Fascinating, cosmopolitan and unusual, your tour guide will confirm it: London is the city of all possible. We go there for weekend shopping, but also to appreciate its exceptional heritage from Westminster to St. Paul's Cathedral, via the London Eye or its museums (Tate Galerie, Madame Tussauds, British Museum...). Soho, Chelsea, the City, Notting Hill..., all the districts of London are worth a visit and offer surprising discoveries. Gardens, museums, galleries and markets are so many proposals, so much so that a stay too short will surely turn out to be the first of a long series... A perpetual invitation to immerse yourself in the heart of a creative city, avant-garde and strongly rooted in its history. An astonishing contrast that makes the English capital one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If the Brexit crisis has nevertheless hit Great Britain hard, London remains the symbol of blending and renewal. Vibrant and intoxicating, dynamic and creative, London intrigues, fascinates and never tires...

The must-see places in London

Suggested addresses London

When to go to London?

You can go to London all year round, but it is in July and August that tourists are most numerous and prices are highest (accommodation in particular is becoming more expensive, as hotels often have a high season rate policy). Autumn and winter are pleasant seasons for a trip: you will pay less and the lines will be shorter. Winter is quickly cold and rainy, but the period before Christmas remains magical thanks to the illuminations and the festive atmosphere that reigns in London (Christmas carols), especially in the shops.

  • Weather forecast
  • Budget
  • Procedures
  • Health
  • Discovery
Weather at the moment
Weather all year round

London's climate is temperate. In summer, the weather is good and the heat is not excessive (the highest temperature ever recorded is 38.1°C). Winter is cold, but rarely icy. Some snowfall may occur, but generally does not exceed 25 mm. On the other hand, rain is frequent in London, manifesting itself in unpredictable showers that can occur at any time of the day and in any season

January
2°C
7°C
February
2°C
8°C
March
3°C
9°C
April
4°C
13°C
May
8°C
17°C
June
11°C
20°C
July
13°C
22°C
August
12°C
21°C
Sept.
10°C
18°C
October
7°C
14°C
Nov.
4°C
9°C
Dec.
3°C
8°C
Budget

As the British had refused to join the euro zone, the currency in London was the British pound (£). London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Your stay will not be cheap, even if you are economical. In addition, London offers so many temptations that it is often difficult to resist.

Procedures

For the time being, EU nationals simply need to carry their identity card or passport (valid) to cross the border into London. You can work and stay in London as long as you like. For students, it may be interesting to obtain the international student card which gives the holder a recognised student status in Great Britain and the possibility of benefiting from all the discounts available (on certain international flights, local transport, accommodation, leisure activities, museums...).

Health

In London, sanitary conditions are similar to those in France and hygiene is generally respected in the majority of establishments. Tap water is drinkable in London. European tourists will benefit, under the aegis of the National Health Service (English social security), from free treatment in the event of an accident or emergency, upon presentation of their passport or identity card. Social protection is provided by municipalities, sometimes jointly with NHS providers and local agencies. First check that the hospital or doctor is dependent on the NHS. Remember to bring your European health insurance card with you from your health insurance fund. This will facilitate care in the event of on-site care. European Union nationals can benefit from free care by being temporarily registered, by the doctor consulted, on the NHS register.

How to go to London? Our advice & tips

  • Organised trips
  • Going alone
  • Moving around

Many tour operators offer holiday packages. The most frequent ones are escapades (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights) and long weekends. Prices vary according to the means of transport chosen and the time of booking; last minute offers remain the most attractive. In London, since the place is suitable, there are quite a few cultural trips.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

London is served by two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. More and more charter companies have moved some of their flights to Stansted or Luton, further away but just as well served as the first two, mainly by train and bus. There are many direct flights from major cities to London. But to get to the heart of the capital, at the St Pancras International terminal, the best way is to use the Eurostar.

It would be unnecessary and expensive to carry a car inside London. All tourist attractions, even the most remote, are accessible by bus or metro. London has even become the pioneer of car-free capitals with several measures to limit traffic in its city centre: congestion charge, T-Charge tax, etc.

Prepare for your trip London

Transportation
Accommodations
Stays
Services / On site

Pictures London

More pictures

Discover London

Practical information
When to travel?

You can go to London all year round, but it is in July and August that tourists are most numerous and prices are high...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

London's climate is temperate. In summer, the weather is good and the heat is not excessive (the highest temperature...
Read more about it

Budget

As the British had refused to join the euro zone, the currency in London was the British pound (£). Lo...
Read more about it

Formalities

For the time being, EU nationals simply need to carry their identity card or passport (valid) to cross the border int...
Read more about it

Health

In London, sanitary conditions are similar to those in France and hygiene is generally respected in the majority of e...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

London is served by two major airports, Heathrow and Gatwick. More and more charter companies have moved some of thei...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Many tour operators offer holiday packages. The most frequent ones are escapades (3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3...
Read more about it

Getting around

It would be unnecessary and expensive to carry a car inside London. All tourist attractions, even the most remote, ar...
Read more about it

Featured articles London

15 capitales à visiter dans le monde

15 capitals to visit around the world

For some countries, the capital is of major importance in terms of tourism (Paris, London...), for others however, it is just an airport that you leave as soon as you arrive! Of course, to discover a country and its traditions, you should not be satisfied with just visiting its capital. However, as the seat of major political authorities, but also of an intense cultural life, it is often worth the detour and its visit can prove to be... ...

Read more about it
Andy Warhol à la Tate Modern de Londres

Andy Warhol at the Tate Modern in London

Andy Warhol is an artist who fascinates the public and how, just by pronouncing his name, not to have a multitude of colourful images in his head. The Eyal Ofer Galleries of the Tate Modern presents an important retrospective of the work of the master of pop art. The opportunity to see the essential images such as the representations of Marilyn Monroe and everything related to the consumer society. The exhibition also aims to highlight ...

Read more about it
Mise en scène du travail de Steve McQueen à la Tate Modern

Staging of Steve McQueen's work at the Tate Modern

The Tate Modern presents an exceptional exhibition featuring the work of the brilliant English contemporary artist Steve McQueen, who is also an Oscar-winning filmmaker. As an artist, director and screenwriter, he is one of those men who had a huge influence on his generation. He is the author of four films for the cinema, including 12 Years a Slave and Widows, and this is the most important exhibition devoted to the artist in more than two ...

Read more about it
10 destinations européennes à visiter cet hiver

10 European destinations to visit this winter

Winter is indeed here but, despite the cold and grey weather, you want to pack your suitcases more than ever? Very good idea, there is no season to travel! In just a few hours by train or plane, it is very easy to reach many European cities over the weekend. To enjoy the sun, head for Rome or Lisbon. If you prefer a romantic getaway, Venice is always a must! From the Netherlands to Spain and Italy, we have selected the ten best European ...

Read more about it
More articles
To discover on Petit Futé
Review