Is London worth visiting? Is London expensive? Is London safe? And everything else you need to know

Are you planning a trip to Europe and want to know is London worth visiting? In this guide we go through absolutely everything you need to know before you go, including answering the questions, is London safe, is London expensive, and much more.

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Before we answer the question ‘Is London worth visiting’ here is some background

London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom. It’s also the political, economic, and cultural centre of the country. The population of London sits at nearly 9 million. That being said the city of London itself is only 1.2 square miles with a population of around 9000 people. The remainder of London is actually ‘Greater London’.

London is an incredibly diverse city with over 300 languages being spoken. The top languages spoken after English are Polish, Turkish, Bengali, French, and Punjabi. And speaking of being diverse apparently London has more Indian restaurants than Deli and Mumbai combined.

Is London expensive?

A question that we hear a lot is always, is London expensive? In short yes London is an expensive city, particularly when you compare it with other parts of the UK. For example a pin of beer can cost you £6 in some places in London, whilst in other parts of the UK you are looking at maybe £4. Of course this is a very rough estimate.

If you are looking at accommodation you should expect to spend upwards of £100 per night for a 3 or 4 star hotel in central London. Even that is on the cheap side. And these rooms tend to be small, particularly the closer you get to central London. If you stay a little bit further out you can save a bit of money but anything that you do save in hotel prices will probably end up being spent on transport trying to get back into Central London.

The good news though is that in terms of other essentials like transport, with an Oyster Card the Tube is capped at £7.70 per day as long as you stick to Zones 1 & 2. In fairness most of the tourist attractions are within this area anyway.

Tourist attractions can also be a little pricey depending on what you want to do. For example, a ticket on the London eye will set you back around £36. Obviously, it all starts to add up.

We would recommend budgeting around £100 – £150 per person per day not including your accommodation. You can spend less if you avoid actually entering the tourist attractions. For example, the London Eye is still pretty cool to see even if you don’t go on it. And you can further bring costs down by eating at cafes and local pubs as opposed to restaurants. Also keep in mind there are tons of free things to do in London as well like museums and public gardens to help you save your pennies.

Do I need cash in London?

Most places in London will allow you to pay using a credit or a debit card. These include your standard Visa and Mastercard transactions. You will need to check when it comes to American Express as not all places will accept this.

We do recommend having some cash as some stores have minimum card payments. Plus cash is always handy in case you need to pay to use a restroom (that’s a thing in London) or want to tip.

What language do they speak in London?

English is the official language spoken in London. That being said there are over 300 languages spoken in London, which makes it an incredibly multicultural city.

Is London easy to get to?

Good news, London is probably one of the easiest cities to get to. There are 4 airports that you can fly into including, London City, Stansted, Gatwick, and the busiest, Heathrow. There are good public transport links from all airports and you can easily hop onto the tube and get yourself into central London.

If you are arriving from within the UK the train is usually your best option, with most rail services stop at Euston Station. We recommend looking at Trainline website for some great deals.

How long should I spend in London?

London is a big city with so much to see and do. You could spend a month in London and still not see everything. That being said, when it comes to a holiday ideally you want at least a week in London. This will allow you to see the main tourist attractions, explore some neighbourhoods, and eat lots of food.

Failing that 5 days in London is also a decent amount of time to try and get to grips with the city.

Is London safe?

You may have heard stories about London in the news, and you might be wondering is London safe? London is a really big city, and with any big city comes your typical safety concerns.

For tourists London is generally safe. The key tourist spots are well populated and lit, and you will have people around you even at night.

Obviously you should take precautions and have your wits about you. Petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing can be common so do be mindful especially in crowded areas or on the Tube.

There have been terrorist attacks in London, and these are rare. You will see armed police patrolling the streets to help reassure tourists that it is safe.

Is London worth visiting compared to other European cities?

London is very much worth visiting compared to other European cities. For starters it’s one of the economic, cultural, and political capitals of the world. There is always something going on here, and you definitely will not be bored.

It’s very much a different experience than you will have in Paris, or Rome, or other European capitals. That is because London is unique with it’s culture, history, and attractions.

If you are trying to decide between London or Amsterdam or London and Paris here are some helpful guides.

Or trying to decide between London and Dublin – here is a helpful guide.

Is London worth visiting compared to other UK cities?

London is also very much worth visiting compared to other UK cities. It’s much busier with a more cosmopolitan vibe. It does tend to be more expensive than other UK cities like Manchester or Edinburgh, but it’s an iconic city that you absolutely have to visit!

Trying to decide between London or Manchester? Here is a handy guide.

Can I use public transport in London?

Public transport is incredibly easy to use in London, and it is something you will need to use. Once you are in London the easiest way to get around is via the Tube. You should purchase an Oyster card and top up with the required credit. Alternatively you can download the app, or use your debit card to tap in and out of stations. For more information on this we recommend having a look at the Transport for Greater London website.

What is there to do in London

Wondering is London worth visiting for attractions alone? In this section we cover some of the best things to do when visiting the city. I think it is important to stress though that these are only the highlights, there is so much to do in London that it deserves a whole post onto itself.

WESTMINSTER

Westminster is the classic touristy part of London. You have the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Bridge all within close proximity to each other. And that is only the start. It is perfect for first time visitors to London and gives you a real taste of the city.

THE LONDON EYE

This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the city. It takes 30 minutes to do a full rotation, and ticket prices start at £25 with advance tickets being slightly cheaper.

MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES

London has a LOT of museums and galleries, a lot of which are free. Some of the best include the Natural History Museum, The British Museum, The National Gallery and more.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The Palace is the official headquarters and residence of the British Royal Family. One of my favourite things has to be the Changing of the Guard, which if you do get the chance to witness it actually pretty cool.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE

One of London’s most photographed public squares has to be Trafalgar Square. It was built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar that took place in 1805. These days it is swarming with tourists all trying to get those iconic shots of the fountains and the lions.

HYDE PARK

One of the things London is famous for has to the the green spaces, and Hyde Park is the best of the lot.

It spans 350 acres, there is a lot to see and do in the grounds. Some of the more popular areas have to be speakers corner, a place where to this day people gather to debate and speak to the masses. Famous speakers are George Orwell and Karl Marx.

There is also a large lake where in the summer months you can swim, or rent a paddle boat in the London sun.

ST PAULS CATHEDRAL

The cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London and has been the location for a number of Royal weddings and funerals, much like Westminster Abbey. The interior is worth a look, and if you are brave enough you can actually climb to the viewing platform for some incredible sights over London.

VISIT THE NEIGHBOURHOODS

There are a number of neighbourhoods that you have to explore in London. If you are into music then Camden is a must, whilst Instagrammers will enjoy the streets of Notting Hill or Chelsea.

TOWER BRIDGE & THE TOWER OF LONDON

Another of London’s most famous monuments that often gets confused with London Bridge, is Tower Bridge. The bridge was completed in 1894 which makes it nearly 123 years old. You can pay for entry into the Tower Bridge Exhibition, and more information can be found here.

Located next to Tower Bridge is the Tower of London a historic castle founded in 1066. If you are into history this is a fascinating place to visit as you get a full understanding of the history of the castle. This includes its time as a Royal residence and even a prison.

Is London worth visiting for solo travellers

If you are travelling solo, you might be wondering is London worth visiting for solo travellers. There is so much to see and do in London that you will not be bored if you are travelling alone.

It’s also an easy city to navigate, and is generally pretty safe in the tourist hotspots. We do recommend that you remain vigilant though, and be aware of your surroundings. You should also avoid walking around alone at night.

There are also so many group tours you can book on if you feel like getting out and meeting other travellers.

Is London worth visiting for couples

There are plenty of romantic things to do in London. You can take a romantic ride on the London Eye, or have a cocktail with a view at The Shard. On top of that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants that will make for the perfect date night.

Is London worth visiting for families

London is a good option if you are travelling with kids. There are lots of spacious parks to explore, as well as museums, and galleries. The London Zoo is another popular attraction for kids, although it does get incredibly busy during the school holidays so keep this in mind and book well in advance.

Is London worth visiting for foodies?

London is a fantastic foodie city. For starters it is incredibly multicultural which is very much reflected in the food options in the city. In fact London has more Indian restaurants than Deli and Mumbai combined. The city has so many incredible food options from around the world, including a pretty amazing Chinatown.

Of course, one of the things London is famous for is the traditional food. Pub meals are a big deal in London where you can eat things like fish and chips, sausage and mash, and other comforting delights. You also have places like Peggy Porschen Cakes, which is not only instagrammble but perfect for tea and cake.

Is London worth visiting for the nightlife?

If you are wondering is London worth visiting for the nightlife, then the answer is a definite yes! There is so much going on when it comes to nightlife in London, and you will find something no matter what your going out style is.

You can visit swanky cocktail bars in Covent Garden, or see live bands in dive bars in Camden. London also has an incredible club scene with clubs like Fabric, and the Ministry of Sound that are world famous.

Is London worth visiting for nature lovers?

London has a surprising amount of green spaces, with stunning spots like Primrose Hill and Hyde Park to name but a few. Obviously if you want to explore some real nature you will need to get out of London. There are so many places in the UK with incredible nature like the Lake District, or the Peak District, or even Cornwall.

Is London worth visiting for history buffs?

London is a history lovers dream. There is so much to explore here. For starters you have so many museums like the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Imperial War Museum that you can visit for free.

There are also the Churchill War Rooms, which are part of the Imperial War Museum but you do need to pay for these.

You also have a lot of attractions perfect for history buffs like the HMS Belfast, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and much more.

Is London worth visiting for culture lovers?

London is one of the world’s cultural capitals. It’s known for it’s rich history, incredible art scene, and fascinating museums, many of which are free.

When it comes to museums three of the top museums in the world are located in the city. There are 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites here as well which again you can see why it is one of the cultural hotspots in the world.

Is London worth visiting in the summer

Theoretically summer is the best time to visit London. The city comes alive with festivals like the Notting Hill Carnival, beer gardens open, and people are much cheerier in general. The weather is mild, and days are brighter for longer.

On the flip side though, this is peak tourist season. That means that you will find long lines for attractions and hotel prices increase. You can also get humid days in the city where temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius. This can often be unpleasant particularly if you are getting the Tube as it get so hot and unbearable.

Is London worth visiting in the winter

Winter in London is great because there are way less tourists. So you won’t have the queue for hours to visit the big attractions. It does get cold and rainy in winter, though so you will want to limit your time outdoors.

If you want to take advantage of the museums and the galleries then this is a good time to go. In December there are a number of Christmas markets to enjoy as well as ice skating rinks, in preparation for the holidays. 

For more information we have an article all about the best and worst times to visit London that you might find useful.

What to pack when visiting London?

Apart from your standard packing list here are some must haves when visiting London.

• A decent jacket suitable for the season.
• Comfortable shoes as you will do a lot of walking.
• At least one dressy outfit in case you want to visit some cocktail bars or nice restaurants.
• Umbrella, or a waterproof rain coat.

What should I know before visiting London?

Here are some of our top tips that you should keep in mind when visiting London.

• Book attractions in advance when you can.
• Book restaurants and bars in advance to avoid missing out.
• Bring decent walking shoes – because you will want to get out there and explore.
• Be prepared for things to be more expensive than other parts of the UK.
• Tipping isn’t customary in the UK, but some restaurants will add an additional service charge to your bill. You can request for this to be removed, but if the service was good do leave it. 
• Bring a waterproof jacket/ umbrella. It’s London- it rains!
• If you are not from the UK you should remember to look right when crossing a road. 
• Choose public transport over a taxi. It is way cheaper and you will get where you need to go much faster. 

So Is London worth visiting?

We really do think London is worth visiting. It is honestly one of the most exciting cities in the world. There is so much history and culture to explore, and it’s one of those places that has a little something for everyone.

Yes London can admittedly be expensive, but there are a lot of free things to do that will hopefully save you a bit of money. Just make sure you plan your visit in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season.

We hope that this guide has helped you answer the question is London worth visiting. If you found it useful make sure you pin it for later.

Happy Travels!