London is one of those cities that is simply too big to fit into a single travel guide.
Grand palaces and historic buildings, beautiful green parks, museums, lively neighbourhoods, countless restaurants and, of course, the River Thames come together to create a city that always has something new to show you.
From the iconic Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to colourful Notting Hill and the streets of Soho, London effortlessly combines history with modern life.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for another trip, there are countless ways to explore the British capital.
Getting around London
London is a huge city with long distances between many of its main attractions, so you will almost certainly need to use the Tube and buses to get around.
The public transport network is extensive and covers almost every part of the city, with the Tube usually being the quickest option.
The easiest way to pay is simply by using your contactless card, or Apple Pay/Google Pay. On the Tube, you tap in when entering and tap out when leaving, while on buses you only need to tap when boarding.
You don’t need to buy a separate ticket for every journey, as long as you use the same payment method throughout your trip.
In 2026, a single bus journey costs £1.75, while Tube fares depend on the zones you travel through and the time of day.
For Zones 1–2, where most of the main tourist attractions are located, the daily cap is £8.90.
This means that once you reach this amount, you won’t be charged any more for additional journeys covered by the daily cap.
For most travellers, therefore, contactless is the easiest way to get around London, and there is usually no need to buy a separate Travelcard.
Attractions in London
Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
Big Ben is perhaps the most recognisable symbol of London and one of the first places you’ll want to visit.
Although we often use the name Big Ben to refer to the entire tower, the name actually refers to the large bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, at the northern end of the Palace of Westminster, home to the British Parliament.
The sight of the tower standing alongside the River Thames is one of the images most closely associated with London.
Even if you don’t choose to visit the inside of Parliament, it’s worth spending some time in the area to admire the impressive Gothic architecture of the Palace of Westminster and photograph Big Ben from different angles.
Westminster Bridge
Westminster Bridge is one of the best places to enjoy views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
The bridge connects the two banks of the River Thames and is an ideal spot for photos, especially early in the morning or just before sunset.
From here, you can enjoy one of the most iconic panoramic views of London, with Big Ben towering above the Thames. It’s also a great place to start a walk along the river.
Bridge Arch Photo
If you’re looking for the perfect photo spot of Big Ben, make sure to visit Bridge Arch Photo. From this particular spot, the arch of the bridge creates a natural frame around Big Ben, resulting in a beautiful and more unique photo.
The entire street in this area offers some of the best views for taking photos with Big Ben in the background.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most important historic landmarks and one of Britain’s most iconic churches.
Its history spans more than 1,000 years, and it has hosted royal coronations, weddings and other important ceremonies of the British monarchy.
Downing Street
Downing Street is one of London’s most famous streets, as it is home to the official residence of the British Prime Minister at number 10. The building’s famous black door has become one of the country’s most recognisable political symbols.
The street itself is not open to the public, as the area is heavily secured, but you can see and photograph the entrance from behind the gates on Whitehall.
The National Gallery
Located in the heart of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is one of the most important art museums in the world.
Its collection includes works by some of the greatest artists in history, from Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh to Claude Monet and Rembrandt.
Entry to the permanent collection is free, making the National Gallery a great choice even if you’re not particularly familiar with art.
Victoria Embankment
Victoria Embankment is one of the most beautiful walks along the River Thames.
Stretching alongside the river, it offers lovely views of the opposite bank, while along the way you’ll come across statues, monuments, gardens and some of the British capital’s most recognisable landmarks.
Royal Courts of Justice
The Royal Courts of Justice is one of the most impressive buildings in London and is definitely worth a stop, even if you don’t plan to go inside.
The imposing Gothic building, with its towers, arches and intricate details, looks more like a castle than a courthouse.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The impressive dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most distinctive features of London’s skyline.
The current cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London and is one of the city’s most important architectural landmarks.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic images of London. The impressive Victorian bridge spanning the River Thames, with its two towers, is one of the sights you simply cannot miss on your first trip to the city.
You can admire it from the banks of the Thames or visit the inside to learn more about its history and how it operates.
Personally, I don’t think it’s worth paying to go inside, but you can walk across the bridge for free, while the walk around the area and the views of the river are among the most beautiful experiences in this part of London.
St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
Hidden among the modern streets and buildings of the City of London is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots, St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden.
The remains of an old church have been transformed into a beautiful green garden.
The Gothic stone ruins, climbing greenery and trees create a setting that looks like something straight out of a movie.
Chinatown
London’s Chinatown is located in the heart of the West End and immediately stands out thanks to its iconic red gates and Asian-inspired decorations.
It is one of the best areas in the city to try Asian cuisine, from dim sum and noodles to Chinese desserts.
It’s worth visiting both during the day and in the evening, when the lights and colourful signs create a completely different atmosphere.
British Museum
The British Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and houses an enormous collection of objects from different cultures and historical periods.
Among its most famous exhibits are the Rosetta Stone, its Egyptian collections and the (stolen) Parthenon Sculptures.
Admission to the permanent collection is free, but I would recommend booking your ticket online in advance through the museum’s website, as the queues can be extremely long and you may not be able to get in.
Soho
Soho is one of the liveliest and most diverse neighbourhoods in central London.
Narrow streets, restaurants, bars, cafés, independent shops and a vibrant nightlife come together to create an area that is best explored without a strict itinerary.
It is perfect for walking, eating and having a drink, and is located close to some of the West End’s most popular attractions.
St. James’s Park
St. James’s Park is one of London’s most beautiful royal parks and enjoys an excellent location between Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
The lake at the centre of the park, the bridges, flowers and ducks create a particularly beautiful setting.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch and one of the landmarks most closely associated with the city.
The iconic façade and railings in front of the palace attract hundreds of visitors every day who want to photograph one of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks.
It’s also worth checking the schedule for the Changing of the Guard, one of London’s most famous ceremonies. If you’re visiting during a period when the State Rooms are open to the public, you can also tour the inside of the palace.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous royal parks and offers a green escape right in the middle of the city.
It is ideal for walking, cycling or simply relaxing away from the busy streets.
Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens
Kensington Palace is located in the heart of Kensington Gardens and is one of London’s royal palaces.
The palace has been home to several important figures of the British monarchy and part of it is now open to visitors.
The surrounding Kensington Gardens are equally beautiful and are perfect for a peaceful walk. The area is ideal for spending a few hours, combining a visit to the palace with the gardens and other attractions in Kensington.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is one of London’s most impressive museums, not only because of its collections but also because of the building itself. Its grand architecture and spectacular central hall make the museum an attraction in its own right.
Inside, you’ll find extensive collections related to nature, evolution and science, with the dinosaur exhibits being particularly popular.
Admission to the permanent collections is free, and it’s a great option even if you’re not a huge museum fan.
Although admission is free, I would also recommend booking your ticket online in advance, as the queue can be extremely long and you may not manage to get into the museum.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is one of London’s most photogenic neighbourhoods, known for its colourful houses, beautiful streets and distinctive atmosphere. The area became even more famous thanks to the 1999 film of the same name and is now a favourite spot for walking and taking photos.
Make sure to wander through the quiet streets of the neighbourhood and visit The Notting Hill Bookshop, a small and charming bookshop where you can find some amazing editions.
If you’re visiting the area at the weekend, it’s also worth combining your walk with a visit to Portobello Road Market.
Wembley Stadium
For football fans and sports enthusiasts, Wembley Stadium is one of London’s most iconic sporting landmarks.
The huge stadium is home to the England national football team and hosts major sporting and music events.
You can visit the stadium as part of a guided tour, while if you’re lucky enough to be in London during a match or major concert, the experience becomes even more special.
Musicals
A trip to London isn’t complete without seeing at least one musical.
Among the top musicals you can see in London are the timeless The Phantom of the Opera and the spectacular The Lion King. Even if you’re not a huge theatre fan, the sets, music, costumes and atmosphere of a West End show are an experience that is absolutely worth having.
Food in London
Five Guys
If you love burgers, Five Guys is one of the safest choices for a quick and filling meal.
The burgers are made to order, and you can choose from a wide variety of free toppings.
Flat Iron
Flat Iron is a great choice if you want to enjoy a steak without spending a fortune. It has several locations across London, including Soho, Piccadilly, London Bridge and Covent Garden, and is known for its simple but well-executed steak menu.
When you arrive, you’re served free popcorn while you wait to order. The steak was absolutely delicious, and we also ordered mashed potatoes and mac ’n’ cheese as sides, both of which were perfect.
At the end, they also treat you to soft-serve ice cream, making it one of the restaurants I definitely recommend trying.
Beijing Dumpling
In the heart of Chinatown, you’ll find Beijing Dumpling, a small restaurant specialising in dumplings and Chinese cuisine.
It’s a great option for a quick and affordable meal, especially if you’re already exploring Chinatown.
Bun House Chinatown
Bun House is a popular Chinatown spot for bao buns and dim sum. The menu includes steamed bao with options such as BBQ pork belly, beef and chicken.
Garrick Arms
For a more traditional British experience, stop by the Garrick Arms in Charing Cross.
It’s a classic pub serving British favourites such as fish & chips, steak & chips and steak and ale pie, in a relaxed and authentic pub atmosphere.
Swiss Butter
Swiss Butter in Holborn has become particularly popular for its signature steak, served with its famous secret butter sauce, fries, salad and bread.
The menu is simple, with options including beef, chicken and salmon, making it an interesting choice if you’re looking for a good steak at a relatively reasonable price.
Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza
Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza is one of the more affordable options for delicious pizza in London.
Things you should know before your trip to London
- To travel to the United Kingdom from Greece, you need a passport. You cannot travel with a Greek national ID card.
- In addition to your passport, you now need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK. It currently costs £20 and allows multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time, for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- The UK uses Type G power sockets, the distinctive British sockets with three rectangular pins. If you’re travelling from Greece, you’ll need to bring a travel adapter.
- Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, you don’t necessarily need to buy an eSIM to have internet access. Mobile data from Greek providers can work in the UK, depending on your provider and roaming plan.
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