Is London worth visiting as a tourist? Absolutely. The food, the history, the sights, the coffee—London is always calling. In my opinion, it’s one of the best cities in the world and an ideal introduction to international travel. If you’re asking yourself, “Is London worth visiting as a tourist?”, this post is here to help you decide. London is packed with iconic attractions and seriously delicious eats. (Ignore anyone who says English food isn’t good—they clearly haven’t been to the right places.) This essential guide covers the very best of London and is the perfect starting point to plan your visit. Keep reading for everything you need: where to stay, where to eat, and the top things to do—all aimed at helping you answer that big question: Is London worth visiting as a tourist?
At Pragmatic Travelers, we only recommend experiences, destinations, and food we’ve actually tried and loved. We stand by what we’ve enjoyed and share it with you—straightforward and practical. Happy travels!
As a Booking.com and Tripadvisor affiliate, I may earn a small commission on some links—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve personally experienced, so you know it’s all genuine, not just internet research.
Is London worth visiting as a tourist?
So, is London worth visiting as a tourist? 100% yes. It’s one of those cities that truly has a little bit of everything—world-class museums, incredible food, cozy pubs, iconic landmarks, and more green spaces than you’d expect. It’s walkable, well-connected, and full of charm (and history) around every corner. Whether it’s your first big trip or your tenth, London is always a good idea.
Why trust us on travel to London?
I’ve been going back and forth to London my entire adult life. I married into an English family and have spent many weeks exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside. This guide (and my other posts on England) come from real experiences and local insight. Just a heads-up: this is more of a running list of my personal recommendations, so be sure to check back often—I’m always adding more!
Tips and Tricks
- Learn the Tube. Love the Tube. The Tube is quick and easy, but avoid rush hour (7–9 a.m. and 5–7 p.m.) unless you love being packed like a sardine. Always stand on the right side of the escalator—Londoners are serious about this.
- Make sure you are familiar with tap and pay. Basically, you just tap your credit card to get in and out of the tube.
- It’s worth staying somewhere connected to a Tube line. Don’t worry if you’re not in central London—as long as you’re near a station, it’s super easy to get around.
- London has some of the best food in the world but do your research. Don’t expect every pub to be good. Had quite the misadventure with nachos in a pub…the horror!
- Leave the city. So many amazing day trips just a train ride away.
- Summer in London is busy. If you can, travel during the shoulder seasons.
- Book the major attractions ahead of time or get to them early. Thank me later.
- Keep an eye on your belongings. Plenty of pickpockets in the city.
- The weather is unpredictable. So make sure you have a rain jacket with you.
Where to stay in London?
- hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey: Compact rooms, affordable, clean and great location for exploring the city. Rooms are modern and weirdly cozy. Highly recommend.
- London Marriot Hotel Grosvenor Square: Beautiful hotel, clean, comfortable, central to everything. Very much enjoyed my stay here.
- Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond: This beautiful hotel is just outside the center of the city. The tube makes it every easy to get in and out of the center. I loved this hotel. It was attractive, cozy and comfortable. Richmond is an amazing place to go out and explore. Highly recommend.
Best Things to do in London
- Wander along South Bank-My absolute favorite thing to do in London. Grab a coffee in the morning and walk up and down the Thames.
- Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Tower Bridge-I mean these are pretty obvious choices. I don’t think going into detail is needed.
- London Eye– The London Eye is a beacon on the Thames-just pulling you in. Book your tickets ahead of time (paid experience) will make your life so much easier to not wait in line. Also, riding at night is really something special.
- The British Museum– Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, Sutton Hoo Ship Burial Helmet, Enlightenment Rooms, an Easter Island Statue and so on. It is free. As always, go early when visiting the British Museum.
- Imperial War Museum: Churchill War Rooms– Calling my WW2 history buffs! This is your future favorite attraction. JUST WOW. Book tickets in advance.
- Westminster Abbey: The Westminster Abbey one of the first places I visited on my first international trip. Holds a special place in my heart. Incredible. You can visit the graves of people like Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens and Sir Isaac Newton. If you skip this, you are really missing out.
- Explore and go shopping at:
- Harrods-Beautiful architecture, fun to explore.
- St. Christopher’s Place-Vibrant selection of big name stores and small boutiques.
- Regent Street/Oxford Street-Has all the big name stores.
- St. James-In the thick of all this shopping, it will feel like you took a stepped back in time.
- Bond Street-LUXURY.
- Liberty Department Store-Amazing architecture (“tutor revival”).
- Covent Garden-Plenty of places to shop and eat at.
- Tate Modern– A favorite modern art museum right on the Thames. Free as well.
- Take in a show on the West End– I had a wonderful theater experience seeing Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theater.
- Enjoy the parks and say hello to the ducks: Wander around Hyde Park and St. James Park. St. James Park has a lovely café to enjoy a coffee.
Best Places to Eat in London
Affordable Bites in London
- Mercato Metropolitano- Excellent food court. Amazing selection for both food and drinks. Worth the journey. Close to Borough Market but far enough away from the crowds. Check out the Syrian joint!
- Borough Market-Wander along the stalls and try ALL OF THE FOOD. It is, definitely, a must eat, see and do place! (Just a heads up that it has gotten a bit touristy so expect crowds.)
- Wagamama-Yes, I am recommending a chain restaurant but I LOVE their noodles. Yake Udon, always! Tasty, affordable and quick.
- Busaba, Multiple Locations in London- Excellent Thai food.
- Chez Nous, Fitzrovia– Nice place to grab a coffee.
- Caffe Nero-I know, a chain. BUT when you need a fix, you need a fix!
- Monmouth Coffee-Excellent coffee with a great location near Covent Garden.
- The Shakespeare Pub, Westminster: Good place for a pint but not so great for food.
- The Sherlock Holmes Pub, Near Charing Cross: Upstairs has a recreated Sherlock Holmes’s apartment. Kitschy and fun.
Midrange/Expensive
- Belgo, London-Belgian food and beer. Great mussels and fun vibes.
- Otto’s French Restaurant, London-Charming and cozy. Amazing food. Their beef tartare still appears in my dreams. Expensive.
- Restaurants at the Shard in the Shangri-La Hotel. Make a reservation. Views are amazing but hard to get a table. Cocktails/food are expensive.
- L’Escargot, Soho: Fantastic French food and atmosphere. Loved their Soho Bramble and Dark Chocolate Tart. Expensive
- The Woolpack, near Borough Market: Great place for a pint, pleasing aesthetic and excellent food. Enjoyed their Sunday roasts.
- Orient London, Chinatown: DIM SUMMMMM! Get in my belly. Could fall under affordable it all depends on how much you eat.
