Trips to London
What to know for your trip to London
London is a highly diverse, multicultural metropolis and is acclaimed as one of the most visited cities in the entire world. Around 30 million tourists come and go each year.
This is no surprise when you consider that England's capital city boasts footfall-heavy sites like Hyde Park, The National Gallery, St Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. On top of that, there are five-star bars galore, iconic street names you'll recognise from Monopoly and vibrant indie shops dotted around in and among grand architecture.
Here at Opodo, we're more than happy to help with the preliminary arrangements like booking flights and hotels. However, we can do much more than that, too. This exclusive guide touches on the key bits and bobs to consider when planning your visit to London. From figuring out how to get from London airports to the city centre to what to do if you're only in London for a day, we cover it all!
Here is a tip for you: booking your flight and hotel at the same time and not separately can make you save up to 40%. Take advantage of a flight + hotel package in London to your destination and save time searching for hotels separately. If you have already purchased your flight and you’re only looking for a hotel, you can find it here.
What to see in London over a weekend
London is evergreen in that there'll never be a shortage of things to see and do, regardless of when you happen to be visiting. The only issue you'll likely have is finding a way to cram all your bucket-list venues and experiences into one weekend. Fear not, we've compiled a list of just some of the things you can do in London in three days. Treat it as a starting point and follow your own flow along the way. That's the only way to get a real feel for what the city has to offer!
Day 1: See the sights of London
Of course, attractions like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, with their grand, regal architecture, are likely at the top of your must-see list. Parts of the palace are open to the public, such as the Royal Gardens, and both locations offer information on tours and tickets on their official websites. It goes without saying but Buckingham Palace has limited availability, so you may want to shotgun the experience with a swift booking.
It's also well worth checking out cultural sites like the British Museum, which is home to a variety of must-see exhibitions from all around the world and all through time. The Victoria and Albert Museum is also the world's leading art and design museum, showing off a stunning range of creative collections in all kinds of mediums.
Day 2: Treat your tastebuds to London’s delicacies
Whether you're looking to treat yourself to dinner in one of London's fancier, high-end restaurants or just up for a coffee and cake in a cosy, independent cafe, London has you covered.
You could start your gastronomic journey in Borough Market, which is London's oldest food market with more than a thousand years of history. The market is made up of three main sections: the Green Market with specialist produce traders, the Market Kitchen with street food stalls, and Three Crown Square with larger merchants. Naturally, there are also plenty of restaurants and bars dotted around the market, so you can perch briefly or sit down for a full-fledged meal.
Another recommendation is Soho, an area that frequently ranks in first place on many foodie location lists. One of the best things about this location is that there's so much to choose from and literally whenever you want. Here, there are places to cater to any craving or budget and it's right nearby Chinatown, which also has a vast range of restaurants and shops to discover.
Day 3: Wind down and wander through London’s markets
London's a lot to take in, so the final day is probably an opportune time to slow the pace a little. We'd suggest making the most of the Big Smoke culture by wandering through some of London's finest markets. If you're a casual snacker, you'll be able to make the most of the delectable street food. Alternatively, if you've got spare pounds to use up, you could pick up some souvenirs for loved ones at one of many stalls filled with unique trinkets and treasures.
There's a lot to choose from, so this is far from an exhaustive list, but here are our must-see marketplaces in London:
- Brixton Village Market - a shopping arcade located in a culturally diverse bohemian neighbourhood.
- Camden Market - home to a variety of food stalls and shops for great vintage finds.
- Covent Garden Market - once a world-famous produce market, now filled with handmade items and artisan goods with regular performances from musicians and magicians.
- Portobello Market - the official site claims Portobello Road Market to be one of the most famous in the world, as well as a home to one of the most diverse communities in the country.
- Spitalfields Market - a mix of modern shops and traditional independent stalls right next to Old Spitalfields Market, which boasts 350 years of history!
In order to discover the beautiful landscapes of the surroundings, you can always rent a car in London and travel the open road.
Frequently asked questions about flights to London
What are the names of the London airports?
The six London airports are London City (LCY), Gatwick (LGW), Heathrow (LHR), Luton (LTN), Southend (SEN) and Stansted (STN). Heathrow and Gatwick are not only the busiest airports in London but also the whole of the UK.
Which airlines offer direct flights to London?
London is a major flight destination for people across the globe, so many airlines offer nonstop flights from various locations. Some of the main and most popular airlines that fly directly to London include British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and easyJet.
How can I request assistance for children travelling alone?
Rules about children travelling alone may vary between airlines and you should notify them when booking your flight. Flight attendants can check on unaccompanied children during the flight as part of their regular duties but for more assistance, some airlines offer an Unaccompanied Minor service which needs to be booked and paid for in advance.
How can I travel with an assistance dog?
Airlines are obligated to allow assistance dogs on board flights for no additional charge, though you will need to alert the airline when booking your flight. Your dog will need to be safely secured when taking off and landing and will sit in front of you in the foot well during the flight.
How do I find cheap flights to London that have flexible change policies at Opodo?
Once you have searched for flights to London using our search engine, you can filter your results by price or use the 'Cheapest' tab to view the best deals available to you. After you have selected your ticket, you can view the different ticket options for more flexibility. Some tickets may also be eligible for our Flexible Travel Dates service.
How can I book cheap hotels in London on Opodo?
When booking flights to London, you can also find hotel deals using the 'Flight + Hotel' tab on our comparative search engine at Opodo. Booking these together can save you some money, but if you've already got your travel plans sorted then you can search separately for just hotels by clicking on the 'Hotels' tab. Once you have pressed 'search', results can be filtered further by price, location, hotel rating, facilities and more.
What baggage do I need to check on my flight?
The baggage you can travel with will depend on the airline you have booked for, so it is worth checking out their policies to see information about weight and size limits or any additional charges. Be sure to check the baggage options outlined during the booking process when selecting your ticket to London at Opodo.
How can I check in with Opodo?
If you have bought your tickets to London with Opodo, then you can click on the relevant airline link to check in online and print out your boarding pass using our website or app. While we provide information on check-in times for different airlines, it is also a good idea for you to regularly check for any changes or updates.
Do I need to pay a cancellation fee if I cancel my flight from the departure city to London?
Cancellation fees will depend on airline policies and your ticket type. Our cancellation policy allows you to cancel your booking and receive a full refund if you do so within a provided set period, though service charges may apply. If you have a flexible ticket, you may be able to cancel your flight with fewer or no fees, though these tickets are more expensive.
How do I know if my flight is eligible for compensation?
If you are unable to fly due to an overbooked flight or you arrive in London three hours after the scheduled arrival time, then you will be eligible for compensation under the responsibility of the airline.
Key information about London airports
The city isn't only a popular sightseeing destination but also a global business hub, so it's no surprise that there are six airports dotted around the capital. On any given day, there are hundreds of flights going to and from the city via several airlines and locations.
Two major airlines that regularly offer direct one-way and return journeys are British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. However, there are also budget airlines for London. If you're looking for cheap tickets to London, easyJet is also one of the most popular airlines with a more cost-effective set of fares.
Below is a list of the six London airports and their approximate distances from the city centre:
- London City (LCY) - 6 miles
- London Heathrow (LHR) - 14 miles
- London Gatwick (LGW) - 27 miles
- London Luton (LTN) - 35 miles
- London Southend (SEN) - 40 miles
- London Stansted (STN) - 40 miles
Heathrow and Gatwick are notoriously known as the top two busiest airports in the UK, while London City is the closest airport to Central London. There are plenty of public transport routes like the train, tube, or bus that can get you from any one of the London airports to the city centre. These options are cheaper than taking a taxi, which can cost up to £100 or more. Stansted and Gatwick have their own express rail services, which run to and from Central London. Both run frequently.
The underground system provides fast and frequent transportation in London across the city. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station, though you can also pay as you travel using either contactless payment or an Oyster card. Visitor Oyster cards are available to purchase before you arrive.
As to be expected, each airport provides free Wi-Fi access as well as banking and currency exchange services. There's also a range of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, which can be viewed in more detail on their respective sites.
The best season to visit London
The best time to visit London depends on what your preferences are, particularly as the weather varies each season. The UK is well known for its generally temperate but unpredictable climate, so it's always best to come ready for both rain and shine. London is one of the warmest parts of the country, so make sure to be prepared if you plan to travel using the underground during the summer as it can get pretty steamy (especially if you wear glasses!).
The summer months from June to August make up the peak season for tourism in London. During this time, there are a lot of outdoor events and festivals to make the most of the warmer and drier weather, though there are also a lot of large crowds and tickets are in high demand.
The cheapest time to visit London is during the winter in February, avoiding the busy holiday season over Christmas and New Year. However, if you want to visit any outdoor gardens or parks during your trip then it is worth aiming for spring or summer months as you will miss out on most of the flora and greenery in winter, which can be quite bleak. Late spring is also a period where you can have the best of both worlds by dodging the heavy crowds, cold weather and higher ticket prices.
