London
England
Backpacking London
Information on London, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
London has so much to see, and a visit to the city is well worth it. History, culture and architecture all merge in the capital of Britain to create the nation’s most renowned city – in London you’ll find a bit everything. Located along the banks of the River Thames, London is the capital and the largest city in the United Kingdom. The city continues to grow, and the greater metropolitan area is now home to over 14 million people. London is one of the most popular cities to visit on the planet. Each year the city sees over 30 million visitors and growing. It’s hard to argue why London is a gold mine of experiences for travelers. The city is home to countless historical sights, museums, parks, markets, world-class cuisine, art, music, nightlife, and sport’s teams. With so many London attractions to offer, you should definitely allow enough time for your visit to the British capital. There’s nowhere quite like London; the capital comprises a fascinating history with a compelling modern culture seamlessly, creating one of the worlds most beloved cities. There are also world-class entertainment facilities, with every shop you could ever think of, restaurants to cater for any palate and bars serving any concoction imaginable. You name it, you’ll probably find it in London. Backpacking London is an unforgettable experience – you’ll get to see the highlights of the city’s history, its arts and music scene, and enjoy a tasty dinner and a few drinks with travel mates or new friends. Visiting London on a budget is completely possible unlike adding all of London’s must see’s and must do’s below.
Must See
Big Ben & The House of Parliament - Although you can’t go up the bell tower, you can view this Gothic structure from the street and do tours of Parliament.
The Tower of London & London Bridge - Built in 1070 by William the Conqueror, the tower was expanded many times over the years. Weapons and armor were made here and all coins were made here until 1810. Now, it houses the famous crown jewels.
Buckingham Palace - Buckingham Palace is only open to the public during the summer, but you can join the crowds and watch the changing of the Guard at 11:30am from May until the end of July.
Trafalgar Square - Enjoy the many pristine fountains and look at some of the famous monuments, like Nelson’s Column (a five-meter statue built to honor Admiral Nelson after being the victor in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805).
Westminster Abbey - is a marvelous architectural gem. Once a Benedictine monastery church, the building dates back to 1200s and sits on the site of an earlier place of worship. The coronations of British kings and queens take place here, and it’s the setting for most royal weddings and funerals.
Must Do
Walk the Thames - You can see many of London’s most famous sights in a day with a nice stroll along the River Thames. Check out Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, City Hall, Big Ben & the House of Parliament. There are tons of places to stop along the way for a coffee or snack, or just to sit down on a bench.
Drinking at a Pub - If you enjoy bar culture, you’ll feel right at home in London. Visiting a classic English pub is something that has to be high atop your list when backpacking London.
See the City from Above - Most tourists head for the London Eye, which is the largest observation wheel in the world. Another good choice is to pay a visit to the observation platform on the 72nd floor of The Shard, London’s futuristic skyscraper.
Nightlife
London is famed for its nightlife, offering world-class theatres, best clubs in the West End, an alternative Camden scene, cool nights out in Shoreditch and more. From evenings of comedy, theatre, music or a night out on the town, there are plenty of fun things to do in London at night. London is widely known for its varied and colourful nightlife, not only on the weekends, but also during the weekdays. Backpackers will find areas, neighborhoods, pubs, bars and clubs to cater for all tastes and moods. Most pubs close at 11pm from Monday to Saturday. Bars, on the other hand, usually close between midnight and 1:30 am on weekdays and weekends and clubs generally stay open until 4 am.
Get started now on planning your backpacking trip with personalized recommendations from our advisors. Your plan will include: accommodation options, food/nightlife recommendations, tours or attractions to see with recommendations for best operators, 24/7 assistance with bookings, answers to any questions and more.