London

CityEngland, United Kingdom

London is a CITY in England, United Kingdom.

London is a dazzling world capital where history and modernity collide in the most thrilling ways. From the Tower of London's ancient stones to the futuristic Shard, this city spans centuries with effortless charm. Discover hidden alleyways in the City, vibrant street art in Shoreditch, and royal splendor in Kensington. The Thames snakes past iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, while lush parks offer peaceful escapes. Foodies revel in everything from Borough Market's artisanal treats to Brick Lane's curry houses and afternoon tea at The Ritz. With world-class museums (mostly free!), legendary theaters, and a pub culture that defines British social life, London offers endless discoveries around every corner.

Best time to visit London

April-May for spring blooms and mild weather, or September-October for fewer crowds and autumn colors. June-August is peak season but busiest.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8-15°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Moderate

Autumn colors, Halloween events

Know before you go

Getting there

LHR

London Heathrow

International

25 km away

LGW

London Gatwick

International

45 km away

STN

London Stansted

International

55 km away

Getting around

"Extensive Underground (Tube) network, buses, Overground trains, and black cabs. Contactless payment works across all transport. Walking is often fastest for short distances."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in city centre

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Stay vigilant in tourist-heavy areas and at night.

Night safety

7/10

Stay vigilant in tourist-heavy areas and at night.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Generally safe but beware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Only use licensed black cabs or reputable minicab firms at night. Mind cycle lanes when crossing roads."

Entry and health

Health information

"No special vaccinations required. NHS services available to UK residents. Pharmacies ('chemists') can advise on minor ailments. Tap water is safe to drink."

Culture

Local customs

"Stand on the right on Tube escalators. Queue politely - jumping lines is taboo. Pub etiquette: order at the bar, don't tip bartenders. 'Mind the gap' isn't just a phrase - it's a way of life!"
EnglishOver 300 languages spoken

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a cheap local meal costs ~$15

Hotels

$100-200 | budget hotels range $100-200/night

Local transport

$3 | single Tube fare ~$3

Cost notes

Prices vary by area; central London is more expensive.

Timezone

Europe/London +00:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

8,982,000

Area

1,572 km²

ISO code

GB-LND

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Большой Лондон, လန်ဒန်မြို့, ܠܘܢܕܘܢ, ლონდონი, لَندَن, Lundra, Lundenburh, Londýn, لندن عظمیٰ, Lunnin, Londain, Londar, Lundúnir, 런던, Rānana, Londen, Лёндан, ลอนดอน, Łondra, Londoni, Londye, Tooh Dineʼé Bikin Haalʼá, ᱞᱚᱱᱰᱚᱱ, ለንደን, Lonitoni, लंडन, Londonas, لوندۇن, लन्डन, ލަންޑަން, Grand Londres, Luân Đôn, Լոնտոն, Londn, Llundain Fawr, Lonn, Londons, Groß-London, Londin, Лондон ош, ලන්ඩන්, Lōndōn, Groot-Londen, লন্ডন, 大伦敦, Вялікі Лёндан, Вялікі Лондан, இலண்டன், 伦敦;倫敦, Llundain, Lodoni, Lòndra, London, ILondon, Landan, Londinium, ລອນດອນ, Lùn-tûn, Lúndūn, Lûn-tun, 大倫敦, Lākana, Великий Лондон, Лондан, Londrez Veur, Lôndôna, લંડન, Didysis Londonas, لنڈن, Lontoo, লণ্ডন, Lùng-dŭng, ᎫᎴ ᏗᏍᎪᏂᎯᏱ, లండన్, london, Лондон, लन्डन्, Grôot-Loendn;Grôot-Lonn;Grôot-Lond'n, Lundenwic, ਲੰਡਨ, ലണ്ടൻ, Veliki London, Lunnainn, ឡុងដ៍, Lunden, Londres, Londra, Lunzdunh, 伦敦, Londri, Loundres, Llundain Fwyaf, لەندەن, Lọndọnu, लण्डन, Londono, Լոնդոն, ಲಂಡನ್, لنڊن, ロンドン, Lonetona, Lundenburg, Grôot-Londn, Gran Londres, Londe, לונדון, グレーター・ロンドン, לאנדאן, 그레이터런던, Londrez, लंदन, ଲଣ୍ଡନ, لندن, Лондонъ, 倫敦, Grande Londres, 大倫敦;大伦敦, Londre, Λονδίνο, Londona, Greater London, Londyn, Lunnon, ལོན་ཊོན།, Landen

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