London City Guide

General Information / Guide

Located on the famous Thames River in the southeastern part of the British Isles, London always manages to be an intriguing exploration route. The Thames River divides the city in two, and the name London comes from "Londonium," which was given during the Roman Empire in 43 BC, meaning "Flowing River." London is a leading city in various fields, such as culture, art, commerce, fashion, finance, entertainment, education, health, and tourism. Along with its towers, palaces, bridges, churches, and cathedrals, the city offers visitors a variety of options for exploring, including green spaces and parks that make up nearly 40% of the city. 
 

Climate / Weather / When to Go

One of the cities famous for its rain, London has a climate characterized as an "Oceanic Climate." The city experiences a mild and humid climate. In the summer months, the average temperature in central London is around 22 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months, it varies between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. The coldest months in London are January and February, while the hottest months are July and August. May, June, September, and October can be said to have mild characteristics. Therefore, it's not really possible to specify a precise time frame for visiting London. 
 

How to Get There

London is at the forefront when it comes to cities with the highest air traffic in the world. As a result, the city boasts a total of 6 airports. The most commonly chosen airports for reaching the city center are Heathrow Airport, located 32 km away, and Gatwick Airport, which is 45 km away. The quickest way to reach the city from the airports is through dedicated airport trains. 
 

Food / Restaurants / What to Eat and Drink

London, being a metropolis that welcomes people from a multitude of different cultures, naturally boasts a diverse culinary scene. In London, the food culture reflects this diversity. Some of the local British delicacies that are most consumed and absolutely must be tried during your travels include Fish and chips, the famous English breakfast, Beef Wellington, Yorkshire pudding, Bangers and mash, Apple crumble, and scones. And, of course, don't forget to savor a traditional British afternoon tea. 
 

Important Places / Places to Visit

• Buckingham Palace: With its rich history and magnificent appearance, Buckingham Palace is a must-visit attraction. The palace boasts a total of 775 rooms but only welcomes visitors during the summer months. You can explore the royal family's belongings and rooms in the section known as the "Queen's Gallery."
• Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge, the first bridge in London, was built over the Thames River in 1894, connecting both sides of the city. The bridge spans 283 meters and even has a glass walkway for you to witness the breathtaking view if you happen to be there during the bridge's opening hours.
• Westminster Palace (Houses of Parliament): Laying its foundations in 1016 but adopting its final Gothic style in 1834, the Westminster Palace houses iconic landmarks like Big Ben. It's now protected by UNESCO and open to visitors. You can explore sections like the House of Commons, House of Lords, the Queen's robing room, and the 900-year-old Westminster Hall.
• Big Ben: The famous 98-meter-tall clock tower, Big Ben, is one of the iconic landmarks of London. Although you can't enter the tower, it's a must-see and photograph during your city tour.
• London Eye: The colossal observation wheel, known as the London Eye, offers visitors an unforgettable experience. As the world's third-largest observation wheel, the London Eye provides a stunning view seamlessly blending with the Thames River.
• Tate Modern: The Tate Modern Museum allows you to witness works by modern artists such as Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, Pollock, and Warhol.
• British Museum: The British Museum is an essential part of any London trip. It houses over 13 million artifacts from various ancient cultures, including Rome, Athens, the Middle East, and the Americas.
• Hyde Park: Hyde Park is London's largest park, covering a vast 150-hectare area. During the autumn months, the park offers a romantic and picturesque setting. Don't miss a visit to Hyde Park during your London trip.
• Trafalgar Square: Trafalgar Square is not only one of London's biggest squares but also a place where the city's largest Christmas tree is erected during the festive season. The ambiance makes it a must-visit spot during your London travels.
• St. Paul's Cathedral: The largest religious structure in London and the seat of the Bishop, St. Paul's Cathedral is a must-visit on your London itinerary. Its fame spread worldwide, especially due to the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
• Piccadilly Circus: A bustling square, Piccadilly boasts historic buildings and numerous shops. If you want to shop, browse stores, or pick up London-themed souvenirs for your loved ones, make sure not to conclude your visit without seeing Piccadilly Circus.
• Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey, a church where royal family members are buried and significant historical events like coronation ceremonies take place, is one of London's most splendid structures. It's a beloved travel destination in the city.
   

What to Do

There are countless things to do in London. One of them is taking a ride on the London Eye to get a bird's eye view of the city and the Thames River. Alternatively, you can enjoy a stroll in Hyde Park, the city's largest park covering 150 hectares. You can visit the famous detective Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street or take a delightful boat tour on the Thames River to see the city from a different perspective. The British Museum and Tate Modern are also included in the places we highly recommend visiting. 
 

Nightlife / Bars / Entertainment

London is undeniably one of the most vibrant cities when it comes to nightlife, and at the heart of it is a widespread pub culture. Almost all gatherings, whether by tourists or locals, tend to happen in London's pubs. Additionally, the city offers night owls a plethora of options, including nightclubs open until dawn, cocktail bars, jazz clubs, and an endless array of restaurants. Soho, Mayfair, Holborn-Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury, and Camden are among the liveliest nightlife areas in the city. 
 

Shopping / What to Buy

London is undoubtedly a dream destination for shopping enthusiasts. The city boasts a wealth of shopping streets, boutiques, and shopping centers. Among London's famous shopping streets, you can count Carnaby, King's Road, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. Additionally, Leadenhall Market, which delights shopping enthusiasts, is a must-visit spot. For those in search of a place where the city's most luxurious stores are gathered, a visit to the Harrods department store is a must.
 

Festivals/ Events

January: London Art Fair 

February: Carling Cup Final

March - April: The Boat Race

April: The Virgin London Marathon 

June - July: Wimbledon Tennis Championships

June - July: London City Festival 

August: Notting Hill Carnival

August: Carnaval del Pueblo 

September: The Mayor's Thames Festival

October: Lord Mayor's Show

October: BFI London Film Festival 

December: London Parade 

February: Frieze Art Fair 

February: Scoop International Fashion Show 

March: International Confex

April: LBF The London Book Fair 

May: The Museums + Heritage Show

June: The Meetings Show UK

July): Just V Show 

September: Casual Dining 

September: ad:tech London 

October: The Cake & Bake Show 

November: WTM World Travel Market 

Holidays / Festivals / Important Days

January 1: New Year

Good Friday (Changes every year)

Easter (Changes every year based on the Spring Equinox)

May 3: May Day - Early May Bank Holiday 

May 31: Spring Bank Holiday 

August 31: August Bank Holiday 

October 31: Halloween 

November 5: Bonfire Night 

December 25 - 26: Christmas Holidays 

December 26: Boxing Day 

Things to Pay Attention to / Important Information

In the United Kingdom, including London, traffic flows in the opposite direction compared to many other countries, with driving on the left side of the road. Therefore, when crossing the street, you must remember this and be cautious.
Since London uses three-pin plugs, your chargers may not fit. Don't forget to bring an adapter with you.
An umbrella is an essential accessory you should have with you throughout your trip to London, regardless of the season.
For local transportation, be sure to get an Oyster card, which allows you to use all public transportation in the city.
When queuing for anything, be it food, museum tickets, or any other service, it's essential to maintain the queue and be extra considerate. The British place a high value on order in queues. 

Transportation

As one of Europe's largest cities, London welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year. Consequently, the city's transportation network is well-developed and designed for convenience. You can easily access the metro system, consisting of 11 lines, by following the "Underground" signs. To ride the metro, you'll need to purchase an Oyster Card and load it with funds.
Another popular mode of transport for getting around London is buses. Most often, travel in the city is done on the iconic double-decker red London buses. Similar to the metro system, you can board buses with an Oyster Card or a Travel Card.