United Kingdom
London: itinerary & travel tips
London is easy to enjoy even in just a few days, because many of the main sights along the Thames and in the city centre are close together. There are also world-famous museums with free entry, large parks and a food scene that covers almost everything from pubs to international cuisine.
From Germany, Austria and Switzerland you can be there in around one and a half to two hours, and flight connections are frequent. That makes London an ideal destination for a long weekend, even if you should deliberately pick a few priorities.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 24 stops
London in 3 days
Three days in London with a single base close to the centre: arrival with a relaxed South Bank stroll, a day of history and architecture in Westminster and the City, and a finale in East London with markets and good food.
- Day 1Arrival and South Bank stroll
- Day 2Royal and medieval London
- Day 3The City, the Tower and East London
Weekend like a local · 14 stops
London: weekend like a local
Two relaxed days in London based in Clerkenwell: Saturday arrival with coffee and art in the East End, Sunday markets and food in Bermondsey and Southwark before departure.
- Day 1Arrival, coffee and East London
- Day 2Markets, galleries and farewell
What to see
Tower of London
The medieval fortress houses the Crown Jewels and shows almost 1,000 years of English history.
British Museum
With the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, the museum is one of the largest collections in the world, with free entry.
Westminster Abbey
The coronation church of British monarchs is also the burial place of many notable figures.
Houses of Parliament with Big Ben
The Gothic Revival parliament building on the Thames is the city's best-known landmark.
Tate Modern
Modern and contemporary art in a former power station on the South Bank, with free entry to the permanent collection.
Kew Gardens
The botanical garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers large glasshouses and extensive parkland.
Where to stay
Covent Garden and Soho
Ideal for anyone staying centrally on a first visit who wants theatre, restaurants and nightlife within walking distance.
South Bank and Southwark
Good for culture lovers who want Tate Modern, Borough Market and the riverside walk right on their doorstep.
Kensington and South Kensington
Quieter and more refined, perfect for museum fans thanks to the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum.
Shoreditch
For anyone looking for street art, markets, cafés and a younger going-out crowd.
Best time to visit
May, June and September are the most pleasant, when it is mild and the days are long. July and August are busier and hotel prices rise, but there are plenty of open-air events. From November to February it is cool, grey and rainy, but flights and accommodation are often cheaper, and the Christmas lights are well worth seeing. You should pack an umbrella all year round; prices are high around Christmas and New Year.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul
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- Oct
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- Dec
Getting there
The largest airport is Heathrow, along with Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. From Heathrow you can take the Elizabeth Line or the Piccadilly Line of the Underground into the centre in about 30 to 60 minutes, for roughly £5 to £15. The Heathrow Express is faster but significantly more expensive. From Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, trains or buses reach the centre in about 30 to 75 minutes. With the Eurostar you arrive via Brussels or Paris directly at St Pancras station. For entry, travellers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland need an ETA.
Getting around
The Underground (Tube), buses, Overground and Elizabeth Line cover almost everything. You can pay directly with a contactless card or smartphone, and the fare is capped daily and weekly, so an Oyster card usually isn't worth it. You can also walk to many sights in the centre, and buses are great for city views.
Daily budget
budget
€50
mid-range
€100
per person, without accommodation. Accommodation, restaurants and theatre are expensive, while many museums with free entry and street food at markets are inexpensive.
Local tips
- Pay for buses and the Tube contactless with the same card or the same smartphone, and don't switch between several cards, otherwise the daily fare won't be capped correctly.
- On Tube escalators, stand on the right and leave the left free for people to walk past.
- Book the Tower of London and major attractions online in advance to avoid long queues.
- In a pub you order directly at the bar, and tipping is not customary; in restaurants a service charge is often already included on the bill.
FAQ
How many days do you need in London?
Three days are enough for the main sights. With four days there is time for one or two more museums or a trip to Greenwich or Kew Gardens.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in?
For a first visit, Covent Garden, Soho or the South Bank are ideal because of their central location. Also look for proximity to an Underground station, as it saves a lot of time.
Is London expensive?
Yes, accommodation and eating out in particular are more expensive than in Germany, Austria or Switzerland. With free museums, markets and parks, though, you can keep your budget well under control.
How do I get from the airport into the city?
From Heathrow, the cheapest option is the Tube or the Elizabeth Line. From the other airports you can use trains or express buses; the journey usually takes 30 to 75 minutes.
Do you need cash in London?
Hardly, because almost everywhere accepts contactless payment by card or smartphone. You might need some cash at most for small stalls or rare exceptions.
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