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Introduction to London

Welcome to London, a busy and bustling city where history greets you at every corner and modern marvels spark your imagination. Stroll through royal parks, get lost in flourishing markets, and discover world-class museums, all in just one day.

From sipping hot tea in an old café to catching a West End show or exploring iconic sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, there’s something for everyone in London. Just don’t forget your trainers as there’s a lot of ground to cover!

The capital’s warm, eclectic charm captures the heart of many a US tourist, offering endless possibilities to create unforgettable memories. London is more than just a city; it’s a world of its own, and it’s eager to share its stories with you.

Best time to fly to London

One of the best times to visit London is in the springtime (from March through to May). Temperatures are mild, it’s not too humid, and the city’s many parks are in full bloom.

Spring and summer are the busiest times for tourism, so be sure to book your flight to London well in advance if you plan on traveling during this time.

Want to fly from the US to London outside peak season? The fall and winter months are perfect for exploring the city’s many museums and immersing yourself in the culture.

Plenty of festive events take place in the build-up to Christmas and the New Year, which can provide a cozier, cheerier experience and a different vacation overall, compared to the summer. The verdict? There is no bad time to visit London. Book your plane tickets to London, England with Icelandair and start planning your vacation today!

What to visit in London

Royalty, palaces, and monuments mix with world-leading fashion, music, and theater, ensuring you’ll never run out of things to do in this illustrious capital.

A visit to London is like a tour through a history book. It’s hard to resist watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or checking your watch with Big Ben, but there’s much more to London than its historic buildings and landmarks.

London is also world-renowned for its shopping. One of the best experiences in the city is taking a trip to Harrods or Selfridges department stores to view some of the finest food halls and designer galleries in the world.

With a spot of luxury on Bond Street, the latest trends in Oxford Street, and vintage treasures on Portobello Road, you’ll find an abundance of stores to suit any style.

London’s cultural scene

If it’s culture you seek, you’ll find it in London.

Visit famous landmarks and tourist attractions including the London Eye, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and the Tower of London, a stone’s throw from Tower Bridge, where you can soak up some of the city’s rich history.

London has a huge variety of museums and art galleries, with most of the big ones offering free entry. You can glimpse the famous Magna Carta in the British Library, browse iconic outfits throughout history in the V&A, and see ancient dinosaur bones in the Natural History Museum, all without spending a single penny!

The theater scene is also world-famous. London is home to everything from huge musicals in the West End to historic plays at Shakespeare’s Globe to the National Theatre on Southbank.

Eating and drinking in London

With its vast range of cuisines and dining options, London is considered one of the world's food capitals.

Experience the English pub culture by enjoying a pint alongside some staple British food like fish and chips or a Sunday roast. Alternatively, take a trip to one of the city’s many skyline restaurants for an extra special night out.

You'll find some of the best eateries in London in the city’s many food markets. Be sure to check out the city’s most famous, such as Borough or Spitalfields markets which boast the largest selection.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the food and drinks on offer, but the beauty of visiting is being able to discover your own favorite spots.

The London shopping scene

Of the 30 million tourists visiting London every year, many will choose London as a destination specifically for its shopping scene.

Besides the world-renowned Oxford Street, where you’ll find internationally renowned brands and labels, London has so much more to offer in terms of shopping experiences.

On Bond Street, you’ll find an excellent selection of art galleries and luxury goods shops. Alternatively, you can head to Brick Lane for vintage shopping, cozy bookstores, and an unrivaled hipster atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated market experience in London, Camden Market is the most popular option. You’ll find everything from clothing and art to street food and homewares.

Local travel

You may wish to invest in an Oyster card for your trip – a pay-as-you-go travel card that you can use on all London public transport. London separates into travel zones 1-6, and each zone has its own pricing system, so be sure to check your route before you travel.

The London Underground, generally referred to as the Tube, is one of the world's oldest underground rail systems. It’s also one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to get around the city.

Hopping on one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses is also a great way to see the city.

If you want more privacy, you can grab a black cab or use a private hire app like Uber or Bolt.

To explore further afield, you can hire a car, but the UK’s national rail network will usually get you wherever you need to go.

London and beyond

London is an incredibly well-connected capital, with countless train stations and three international airports – US tourists will have no trouble traveling beyond London.

Hop on a train at Kings Cross and uncover the quintessential streets of Edinburgh, the academic air of Cambridge or the serene beauty of the Lake District. In London, there’s a treasure trove of experiences awaiting just a short trip away.

From St. Pancras, you’ll find trains set for Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Perfect for US tourists hoping to cover more of Europe. Or, if time is of the essence – bag yourself a seat on a plane departing from one of the city’s many airports. 

Whether it's a scenic train journey through the Welsh valleys or a quick flight across the Channel to the shores of France, the journey from London opens the door to endless adventure. Note that with Icelandair you can book a flight to one destination, and a flight back from another, on the same ticket. See our multi-city page.