London — a city of red double-decker buses, royal palaces, and iconic skylines — is a place that calls to travelers of all kinds, whether you are dreaming of a budget-friendly getaway, a comfortable vacation, or an all-out luxury experience. While it is no secret that London can be pricey, it is also one of the best destinations to explore using points and miles, offering something spectacular no matter your budget.

Imagine flying in, enjoying a comfortable seat or maybe even the luxury of a lie-flat bed, then staying in a hotel that perfectly suits your travel style, from chic budget options to storied five-star properties. Using points and miles can open doors to unforgettable experiences: from enjoying afternoon tea at a boutique hotel near Covent Garden to taking in views of the city from a luxury suite overlooking the River Thames.

With the right strategies, you can turn points into savings across flights, hotels, and more, making the world renowned charm of London accessible to anyone — from budget explorers to travelers looking for a touch of luxury.

Why You Should Visit London

London is a city that captures the hearts of travelers with its blend of rich history, dynamic culture, and modern vibes. Whether it is your first time or your tenth, there is always something new to discover here. History enthusiasts can lose themselves in centuries-old landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, while fans of the arts will find endless inspiration in the world-renowned West End theater scene, the Tate Modern, and the vast collections at the British Museum.

Food lovers will appreciate the ever-evolving culinary scene in London, with options that range from traditional fish and chips in a cozy pub to Michelin-starred tasting menus. Neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, and Notting Hill each bring their own unique flavor, making it easy to experience the several culinary “personalities” of the city in a single day.

London is packed with experiences that cater to every traveler. It does not matter if you are on a budget or looking to indulge, the wealth of attractions in the city — many of which are free — ensures there is something memorable for everyone. From afternoon tea to panoramic city views, London is a city where you can have the most amazing experiences.

How will you get to all these amazing places? The public transport system in London is one of the most efficient in the world, making it easy to navigate without the expense of a rental car. Plus, the proximity of London to other European destinations makes it a perfect starting point for multi-country adventures, with quick flights or trains to cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and beyond.

Related: The 10 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

What Are The Top Attractions In London

London offers countless attractions that make it one of the most captivating cities in the world. Whether you are fascinated by history, enjoy modern art, or want to experience the local charm of London, there is something for everyone here. Using points and miles wisely can allow you to stretch your travel budget, leaving more room to explore the sights and experiences that make London unforgettable. Below are some top attractions that capture the essence of this extraordinary city.

Top London Attractions

• The Tower of London (Adult: £34.80 | Child: £17.40)
• Buckingham Palace (Adult: £32.00 | Child: £16.00)
• The British Museum (Adult: Free | Child: Free)
• The Houses of Parliament (Adult: £20.00 | Child: £12.00)
• Westminster Abbey (Adult: £20.00 | Child: £9.00)
• The Shard (Adult: £25.00 | Child: £19.00)
• The West End Theatre District (Varies by show)
• Tate Modern (Adult: Free | Child: Free)
• Hyde Park (Adult: Free | Child: Free)
• Camden Market (Adult: Free | Child: Free)
• The London Eye (Adult: £30.00 | Child: £22.00)

Note: These prices are approximate and can vary based on booking methods and seasonal rates. It is advisable to check the official websites for the most current pricing. Depending on your itinerary, also consider The London Pass.

How To Fly To London With Points And Miles

Flying to London with points and miles is one of the best ways to save on what can often be a pricey airfare. With several major airlines offering routes from the United States and other global hubs, travelers have a variety of choices to get there using points. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly Economy Class ticket, extra comfort in Premium Economy, or a luxury experience in Business Class, there are award options available that can fit your travel style and points balance.

Using points to fly to London involves understanding which airline alliances and transfer partners can maximize your value. Many credit card rewards programs offer transfer options to airlines flying into the main airports in London — Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) — allowing you to convert points into miles for free or heavily discounted flights. Additionally, some airlines add surcharges to award flights, so finding options with minimal taxes and fees can make a big difference in stretching your rewards.

Transfer Partner Guides: American Express | Capital One | Chase | Citi

Here are some of the best flights and award booking options (quoted as one-way flights unless otherwise noted):

Economy Class

• American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 22,500 points + $20 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 19,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club: 20,750 points + $250 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 20,300 points + $250 taxes & fees
• British Airways
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 22,500 points + $350 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 22,500 points + $300 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club (Avios): 25,000 points + $100 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 24,500 points + $250 taxes & fees
• Delta Airlines
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 24,000 points + $150 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 28,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 10,000 points + $200 taxes & fees
• JetBlue
  • JetBlue TrueBlue: 28,700 points + $10 taxes & fees
  • Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios): 25,000 points + $10 taxes & fees
• United Airlines
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: 35,000 points + $50 taxes & fees
  • Avianca LifeMiles: 22,500 points + $30 taxes & fees
  • United Airlines MileagePlus: 30,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
• Virgin Atlantic
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 23,500 points + $100 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 28,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 10,000 points + $150 taxes & fees

Premium Economy

• American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 30,000 points + $20 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 39,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club: 41,250 points + $450 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 42,200 points + $250 taxes & fees
• British Airways
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 30,000 points + $500 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 40,000 points + $500 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club (Avios): 42,500 points + $200 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 48,500 points + $1,000 taxes & fees
• Delta Airlines
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 33,860 points + $150 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 56,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 17,500 points + $250 taxes & fees
• JetBlue
  • N/A
• United Airlines
  • United Airlines MileagePlus: 50,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
• Virgin Atlantic
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 33,860 points + $150 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 56,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic: 17,500 points + $475 taxes & fees

Business Class

• American Airlines
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 45,000 points + $20 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 54,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club (Avios): 62,000 points + $1,000 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 57,000 points + $250 taxes & fees
• British Airways
  • Alaska Airlines MileagePlan: 45,000 points + $1,000 taxes & fees
  • American Airlines AAdvantage: 57,500 points + $750 taxes & fees
  • British Airways Executive Club (Avios): 60,000 points + $400 taxes & fees
  • Qantas Frequent Flyer: 61,200 points + $1,000 taxes & fees
• Delta Airlines
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 68,500 points + $250 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 160,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 47,500 points + $250 taxes & fees
• JetBlue
  • JetBlue TrueBlue: 152,200 points + $10 taxes & fees
  • Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios): 78,000 points + $10 taxes & fees
• United Airlines
  • Air Canada Aeroplan: 60,000 points + $50 taxes & fees
  • Avianca LifeMiles: 45,000 points + $30 taxes & fees
  • United Airlines MileagePlan: 80,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
• Virgin Atlantic
  • Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 68,500 points + $225 taxes & fees
  • Delta SkyMiles: 160,000 points + $5 taxes & fees
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 47,500 points + $1,000 taxes & fees

Note: The award redemption rates represent the “starting at” standard award rate for each flight and class option, but are subject to fluctuations based on the time of year and departure city. In addition, some award programs, like American Airlines AAdvantage, have dynamic pricing for their own flights, which causes significant variation in award redemption rates.

These rates do not account for any special airline promotions. 

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Where To Stay In London With Points And Miles

Finding a great place to stay in London on points and miles is a fantastic way to save, especially in a city where hotel rates can quickly add up into the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Whether you are after a budget-friendly, comfortable room, or an opulent suite with a view of the Thames, London offers a wide range of hotels across major loyalty programs that make it possible to book your stay with points.

With many options from well-known hotel brands like Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott you can choose properties in prime locations near the famous sights of London, like Covent Garden, Westminster, or South Bank. These hotels range from budget-friendly choices to top-tier luxury properties that can be an amazing value for points.

Transfer Partner Guides: American Express | Capital One | Chase | Citi

Here are some of the best hotel redemption options:

Budget Hotels

• Hilton Honors
  • Hampton by Hilton London Croydon (30,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hampton by Hilton London Docklands (45,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hampton by Hilton London Park Royal (44,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo (47,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Airport (45,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3 (50,000 avg. points per night)
• IHG One Rewards
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Earl’s Court (38,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Epsom Downs (27,500 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – ExCel (47,500 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Hammersmith (45,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Southwark (50,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Stratford (36,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London – Watford Junction (30,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express London Heathrow T4 (23,500 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn Express St. Albans – M25 (23,500 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn London – Brentford Lock (43,500 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn London – Camden Lock (59,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn London – Heathrow Bath Road (28,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn London – Watford Junction (33,000 avg. points per night)
  • Holiday Inn London – Whitechapel (44,500 avg. points per night)
  • Staybridge Suites London – Heathrow Bath Road (30,500 avg. points per night)
  • Staybridge Suites London – Vauxhall (58,000 avg. points per night)
• Marriott Bonvoy
  • Aloft London Excel (30,000 avg. points per night)
  • Courtyard London City Airport (35,000 avg. points per night)
  • Courtyard London Heathrow Airport (31,000 avg. points per night)
  • Moxy London Excel (35,000 avg. points per night)
  • Moxy London Heathrow Airport (20,250 avg. points per night)
  • Moxy London Stratford (35,000 avg. points per night)
  • Residence Inn London Bridge (60,000 avg. points per night)
  • Residence Inn London Tower Bridge (60,000 avg. points per night)
• World of Hyatt
  • Hyatt House London Stratford (12,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hyatt Place London City East (12,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hyatt Place London Heathrow Airport (8,000 avg. points per night)

Standard Hotels

• Hilton Honors
  • Canopy by Hilton London City (80,000 avg. points per night)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich (40,000 avg. points per night)
  • DoubleTree by Hilton London Kingston Upon Thames (50,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Angel Islington (60,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Bankside (70,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Canary Wharf (70,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Heathrow Airport (57,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Syon Park (60,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Tower Bridge (65,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hilton London Wembley (60,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Gantry London (66,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Westminster London (60,000 avg. points per night)
• IHG One Rewards
  • Crowne Plaza London Heathrow T4 (23,500 avg. points per night)
  • Hotel Indigo London – Kensington (50,500 avg. points per night)
  • Hotel Indigo London – Tower Hill (56,500 avg. points per night)
• Marriott Bonvoy
  • London Heathrow Marriott Hotel (43,500 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf (45,000 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel County Hall (90,000 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel Kensington (64,500 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel Maida Vale (44,500 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel Park Lane (107,000 avg. points per night)
  • London Marriott Hotel Regents Park (65,500 avg. points per night)
  • Montcalm East (61,000 avg. points per night)
  • Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel (34,000 avg. points per night)
  • Sheraton Grand London Park Lane (79,000 avg. points per night)
  • St. Ermin’s Hotel (76,500 avg. points per night)
  • The Dixon, Tower Bridge (66,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Westin London City (75,000 avg. points per night)
  • Threadneedles (75,000 avg. points per night)
• World of Hyatt
  • Hyatt Regency London Albert Embankment (20,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hyatt Regency London Blackfriars (20,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hyatt Regency London Stratford (12,000 avg. points per night)

Luxury Hotels

• Hilton Honors
  • Conrad London St. James (80,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hart Shoreditch Hotel London (80,000 avg. points per night)
  • Lost Property St. Paul’s London (70,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Biltmore Mayfair (100,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Trafalgar St. James (100,000 avg. points per night)
• IHG One Rewards
  • InterContinental London – The O2 (73,500 avg. points per night)
  • InterContinental Park Lane (97,500 avg. points per night)
  • Kimpton Fitzroy London (81,000 avg. points per night)
• Marriott Bonvoy
  • Bankside Hotel (80,000 avg. points per night)
  • Great Northern Hotel (62,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hotel Xenia (63,000 avg. points per night)
  • JW Marriott Grosvenor House London (80,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Langley (60,000 avg. points per night)
  • The London EDITION (105,000 avg. points per night)
  • The Wellesley Knightbridge (105,000 avg. points per night)
  • W London (80,000 avg. points per night)
• World of Hyatt
  • Andaz London Liverpool Street (25,000 avg. points per night)
  • Great Scotland Yard Hotel (25,000 avg. points per night)
  • Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill (25,000 avg. points per night)
  • Park Hyatt London River Thames (30,000 avg. points per night)

Note: The award redemption rates represent the “average” award rate for a standard room in each hotel. While Hyatt has a published award chart, Hilton, IHG, and Marriott have dynamic award pricing – which may lead to significant fluctuations in award redemption rates. 

Related: The Best Credit Cards For Hotel Status

Final Thoughts

London is a city that delivers unforgettable experiences, no matter your travel style or budget. By tapping into points and miles, you can make the most of this vibrant destination, whether you are flying in with a Business Class ticket or securing a budget-friendly Economy Class seat, booking a five-star hotel in the heart of Westminster or enjoying a charming stay on a budget near Hyde Park. Points and miles make it possible to explore London without stretching your budget too thin — or allow you to elevate your travel experience for a special trip.

From iconic landmarks to free museums and endless entertainment, the attractions in London offer something for everyone. With a bit of planning, you can unlock incredible value on flights, hotels, and even local experiences. So, start exploring your points options and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of the most captivating cities in the world — London awaits!