GoTourist
Tower Bridge over the River Thames, London

No. 18 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

London

United Kingdom

Royal palaces, free world-class museums, theatre and a different neighbourhood around every corner.

Open in Maps Apple Maps

Photo: Colin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

London is No. 18 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The capital of the United Kingdom spreads along the River Thames and has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Maritime Greenwich.

Many of its great national museums and galleries are free to enter. London is also known for West End theatre, its parks, markets and pubs, and the food of its many communities from around the world.

The Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)
The Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Photo: Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

Late spring and summer (May to September) bring the longest days and the most outdoor events, but also the biggest crowds and highest hotel prices.

Autumn and winter are cooler and often damp, but the museums and theatres are just as good, and the city is festive in December.

Top sights

  • 1

    British Museum In our Top 100 Museums

    Two million years of human history, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. General admission is free.

  • 2

    Tower of London

    The medieval fortress on the Thames houses the Crown Jewels, and the Yeoman Warders lead tours.

  • 3

    Westminster

    See Westminster Abbey, where coronations have taken place since 1066, and the Palace of Westminster with the Elizabeth Tower, home of Big Ben.

  • 4

    National Gallery In our Top 100 Museums

    Western European painting from Giotto to Van Gogh on Trafalgar Square, free to visit.

  • 5

    Tate Modern and the South Bank In our Top 100 Museums

    Walk the riverside from the London Eye past theatres and markets to Tate Modern, then cross the Millennium Bridge to St Paul's Cathedral.

  • 6

    Victoria and Albert Museum In our Top 100 Museums

    The great museum of art and design in South Kensington, next to the Natural History and Science Museums.

  • 7

    Buckingham Palace and the royal parks

    Watch the Changing of the Guard (check the schedule), and stroll through St James's Park, Green Park and Hyde Park.

Getting there

Heathrow (LHR) is linked to central London by the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express to Paddington (about 15 minutes) and the Piccadilly line. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports also have rail links.

Eurostar trains from Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam arrive at St Pancras International.

Getting around

The Underground (the Tube), Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and buses cover the city. Tap in with a contactless bank card or phone (or an Oyster card); daily fares are capped. Buses do not take cash.

Walking is often quicker than the Tube for short distances in the centre, and Thames Clippers riverboats are a scenic way to travel.

Practical tips

Currency
Pound sterling (GBP). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, and some places are card-only.
Language
English.
Safety
London is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets and phone snatchers in busy areas. Dial 999 or 112 in an emergency.
Visa & entry
Many visitors, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries, now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. Check gov.uk for the current rules.
Power
230 V, 50 Hz; plug type G (the British three-pin plug).

Official information: Visit London (official visitor guide). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map

Open in Maps View larger map Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors