1. Travel guide
  2. United Kingdom
  3. England
  4. London
  5. London

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...

What to visit 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
  • Car Rental
  • Taxi
Accommodations
  • Find a hotel
  • Holiday rental
Stays
  • Tailor-made trip
Services / On site
  • Book a table
  • Activities & visits

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

Original Travel : leader du voyage sur mesure et haut de gamme du monde anglo-saxon

Original Travel : leader in tailor-made and high-end travel in the Anglo-Saxon world

In 2017, Voyageurs du Monde, a specialist in tailor-made travel and a benchmark in the field in France, announced the acquisitionof Original Travel, a British tour operator also specialising in tailor-made, high-end holidays. While the company had already established itself in the French-speaking market, particularly in Switzerland, Belgium and Canada, its objective with this alliance was to develop Original Travel in the main ...

Read more about it
Les 10 plus belles gares d'Europe

The 10 most beautiful train stations in Europe

Travelling by train is not only an opportunity to cross a variety of landscapes, it is also an opportunity to pass through train stations and take time to admire their architecture! And in many European cities, they are among the most beautiful buildings in the city. Some of them have an ancient architecture while others have a more contemporary look. It is important to take a look at their exterior architecture, but also to take a good look ...

Read more about it
10 feux d'artifice du Nouvel An qui vous en mettront plein la vue

10 New Year's Eve fireworks that will blow your mind

New Year's Eve is fast approaching and you still don't know where to celebrate it? And then, who said this party was over? Certainly not Little Smartass who, with strong advice and good plans, is campaigning for your New Year's Eve to be beautiful: pack your bags and fly abroad! Some cities offer a spectacular sound and light show every year. Just enough time to fall back into childhood, that you already hear yourself say.... Oh! The ...

Read more about it
Top des destinations européennes pour un week-end entre amis

Top European destinations for a weekend with friends

At any time of the year, weekends with friends are the best way to unwind and enjoy a little break from the stress of the day. With your feet in the sand, in the snow, sitting on the terrace of a restaurant or partying in the best nightclubs in the world, get away from the daily routine for a few days with your faithful allies. From Prague to Berlin via Barcelona and Dubrovnik, here is our ranking of the best destinations in Europe for a ...

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