Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London

The best time to visit London is from May to September, when days are longest and temperatures are mild, with July and August being the warmest at around 23°C. June and August have the fewest rain days, making them the most pleasant months. October is the rainiest month, while November through January are cooler and damp, though still manageable. Spring (April and May) offers comfortable weather before the summer crowds.

For first-timers, the West End around Covent Garden and Soho puts you near theaters, shops, and the National Gallery. The City near St. Paul's and the Tower suits those wanting historic sights and river views. South Bank and Waterloo offer the London Eye and easy river walks. Bloomsbury is calm, close to the British Museum and good for families. St Martins Lane London sits in the West End, while The Bloomsbury Hotel is in Bloomsbury.

Start with the London Eye for sweeping city views, then Buckingham Palace to see the royal residence and the Changing of the Guard. Cross Tower Bridge and step inside the Tower of London to explore its history and the Crown Jewels. Trafalgar Square is the lively central hub, and Big Ben, with the Houses of Parliament, is the iconic landmark you will recognize from photos. St. Paul's Cathedral offers a stunning dome and climb, while Westminster Abbey is where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries.

Full-day tours from London go to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath, covering ancient stones, a royal residence, and Roman baths. Another tour heads to the Cotswolds villages and Oxford, for countryside charm and university history. A guided day trip also reaches Paris, with an optional Eiffel Tower lunch. For a Harry Potter fan, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is a popular choice.

Plan 4 to 5 days. In 3 days you can see the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London, plus Trafalgar Square and Big Ben. Add a fourth day for St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and the Natural History Museum. If you want a day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor, or Oxford, add an extra day.