart of London’s nightlife and puts you within easy reach of all the major attractions. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by some of the best restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues in the city.

Must-See Attractions in London

Now, onto the good stuff – what to see and do in London! There are three main areas you absolutely can’t miss: Westminster, the West End, and the City of London.

In Westminster, you’ll find iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Fun fact: did you know you can actually go inside the Houses of Parliament and watch live debates? Talk about a front-row seat to British politics!

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in London, viewed from Westminster Bridge on a cloudy day, are must-see icons for any England travel ideas list. Add this experience in the heart of the city.

Just across the river, you’ll spot the London Eye – a massive Ferris wheel offering breathtaking views over the city. Ride it at sunset for an unforgettable experience. While you’re in the area, check out the spooky London Dungeons for a scary good time.

Of course, no trip to London is complete without seeing Buckingham Palace. If you time it right, you can even catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony in all its pomp and circumstance. Feeling fancy? Book a tour of the palace’s lavish State Rooms (available in summer months only).

Venturing east, you’ll hit the City of London – the historic heart of the capital. Here, the star attractions are the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Did you know you can actually go inside Tower Bridge? Climb up to the glass-floored walkways for stunning panoramic views.

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The image shows Tower Bridge in London spanning the River Thames on a clear day, with the iconic twin towers

Other must-sees in the City include St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge (famous for its wobbly opening day), and The Shard – the tallest building in the UK with an observation deck on the 72nd floor.

Finally, let’s talk about the West End – London’s answer to Broadway. This is the place to be for theatre lovers, with dozens of historic venues showcasing the best musicals and plays in town. The West End is also home to Covent Garden’s lively street performers, Leicester Square’s cinemas, and Soho’s buzzing nightclubs.

Shopaholics won’t want to miss Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street. And when hunger strikes, head to Chinatown for some authentic Asian eats.

London’s Amazing Museums

London is a paradise for museum lovers, with most offering free admission! Don’t miss the British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, and Natural History Museum. For something quirkier, try the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street or the Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Hidden Gems and Day Trips

If you have more time, consider exploring some of London’s lesser-known neighborhoods. Greenwich is a lovely historic area, home to the Royal Observatory (where the Prime Meridian line runs through), the Cutty Sark tea clipper ship, and the National Maritime Museum.

Camden is known for its eclectic markets and punk rock fashion, while posh Notting Hill charms with colorful houses and antique shops. For a taste of the countryside, take a day trip to Windsor, Bath, or Stonehenge.

Eating and Drinking in London

One of the best things about London is its incredible diversity of cuisines. You can find everything from traditional pub grub to Michelin-starred haute cuisine. For classic British fare, head to a gastropub like The Harwood Arms or The Anchor & Hope. Craving Indian? Dishoom and Gymkhana are local favorites.

If you’re on a budget, hit up one of the many street food markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, or Brick Lane. And of course, you can’t leave London without having a proper afternoon tea – try Claridge’s, The Ritz, or Fortnum & Mason for the ultimate indulgence.

As for nightlife, London has something for everyone. Sip craft cocktails at a speakeasy bar like The Nightjar or Happiness Forgets. Dance the night away at mega-clubs like Fabric and Ministry of Sound. Or catch some live music at legendary venues like The Troubadour or Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck

Let’s be real – London is many things, but cheap isn’t one of them. However, there are plenty of ways to save money and still have an amazing time:

  • Take advantage of free museums and attractions
  • Buy a London Pass for discounted entry to top sights
  • Get an Oyster card for cheaper fares on public transport
  • Eat street food or grab meals from supermarkets instead of dining out
  • Check out free events like the Changing of the Guard, Evensong at Westminster Abbey, or theatre shows in the park
Bonus Tips for Visiting London
  • The best time to visit is spring or fall, when the weather is mild and crowds are thinner. Summer is peak tourist season, while winter can be chilly and damp (but also magical with Christmas markets and festivities!).
  • Londoners drive on the left side of the road, so look right first when crossing the street!
  • Tipping isn’t as big a deal as in the US. Most restaurants add a 12.5% service charge to the bill already. For taxis or amazing service, round up or add 10-15%.
  • The British Museum and National Gallery are always free and a great way to spend a rainy afternoon.
  • Get off the beaten path and explore local markets, parks, and neighborhoods to really soak up the city’s unique character.
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Final Thoughts

London truly has something for everyone – history buffs, culture vultures, foodies, fashionistas, you name it. Whether you have a weekend or a month, you’ll never run out of incredible things to see and do.

So what are you waiting for? Book that flight, grab your umbrella (it is London, after all), and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Cheers, mates – we’ll see you across the pond!

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