Cheap city break London
London is a world capital to the max: free top museums (British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum), iconic red buses, pubs and the most diverse cuisine in Europe. KLM and easyJet fly direct from Schiphol to Heathrow in around 1 hour 5 minutes; from Amsterdam you can also take the direct Eurostar in about 4 hours.
✈️ Plan your trip to London →When is the best time to go?
May to September: 15-22 degrees, long days. December for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. Avoid January/February (dark and grey).
The best neighborhoods in London
- Westminster + Soho The tourist heart, all the icons.
- Shoreditch Hipster-neighborhood, street art, best curry-restaurants.
- Camden Markets and goth-pubs.
- South Bank Theatres and Tate Modern, along the Thames.
- Notting Hill Pastel facades and the Saturday market on Portobello Road.
Top 5 things to do in London
- British Museum Free, the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
- Tate Modern + Millennium Bridge Both free, best views of St Paul's.
- Borough Market Foodies paradise, from €8 per dish.
- West End-show From €25 via TKTS booth.
- Greenwich-day trip Park, Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark, free park.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Schiphol you fly direct to Heathrow in about 1 hour 5 with KLM, British Airways and easyJet; the Piccadilly Line reaches the centre in about an hour. Since 2026 the direct Eurostar Amsterdam to London runs again, five times a day in about 4 hours, from €44 one way. In the city you pay by contactless or Oyster, with a daily cap of £8.90 in zones 1 and 2.
What does a London city break cost?
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €130 to 200, apartments around €130 per night. The top museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A, Natural History) are free. Paid highlights 2026: Tower of London about £35, London Eye from £29, The View from The Shard about £32. Food: meal deal €5, pub-lunch €12, dinner restaurant €25 to 40, pint £6.
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Frequently asked questions about London
When is the best time to visit London?
May to September: 15 to 22 degrees, long days. September and October are ideal: fewer crowds and still pleasant weather. December is great for Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Christmas markets. Avoid January and February if you dislike grey, rainy weather.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in London?
Westminster and Soho for a first visit: all the iconic sights within walking distance. Shoreditch for street art and the best restaurants. Notting Hill for the Saturday market on Portobello Road and colourful facades. South Bank for Tate Modern and walks along the Thames.
How do I get from the Netherlands to London?
Fly direct from Schiphol to Heathrow (LHR) in about 1 hour 5 with KLM, British Airways or easyJet. Since 2026 the direct Eurostar Amsterdam to London runs five times a day in about 4 hours, from 44 euros one way. In the city pay by contactless or Oyster card, with a daily cap of 8.90 pounds in zones 1 and 2.
What does a London city break cost?
From 500 euros per person for 3 days including transport. The top museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A, Natural History Museum) are free.
Paid highlights: Tower of London around 35 pounds, London Eye from 29 pounds, The Shard around 32 pounds. Mid-range hotels 130 to 200 euros per night, hostel from 30 euros. Budget 6 pounds for a pint and 25 to 40 euros for an evening meal.
Do I need a visa to visit London as a Dutch citizen?
After Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer an EU country. Dutch citizens can visit the UK visa-free for tourist stays of up to 6 months. From 2025, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is required: this is a digital travel permission you apply for in advance via the official UK ETA app for around 10 pounds. A passport is required; an ID card is no longer accepted.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in London?
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