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Outdoor bars in London: al-fresco favourites

By Sonya Barber , Anya Meyerowitz and Connor Sturges

The best outdoor restaurants in London

By Sonya Barber , Tabitha Joyce and Connor Sturges

Forget small plates with mates – the London restaurants where sharing is discouraged

By Sonya Barber

31 best things to do in London this weekend: 19 - 21 April 2024

By Connor Sturges

The best restaurants in East London

By Sarah James

26 of the best rooftop bars in London right now

The new London restaurants to try in April 2024

By Olivia Morelli

Where to celebrate Eid in London

By Sadaf Quyoum

The 30 best beaches near London

34 of the best beer gardens in London right now

By Anya Meyerowitz and Euan Ferguson

The best exhibitions in London for April

21 of the best day trips from London

By Condé Nast Traveller and Anna Prendergast

11 things Londoners want you to know before you visit

London’s best female-led restaurants

By Emma Hughes

Where to eat Iftar in London

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Inside the rise of London's wellness members' clubs

By Lydia Bell

The lifetime achievement award: we honour Ruthie Rogers in The UK's Top New Restaurant Awards

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Where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London in 2024

London's most iconic restaurant dishes

You can sleep over in the Hidden Library of St Paul’s Cathedral this World Book Day

By Charley Ward

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What's New in London Right Now — From Gorgeous Hotels to Chic Cocktail Bars

Whether you're visiting to honor the Queen's memory or are just raring to return to London, these are the top new spots to check out.

Tal Dekel Daks is a London-based freelance travel writer and senior audience development manager for Condé Nast. Her work has appeared in The Independent, Digital Spy, Travel + Leisure, Departures, and IndyBest .

London is ready for its time in the limelight once again.

While we're looking forward to getting reacquainted with The Big Smoke's time-tested classics, it's also high time to ogle the latest and greatest new offerings the capital has to offer, from game-changing drinking dens hiding minutes from Oxford Street to shiny new five-star stays in still-vibrant Shoreditch. Ready to dust off your trench coats ? Whether you're visiting in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth, taking your first international holiday since the pandemic, or simply for a fun-filled long weekend, here's what's new in Londontown in 2022.

Luxury Hotel Openings

From royal residences to historic landmarks, London has legendary luxury hotels in spades. The city has emerged from the challenges of the pandemic with a dazzling display of new five-star properties. A few stays which opened to rave reviews amid (or just before) the pandemic include Covent Garden's NoMad London, east London's Mondrian Shoreditch , Westminster's The Guardsman , Marylebone's Nobu, and effortlessly posh LXR-stay, Biltmore Mayfair .

Since London's full reopening in spring 2022, the hospitality scene has been buzzing. One of London's trendiest neighborhoods got another splashy luxury hotel in the form of One Hundred Shoreditch .

Taking over the modernist building where the buzzy Ace Hotel once stood, this property is all about tranquility and features an underground cocktail lounge from renowned mixologist Ryan 'Mr. Lyan' Chetiyawardana, an ethical seafood restaurant inspired by England's fishing villages, and a pink-tiled rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. In Mayfair, The Twenty Two opened inside a grade II-listed Edwardian manor complete with a mews house and penthouse inspired by Christian Dior's private living space. And in early 2023, expect to see one of the most-anticipated openings: The OWO Raffles . It'll be the first time the famous Old War Office on Whitehall, which stopped being used by the Ministry of Defense in the 1960s, will open to the public in more than a century.

New Bars in London

For two straight years, Mayfair's Connaught Bar was crowned the world's best . And if master mixologist Ago Perrone's world-leading table-side dry martinis aren't enough of a pull, the beloved 200-year-old luxury hotel recently opened an art-and-wine enclave known as The Red Room . Discerning drinkers will find more than 30,000 bottles of vino to sip from here. The city doesn't rest on its drinking laurels though, and other new cocktail bars of note include Sweeties , a 1970s Hollywood-style bar on the 10th floor of The Standard, the NoMad 's Side Hustle set in a former Covent Garden police station, and east London speakeasy Nightjar 's new Soho outpost.

Following both fire and flooding, Camden's 19th-century theater Koko is set to show off a $92-million transformation. Its most dazzling new update might be its new members' club, House of Koko , which is set to take over four floors. Look out for the new roof terrace and conservatory, a cocktail bar in the restored copper dome, a recording studio, and a hidden speakeasy.

New Restaurants in London

Take dessert very, very seriously? Join the line at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, where world-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet opened his first pâtisserie outside of France, complete with a unique counter-side tasting menu of "trompe-l'œil" fruits and elaborate tarts. Other new restaurants making a splash around Londontown include Clerkenwell's Sessions Arts Club set in an 18th-century courthouse, 1920s Shanghai-inspired MiMi Mei Fair , The Lanesborough Grill (at its namesake hotel by Oetker Collection) led by acclaimed chef Shay Cooper, and Mexican-Spanish Decimo perched on the 10th floor of The Standard.

The revivals this year are equally exciting. The Ledbury reopened in Notting Hill with a new look and new chef. Michelin-starred Sketch has redesigned its iconic millennial pink Gallery and turned it mellow yellow to mark the Mayfair institution's 20th anniversary. The fresh look comes courtesy of British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare and architect India Mahdavi, who originally turned the Gallery pink back in 2014. Another London revamp comes in the form of Carousel , with an ever-rotating lineup of incredible guest chefs continues, but this time in a sprawling new site made up of three converted Georgian townhouses in the heart of Fitzrovia.

Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published September 2023 and updated March 2024

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Omicron Dims London’s Holiday Lights

Amid a rising number of coronavirus cases attributed to the new variant and testing rules that travelers find onerous, the holiday season suddenly looks a lot less bright for the traditional Christmas destination.

• Share full article

By Ceylan Yeginsu and Lindsey Tramuta

In November, it was beginning to look a lot like a prepandemic Christmas in London.

Oxford Street, adorned in twinkling festive lights, bustled with tourists and local residents meandering in and out of stores buying gifts. Audiences packed into West End theaters for sold-out shows (masks were not required), and pubs and restaurants were filled with jolly patrons attending quiz nights and holiday parties.

Then came the highly contagious Omicron variant of the coronavirus, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain described as a “tidal wave” causing infections in the country to double every two to three days. It has brought the government’s current daily estimate of new cases to around 200,000, from a low of around 2,200 in May.

The effect on the hospitality industry was almost immediate, with restaurants reporting high volumes of cancellations, theaters canceling shows and holiday office parties being rescheduled. For international travelers, the new rash of cases has sparked concern and confusion, made worse by conflicting messages from the British government.

On Dec. 12, then country raised the coronavirus alert level to four out of five, indicating a high or rising level of transmission. “People should be prioritizing those things, and only those things that really matter to them,” said Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, at a news conference on Wednesday. “Don’t mix with people you don’t have to.”

But Mr. Johnson didn’t seem to have gotten the message. “We’re not canceling events, we’re not closing hospitality, we’re not canceling people’s parties or their ability to mix,” he said the same day.

While many Americans have canceled their bookings, others who have grown tired of pandemic restrictions, are desperate for a change of scene or to reconnect with loved ones face a conundrum.

“Our trip to London is less than a week away, and we still haven’t canceled because we are dying to go. We need this for our mental health,” said Lynsey Potter, 62, a reflexologist from Chicago who spent her first Christmas apart from her daughter and grandson last year because of travel restrictions between the United Kingdom and United States, which have since been lifted.

Like many travelers experiencing pandemic fatigue, Ms. Potter is more concerned about the prospect of Britain reintroducing travel restrictions than of the virus itself. “I have good armor against the virus with my three vaccines,” she said. “I’m not too worried about that, but I have no control over the travel rules, and I don’t think I would survive a hotel quarantine. If I decide to bail on the trip that’s why.”

Indeed, Joan Roca, chief executive officer and founder of Essentialist , an international member-only travel service, said that while the earlier waves of the pandemic were seen first and foremost as health crises, “now it’s a restriction crisis which has a much different impact on business.”

In late November, Britain reintroduced a requirement that international travelers test negative before their trip, and then take an additional P.C.R. test within two days of arrival. Visitors must self-isolate until they receive a negative result, causing some travelers to cancel because they found the rules too cumbersome.

And even as the government last week removed all the remaining countries from its red travel list, which required travelers to undergo a 10-day mandatory hotel quarantine at a cost of $3,030 per person, some travelers worry that countries could be reinstated on short notice with Omicron spreading around the world.

Camilla Ferrera, a freelance media director from Westport, Conn., had planned to fly to London on Dec. 20 with her partner and two children to reunite with friends and family. Instead, “I made the decision to cancel my trip yesterday because of the number of tests we would need to take (1 before departure, 1 within 2 days of arrival, 1 within 24 hours of returning),” she wrote in an email.

“And the increased risk of exposure to Covid, specifically Omicron, it didn’t feel sensible even though we are all triple vaccinated,” she added.

‘Here we go again’

Britain’s hospitality and tourism sectors had hoped for a boost over the traditionally popular holiday season. Instead, flight bookings from the United States to the United Kingdom fell by 33 percent in the two weeks after news of the Omicron variant broke, compared to the two weeks prior, according to Visit Britain, the national tourism agency. The number of bookings made between Nov. 29 and Dec. 5 was down by 63 percent compared to the same week in 2019, it said.

“I feel a sense of dread, but also a sense of ‘Here we go again,’ ” said Charley Harrison, 33, owner of Totally Tailored, a sightseeing tour operator in London and Edinburgh. With a business heavily reliant on American visitors, Ms. Harrison has already had 15 cancellations in December alone, with three booked tours remaining before Christmas.

“I’m seriously thinking about whether there is a future I can really rely on in tourism,” she said.

Mr. Roca of Essentialist said about 20 to 25 percent of his company’s travelers who had booked trips to London decided to cancel and reroute to other destinations. Virtuoso, the large network of luxury travel advisers, is seeing a similar trend with its clients pivoting to destinations like Italy, Mexico and Hawaii.

To make the testing process easier for international travelers and discourage them from canceling their trips, major London hotels like The Savoy and Brown’s Hotel are providing concierge services for testing and other travel requirements. Brown’s will even have a nurse meet passengers at the airport and administer the coronavirus test there, to reduce the waiting time for the results at the hotel.

“We are making it as effortless as possible,” said Franck Arnold, the managing director and regional vice president at The Savoy.

The Savoy organizes tests for travelers in their hotel rooms, after check-in, and results, Mr. Arnold said, come within a few hours.

“Life is open in London,” he said. “Travelers just have to deal with the administrative mandates.”

Louise Liddle, an independent video producer from New York, stuck with her Christmas plans to fly to London last week to visit friends and go sightseeing, over the strong objections of her family back home.

“I just had to get out, I don’t think London is any riskier than New York,” she said, although after a few close encounters with the virus in recent days she is being more conservative with her itinerary.

“I had dinner with some friends and then four people tested positive. Then I was going to go to a play, and it got canceled because of a Covid outbreak. It does feel like it’s kind of everywhere right now,” she said. “I’ve stopped going to indoor restaurants and big gatherings and am considering canceling plans for Christmas.”

Restaurants in London are experiencing significant cancellations, causing some to temporarily close. The chef Tom Kerridge , who owns six restaurants in London, Manchester and Buckinghamshire, said he received 654 cancellations for one restaurant over a 6-day period.

“That’s only the beginning,” he said. “It will only get worse now that new announcements have been made. It’s not only a reflection of one of our spaces but a reflection of the hospitality industry as a whole.”

Despite the current downturn, there is still hope within the industry for the year ahead. “We know there is significant pent-up demand to travel internationally and for us it’s a big year next year,” said Paul Gauger, the senior vice president of the Americas at Visit Britain, pointing to big events like the Queen’s platinum Jubilee.

When Visit Britain surveyed American travelers in October — before the emergence of Omicron — to assess their feelings about travel, it found that 80 percent of Americans surveyed were considering taking an international trip in the next 12 months and 58 percent said they definitely would. “ These intentions were higher than what was recorded in the first and second waves of research, demonstrating a continuous growth in intention to travel,” Mr. Gauger said.

Ms. Potter, the Chicago traveler who is debating canceling, is one of those who says she will definitely get to London at some point. “If I don’t make my trip next week I’ll go at least twice next year,” she said. “There’s no place like London, especially at Christmas. There’s so much lost time to make up for.”

Amy Tara Koch and Geneva Abdul contributed reporting.

52 Places to Love in 2021

We asked readers to tell us about the spots that have delighted, inspired and comforted them in a dark year. Here, 52 of the more than 2,000 suggestions we received, to remind us that the world still awaits.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list for 2021 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a London-based reporter. She joined The Times in 2013, and was previously a correspondent in Turkey covering politics, the migrant crisis, the Kurdish conflict, and the rise of Islamic State extremism in Syria and the region. More about Ceylan Yeginsu

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Everything you need to know about London travel disruption this week

From reduced Overground services to Central Line closures on the weekend, here’s all the essential info you need for stress-free travel in the capital

Following strikes on the DLR last week and the closure of five tube lines at the weekend , we’re set for another week of travel disruption in London . Not only did the RMT vote to continue striking for (at least) the next six months but a slew of bus strikes were announced for dates stretching across both November and December .

This week, both the Central Line and DLR will see suspended services, while parts of the Overground, Northern Line and Piccadilly Line are set to see partial closures or reduced services. Here’s everything you need to know about planned interruptions to TfL rail operations in the capital for the seven days from today (November 13). 

Central Line

On Saturday November 18 , no service between Marble Arch and Ealing Broadway from 2am to 5am.

From Saturday November 18 at 5am through to the end of Sunday November 19 , no services between North Acton and West Ruislip / Ealing Broadway

On  November 18 and 19 , no service between Bank / Tower Gateway / Stratford and Lewisham / Canning Town.

On November 13, 14, 15 and 16 , no service between Hackney Downs and Chingford after 10:45pm. Replacement buses will operate

On November 19 , no services between Gospel Oak and Stratford until 1:45pm. Also no services between Highbury & Islington and Dalston Junction after 10:15pm, and no services between Camden Road and Stratford after 10:15pm.

Northern Line

Kentish Town station  is closed until summer 2024.

Piccadilly Line

South Ealing station  is closed  westbound until mid-December . Eastbound trains run as usual, so westbound travellers are advised to go eastbound to Acton Town before coming back westbound.

Waterloo and City Line

Service operating between 6am and 12:30am only every day. No services on Saturdays, Sundays and public/bank holidays.

Bus strikes

On November 13, several bus routes (mostly in west London) will be impacted by strike action. The 13, 23, 28, 218, 295, 414, 452 and N28 routes will not be running from 5am on November 13 to 6am on November 14.  Find out more about the bus strikes here . 

For to-the-minute updates,  check the Transport for London website here .

Here is  everything you need to know about train strikes and industrial action in London .

Stay in the loop: sign up for our  free Time Out London newsletter  for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.

• Ed Cunningham News Editor, Time Out UK and Time Out London

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London Travel

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40+ London Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

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Whenever people say they dislike London, I get weirdly defensive.

I mean… Not like London? How dare you?!

In a city with attractions, shows and restaurants catered to every whim, I find the prospect outrageous. Which is why I’ve come to the following conclusion: most of those who ‘dislike London’ simply fail to prepare for it properly… an easy failure, given the many, many mistakes tourists can make here.

… But that won’t be you. You’re going to love London, because I’m arming you with every London tip and must-know you could ever possibly need, accumulated over a dozen visits ranging from two days to two months.

So, read on for a truly maniacal range of London travel tips for first timers, from London planning tips and culture shocks to niche, practical must-knows upon arrival.

Soon, you too shall be a violently defensive London fangirl. See you on the other side.

Save this List of London Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Avoid visiting London in peak season

First, in terms of when to visit London… my number one rule is to avoid London in peak peak season, meaning July and August.

Sure, the city draws tourists year-round, but summer time is next level in terms of crowds, and there’s a bonus villain that comes in to guest star: muggy London heat , an absolute menace if you use public transport.

Overall, there’s a compelling reason for every season (you know it’s true because it rhymes), just avoid summer if you can, and also try to avoid school and bank holidays because London is a super popular family destination.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what every (other) season can offer:

• Spring: Flowers in bloom, May for wisteria hysteria, plenty of fun events like the Chelsea Flower Show/Chelsea in Bloom
• Fall: Gorgeous foliage and comfortable temperatures, fun events like the London Film Festival
• Winter: The sheer magic of London at Christmas (though this can be crowded too – plan for weekdays/earlier in the season for a slightly quieter experience). Winter can otherwise be a bit gloomy, but the relatively thinner crowds and lower prices help compensate

2. Plan to be in London for minimum four days

One of the best ways to hate London is to rush through it.

This is a city best enjoyed somewhat slowly – otherwise burnout is guaranteed.

I personally think first time visitors need at least four days to get a good feel for the city. You definitely won’t see everything in this time, but it’ll give you a good grasp of the main must-sees. I’d advise adding a few more days if you want to do some cool day trips too.

3. Research your airport to accommodation commute in advance

First time visiting London? Great news – the confusion starts before you even arrive!

When booking flights, you may find that there are actually six airports that service the Greater London area: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, London City Airport, and London Southend Airport.

For most visitors coming from overseas, Heathrow and Gatwick will likely be your main point of entry, whereas the others are popular for shorter flights, typically from elsewhere in Europe (often with budget airlines like Ryanair , easyJet and Wizz Air , especially with Stanstead and Luton ).

When planning, you should remember to factor in costs getting from these airports to central London, as it’s often not cheap.

While the options vary by airport, the most convenient (and most expensive) is of course by taxi or private transfer. Welcome Pickups can be a good option for pre-booking, if you are prioritizing convenience and ease.

There are also public transport options for all of them which are much more cost-effective.

One general word of warning though: regardless of which airport you arrive at, make sure you research different ways to get to the city centre. Often times, the most popular and most advertised options aren’t the best solution.

For instance, with Heathrow, often visitors will hop on the Heathrow Express, a ride notorious for being the UK’s most expensive train journey per mile (though a new train from Luton is set to dethrone it) … only to find out they need to complete their journey with further means because their hotel is nowhere near Paddington Station.

So, definitely explore different options for getting into the city!

4. Prioritize comfort when booking accommodation

In terms of places to stay, there are thousands of hotels and accommodation options to choose from in London. Unfortunately, their prices will make you want to cry, regardless of quality.

As I discuss in my guide on how to book the best accommodation every time , often sacrifices must be made depending on whether you’re prioritizing price, quality or location.

For London, I would advise prioritizing quality or price.

Whereas in other cities, I’m more inclined to prioritize location, the truth is London and its attractions are very spread out, so booking a hotel close to one attraction won’t necessarily put you at an advantage when it comes to seeing other places.

Plus, staying in touristy areas can mean noise, crazy prices, and a lack of good-value places to eat nearby. Rather, in London, I think it’s smarter to prioritize an area with good food options nearby and proximity to a Tube station (preferably in more central zones like Zone 1 and Zone 2).

Apart from that, to make your decision, I think you should be looking more at the specifics of the hotel and whether they suit your needs in terms of amenities and comfort. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want somewhere nice to come home to!

5. Thoroughly research your accommodation before booking

Related to the London planning tip above is the simple fact that many of London’s hotels are terrible value for money.

You’d assume (based on prices) that you’re getting a great place to stay, but oftentimes hotels will lack the amenities you typically expect.

This is because many (smaller) London hotels weren’t purposely built to be hotels, and are converted from old buildings, which may mean a lack of elevator and/or ‘quirky’ plumbing and temperature control issues.

So, be extra careful when you’re vetting hotels. Read the descriptions, comb through reviews, scroll through all the photos, and if amenities like Air Conditioning are important to you, triple check the hotel has it because many older ones do not.

Don’t automatically assume every hotel will have standard amenities (especially if the price seems too good to be true!)

6. Make sure you have a data plan

Another important London tip is to get a local SIM card or make sure you have an international data plan because having access to Internet in London is pretty crucial these days, with many restaurants/pubs offering their menus on QR code or confusingly stumbling around using Google Maps.

Three has really cheap data plans and you can pick up a card straight at the airport! You can also find their SIM cards on Amazon. An unlimited one costs less than my 5GB data plan back home in Canada. It simply doesn’t make sense.

7. Make sure you have a travel-friendly credit card

Another important London travel tip? Make sure you have a good credit card that travels well.

London these days is becoming very much a cashless city and you’ll be relying on card a lot more than cash, which is why it’s important to have a travel-friendly credit card like Wise , which doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees or overinflated currency conversion fees.

8. Do not rent a car for your London trip

When in London, I wouldn’t advise renting a car. Driving in the city is a horrific pain, with copious weird fees that tourists aren’t used to.

Public transport is definitely the way to go. Renting a car may make sense for further trips out in to the countryside, but just know that when you’re in London itself, public transport or taxis should be your pick.

9. Learn how to book taxis quickly and easily

On the topic of taxis, I’d recommend downloading an app called FreeNow which is basically Uber but with licensed taxis.

This is way easier than flagging down a taxi on the street, plus you can see how much the fare will be, which helps you avoid getting scammed.

10. Avoid hop on/hop off buses to get around

Another London tip for getting around: I wouldn’t advise using those ubiquitous hop on/hop off buses as a means of transport.

Not only are they wildly expensive compared to local buses, their schedules also aren’t as consistent or reliable as regular public transport, so it’s really a lose-lose situation.

Instead, just use the vast public transport network that serves millions of locals everyday! Sure it’s stuffier and you might get lost or meet some characters, but it’s all part of the experience.

NOTE: I do think the open top buses are fun, but I’d advise doing a tour for the experience, rather than use it as a way of getting from Point A to Point B. Local transport will cost you far less, and will make you feeling more like a Londoner, if that’s what you’re after.

11. Make sure you have a contactless card for public transport

If you DO end up using public transport in London, the good news is it’s quite easy. Both buses and the Underground (AKA the Tube) rely on a card tap system that automatically charges you.

As a tourist, the easiest option is to just use a contactless card for all payments. You tap in on the bus as you board, then you can just get off at your stop without worrying again. Or, you tap in at Tube stations at the gates on your way in, and at the gates on your way out. Easy!

There is a reloadable card called an Oyster Card that you can buy to tap in/out easily, like a gift card you fill up with travel credit, but the prices and caps are the same for both contactless cards and Oyster cards.

Plus there’s a 5GBP activation fee for Oyster cards, so it’s not worth it for a short trip, unless you’re dealing with some specific scenarios which I’ll outline below, after this cute photo of a tap in/tap out machine.

12. Get an Oyster Card (in some situations)

There are only two situations where I think getting an Oyster card makes sense if you’re a tourist.

First, if you plan to buy a RailCard, this saves you 1/3 on all journeys, including on the Tube so you will need to get an Oyster Card and link the two to take advantage of that. Of course this only makes sense for visitors staying longer or who plan to come back often.

Second, you should maybe consider an Oyster card if you don’t have a travel friendly credit card and get charged individually for foreign transactions, as those costs might add up.

In most cases though, just using a contactless card is the simplest solution because it deducts amounts automatically. You can even use this to get far out to popular day trip destinations like Hampton Court Palace.

Just make sure you use the same card all day though because there are daily caps on how much they can charge you!

13. Understand when to take buses vs. the Tube

In terms of public transport in London, there’s Underground trains AKA the Tube, buses, and overground trains which connect to suburbs and neighbourhoods that are farther out.

As a tourist, you’ll most likely be relying just on the Underground and buses. 

Both have their pros and cons.

I do think buses are fun for tourists because they’re above ground so you see a lot more, especially if you ride at the front of a double decker (which is a mandatory must-do in my opinion), plus you can get phone service on them and they are cheaper as well, especially because it’s one price across zones.

The downside is they’re not as punctual (the time tables on Google Maps are notoriously inaccurate, so focus on the digital estimates at the stops themselves whenever possible)… and you can get stuck in traffic.

So, keep these pros/cons in mind when choosing how to plan your journey. If traffic a mess, the Tube may be a better choice. If you need phone service, want views, or are prioritizing low cost, then the bus may be better.

NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, the Tube does not run 24/7. It actually stops running surprisingly early, so check times before you head out, or prepare to get comfy on the night bus.

14. Always plan for lots of buffer time in case there’s delays with public transport

Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan things with buffer time in between obligations, especially if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.

The Tube may not get caught in traffic like buses do, but there’s still often random delays and unexpected failures.

So, if you have a tour, show or attraction booked, be sure to add in 30 minutes or more of wiggle room, just in case.

15. Walk as much as possible

Truthfully though, while I’m a big fan of London public transport, my preferred way to get around is walking as much as possible within neighbourhoods, then taking the Tube or bus to cover huge distances.

In busier tourist areas, there’s often signs you can follow to find big attractions so don’t worry too much about navigating on foot, and walking can sometimes even be faster than the Tube depending on how far you’re going.

16. Learn to ride the Tube like a pro

If you want to navigate the Tube system like a slick, terrifyingly efficient professional, then there are some basics to keep in mind.

First, I would never ride the Tube by choice between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm. It’s more expensive at this time so it’s a lose-lose, plus it’s rush hour when everyone and their mom’s landlord is trying to get to/from work. Don’t get caught in this as a tourist. Remember, you’re here to escape that kind of minutia!

Second, remember, when riding the Tube, you need to tap out to leave, so have your card ready to tap out upon exit, and don’t block everyone’s way as you shuffle through the deepest depths of your chaotic tote bag.

Also make sure you have your full journey loaded on your phone or written down before you head out. There’s usually no service so you won’t be able to Google directions when you’re down there, hence why you may want to bring a book or some form of entertainment.

One random hack I have for finding the right exit to take from a Tube station is to plot your journey on Google Maps, and then rotate your map to make it look like your train is headed straight North. This way, you have a sense of which direction you need to move towards once you get off the train, and which exit makes the most sense.

In this example for instance, as you exit the train, you will know your end destination is behind and to the left of you:

Some busier stations will also have an exit guide:

Lastly, be sure to exercise proper Tube etiquette:

• Let people off the train before you try to get on
• If there’s a crowded train, take off your bag or have it on your front so you’re not in everyone’s way
• Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator – this is meant to be left empty for people who choose to walk up

17. Consider a BritRail Pass if travelling farther

If you’re staying a while in London and plan to do many day trips or side trips, one potential pass worth considering is the London Plus BritRail Pass .

With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period (either a consecutive few days or a set number of days within a month).

The London Plus Pass is especially good value because it covers the Greater London area, plus many of London’s most popular day trip destinations like Bath , Winchester , Windsor, Salisbury, Brighton , and Bournemouth.

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance, but overall if you plan to only do a handful of day trips, buying tickets well in advance will probably be cheaper. 

18. Don’t overload your London itinerary

Now let’s move onto some London itinerary planning tips. The first and most important one? Resist the urge to overload your itinerary!

London is a gargantuan city packed with fun attractions, so many in fact that even people born and raised there haven’t seen it all.

Which stands to reason that you, as a first time visitor, will not be able to see it all in one go either.

I would recommend limiting big paid attractions to 1-2 per day, then dedicating the rest of the day to just wandering, enjoying food, and pursuing more relaxed activities.

19. Plan your days by neighbourhood

Another important London must-know is that you should be organizing your itinerary based on strategic neighbourhood hopping.

London is really spread apart so planning things by neighbourhood is crucial for avoiding the inefficiency of doubling back. If you need help, I have a 3 Days in London itinerary you can steal.

Needless to say, it’s really worth getting out of Central London to explore other neighbourhoods during your visit. Notting Hill, Camden, and Shoreditch are super popular ones for instance, but if you want something quieter, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich are also great.

20. Consider the London Pass for potential savings

London is expensive, so I highly recommend you cap your paid attractions to only a few that you desperately want to do, then devote the rest of your time to free attractions.

That said, if you do intend on seeing lots of paid sights I can highly recommend the London Pass , especially if you can grab one on sale.

It’s essentially one card you pay for that then gets you into tons of paid attractions. If you plan correctly, this can save you SO much money. I bought a ten day one recently so that I could test out all of London’s paid attractions in one go. It was busy but I ended up saving a crazy amount of money.

Again, this would only be worth it if you planned to see a bunch of paid sights anyway, but it’s worth looking into if you’re a ‘see it all!’ type of visitor.

21. Prioritize uniquely ‘London’ attractions

We’ve already established that there’s a ton to see in London… so how can you decide which sights to prioritize above the rest?

Well, my advice would be to prioritize uniquely London attractions. There are many big name attractions in the city now that are fairly random and completely unrelated to the city, for instance Shrek’s 4D Adventure or Madame Tussauds.

And… Unless you are travelling with kids and need to entertain them, I think there’s way better attractions to be prioritizing, so try to pick ‘Londony’ attractions whenever possible.

22. Time your attraction visits strategically

Of course, it’s worth emphasizing how busy London can be when it comes to tourist sights, so if you want to enjoy attractions with minimal selfie sticks in your eyes, then avoid going to big attractions in the middle of the day.

Early morning or (even better) just before closing time is often way less busy.

23. Familiarize yourself with all the free things to do in London

I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth noting again just how many great free things there are to do in London!

You can visit parks, go to free museums, or simply absorb London’s most wonderful sights on a (very free) walk.

In terms of free/by donation museums, the V&A is my personal favourite – it’s full of amazing decorative art and also located very close to other free museums like the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

There’s also the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Imperial War Museum, the British Museum and more. So if you’re looking to save money, prioritize these sights over others.

There are some great free viewpoints as well, like at…

• Tate Modern – the views over the Thames from the viewing level terrace are too good to pass up
• Primrose Hill – a farther away view of the skyline in a very pretty park/colourful neighbourhood
• Greenwich Observatory  – the perfect place to see the London skyline at sunset

24. Learn when to book London’s most exclusive free/almost free tickets

While London is swimming with free things to do, some are harder to pursue than others due to limited tickets that are pre-released at set times before quickly being gobbled up by the eager freebie goblins.

SO, to help you prepare, here are some cool experiences in London that are free or almost free, but need to be booked in advance:

• Barbican Conservatory: Really beautiful and free green space in the heart of the City! Tickets released for next week Thursdays at 10am here
• Sky Garden: Free and stunning viewpoint, but you need to book in advance and the tickets go QUICKLY. Usually tickets are released every Monday up to a week in advance. Click here to book.
• Mithraeum: Cool ancient Roman temple underneath all the huge skyscrapers in the City of London. Tickets can be booked up to four months in advance here although they do accept walk-ins depending on availability.
• Ceremony of the Keys: Secret, centuries-old ceremony at the Tower of London where they lock up for the night. SUPER cool. Not free, but only costs 5 GBP. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the 1st working day of the month at noon, for the next month. You can book it here.

NOTE: If you don’t manage to book Sky Garden  for free, another fun way to see it which I prefer is to book it for breakfast to see it without crowds. It does cost 8.50 per person but you get a drink and a pastry so it’s not a bad deal!

24. Book important must-dos well in advance

From West End shows to reservations for popular restaurants, planning ahead is key in London, especially during peak season.

Some key attractions that tend to book out months in advance include the Harry Potter Studio Tour and tickets for shows at the Globe .

So, remember: preparation is key to avoiding disappointment! If you know what attractions you want to see, book in advance online and get a skip the line ticket. If there’s a special restaurant you want to visit, book a table. If there’s a non-negotiable show that you need to see, book those tickets.

… You can always book cancellable ones to secure your spot, then decide later!

25. Learn how to get the best deals on West End shows

On that note, if you’re hoping to get West End show tickets during your time in London, then here are some tips for saving money:

• If you’re flexible with what show you watch, get the TodayTix app – they always have great sales and deals and within that app you can enter different ticket lotteries and do day-of rush tickets
• In advance of your trip, enter different ticket lotteries – they have ones for Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and other popular shows. This is how I got these seats in Hamilton for only 10 GBP!
• And in a pinch, you can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted day-of tickets

26. Read local blogs/websites to find special events

Another VERY underrated London travel tip is to scour local blogs and websites for fun events/pop-ups.

In a city like London, there’s always cool things happening, so if you want to spice up your itinerary beyond the tourist must-sees, there’s plenty of opportunities. London is home to millions of locals after all!

Some good local websites to check out include London x London , Time Out London , Londonist , Secret London.

27. Be sure to try plenty of English classics

Ahh, now for London food and drink tips!

I know most visitors will flock to London to try fish and chips, but besides this English classic, there are many other great British foods to try (alongside excellent international options, but more on that later).

If you’re craving local food, be sure to try some…

• Savoury pies
• A full English breakfast
• Sausage rolls
• Sticky toffee pudding

Those visiting on a Sunday should also make sure they try a Sunday roast, which tends to be eaten as a heavy lunch or early dinner, although booking for this in advance is strongly advised. 

28. Visit food markets if you have trouble with decisions

Beyond English classics, be sure to head out to some food markets in London as well (the city is famous for them!)

These vibrant foodie hubs offer a taste of London’s incredibly diverse food scene, all in a ‘grab and go’ manner that’s ideal for those who are indecisive, or simply bottomless pits of sustenance like me.

Borough Market is a foodie favourite that’s always busy but fun. Other markets I love for food include Greenwich Market, Brick Lane Market, nearby Old Spitalfields Market and (the much smaller) Maltby St Market… although these all have their own specific opening days, so be sure to research before you head out!

29. Learn where to grab a quick, cheap bite

If you’re in a rush, on a budget, or both, the most cost-effective and quick lunch you can get for yourself in London is a Meal Deal. These are set combos that include a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. Most major supermarket chains do them.

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

I know how savage London can be on one’s budget, so keep these money saving tips in mind do help ease the pain a bit on some days.

30. Learn proper pub etiquette

Now, let’s have a quick chat about pub etiquette.

Going to a pub in London is an essential activity, even if you don’t drink. Pubs can be a great place to grab food, socialize or even listen to live music if you plan properly, so don’t write off the experience just because you’re not a drinker!

Of course, visiting a London pub for the first time can be an awkward experience for first timers, full of random little culture shocks, so here are some must-knows to help you prepare.

First – not all pubs in London have table service, so the most typical way to order (especially if you’re just getting drinks) is to go up to the bar and order from there. You can usually place food orders at the bar as well. If you plan to do this, take note of your table number (usually somewhere on the table) so that they know where to bring your food!

When ordering at the bar, you tend to pay on the spot, and not after the meal is over.

These days, it’s also common for pubs, especially chain ones, to have a QR code or app where you can order directly from your table using your Table number. If you’re feeling a bit anti-social, this can be an easy option.

Lastly, in terms of what to order, beers are most commonly ordered as pints which in the UK are 20 fluid ounces, but if you want something smaller, ordering a half pint (AKA just a half) is also possible, although not too common.

Bear in mind pubs don’t tend to have as wide a selection for drinks as in bars, so you’re probably best sticking to beer, wine, cider or whatever simple cocktails they list on their menu. Don’t go asking for anything too fancy or they may look at you like you’re an alien.

31. Learn how tipping in London works

Now, in regards to tipping, you’ll find that many restaurants in London these days add on a Discretionary Service Charge of about 12.5% which is automatically tacked onto your bill.

This isn’t a mandatory fee and you can ask them to remove it if you don’t think the service deserves that amount.

Otherwise, if you pay it, don’t worry – you’re not usually expected to pay an additional tip on top of that, unless you found the service to be really exceptional.

32. Be careful when crossing the street

Now, for some London safety tips.

Please, for the love of Peppa Pig, make sure you look the right way when crossing the street.

The first time I visited London, I almost died about five times. Brits drive on the left, which sounds cute enough until you realize it turns every street crossing into an auto-fuelled death trap.

This has become such a problem that most crosswalks in touristy areas literally have “LOOK LEFT” and “LOOK RIGHT” painted on the pavement in aggressive white block letters, so read them.

33. Keep your phone close at all times

While pickpockets do exist everywhere, the more common crime these days in in London is phone snatching. 

What thieves will often do is come by you on a bike or scooter, then snatch the phone from your hand and escape so be sure to avoid having your phone out when you’re in a busy area, especially next to the road.

… And review my guide on how to avoid pickpockets too.

34. Beware of commonly mispronounced words and names

If you’re a first time visitor to London, you may be shocked to find that many of the names you’ve been reading in your head actually sound nothing like how you’ve been pronouncing them.

That’s because British English is filled with fun little traps!

So, let’s review some of the most commonly mispronounced names in London:

• Thames is pronounced like “temz”, not THEY-mz
• Leicester Square is pronounced like “LEST-ER Square”, not like LAY-SESS-TER Square
• Greenwich is pronounced like ‘GREN-itch”, not green witch
• Clapham and Fulham are pronounced like Clap-mm Full-mm, not Clap-HAM or Full-HAM
• Southwark is pronounced like “Suth-irk” not South Wark

And trust me, that’s barely scraping the surface. SO, when in doubt, keep an ear out on the announcements at train stations and tube stations for the proper pronunciation of things. I still learn new pronunciation traps all the time!

35. Beware of differing words in British English

On a related note, remember there are quite a few day to day words that are different in England compared to North America, so remember…

• Bathroom = the toilet or loo
• Elevator = lift
• Garbage can = bin
• Line-up = queue
• Sidewalk = pavement

… Just to name a few examples.

36. Learn some basic London etiquette

Of course, norms vary from destination to destination. Here are a few to bear in mind for London specifically:

• Never jump a queue – this might as well be a punishable crime in England
• Avoid talking too loudly – North Americans have a reputation for being obnoxiously loud in public
• Don’t take up a seat on the bus or train with your bag if it’s busy
• And most importantly: don’t put on a fake English accent! You might think it’s funny or convincing, it’s probably not

37. Don’t bring too much cash out

I mentioned before how London is mostly a cashless city these days… but it’s an important must-know so I’ll mention it again!

Remember: there are now some places in London that are “card only” so you won’t be needing cash too often, hence why I’d recommend carrying very little with you at all times.

A good rule of thumb is to never bring more cash out than you could stand to lose. I usually just walk around with £20 juuust in case, but I’ve rarely had to use it.

38. Learn where to find free public toilets

If you need to find a public toilet while exploring London, either look for big train stations, McDonalds, Starbucks and department stores OR in a pinch, duck into a pub and order a drink.

39. A hooded jacket > an umbrella

If you’re running low on space and can’t decide what to pack, I would recommend packing a hooded jacket over an umbrella for your trip to London.

London’s rain can often come unexpectedly, and honestly the wind can be pretty vicious too, so having a hooded jacket is a better defense.

Because yes, it does rain a lot quite randomly in London, so make sure you’re prepared!

40. Remember to be respectful

Getting to the end of our list of London travel tips, please remember the importance of being a kind and respectful tourist!

Some examples of what NOT to do include…

• Trespassing private property to get a fake candid in front of a colourful wall
• Being loud and disruptive if you’re wandering around a cute residential neighbourhood
• Blocking the escalator/sidewalk/train door with huge suitcases and bags
• Stopping suddenly on the sidewalk to look at directions/take a photo

At the end of the day, there are a lot of tourists in London, sure, but there’s even more locals who call this city home… so let’s make sure we don’t ruin their day to day lives with our tourist debauchery.

41. Binge watch movies/shows set in London before your visit

Finally – last but not least, a very dorky tip: watch lots of movies and shows in advance of your visit which showcase London as the backdrop.

This will make your trip 1000x more delightful… trust me!

There’s way too many to choose from, but here’s a list to get you started:

• About Time (one of my favourite movies ever – please watch it)
• Paddington 1 & 2 (not just for kids. These are great and showcase London well)
• Bridget Jones’ Diary or Notting Hill (if you want a good rom com)
• Anything Sherlock Holmes related
• Love Actually (at Christmas time – a must!)
• The Harry Potter series (not a TON of London scenes, but still magical)

I hope this list of London Travel Tips was helpful!

I appreciate you trudging your way through this lengthy list of tips for London, my London fangirl in training. Hopefully this post answered most of your questions, but if you have any more, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Major travel disruption in London due to strike action

Huge crowds of people are seen queueing at stations in the capital - with no trains running on any London Underground lines today.

Wednesday 15 March 2023 15:04, UK

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Commuters in London are facing lengthy delays due to travel disruption caused by strike action.

No trains are running on any London Underground lines due to the walkout by Aslef and the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) members - part of coordinated industrial action across the country.

Huge crowds of people were left queueing at stations including Tottenham Court Road in central London this morning.

And transport monitors say it has increased the number of traffic jams in the capital.

Journey times for drivers were significantly longer during the commute as a result.

Geolocation technology company TomTom said at 7am the average time it took to drive 10km (6.2 miles) in London was two minutes longer than normal at that time, at 15 minutes and 27 seconds.

It also said there were 387 traffic jams in the capital - stretching for a total of 406km (252.3 miles).

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1 thought on “live london travel news”.

Bus stops on Oxford street from Oxford Circus northbound are closed. The buses are diverted via Margaret st, cavendish square etc and rejoin Oxford street via Orchard street. There is no information on temporary bus stops on the diversion route. It’s a struggle for some people to walk from Oxford Circus to Marble Arch.

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Paris Olympics 2024: Eurostar trains from London selling three times faster than usual

Exclusive: ‘the opening ceremony before the official opening ceremony in paris will be on eurostar’, article bookmarked.

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One hundred days before the start of the Paris Olympics 2024, Eurostar is predicting its busiest-ever summer peak.

The Games in the French capital run 26 July to 11 August, coinciding with the normal highest demand for the international rail firm, with many British families heading to continental Europe .

When the first tickets for trains between the two cities during the Olympics went on sale, they were booked at triple the normal rate.

Gwendoline Cazenave, chief executive of Eurostar, told The Independent : “When we opened sales in last November between London and Paris , we sold three times more tickets than we sell in the usual sales opening.

• Why I chose Marseille over Paris for the Olympic Games
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“We have already sold more than 400,000 tickets. So, yes, it’s gonna be a busy period. The trains are getting full really quickly. But we still have places.”

The cheapest return ticket from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, travelling out the day before the opening ceremony and back on the final day of the Games, is £318 in standard class.

But that can be halved for shorter trips during the Olympics – such as £158 return between 29 July and 1 August.

Ms Cazenave said that passengers could well be travelling at the same time as competitors.

“We have 140 trains to Paris on which we’ll have athletes, so our customers will be able to meet athletes,” she said.

“The opening ceremony before the official opening ceremony in Paris will be on Eurostar.

“Returning home, these trains will be heavier because they will have medals on board: bronze, silver and gold.”

Flights between London and Paris are significantly cheaper than trains; flying out on 25 July, back on 11 August, the fare on Vueling from Gatwick to Orly airport, south of the French capital, is £204 return.

During the Games, Air France is offering a Heathrow-Paris CDG fare of £123 return from 29 July to 1 August.

These prices do not include the cost of travel to and from the capitals, nor anything more than modest cabin baggage.

Ms Cazenave said: “When you compare to airlines, you know that Eurostar is from city centre to city centre, with no added charges, no tax, no bag or seat [charges], no underground or taxis.

“It’s all included, and there’s no bad surprise.”

Tourism bosses in Paris are expecting a slump in the numbers of visitors staying overnight during the Olympics.

The Independent has been told that predicted hotel occupancy will be 60–70 per cent for the duration of the Games, compared with 91 per cent in July 2023.

All fares checked direct with operators on Wednesday 17 April

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Squatters have taken over Gordon Ramsay's restaurant in London and are threatening legal action

• Squatters have taken up residence in one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants in London.
• The squatters hung a sign outside, warning they'd take legal action against trespassers.
• Local police told BI they're "aware" of the situation and would "take action when appropriate." 

Squatters have taken over one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants in London, saying they aim to create a "community space" for everyone in one of the city's wealthiest areas.

At least six people have taken up residence in York & Albany, an eatery and hotel in Camden Town, The Sun and BBC reported.

York & Albany was temporarily closed while the celebrity chef finalized a new lease, The Sun reported.

London's Metropolitan Police department told Business Insider it was "made aware of squatters at a disused property" on April 10. It's unclear when the squatters first arrived.

The news outlets reported that the group had locked themselves inside, boarded up the windows, and threatened legal action against anyone who attempted to remove them.

A "legal warning" was taped outside the building when BI visited on Monday.

"Take notice that we occupy this property and at all times there is at least one person in occupation," the notice read.

It added that "any entry or attempt to enter into these premises without our permission is therefore a criminal offence as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to such entry without our permission."

The warning said the group would take legal action against those who "enter by violence" or "threaten to enter by violence."

The notice read, "LASPO does NOT apply," referring to the 2012 Legal Aid, Sentencing, and Punishment Offenders Act. Under LASPO, occupying a nonresidential building is not a crime.

The squatters claim the law allows them to be there.

Ramsay called local authorities about the property but has so far failed to have the squatters removed, according to reports.

Police told BI that this issue "is a civil matter and so police did not attend as an emergency call out."

However, the department said it was "in the process of identifying if any subsequent offences have occurred, and will take action where appropriate."

Representatives for Ramsay and York & Albany did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Two Instagram accounts — Autonomous Winter Shelter and Camden Art Cafe — have described it as a "new squatted community space."

In a statement posted on the Camden Art Cafe Instagram account, the group said it planned to open the doors regularly to visitors.

The group said that since Camden has one of the biggest wealth disparities in London, "it seems only fitting that £13 million properties that most locals would never be able to afford to visit should be opened up to all."

"At a time when Camden market has been bought out by a billionaire and many longstanding local businesses are being evicted from their units, it's even more important that we all band together in all the forms of resistance that we know and can," the post said.

Camden Art Cafe's Instagram appeared to share photos of the restaurant's interior.

"An autonomous cafe in the heart of Camden committed to providing free food and creating a space for the community," the account bio reads.

Ramsay became attached to the property in 2007 when the actor and director Gary Love leased it to him on a 25-year term with a yearly rent of £640,000, or about $797,000, the outlets report.

In 2014, Ramsay's restaurant empire announced an almost $8 million loss, attributing much of it to York & Albany and associated legal costs, the trade outlet The Caterer reported at the time.

Ramsay tried to get out of the lease in 2015 but lost the legal battle.

The property was listed for sale in late 2023 for £13 million, or more than $16 million, according to media reports.

The restaurant-hotel is close to a busy junction near Regents Park, a bustling tourist hot spot.

A 2020 review in The Telegraph described the hotel as a "chic" space with rooms designed by the British fashion designer Russell Sage. The high-ceilinged, 19th-century rooms were decorated with contemporary pieces, the review said.

When BI visited, the building looked like a derelict hotel on the outside, with the lights off and windows partially boarded up.

A BI reporter and another journalist attempting to speak to the squatters were the only people on the street.

Signs announcing the new "cafe" were small and could be easily overlooked.

BI's reporter was eventually invited into the building but was not allowed to conduct interviews, record audio, or take pictures.

It was calm inside, with an art workshop underway. Participants worked on pieces inspired by the neighborhood. One person went out to buy clay.

People there said the aim was to create a sense of community — a place where people could be creative and discuss issues facing the area.

The squatters were offering free food and drinks, as well as free sanitary products.

Other stories about squatters have made headlines this year.

In New York City, a couple has been unable to move into the $2 million home they purchased because a squatter has refused to vacate the property. The couple sued the squatter to evict him, but he countersued for harassment.

New York Magazine published a story last month about squatters who'd lived in a Beverly Hills mansion for five months . The group was evicted but did not face any criminal charges.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to follow Business Insider on Microsoft Start.

London, England   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Doug Armand | Getty Images

Why Go To London, England

The English writer Samuel Johnson famously said, "You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." More than two centuries have passed since Johnson's era, but his words still ring true. Life in London is nothing short of invigorating, and travelers find that one visit isn't enough to experience everything this two-millennia-old city has to offer.

Here, the antiquated clasps hands with the contemporary. You'll find the historic  Tower of London  and the avant-garde  Tate Modern . You can catch both the Bard's works and modern plays at Shakespeare's Globe and its accompanying Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. And while Londoners still praise the power of tea, they now make room for Starbucks and Costa Coffees here and there, and pressed juice too. A current leader in everything from politics and banking to fashion and music, London's culture compass is always attuned to what's next. Discover it all on one of London's best tours .

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• # 1 in Best Family Vacations in Europe
• # 1 in Best Places to Visit in December 2024
• # 3 in Best Cities in the World to Visit

See All 8 Rankings

Best of London, England

Best hotels in london, england.

• # 1 in Claridge's
• # 2 in Shangri-La The Shard, London
• # 3 in Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Hotel

Best Things to Do in London, England

• # 1 in Buckingham Palace
• # 2 in Tower of London
• # 3 in Houses of Parliament

Popular Tours

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London, England Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winter though you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists. And no matter when you travel, you should pack an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policy  or a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage.

Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. Along with being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world , so no matter what time of year you go, you're bound to run into lots of tourists.

Weather in London, England

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Embrace the slang There are a few British phrases and words that can be confusing to first-time American visitors. Study up on the local lingo to prevent being lost in translation.

Embrace the rain  A rain jacket, rain boots (or wellies as they're called in the U.K.), and an umbrella will be very useful accessories for your trip.

Embrace the pub scene  Pubs are a big part of British culture, so it's not uncommon to see them busy throughout the week. Many have been around for centuries, so stopping in for a pint doubles as a history lesson.

Embrace the guidance of a local There are a variety of tours around the city specializing in everything from ghosts to "Harry Potter." There are also a variety of Stonehenge tours , if you're up for a daytrip.

How to Save Money in London, England

Find the free attractions  Many of London's top things to do, including the  National Gallery , the  British Museum  and  Hyde Park , are absolutely free to enjoy (though tickets may need to booked online in advance in some instances).

Get an Oyster Card  London's subway, otherwise known as "the Tube" is the easiest way to get around the city , but can add up quickly if you buy tickets daily. Oyster Card fares are not only cheaper, but will make you feel like a local.

Dine smart  Corridors like Brick Lane offer fantastic ethnic food for bargain prices; fish-and-chip shops are a cheap standby (not to mention a cultural must), and takeaway food costs less than dine-in.

Consider a London Pass This pass covers entry to many of the city's top attractions, including Westminster Abbey , St. Paul's Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace , for one price.

Culture & Customs

Aside from a few select phrases and words, Americans find the city accessible because of London's official English language. British people are very polite and quite friendly to tourists, so don't be afraid to ask for directions if you're lost. More often than not Londoners are happy to point you in the right direction, or even offer a recommendation about their city. But keep in mind that the British like order. There is no better example than how you are expected to behave on the Tube (London's subway). Make sure to stand to the right when going up or down escalators. 

The other side to the Brits, especially among the young adults, is their penchant for drinking. Unlike coffee shops in the U.S., pubs are the prime watering hole for the Brits. Most pubs serve meals and are open the majority of the day, so don't be alarmed if you see people walking in with young children. Once 5 o'clock rolls around, the hunger for a post-work pick me up is rampant in London, and pubs, as well as bars, tend to fill up throughout the week. Expect to see hordes of people congregating outside pubs in the warmer months and some stumbling out nightly at around 9 p.m. Also, since London is one of the fashion capitals of the world, you'll see locals dressed to the nines throughout the city but especially around Oxford Street, where many fashion houses and publications are located. If you ever wanted to go the extra mile with your style game, London is the place to do it.

London's official currency is the British pound. Since the pound to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to  check what the current exchange rate is  before you go. As for tipping, some restaurants and cafes may add a service charge to the bill, upward of 12%. If a service charge is not allotted, it's customary to tip between 10 and 15%, especially if you're in a restaurant. If you're drinking at a pub or wine bar, tipping is discretionary. And in a cab, tip the driver to the nearest pound or about 10% of the cost. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops.

What to Eat

London used to be highly criticized for its heavy and uninspired menu items. Fish and chips (fried fish, often cod, and french fries). Bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes). Mince meat pies. You get the picture. Now, London is hailed as one of the world's best foodie cities. And with its melting pot of cultures, it's not difficult to see why. London offers everything from modern British to Malaysian cuisine.

To sample the best of the various cuisines London serves up, you need to know where to go. A food tour can be a great way to get your bearings. For Indian food, visit the curry houses on Brick Lane. If you want an authentic high tea experience, book reservations at The Langham, London , The Lanesborough , The Ritz or at Claridge's – but be sure to dress the part. Typically, smart casual attire is appropriate (think: collard shirts and slacks or dresses). If you're all about fine dining, check out Clerkenwell neighborhood. There you'll find St. JOHN , the restaurant that garnered fame for utilizing the full body of meat in its dishes, coined as "nose-to-tail" dining.

If you're one for celebrity chefs, Gordon Ramsay has a number of restaurants in the city, including the three-Michelin-star-rated Restaurant Gordon Ramsay . If you're looking for something a little quirky, try the three-star Michelin-rated brasserie-style sketch , whose bathrooms are egg pods you step inside instead of traditional stalls. There's also  Attendant (a small chain of coffeehouses); its Fitzrovia location is housed in what used to be a Victorian restroom. Don't worry, it's immaculate in more ways than one. London also features great rooftop restaurants as well. For a meal with a side of vistas, head up to  Sushi Samba  or the Duck & Waffle , which is billed as the highest 24-hour restaurant in the U.K. from its 40th-floor perch.

Sure, haute cuisine is popular in London, but you shouldn't leave without sampling the traditional foods. Along with the traditional bangers and mash and fish and chips (which some argue taste better in pubs that fancy restaurants), you should make time for a traditional English breakfast and Sunday roast. Both are very hearty and a beloved culinary tradition among the Brits. If you're on the go and don't want to buy a (admittedly pricey) sandwich from Pret A Manger, seek out pasty stands. Pasties are savory pastries typically packed with meat, potatoes or some vegetables. Pasties are filling and affordable and conveniently located in the larger train stations in London, such as Waterloo, King's Cross and Victoria stations.

If you're interested in getting a taste of British life that doesn't include visiting London's top attractions , it's best to grab a drink at a local pub. Pubs serve much of the same drinks found in American bars, but you must try a cider. There are a variety of flavors and brands available from traditional apple-based ciders like Magners or Strongbow to perry, a fermented drink made from pears. Many pubs also serve meals throughout the day. You're likely to find traditional British dishes for a fraction of the price in pubs than you would in sit-down restaurants.

London is generally a very safe city; however, travelers should take note of several safety tips. The U.S. State Department advises tourists to only use London's licensed black cabs. Unlicensed cab companies and private cars posing as taxis have been known to rip off, mug, or even sexually assault customers. To be safe, travelers should call the taxi company and hire a car directly (hotels can help arrange transportation as well). Travelers should also be wary of pickpockets, who tend to target tourists on the Tube or at popular attractions. The U.S. State Department also strongly advises visitors not to leave drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs, as there have been reports of robbery and rape after drinks have been spiked with illegal substances. For more information, visit the state department's  website . In recent years, London has also been the target of several terrorist attacks, five of which occurred in 2017 alone. According to the U.S. Department of State , terrorist groups continue to plot attacks, so increased vigilance is required. Travelers should stay aware of their surroundings, consider enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive security messages and follow local media to stay informed.  

Getting Around London, England

The best way to get around London is the rapid-transit London Underground, or what locals call "the Tube." You can even take the Tube from Heathrow Airport (LHR) – one of the world's busiest airports – into the city center. This widespread and efficient system stretches throughout London and beyond, and it is relatively easy to navigate. Buying an Oyster card will further simplify your travel since it can be used on the Underground system, as well as on city buses and other forms of transportation. Visitors should also bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes since   meandering is the most atmospheric way to traverse the city. If you need a little guidance on where to wander, consult a local by taking one of London's top tours .

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for U.S. citizens entering the United Kingdom. No tourist visas are required for visits less than six months. If you're planning to travel to other continental European countries, it is recommended that you have six months remaining validity on your passport. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

Although tours are available to view the inside Parliament , many visitors agree that merely admiring its gorgeous exterior is enough.

Explore More of London, England

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BarkBox’s next big delivery: Charter flights for dogs

Starting in may, bark air will fly dogs and their owners from new york to l.a. or london.

BarkBox, the service that assembles and ships care packages for dogs to millions of subscribers each month, is expanding into a new market: pet-friendly charter flights. This spring, the company will begin transporting dogs (and their owners) on private planes via Bark Air.

Starting on May 23, Bark Air will fly weekly between Westchester County Airport in White Plains, N.Y., and Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles. The following week, it will kick off bimonthly service between Westchester and London Stansted Airport. Reservations at dogsflyfirst.com will go live Thursday, on National Pet Day. The one-way cross-country flight costs $6,000 for one dog and one owner; the transatlantic flight goes for $8,000.

By comparison, for the same date as the launch, nonstop air on a major carrier starts at $220 one way from New York to Los Angeles and from $525 to London. Adding a dog would cost more.

Bark chief executive and co-founder Matt Meeker said the inspiration for Bark Air came from his Great Dane. Hugo visited nearly two dozen states and Canada during his 12-year lifetime, but he never pranced around the West Coast or Europe because of the challenges of flying pets, especially of his size.

Options are limited for pets too large for the cabin. Depending on the season, destination and airline, owners can transport their dogs as checked luggage or cargo, an arrangement that comes with risks. According to Transportation Department data, U.S. carriers reported nine incidents involving animals, including seven deaths, in 2022. (The agency has not published its annual 2023 numbers for these incidents).

To understand the experience of traveling as baggage, Meeker packed himself into a crate and was rolled across the tarmac and loaded onto a plane, where he stayed in his enclosure for 45 minutes to an hour. His experiment confirmed his suspicions: Flying in the belly of a plane can be traumatizing.

“It was very cramped, very dark. Loud noises. Disorienting. No food or water. Nowhere to go to the bathroom,” said Meeker. “It was very, very terrible.”

Moneyed travelers can book a private or charter plane. However, noncommercial air can be prohibitively expensive or unpredictable. K9 Jets , a private charter operator that started offering pet-friendly flights last year, flies to 13 destinations, including Dallas, Paris and West Palm Beach, Fla. It has similar prices to BarkAir — $6,650 from New Jersey to Los Angeles — but will cancel the flight if it is not at least 75 percent full.

“There’s a huge amount of interest and demand, and really frustration,” Meeker said. “People are looking for a reasonable solution to transport their dog if they’re moving or taking a summer vacation or weekend trip.”

Meeker said the company partnered with Talon Air , a New York-based charter company that will fly two Gulfstream G550s under the Bark Air banner. The plane can accommodate 14 passengers, but the company will cap the number at 10.

After the traveler books the flight, a concierge will contact the family to learn about the dog’s temperament and to help with logistics, including the documents required to enter England. The fare includes complimentary car service within a 30-mile radius of the arrival destination.

Meeker recommends passengers arrive 45 minutes to an hour before departure. Guests will wait in a private area inside the terminal, where a chef will prepare a hot meal for the human travelers to avoid any in-flight tray-table surfing. Before boarding, the dogs will have a chance to sniff each other out.

Onboard, pets can fly without a leash as long as they behave. During a test run, Meeker said the dogs were very courteous, with no unruly outbursts.

“They would say hello to the other dogs and say hello to the other people. Everyone was very calm about it,” he said. “For dogs who were a little more nervous, or people who were more nervous for their dogs, we have a place on the plane for them to sit without anyone bothering them.”

Since the pups are the top dogs onboard, the carrier will cater to their tastes. The menu will feature “Doggie Champagne” (actually chicken broth), doughnuts made for dogs and meaty snacks served on a silver tray. The flight crew will include professionals trained in veterinary care and dog behavior. At the end of the trip, the four-legged fliers will earn their wings, which they can proudly pin to their collar or harness.

If Bark Air does well, Meeker hopes to add larger planes to the fleet, which could help lower the fare. He also dreams of building the world’s first in-flight dog park.

“The dogs for those longer journeys will have a park where they can play with other dogs while their humans enjoy a drink at the bar around the edge of the park,” he said.

Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst with the Atmosphere Research Group, said pet airlines are more apt to fail than succeed. (RIP, Pet Airways.) However, Bark Air has a few advantages. It is not building an airline from scratch. It has brand recognition. And it oversees a mailing list with the names of millions of pet lovers willing to drop a small fortune on their pooches.

“Some people will absolutely do this,” Harteveldt said. “The question is: Will there be a enough people who love their pets enough to pay $6,000 or more to transport them coast-to-coast or from New York to London?”

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

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Table of Contents

1. The Palm Court at The Plaza, New York City

2. afternoon tea at claridge’s hotel, london, 3. h tasting lounge at the westin bayshore, vancouver, canada, 4. afternoon hi tea at the oberoi udaivilas, udaipur, india, 5. afternoon tea at baccarat hotel, new york city, 6. afternoon tea at the ballantyne, charlotte, north carolina, 7. petrossian bar at bellagio hotel & casino, las vegas, 8. mad hatters afternoon tea at sanderson, london, how to save on a hotel tea party.

Attending a hotel’s afternoon tea party can be a classy way to experience a luxury hotel — even if you're not staying there.

Some hotel tea parties are so extraordinary that they're practically worth planning a trip around. We’re spilling the tea on eight of the most exquisite afternoon tea experiences in New York City, London and beyond — plus how to save on your bookings.

(Photo courtesy of The Plaza – a Fairmont Managed Hotel)

Like a scene straight out of the movie “Eloise at the Plaza,” sip on afternoon tea under the soaring stained-glass dome of The Palm Court in New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. The historic hotel has been serving afternoon tea for more than 115 years in an elegant affair that requires formal attire.

Kids are welcome, and there’s even a specific version of the menu with an Eloise theme available to children under 13.

(Photo courtesy of Claridge’s)

Tea is a classy affair at Claridge’s, a British landmark that began operations in 1856. Tea is served in The Foyer & Reading Room alongside a classic combination of finger sandwiches, scones and pastries. It’s all served on fine bone china and silverware, made specifically for Claridge’s.

(Photo courtesy of The Westin Bayshore Vancouver)

On weekends, the H Tasting Lounge at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver transforms into the Hundred Acre Wood. And though Westin is Marriott’s wellness-focused brand , this particular hotel equates wellness with whimsy thanks to its Winnie the Pooh-inspired afternoon tea.

You might channel your inner bear and drizzle honey in your cup, and much of the food is honey-infused, too. That includes a snack tray dubbed “Pooh’s Pot of Gold” featuring cotton candy with honey crystals. Savory dishes include honey-smoked salmon and salad with honey-poached chicken. One of the desserts is a meringue whipped to resemble a beehive, served with — what else? — honey mousse.

The Oberoi Udaivilas sits on the banks of Lake Pichola, in Udaipur, India, a destination that ranks as one of American Express Travel's 2024 Trending Destinations . Afternoon tea at the opulent hotel is reminiscent of an English tea experience while embracing local cuisine, including shufta (a sweet dish of dry fruit, sugar and saffron) and Anjeer badam ladoo (fig and almond sweet dumplings).

(Photo courtesy of Baccarat Hotel)

The tea party at Baccarat Hotel offers another option for afternoon tea in NYC. And some of the packages — which are named for historical, royal personalities — are ultra-luxurious.

The “Princess of Monaco - Grace Kelly” package goes for $125. Meanwhile, bigger spenders might splurge on the “King Louis XV Caviar Tea,” which costs as much as $450, depending on the type of caviar you choose.

The cheapest package is designed for kids and inspired by “The Little Prince.” For $85, the tea service includes chicken and waffles, apple cider doughnuts and a mini-lobster roll.

(Photo courtesy of The Ballantyne)

The Marriott-owned Ballantyne touts its classic Southern hospitality, but its tea service embraces Western Europe. You sip tea from London-based Rare Tea Co. and nosh on French macarons.

Plus, the Ballantyne occasionally hosts themed tea service, like the “Bridgerton” afternoon tea party inspired by the Netflix hit series. There, English Regency attire is encouraged.

(Photo courtesy of Bellagio Hotel & Casino)

In a city known for alcoholic beverages, Las Vegas offers a fair amount of tea. That’s particularly relevant as more young people cut back on alcohol. Just 62% of Americans ages 18 to 34 say they drink, according to a Gallup Consumptions Habits survey of 1,015 adults conducted in July 2023. That’s down from 72% two decades ago.

For tea on the Las Vegas Strip, visit Petrossian Bar at Bellagio Hotel & Casino, which features a live pianist tickling the ivories on a grand piano.

(Photo courtesy of Ennismore)

For a whimsical experience, head to the Sanderson hotel in London. Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” the menu includes a sandwich filled with smoked carrots and seaweed creme mousse called “The Cheshire Cat.” There’s also a White Rabbit-inspired carrot cake on the menu.

Unlike many of the other hoity-toity tea parties on this list, afternoon tea here is a more casual affair, with no fancy dress required.

While delightful, splurging on a fancy hotel tea party is typically not cheap. Here are some ways to save:

Pay with a hotel credit card: Many hotel-branded credit cards grant bonus points on hotel spending (which often includes spending at their restaurants, too).

These co-branded credit cards (usually associated with big hotels or airlines) are popular. In fact, almost 74 million U.S. consumers accrue rewards by using co-branded credit cards, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s 2023 Consumer Credit Card Market Report.

Some co-branded credit cards also offer statement credits on qualifying travel purchases. Sometimes — though not always — purchases at hotel restaurants can trigger those credits.

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24. Terms Apply.

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

• 3 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• 2 points per $1 on other travel purchases (such as airfare, taxis and trains).

• 1 point per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 6 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

• 3 points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines.

• 2 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 7 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.

• 5 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.

• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.

• 4 points per $1 at Hyatt hotels and resorts.

• 2 points per $1 on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, gym memberships, and local transit and commuting.

Flex your hotel elite status: Some hotel loyalty programs offer freebies to elite status members, which can help cover the cost of tea. For example, Hilton Honors members with Hilton Honors™ Gold Status or higher receive a daily food and beverage credit at certain hotels. The credit’s value varies by property but can run as high as $25 per guest (up to two guests) per day. Marriott Bonvoy members with Platinum Elite status or higher are eligible for a similar credit, but it’s only at certain hotels, and it’s just $10 per stay. Neither credit will cover a tea service completely, but it can make it cheaper.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Princess Catherine Always Brings 1 Specific Outfit With Her While Traveling

Catherine, Princess of Wales (aka Kate Middleton ) often has to travel outside of London, England – sometimes even overseas – for her job as a working royal.

A royal history expert is now revealing that the Princess always has to travel with 1 outfit in particular, and likely brings it with her on any overnight trip.

Keep reading to find out more…

“Members of the British royal family are required to travel with a black ensemble in the case of the monarch or another senior royal passing while they are traveling,” royal history expert Jessica Storoschuk told Page Six .

This rule began after Queen Elizabeth ‘s father, King George VI , died while she was on a royal visit to Kenya in 1952. She did not have appropriate mourning attire with her at the time.

“After her father’s unexpected death, she was forced to wait on the plane on the tarmac until an appropriate black outfit could be brought for her to change into,” Jessica said about the Queen’s arrival back in England after his death, saying, “it is much easier to simply keep it in your travel wardrobe than wait.”

If you didn’t see, it was just revealed how Queen Elizabeth actually felt about Meghan Markle .

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Deadly Chicago traffic stop where police fired 96 shots raises serious questions about use of force

Plainclothes Chicago police officers fired nearly 100 gun shots over 41 seconds during a traffic stop that left one man dead and one officer injured, according to graphic video footage a police oversight agency released Tuesday.

This 2019 photo provided by Porscha Banks, shows Dexter Reed, center, along with his mother Nicole Banks and sister Porscha Banks. Reed died March 21, 2024 after Chicago Police officers shot him during a traffic stop. Plainclothes Chicago police officers fired nearly 100 gun shots over 41 seconds during a traffic stop that left Dexter Reed dead and one officer injured, according to graphic video footage a police oversight agency released Tuesday, April 9. (Porscha Banks via AP).

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In an image taken from aerial video from WFLD - FOX 32, shows the scene of a shooting during a traffic stop March 21, 2024, in Chicago. A deadly traffic stop where plainclothes Chicago police officers fired nearly 100 shots in under a minute has raised serious questions about the use of force and role of tactical officers in police departments. Family and community members are mourning the shooting death of 26-year-old Dexter Reed and a police oversight agency and Cook County prosecutors are investigating. (WFLD-FOX 32 via AP)

CHICAGO (AP) — A deadly traffic stop where plainclothes Chicago police officers fired nearly 100 shots in under a minute has raised serious questions about the use of force and role of tactical officers in departments.

As family and community members mourn 26-year-old Dexter Reed , a police oversight agency and Cook County prosecutors are investigating.

Here’s a deeper look:

‘GRAVE CONCERNS’

Videos and documents released this week by the Chicago Office of Police Accountability paint a harrowing picture of what happened during the March 21 traffic stop.

But about a week ago, the oversight agency’s leader expressed “grave concerns” about the officers’ actions in a letter to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.

Officers in an unmarked police car stopped Reed for not wearing a seatbelt, according to COPA. But things devolved quickly as he appeared to refuse officers’ commands and didn’t immediately leave the SUV, according to video.

Reed fired first, according to COPA, leaving an officer with a wrist injury. Then four officers fired 96 shots in a span of 41 seconds, including after Reed exited the vehicle, fell to the ground and lay motionless. One officer alone fired 50 shots.

“Based on the totality of the available evidence, COPA has grave concerns about the officers’ ability to assess what is a necessary, reasonable, and proportional use of deadly force,” COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten wrote in an April 1 letter obtained through a records request.

The American Civil Liberties Union also criticized the officers’ actions, including for immediately drawing guns and making profanity-laced commands.

“From the moment they all jump into the vehicle to chase the car, you can feel the adrenaline rush,” said ACLU of Illinois spokesman Ed Yonka. “There were no efforts at de-escalation.”

THE OFFICERS

The officers are on 30-day administrative leave during investigations by COPA and the Cook County state’s attorney.

In her letter, Kersten recommended reevaluating the four officers’ assignments and relieving them of police powers during the investigation.

State’s Attorney Kim Foxx said her office was investigating the possibility of criminal charges.

The officers were part of a “district tactical unit,” according to COPA. Chicago police say tactical officers have been part of each district’s patrol for years. They’re generally sent to areas with high crime patterns, working in uniform and sometimes in street clothes.

Earlier this year, Snelling halted a similar citywide unit, formed during unrest in 2020, that came under fire for sending officers into unfamiliar police districts, among other things.

Elsewhere in the country, elite units of plainclothes officers have faced scrutiny, particularly following the beating and death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis. While police say such units can respond to increased crime, advocates have called out aggressive tactics and traffic stops to search for larger crimes.

Chicago has been under a far-reaching plan for court-supervised reforms since 2019. The U.S. Justice Department had found a long history of racial bias and excessive use of force after police killed teenager Laquan McDonald .

Community activists called the officers to be fired immediately.

Chicago police have declined to comment on the investigation.

Doubts have been raised about whether there was a seat belt violation that led to the stop.

Experts questioned tactical officers’ involvement.

“Why would a police officer, not in uniform, bother with something like that?” asked Geoffrey Alpert, a researcher at the University of South Carolina specializing in high-risk police activities.

Reed’s SUV had dark tinted windows, making it difficult for officers to see inside, Kersten noted in her letter.

“The available evidence calls into question the veracity of this account,” Kersten wrote to Snelling.

Reed’s family members were also skeptical.

“If he was supposedly pulled over for a traffic stop, why did they have four guns pointed at him?” Reed’s sister, Porscha Banks, told reporters after the videos were released. “He was scared.”

Meanwhile, the ACLU pointed to an alarming rise in Chicago traffic stops, which disproportionately affect Black and Latino drivers.

Chicago police reported fewer than 100,000 traffic stops in 2015, compared with more than 500,000 last year, according to advocacy group Impact for Equity.

THE INVESTIGATION

The key to the deadly force investigation will be determining the threat to officers’ lives.

Policing experts raised eyebrows over the number of shots, including after Reed was on the ground.

“All 96 shots need to be accounted for. That means, ‘Why were they fired?’” Alpert said. “The only reason you can fire is if this guy is creating an imminent threat.”

The videos don’t show Reed firing a gun. Police later found a weapon on the passenger side seat of his vehicle.

Footage from body-worn cameras offer glimpses into the confusing and distressing situation, including an officer who applied a tourniquet to a bleeding colleague.

“They don’t know what they’re walking into half the time,” said Ryan Tobiasz, a psychologist who heads a forensic mental health program at Adler University in Chicago.

“They may be highly suspicious, on guard, hyper vigilant,” he said. “Some of them will have a high startle response.”

The police union blamed COPA for pitting the community against police.

Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara said officers “responded heroically” against someone who shot an officer.

“It turned into much more, not because of the officers,” he said in a video statement this week.