Overview
London is one of the world’s most dynamic capitals, a city where history and modern life coexist seamlessly. From royal landmarks and grand museums to riverside walks and vibrant neighborhoods, London offers endless variety and cultural depth. Its streets reflect centuries of evolution — medieval alleys beside glass towers, traditional pubs near contemporary art galleries, and parks that provide calm within the urban rhythm. The city’s energy is constant yet balanced, shaped by its diversity, creativity and unmistakable character.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit London is from May to September, when days are longer and the weather is mild. Spring brings blooming gardens and comfortable temperatures, ideal for outdoor walks and sightseeing. Summer is lively, with festivals, open‑air events and bustling streets. Autumn offers golden light and a quieter atmosphere, while winter is colder but charming, especially during Christmas markets and seasonal displays. London’s appeal remains strong throughout the year, adapting its rhythm to each season.
Getting Around
London’s transport system is extensive and efficient. The Underground (Tube) connects all major districts, complemented by buses, trains and river services. Walking is often the best way to explore central areas such as Westminster, Covent Garden and South Bank. Taxis and ride‑sharing services are widely available, and contactless payment makes travel simple. The city’s layout is large but intuitive, with clear signage and well‑maintained routes that make navigation easy for visitors.
Safety and Local Etiquette
London is safe and welcoming, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that values respect and calm behavior. Visitors should stay aware of belongings in crowded places, especially on public transport and near major attractions. Locals appreciate politeness, queuing discipline and consideration in shared spaces. The city’s multicultural nature encourages openness and curiosity, making it easy for travelers to feel comfortable and included.
Food and Water
London’s culinary scene is one of the most diverse in Europe. Traditional dishes such as fish and chips, Sunday roast and afternoon tea coexist with global cuisine from every continent. Markets like Borough and Camden offer street food and artisanal products, while restaurants range from casual cafés to Michelin‑starred establishments. Tap water is safe and of high quality. Dining schedules are flexible, and options are available at all hours, reflecting the city’s international rhythm.
Day Trips and Excursions
London’s location allows easy access to remarkable destinations. Popular day trips include Windsor, with its royal castle; Oxford and Cambridge, known for their historic universities; and Bath, famous for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture. The countryside around London offers gardens, villages and stately homes that contrast beautifully with the urban landscape. Trains and organized tours make these excursions simple and rewarding.
The essence of London
London’s essence lies in its balance between tradition and innovation. Royal palaces, historic streets and timeless rituals coexist with modern architecture, creative industries and global culture. The city’s diversity gives it a unique vitality — every neighborhood tells a different story, every corner reveals a new perspective. London is not just a capital; it is a living mosaic of history, art and everyday life, offering visitors an experience that feels both grand and personal.
Highlights of London:
Worldwide known iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the emblematic Tower showcase its royal heritage. Visitors can explore an immense set of museums, such as the British Museum, National Art Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate gallery, all of them home to world-famous artifacts.
Different but also unmissable Natural History Museum, Science Museum or Madame Tussaud are very interesting.
We may stroll through Hyde Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, or other parks. The West End offers dazzling theatre performances, while the South Bank is perfect for riverside walks and street entertainment.
- London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom.
- English is the official language.
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
- The official currency is the Pound Sterling (£).
- London has six international airports serving the metropolitan area.
- The London Underground is the oldest metro system in the world.
- Many major museums offer free permanent admission.
- Weather conditions can change quickly throughout the day.
- The city is divided into multiple fare zones for public transport.
- Walking is one of the best ways to explore central London.
- Comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
- London attracts millions of visitors every year and is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.
London has a temperate oceanic climate, characterised by mild summers, cool winters, and fairly consistent rainfall throughout the year.
- Spring (March to May) — mild temperatures, blooming parks, and excellent conditions for sightseeing.
- Summer (June to August) — pleasant weather, long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor events and festivals.
- Autumn (September to November) — comfortable temperatures, colourful parks, and a vibrant cultural season.
- Winter (December to February) — cool temperatures, festive Christmas attractions, and occasional frost.
The most popular period to visit is from May to September, when weather conditions are generally ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, river cruises, and exploring London’s many cultural and historical attractions.
Today:
London – 2 great visits long ago
Visiting London
“London is the kindliest town in the world. If you doubt it try this: put yourself in a corner with a map in your hand and looking lost, and someone will come at once to help you.”
I read this pearl in a touristic prospect in Barcelona, and didn’t believe, but remembered it years later, when I couldn’t find the Ashley Gardens in London, and made a test.
It worked, do you believe?
Are the English really so predictable? How can you explain that hours later I almost was arrested by standing upon a wall close to Buckingham Palace, watching the changing of the guard, amidst at least other 20 people? Am I that ugly?
Well, London is always captivating, and I went back years later and will again each time I can.
Trafalgar Square
The heart of London, Trafalgar square is a wide and harmonious square, where everybody meets, to make a short break, and prepare the next stage, under Nelson’s supervision from the top of his column. To Piccadilly or from Piccadilly?
Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2
Directions: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tubes
Website: Trafalgar square
Tower of London
In the old days, this building should impress by its size and strength. Nowadays, surrounded by the high monsters of modernity, it is only an historic curiosity. It surely deserves a visit, and inside, you will feel back that sensation of power and domination.
The only thing that may become boring is the long visit to the huge collection of weapons, most of them so similar that you feel like being in a armory instead of a museum. Maybe that’s the idea…
Beefeaters
One of the attractions in the Tower of London are the Yeoman Warders, usually called Beefeaters.
Once a guardian force to take care of prisoners and guard the crown jewels, they are, today, a sort of guide or public relations, always available to a smile or the mandatory picture.
City Parks
Watching the children walking in the park, I remembered an impressive image of my first visit to London: In Hide Park, a small aperture in the clouds provided a tiny spot of sun in the lawn. There, more than 30 deck chairs, were occupied by British (I presume), enjoying the sun. As the clouds slowly moved, the chairs hit by the shade were moved to the other bottom, assuring some more minutes of sun. Thus, the pack was slowly advancing along the park, always in the sun, and always with someone walking to move his chair. Nothing special, you say. But that was the first time I deeply appreciated the Portuguese sun.
Hide Park
Taking advantage of the wet weather, London shines with excellent parks.
Hide park is a world, where several experiences may be lived, from the calm of people relaxing under the furtive sun, to the free assemblies in its corner.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London’s best known landmarks for more than 100 years.
The middle of the bridge can be raised to allow the boats to pass, what nowadays happens less than once a day. From the top there is a great view on the centre of London, with a display with the story of the bridge, and the original mechanism used to raise the bridge, however, the entrance is not cheap. (Actually closed… it seems)
Address: Tower Bridge Road, EC3/SE1
Parliament
Do you really expect that I write something about the parliament Houses and Big Ben? What for?
Even if you have never been there you risk to know more than me, such is the popularity of them. At least from outside, the only sight that I had.
Address: Parliament Square, SW1
Website: Parliament
Changing of the guards
It is a “must see” in London the changing of the guards, in the royal palace.
Many hundred people compress against the grids, to see a show that, in the palace’s yard, has not much to see. Part of the changing, daily at 11.00, the other each two days, at 11.30, the show is mainly in the surrounding avenues, with the parade of troops and bands to and from the ceremony.
Let me tell you a story that defines English (and ashamed me):
I was in Whitehall and saw a band, with the big black hat, coming down the avenue. I stepped forward into the avenue and inclined myself framing the scene, waiting for the band to approach enough to fill the picture.
When I finished I looked back, and shame on me: three lines of cars were stopped behind me, the crazy guy who forgot that in England traffic is by the left hand. All London waiting for my picture, without honking or any other sign of impatience.
National Art Gallery
I visited the National Art Gallery in 1971. After that, with the kids, some other museums seem preferable. However, I remember the quality of the collection, and specially, my friend João with an open mouth in front of a Giotto’s painting, from the 14th century.
Address: Trafalgar Square, WC2
Phone: 0 20 7747 2885
Website: National art
Natural History Museum
Dinosaurs and more
That’s one of the museums that children adored. They didn’t notice the imposing building (I did) but the exhibition was extremely attractive. The trend were dinosaurs, well documented there. After the disappointment of dinosaur’s parade in Disney World, the comfort of the authenticity.
Address: Cromwell Road, SW7
Directions: South Kensington tube
Website: Natural history
Vitoria and Albert Museum
Why did Ali Baba come to my mind?
I may be unfair, but I felt really uncomfortable in Victoria and Albert Museum. I felt that the display had too many pieces, somehow mixed, resembling more a receptor’s warehouse than the proud exhibition of respected pieces of art. It was a quick visit, but that was the strongest sensation.
Address: Cromwell Road, SW7
Directions: South Kensington tube
Website: Vitoria and Albert
Harrods
Travelling with women, three “monuments” are mandatory in London – Oxford street, Marks and Spencer and Harrods. I visited all of them (of course!) but my favorite is this one – beautiful, with nice collections, but… expensive, shortening the time (and cost) of the visit. Very good, indeed!
Address: 87–135 Brompton Road
Directions: Knightsbridge adjaent to Knightsbridge Underground Station (Piccadilly Line.
Theme: Department Store
Website: Harrods
Personal Memories
Personal MemoriesMadame Tussaud – Easy fun
With kids, it had to be seen, but we found nothing new in the known quality of those wax figures reproducing famous persons. And everybody taking pictures with one of their idols. The less noticed point is the imagination of some common figures that allow a slightly different amusement. Like that gentleman interested in a child’s Portuguese story, or the lady that felt asleep in the middle of it.
Address: Marylebone Road, NW1
Directions: Baker Street tube
Sleep in London – 1 cool place
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