From the historic landmarks to luscious parks, there is something for everyone in London. This is the reason why around 30 million tourists choose to visit the capital city every year.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at who these visitors are and share more insights about tourism within the city. From top attractions to the number of international versus domestic travellers, this blog covers it all.
How Many International Tourists Visit London Every Year?
Two-thirds of all tourists visiting London are accounted for by international visitors, with figures reaching 20.28 million in 2023. Having been rising steadily in recent years again after the impact of the pandemic, London proves popular for people of all ages thanks to the multi-cultural attractions available.
In 2023, London was also the second most visited city in the world, behind Istanbul. This was mainly due to the many international tourists coming to the city. Due to its popularity, London is also the most popular visit in the UK for international tourists.
How Many Domestic Tourists Take a Trip to London Annually?
UK residents also account for a large proportion of visitors to London, with many from surrounding towns and cities choosing to become tourists in their own country. From day trips to the capital to weekend getaways, there’s plenty to do for Brits in London.
While this figure stood at around 12 million domestic trips per year between 2017 and 2019, numbers dropped during the pandemic. However, visitor numbers are on the increase, with 2024 expected to be the most popular year for domestic travellers going to London since 2020.
What Are the Main Reasons Why Tourists Visit London?
As a city full of culture and lots to do, there are many reasons why both international and domestic tourists flock to the city every year. This includes the following:
Landmarks
London is filled with famous landmarks from royal buildings to modern attractions like The London Eye. For many visitors, seeing these sights in person is the first time they will see landmarks with such grandeur, which is why tourists flock in their millions each year.
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in the city during 2023 were The British Museum (5.7 million visitors), Tate Modern (4.7 million visitors) and The Tower of London (3 million visitors). The spots are also popular to visit by tourists as they allow the perfect outdoorsy trip to London to be planned which means the true ambience of the city can be experienced. Whether tourists choose to book into a walking tour or navigate their own way around the city, seeing London landmarks is accessible for everyone.
Shopping
Another reason why tourists visit London is because the city has some of the best shopping areas in the world!
In 2023, tourists spent an eye-watering £16.7 billion in London, with 58% of overseas visitors choosing shopping as a pastime in the city. London is known for offering a broad selection of shopping experiences, including popular retail chains, markets, design boutiques, high-end designers and bespoke stores.
Theatre and Shows
London is also home to a thriving performing arts scene, including everything from critically acclaimed West End shows to small comedy clubs. Tickets can be booked in advance or are often available on the day, allowing tourists to easily plan a trip to the various entertainment venues that the city has to offer.
Christmas and Other Seasonal Events
London is also known for attracting tourists during the various seasonal and notable events available throughout the year.
Millions visit London during the festive season, with celebrations available from November for Diwali through January for Christmas. During these months, the city is full of exciting pop-up events, glistening lights and seasonal delights within stores, making it a brilliant time to visit tourists looking for a high-energy visit. Other popular events and attractions that encourage tourists to visit throughout the year include sporting events, The London Marathon, royal events such as changing of the guards and Trooping the Colour, plus New Year’s Eve, which is celebrated by a large fireworks display which is visible from Southbank.
When Is the Most Popular Time of Year to Visit London?
Peak season in London is normally experienced during June to September in terms of weather. During this time, sunny days and bright evenings are expected which means tourists get to enjoy more hours of the day exploring what the city has to offer. However, London offers something for everyone all year round meaning tourists numbers do stay consistently high throughout the year.
From the crunchy leaves filling the famous parks in Autumn to Easter events being thrown in the Spring, there is always something available at any time of the year for visitors to enjoy.
What’s the Most Popular Mode of Transport for Tourists to Use When Exploring London?
London is known for being easy to navigate, which is another reason why lots of tourists choose to visit every year. The connections via road, rail, and river mean that anywhere in the city is simple to explore, even for complete London rookies.
The London Underground is normally the most popular transport solution for tourists as there are many stations located across the city. Lines are also easy to navigate, with London being split into certain zones. Tubes also run regularly and can be paid for with a contactless card, meaning no advance tickets need to be booked, which is a huge bonus for tourists.
London also offers a wide range of other transport options, including famous red buses and black cabs. Plus, tourists can even take a ferry down the Thames with Uber! If you are planning a trip to the capital city and want to know more about the best modes of transport, check out this blog about how to get around London easily.
Where Is the Best Place for Tourists to Stay When Visiting London?
An important decision for tourists when visiting London is choosing the best area to stay. Being in the right location makes getting around easier and ensures that visitors can absorb the unique ambience that different parts of London offer.
This means when choosing a place to stay, tourists should consider the following:
- Plans for visiting landmarks and attractions – Although it’s easy to travel around the city, if you are visiting lots of spots in one area, it’s most effective to stay close by.
- Budget—As with any city, London can be expensive to visit, so knowing how much you can afford to spend on a trip is important. This should include planning a place to stay, which is made easier when you search online for special offers that some hotels provide.
- Length of stay – This will likely determine your plans as well as dictate how much space you need. There is no point in booking a small room if you are planning on staying for an extended period of time and therefore will be travelling with lots of luggage.
- Reviews from other visitors – With lots of places to stay in London, we understand the choice can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s important to check out reviews from previous visitors to see if your needs are likely to be met.
- Available amenities included in a stay – Examples including WiFi, washing services and room service are all important when planning a city break. Be sure to think about what services you require and look for those checkpoints when making a booking.
We are proud to offer stays at the Great St Helen Hotel, Hatton Garden Hotel, Bloomsbury Palace Hotel, Mabledon Court Hotel, Hotel Cavendish, and Arran House Hotels which are all perfect options for tourists. From giving you a comfy play to rest to offering advice on the perfect London itinerary, we are on hand for any needs visitors have.
Click here to book now or to find out more, contact our team.
