Holidays to London unlock a world of adventure in this most famous of cities.
Step inside the Tower of London to gaze in wonder at the glittering Crown Jewels, browse the capital’s amazing museums and soak up the buzz of Oxford Street while indulging in a little retail therapy.
The bright lights of the West End beckon with the chance to catch a dazzling stage show. Take a boat trip along the Thames beneath iconic Big Ben or savour a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the London Eye.
Whether you’re taking in the pomp and pageantry of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or enjoying the height of fine dining at The Shard, a holiday to London serves up a lifetime of memories.
Take a look at our London holiday packages and see it all with Etihad.
Holidays in London are full of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Whether you’re a history fanatic, keen explorer or theatre-goer, there’s something for everyone.
A London holiday wouldn’t be complete without seeing a show in the world-famous West End. Head to the capital’s vibrant theatre district where bright lights and history-steeped venues await.
Get tickets to an A-list show or seek out the next big hit. Either way, you’re sure to have a great evening ahead of you.
Visit London’s oldest theatre, the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which dates back to the 17th century (the Theatre Royal Haymarket is slightly newer, having opened in 1720), or enjoy a more intimate setting at the Arts Theatre, which has just 350 seats.
Take a riverside walk along the banks of the Thames to spot a clutch of the capital’s most famous landmarks.
The stretch of the river that winds its way through the heart of the city is steeped in history. See the grand Palace of Westminster, seat of the Houses of Parliament since the 11th century.
Further along, you’ll find the unmistakeable domed roof of St Paul’s Cathedral and a wonderful collection of art at the Tate Modern.
London boasts some of the world’s most impressive museums. Visit the family-friendly Science Museum for a hands-on introduction to science and industry.
Dinosaur fossils, prehistoric creatures and colourful crystals can all be found at the Natural History Museum.
Elsewhere, the British Museum boasts famous artefacts including the Elgin Marbles and the Rosetta Stone, the latter proving the key to unlocking the mysteries of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Pack a picnic and explore the capital’s many green spaces on your London holiday.
Enjoy lunch on the lawn at Kensington Palace or stand on the Prime Meridian – the line that divides the eastern and western hemispheres – amid the manicured gardens of Greenwich Park.
You can take to the water in a charming rowing boat on Hyde Park’s Serpentine lake, while the ancient woodlands of Richmond Park offer breathtaking views of the city and the opportunity to spot roaming local deer.
The best views of London can be enjoyed from the building that dwarfs everything else on the city’s skyline.
At 1,017 feet (310 metres), The Shard is one of Europe’s tallest buildings. Take in 360° panoramas of the city, enjoying uninterrupted views for up to 40 miles.
On a clear day, head to Level 72 to step out on to the outdoor balcony. It’s also well worth taking the opportunity to enjoy a sky-high brunch or candlelit dinner at one of the tower’s acclaimed restaurants.
If you’re after somewhere central and within walking distance of the capital’s key landmarks, Belgravia’s luxurious Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel is a wonderful base from which to explore the city.
Hilton London Metropole is on the opposite side of Hyde Park, situated on the famous Edgware Road, centre of the city’s Lebanese and Arabic quarter.
The Grosvenor House Suites by Jumeirah Living can be found in London’s fashionable Mayfair.
A perfect choice for a luxury holiday in London, this five-star hotel features stunning rooms and excellent facilities.
Mayfair is your one-stop destination for the best the city has to offer. As you stroll its Georgian-style streets, you’ll be met with an array of elegant hangouts, Michelin-starred restaurants and designer stores.
London’s leafy boroughs offer a peaceful stay away from the bustle of the city centre. Around 20 minutes from central London lies one of its quieter boroughs, Richmond.
This picturesque town is a favourite among Londoners looking to escape the city, sandwiched between the banks of the Thames and Richmond Park.
The Richmond Hill Hotel, close to Kew Palace and Gardens, is a classically English escape. Enjoy relaxing among the Georgian features of this elegant hotel after a day in the city.
The currency in London is the British pound (GBP), with each pound divided into 100 pence. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops.
London is easy to navigate on foot, but the extensive underground system – known as the Tube – is a great way to get around. Buses and iconic black taxi cabs are also available.
The main language spoken in London is English, but as the capital is home to many different nationalities, you’re likely to hear a variety of languages.
London, like the rest of the UK, observes a number of Christian public holidays, such as Easter weekend and Christmas Day.
London holidays are a history lover’s dream. The city’s story stretches back almost 2,000 years, to when it was first founded by the Romans.
Since then, it has seen a succession of kings and queens, overcome adversity and transformed its skyline with celebrated, world-renowned landmarks.
A city that’s proud to showcase its past, visiting London’s many museums reveals more of its fascinating story.
People of many cultures and nationalities from all over the world call London their home. This makes for a cosmopolitan way of life that gives the capital its unique identity.
Foods and festivities from around the world can be enjoyed here, whether in the noodle bars of Chinatown or the Middle Eastern restaurants of Edgware Road.
London is a city that’s united by its love of food, music and art. The city’s unique culture can also be seen in its impressive architecture and rich history.
Politeness is an important aspect of British culture and there are several unspoken examples of courtesy that most British people will abide by.
These include standing to the right on escalators to allow people on the left to pass or standing in a queue when waiting to be served.
Tipping is always welcome in restaurants, with diners typically tipping 10 per cent of the bill.
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