←United Kingdom travel guide
Greater London, United Kingdom
London
Global capital of culture, finance, and history on the Thames
CultureHistory & HeritageShopping
London is the capital of the United Kingdom, set on the River Thames. It is known for landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, alongside world-class theatre, shopping, and dining. A global city, it blends centuries of history with diverse, contemporary neighbourhoods.
Check United Kingdom visa requirements →
Best time to visit
May to September
Region
Greater London
Main airport
London Heathrow (LHR)
Also serves: LGW
Discover
Top Things to Do in London
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
The Tower of London
Over 900 years of history within a single fortress — royal palace, prison, and now home to the Crown Jewels. One of the most visited historic sites in the world.
Culture
The British Museum
Home to over 8 million artefacts spanning all of human history — from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles — all free to enter in the heart of London.
UNESCO World Heritage
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the UK. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the UK.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around London
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting United Kingdom
Citizens of most Western countries — including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the EU — can visit the UK visa-free as standard visitors for up to 6 months. From early 2025, travellers from these countries also need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK.
Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 6 months per visit. The specific length of stay is determined by the Border Force officer at the port of entry. You cannot normally switch to a different visa category while in the UK as a visitor.
A valid passport (or national ID card for EU/EEA nationals), a valid UK ETA or visa if required, and evidence of sufficient funds, accommodation, and a return or onward ticket. You may also be asked about the purpose of your visit.
The UK is a safe country for tourists. The terrorism threat level is assessed by the UK government — check MI5's current assessment before travel. Standard precautions for pickpocketing in busy tourist areas apply. Emergency services are excellent.
Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP, symbol £). Note that Scotland, Northern Ireland, and some Crown Dependencies have their own banknotes which are legal tender UK-wide. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
English is the primary language. Welsh is co-official in Wales. Scottish Gaelic has protected status in Scotland. Irish is spoken in parts of Northern Ireland.
May to September offers the most reliably pleasant weather, with longer daylight hours. Summer is peak season for attractions. December is magical for Christmas markets but can be cold and wet. Autumn colours (October) are beautiful across the countryside.
Explore London's world-class free museums, visit Stonehenge and Bath, hike in the Scottish Highlands, tour Edinburgh Castle, walk the Cotswolds, experience the Welsh coast and Snowdonia, attend a theatre show in London's West End, and visit a traditional English pub.
London Heathrow (LHR) is the UK's busiest international airport. London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI), and Birmingham (BHX) also receive international flights.
Travel insurance is recommended, particularly for lost luggage, trip cancellation, and emergency repatriation. The NHS provides some emergency treatment to visitors, but is not available for non-emergency care for overseas visitors.