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Quick Travel Guide to London

December 24, 2018

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London certainly has something for everyone, from history buffs to party animals. Whatever category of visitor you fit into, make sure you check out this Quick Travel Guide to London before you go.

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What to Do in London

One thing I absolutely love about London is the high density of UNESCO World Heritage sites. And they are so close together you can see many in a single day. Here are our picks for the best attractions in London.

Tower of London: Located next to the iconic Tower Bridge, this UNESCO World Heritage site is open to the public for daily tours. There are actually 12 towers inside which you are welcome to explore.

Westminster Abbey: Another UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval church is where Kings and Queens are coronated, even to this day! There are all sorts of different tours available in and around this incredible Abbey.

Buckingham Palace: Just a few minutes walk from Westminster Abbey is the actual home of Queen Elizabeth II. There aren’t too many Queens that invite you into their house for a tour, but this gracious Queen does.

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: Home to the famous Kensington Palace, these are a huge expanse of parklands, and a popular recreation area for tourists and locals alike. We recommend hiring bicycle from the bike racks inside the front gate and cycling around the parks.

National Art Gallery: This magnificent gallery sits in the famous Trafalgar Square, and is full of magnificent classic paintings. This is the pinnacle of impressive art galleries.

Day Trips from London

United Kingdom is a rather compact country, and there are an enormous amount of day trips from London available. Or you could even go for a quick international day trip!

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath: This is the most popular tour from London, and it is quite a big day out. Anyone who has not pondered the mysteries of Stonehenge has been living under a rock.

Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio: Just a short drive from London, this movie set is a must see for any Harry Potter Fan. And anyone who’s not a fan. Even if you want to find all about making blockbuster movies, this is the place to go.

Paris: Just 2 hours train ride from London is Paris. Spending just one day in Paris is not enough to do this wonderful city justice, but if you’re limited for time then it may be worth considering.

Where to Stay in London

London is so big and diverse, as are the choices of areas to stay. Here is a brief guide on the best places to stay in London:

Southbank, Bankside: Sightseeing
Soho: Nightlife
Covent Garden: Foodies, Tourists
South Kensington, Marylebone: Families
Mayfair: High end luxury
Camden: Local atmosphere

Cheap Accommodation

We recommend finding an Airbnb apartment near a train station outside of the city to get the best deal. Paddington was our pick, it’s a nice safe area and it’s just near the lovely Hyde Park for some free relaxation. Paddington is on the right side of town to get to Heathrow Airport. As an added bonus the Big Bus Tours go through Paddington.

Here’s our lovely Airbnb apartment just 5 minutes walk from Paddington Station.

London Ultimate 2 Day Itinerary — Our Airbnb rental in Paddington

Mid Range

The Villa Kensington is a no frills hotel located near the Earls Court and Glouchester tube stations, offering great access to both the city and Heathrow Airport.

Affordable Luxury

Just near The Shard on the Southbank of the Thames river is the modern Hilton London Bankside. This is a remarkably affordable 5 star hotel by London standards, and you have great access to all the central London sightseeing attractions.