Is London safe to visit?

Central London, where most of the popular tourist attractions are located, is generally well-policed and safe. Areas like Westminster, the City of London, and the West End have a strong police presence. London's public transport system, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains, is considered safe. However, be cautious of your belongings, especially during peak hours and in crowded areas. Popular nightlife areas like Soho, Shoreditch, and Camden are generally safe but can become rowdy, especially on weekends. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid confrontations. London has efficient emergency services. The emergency number is 999 or 112 for police, ambulance, and fire services. It's also a good idea to stay informed about the areas you're visiting. Some neighborhoods may be less safe, especially after dark, so seeking local advice or consulting travel advisories is wise.

Is London LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes, London is widely regarded as LGBTQ+ friendly. The city has a rich history of LGBTQ+ culture and activism, offering numerous resources, events, and venues that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. Soho is famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and cafes that are welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Vauxhall is another hub known for its LGBTQ+ clubs and bars. Key events include Pride in London, one of the largest Pride celebrations globally, featuring a parade, concerts, and various events throughout the city. The London Queer Fashion Show showcases LGBTQ+ designers and models, celebrating diversity in fashion. Cultural institutions like The LGBTQ+ Community Centre offer support, resources, and events, while the Bishopsgate Institute houses an extensive LGBTQ+ archive. The UK has progressive laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality, anti-discrimination protections, and legal recognition of gender change. Support services are plentiful, with organizations like Stonewall and Switchboard (a helpline) providing assistance. Many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, are explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, displaying signs or symbols such as the rainbow flag to show their support.

When is the best time to visit London?

In spring (March to May), temperatures are mild, ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). This season features events like the Chelsea Flower Show, the London Marathon, and St. Patrick's Day Parade. Spring offers blooming parks, pleasant weather for sightseeing, and fewer tourists compared to summer. Summer (June to August) brings the warmest temperatures, from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and events such as Wimbledon, the Notting Hill Carnival, Pride in London, and various music festivals. The long daylight hours and vibrant atmosphere are highlights, but expect crowded attractions and higher accommodation prices. During autumn (September to November), temperatures cool to 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). This season includes London Fashion Week, the Totally Thames Festival, and Halloween events. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, fewer tourists than summer, and milder weather than winter. In winter (December to February), temperatures range from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). You can enjoy Christmas lights, markets, New Year's Eve fireworks, and Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Winter has a festive atmosphere and fewer crowds after New Year, but also shorter daylight hours and colder, wetter weather.

How can I be a good tourist in London?

On public transport, use an Oyster card or contactless payment for convenience. Stand on the right on escalators to allow people to walk past on the left, and let passengers exit trains and buses before you board. Offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Respect rules and guidelines at attractions, parks, and public spaces. Follow no-photography signs, especially in museums, galleries, and places of worship. Dispose of litter properly, and if you enjoy street performances, consider tipping the performers if you take photos or videos. When dining and shopping, make reservations for popular restaurants to avoid long waits. Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15% if service isn’t included) but not mandatory. Many places prefer contactless payments, so have a credit or debit card ready. Be aware that shops might close earlier than in some other cities, especially on Sundays.

What public holidays/events in London should I be aware of?

When planning a trip to London, it’s important to be aware of public holidays and major events that might impact your visit. On public holidays like New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the May Bank Holidays, the Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day, many businesses and attractions may be closed or have reduced hours. Public transport may also run on a limited schedule during these times. Major events in London can also affect your trip. The New Year's Eve celebrations feature fireworks along the Thames, resulting in large crowds and potential transport disruptions. The London Marathon in April brings many road closures and crowds around the marathon route. Trooping the Colour in June, celebrating the Queen's birthday, involves parades and increased security. Wimbledon, taking place from June to July, attracts many visitors, requiring early booking for accommodations and tickets. Pride in London, held in June or July, features parades and parties, drawing large crowds. The Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's biggest street festival, occurs over the Summer Bank Holiday weekend in August, bringing vibrant celebrations and significant crowds. Other notable events include Bonfire Night on November 5th, with fireworks displays across the city, and the festive Christmas markets running from November to December. The London Film Festival in October also brings increased demand for hotels and tickets.

London FAQs - Generator

Close

Sign up to our newsletter and enjoy 10% discount on all our public rates.

By submitting your details, you’re agreeing for us to send you information about offers and the latest updates from Generator by email. We’ll always treat your personal details with care and will never sell them to other companies for marketing purposes. Please visit our privacy policy page for more information.

SIGN-UP

Close

Sign up to our newsletter and enjoy 10% discount on all our public rates when you make your next booking.

By submitting your details, you’re agreeing for us to send you information about offers and the latest updates from Generator by email. We’ll always treat your personal details with care and will never sell them to other companies for marketing purposes. Please visit our privacy policy page for more information.

SIGN-UP

Close

Subscribe to Generator and we'll keep you in the loop with our latest offers and events.

By submitting your details, you’re agreeing for us to send you information about offers and the latest updates from Generator by email. We’ll always treat your personal details with care and will never sell them to other companies for marketing purposes. Please visit our privacy policy page for more information.

SIGN-UP

Europe

North America

London FAQs

Book Direct & Save 10 %

Don't forget your 10% Discount

Newsletter

Europe

North America

London FAQs

Book Direct & Save 10 %

Don't forget your 10% Discount

Newsletter

Changing Currency