Overview

England is a perfect blend of rich history, charming countryside, and cutting-edge culture. From the iconic landmarks of London to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, seaside escapes in Cornwall, and literary landscapes in the Lake District — England packs a lot into a relatively small country. And thanks to great public transport, it’s easy to explore.

Quick Facts

• Language: English

• Currency: British Pound (GBP)

• Capital: London

• Main Airports: London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN)

• Visa: Visa-free for US, Canada, EU, Australia (short stays)

• Climate: Temperate — mild, often rainy

• Plugs: Type G (3-prong, 230V)

• Best Apps: Citymapper, Trainline, National Trust, TFL Go (London transport)

Best Time to Visit

• May–June, September: Mild weather, fewer crowds

• December: Magical Christmas markets & festive London lights

• July–August: Peak tourist season, great for festivals and countryside

Is England Expensive?

Yes — London and tourist towns can be pricey, but there are plenty of free museums, public parks, and affordable train fares when booked in advance.

Top Cities & Destinations

🏙️ London

• Must-see landmarks: Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben

• Don’t miss: West End show, Borough Market, British Museum (free!), Afternoon Tea

• Neighborhoods to explore: Soho, Notting Hill, Camden, Shoreditch

📚 Oxford & Cambridge

• Famous for their historic universities and dreamy architecture

• Take a punting tour on the river and wander the colleges

🎭 Stratford-upon-Avon

• Birthplace of Shakespeare, full of Tudor charm and theatre experiences

🏰 Bath

• Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and Jane Austen vibes

• Great day trip from London

🗺️ The Cotswolds

• Storybook villages, cozy pubs, rolling hills

• Ideal for countryside walks and boutique B&Bs

🗻 Lake District

• Stunning natural beauty, hiking, literary history (Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter)

• Great for road trips or slow travel

🏖️ Cornwall

• Dramatic cliffs, surf beaches, fishing towns like St Ives and Padstow

• Try Cornish pasties and clotted cream teas

Best Things to Do

• Ride the London Eye or walk along the South Bank

• Take a river cruise on the Thames

• Tour Windsor Castle or Hampton Court Palace

• Explore the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey

• Hike the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District

• Watch a Shakespeare play at the Globe

• Have a pint in a historic pub (some date back to the 1400s!)

• Visit Stonehenge at sunrise

• Walk part of Hadrian’s Wall

• Discover Harry Potter filming locations (many around London and Oxford)

Food to Try

• Full English Breakfast – Hearty plate with eggs, beans, sausage, and more

• Sunday Roast with Yorkshire Pudding – A British tradition

• Fish & Chips – Best eaten near the sea, wrapped in paper

• Afternoon Tea – Scones, finger sandwiches, and Earl Grey

• Cornish Pasty – Meat and veg hand pie

• Sticky Toffee Pudding – A rich, gooey dessert

• Pimm’s or a proper Gin & Tonic – Classic summer drinks

Getting Around

• Trains: Fast and scenic — book early on Trainline or National Rail

• London Tube & Buses: Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment

• Driving: Best for countryside (left side driving, narrow lanes)

• Walking: Cities and villages are very walkable

• Domestic Flights: Rarely needed unless visiting Scotland or Northern Ireland

Sample Itinerary (7–10 Days)

Day 1–3: London

• Major landmarks, museums, afternoon tea, markets, West End show

Day 4: Day trip to Bath or Oxford

• Tour Roman Baths or take a walking tour of university colleges

Day 5–6: Cotswolds

• Rent a car or take a guided tour — visit villages like Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water

Day 7–9: Lake District or Cornwall

• Nature, hikes, or seaside relaxation

Bonus Option: Add a day trip to Windsor, Cambridge, or Stratford-upon-Avon

Safety & Tips

• Tap water is safe to drink

• Tipping is appreciated but not required (10% in restaurants)

• Always look right when crossing the street!

• Umbrella or raincoat = essential year-round

• Book trains & shows in advance for the best dealsOverview

Monaco may be the second-smallest country in the world, but it’s packed with glitz, history, and cinematic views. Nestled along the French Riviera, this tiny principality is famous for luxury yachts, the Grand Prix, designer boutiques, and the legendary Monte Carlo Casino. But you don’t have to be a billionaire to visit—Monaco offers plenty of beauty and charm for budget travelers, especially as a day trip from nearby Nice or Menton.

Quick Facts

• Language: French (Monégasque also spoken)

• Currency: Euro (€)

• Capital: Monaco (city-state)

• Main Airport: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) – Monaco is 30 minutes away

• Visa: Part of the Schengen Zone

• Climate: Mediterranean – hot summers, mild winters

• Plugs: Type C & E (Europlug, 230V)

• Best Apps: Google Maps, SNCF Connect (trains), Moovit, Uber (for Nice only)

Best Time to Visit

• May–June: Ideal weather, Monaco Grand Prix excitement

• September–October: Fewer crowds, still warm and sunny

• July–August: Peak luxury season—expect high prices and big crowds

• December: Christmas markets & lights, less busy but still beautiful

Is Monaco Expensive?

Yes—but not impossible on a budget.

• Stay in Nice, Menton, or Èze and visit Monaco by train

• Many major sights are free: gardens, viewpoints, the harbor

• Dining doesn’t have to break the bank—look for cafes off the main strip or grab takeaway from bakeries

Top Free Things to Do

• The Prince’s Palace & Changing of the Guard – Watch the guard change at 11:55 AM daily

• The Rock (Le Rocher) – Monaco’s old town offers winding lanes, scenic views, and local shops

• Saint-Martin Gardens – Coastal walking paths with panoramic Mediterranean views

• The Monte Carlo Casino (Exterior & Atrium) – It’s free to admire the outside or walk into the entrance hall (dress code applies for full entry)

• Port Hercule – Watch superyachts or enjoy a picnic along the harbor

Paid Attractions

• Oceanographic Museum – €19 for adults; aquarium + ocean research history

• Monte Carlo Casino (Gaming Rooms) – Entry from €18, age 18+, bring your passport

• Exotic Garden of Monaco – Stunning botanical garden with cliffside views (€7–€8)

• Car Collection of Prince Rainier III – €8 for a look at vintage Rolls-Royces, Formula 1 cars & more

Best Views in Monaco

• Terrasses de Fontvieille – Harbor views and sea breeze

• Jardin Exotique – Elevated views over Monaco and out to the sea

• Old Town Ramparts – Panoramic vistas of the harbor and Monte Carlo

• Casino Terrace at Night – Watch the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and fashion scene roll by

Where to Eat on a Budget

• Sandro's Café – Tasty pizza and sandwiches for under €10

• Maison des Pâtes – Fresh pasta to go

• Marché de la Condamine – Indoor market with affordable Monégasque and Mediterranean dishes

• Boulangeries – Pick up a baguette, pastry, or quiche for a scenic picnic

Getting Around

• On Foot – The entire country is walkable in under an hour

• Public Lifts & Escalators – Free elevators connect the steep hills between districts

• Bus – €2 per ride or €5 for a day pass

• Train from Nice – ~€4–€5, runs frequently, takes 25–30 minutes

• Helicopter – From Nice Airport in 7 minutes (from €150 one-way)

Sample Itinerary (1–2 Days)

Day Trip from Nice

• Morning: Train in, explore Old Town & Prince’s Palace

• Midday: Lunch at Condamine Market, stroll through the Saint-Martin Gardens

• Afternoon: Visit the Oceanographic Museum or casino exterior

• Sunset: Enjoy harbor views, then return to Nice

Overnight Stay

• Add: Casino interior visit, Michelin-star dinner, or spa day at Thermes Marins

• Optional: Attend an opera, ballet, or Formula E race

Annual Highlights

• 🏎️ Monaco Grand Prix – Late May, bucket-list event

• ⛵ Monaco Yacht Show – Late September

• 🎄 Christmas Village at Port Hercule – December

Insider Tips

• Dress smartly if you plan to visit the casino or dine upscale

• Avoid peak weekends in summer unless you're here for events

• Explore nearby villages like Èze or Menton for a peaceful contrast

• Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and golden hour photos

• Don’t forget your passport if you plan to gamble at the casino