London is a sprawling, layered capital where free world-class museums sit beside royal palaces, street markets and a restaurant scene pulling from every corner of the former empire. The Underground makes even the far-flung neighbourhoods reachable in twenty minutes.
Month by month
Best: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December
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Avoid Poor OK Good Excellent Peak
How long to stay
4–6 days is the sweet spot.
Flight time
About 7h from the US East Coast, 1.5h from Europe, 9h from South Asia.
Good to know
- Get an Oyster card or tap a contactless bank card — cheaper than paper tickets on the Tube and buses.
- Standing on the right on Underground escalators is a genuine social rule.
- Book timed entry for the Tower of London and popular West End shows well in advance.
Plan a trip to London
Pick your dates and Offdays builds a day-by-day itinerary from London's best places.
Destination