Country: | United Kingdom |
Known Names: | |
Language: | |
Population: | 8.982 million (2019) |
Religion: | Christianity |
Area Code: | +44 20 |
Currency: | Pound Sterling (GBP) |
Time Zone: | Greenwich Mean Time - UTC/GMT |
Visa: | |
Consulate: |
Located on the famous Thames River in the southeastern part of the British Isles, London always manages to be an intriguing exploration route. The Thames River divides the city in two, and the name London comes from "Londonium," which was given during the Roman Empire in 43 BC, meaning "Flowing River." London is a leading city in various fields, such as culture, art, commerce, fashion, finance, entertainment, education, health, and tourism. Along with its towers, palaces, bridges, churches, and cathedrals, the city offers visitors a variety of options for exploring, including green spaces and parks that make up nearly 40% of the city.
One of the cities famous for its rain, London has a climate characterized as an "Oceanic Climate." The city experiences a mild and humid climate. In the summer months, the average temperature in central London is around 22 degrees Celsius, while in the winter months, it varies between 2 to 5 degrees Celsius. The coldest months in London are January and February, while the hottest months are July and August. May, June, September, and October can be said to have mild characteristics. Therefore, it's not really possible to specify a precise time frame for visiting London.
London is at the forefront when it comes to cities with the highest air traffic in the world. As a result, the city boasts a total of 6 airports. The most commonly chosen airports for reaching the city center are Heathrow Airport, located 32 km away, and Gatwick Airport, which is 45 km away. The quickest way to reach the city from the airports is through dedicated airport trains.
London, being a metropolis that welcomes people from a multitude of different cultures, naturally boasts a diverse culinary scene. In London, the food culture reflects this diversity. Some of the local British delicacies that are most consumed and absolutely must be tried during your travels include Fish and chips, the famous English breakfast, Beef Wellington, Yorkshire pudding, Bangers and mash, Apple crumble, and scones. And, of course, don't forget to savor a traditional British afternoon tea.
There are countless things to do in London. One of them is taking a ride on the London Eye to get a bird's eye view of the city and the Thames River. Alternatively, you can enjoy a stroll in Hyde Park, the city's largest park covering 150 hectares. You can visit the famous detective Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street or take a delightful boat tour on the Thames River to see the city from a different perspective. The British Museum and Tate Modern are also included in the places we highly recommend visiting.
London is undeniably one of the most vibrant cities when it comes to nightlife, and at the heart of it is a widespread pub culture. Almost all gatherings, whether by tourists or locals, tend to happen in London's pubs. Additionally, the city offers night owls a plethora of options, including nightclubs open until dawn, cocktail bars, jazz clubs, and an endless array of restaurants. Soho, Mayfair, Holborn-Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury, and Camden are among the liveliest nightlife areas in the city.
London is undoubtedly a dream destination for shopping enthusiasts. The city boasts a wealth of shopping streets, boutiques, and shopping centers. Among London's famous shopping streets, you can count Carnaby, King's Road, Oxford Street, and Regent Street. Additionally, Leadenhall Market, which delights shopping enthusiasts, is a must-visit spot. For those in search of a place where the city's most luxurious stores are gathered, a visit to the Harrods department store is a must.
January: London Art Fair
February: Carling Cup Final
March - April: The Boat Race
April: The Virgin London Marathon
June - July: Wimbledon Tennis Championships
June - July: London City Festival
August: Notting Hill Carnival
August: Carnaval del Pueblo
September: The Mayor's Thames Festival
October: Lord Mayor's Show
October: BFI London Film Festival
December: London Parade
February: Frieze Art Fair
February: Scoop International Fashion Show
March: International Confex
April: LBF The London Book Fair
May: The Museums + Heritage Show
June: The Meetings Show UK
July): Just V Show
September: Casual Dining
September: ad:tech London
October: The Cake & Bake Show
November: WTM World Travel Market
January 1: New Year
Good Friday (Changes every year)
Easter (Changes every year based on the Spring Equinox)
May 3: May Day - Early May Bank Holiday
May 31: Spring Bank Holiday
August 31: August Bank Holiday
October 31: Halloween
November 5: Bonfire Night
December 25 - 26: Christmas Holidays
December 26: Boxing Day
In the United Kingdom, including London, traffic flows in the opposite direction compared to many other countries, with driving on the left side of the road. Therefore, when crossing the street, you must remember this and be cautious.
Since London uses three-pin plugs, your chargers may not fit. Don't forget to bring an adapter with you.
An umbrella is an essential accessory you should have with you throughout your trip to London, regardless of the season.
For local transportation, be sure to get an Oyster card, which allows you to use all public transportation in the city.
When queuing for anything, be it food, museum tickets, or any other service, it's essential to maintain the queue and be extra considerate. The British place a high value on order in queues.
As one of Europe's largest cities, London welcomes millions of visitors throughout the year. Consequently, the city's transportation network is well-developed and designed for convenience. You can easily access the metro system, consisting of 11 lines, by following the "Underground" signs. To ride the metro, you'll need to purchase an Oyster Card and load it with funds.
Another popular mode of transport for getting around London is buses. Most often, travel in the city is done on the iconic double-decker red London buses. Similar to the metro system, you can board buses with an Oyster Card or a Travel Card.