Quick Guide

Summer (June – August) is peak season in London, though shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can also bring mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Aside from the December holidays, winter is off-season. Pack an umbrella; London’s notorious rain showers can pop up any time of year.

Visas

Visas are not required for travelers from the U.S., Australia, Canada or New Zealand. EU citizens do not require a visa to visit the U.K. Canadians, U.S. citizens, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must show a valid passport.

Money

U.K. currency is the pound sterling (£). ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted by most businesses.

Travel Health

Check with the U.K. government website for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

London is served primarily by Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) Airports. Visitors traveling via train (including Eurostar) will arrive at St. Pancras International Train Station.

Getting Around

If you’re traveling within the city center, the Tube train system is your best option for convenience and speed; the bus system is also extensive and inexpensive. To get further afield the DLR and Overground network of trains is a good option. Black cabs are pricey but easy to find, and ride shares are also common. If you’re riding any type of public transportation, purchase an Oyster card, which stores credit toward prepaid fares.

Local Lingo

Get acquainted with London’s common slang. Cheers: Thanks. Chuffed: Quite pleased. Dodgy: Sketchy; something to be avoided. Fancy: Want.

Must-Have Apps

Visit London Official City Guide; Oyster; Natural History Museum app

Insider Tips

The historically industrial King’s Cross area has undergone a complete reinvention. Public squares and gardens have appeared and inspired new architecture that merges with historic structures. Plus, a surge of shops, restaurants and galleries have all made their debut alongside companies at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Fun Fact

There are so many trees in London, it actually meets the United Nations’ designation as a forest. The city takes its responsibility quite seriously and even has an official Forestry Conservator.

Summer (June – August) is peak season in London, though shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can also bring mild weather, fewer crowds and lower prices.

Aside from the December holidays, winter is off-season. Pack an umbrella; London’s notorious rain showers can pop up any time of year.

Visas

Visas are not required for travelers from the U.S., Australia, Canada or New Zealand. EU citizens do not require a visa to visit the U.K. Canadians, U.S. citizens, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must show a valid passport.

Money

U.K. currency is the pound sterling (£). ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted by most businesses.

Travel Health

Check with the U.K. government website for the latest health safety information, including travel protocols and requirements like negative COVID-19 tests, quarantines, mask mandates and more in connection with COVID-19. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

Getting Here

London is served primarily by Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) Airports. Visitors traveling via train (including Eurostar) will arrive at St. Pancras International Train Station.

Getting Around

If you’re traveling within the city center, the Tube train system is your best option for convenience and speed; the bus system is also extensive and inexpensive. To get further afield the DLR and Overground network of trains is a good option. Black cabs are pricey but easy to find, and ride shares are also common. If you’re riding any type of public transportation, purchase an Oyster card, which stores credit toward prepaid fares.

Local Lingo

Get acquainted with London’s common slang. Cheers: Thanks. Chuffed: Quite pleased. Dodgy: Sketchy; something to be avoided. Fancy: Want.

Must-Have Apps

Visit London Official City Guide; Oyster; Natural History Museum app

Insider Tips

The historically industrial King’s Cross area has undergone a complete reinvention. Public squares and gardens have appeared and inspired new architecture that merges with historic structures. Plus, a surge of shops, restaurants and galleries have all made their debut alongside companies at the forefront of innovation and technology.

Fun Fact

There are so many trees in London, it actually meets the United Nations’ designation as a forest. The city takes its responsibility quite seriously and even has an official Forestry Conservator.