City guides

Quick essentials for the cities our travellers visit most, and where booking by the hour helps. Always check live travel times before you set off.

London

The UK capital and its biggest travel hub, with five main airports and fast rail links to the rest of the country and to Europe.

Arriving: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports. St Pancras International handles Eurostar trains to Paris and Brussels.
Getting around: The Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line and buses all take contactless payment, so you rarely need a paper ticket.
When hourly helps: An hourly room near an airport or a major station is handy for long layovers, early flights or freshening up before a meeting.

The biggest city in the North West, known for music, football and a busy business district around Spinningfields.

Arriving: Manchester Airport is the largest outside London. Piccadilly is the main station, with direct trains to London and the airport.
Getting around: Metrolink trams cover the city centre and suburbs; the centre itself is compact and easy to walk.
When hourly helps: Hourly car hire suits trips out to the Peak District, and a meeting room by the hour works well for visiting teams.

Scotland's capital, famous for its castle, the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town, and the festivals every August.

Arriving: Edinburgh Airport is linked to the centre by tram and bus. Waverley station sits right between the Old and New Towns.
Getting around: Most sights are walkable, though the streets are steep and cobbled; Lothian buses and the tram fill the gaps.
When hourly helps: A guided walk or an airport transfer by the hour saves time, and festival season makes short daytime room stays useful.

The UK's second-largest city, at the centre of the national rail network, with a big convention and exhibition scene.

Arriving: Birmingham Airport has its own station on the main line. New Street is the central station; the NEC is next to the airport.
Getting around: Trains, the West Midlands Metro tram and buses connect the centre, and the canal towpaths make pleasant walking routes.
When hourly helps: Between conference sessions at the NEC, an hourly room or meeting space nearby is often easier than going back to a hotel.

Scotland's largest city, with a lively music scene, Victorian architecture and the leafy West End around the university.

Arriving: Glasgow Airport is a short bus ride from the centre. Central and Queen Street are the two main rail stations.
Getting around: The Subway runs in a simple loop through the centre and West End, and frequent trains reach the coast and Loch Lomond.
When hourly helps: Hourly car hire is a good fit for a day trip to the Highlands or Loch Lomond without committing to a full rental.

A historic port city on the River Mersey, known for its waterfront, museums, football and Beatles heritage.

Arriving: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is south of the city. Lime Street is the main station, with direct trains to London and Manchester.
Getting around: The centre and waterfront are walkable, and Merseyrail trains link the city with the Wirral and the coast.
When hourly helps: For match days and concerts, a room for a few hours near the centre can be simpler than an overnight stay.

Guides written by Good Hours. For in-depth travel information see Wikivoyage, the free, community-written travel guide.