What to visit in London?

London is one of Europe's major LGBTQ+ destinations. Same-sex marriage has been legal in England since 2014, and the capital has a particularly visible LGBTQ+ community. Soho is the best-known gay neighbourhood, with plenty of bars and clubs around Old Compton Street. Other areas, including Vauxhall, also host LGBTQ+ nights.

We love going out in Soho, especially at the Duke of Wellington, Village Soho and Rupert Street Bar. The venues are close together, so it's easy to move from one atmosphere to another in the same evening. We've always had a great time there as a gay couple, although, as in any big city, it's worth staying aware of your surroundings on nights out.

London has an extensive public transport network, including the Tube, buses, the Overground and the Elizabeth line. The easiest way to pay is with a contactless bank card or compatible phone. You don't necessarily need an Oyster card. Just use the same payment method throughout your journeys to benefit from the applicable fare caps.

London is huge, and distances can be deceptive. Always check journey times before booking accommodation, especially if you're planning nights out in Soho or a West End musical. For short journeys, walking can be quicker than taking the Tube. Buses are also a great way to see the neighbourhoods while getting around.

London has a temperate climate, with cool winters and generally pleasant summers. Daytime temperatures in summer are often around 20–25°C, although heatwaves do happen. From May to September, longer days are ideal for park walks and exploring different neighbourhoods.

Rain can arrive at any time, but it rarely stops you from exploring the city. We'd pack a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes, because you'll walk a lot in London. We also enjoy visiting in winter for the Christmas atmosphere, decorations and seasonal activities. Just expect shorter days and often chilly temperatures.

London uses pounds sterling (GBP). Card and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants and public transport to markets and small shops. Some businesses no longer accept cash at all. You can easily spend several days in London without withdrawing any money.

If you'd still like some cash, ATMs are easy to find, although some charge withdrawal fees. With a foreign card, always choose to pay in pounds sterling and decline the terminal's offer to convert the amount into your home currency. That rate is generally less favourable than your bank's.

For a first visit, Covent Garden and Soho are particularly convenient. You'll be close to West End theatres, restaurants, shops and plenty of gay bars. We love this area because it's easy to go from one activity to the next on foot. South Bank is another good option for major sights, while Shoreditch is better suited to those after a more alternative atmosphere.

London hotels are often expensive, especially in central neighbourhoods. Staying a little farther out can be worthwhile if you're close to a Tube station with good links to the centre. On one of our trips, we stayed at Middle Eight, near Covent Garden, a handy location for shows and nights out without too many long journeys.

Since Brexit, the UK is no longer automatically covered by EU free-roaming rules. Some mobile providers still include London in their plans, while others charge for data. Check your plan before travelling, even if you normally have roaming included across the European Union.

If your plan doesn't cover the UK, an eSIM such as Airaloi can get you connected as soon as you arrive. You can also compare local providers such as EE, O2, Vodafone and Three. Mobile coverage is generally good in London, although reception can be limited in some underground stations and sections of the Tube. Downloading offline maps is still a good idea.