London, England

We have been to London, England about five times and have enjoyed every trip. We find the history, architecture, and vibrancy addictive, and this is one of those cities we could see ourselves living in.

That said, London is not the most affordable city, and for most people, it can be difficult to make it an extravagant trip. We're sharing this guide to give you a sense of what to expect in terms of expenses and offer some tips for navigating the city during your visit.

All prices listed in this guide are in U.S. dollars and reflect what we paid during our visit. Prices may have changed since then.

Where to Stay and Transportation

Arriving at Heathrow Airport

When you arrive at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), one convenient way to get to central London is by taking the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station.

During our visit, the Heathrow Express cost approximately $25 per person each way. A London taxi from Heathrow to central London could cost around $100. From Paddington Station, you may need to take a short taxi, ride share, or Underground journey to your hotel. An Uber from Paddington to Westminster was approximately $30 during our trip.

Where We Stayed

London hotels can be really expensive. Even the Westminster Hotel, where we stayed, cost approximately $350 per night. This was one of the more affordable options we found for a centrally located hotel, although there were less expensive accommodations farther from the main tourist areas.

We like to earn hotel points, so unless there is a major difference in price or quality, we generally choose a hotel where we can earn rewards.

If you want to save money, consider staying outside the Westminster area and taking the Underground into central London each day. London's public transportation system makes this a practical option.

Local Transportation Costs

Here is a breakdown of the transportation we used during our visit, including Uber, London's traditional black taxis, the Underground, and double-decker buses. Almost all these trips were under 30 minutes, and we were generally traveling within central London.

• Heathrow Express: Round-trip train journey between Heathrow Airport and Paddington Station for $51.00 per person.
• London Black Taxi: Paddington Station to Westminster Hotel for $30.16.
• Uber: Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hotel for $14.38.
• Uber: Battersea area to Westminster for $14.30.
• London Underground: Two journeys around central London for approximately $3.50 each. We compared one route with Uber, which would have cost around $20 for the same trip.
• Double-Decker Bus: Trafalgar Square to Westminster near our hotel for $2.30.
• Uber: Westminster Hotel to Paddington Station for $23.57.

Top Experiences

See the Sights Walking Tour

We decided to take a five-hour English-language walking tour right away to learn about the city and see many of the major attractions efficiently. Having a guide direct us also helped us understand the city layout for the rest of our visit.

We booked with See the Sights Tours for $25.38 per person and thought the guide and tour were very good. It was long and thorough, so be prepared to walk. Most participants also tipped the guide at the end.

Stonehenge Day Trip

For our trip to Stonehenge, we used Evan Evans Tours. The tour cost $92 per person and included transportation by coach and admission to Stonehenge, but not a dedicated tour guide.

The journey took approximately two hours each way, and we had about two hours to explore Stonehenge independently. We were happy doing our own research beforehand and reading the informational signs at the site.

The coach was very comfortable, and we were able to spread out because it was only half full, even though we traveled on a Saturday.

Transportation Tip: Our tour departed from Victoria Coach Station, which is a bus station, but returned to Victoria Station, which is a train and Underground station. Be sure to check your departure and return locations.

If you decide to visit Stonehenge independently, admission was approximately $40 per person during our visit.

Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

This is probably one of the most magnificent sights in central London and is absolutely worth a visit. You can get excellent photos from nearby public viewing areas, but be prepared for large crowds of tourists.

Big Ben is technically the name of the bell inside the Elizabeth Tower, which is part of the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a historic church where numerous royal weddings, coronations, and other important ceremonies have taken place. Many notable historical figures are also buried here.

Admission is required to visit the interior. The Abbey is approximately a five-minute walk southwest of Big Ben, making it easy to visit both attractions together.

The London Eye

The London Eye is the enormous observation wheel on the opposite side of the River Thames from Big Ben.

It was originally intended as a temporary attraction but became so popular that it remained a permanent fixture of London's skyline.

If you only want to see and photograph it, you can get great views from the Westminster side of the river without crossing the bridge. We took our photo at night, when the wheel was beautifully illuminated.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of London's most recognizable royal landmarks and is approximately a 20-minute walk west of Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.

You can take photos from outside the palace gates and around the Victoria Memorial without purchasing a tour. If you want to explore the State Rooms, you'll need to book admission when they're open to visitors.

The palace is also famous for its ceremonial guards, who wear traditional red uniforms and tall bearskin hats.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is approximately a 15-minute walk north of Big Ben and is one of London's most famous public gathering places.

The square features Nelson's Column, fountains, and plenty of activity from locals and tourists.

From here, you can walk east toward Covent Garden, northeast toward Soho, or north toward Piccadilly Circus. It's a great starting point for exploring central London.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is often compared with New York's Times Square, although it's much smaller. It's a busy intersection surrounded by shops, entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife.

From Trafalgar Square, it's approximately a 20-minute walk north.

If you're interested in upscale shopping, head west along picturesque Regent Street. For nightlife, walk east toward Soho. You'll also find plenty of tourist shops selling souvenirs throughout the area.

London Nightlife

There are pubs everywhere in London, and many close around midnight, although hours vary by location and day of the week.

If you're looking for a traditional English pub experience, you'll find plenty of wood-paneled establishments serving local beers and offering a cozy atmosphere.

If you want to stay out later, Soho is one of the best areas for nightlife, with a large concentration of bars and entertainment venues.

Covent Garden is another excellent option, offering plenty of pubs, restaurants, and bars with a slightly different atmosphere.

Planning Your Own Adventure?

Whether you're exploring London's historic landmarks, navigating the Underground, or taking a day trip to Stonehenge, preparing for your travels and understanding potential risks can help you enjoy your trip with greater confidence.

Our book, Your Guide to Safer Travel, shares practical tips to help you prepare for your trip, recognize potential risks, and travel with greater confidence.

Get Your Guide to Safer Travel on Amazon.