London Travel Guide for Indian Tourists: Must Read

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is one of the most visited cities in the world, rich with history, modern attractions, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a first-time traveler, a student, or planning a luxury vacation, London has something for everyone.

This guide will help you plan your trip efficiently, covering everything from must-visit places to budget-friendly stays, food, safety, and travel tips.

1. Why Visit London?

London is a city that blends old-world charm with modern marvels. From historic landmarks like the Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums and a buzzing nightlife, the city offers a unique experience for travelers of all kinds.

Whether you’re a history buff, a shopaholic, a foodie, or a student, London has something for everyone.

2. How to Reach London from India?

Flights from India to London

London is well-connected with direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai to Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN) airports. Airlines like British Airways, Air India, Vistara, and Emirates operate regular flights.

Flight Duration: ~9-10 hours (direct flights)
Average Cost: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 (round trip, economy class)
Best Time to Book: 2-3 months in advance for best deals.

3. Where to Stay in London? (Best Areas & Budget Options)

London offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Best Localities to Stay in London

Central London (Westminster, Covent Garden, Soho) – Best for tourists; near major attractions.
South Kensington & Chelsea – Upscale area with museums and parks.
Camden & Shoreditch – Hip and artistic neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife.
Canary Wharf & Docklands – Business district, great for luxury stays.
Budget Stay: King’s Cross, Paddington, or Greenwich – Affordable and well-connected.

Recommended Hotels (for Different Budgets)

Luxury: The Savoy, The Ritz London, Four Seasons Hotel
Mid-Range: The Hoxton, The Resident Soho, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel
Budget: YHA London Central, Z Hotel, Premier Inn

💡 Tip: Book hotels near Zone 1 & 2 of the London Underground for easy commuting.

4. How Many Days Are Enough for London?

A 5-7 day trip is ideal for exploring London thoroughly.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Thames River Cruise
Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market
Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Soho nightlife
Day 4: Camden Market, Regent’s Park, Madame Tussauds, Shopping at Oxford Street
Day 5: Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, Portobello Road
Day 6-7 (Optional): Day trip to Windsor, Oxford, or Bath

5. London for Students: Top Universities & Costs

London is home to some of the world’s best universities, attracting thousands of Indian students each year.

Top Universities:

University of Oxford (40 mins from London)
University of Cambridge (1.5 hrs from London)
Imperial College London
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
University College London (UCL)

Education Cost:

Tuition Fees: £15,000 – £35,000 per year (₹15-35 lakh)
Living Cost: £1,200 – £1,800 per month (₹1.2-1.8 lakh)
Part-time Jobs: Allowed 20 hours/week (Salary: £10-£15 per hour)

6. Must-Visit Attractions in London

📌 Iconic Landmarks

✔️ Buckingham Palace

About: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is the heart of British royalty.
Must-See:
- Changing of the Guard Ceremony: A colorful military tradition with marching soldiers and music. (Daily at 11 AM in summer, alternate days in winter)
- State Rooms: Open for public tours during the summer months (July–September).
Entry Fee: Free to view from outside; £30 for State Room tours.
Nearest Tube Station: Green Park

✔️ Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

About: Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, an iconic symbol of London.
Must-See:
- Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben): Stunning Gothic Revival architecture.
- Guided Tours: Available inside the Parliament for UK residents (limited options for international tourists).
Photo Tip: Best views from Westminster Bridge at sunset.
Nearest Tube Station: Westminster

✔️ London Eye

About: A giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames, offering breathtaking panoramic views of London.
Experience:
- 30-minute ride in a glass capsule, with views stretching up to 40 km on a clear day.
- Best visited around sunset for magical cityscapes.
Entry Fee: £32 (book online for discounts)
Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo

✔️ Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Tower of London:
- About: A historic castle founded in 1066, known for its role in royal history, prison tales, and executions.
- Must-See:
  - Crown Jewels Exhibition
  - Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) Tours
  - White Tower
- Entry Fee: £33 (cheaper online)
- Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill
Tower Bridge:
- About: A combined bascule and suspension bridge, often mistaken for London Bridge.
- Experience:
  - Glass Floor Walkway for thrilling views of the Thames below.
  - Engine Rooms Tour to see Victorian steam machinery.
- Entry Fee: £12.30
- Best Photo Spot: From the riverside near St. Katharine Docks.

📌 Museums & Art Galleries (Free Entry!)

✔️ British Museum

About: One of the world’s greatest museums, showcasing artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Highlights:
- Rosetta Stone
- Egyptian Mummies
- The Parthenon Sculptures
Entry: Free (but consider donating £5)
Nearest Tube Station: Tottenham Court Road

✔️ National Gallery

About: Houses over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century.
Masterpieces:
- Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
- Da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks
- Monet’s Water Lilies
Entry: Free
Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross

✔️ Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

About: The world’s largest museum of applied arts, design, and fashion.
Must-See:
- Fashion Galleries with iconic designs through the ages
- Medieval & Renaissance Sculptures
- The Cast Courts
Entry: Free
Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington

✔️ Tate Modern

About: London’s contemporary art powerhouse, housed in a former power station.
Highlights:
- Works by Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko
- The Turbine Hall – A vast space for large-scale installations
Entry: Free (some exhibitions may require tickets)
Nearest Tube Station: Southwark

📌 Shopping & Markets

✔️ Oxford Street (Luxury & High-Street Brands)

About: Europe’s busiest shopping street with over 300 shops.
Must-Visit Stores:
- Selfridges – Iconic luxury department store
- Zara, H&M, Primark – Popular for affordable fashion
- John Lewis & Marks & Spencer for British classics
Tip: Visit during Christmas for dazzling lights.
Nearest Tube Station: Oxford Circus

✔️ Camden Market (Street Shopping & Vintage)

About: A quirky, alternative market famous for vintage clothes, handmade crafts, and international street food.
Must-Try Foods: Vegan donuts, halloumi fries, and Asian fusion dishes.
Shopping: Unique jewelry, punk fashion, vinyl records.
Open: Daily from 10 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Tube Station: Camden Town

✔️ Borough Market (Foodies’ Heaven)

About: London’s oldest food market, perfect for tasting local and global cuisines.
Don’t Miss:
- Artisan cheese stalls
- Freshly baked pastries
- Global street food – from Ethiopian to Italian delights
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds.
Nearest Tube Station: London Bridge

✔️ Harrods (Luxury Shopping)

About: The world-famous luxury department store in Knightsbridge.
Must-Visit Sections:
- The Food Halls – Gourmet chocolates, exotic teas, and luxury groceries
- Designer Fashion Floors – Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel
- Toy Kingdom – Perfect for kids and collectibles
Tip: Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture is worth admiring.
Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge

📌 Parks & Gardens

✔️ Hyde Park

About: One of London’s largest and most famous parks, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Things to Do:
- Boating on the Serpentine Lake
- Speaker’s Corner – Famous for public debates
- Picnics and Cycling
Events: Hosts concerts and events in summer.
Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Corner

✔️ Regent’s Park

About: A beautifully landscaped park with gardens, sports facilities, and the London Zoo.
Highlights:
- Queen Mary’s Rose Garden with over 12,000 roses
- Boating Lake & Open-Air Theatre
- Panoramic Views from Primrose Hill
Nearest Tube Station: Regent’s Park

✔️ Kew Gardens

About: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its botanical collections.
Must-See:
- The Palm House – A giant Victorian greenhouse
- Treetop Walkway for views from above
- Japanese Garden & Pagoda
Entry Fee: £20 (book online for discounts)
Nearest Tube Station: Kew Gardens

📌 Day Trips from London

✔️ Windsor Castle

About: The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and the Queen’s favorite weekend residence.
Must-See:
- State Apartments with royal treasures
- St. George’s Chapel (site of royal weddings)
How to Reach: 30 mins by train from London Paddington
Entry Fee: £28

✔️ Stonehenge

About: A prehistoric monument dating back over 4,000 years, shrouded in mystery.
Experience:
- Walk around the stone circle
- Learn about ancient history in the visitor center
How to Reach: 2-hour drive or book a guided day tour from London
Entry Fee: £22

✔️ Bath & Roman Baths

About: A charming city famous for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture.
Must-See:
- The Roman Baths – Ancient bathing complex
- Bath Abbey
- Pulteney Bridge
How to Reach: 1.5-hour train from London Paddington
Entry Fee: £25 for the Roman Baths

✔️ Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter Fans!)

About: A magical tour of the real sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films.
Highlights:
- The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Express
- Taste Butterbeer
- Behind-the-scenes tours of special effects
How to Reach: Shuttle bus from Watford Junction (20 mins from London)
Entry Fee: £50 (book well in advance)

7. Food in London: What to Try?

London is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from street food to Michelin-star restaurants.

Must-Try British Dishes:

🍽 Fish & Chips – Classic UK dish
🍽 Full English Breakfast – Eggs, toast, sausages, baked beans
🍽 Sunday Roast – Meat with Yorkshire pudding
🍽 Afternoon Tea – Tea, sandwiches, cakes

Indian Restaurants in London:

🍛 Dishoom – Bombay-style café
🍛 Tayyabs – Punjabi cuisine
🍛 Hoppers – South Indian dishes

8. Best Time to Visit London

London is beautiful year-round, but the best months to visit are:
🌸 Spring (March-May): Pleasant weather, blooming gardens.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Peak tourist season, long daylight hours.
🍁 Autumn (September-November): Fewer crowds, mild weather.
❄️ Winter (December-February): Christmas vibes, but cold & expensive.

💡 Tip: Avoid July-August for lower hotel prices and smaller crowds.

9. Is London Safe for Tourists?

✔️ London is one of the safest cities in the world but, like any big city, stay cautious.
🚇 Public transport & streets are well-monitored with CCTV.
❌ Avoid isolated areas at night and be aware of pickpockets in crowded places.

Emergency Numbers:
📞 Police & Medical Help: 999
📞 Non-Emergency Police: 101

10. Currency, Lifestyle & Budget Comparison with India

Currency: 1 British Pound (£) ≈ ₹107.48
Daily Budget (Mid-Range Tourist): ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per day
London Metro (Oyster Card): ₹3,500 for a week’s travel
Coffee Cost: ₹400-500 (Starbucks in London)
Meal Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500 (Casual dining)

💡 Tip: Get an Oyster Card for cheaper public transport fares.

Final Travel Tips for Indian Tourists

✔️ Visa: Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa (₹10,000-₹12,000)
✔️ Sim Card: Buy Lycamobile or GiffGaff for cheap international calls.
✔️ Weather: Carry an umbrella; London’s weather is unpredictable!
✔️ Transport: Use London Underground (Tube) for the fastest travel.
✔️ Tipping: Not mandatory but 10-12% is appreciated in restaurants.

Conclusion

London is a dream destination for travelers, students, and business visitors alike. Whether you’re visiting for a week or studying for a degree, the city has a unique charm that stays with you forever. Plan wisely, explore freely, and enjoy London like a local! 🎡🇬🇧