Organizing a trip to London?
When planning your dream vacation, you may find yourself faced with a flurry of questions. If this is you, then we suggest you read on. Let GoWithGuide answer everything you need to know before you hit the road for your UK adventure.
Overview: London’s Top Tourism Statistics
- 44%: From 2009 to 2017, the number of visitors steadily increased by 44% over those ten years.
- 21,000,000: In 2019 (pre-COVID) alone, the City of London greeted 21 million visitors to its shores and 7.44 million people to its various attractions.
- 5.8 million visitors: London was by far the most visited city by international tourists in the United Kingdom in 2023.
- 26%: The increase in London's international visitors in 2023 (20.3 million) compared to 2022 (16.1 million).
- 83,9 million: Heathrow airport, one of the busiest airports in Europe, sees over 5,000,000 passengers pass by every month.
- 16.7 billion British pounds: The total visitor spending in London in 2023 reached £16.7 billion.
- £27.3 billion: The contribution of travel and tourism to London's economy in 2023, accounting for 24.2% of the UK's total tourism spending.
- 41%: The percentage of London residents born outside the UK as of 2023, reflecting the city’s diversity.
- 250: More than 250 languages are spoken in and around London, with English topping the chart, and Bengali coming second.
Frequently Asked Questions about London
Why do tourists visit the UK?
The main reasons visitors flock to the UK, and specifically London, are for seeing friends and family, for business, and for sightseeing. Not only do you have museums and art galleries to traipse through, but there too are amazing historical attractions to admire. Lovers of food, architecture, and art gather in London to experience some of the best sceneries in the world.
A London private tour might be the best bet for you if you want to experience only the best and the most sought after pursuits. Not only will you be seeing the city in style, safety, and splendor, you will also get to pick and choose the exact attractions you’d like to visit. A customized experience is yet to be beaten!
What are the best things to do in the city?
London overflows with things to do and sights to see, it may feel overwhelming if you want a relaxing trip. For first-timers in London, the most popular attractions to visit include:
- Palace of Westminster
- Buckingham Palace
- Tower of London
- Leadenhall Market
- West End
You might also be interested in: Top 5 Must See London Attractions
What is the best mode of transportation?
London’s public transportation system is applauded by many countries, making it easy to use the trains, the Underground (locally, the Tube), buses, and even boats. We suggest looking into a London car rental if privacy is your priority.
But if you would like to travel like a local, then public transport is absolutely fine. Buy a Visitor Oyster Card for £5 ($6.15) beforehand, as this smartcard allows you to pay for almost all modes of public transportation available in the city.
A single bus fare will set you back £1.65 ($2), while train rides range from £3-5 ($3.69-6.15) depending on the zones in which you travel through. If you’re the active type, you can definitely try out a walking tour.
For something a little less tiring but still as adventurous, hiring a Santander Cycle is the best alternative for you. At £1.65 ($2) for 30 minutes, these convenient bicycles will get you to your favorite attractions in style.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal seasons to visit London. During these months, you can enjoy mild weather alongside other tourists. While the city does get busy during this time, it’s still less crowded compared to the peak summer months.
For a more festive experience, consider visiting London during the Christmas holidays. The city transforms into a bright and beautiful winter wonderland, offering a magical atmosphere.
Does it always rain in London? While the city is known for frequent rain, it’s usually just a light drizzle that won’t disrupt your plans for long. August sees the most rain, with around 100mm, while December is the driest month, with just 7mm of rainfall.
To stay prepared, always carry a raincoat or umbrella during your visit!
How many days is the average trip to London?
For tourists, the average length of stay in London equalled 4.6 days. London can be enjoyed at different lengths depending on your preferences. For first time visitors and people who would like to spend their time leisurely, a trip to 5 days or more is recommended.
You might also be interested in: How many days do you need to fully enjoy your trip to London?
Is it safe?
In 2024, the United Kingdom ranked 34th globally on the Global Peace Index, maintaining its position as one of the safer countries worldwide. London continues to be a relatively safe city, and with basic precautions, such as staying aware of public transportation and in crowded areas, visitors can enjoy their trip with peace of mind.
As with any tourist area, pickpockets may abound. If you feel uneasy about these kinds of situations, then we highly recommend touring with a local guide who is versed in the intricacies of the city.
In this way, you will not only tour through the most impressive and iconic sights, you will also be doing so safely and hassle-free.
Who Else Loves London?
London is truly a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, making it an inclusive and comfortable place to visit. Visitors from all around the world flock to the country throughout the four seasons to enjoy a proper British experience.
In 2023, London welcomed 20.3 million international visitors, with the United States and France topping the list of countries of origin for tourists.
- USA: Around 3.5 million Americans visited London in 2023, making them the largest group of international visitors. English being the primary language ensures seamless communication for American tourists.
- France: Approximately 1.6 million French tourists visited London in 2023, benefiting from the city's proximity to France and strong cultural ties.
- Germany, Ireland, and Spain: These countries also made up a significant portion of international visitors, showcasing London's continued popularity among European travelers.
What Kind of Traveler are You?
Before you begin your trip, it is essential to understand what kind of traveler you are.
The First Timer
For first timers, it is a MUST to visit all the iconic and beautiful landmarks the City of London has to offer. You can do so with one of our trusted local and professional guides. Our guides will usher you through London's Gothic architecture, recommend the best West End shows, and book a seat at the most sumptuous of restaurants!
You might also be interested in: Top 5 Must-See London Attractions
The Adventure Seeker
The road less traveled may well be the most enticing exploit of the adventure seeker in you. If you are the type of traveler who revels in history, mystery, and adventure, then the famous streets and lively tourist attractions might not float your boat. Get to know London from a different perspective.
With our seasoned guides, learn about some of the underappreciated gems of the city. Feel just like a local and explore London the authentic way.
You might also be interested in: 5 Hidden Gems to Visit in London
The Foodie
If you are enticed by the sumptuous smells of London’s best restaurants, then let the foodie in you fully enjoy a gastronomic experience of a lifetime. London is equipped with a variety of culinary choices- from picturesque afternoon tea to full on roast dinners.
A food tour is definitely the best choice of action for you! Learn about the history of each dish with a private chef, or else dine in the local pub and hear stories of old from the beloved grandmother running the place.
You might also be interested in: Top 8 Most Popular Foods in London
Travel Tips for Visiting the City of London
Truly knowing the ins and outs of a place also includes understanding the culture and manners of its people. This will definitely keep you out of scrapes and misunderstandings, and will alleviate minute difficulties you may face.
Visa Requirements for Entering the UK
If you are coming from the US, then get the bubbly out, because you do not need a visa to enter the UK if you are planning to stay for less than six months. If you are from the EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens also do not need a visa to enter the UK. To check whether you need a visa, take the UK GOV survey to find out.
Conclusion
London is one of the most well-loved holiday destinations in Europe. The cosmopolitan simply pulses with activity and glows with pride from its history and architecture. For a hassle and stress-free holiday, book one of our private, customizable London tours with one of GoWithGuide’s London private tour guides for the best experience.
