What is London
London is the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the world's great cities, home to around 9 million people on the banks of the River Thames. With over 2,000 years of history, it blends Roman roots, royal grandeur and a relentlessly modern, multicultural energy.
It's a city of villages — each neighbourhood has its own character, from the historic City of London to bohemian Camden, elegant Kensington and the creative East End.
Climate & best time to visit
London has a mild, changeable maritime climate — pack a light waterproof jacket whatever the season. Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of pleasant weather and thinner crowds.
- March–May — blossom in the parks, mild days and fewer tourists.
- June–August — warmest and busiest, with long daylight and festivals.
- September–October — crisp, golden and great value.
- November–February — cold and dark, but magical at Christmas and the cheapest time to visit.
Top attractions
London Eye
Tourist attraction
London Eye
A 135-metre observation wheel on the South Bank, offering 30-minute rotations and views of up to 40 km across the city.
Tower Bridge
Tourist attraction
Tower Bridge
The iconic Victorian bascule bridge, with a glass-floor walkway high above the Thames and the original engine rooms below.
Tower of London
Tourist attraction
Tower of London
A 1,000-year-old riverside fortress that guards the Crown Jewels, with lively Beefeater tours and its famous resident ravens.
The British Museum
History museum
The British Museum
Eight million objects spanning human history — the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies — and entry is free.
The National Gallery
Art museum
The National Gallery
On Trafalgar Square, a free collection of Western masterpieces from Leonardo and Rembrandt to Van Gogh and Monet.
Food: what to try
- Fish & chips — battered cod with thick-cut chips, the British classic.
- Sunday roast — roast meat, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, best in a proper pub.
- Afternoon tea — scones, finger sandwiches and pastries with a pot of tea.
- Global street food — Borough Market and Camden serve the world on a plate.
London is one of the world's great dining cities — from Michelin-starred tables to legendary Indian curry houses and the buzzing food markets of Borough and Spitalfields.
Transport
- Airports: Heathrow (Elizabeth line or Express to Paddington), Gatwick (Gatwick Express to Victoria), plus Stansted, Luton and City.
- The Tube: the fastest way around — just tap a contactless card or phone, and daily fares cap automatically.
- Buses: the red double-deckers go everywhere and accept contactless.
- On foot: central London is very walkable — and remember, traffic drives on the left.
Useful tips
- Currency: Pound Sterling (£). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere.
- Museums: most national museums are free — British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A and Natural History.
- Tipping: 10–12.5%, often added as a service charge — check the bill first. No need to tip in pubs.
- Booking: reserve the London Eye, Tower of London and West End shows online in advance.
London with Placewave
Placewave is an AI guide to London inside Telegram. The bot knows 39+ restaurants and 30+ places and is fully multilingual — it replies in your own language. Ask anything — "restaurants nearby", "2-day itinerary", "what's open now" — and get a personalised answer with addresses and ratings.