Things to do in  London

When to visit

Weather is unpredictable in London, but summer can bring the odd heatwave. When the weather's nice, expect crowds to spill out onto the streets outside Soho's pubs (even more so than usual) and outdoor attractions like the South Bank, Trafalgar Square, and the city's parks to be even busier than usual. This is typically the high season for tourism, so airfare and hotels tend to be pricier.

Fall is the wettest season in London, with October seeing the most rain and mist. Plan for indoor activities like the Tate Modern, or if the sun is out, check out Shakespeare’s Globe open-air theatre.

Winter starts out bustling with a festive holiday season. However, once the New Year rolls around, London sees its slowest two months. Those who brave the colder temperatures can avoid the crowds and get the best rates for London’s most popular activities.

Spring weather is sunny and rainy in equal measure, but that doesn’t stop Londoners from making the most of the long "bank holiday" weekends for Easter and at the beginning and end of May. The London Marathon also takes place in April, so avoid the streets—it may be your best time to take a Thames River boat tour.

Getting Around

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.