How Long Should I Stay in London?

For those thinking of taking a trip to London, one of the first things you’re probably deciding on is how long to spend here. As you’ll be well aware, there are a million and one things to do, so it can be tough to know how long you’ll need in order to fit as much in as possible.

Whether you’re preparing for an extended trip to explore London or adding it as a stop on an itinerary of different European cities, there are a number of things to keep in mind when prepping. Think about what you want to see and do, and plan accordingly. But most importantly – don’t forget the umbrella!

When should I go to London?

Before deciding on how long to spend in the capital, a good first bet is to identify when you want to go. London embraces travellers all year round, but the most enjoyable times to visit can be spring and late autumn thanks to the fine weather during these periods. It’s worth noting that summer can be particularly busy, so you may find fewer lines and masses of sightseers during the more off-peak times of the year.  As such, the winter season can also be a fabulous time to come to London, which gets really festive and well-decorated in November and December.

During off-peak times are when you are likely to take advantage of the best hotel deals and prices, too, with great London discount hotels available to the deal-savvy. However, at members of our Premier Club Rewards Hotels can enjoy all the benefits of great discounts as well as other amazing perks throughout the year. As a Premier Club Rewards member, you can enjoy exclusive privileges including earning free night and complimentary room upgrade. Premier Club rewards membership will make your stay memorable, luxurious and rewarding.

How long should I stay in London?

It totally depends on the type of trip that you’re after, whether it’s a quick, jam-packed weekend break or a more relaxed, fortnight affair. We would recommend staying at least two nights in the capital, especially if you’re a first-time visitor, as this should give you enough time to see a good handful of the best and most popular attractions. Also, at our fabulous Lancaster Gate hotels, we offer discounts for those staying either two or three nights with us. After all, why would you want to stay in this incredible city for just one night?!

Top tips for a jam-packed long weekend in London

If you have decided on joining us for a leisurely, long weekend, we’re here to help even further. As well as providing everything you’ll need for you and your loved ones to have a truly memorable stay in the capital, we’re also here on hand with extra tips and tricks to guide you. Here are some tips for having a great long weekend in London.

• Obviously, there’s a LOT to see and do in the city, ranging from awe-inspiring historical sites such as Buckingham Palace to cultural establishments like the National History Museum. A general tourist trip to London usually consists of a mix of iconic attractions, including the likes of Big Ben and the Tower of London, and neighbourhood exploration in spots such as Shoreditch and Notting Hill. It’s a good idea to consider purchasing a London Pass to make the most of popular attractions without the hefty price tag.
• For those who love arts and culture, you absolutely won’t want to miss a theatre show in the West End. If you’re openminded about what you’d like to see, you could even take advantage of cheap and cheerful ‘on the day’ tickets for shows that haven’t sold out, which can sell for as little as £10 (much cheaper than the standard price of around £60!).
• Likewise, you won’t want to leave London without hitting our amazing shops. The city is positively brimming with fun shopping districts, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you love fun and thrifty vintage stores, or lavish and luxurious high-end department stores, here you will find it all. Check out key retail areas such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden.
• After all that exploring, you need to make sure you’re well-rested and well-fueled! We’d recommend that you experience snacking in one of London’s many outdoor markets, such as Borough Market and Broadway Market, where you can devour street food favourites from world-class vendors. If you’d prefer something a little more classy, you’re also in luck as London is home to some of the world’s best restaurants, with over 60 in the capital having at least one Michelin star.

General London travel tips

As well as sightseeing know-how, it’s a good idea to also go armed with a few key pieces of London travel info. Here’s just that!

Language: English is the main language spoken in London and the rest of the UK, however, it’s a vastly diverse, multi-cultural city so you can expect to hear languages from all over the world. In fact, there are over 300 languages spoken in the city!

Money: Unlike most of Europe, the currency in the UK is the British pound sterling, also known as GBP or often referred to as just ‘the pound’. Our money is particularly patriotic as it features our queen.

Getting from A to B: London transport is world-famous, and after a few days there, you’ll soon see why. It’s so well connected (even if it is a little complicated) and options for getting around include the Underground, buses, trains, and even boats. It’s advised to avoid driving into the city centre, and instead, use public transportation, or opt for a black taxi which you can flag down pretty easily throughout the city.

Getting to London: Most tourists arrive in London by plane, flying into one of our five airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and City. Travellers coming from mainland Europe also arrive via the Eurostar, which comes into St. Pancras Station. Trains link London with the rest of the UK, and cruise ships port in the city of Southampton.