London packs the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London, and world-class free museums into a city built as much for walking between neighborhoods as for ticking off individual sights.
Planning a London trip
For the full London travel guide, or jump straight to a section:
Day-by-day itineraries
Frequently asked questions
Are London's museums really free?
Yes — national museums including the British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern have free general admission, though special exhibitions usually carry a separate charge.
Do I need to book the Tower of London in advance?
It is not strictly required, but booking ahead online is cheaper than paying at the door and avoids the longest queues, especially in summer.
Is the Underground the best way to get around?
For longer distances, yes, but central London is genuinely walkable, and many short hops are faster on foot than via the Tube once you factor in escalators and platform time.
When is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?
It runs on a set schedule that varies by season (typically alternate days), so checking the current schedule before planning around it is worth doing.