London stretches along the River Thames, bringing together centuries of history, royal landmarks, world-class museums, and neighborhoods with very different personalities. Westminster is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, while the Tower of London and Tower Bridge tell a different story of the capital’s medieval past. Across the city, areas such as Soho, Notting Hill, Camden, and Shoreditch are filled with independent shops, markets, restaurants, pubs, and cultural venues.

Museums and galleries are a major part of London’s appeal, many of them offering free general admission, including the British Museum and the National Gallery. Green spaces such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath provide a break from the busy streets, while the South Bank offers riverside walks with views toward landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. Beyond central London, Windsor Castle, the historic university city of Oxford, and the countryside of the Cotswolds are all within reach for longer excursions.