London is one of those cities that somehow feels both ancient and cutting-edge. You can explore Roman ruins in the morning, catch a West End show at night, and eat cuisine from every corner of the globe in between. The city's energy is infectious. Yes, London has a reputation for being pricey, but savvy travelers know the secrets: free museums, affordable ethnic food, and the Oyster card. Flight deals pop up regularly, especially from East Coast cities. We've seen roundtrip fares under $400. Sign up for alerts and grab a deal when it drops.
Best Time to Fly to London
Peak Season
June through August is peak tourist season with long days but big crowds. December brings festive markets but cold weather and holiday prices.
Off Season (Best Deals)
January through March offers the lowest prices despite gray weather. November (before Thanksgiving) is another good window with fall colors and fewer tourists.
Spring (March to May) brings 50-60°F temps and blooming parks. Summer (June to August) is warmest at 60-75°F with occasional heat waves. Fall (September to November) offers 50-60°F and beautiful foliage. Winter (December to February) is cold and gray at 40-50°F but festive.
💡Book 6-8 weeks ahead for the best fares. London routes are competitive, so deals appear frequently.
Cheapest Months to Fly to London
Cheapest Months
January, February, November
Most Expensive
June, July, August, December
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Must-Try Foods in London
Full English Breakfast
This hearty plate of eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast, tomatoes, and mushrooms will fuel you for hours of sightseeing. Skip the hotel breakfast and find a proper greasy spoon cafe. The portions are enormous and prices are fair.
$8-15
Sunday Roast
A British institution. Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, crispy potatoes, and gravy served every Sunday at pubs across the city. Book ahead at popular spots. Pair with a pint of cask ale for the full experience.
$18-28
Curry on Brick Lane
Britain's love affair with curry runs deep. Brick Lane in East London has dozens of curry houses serving everything from mild kormas to fiery vindaloos. The competition keeps prices reasonable and quality high. Go hungry.
$12-20
Top Attractions in London
British Museum
One of the world's greatest museums and completely free. See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Parthenon sculptures. Download the free app for self-guided tours. The Great Court is stunning architecture. Plan at least 3 hours.
Tower of London
Nearly 1,000 years of history including the Crown Jewels, royal prisoners, and those famous ravens. Book online and arrive early to avoid crushing crowds. The Yeoman Warder tours are entertaining and included with admission.
Borough Market
London's most famous food market has operated for over 1,000 years. Sample cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, and international street food. Come hungry and graze your way through. Less crowded on weekday mornings.
Daily Costs in London
London is expensive but manageable. The biggest savings come from free museums (British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery), eating at markets and ethnic restaurants, and using an Oyster card for capped daily transport costs.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$90-140
Mid-Range
$180-280
Airbnb
$120-200
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$8-15
Restaurant
$20-40
Coffee
$3-5
Transport
Local Transport
$3-5/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$130-200
Getting Around London
From the Airport
From Heathrow: Tube (Piccadilly line) is cheapest at $6, about 50-60 minutes. Heathrow Express is fastest at $25, 15 minutes. From Gatwick: Thameslink or Southern trains to central London, $15-20, 30-45 minutes.
Getting Around
The Tube (subway) is the fastest way around, running from 5am to midnight (24 hours on some lines on weekends). Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment for automatic daily caps. Buses are cheaper and great for sightseeing.
Tips
- •Contactless payment cards automatically cap at the same rate as an Oyster card. No need to buy one separately.
- •The Tube gets extremely crowded during rush hour (8-9:30am, 5-7pm). Avoid with luggage if possible.
Where to Stay in London
South Bank / Southwark
The Thames riverside walk connects major attractions: Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge views. Excellent transport links, great food scene, and you can walk to Westminster and the City. Perfect home base.
Shoreditch / Hoxton
East London's creative hub has the best nightlife: rooftop bars, underground clubs, and late-night street food. The area is full of street art, vintage shops, and excellent coffee. Young, diverse, and buzzing every night of the week.
Bloomsbury / Fitzrovia
Home to the British Museum and London's literary heritage. Quiet garden squares, independent bookshops, and excellent pubs. Walking distance to the West End and Oxford Street. A refined, intellectual vibe.
Smart Travel Tips for London
FAQs About Flights to London
London is one of the pricier European cities, but free museums, affordable ethnic food, and transport caps help. Budget $130-200 per day for comfortable travel. The biggest expenses are accommodation and attractions with entry fees.
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