Having it all is most definitely a good thing but it can also be a somewhat overwhelming – where to start? London has so much to offer, for all tastes, budgets and cultural persuasions. There is proper (grisly) history, statement buildings old and new, and world-class museums housed in jaw-dropping architecture. There are wonderful parks dotted, peacefully, throughout the city, markets galore, a thriving culinary scene spanning street food, fine dining and global cuisine that rivals any city in the world.
It’s also a centre for fashion, art and music. And running through it all is the river Thames – still the life blood of the city, flanked with culture at every turn. London is also very much a collection of distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own flavour and characteristics so we’d advise you to play pick and mix with all it has to offer.
Then come back. Scroll down for our suggested day-by-day summary of the best things to see and do. For further London inspiration, see our guide's to the capital's best , , , and .
For family focused places to stay, check out our guide to the . Immerse yourself in starry nights, sunflowers and swirling clouds at “Poets and Lovers”, the first ever exhibition of the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh (September 14 2024 to January 19 2025). The show spotlights the artist’s career-defining two years spent in the south of France when he came away with the likes of “Starry Night over the Rhône” and “The Yellow House”, whic.