A city that reinvents itself every decade without losing its character
London is deceptively deep. Most visitors hit the obvious landmarks and leave thinking they've seen it, but the real London lives in its neighborhoods — the curry houses of Brick Lane, the vintage stalls of Portobello, the pub gardens of Hampstead. Add in free world-class museums, a theater scene that rivals Broadway at half the price, and some of the best international food in Europe, and you start to understand why people keep coming back.
South Kensington and Bloomsbury offer the best mix of location and value for first-timers. Shoreditch is the pick for nightlife and creative energy. For budget stays, look at King's Cross (great transit) or Southwark (walkable to the South Bank). London hotel prices run higher than continental Europe — expect $130-250/night mid-range, $50-80 for hostels.
Heathrow (LHR) has the most nonstop options from the US. Gatwick (LGW) often has cheaper fares. London is the most-served transatlantic destination, so competition keeps prices down — sub-$350 round trip deals pop up regularly from the East Coast. Norwegian, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways all compete heavily on this route.
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