Tower of London
BezienswaardigheidA historic riverside fortress and former prison that guards the Crown Jewels. Buy a timed ticket online in advance and arrive early to see the jewels before the crowds build.
£ 31-41 · US$ 40-52 3 uur
mattbuck / CC BY-SA 4.0 — Wikimedia Commons Vertrouwde gids · oplichting-beschermd
London
A world city of royal history, museums and endless neighbourhoods
Betrouwbaarheid 86%
Geverifieerd 4 augustus 2026 · 2 bronnen · betrouwbaarheid 86%
Overzicht
London is the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the world's great cities, spread along the River Thames and made up of dozens of distinct neighbourhoods. Its history runs from Roman walls and a medieval fortress to royal palaces, grand Victorian streets and gleaming modern towers. Many of the finest attractions, including the British Museum and the national galleries, are free to enter, which makes the city surprisingly rewarding even on a careful budget. The famous sights cluster around Westminster, the South Bank and the City, all easily linked by the Underground, red buses and river boats. Beyond the landmarks, London is best enjoyed by wandering markets, parks and areas like Camden, Notting Hill and Shoreditch, each with its own character. The weather is changeable and prices are high, so a travel pass, a refillable bottle and a flexible plan go a long way. Give it several days and it keeps unfolding.
Activiteiten
De bezienswaardigheden en ervaringen die je tijd waard zijn — met eerlijke prijzen.
British Museum
BezienswaardigheidA vast free museum of world history and antiquities, from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian and Greek galleries. Entry is free, though special exhibitions and donations are optional.
Gratis 2,5 uur
Westminster Abbey
BezienswaardigheidThe great Gothic church where English monarchs are crowned and buried. A ticketed visit covers the nave, royal tombs and Poets' Corner. It closes to visitors during services.
£ 25-35 · US$ 32-45 1,5 uur
London Eye
ErvaringA giant observation wheel on the South Bank offering sweeping views over the Thames and skyline. Book a timed slot online, which is usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
£ 25-43 · US$ 32-55 45 min
Changing of the Guard
ErvaringThe ceremonial guard change outside Buckingham Palace, free to watch. Check the schedule in advance as it does not run every day, and arrive early for a clear view.
Gratis 1 uur
St Paul's Cathedral
BezienswaardigheidSir Christopher Wren's domed masterpiece, with a whispering gallery and a climb to viewing galleries high above the City. A ticket is needed for sightseeing but not for services.
£ 22-31 · US$ 28-40 1,5 uur
Tower Bridge Exhibition
BezienswaardigheidThe Victorian bascule bridge over the Thames, with a ticketed exhibition, glass floor walkway and engine rooms. Walking across the bridge itself is free.
£ 12-17 · US$ 15-22 1 uur
Eerlijke prijzen & oplichting schild
Wat locals betalen — controleer een offerte voordat je contant betaalt.
Single Tube ride in the central zone
per rit
£ 2-4 · US$ 3-6
Always pay with an Oyster card or contactless card or phone, never a paper ticket, as capped fares are far cheaper and a daily cap limits your total spend.
Train from Heathrow to central London
per persoon
£ 12-29 · US$ 15-37
The Elizabeth line into central London is much cheaper than the fast Heathrow Express and only a little slower. Both beat a taxi on price by a wide margin.
Short black-cab ride
per rit
£ 8-17 · US$ 10-22
Licensed black cabs are metered and reliable but pricey. For longer trips a booked ride-hailing app or the Tube is usually far cheaper.
Mid-range restaurant meal
per persoon
£ 16-35 · US$ 20-45
A service charge of around twelve to fifteen percent is often added to the bill; check before adding a further tip. Lunch set menus and markets offer better value than dinner.
Pint of beer in a pub
per pint
£ 5-7 · US$ 6-9
Prices vary widely by area, with the centre and tourist spots the dearest. Pubs a few streets back or away from the river are noticeably cheaper.
Coffee at a cafe
per cup
£ 3-5 · US$ 4-6
Independent cafes and chains charge similar prices. Takeaway is the same price as sitting in, unlike some countries, so there is no premium for a table.
River bus along the Thames
per rit
£ 5-10 · US$ 6-13
The scheduled river bus doubles as a scenic ride past the main sights and is cheaper with an Oyster or contactless card than buying a single tourist ticket.
Check de prijs — Single Tube ride in the central zone
Veel voorkomende oplichting
Fake charity clipboard
GemiddeldHoe het werkt: People with clipboards, often near major sights, ask you to sign a 'petition' or charity list, then press you for a cash donation while an accomplice may pick your pocket.
Hoe het te vermijden: Do not stop or sign anything. Keep walking, keep your bag closed and in front, and give to registered charities through official channels only.
Three-cup shell game
HoogHoe het werkt: A street operator hides a ball under one of three cups and invites bets. Planted 'winners' in the crowd lure you in, but the game is rigged and you cannot win.
Hoe het te vermijden: Never play and never bet. It is a coordinated con with lookouts and pickpockets, so simply move on if you see a crowd gathered around one.
Unlicensed minicab overcharge
GemiddeldHoe het werkt: Drivers tout for fares outside stations, clubs and the airport, offering a 'taxi' with no meter, then charge a hugely inflated fare and may be unsafe or uninsured.
Hoe het te vermijden: Only take a metered black cab from the street or a rank, or a car booked through a licensed app in advance. Never get into a car that approaches you touting for business.
ATM skimming and distraction
GemiddeldHoe het werkt: Card readers on some street cash machines are tampered with to copy your card, or a 'helpful' stranger distracts you to watch your PIN or swap your card.
Hoe het te vermijden: Use machines inside banks where possible, cover the keypad as you type, and decline any offered help. Check the card slot for anything loose before inserting your card.
Hoe te bereiken en voortbewegen
Echte tarieven, geen toeristenprijzen.
Hoe te bereiken
Underground from Heathrow 1 uur£ 4-7 · US$ 5-9
The Piccadilly line runs directly from Heathrow into central London. It is the cheapest rail option, though slower with many stops. Pay with Oyster or contactless.
Heathrow Express train 20 min£ 20-29 · US$ 25-37
A fast non-stop train from Heathrow to Paddington in about fifteen minutes. The quickest option but the most expensive rail link, so book online for a lower fare.
Airport taxi 1 uur£ 47-79 · US$ 60-100
Door-to-door but easily the priciest choice, and slow in traffic. Use only the official rank or a pre-booked licensed car, never a driver touting inside the terminal.
Hoe je voort te bewegen
The Underground (Tube)£ 2-4 · US$ 3-6
The fast, extensive metro is the backbone of getting around. Tap in and out with Oyster or contactless for capped daily fares. Avoid the busiest rush-hour crush if you can.
Red buses£ 2 · US$ 2-3
The iconic double-decker buses are cheap and scenic, with a low flat fare and a daily cap. Buses do not take cash, so use Oyster or contactless only.
Walking the centre
Central districts are compact and often quicker on foot than by Tube for short hops. Remember traffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing.
Beste tijd om te bezoeken
mei–september
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) brings the mildest, longest days and the liveliest parks, festivals and outdoor life, though it is also the busiest and dearest. Winter is cold, grey and dark early but quieter, with festive lights and lower hotel prices.
Veiligheid
VoorzichtigPickpocketing and phone snatching happen in crowded spots like the Underground, Oxford Street, markets and tourist squares. Keep bags zipped and in front, and never leave a phone on a cafe table by the pavement.
VoorzichtigTraffic drives on the left, so look right first when crossing and use the painted reminders at kerbs. Watch for cyclists and scooters in bus and cycle lanes as well as cars.
VoorzichtigLate at night use only licensed black cabs or a pre-booked app car, and avoid unlit shortcuts. Night buses and, on some nights, Night Tube services are safe and cheap alternatives.
Verborgen parels
Ride a normal red double-decker along a scenic route such as the number 15 for a cheap sightseeing tour past major landmarks.
Visit the great national museums and galleries, which are free, and see world-class art and history without a ticket.
Explore markets like Borough for food or Columbia Road for flowers on the right day for a local weekend feel away from the crowds.
Veelgestelde vragen
How many days should I spend in London?
Four to five days lets you cover the main sights, a couple of museums and one or two neighbourhoods at a comfortable pace, with time for markets, parks and a show.
Do I need an Oyster card, or can I use a bank card?
You can simply tap a contactless bank card or phone on all Tube, buses and most rail, with the same capped fares as an Oyster card. There is no need to buy a paper ticket.
Are London's museums really free?
Yes. The permanent collections of the major national museums and galleries, including the British Museum, are free to enter. Only special temporary exhibitions charge admission.
Is tap water safe to drink?
Yes, London tap water is safe and good to drink. Bring a refillable bottle and use the growing number of public refill points to save money.
Is London safe for tourists?
London is generally safe, with the main risks being pickpocketing and phone theft in crowds. Stay aware in busy spots, use licensed transport at night, and normal city caution is enough.
London oplichting — lees voordat je aankomst
De eerlijke prijs en bescherming tegen oplichting voor elke dienst.
Bijgewerkt · van 2 geverifieerde bronnen · cijfers worden automatisch gecontroleerd voordat ze worden gepubliceerd.