LondonCapital

London is a city that never sits still — a sprawling capital where royal palaces, medieval churches and Victorian markets sit a Tube ride away from gleaming skyscrapers. Its museums are among the world’s best and mostly free, its theatre districts buzz every night, and its restaurants and markets make it one of the great food cities in Europe. From the Thames and Tower Bridge to the West End and the changing of the guard, London layers history, culture and neighbourhoods into a stay you could fill for days. Plan your zones, get an Oyster card, and let the city’s mix of old and new unfold.

About London

London is the capital of United Kingdom. The city's documented population is around 9,122,909 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the British Pound (GBP) and English is spoken; the dialling code is +44. It is served by 2 airports in our guide: Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

Districts, Boroughs and the City Beyond the Box

London is less a single tourist zone than a collection of distinct districts spread across a huge, old network. Most first visits concentrate on the West End, Westminster, the South Bank and the museums, but the real city lives in its market streets and residential quarters. You will land at one of several airports outside the centre and rely on rail links to get in. Everything is premium, from hotels to pints, yet much of the best value is in what is free. Give yourself time to walk a borough rather than race between sights, or you will miss the point.

Timed Museum Slots, Airport Choice and Crowd Seasons

Book timed slots for the major free museums and palaces in peak months or you will queue — the British Museum, Tower and Big Ben channels all fill up. An Oyster or contactless card beats buying paper tickets and caps daily spend across the network. The weather is mild but changeable, so pack layers and a compact umbrella whatever the month. July and August are the busiest and priciest; early December is festive but crowded, while November and January are quieter and cheaper. Cross-check which of the several London airports your flight uses, because transfer time into the centre varies a lot.

Zones, Oyster Taps, Pubs and Rush-Hour Manners

The Tube is the quickest way across central London, but for short hops walking often beats waiting for a connection. Riverside boat services are a slower, scenic alternative and count as regular transport. Mind the zone system, and tap in and out on buses individually. Pubs close earlier than you might expect midweek, and kitchens stop serving at fixed times, so eat before 9pm if you are hungry. Card payments are universal, and cash is rarely needed. Stand on the right on escalators and be ready for the rush-hour crush. The grid is confusing on foot, so trust a map over intuition.

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Country: United Kingdom
Population: 9,122,909
Coordinates: 51.4700, -0.4543

Capital: London
Region: Europe
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
Languages: English
Calling code: +44
Country code: GB

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting United Kingdom for tourism.

Getting to London

Airports we list for London:

Other airports in the area:

Cities in United Kingdom

Other cities we cover in United Kingdom:

Frequently asked questions

Is London the capital of United Kingdom?

Yes — London is the capital of United Kingdom.

What currency do I need in London?

The local currency is the British Pound (GBP). Languages spoken in United Kingdom include English.

What is the dialling code for United Kingdom?

The international dialling code for United Kingdom is +44.

Which airport should I fly into for London?

The airports we list for London are Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.

How far is London from the nearest airport?

London is about 243 km from Manchester Airport.

Do I need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Afghanistan (visa required), Albania (visa required), Algeria (visa required), Andorra (eta required) and Angola (visa required). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.

Flying out of London? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.