London — travel, stays & events guide

Local time--:--

London time

Weather Forecast

London, England

Loading

Forecast

Open-Meteo forecast.

London city overview

London is a vast but readable capital when you plan around the Tube, river and neighbourhoods. Start with Westminster and the Houses of Parliament, cross to the South Bank, then save time for the British Museum or Tower of London. Heathrow is the main long-haul airport, while Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City shape route choices.

Part of EnglandExplore more EnglandMore cities, stays and event bases across England.

FactSeeVisitNearbyEventsBig in London

City facts

Airport baseLondon Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Known forHouses of Parliament, Tower of London, British Museum, South Bank

RegionEnglandEngland

Time zoneEurope/Londonlocal time

Founded680historical origin

City history

680By about 680 the city had become a major port again, but there is little evidence of large-scale production.

1264In 1264, during the Second Barons' War, Simon de Montfort's rebels killed 500 Jews while attempting to seize records of debts. Early modern The Reformation produced a shift to Protestantism.

1647The fortifications failed their only test when the New Model Army entered London in 1647.

1663The ban was lifted during the 1660 Restoration; London's oldest theatre, Drury Lane, opened in 1663.

1666In 1666, the Great Fire destroyed much of the wooden-built city.

1710In 1710, Christopher Wren's masterpiece St Paul's Cathedral was completed, replacing its medieval predecessor, lost in the Great Fire.

18th centuryDuring the 18th century London was dogged by crime, and the Bow Street Runners were established in 1750 as a professional police force.

1844Following an 1838 fire, the Royal Exchange was rebuilt in 1844.

1894Lyons opened the first of their chain of teashops in Piccadilly in 1894.

12th centuryIn the 12th century the institutions of central government, which had followed the royal English court around the country, grew in size and sophistication and became increasingly fixed, for most purposes at Westminster, although.

Regional roleWestminster Abbey, rebuilt in Romanesque style by King Edward the Confessor, was one of the grandest churches in Europe.

Regional roleWinchester had been the capital of Anglo-Saxon England, but from this time, London became the main forum for foreign traders and the base for defence in time of war.

Regional roleIt became the basis of a new Palace of Westminster.

Regional roleLondon became the main North Sea port, with migrants from England and abroad.

Event planning

Notting Hill Carnival

29 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2026 - Notting Hill, London

London Fashion Week

17-21 Sep 2026 - London

See all events

Worth seeing

Houses of Parliament

Houses of Parliament is a named stop in London worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.

Tower of London

Tower of London is a clear heritage marker in London, best used as a fixed point when grouping nearby streets, monuments and viewpoints.

British Museum

The British Museum is one of London's major free museums, strongest when you choose a few galleries rather than rushing everything.

South Bank

South Bank is a named stop in London worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park gives central London a large green pause, useful between Kensington museums, shopping streets and royal parks.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is a named stop in London worth keeping on the route when it fits the day's transport, timing and neighborhood plan.

Stay overview

Choose Westminster for landmarks, Covent Garden for theatre and restaurants, South Bank for river culture, Kensington for museums and Heathrow convenience, or Shoreditch for nightlife and a more local East London base.

Hotels & areas

London hotel choice is about transport as much as neighbourhood feel. Stay near a useful Tube or Elizabeth line station, then choose between landmark-heavy Westminster, theatre-led Covent Garden, museum-focused Kensington or food-led Shoreditch.

Westminster

Westminster is best for first-time landmark walks, Parliament views, royal parks and easy Underground access.

Best for: first visits, landmarks, royal parksCompare stays

Covent Garden

Covent Garden puts theatres, restaurants, shops and Soho within easy walking distance, but hotels cost more.

Best for: theatre, restaurants, nightlifeCompare stays

South Bank

South Bank gives river views, cultural venues and walkable routes between Waterloo, Tate Modern and Westminster.

Best for: river walks, culture, familiesCompare stays

Kensington

Kensington works for museums, Hyde Park, polished hotels and easier access toward Heathrow routes.

Best for: museums, parks, HeathrowCompare stays

Shoreditch

Shoreditch suits restaurants, bars, street art and repeat visitors who want East London energy.

Best for: nightlife, food, repeat visitsCompare stays

Compare stays in London, England

Flights & airports

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) arrival plan

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)London Heathrow Airport, London, England
Heathrow is London's main long-haul airport, with Elizabeth line, Tube and rail connections into central districts.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)London Gatwick Airport, London, England
Gatwick is south of London and works well for rail links to Victoria, London Bridge and Thameslink stations.
London City Airport (LCY)London City Airport, London, England
London City Airport is closest to Canary Wharf and the City, useful for business trips and short European routes.

Compare airport-area stays