Planning notes for London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, with a documented history spanning approximately 2,000 years. The settlement was established by the Romans as Londinium around 47 AD. Physical remnants of this period, such as sections of the Roman Wall, are still present in the modern city. The historical development of the area includes the construction of the White Tower in 1066 by William the Conqueror and the rebuilding of the city following the Great Fire of 1666, which destroyed approximately 13.

Must-try foods nearby

• Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding
  The quintessential British comfort meal, featuring slow-roasted meat (typically beef, lamb, or chicken) served with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal root vegetables, and a large.
• Fish and Chips
  An iconic London favorite featuring fresh white fish (usually cod or haddock) enveloped in a crispy, golden beer batter.
• Full English Breakfast
  A hearty 'fry-up' that remains a morning ritual. It typically includes back bacon, Cumberland sausages, fried or poached eggs, grilled tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, black pudding.
• Khachapuri (Georgian Cheese Bread)
  A major 2026 trend led by hotspots like DakaDaka in Mayfair. This boat-shaped leavened bread is filled with a molten mixture of sulguni cheese.
• Chicken Tikka Masala
  Often cited as a national dish of England, this creamy, tomato-based curry features marinated grilled chicken.

When to go: The best time to visit London is during late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their most beautiful. While summer offers the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours.

Local tips

• Always stand on the right side of escalators in the Underground to allow commuters to pass on the left.
• Use a contactless card or mobile payment for all public transport as buses and trains do not accept cash.
• Tap your payment card only once at the start of a bus journey but remember to tap both in and out for all train and tube travel.
• Check for a discretionary service charge on restaurant bills, which is typically 12.5% and replaces the need for an additional tip.

What travelers are noticing

• V&A East Museum: A major new cultural landmark opening in April 2026 at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, focusing on global creativity and youth-led design.
• London Museum Smithfield: The historic former meat market reopens in late 2026 as the city's premier history museum, featuring 24-hour access and innovative urban galleries.
• Maximalist Dining: A shift away from minimalism toward 'OTT' (over-the-top) restaurants like the revamped Simpson’s in the Strand and the lavish Major’s Grill.