London is a city in England, United Kingdom, known for royal residences, historic buildings, museums, public squares, parks and landmarks along the River Thames. Visitors can see Buckingham Palace, the home and administrative headquarters of the British monarch, and Big Ben, the clock and bell at the Palace of Westminster. Tower Bridge offers a landmark crossing over the Thames, while the Tower of London adds a historic castle and citadel. The British Museum, Tate Modern and other museums suit travellers interested in human culture, art, science and design. Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral are important choices for visitors interested in churches and London’s religious landmarks. Markets such as Camden Market and Borough Market bring food, crafts and shopping into the city experience. London suits first-time visitors seeking major sights, museums, royal places, public spaces and varied cultural interests.
Known for: Royal landmarks, Historic museums, River Thames, Public parks, Food markets
Top things to do in London
Buckingham Palace: Buckingham Palace is a royal residence and the monarch’s administrative headquarters, known for state occasions and royal hospitality.
Tower Bridge: Tower Bridge is a landmark Thames crossing with twin towers, high-level walkways and Victorian engine rooms open as an exhibition.
The British Museum: The British Museum documents human history, art and culture through a permanent collection of eight million works.
Tower of London: The Tower of London is a historic citadel and castle with the White Tower, defensive walls, a moat and former royal connections.
Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey is an Anglican church known for royal coronations, monarchs’ burials and royal weddings.
Big Ben: Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell and clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.
Tate Modern: Tate Modern is a gallery in a former power station, displaying the United Kingdom’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art.
London Eye: The London Eye is a cantilevered observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames.
When is the best time to visit London?
Best months: May to September
May to September is the usual time to visit, with the longest and warmest days. Rain is moderate all year, and December to February are the coldest months.
January: 67 mm of rain, some rain, among the coolest months
February: 55 mm of rain, dry, among the coolest months
March: 60 mm of rain, dry
April: 38 mm of rain, dry
May: 51 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
June: 61 mm of rain, some rain, among the hottest months (good time to go)
July: 54 mm of rain, dry, among the hottest months (good time to go)
August: 61 mm of rain, some rain, among the hottest months (good time to go)
September: 54 mm of rain, dry (good time to go)
October: 78 mm of rain, some rain
November: 74 mm of rain, some rain
December: 77 mm of rain, some rain, among the coolest months
How to reach London
By air: London City Airport (LCY), about 12 km from the centre of London in a straight line
By air: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), about 24 km from the centre of London in a straight line
Also see the London destination guide for local food, getting around and the best time to visit.