London

The capital and largest city of the United Kingdom, home to iconic landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. Millions visit annually for its world-class museums, theatres, shopping, and rich history spanning nearly 2,000 years.

Things to do

• Tower of London — Explore nearly 1,000 years of royal history, view the Crown Jewels, and walk the medieval fortress walls overlooking the Thames.
• British Museum — Discover over 8 million artifacts spanning human history, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, with free general admission.
• Tower Bridge — Walk across this iconic Victorian bascule bridge, climb to the high-level walkways, or watch it raise for passing ships.
• Westminster Abbey — Visit the Gothic abbey where British monarchs have been crowned and buried since 1066, with chapels honouring everyone from Charles Darwin to Amy Winehouse.
• Camden Market — Browse eclectic stalls selling vintage clothing, crafts, street food, and alternative merchandise in this vibrant bohemian neighbourhood.
• Piccadilly Circus — Experience London's neon-lit heart with its famous advertising screens, historic shops, and prime people-watching.
• St. Paul's Cathedral — Climb the 528 steps to the Whispering Gallery inside this masterpiece of English Baroque architecture completed after the Great Fire of 1666.
• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens — Stroll through 636 acres of green space, rent a pedalo on the Serpentine lake, or visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Food to try

• Fish and Chips — Enjoy battered fish with crispy chips and mushy peas, a classic British staple best eaten from traditional chippies like Poppies in Spitalfields.
• Sunday Roast — Savour roasted beef or lamb with Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables, and rich gravy, a quintessential British tradition served in countless pubs.
• Afternoon Tea — Experience tiered trays of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries paired with tea at historic venues like Fortnum & Mason.
• Pie and Mash — Try London's working-class comfort food: a savoury meat pie with creamy mash and liquor gravy, found in traditional eel and pie shops.
• Curry — Discover exceptional Indian and South Asian cuisine in areas like Brick Lane, where family-run curry houses serve authentic dishes from regional traditions.
• Cockles and Whelks — Sample seasoned shellfish served in vinegar and eaten with a pin from seaside-style street vendors, a traditional East London delicacy.

Local customs & good to know

• Tube Etiquette — Stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass, give up seats for elderly or pregnant passengers, and avoid eating on most lines.
• Queuing Culture — Londoners respect queues strictly; always join orderly lines and never cut in, whether at bus stops, shops, or attractions.
• Mind the Gap — Watch your step between the train and platform on the Underground; this iconic warning is deeply embedded in London transport culture.
• Weather Preparedness — Carry a compact umbrella at all times as London is notoriously rainy and changeable; locals often dress in layers regardless of the season.