Walking: London’s streets are long and windy, often with pedestrian alleys and paths branching off. This makes for a fun way to explore the city, with lots of hidden gems tucked away on side streets. But if you’re used to cities with grid layouts, you may want to bring a map to navigate your way around.
London Underground: Colloquially called the Tube, London’s subterranean train system is color coordinated, affordable, timely, and far-reaching. Pick up an Oyster Card, which you can load with money, and use for contactless payments in all of London’s Tube stations.
Bus: You’ve seen them in photos. London’s iconic red double-decker buses are a practical choice for getting around if you’d like to see the streets of London on your commute. Similar to the Tube, the London bus system operates on a color-coded line system and accepts Oyster Cards for quick boarding and payment. Top tip: Buses are cashless, so be sure to top up your Oyster Card or buy a ticket from a Tube or train station in advance.
Taxi: London’s black cabs can be found throughout the city and at major Tube stations and airports. These spacious cabs can fit up to five passengers in the back, as the cabs have two fold-down seats that face backwards.
Traveler tips
London’s city limits are vast, and there is so much to see in each part. Staying in a hotel or accommodation close to central London is your best bet for easy access to all the city has to offer.
While far from India, London has a large Indian community, which means that Indian cuisine is among the best food you can get in the city. To sample the best of the best, head to Brick Lane, a street in the East End famed for its curry houses. But before you dine out, don’t forget that the United Kingdom has its own currency, the British Pound, so put away those Euros for another time.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition
At the Tower Bridge Exhibition, you can discover the tower’s fascinating history, peek into the Victorian engine rooms, and learn about its complex mechanics while watching a virtual bridge lift. The highlight is the chance to walk the 138-foot-high (42-meter) walkways at the very top of the towers. The East Walkway offers great views along the River Thames, including theHMS Belfast and London Bridge, while the Glass Walkway lets you look down through a glass floor to the cars and pedestrians on the bridge below. Guided tours also offer behind-the-scenes access to areas including the bridge control room, the machinery room, and the bascule chambers.
Best of Royal London including Tower of London, Changing of the Guard and Cruise
Discover London’s royal history and sights on a London tour by foot and boat. Start with an early access visit to the Tower of London to see the opening ceremony and Crown Jewels without the usual daytime crowds. Then, take to the water on a half-hour River Thames sightseeing cruise. Stroll to Horse Guard’s Parade or Buckingham Palace to see the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, and learn all about the British Royal Family from a knowledgeable local guide.
- Guided walking tour of London’s royal sights including the Tower of London and the Changing of the Guard
- Enjoy early access to the Tower of London and see the dazzling Crown Jewels
- See top attractions including Big Ben and the London Eye on a Thames River cruise
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade
- See Buckingham Palace and learn about Queen Elizabeth II
- Listen to insightful commentary about London’s royal highlights from a guide
Early Access Tower of London Tour: Opening Ceremony, Crown Jewels & River Cruise
Have exclusive access to one of London’s most popular and in-demand landmarks, and bypass the crowds, on this VIP tour of the Tower of London. Begin the tour with early, skip-the-line access, and see the tower’s storied opening ceremony. With just a small group for company, you’ll explore the landmark’s highlights. You’ll also be among the first visitors to enter the Tower of London’s world-famous Jewel House, where the glittering Crown Jewels await.
- Beat the throngs on this VIP, early-access Tower of London tour
- Explore the highlights of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Enjoy the rare opportunity to see the famed Crown Jewels without crowds
- Attend the Tower of London’s traditional opening ceremony
Banqueting House
A lesser-known palace with a bloody past. The 17th-century Banqueting House sits on Whitehall in Central London, and is widely considered the finest example of neoclassical architecture in the city. Once part of the Palace of Whitehall—and the site of one monarch’s bloody demise—this national monument now welcomes visitors keen to admire its grand hallways and suites, as well as the spot where King Charles I was beheaded in 1649.
How to visit: Combine a trip to the Banqueting House with an exploration of Westminster Abbey on a private, half-day tour. There, admire features such as the bronze bust of James I and ceiling paintings by Flemish master, Sir Peter Paul Rubens.
Kensington Palace
A Queen Victoria statue presides over Kensington Palace. Photo: Alexey Fedorenko / Shutterstock The historic birthplace of Queen Victoria. Set in the heart of central London, Kensington Palace is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and was once home to Princess Diana.
In recent years the palace has become the official London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as well as other lesser royals), and is perhaps most popular for its whimsical gardens and swanky Orangery.
How to visit: Stop by the Kensington Orangery for high tea, before touring Kensington Gardens. Alternatively, admire the palace on a royal parks tour.