Ultimate London Travel Guide

London is one of those cities that feels both overwhelming and magical all at once. With so much history, culture, and things to do, planning your first trip can feel daunting. That’s why I created this Ultimate London Travel Guide, to help you navigate where to stay, what to see, and how to make the most of your time.

One of my personal travel hacks? Booking airport transfers with Kiwitaxi – use code NANCY for a discount. Whether you’re flying into Heathrow, Gatwick, or Luton, it makes pickups smooth, stress-free, and reliable (trust me, nothing beats having a driver waiting after a long-haul flight!).

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Where to Stay in London

London has neighborhoods for every type of traveler, from chic boutique hotels in Covent Garden to budget-friendly finds in Shoreditch.

Hotels I’ve Personally Stayed At:

The Cumberland (formerly Hard Rock Hotel London) – Located in Marylebone, this hotel is centrally placed, has fantastic hospitality, and very comfortable rooms.
💸 Price range: $$$
📖 Read my full hotel review here
Book your stay
Great Scotland Yard Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel in the Covent Garden area. Perfect for those who want charm, history, and five-star service.
💸 Price range: $$$
📖 Read my full hotel review here
Book your stay
The Westminster – A chic luxury hotel close to Big Ben and the Thames. Amazing restaurants, friendly service, and stylish interiors.
💸 Price range: $$$
🎥 Watch my review on YouTube
Book your stay

Budget & Mid-Range Hotels in London

If you’re not looking to splurge but still want a comfortable, well-located stay, here are some great picks:

Point A Hotel London – Shoreditch
Modern, budget-friendly, and right in one of the trendiest neighborhoods. Small but clean rooms, perfect if you’re mostly out exploring.
💸 Price: $
Book your stay
The Z Hotel Covent Garden
Stylish, compact rooms in the heart of Covent Garden, steps from theatres, shops, and restaurants. They even offer free cheese & wine in the evenings!
💸 Price: $$
Book your stay
CitizenM Tower of London
Mid-range boutique hotel with amazing views of the Tower of London. The rooms are tech-forward and cozy, and the lobby has a cool social vibe.
💸 Price: $$
Book your stay

💡 Budget-conscious? If you’re okay with staying a bit outside of central London, I personally loved Putney, Wandsworth, and Islington for quieter, local vibes at lower costs.

✨ Pro tip: If you’re looking for affordable long-term stays, I also recommend Kindred home swapping — I’ve used it often while traveling. Read my post here (use code NAN.SEV for 5 free nights once accepted!).

Top Attractions in London

London is filled with world-famous landmarks — and if you’re trying to see as much as possible, I highly recommend getting a GoCity London Pass. It covers up to 99 attractions and saves both money and time.

Here are some of my highlights using mine:

Frameless – An immersive modern art experience, unlike anything else in London.
Notting Hill & Kensington Walking Tour – A great way to explore two iconic neighborhoods and finish with tea + scones.
The View from the Shard – Stunning panoramic views that make it a must-do on any trip.

🎥 Watch my London Pass highlights here

Classic attractions also included: Big Ben, Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and so much more.

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

London’s neighborhoods each have their own character. Here are my favorites:

Notting Hill – Pastel houses, Portobello Market, and a charming village feel.
Shoreditch – Street art, nightlife, and trendy coffee shops.
Camden – Quirky, alternative, and full of market stalls + food vendors.
Covent Garden – Theatre, shopping, and a lively atmosphere.
Southbank – Perfect for a riverside walk with views of the London Eye.

Unique London Experiences

Sure, sightseeing is a must, but London also shines with quirky, memorable activities. A few I loved:

Private Central London Highlights Tour with Context Travel – In-depth history and culture with expert guides.
🎥 Watch my reel here

Book h e re – Use code FANCYNANCISTA for 15% off

Brigit’s Afternoon Tea Bus Tour – Afternoon tea + sightseeing on a vintage bus. 🍰 Book here
Secret Food Tours – My go-to way to explore British cuisine and culture. Book here
Gin Journey London – A must if you’re a gin lover. Book here
Murder Mystery Dinner – Interactive theatre + dinner fun. Details here
Monopoly Lifesized Experience – A life-sized version of the board game. Book here

🎥 Watch my YouTube overview of these unique experiences

Best Day Trips from London

London is perfectly placed for exploring nearby towns and historic cities. My favorites:

Oxford – University history + stunning architecture.
Bath – Roman baths + Georgian charm.
Windsor – Windsor Castle + royal history.

🚐 For expert-led tours, check out Context Travel [Use code FANCYNANCISTA for 15% off]

Getting Around London

Getting around London is surprisingly easy:

Use an Oyster card or simply tap in/out with contactless (Apple Pay/credit card) — it’s usually £1–2 per ride.
Buses, the tube, and even riverboats are all connected.
Walking is underrated, some of my favorite moments were strolling through different neighborhoods.

Food & Drink in London

London’s food scene is diverse and exciting. Some staples to try:

Borough Market – Street food heaven and a foodie’s dream.
Traditional Pub – Grab a pint and classic fish & chips.
Indian food – London is famous for its curry houses, especially along Brick Lane.

Where to Eat Fish & Chips in London

Fish & chips is a London classic, and while you can find it almost everywhere, here are a couple of my favorites:

Poppie’s Fish & Chips (Spitalfields or Soho) – Iconic, award-winning spot with that old-school London charm.
Golden Union (Soho) – Crispy, perfectly fried fish and chunky chips, a local favorite.
The Mayfair Chippy – A bit more upscale, but still authentic, and they offer great sides and sauces.

London is one of those cities that keeps surprising you — whether it’s hidden gems in Notting Hill, a world-class museum, or a cozy pub on a rainy day. I hope this Ultimate London Travel Guide helps you plan your first trip (or your next one!) with a little less overwhelm and a lot more excitement.

Until next time,
Nancy

Ultimate London Travel Guide