London

London Travel Guide

A global hub of finance and culture, the UK capital is home to Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. The theatres of Soho and Covent Garden, the street art of Shoreditch, and the vintage charm of Notting Hill each have their own character. Stroll the South Bank along the Thames for contemporary art and street performances — London is one of the world's great multicultural cities.

Essential London Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in London

★ 4.7

Big Ben & Palace of Westminster

Big Ben is the clock tower attached to the Palace of Westminster, officially called the Elizabeth Tower. Its chimes have rung out since 1859 and have been broadcast worldwide by BBC Radio for over a century. The Neo-Gothic palace has been the seat of English political power since the 11th century, and its silhouette along the Thames is one of London's most iconic views. Interior tours let visitors walk through the heart of British democracy in person. Exterior free to view. Interior tours about GBP 25 (advance booking required). Right outside Westminster tube station (Jubilee/District/Circle lines).

HoursExterior viewable any time; interior tours by booking on Saturdays and during parliamentary recess

LocationWestminster, London

TipsInterior tours require advance booking for both UK residents and international visitors. Westminster Bridge is the best spot for night photos.

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★ 4.8

British Museum

Founded in 1753 as the world's first national public museum, the British Museum holds about 8 million objects spanning two million years of human civilization. The Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon Marbles, and the Egyptian mummy collection are among the headline pieces. Norman Foster's glass-roofed Great Court is a modern architectural landmark, and a major bonus is free admission. Everything except special exhibitions can be enjoyed at no cost. Free permanent collection (special exhibitions extra). 5-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road tube (Central/Northern lines).

Hours10:00-17:00 (until 20:30 on Fridays; open year round)

LocationBloomsbury, London

TipsOpen late until 20:30 on Fridays. The collection is enormous, so pick a few themes and plan your route in advance.

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★ 4.6

Tower Bridge

Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is a Victorian Gothic landmark of the Thames, instantly recognizable for its twin towers. Its central span lifts to let tall ships pass through, typically two or three times a day. The glass-floored upper walkways look 42 meters straight down to the river, and the Victorian-era steam engine rooms can also be visited. Pair it with the Tower of London for an efficient day out. Exhibition admission about GBP 12. 5-minute walk from Tower Hill tube (District/Circle lines).

Hours09:30-18:00 (varies by season; closed Dec 24-26)

LocationTower Hill, London

TipsBridge-lift times are posted on the official website. The night view is gorgeous, so an after-dark visit is also recommended.

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★ 4.7

Tower of London

Begun in 1066 by William the Conqueror, this thousand-year-old fortress has served as royal palace, prison, treasury, and execution site. Many royals — including Henry VIII's second queen Anne Boleyn — were executed here, and 'Tower of London ghosts' are the stuff of legend. The Crown Jewels collection, kept here since 1303, contains 23,578 gemstones including the 530.2-carat, 4kg Cullinan I diamond — utterly dazzling. The free guided tours by the red-uniformed Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) are a highlight, and six resident ravens are always kept because legend says Britain will fall if they ever leave. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission about GBP 33.60. 5-minute walk from Tower Hill tube or Tower Bridge.

Hours09:00-17:30 (until 16:30 November-February; Sun-Mon opens at 10:00)

LocationTower Hill, London

TipsThe free Beefeater guided tours leave every 30 minutes and are wonderfully entertaining. To see the Crown Jewels without queuing, arrive right at opening.

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★ 4.5

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria took the throne in 1837; today it serves King Charles III. It contains 19 State Rooms and 775 rooms in total, and parts of the State Rooms open to the public only in summer (typically mid-July to late September). The most famous spectacle is the Changing of the Guard, when red-uniformed, bearskin-hatted guardsmen perform a 45-minute ceremony embodying British tradition. The Union Jack flying above means the King is away; the Royal Standard means he is in residence. State Rooms admission about GBP 30 (summer only). 10-minute walk from Victoria, Green Park, or St James's Park tube.

HoursExterior open 24 hours; State Rooms July-September 09:30-19:30 (seasonal)

LocationWestminster, London

TipsThe Changing of the Guard happens at 11:00 daily May-July and every other day the rest of the year. Arrive about an hour early for a good spot.

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★ 4.5

London Eye

Opened to mark the millennium in 2000, the London Eye is a 135-meter Ferris wheel that was briefly the world's largest. Each of its 32 glass capsules holds 25 people, and the slow 30-minute rotation reveals Big Ben, Westminster, St. Paul's, the Shard, and other landmarks in one sweep. On clear days, you can see up to 40 km. The 'Sunset Flight' — riding right at sunset to catch both dusk and the city lights — is the most popular option. It pairs well with other South Bank attractions like the Tate Modern and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Admission about GBP 36 (about GBP 30 online). 5-minute walk from Waterloo tube.

Hours11:00-18:00 (extended to 20:30 in peak season)

LocationSouth Bank, London

TipsOnline booking saves money and time. Riding 30 minutes before sunset gives the most magical light.

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★ 4.7

St Paul's Cathedral

Designed by Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 after the 1666 Great Fire of London, St Paul's is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Its 111-meter dome was once the world's tallest. The cathedral hosted Prince Charles and Diana's 1981 wedding, Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee in 2002, and the state funerals of Churchill and Thatcher — it's at the heart of British national ceremony. Climb 257 steps to the Whispering Gallery (where a whisper at one side of the dome carries to the other), then continue all 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for a 360-degree London panorama. Admission about GBP 23 (about GBP 20.50 online). 1-minute walk from St Paul's tube.

HoursMon-Sat 08:30-16:30 (Sundays for services only, no general tours)

LocationCity of London, London

Tips528 steps to the top of the dome are demanding, but the reward is worth it. Sightseeing is limited during Sunday services.

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★ 4.6

Borough Market

Dating back to the 12th century, Borough Market is London's oldest market and the heart of British food culture. The Victorian iron-and-steel market hall just south of London Bridge holds about 100 stalls — British cheeses, artisan breads, oysters, wagyu burgers, Indian curries, Spanish jamón, Moroccan tagines, and food from around the globe under one roof. It appeared in Bridget Jones's Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Tuesday-Thursday is more tasting-focused, while Friday and Saturday are the full bustling market days. Free entry (tastings and purchases extra). 5-minute walk from London Bridge tube.

HoursMon-Thu 10:00-17:00, Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 09:00-17:00 (closed Sundays)

LocationSouthwark, London

TipsSaturday mornings buzz with energy. Popular stalls — Bread Ahead doughnuts, Kappacasein grilled cheese, Brindisa chorizo rolls — have long queues.

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★ 4.7

Science Museum

Founded in 1857, the Science Museum holds over 300,000 objects spanning from Stephenson's Rocket locomotive to the Apollo 10 command module. The hands-on Wonderlab gallery and IMAX cinema make it especially popular with families. It sits on Exhibition Road alongside the Natural History Museum and the V&A, making it easy to combine all three in a single day. Free permanent collection (special exhibitions and IMAX ticketed). 5-minute walk from South Kensington tube station.

Hours10:00-18:00 (open year round)

LocationSouth Kensington, London

TipsBook Wonderlab and IMAX tickets online in advance; weekends get very crowded with families.

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★ 4.6

Tate Modern

Housed in the former Bankside Power Station (decommissioned 1981, renovated by Herzog & de Meuron in 2000), Tate Modern is one of the world's great modern art museums. The vast Turbine Hall hosts a major installation commission each year, and the collection spans 20th- and 21st-century masters including Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and Rothko. The Millennium Bridge connects it directly to St Paul's Cathedral, making it easy to combine both on foot. Free permanent collection (special exhibitions extra). 10-minute walk from Southwark or St Paul's tube stations.

Hours10:00-18:00 (open year round)

LocationBankside, London

TipsThe 10th-floor viewing level offers free panoramic views of the Thames and London skyline.

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★ 4.4

Camden Market

What began as a small crafts market in 1974 has grown into London's largest market complex, drawing millions of visitors a year. Spread across several market halls along Regent's Canal, it offers vintage clothing, accessories, and artwork alongside street food stalls from around the world. It's also famous as a birthplace of 1970s-80s punk rock culture, with vivid graffiti and eclectic shopfronts throughout. Free entry (shopping and food extra). 5-minute walk from Camden Town or Chalk Farm tube stations.

Hours10:00-18:00 (varies by stall/shop)

LocationCamden Town, London

TipsWeekends get very crowded; visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed experience.

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★ 4.4

Portobello Road Market

A Notting Hill landmark with a market history dating to the 19th century, Portobello Road hosts the world's largest antiques market every Saturday. The street of pastel-colored townhouses is divided into sections for antiques, vintage fashion, fresh produce, and street food, and it's also famous as the backdrop of the film 'Notting Hill'. Nearby streets host the Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street festival, in late August. Free entry (shopping extra). 5-10 minute walk from Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove tube stations.

Hours09:00-19:00 (antiques market on Saturdays only)

LocationNotting Hill, London

TipsThe full antiques market only runs on Saturdays, so plan your visit for that day.

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★ 4.7

Hyde Park

Originally a royal hunting ground created by Henry VIII in 1536, Hyde Park is now central London's largest park. Boats can be hired on the artificial Serpentine lake, and Speakers' Corner is a famous symbol of free speech where anyone may address the public. Summer brings the major outdoor concert series 'BST Hyde Park', while winter sees the 'Winter Wonderland' Christmas market. Free entry. Accessible from several tube stations including Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch.

Hours05:00-24:00 (open year round)

LocationHyde Park, London

TipsSunday mornings at Speakers' Corner offer a unique experience of impromptu public speeches.

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★ 4.6

Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar, this iconic London square is dominated by the 52m Nelson's Column at its center. The four bronze lion statues and fountains are popular photo spots, and the square hosts major public events such as New Year's Eve countdowns and the annual Christmas tree lighting. The National Gallery sits on its north side, making it easy to combine with an art visit. Free entry. 2-minute walk from Charing Cross tube station.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationCharing Cross, London

TipsFeeding pigeons is prohibited; the square is also beautifully lit at night.

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★ 4.8

National Gallery

Founded in 1824, the National Gallery holds around 2,300 Western paintings spanning the 13th to early 20th centuries. Its greatest draw is free access to textbook masterpieces such as Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers', Leonardo's 'Virgin of the Rocks', and Turner's landscapes. Sitting directly on Trafalgar Square, it fits naturally into any central London sightseeing route. Free permanent collection (special exhibitions extra). 3-minute walk from Charing Cross tube station.

Hours10:00-18:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays)

LocationTrafalgar Square, London

TipsRent the audio guide to make sure you don't miss the highlight works.

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★ 4.7

Westminster Abbey

Founded around 960 AD, Westminster Abbey has hosted the coronation of nearly every English monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066. It is also known as the site of Prince William and Kate Middleton's 2011 wedding and Queen Elizabeth II's 2022 funeral. Inside, the tombs of Newton, Darwin, Dickens, and other notable figures fill 'Poets' Corner', offering a deep dive into British history and culture. Adult admission about GBP 27. 3-minute walk from Westminster tube station.

Hours09:30-15:30 (varies by day; closed to tourists on Sundays)

LocationWestminster, London

TipsTourist visits are restricted on Sundays due to services, so check opening days in advance.

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★ 4.6

Covent Garden

Originally a 17th-century fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden was redeveloped as a commercial district in 1980 and is now centered on the glass-roofed Apple Market building, filled with shops, cafés, and street performances. Licensed street performers — mimes, jugglers, opera buskers — entertain crowds throughout the day. The Royal Opera House sits right next door, making it easy to combine with a show. Free entry. 1-minute walk from Covent Garden tube station.

Hours10:00-21:00 (varies by shop)

LocationCovent Garden, London

TipsStreet performances peak during the day, so visit in the afternoon to catch a variety of acts.

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★ 4.6

The Shard

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and completed in 2012, The Shard rises 310m as Western Europe's tallest building. Its distinctive shard-of-glass silhouette has made it a new landmark on the London skyline, and the 'View from The Shard' observation deck on floors 68-72 offers 360-degree views over the Thames and the city. On clear days visibility can reach up to 65km. Adult admission to the viewing deck about GBP 32 (advance booking recommended). Right next to London Bridge tube station.

Hours10:00-22:00 (varies by season)

LocationLondon Bridge, London

TipsSunset-time tickets are popular since they combine golden hour with the night skyline, so book ahead.

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Things to Do in London

Tour

Thames River Cruise

Boat tour along the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich passing Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Canary Wharf. About GBP 15-25

Price About GBP 15-25Duration 1-2 hours

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Culture

West End Musical

Catch a West End show like The Lion King, Wicked, or Les Misérables. About GBP 30-150

Price About GBP 30-150Duration 2.5-3 hours

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Culture

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Visit the Harry Potter film sets and props at Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden. Admission plus return shuttle about GBP 100-120

Price About GBP 100-120Duration Full day

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Culture

Changing of the Guard

Watch the iconic red-coated Guard change in front of Buckingham Palace. Free (starts at 11:00)

Price FreeDuration 45 minutes

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Tour

The Shard Viewing Platform

Take in a 360-degree London panorama from the 72nd-floor View from the Shard (310m), the EU's tallest building. About GBP 32-38

Price About GBP 32-38Duration 1-2 hours

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Culture

Camden Market Exploration

Wander Camden Market in north London for vintage fashion, street food, and live music — a bohemian day out. Free entry

Price Free entryDuration 3-4 hours

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Must-Try Food in London

Fish and Chips

🍱 Traditional

Crispy battered fish with thick-cut fries, Britain's beloved comfort dish. About GBP 10-15 per portion. The Golden Chippy in Greenwich or Golden Hind in Marylebone are top picks.

Afternoon Tea

🍵 Drink

A British tradition of mid-afternoon tea served with finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. About GBP 40-70 per person. Claridge's and The Ritz in Mayfair offer the classic experience.

Sunday Roast

🍱 Traditional

Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, a British Sunday lunch tradition. About GBP 15-22 per portion. Enjoying it at a cosy pub is the most authentically British experience.

Full English Breakfast

🍱 Traditional

A hearty British breakfast platter of bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomato, mushrooms, egg, and toast. About GBP 10-16. Try it at The Breakfast Club or any neighborhood café.

Chicken Tikka Masala

🍱 Traditional

British-invented curry — often called the UK's national dish. About GBP 12-18. Indian-Bangladeshi restaurants on Brick Lane or near Chinatown serve excellent versions.

London Pub Ale

🍵 Drink

Traditional British cask ales and lagers like Fuller's London Pride and Camden Hells. About GBP 5-7 per pint. Atmospheric pubs include the Victorian-era The Mayflower or The George Inn (a Shakespeare haunt).

Eton Mess

🍰 Dessert

A classic British summer dessert of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped cream. About GBP 6-10. Look for it at Borough Market dessert stalls or on British pub dessert menus.

London Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit London?

May-September is the best time to visit, with long daylight, lively parks, and a packed calendar of outdoor events.

How much does it cost to travel in London?

Around $130-210 per day (lodging $70-130, food $30-50, transit and entry fees $30-35).

How do I get around in London?

From Heathrow Airport, the Elizabeth Line reaches the center in about 30 minutes. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for easy tube and bus travel. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (Three, Vodafone, etc., about GBP 10-15/week). Contactless card payments are accepted nearly everywhere. A 10-12.5% service charge is often added automatically at restaurants.

Do I need a visa to visit London?

Korean passport holders can enter the UK visa-free for up to 6 months (separate from Schengen).

Is London safe for tourists?

Watch for pickpockets on public transport and at tourist sites. Avoid quiet backstreets at night and split valuables across pockets and bags.

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