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Europe/Mediterranean

London

As one of the most internationally diverse and cosmopolitan destinations in the world, it’s with good reason that London entertains over 27 million visitors a year. With a rich heritage and history that greets you everywhere you go, present-day London still…

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The Palace of Westminster, better known as Parliament, at night as seen from the opposite side of the River Thames in London. Victoria Tower, seat of the House of Lords, is on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons is on the right.

At a glance

55 current cruises call at the 8 ports Cruiseable lists under London, on 20 ships from 9 cruise lines. The busiest of those ports is London, on 53 itineraries. The lowest lead fare across those cruises is $1,867. The lines sailing the most of them are Windstar Cruises (18), Scenic (16) and Atlas Ocean Voyages (7).

Destination guide

London travel guide & photo tour

As one of the most internationally diverse and cosmopolitan destinations in the world, London entertains more than 20 million international visitors a year. With a rich heritage and history that greets you everywhere you go, present-day London still possesses an air of the medieval, with a backdrop of St. Paul's Cathedral, which has stood since the 1600s, to the iconic Big Ben. Yet this thriving metropolis is one of the centers of art, fashion and culture in Europe.

With the River Thames running through it, Britons have a strong sense of culture and tradition in London, with teatime remaining a true tradition. The tall, red double-decker buses still tour the city, and the matching red telephone booths can still be found on nearly every corner. And of course, the Royal Family is a huge part of the culture. So grab a pint of beer at a local pub and relax as you enjoy everything this city has to offer. 

Read the full guide

VisitLondon.com offers Top 10 London attractions in this 4:44 video.

Things to do & see in London

Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is not only the most impressive clock in the entire world, it is an historical landmark as well as an iconic piece of architecture. Located in Parliament Square, Big Ben's 700-pound pendulum keeps excellent time. The clock tower adjoins the Houses of Parliament (0207-21904114), and whenever the House of Commons is in session, a light shines above the clock face. They can be visited by the public when it’s in session from late September to mid-July.

British Museum

The British Museum (020-7323-8299) is the premier museum in London (and the world, for that matter). Combining remarkable architecture with incredible exhibits and displays, the British Museum is a world-class establishment. Located on Great Russell St. in Russell Square, and there are over six million items on the premises to peruse, from Egyptian artifacts to ancient Greek statues. The museum covers seven acres and has been a great source of pride to England since the 1800s, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time.

Tower of London

On Tower Hill stands the Tower of London (087-756-6060), which has stood for seven hundred years and was used in medieval times as a prison and execution center. Today it is a wonderful historical site and a great attraction. The guided tours are interesting and strikingly eerie, making this turreted marvel a must.

Tower Bridge

As you gaze upon the Tower Bridge, you will get a sense of what an unbelievable work of craftsmanship and architectural genius it is. Located at Tower Hill, the Tower Bridge is exquisitely ornate. The infrastructure is as complex as it is extravagant, and the Tower Bridge is by far one of the most visited bridges in the entire world.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey (020-7654-4900) is located at Broad Sanctuary and is the most famous church in Britain. A striking example of Gothic and English architecture, the abbey is where the majority of the kings and queens of Britain were crowned and the burial spot of British royalty and notable figures throughout the centuries. It was founded in 1065, and the church is open to the public Mondays through Fridays, 9 am to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm.

An HDR capture of Westminster Abbey on a rainy day in London.
An HDR capture of Westminster Abbey on a rainy day. A bit spooky, no? hjjanisch / Creative Commons BY ND 2.0

Buckingham Palace

This magnificent site at Buckingham Palace Road (020-7839-1377) has been the official home of the Royal family since 1837. The Dukes of Buckingham first owned the palace, and Queen Victoria's numerous renovations during her reign greatly improved the look and structure of the royal home. Every day during the summer, and every other day during the winter, you will be treated to the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony. This event is a must for anyone visiting London. Tours of this historic 775-room estate are only available in summer months, but visitors are welcome to snap photos of the building and Her Majesty’s royal guard year-round. When the queen is in residence, there are four stone-faced sentries posted out front, and two when she is away.

Shopping

Antiquairius is the best store to find antiques and specialty items. It's at 131-141 King's Road and is a marvelous indoor shopping experience (020-7969-1500). Selfridges (0870-837-7377) is London's largest department store, and is located at 400 Oxford St. But no London shopping experience would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Harrods Department Store (020/7730-1234). Located at 87-135 Brompton Road, Harrods features beautiful men's and women's clothing, a fantastic food court and exquisite jewelry.

Best bets for dining

Because London is such an ethnically diverse city, the dining options are limitless. For traditional British cuisine like fish and chips, The Golden Hind (0207-486-3644) located in the Marylebone section of town, is a casual BYOB spot that has been open since 1914. Afternoon tea is best served in all its regal English glory at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair (0207-493-6020) — but be sure to dress properly.

Featuring homemade Yorkshire pudding and cask ales, Priory Arms (0207-622-1884) is a favorite pub among locals and draws large crowds for Sunday’s trivia night. An abundance of Indian restaurants have been peppering the city since the 1920s, starting with Veeraswamy (0207-734-1401). From Greek and Turkish, to Italian and Chinese, there are a plethora of authentic international restaurants and fast-food chains within this buzzing metropolis.

Travel + Leisure magazine named these as among London's noteworthy restaurants:

  • Lyle's (56 Shoreditch High St. in Shoreditch) offers a provocative, varied nightly set menu in a well-lit industrial space. 
  • Gymkhana (42 Albemarle St. in London's Mayfair section) says it “was inspired by Colonial Indian gymkhana clubs, set up by the British Raj, where members of high society came to socialise, dine, drink and play sport.”
  • Palomar (34 Rupert St. in Soho) serves the food of modern-day Jerusalem with a menu influenced by the rich cultures of Southern Spain, North Africa and the Levant.
View of St. James's Park Lake in London taken from the Blue Bridge.
View of St. James's Park Lake in London taken from the Blue Bridge. Colin / Creative Commons BY SA 3.0

Best time to go

Though fairly unpredictable, the weather in London never reaches any extremes, so any time is a good time to visit. Any month of the year can be considered part of the rainy season, but August and November are hit hardest. Summertime brings about the highest volume of visitors, as the weather remains comfortable. However, the winter months are often overlooked, but the holiday season in London is not to be missed. 

When you arrive

Docking information

Cruise ships will typically dock near the Strait of Dover in the Isle of Sheppey. From here you can take a taxi or bus into London, located 80 miles from port. 

Getting around

Travelers can choose from express rails, buses, taxis and shuttles. Traveling by bus is always a good choice in London, because both residents and tourists find the bus system reliable and safe. Single-day travel cards can be purchased, providing bus access in London for the entire day. These will typically cost around $5. The cheapest mode of transportation throughout the city is the London Underground. Called The Tube by locals, it is the city’s largest subway system, with 11 color-coded lines that run every day from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. If you plan to use the Underground as your main mode of transportation, buy a rechargeable Oyster Card.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens will need a valid passport.

Currency: The British pound

Tipping: It's customary to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants and with taxis. However, there is no tipping in pubs or bars.

Safety: London is a very safe city, however, do not flash cash and make sure to stay in well-lit areas at night.

Your take

Have you been to London? Please share a story, tip or discovery. What was the highlight for you? Please share in the comments below.

See anything wrong? What did we overlook? Be a co-creator!

Photos of London

  • The Palace of Westminster, better known as Parliament, at night as seen from the opposite side of the River Thames in London. Victoria Tower, seat of the House of Lords, is on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons is on the right.
    The Palace of Westminster, better known as Parliament, at night as seen from the opposite side of the River Thames in London. Victoria Tower, seat of the House of Lords, is on the left. The Clock Tower of Big Ben and the House of Commons is on the right.
  • Ancient Egyptian art seen at the British Museum in London. This is a painted wooden coffin of the priest Amun Amenemope from Thebes, circa 900 BC.
    Ancient Egyptian art seen at the British Museum in London. This is a painted wooden coffin of the priest Amun Amenemope from Thebes, circa 900 BC.
  • Royal Albert Hall as viewed from the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens in London.
    Royal Albert Hall as viewed from the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens in London.
  • View of St. James's Park Lake in London taken from the Blue Bridge.
    View of St. James's Park Lake in London taken from the Blue Bridge.
  • An HDR capture of Westminster Abbey on a rainy day in London.
    An HDR capture of Westminster Abbey on a rainy day in London.
  • The 30 St Mary Axe office tower — widely known as The Gerkin — as seen from Leadenhall Street in London's financial district. Standing 590 feet and 41 stories, it's the second tallest building in London.
    The 30 St Mary Axe office tower — widely known as The Gerkin — as seen from Leadenhall Street in London's financial district. Standing 590 feet and 41 stories, it's the second tallest building in London.
  • Saint Paul's Cathedral in London.
    Saint Paul's Cathedral in London.
  • Pompeii wall painting at the British Museum in London.
    Pompeii wall painting at the British Museum in London.
  • Entrance to the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road in London.
    Entrance to the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road in London.
  • Nimrud Palace reliefs: Assyrian artwork from 9th century BC at the British Museum in London.
    Nimrud Palace reliefs: Assyrian artwork from 9th century BC at the British Museum in London.
  • The view of the eastern façade of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial, seen from the gardens.
    The view of the eastern façade of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial, seen from the gardens.
  • "The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last Berth to be broken up" (1838), oil on canvas by J. M. W. Turner at the National Gallery in London.
    "The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last Berth to be broken up" (1838), oil on canvas by J. M. W. Turner at the National Gallery in London.
  • "Nevermore (O Taiti)" (1897), oil on canvas by Paul Gauguin, at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.
    "Nevermore (O Taiti)" (1897), oil on canvas by Paul Gauguin, at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.
  • "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" (1882), by Edouard Manet. See it at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.
    "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" (1882), by Edouard Manet. See it at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London.
  • A SeaDream ship passes under Tower Bridge in London.
    A SeaDream ship passes under Tower Bridge in London.
  • Hieroglyphics on a tablet in the British Museum in London.
    Hieroglyphics on a tablet in the British Museum in London.
  • The Parliament building lit up at night on the River Thames in London.
    The Parliament building lit up at night on the River Thames in London.
  • The London Eye, 443 feet tall, on the banks of the River Thames in London.
    The London Eye, 443 feet tall, on the banks of the River Thames in London.
  • The interior of the stately Natural History Museum in London.
    The interior of the stately Natural History Museum in London.
  • The interior of the stately Natural History Museum in London.
    The interior of the stately Natural History Museum in London.
  • An aerial of Ponant's L'Austral sailing beneath Tower Bridge in London.
    An aerial of Ponant's L'Austral sailing beneath Tower Bridge in London.
  • Experience the Thames at twilight during a cruise through London on Ponant's L'Austral.
    Experience the Thames at twilight during a cruise through London on Ponant's L'Austral.
  • Passengers on a Ponant voyage get a close-up view of London's famed Tower Bridge.
    Passengers on a Ponant voyage get a close-up view of London's famed Tower Bridge.

Sailing soon

Cruises calling at London

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  1. 11 Night London Paris and D Day 11 nights · Viking Radgrid · from London Next Sep 18, 2026 81 dates from $5,299
  2. 15 Night Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy and Land Tour 15 nights · Avalon Tapestry II · from London Next Sep 21, 2026 33 dates from $8,090
  3. 19 Night Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera and 3 Nights in London (Northbound) and Land Tour 19 nights · Avalon Poetry II · from Nice Next Sep 27, 2026 4 dates from $13,100
  4. 10 Night Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London and Land Tour 10 nights · Avalon Tapestry II · from Paris Next Sep 29, 2026 66 dates from $4,450
  5. 17 Night Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) and Land Tour 17 nights · Avalon Poetry II · from Arles Next Sep 29, 2026 4 dates from $12,421
  6. 22 Night The Indian Ocean Featuring South Africa and Seychelles 22 nights · Silver Muse · from Cape Town Next Nov 10, 2026 from $7,450
Show 6 more
  1. 15 Night Southeast Africa Unveiled Port Louis to Cape Town 15 nights · Seven Seas Voyager · from Port Louis Next Jan 17, 2027 from $13,849
  2. 19 Night Grand France with 2 Nights in French Riviera and 3 Nights in London (Northbound) and Land Tour 19 nights · Avalon Poetry II · from Nice Next Mar 21, 2027 28 dates from $10,202
  3. 17 Night Grand France with 3 Nights in London (Northbound) and Land Tour 17 nights · Avalon Poetry II · from Arles Next Mar 23, 2027 28 dates from $7,801
  4. 10 Night Paris to Normandy with 3 Nights in London and Land Tour 10 nights · Avalon Artistry II · from Paris Next Mar 28, 2027 68 dates from $4,450
  5. 16 Night Ocean Crossing 16 nights · Star Pride · from San Juan Del Sur Next Mar 30, 2027 from $2,760
  6. 7 Night 2027 Northern Europe Mystery 7 nights · Star Pride · from London Next Apr 15, 2027 from $4,011

Showing the 12 soonest of 55 cruises.

Who sails here

Ships and lines that call at London

Cruise lines

Ports

Ports in London

  • London53
  • East London2
  • Harwich (london)- UK
  • London (dover)- England
  • London (tilbury)
  • London (tower Bridge)- England
  • London/Portsmouth, United Kingdom
  • Southampton (london)- England- Unit

Numbers are current cruises calling at each port.

Overheard

“The perfect London escape is the hidden garden at Number Sixteen, with its fountains, perfumed roses, boxwood hedges, and a few tables where you can while away an afternoon sipping Lapsang Souchong tea, a million miles from the madding crowd.”

Condé Nast Traveler

“London designer Snowden Flood's quirky shop in the Oxo Tower Wharf stocks plates and cups printed with Pop art illustrations of London landmarks, retro stationery, and bright tea towels  and aprons.”

Travel + Leisure

“Cat & Mutton, London Fields:  A 300-year-old, saloon-style boozer plucked straight from a spaghetti western (enameled mirrors; leather barstools). Who goes? Local craftspeople and artists; football fans cheering on the Three Lions.”

Travel + Leisure magazine

“My favorite place for a power breakfast is The Wolseley on Picadilly, a wonderful, buzzy space full of fashion people. i always have porridge and a plate of berries. I'm also obsessed with the green Cabmen's Shelters that have served fry-ups and tea to cabbies since the late 1800s. There are only about 13 left, and while they're not open to the public, there's one opposite the Royal Albert Hall that you're allowed into.”

Condé Nast Traveler magazine

“Sip a pint at Crate (The White Building, Unit 7, Queens Yard, Hackney Wick), a brewery housed in a former print factory. For a more traditional atmosphere, find a nook at King Edward VII (47 Broadway, Stratford), a 19th-century wood-paneled pub that serves British beers and more than 100 wines.”

Virtuoso magazine

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