Planning a trip to London? Here are some tips and recommendations for your journey to the English capital.

As a reminder, you are now required to have a valid passport as well as an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter British territory.

Where to stay?

• Covent Garden/Soho/Fitzrovia: This is the vibrant, beating heart of the city. You will be close to theaters, shops, the best restaurants and bars, and above all, excellently served by the Tube (subway).
  
  
• South Bank / Waterloo: If you want to be by the Thames, with stunning views of the landmarks (Big Ben, London Eye) and close to certain cultural sites (Tate Modern, National Theatre).
  
  
• Notting Hill / Kensington: These neighborhoods offer a more elegant, residential, and chic atmosphere, with their famous colorful houses, markets (Portobello Road), and major museums (Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum). Less central, but perfect for a quieter and more refined stay.
  
  
• BONUS - Richmond: Outside of central London, Richmond offers a peaceful, green escape along the Thames: traditional pubs, good restaurants, a botanical garden, and parks (Richmond Park, famous for its free-roaming deer).

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How to get around? 

• The Tube (London Underground): The London subway is the fastest and most efficient way to cover long distances. Highly developed, it serves almost the entire city.
  • The advantage: The Oyster Card (rechargeable transport card) or simple contactless payment via bank card make travel easy and cap the price of your daily trips.
    
    
• Red double-decker buses: Much more than just transport, the bus is an iconic London experience! It is ideal for shorter trips and for a "scenic" tour.
  
  
• Walking: Many central districts (Westminster, Covent Garden, South Bank) are easily accessible on foot. It is the best way to discover hidden alleyways and local architecture.
  
  
• Black Cab: A London classic. They are expensive, but the drivers are famous for their encyclopedic knowledge of the city.
  
  
• Cable Car: It connects both sides of the Thames near the O2 arena and offers a great view of the city.

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What to see?

• The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben: The symbol of British democracy with its famous clock (officially Elizabeth Tower).
  
  
• The London Eye: This huge observation wheel on the South Bank offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
  
  
• The Tower of London: This historic fortress has been a prison, a palace, and a treasury. You will see the Crown Jewels there.
  
  
• Buckingham Palace: The monarch's official residence. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard (check the schedule in advance).
  
  
• The British Museum: One of the largest museums in the world, housing treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures. Admission to the permanent collections is free (as it is for many national museums in London, though remember to book in advance!).
  
  
• Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery: A bustling square dominated by Nelson's Column, home to one of the finest painting collections in Europe.
  
  
• Piccadilly Circus: The London equivalent of Times Square. This lively junction is famous for its digital advertising screens, fountain, and statue of Eros.
  
  
• Leicester Square: Located right next to Piccadilly, this is the center of London's cinema scene, as well as home to famous tea, Lego, and M&M's shops.
  
  
• Chinatown: Nestled between Leicester Square and Soho, this neighborhood is recognizable by its red gates and lanterns. It is the perfect place for an Asian culinary immersion, with dozens of restaurants (dim sum, noodles, etc.) and exotic supermarkets.
  
  

• Tower Bridge: You can visit the interior of the bridge and walk on the glass walkway for a bird's-eye view of the Thames and the traffic (special mention for its illuminations once night falls).
  

• St. Paul's Cathedral: A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666. Its iconic dome is one of the largest in the world. You can climb up to the Whispering Gallery and the Golden Gallery for a spectacular view.
  
  
• Rooftops: 
  • Sky Garden is a public garden at the top of a skyscraper with a 360-degree view, and access is free (by reservation)
  • Garden at 120 is another open-air rooftop garden, free and often less crowded than the Sky Garden, offering a superb view of the City and the Shard.
    
    
• Camden Town: Located in North London, Camden Town is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the British capital. Between markets, street art, vintage shops, street food stands, and legendary concert venues, Camden is an eccentric district not to be missed!
  
  
• The parks:
  • Regent's Park: It is one of London's most iconic parks along with Hyde Park. A true playground and sports field: Londoners love to meet up there to play hockey, tennis, football (soccer), and rugby. It also houses the London Zoo and offers, from Primrose Hill, one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city.
  • Hyde Park: A true green lung in the city center, it is ideal for walking, picnicking, or cycling. You'll find the Serpentine Lake there, where you can stroll or go pedalo boating, as well as iconic landmarks like Speaker's Corner.

Tip: Book your tickets for major attractions in advance (even if admission is free) to avoid long queues.

Marcin Nowak - Unsplash

What about sports? 

• Football - The Premier League: London is one of the few cities to host several major Premier League clubs, 7 in total:
  • Arsenal FC: Plays at Emirates Stadium (North London).
  • Chelsea FC: Plays at Stamford Bridge (West London).
  • Tottenham Hotspur: Plays at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, an ultra-modern stadium (North London).
  • West Ham United: Plays at the London Stadium, built for the 2012 Olympic Games (East London).
  • Fulham: Plays at Craven Cottage, a historic stadium with unique charm located on the banks of the Thames.
  • Crystal Palace: Plays at Selhurst Park Stadium (South London).
  • Brentford: Plays at Gtech Community Stadium
    
    
• Tennis: The famous Wimbledon tournament is held every year in the district of the same name (South-West London) in July and is one of the 4 Grand Slams.
  
  
• Rugby: Twickenham Stadium (South-West London) is the temple of English rugby and the home of the national team. It hosts the famous Six Nations Championship every year.
  
  
• The London Marathon: One of the seven major world marathons, it is traditionally held in April. It is not just a performance race (its course is flat and fast), but also the largest annual fundraising event in the world, raising millions of pounds for charities. The route is pleasant, passing by Tower Bridge and finishing in front of Buckingham Palace.
  
  
• Darts: A true popular phenomenon, darts have become a major sport in the UK. London regularly hosts professional competitions, notably related to the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) circuit. The atmosphere is unique: festive, loud, and friendly!
  
  
• Horse Racing: Horse racing holds a central place in British sports culture. In London and its surroundings, several prestigious racecourses are accessible, including Ascot, world-renowned for Royal Ascot, an event that is both sporting and social, very much appreciated by the royal family.

After all that, where to go out, what to eat?

For eating:

• Borough Market: Located near London Bridge, it is one of London's most famous and oldest food markets. Ideal for a gourmet lunch, high-quality street food, or local produce.
  
  
• Brick Lane (East London): The best place to try an Indian or Bangladeshi curry, a true London institution.
  
  
• Covent Garden: Abounds with restaurants for every taste, often located in beautiful galleries and arcades.
  
  
• The Traditional Pub: Try the classic Fish & Chips, a Pie & Mash, or a Sunday Roast.
  
  
• Camden Town (Camden Market): This district is famous for its alternative markets and its international street food offering. Whether you are looking for vegan dishes, Asian cuisine, or gourmet burgers, you will find a huge selection and a vibrant atmosphere.

For going out:

• Soho: Historically the center of nightlife, it is full of trendy bars, pubs, and jazz clubs.
  
  
• Shoreditch/Hoxton (East London): The quintessential hipster neighborhood, with an abundance of artisanal cocktail bars, art galleries, and microbreweries.
  
  
• Historic Pubs: Often decorated with dark wood and possessing a rich history, they are perfect for enjoying a pint of craft beer or a British ale.

Hert Niks - Unsplash

1st image - Benjamin Davis - Unsplash

So, when are you planning your London weekend?