Fly into Heathrow (LHR) for best US connections — Gatwick (LGW) and Stansted (STN) for budget. May–September has the best weather. Buy a Visitor Oyster card for the Tube. Most major museums are free.
At a Glance
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Main airport | LHR |
| Currency | British Pound (GBP) |
| Language | English |
| Best time to visit | May–September (mild, longer days) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens need a passport valid 6+ months and the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, around £10, valid 2 years). |
Top Things to Do in London
- British Museum (free) — 8 million-object collection
- Tower of London + Crown Jewels
- Westminster Abbey + Parliament
- Tate Modern art museum (free)
- Stroll Hyde Park, Regent's Park or Hampstead Heath
- See a West End show — Lion King, Hamilton, Phantom
- Day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, or Oxford
- Borough Market for food (Thursday–Saturday best)
- Greenwich and the Prime Meridian
- River Thames cruise to Greenwich
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Westminster — Big Ben, Abbey, government buildings
- South Kensington — museums (V&A, Natural History, Science)
- Covent Garden — theatre, shopping, street performers
- Camden — markets, alternative music scene
- Shoreditch — hipster bars, street art
- Greenwich — maritime history, royal observatory
- Notting Hill — markets and townhouses
- The City — financial district + St Paul's
Our recommendation: Westminster/South Kensington (museums + tourist sites), Covent Garden (theatre/dining), Shoreditch (nightlife), Bloomsbury (budget hotels).
What to Eat
- Fish and chips (with mushy peas)
- Sunday roast beef with Yorkshire pudding
- Full English breakfast
- Indian curry — London's second cuisine
- Afternoon tea (Claridge's, The Ritz, Fortnum & Mason)
- Borough Market street food
- Pub pies — steak and kidney, chicken and mushroom
How to Get Around
The London Underground (Tube) is fast and covers everywhere. Buy a Visitor Oyster card or use contactless credit card directly on gates. Buses are great for sightseeing. Black cabs are knowledgeable; Uber works. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) speeds airport runs.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is LHR. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our New York flight page or New York To London route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens need a passport valid 6+ months and the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, around £10, valid 2 years).
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit London?
May–September (mild, longer days).
Do US citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?
US citizens need a passport valid 6+ months and the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation, around £10, valid 2 years).
Where should I stay in London?
Westminster/South Kensington (museums + tourist sites), Covent Garden (theatre/dining), Shoreditch (nightlife), Bloomsbury (budget hotels).
How do I book cheap flights to London?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to LHR including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.