London trips and vacations

Nowhere does history play out quite like it does in London. From the Age of Enlightenment to the darkest corners of the haunts of Jack the Ripper and the Krays, this city has never rested. If it feels like landmarks are on every corner, they are – but its underlying charm is led by the likes of Charles Dickens and Sherlock Holmes, whose house museums are worth swinging by.

More than 300 languages are spoken in London, representing a rich multicultural stew that bubbles up into one of the world’s top dining destinations. Whether tucking into British staples like fish and chips and beef Wellington or savoring a multi-course tasting menu from a Michelin-starred restaurant, eating – and eating well – is a major part of a vacation in London.

When the sun’s out on your trip to London, join the parades at Notting Hill Carnival or grab a deck chair for a theatrical performance in one of the city’s many parks. But if the weather’s not playing ball, there’s enough going on in the city’s theaters, museums and live venues to keep you entertained – and dry.

One of the best areas to stay in London is at its heart, where your alarm clock is the sound of Big Ben and the city’s most iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Westminster Cathedral are steps away. For lunch, live like a local with a picnic in St James Park, and then head to nearby Soho for an evening bar crawl.

Good for: Sightseeing, food, convenience 

Kensington is where to stay in London for elegant streets and high-end shopping. This stylish area is a mere stroll from the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. In the wider borough you’ll also find vintage goods and street eats at the buzzy Portobello Road Market.

Good for: Museums, parks, high-end shopping

The history of Shoreditch is far-reaching but perhaps none more so than it being where Shakespeare debuted his plays. Today, Shoreditch retains its artsy vibe and is seen as an edgy spot where hipsters enjoy its food markets, craft beer and live music; don’t miss Beigel Bake on Brick Lane, an unassuming 24/7 bakery known for its salt beef bagels.

Good for: Vintage shopping, cafes, markets

With retail stores like Harrods dating back generations and bustling markets that go back centuries, shopping in London often feels like a history lesson. All budgets and tastes are catered for here, from the vintage wares of Camden to the latest fashions of Oxford Street. Don’t skip Charing Cross Road if you’re a book lover, either.

London’s rich multiculturalism is represented by a tempting array of flavors and cuisines. That diversity extends to dining settings, from riverfront and canalside alfresco to under-archway hideaways, and from grand hotels to repurposed warehouses. Set menus are an affordable way to experience top-tier restaurants in London, while mid-week lunches are an affordable way to dine at Michelin-starred establishments.

London is dynamic and its cultural experiences are unrivaled. From the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to Carnival on the streets of Notting Hill, Shakespeare’s reconstructed Globe Theatre and global music stars performing at The O2 arena, cultural attractions in London pique all interests.

For eons, London has set trends with nightlife. Neighborhoods like Covent Garden, Soho, Brixton and Chelsea always blip strongly on the nightlife in London radar, but you’ll find venues to suit every taste and lifestyle all over. Bars and clubs come and go in London’s ever-evolving club scene, so check the free street press on arrival. 

Museums and galleries like the British Museum, Natural History Museum and Tate Modern are just a few of the free things to do in London. There are free walking tours too, but London is vast – so pack your comfiest kicks and join the crowd. London also boasts 3,000 parks for exploring and many – like Hyde Park – often host free events.

Gather the gang and get ready for a family vacation in London. With kids' theater shows and fun-packed, interactive museums, there’s a world of things to do with the family in London. Feel the magic of Harry Potter on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour, or explore the past, present and future of play at Young V&A.