London Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Itinerary, Transports, FAQs
London Travel Guide – Ideal for first-time visitors! Discover the top 32 things to do in London, nearby day trips, and whether the London Pass is worth it. Includes 3 to 9-day itinerary planning, transport tips, accommodation suggestions, and everything you need to plan your trip with ease.
My London Story
Before jumping into all the practical details, let me share a little personal story about this city.
I lived in London for nearly two years after moving from Hong Kong to the UK. It was my first stop in this new chapter of my life.
What’s funny is how much London and Hong Kong are alike: the underground (or trains) can take you anywhere (although, of course, convenience is a matter of whether or not there’s a strike), bustling commercial areas, restaurants on every corner (whether or not the UK is a “food desert” depends entirely on how deep your pockets are), the fast pace of life, and the staggering cost of living. Some mornings, if you’re not paying attention, you might even feel like you’re still in Hong Kong.
But, there’s also a world of difference. The city’s diversity makes you feel more welcome, and Londoners are always polite (though it might just be on the surface). In restaurants and cafés, you’re likely to see a lot of cheerful faces too.
During my time in London, I did more than just surviving. I tried all sorts of things I never would have back in Hong Kong, like go-karting, going crazy over opera performances, and of course, watching football (seeing England play Italy at Wembley was a huge highlight for me as an England fan).
On weekends, I’d visit the iconic sights that everyone wants to see or drive out to nearby towns for day trips. From there, my adventures expanded across the UK, which eventually led me to another fascinating city that I fell in love with: Liverpool.
But you know, even though I’ve moved to Liverpool, London still holds a special place in my heart. I find myself popping back there whenever I can to catch up with friends and colleagues. Whenever family or friends visit, I’m the first to take them around London. My parents are coming in March, and I can’t wait to show them the best of the city!
And I know this for sure: I’ll be back in London one day. This city will always be a part of my life.
London Top Attractions List: Map & Categories
While London can be expensive, half of the must-visit attractions I’ve carefully selected in the city centre are free to enter. The other half can be accessed for free with the London Pass. By planning your itinerary in advance and deciding which attractions you want to visit, you can save a significant amount of money with the London Pass!
London Main Attractions and Food Map
This map highlights London’s classic attractions (deep red camera icons), themed experiences within the city (black hearts, yellow footballs, blue music notes), central dining spots (orange fork and knife), and shopping destinations (red and black shopping bags).
The map is set to English by default. Simply click on the 'Enlarge Map' icon in the top right corner to switch to your preferred language!
Simply click on the attraction names below for detailed information, including descriptions, opening hours, map links, and ticket guides. Or read the below article:
Top 31 Things To Do In London For First-Time Visitors: Maps & Ticket
History, Museums & Cultural Landmarks
- Buckingham Palace
- Kensington Palace & Gardens
- Westminster Abbey
- Big Ben And House Of Parliament
- The British Museum
- Natural History Museum
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- The Shard
- King’s Cross Station
- Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Royal Observatory
- National Maritime Museum & Queen’s House
Special Experiences & Activities
Markets, Shopping, Dining & Entertainment
- Borough Market
- Trafalgar Square
- Covent Garden
- Oxford Street, Regent Street ＆ Surroundings
- Soho
- China Town
- Harrods
- Camden Market
- Notting Hill
Parks & Natural Attractions
Day Trips From London
If you’re looking to explore destinations near London and the South of England, places like Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge, Cambridge, Oxford, the Cotswolds, Brighton, the Seven Sisters Cliffs, Silverstone, Dover, Canterbury, Bristol, and Southampton are all ideal options for an extended trip.
For those with limited time, the following three nearby routes should take priority. Whether you’re interested in royal history, academic ambience, or breathtaking natural scenery, these options cater to a variety of preferences:
1. Windsor Castle, Bath & Stonehenge
Three of UK's top attractions – royal residences, Roman baths, and prehistoric sites. You can dedicate a day to each, or join a day tour ➡️
2. Cambridge & Oxford
Two famous university cities, filled with academic charm, are best explored on separate day trips. If you're short on time, consider joining a day tour ➡️
3. Brighton & Seven Sisters Cliffs
The vibrant seaside city and the stunning white cliffs are perfect for photo opportunities. After taking the train from London to Brighton, you can either catch a bus to the Seven Sisters cliffs or choose to rent a car. Alternatively, you can join ➡️
How Many Days In London? 3-Day, 5-Day, 7-Day & 9-Day Itinerary
To conclude: How many days are enough in London? Staying a lifetime wouldn’t be enough! (Laughs)
London Itinerary – How Many Days in London? A lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore London (laughs). However, if it’s your first visit and time is limited, I’d recommend staying for at least three days to cover the must-see attractions in central London. If you have more time, dedicate the fourth and fifth days to themed in-depth tours around the city. For the sixth and seventh days, explore London’s iconic nearby destinations. Should you have even more time, delve into local weekend activities to experience life as a Londoner.
Detailed Itinerary:
Is the London Pass Worth Buying?
To conclude: Just buy it! The question isn't whether to buy it, but for how many days!
The more days you buy, the lower the average daily price, but this doesn’t mean that buying the maximum number of days is the most cost-effective option. Since many attractions in London are free, how should you calculate the value? ⬇️
London Transportation Guide
Get detailed information on how to travel to and from the airport, guidelines for train passes, and how to use the underground and buses, as well as driving recommendations. ⬇️
London Transportation Guide: Save on Tube, Trains, Buses | Airport Transfers & Car Rentals
Where to Stay in London?
Conclusion: Stay in the city centre! Stay in the city centre! Stay in the city centre! Although I lived and worked in West London, I recommend staying in the city centre for tourism, as it can save a significant amount of transportation costs and time. If you plan to take a train to other cities, it's advisable to choose accommodation near King’s Cross or Victoria station.
I only write about accommodations I have personally stayed in and found worthwhile. I won’t provide a generic 'recommended accommodations' list for places I haven’t experienced myself. However, based on years of trial and error, I’ve summarised a set of criteria that work for any destination and budget.
FAQ On London Travel
Do you need a visa to travel to London?
Travellers holding Hong Kong SAR or Taiwanese passports can currently enter the UK without a visa for short stays. However, from 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required prior to entry for citizens of Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan.
What payment methods can be used in London?
The main payment methods include credit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, AE), debit cards (such as Visa Debit, MasterCard Debit), and cash. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used, and contactless payments are supported for public transport...
What type of plug is used in London?
London has a voltage of 220-240V and uses type G plugs (with three rectangular prongs). If your devices do not conform to these standards, it is advisable to bring an international travel adapter.
What should you wear in London’s weather?
London's weather is unpredictable, so it's recommended to wear a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes, and to bring an umbrella just in case.
What is the best travel season for London?
Summer (June to August) is the best travel season, with long daylight hours suitable for various sightseeing and outdoor activities. The Christmas season in December is also very appealing, allowing visitors to experience festive activities and unique Christmas markets.
EN 
ZH_TW