London is likely one of the first cities US travelers visit on their first trip to Europe. And for good reason, it’s a fantastic city! In this London Travel Guide, I cover everything you need to know before booking a trip. For more info on London, check out Ashlee’s city guide on London.
One of the many awesome things about London is that it offers easy to access other European cities. In addition to London, we visited Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, and Amsterdam on our last trip. Before moving on, this guide works well as a compliment to this post.
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Best Credit Cards to Use for London Travel
Transferable points, relative to airline miles, continue to be king. The ability to transfer your points to any number of airline partners is the reason their value remains high. Generally speaking, American Express, Chase, and Citi are the programs to keep on your radar.
Consider bringing the American Express Gold, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and/or Citi Premier to London. You earn 4x points on dining and US grocery stores with the Gold. Reserve cardmembers earn 3x points on dining and travel. You earn 3x points on travel and at gas stations, and will earn 3x points on airfare, hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores with the Citi Premier starting August 23, 2020.
How to Fly to London
Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of Europe’s busiest airports. As a result, you can fly from nearly anywhere across the world to London. Gatwick Airport (LGW) and London City Airport (LCY) are other London-area airports with nonstop flights to the US.
American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic fly nonstop to London from the US. As a result, American, Cathay Pacific, Flying Blue, United, Aeroplan, Avianca, and Virgin Atlantic are programs to consider using to fly to London.
Where to Stay When Visiting London
All of the major points hotel brands have properties in London. This is great news for travelers with have Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, or Marriott points. If you need to earn points, consider applying for the AmEx Hilton Aspire, World of Hyatt Credit Card, IHG Premier Credit Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant AmEx.
Hilton hotels to look into include The Trafalgar St. James London, Conrad London St. James, London Hilton on Park Lane, and The Biltmore Mayfair. The Great Scotland Yard Hotel, Dukes London, St. James’s Hotel, Flemings Mayfair, Hyatt Regency London are Hyatt hotels to check out.
IHG properties to consider booking with points include Hotel Indigo London and InterContinental London Park Lane. Marriott hotels to evaluate are the Westbury Mayfair, JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, Park Tower Knightsbridge, St. Ermin’s Hotel, and Wellesley Knightsbridge.
Where to Eat and Drink When Visiting London
Coffee/Breakfast
Start your day at Iris & June. It’s a neighborhood cafe with a solid breakfast. Pimlico Fresh is a small, neighborhood spot that’s also an ideal place to start before venturing around the city. If you’re in Notting Hill, check out Granger & Co.
Lunch
In Carnaby, there’s Whyte and Brown. It’s tucked away in a little square and is great if you want to sit outside.
Dinner
Arabica, in Borough Market, is perfect for Mediterranean and delicious wine. In Kensington, The Queen’s Arms is a low-key neighborhood spot that’s ideal if you want a burger and a beer. sketch, Umu, Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Kitchen Table, and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal are on our next to check out on our visit to London.
Things to Do in London Travel Guide
Your first visit to London isn’t complete without seeing a few tourist spots. Must-sees along the River Thames include Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Borough Market.
After walking the River Thames, say hello to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. Walk through Hyde Park to get a feel for London’s version of Central Park. Next head to Carnaby. It’s within walking distance of the palace and is a collection of 13 streets with shops, murals, cobblestone streets, restaurants, and bars.
Notting Hill is another area to wander through. This neighborhood feels like Washington DC’s Georgetown. You’ll see colorful row houses, beautifully landscaped yards, shops, and restaurants. Check out this guide and this guide for more on what to see in London.
Common Lond Travel Questions
Is London safe for travel?
Out of all of the European cities I’ve visited, London felt like one of the safest cities. We ventured around Chelsea, Pimlico, Westminster, Mayfair, Covent Garden, Kensington, and Noting Hill, and never had issues with safety.
How much does the average trip to London cost?
London pricing will run comparable to Los Angeles and New York. The amount you spend will depend on the the area you stay and quality of your hotel, the restaurants you visit, and the things you see and do.
Is London England expensive to visit?
Generally speaking, yes. Pricing feels comparable to New York City in the US and Singapore in Asia.
What should I know before traveling to London?
Choose a place to stay that’s within walking distance of what you want to see and an easy walk to public transit.
Conclusion on London Travel Guide
London is likely one of the easiest European cities to transition to if you’re from the US. It reminds me of Singapore relative to Asia for US-based travelers. You have the comforts of the US mixed in with the culture of Europe. London is a city that I can’t wait to revisit!
What do you think of this London Travel Guide? What other things do you recommend doing? Please let me know in the comments below or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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