London

London is one of the world truly great cities, a sprawling metropolis that somehow manages to feel like a collection of distinct villages. The best time to visit is April through September, when longer daylight hours (up to 16 hours in June) and mild temperatures make exploring on foot a joy. Summer brings outdoor festivals, open-air cinema in parks, and lively pub gardens, though it is also peak tourist season. Spring offers blooming gardens in Kew, Hyde Park, and Regent Park with thinner crowds.

The city cultural offerings are staggering — and many are free. The British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, and Victoria and Albert Museum charge no admission. Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben define the historic core, while neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Notting Hill, Borough Market, and Camden Town each deliver their own character. The West End rivals Broadway for world-class theatre, and London dining scene has undergone a revolution, with more Michelin stars than any European city outside Paris.

Points travelers will find London well-covered with over 72 hotels across Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and other programs. Properties range from the iconic Savoy and Claridge (not loyalty-bookable) to excellent points options like the Park Hyatt London River Thames, Conrad London St. James, and the Waldorf Hilton in Covent Garden. London premium cash rates make points redemptions particularly valuable here.