The river Thames on a sunny day, with Westminster in the background.

Why London?

Discover why London is the ideal destination for international events, and take advantage of the city’s iconic attractions, exciting experiences and diverse event spaces.

Why choose London for your next event?

London is one of the world's leading corporate event places, with six airports, four Unesco World Heritage Sites, 85 Michelin-starred restaurants, 200 museums, 270 theatres, 857 art galleries and countless iconic sights and experiences.

The city is home to world-class specialised event services and more than 1,000 diverse venues, and new spaces opening constantly, from blank-canvas warehouse spaces to purpose-built conference centres, grand palaces and state-of-the-art auditoriums.

From excellent transport connections and citywide innovation to top industry talent and incredibly diverse event spaces, here are 21 reasons to choose London for your next event.

Connectivity

With an extensive public transport network including the Tube, the Elizabeth Line, London Overground, buses and taxis, as well as six international airports and direct flights to 400 destinations, London is one of the best-connected cities worldwide and the most connected in Europe. It is an easy city for your delegates to reach and an easy place to navigate once they're here with our guide to business travel in London.

London and other major UK airports have ePassport gates, a unique feature in Europe, which means visitors from Australia, US, Canada, Iceland, Japan, Liechtenstein, the European Union, Singapore, South Korea, Norway and New Zealand can expect less waiting times at the airports' passport control.

History and heritage

With more than 2,000 years of history, London is one of the most memorable cities in the world to host a successful event and entertain delegates. From the Royal Family and its rich traditions to historic institutions like the City of London’s livery halls, London’s heritage and history can be found in striking venues all over the capital.

For your next event or group visit, why not explore London's many heritage landmarks and historic venues, such as the Tudor era’s famous Tower of London, the beautiful Georgian architecture of Buckingham Palace or the grandeur of Guildhall.

Arts and culture

London is home to world-renowned galleries, museums, art centres, concert halls and entertainment venues. Many of the city's best museums and galleries are free to visit. Culture ranges from film productions and West End theatre to events such as Winter Wonderland and Pride London. The capital also hosts global festivals such as Chinese New Year and Diwali.

London’s meetings and incentives seasonality fluctuates throughout the year based on a few factors. Find out about London’s annual events calendar and peak visitor seasons to best plan your meetings and incentives.

Diversity

London is welcoming and open to all. No other city on the planet matches London for its wealth of culture and rich heritage. With 233 different languages spoken and a great variety of cuisine, music and entertainment, opportunities for diversity, equity and inclusion in London provide a friendly welcome to your delegates, and plenty of creative ideas to host your event.

Londoners respect, embrace and celebrate each other’s differences, and they recognise the value that diversity adds to the city. Organisations such as the Diverse Speaker Bureau, Diversity Alliance and Spectrum can help you bring diversity, equity and inclusion into your next London event.

Sustainability

London is committed to a sustainable future. The Mayor of London has laid out plans for the capital to be a net zero carbon, zero pollution city by 2030, as well as a zero-waste city by 2050. In 2024, London ranked 10th globally in the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index [PDF 8.1 MB] which measures planet, people, profit and progress.

In line with these goals and achievements, London is home to many sustainable venues and is the ideal city to host sustainable business events – and the London Convention Bureau team can help you put sustainability at the core of your planning.

Boundless new hotels and venues

London offers an unrivalled range of spaces to host your event, with new hotels and venues constantly opening across the city, including Convene Sancroft, St. Paul's and the thoughtfully designed Park Hyatt London River Thames hotel. The capital is also leading the way in innovative event concepts with access to top speakers.

Thousands of unique event spaces

Whether it's for a small or large group, an exclusive incentive experience or a citywide tech event, choose from more than 1,000 diverse conference venues and 160,000 hotel rooms from budget to boutique across the capital. If you're looking for a unique venue with character, London is packed with iconic, modern and quirky spaces, from royal settings and historic museums to riverboats and modern landmarks.

Experiences only in London

From stepping into history and art across the centuries through immersive experiences, to seeing iconic locations in completely new ways, London is always innovating its offer for visitors. For example, instead of just taking pictures of iconic locations, climb to the top of them for spectacular views! Tours include Up at The O2 and the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Groups can enjoy a silent disco walking tour or get competitive at Fairgame or K1 Speed at Canary Wharf. Go back in time with The Lost Estate's live immersive experiences, including 1930s New York or 1950s Havana. Wake up to the roars of lions at London Zoo's lodges or embark on a journey to Jurassic World - The Experience.

Sectors, expertise and talent

Home to cutting-edge industry clusters and as the global tech hub and financial capital, London offers unparalleled expertise across a range of thriving sectors, from life sciences and smart mobility to fintech or gaming. With world-class talent alongside outstanding creative event and media agencies, the city is prepared for every focus you set for your event.

Whether you are planning a tech event, a medical conference or a creative workshop, you'll find vibrant spaces dotted all over the city.

#10

Neighbourhoods

Explore different vibes in the city's diverse neighbourhoods and choose the best spot to suit your event. Pick trendy Shoreditch for breweries and warehouses, Mayfair for prestigious venues, Greenwich for royal museums and historic spots, the City of London for striking buildings and sky gardens, or dynamic King's Cross and St Pancras for food, art and culture galore.

#11

International cuisines

London's restaurants cater to every taste and budget, with settings ranging from swanky locations with astounding views to atmospheric wine bars and gastropubs. With 85 Michelin-starred restaurants, cuisines from around the world and an increasing number of venues dedicated to vegan dining, the capital is home to incredible spaces for private dining, events, product launches and more. London's food scene is constantly evolving and there are always exciting new restaurants opening across the city.

Whether you're hosting a group dinner for 25 or 250 people, London offers some of the best restaurants for groups to suit every size and occasion. Discover an incredible array of restaurants across the city's vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, from Asian-inspired small plates at Lucky Cat Mayfair to British and French classics at Savoy Grill in Temple, traditional Italian dishes at Eataly in Liverpool Street and Joia Battersea's spectacular panoramic views.

#12

City of reinvention

London's culture, economy and landscape are constantly evolving with the support of Business Improvement Districts, particularly in up-and-coming areas such as the East Bank in Stratford, King's Cross, the South Bank and Canary Wharf Group. With creative developments investing and rejuvenating ecosystems and knowledge quarters across the city, this benefits local communities and visitors alike.

#13

Green spaces and rooftop bars

As a green city and the world's first National Park City, 20% of London is public green space. The capital is home to thousands of gorgeous parks and gardens perfect for outdoor incentives and fun team-building activities. As well as natural green spaces, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor venues to host an alfresco event in London, from hotel rooftop bars and restaurant terraces to riverside spots and museum courtyards.

Some of the best London venues for outdoor events and incentives include cultural spaces, art galleries and museums such as Somerset House, royal parks and residences including Hampton Court Palace. There are also converted warehouses and other flexible event spaces, for example Tobacco Dock, plus countless rooftop terraces of all sizes, including IET London Savoy Place and the Hoxton Southwark's rooftop hotel restaurant and bar.

#14

River Thames

The river Thames is central to the history and development of London, and is the reason a lot of its most iconic locations are on or near its banks, including some unique riverboat venues. The Thames offers plenty of experiences, from taking a relaxing stroll along riverside paths surrounded by greenery in Richmond or Kingston, to modern venues, cruises, entertainment and food and drink options in the bustling centre of the city.

Take an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers or City Cruises service to enjoy a new angle of the city's historic and modern views, including Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Greenwich, The O2 and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf and the City. You can even host an event on a floating venue with Wood's Silver Fleet.

#15

Live music

From Taylor Swift to Coldplay and a long list of billboard-topping artists in between, London is an essential stop for music icons during their world tours. The city is also home to world-renown venues, including The O2, the Royal Albert Hall and top-level sport stadiums that also host live music, including Wembley Stadium, the Emirates Stadium, the London Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

London is also constantly evolving and innovating in its live music offer, with ABBA Voyage as a prime example. This purpose-built arena hosts live concerts where digital avatars of the iconic members of ABBA perform to lively audiences.

#16

Sporting events

London has an impressive sporting culture and history, which includes being the host of three Olympic games and a FIFA World Cup. Among the most popular and world-renown sporting events hosted in or very near London are Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, Major League Baseball and National Football League games.

The city is home to seven Premier League football teams, including Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea. Many of the team's stadiums can also be hired for events, such as the Allianz Stadium Twickenham, Arsenal Emirates Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley Stadium.

#17

Wellness

In such a vibrant city, there is no shortage of spaces to escape from the bustle to relax and unwind after an event. Try the Corinthia London's spa that spans four floors or the Jumeirah Carlton Tower's Peak Fitness Club and Spa with its 20-metre pool. For a wellness treatment with unmatched views of the city, try the Shangri-La's Sky Pool Serenity, on the 52nd floor of The Shard, or jump into the Pan Pacific London's infinity pool after a treatment at its Sensory Wellbeing spa.

If heights aren't your thing while getting a good swimming workout, try the London Marriott Hotel County Hall's 25-metre indoor pool. Later in 2025, London is welcoming its first Six Senses hotel and spa, housed within an art deco style building next to Hyde Park.

#18

Easy access to the countryside

London is close to incredible countryside pursuits. Explore further afield and treat your guests to unforgettable day trips, packed with historical towns, gorgeous properties and thrilling experiences. Discover regal Windsor, home to a magnificent royal residence, explore Bath with its rich Roman heritage, visit the mysterious Stonehenge and so much more.

One of the world's finest luxury hotels, Cliveden House is a grand stately home surrounded by magnificent formal gardens and parkland. Another stunning countryside venue is The Grove, the ultimate five-star retreat set in picturesque Hertfordshire. Or just a short trip away from central London is Windsor, full of history and heritage with Windsor Castle, Eaton College and stunning hotels such as the Fairmont Windsor Park and the grand De Vere Beaumont Estate.

#19

A shopping haven

London's options for shopping are as vast and varied as its neighbourhoods. Head to Bond Street, Regent Street, Piccadilly and Knightsbridge for exclusive boutiques and high-end brands including Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty London and Fortnum & Mason. For the latest in high street fashion and trends, visit Oxford Street, Outlet Shopping at The O2, the London Designer Outlet at Wembley Park and two Westfield shopping centres.

For quirkier and independent brands and styles, check out Covent Garden, Spitalfields and Greenwich, all with plenty of unique offerings. For a more traditional street shopping experience, visit Columbia Road Flower Market and try the best of British and international food at Borough Market.

#20

Business environment

As a global tech and financial hub, and home to unrivalled talent, universities, low taxation and plenty of support and resources for startups, London is one of the most welcoming and friendliest cities for business. The city's location is also a plus, with its proximity to time zones across all markets, making global communication a breeze.

#21

Access to Europe

London provides seamless access to Europe via its six airports or by rail with Eurostar. Paris is a couple of hours away, and there are also links to Lille, Brussels and Amsterdam. After merging with Thalys, Eurostar now also offers tickets to Antwerp, Dusseldorf and Cologne. In the winter, you can use the Eurostar Snow service to ski resorts in the French Alps.