London, the vibrant capital of the United Kingdom, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. From Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the bustling streets of Soho, this city offers an unparalleled blend of history and modernity.
Originally founded by the Romans as Londinium in AD47, London has grown into one of the most influential cities in the world. It has been the epicenter of British politics, finance, and culture for centuries, evolving through medieval times, the Tudor era, and the Industrial Revolution to become the global metropolis it is today.
London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with over 8 million residents representing more than 270 nationalities and speaking around 300 languages. This multiculturalism is reflected in its neighbourhoods, food, and cultural events, making it a truly global destination.
The city's buses weren't always red. Before 1907, different routes were operated by different companies, each with its own bus colour – it was only when the London General Omnibus Company became the largest operator that they standardised all buses to the now-iconic red.
London is well connected to Luxembourg, making it an accessible weekend destination. Depending on your budget and preference, you can choose from several modes of transport:
By plane: The fastest way to reach London from Luxembourg is by air. Direct flights from Luxembourg Airport (LUX) to London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or City Airport (LCY) take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet also operate flights to Stansted (STN) and Luton (LTN). A round-trip ticket can cost between €80-€200, depending on the season.
By car: Driving from Luxembourg to London takes around 6-7 hours, covering approximately 570km. You will need to take the Eurotunnel from Calais to Folkestone, which adds about 35 minutes to the journey. The tunnel costs around €120 per car (one way), and fuel and tolls will add to your expenses.
By bus: Long-distance bus services like FlixBus operate routes from Luxembourg to London. The journey takes approximately 10–12 hours, with fares starting at around €40 one way. While this is a budget-friendly option, it can be time-consuming.
By train: Though there is no direct train from Luxembourg to London, you can take a high-speed TGV from Luxembourg to Paris (Gare de l'Est) in about 2 hours. From there, you can transfer to the Eurostar from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras, which takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The total travel time is around 5 hours, with ticket prices starting from €120 return.
London has one of the best public transport networks in the world, including the iconic Underground (Tube), buses, and trains. The London Underground, opened in 1863 for locomotive trains, became the world's first metro system in 1890 with the introduction of electric trains.
The Oyster card or contactless payment offers the cheapest fares. A single Tube journey in central London costs around £2.80 (€3.30), while an unlimited daily travelcard costs around £8.50 (€10). For late-night travel, black cabs and Uber are available, with an average fare of £15–£25 (€17–€30) for short city trips.
Tip: Art lovers can go on a Banksy hunt and see the popular artist's work in real life and complement their experience by visiting the Moco museum. In front of the museum there is one of the few works of Banksy that are protected from removal.
Breakfast: For a traditional English breakfast, visit The Wolseley, or pop into any pub in a parallel street to the tourist attractions for an authentic full English breakfast.
Lunch: Borough Market is a great option for street food lovers. You can walk around and sample many unique flavors as well as world renowned artisanal food stands from around the world.
Dinner: For a high-end experience, book a table at The Ledbury. For a mid-range budget, Flat Iron serves excellent steak at various locations in the city, while Honest Burgers is great for casual dining.
Afternoon tea: Visiting the UK is not complete without a proper afternoon tea experience. Visit The Rosewood Hotel for a breathtaking experience. You can simply order a tea (we recommend the truffle pistachio flavour) or go for the full experience with tea sandwiches and exquisite scones.
Do you hear that? London is calling you.
