Planning a City Break in London

TRAVEL · GLOBAL

Planning a City Break in London

Where to stay and why, transport, booking attractions and eating well

London rewards planning more than most cities, because the distances are larger than they look on a map and the popular attractions sell out.

Location decides the trip

Staying near a major rail terminus or a well-connected Underground line matters more than being in a particular neighbourhood. A cheaper hotel an hour out costs more once travel time and fares are counted.

Look at the map rather than the description, since central is used very loosely in listings.

Transport

Contactless card or phone payment works across the network and caps automatically at the best daily and weekly fare. Buying paper tickets or a visitor pass is usually more expensive.

Touch in and out on rail and the Underground; on buses and trams, touch in only. Walking is frequently faster than the Tube for short hops, and the central map distorts distances badly.

Book attractions ahead

Timed entry is now standard at major museums, galleries and landmarks, and the popular ones sell out days in advance. Several of the national museums remain free and still require booking at busy times.

Book the one thing you would be disappointed to miss before anything else.

Eating

Walk a few streets away from any major attraction before eating. Set lunch menus at good restaurants cost a fraction of dinner, and markets offer the best value at midday.

Theatre

Day seats, lotteries and returns cost far less than booking through a reseller. Buy from the theatre's own box office rather than a sponsored search result.

Free things worth doing

The national museums, the parks, the markets and simply walking between neighbourhoods. Several of the best views in the city cost nothing, and many galleries run free evening events.

Check what is on before travelling, since the city programmes an enormous amount and a great deal of it is free to attend.

Getting from the airport

Compare the express train, the Underground, the coach and a taxi on total cost and time. For two or more people with luggage, the cost differences narrow considerably.

When to visit

Spring and early autumn have the best balance of weather, daylight and crowds. January and February are cheapest and darkest, and August is busiest with the most expensive accommodation.

Check whether a major event coincides with your dates, since hotel prices move very sharply around major events.

Practical

Weather changes quickly, so carry a layer and something waterproof. Museums are free and indoors, which makes them the obvious wet afternoon.

Check what your hotel charges for breakfast before booking it, since a nearby café is frequently better and cheaper.

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