London

London is graced with a mild climate and, as such, can be visited at any time of the year. However, a few things need to be considered. Most of the royal palaces and residences, like the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace, are only open to the public during the summer months. Many of the city's most important festivals, like the British Summer Time Music Festival, also take place during this time. Late June to mid July is also when some of the best sales are on in shops around the capital. Spring is also a good season for a visit, since the weather is generally good and finding accommodation is both easier and cheaper (high season in London means a lot of tourists). And if you're not too bothered about the grey weather, then the low season (January and February) can be a good option too, when there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.

London Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports, with five terminals. There are various ways to travel from Heathrow Airport to your destination. The quickest option is the Heathrow Express, a non-stop train to Paddington Station taking around 15–20 minutes, with services every 15 minutes. For a cheaper option, the Piccadilly line of the Tube links the airport to central London in roughly 45–55 minutes. Coaches and taxis are also available, though journey times can vary with traffic.

London Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport, has two terminals: North and South. The fastest way into central London is the Gatwick Express, a non-stop train to Victoria Station taking around 30 minutes, with departures every 15 minutes. Other options include Thameslink and Southern train services, which stop at several central London stations, as well as coach services to Victoria and other locations. Taxis are available, but they can be quite pricey depending on traffic.

London Stansted Airport is the UK’s third-busiest airport, serving numerous low-cost airlines across Europe and the Mediterranean. The fastest route into central London is the Stansted Express, a direct train to Liverpool Street Station in less than one hour, with services departing every 15 minutes. Other options include National Express and Terravision coaches to Victoria, Stratford, and other locations. Taxis are available, but fares can be high due to distance and traffic.

The DLR serves East London and links with the Tube network at key stations including Bank, Tower Gateway, Shadwell, Stratford, Bow, Heron Quays, Canning Town, and Canary Wharf. It also connects to the Emirates Air Line cable car at Royal Victoria. Fares follow the same zonal system as the Tube, and the DLR accepts Oyster cards, contactless payment cards, and Travelcards covering the relevant zones. Trains typically run from around 5:30 am to 12:30 am Monday to Saturday, with a slightly shorter service on Sundays (7 am–11:30 pm).

Glide along the Thames on the river bus, a scenic way to reach destinations along the river from Putney to Woolwich Arsenal. Key routes include the Thames Clippers service between Hilton London Docklands Riverside and Canary Wharf, the Tate-to-Tate connection between Tate Britain and Tate Modern, and the route linking the London Eye with Greenwich. Tickets can usually be purchased on board or in advance online. Oyster cards and contactless payment cards are also accepted, often with discounted fares compared to cash tickets.

London’s local train network complements the Tube, linking the city to surrounding towns and regions while connecting with major Underground stations. Operators include London Overground, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, and Greater Anglia, among others. Many services also tie into the national rail network and the Eurostar. Oyster and contactless payment cards are valid on most trains within Zones 1‑9, with a few exceptions such as the Heathrow Express.

London’s tram network, Tramlink, serves parts of South London, connecting Wimbledon, Croydon, Beckenham, and New Addington. Trams generally run every 7–10 minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday, with slightly reduced frequency on Sundays and public holidays. Fares are based on the same system as buses and the Tube: touch in with an Oyster card or contactless bank card when boarding. Cash is no longer accepted on trams.

Postage stamps are available across London at post offices, newsagents and supermarkets. To post a package or small souvenirs, drop into a post office — you can find your nearest branch on their official website. Post offices are generally open Monday–Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.

Whether you need over-the-counter remedies or to fill a prescription, London has no shortage of pharmacies. Boots remains the most widespread and reliable chain, with branches throughout the city offering medication, health services, and everyday essentials. Superdrug is another common chemist's chain, particularly in central areas and shopping districts. In addition, smaller chains such as Well Pharmacy and Rowlands Pharmacy operate a limited number of locations in selected neighbourhoods.

The international dialling code for the UK is +44 (or 0044), which replaces the initial ‘0’ of the phone number. For example, to call 020 7946 0000 from abroad, you would dial +44 20 7946 0000. London’s area code is 020, and local numbers start with 7, 8, or 3.

Electrical appliances in the UK use a three-pin plug known as type G, which is standard throughout the country. Most wall sockets are fitted with on/off switches, allowing you to cut the power without unplugging your device. The mains electricity supply runs at 230 volts, so travellers should check that their chargers and appliances are compatible before plugging them in.

FAQ – What is the best way to explore London? London is a very walkable city, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience its streets, parks, and hidden corners. Public transport makes getting further afield easy: buses, the Tube, the Overground, and the DLR all connect the city. For a different perspective, river buses along the Thames provide scenic views and a quieter way to travel. Comfortable shoes, rain protection, and sun cream are highly recommended. An Oyster card or contactless payment card is the most convenient way to pay for fares across all TfL services. – How many days in London is enough? While you can see most of the main bucket list sights in London in a couple of days, spending at least 3-4 days in London is the best way to do this incredibly diverse city justice. You’ll have enough time to get acquainted with the city and go beyond the most obvious sights. Save a day to do something that speaks to you and your interests in particular. – Where can I get an Oyster card? Oyster cards are sold at Tube, London Overground, TfL Rail, and some DLR stations, as well as in Visitor Centres and some newsagents. The card can be topped up at the same locations or via the TfL Oyster and contactless app. – What’s the tipping culture in London? It is customary to leave 10–15% of the bill when eating out. Many restaurants will add a 12.5% service charge, especially if you’re dining out with a large group. Check your bill if you don’t want to tip twice. You can also ask for the service charge to be removed if you found the service to be completely unacceptable. – Is London a safe city? Like most major cities, London has areas with higher crime rates, but overall it’s considered safe for visitors. According to the Economist Safe Cities Index, London ranks 15th worldwide, tied with San Francisco. – Is it safe to walk around London at night? London is generally safe after dark, especially in busy areas. However, public transport doesn’t run on all lines overnight; the Tube stops around midnight, with some Night Tube lines on Fridays and Saturdays only. Night buses operate across most of the city, but be aware that some routes may be slower or less frequent late at night. For longer journeys, taxis or rideshare services are a convenient alternative. – Where is the best place to stay in London? London has many neighbourhoods to choose from, so spend some time researching what personalities each one has. Price is another important consideration, of course. Brixton is a great residential area, known for its diversity, shops, and street markets. Quite hip, but that also means it can get loud. Mayfair is right next to Hyde Park. Park yourself here for old British architecture and cute boutiques. The prices are somewhat high, and Mayfair doesn’t have the best airport connections. Shoreditch is a hipster paradise with excellent coffee shop culture — great for digital nomads. Shoreditch is not the most polished neighbourhood, though. Almost all neighbourhoods in London are very safe, so don’t make that your main concern. Nightlife areas like Camden, West End, and Deptford can turn a bit rowdy and loud at night, but you’ll be in the middle of the action. – Is London really always rainy and grey? People tend to exaggerate. London does have decent weather, with full-on sunny days. The best time to visit to avoid crowds and stay dry is early summer or early fall. Bring a jacket for the nights, even in the summer. – What should I pack for my trip to London? London is great for shopping, so don’t worry too much about forgetting things at home. To stay comfortable, you’ll definitely need a pair of good walking shoes. A water-resistant jacket won’t hurt either. And do bring your favourite going-out outfit for the weekend.