tips for london travel

40+ London Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

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Whenever people say they dislike London, I get weirdly defensive.

I mean… Not like London? How dare you?!

In a city with attractions, shows and restaurants catered to every whim, I find the prospect outrageous. Which is why I’ve come to the following conclusion: most of those who ‘dislike London’ simply fail to prepare for it properly… an easy failure, given the many, many mistakes tourists can make here.

… But that won’t be you. You’re going to love London, because I’m arming you with every London tip and must-know you could ever possibly need, accumulated over a dozen visits ranging from two days to two months.

So, read on for a truly maniacal range of London travel tips for first timers, from London planning tips and culture shocks to niche, practical must-knows upon arrival.

Soon, you too shall be a violently defensive London fangirl. See you on the other side.

Save this List of London Travel Tips for Later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Avoid visiting London in peak season

First, in terms of when to visit London… my number one rule is to avoid London in peak peak season, meaning July and August.

Sure, the city draws tourists year-round, but summer time is next level in terms of crowds, and there’s a bonus villain that comes in to guest star: muggy London heat , an absolute menace if you use public transport.

Overall, there’s a compelling reason for every season (you know it’s true because it rhymes), just avoid summer if you can, and also try to avoid school and bank holidays because London is a super popular family destination.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what every (other) season can offer:

• Spring: Flowers in bloom, May for wisteria hysteria, plenty of fun events like the Chelsea Flower Show/Chelsea in Bloom
• Fall: Gorgeous foliage and comfortable temperatures, fun events like the London Film Festival
• Winter: The sheer magic of London at Christmas (though this can be crowded too – plan for weekdays/earlier in the season for a slightly quieter experience). Winter can otherwise be a bit gloomy, but the relatively thinner crowds and lower prices help compensate

2. Plan to be in London for minimum four days

One of the best ways to hate London is to rush through it.

This is a city best enjoyed somewhat slowly – otherwise burnout is guaranteed.

I personally think first time visitors need at least four days to get a good feel for the city. You definitely won’t see everything in this time, but it’ll give you a good grasp of the main must-sees. I’d advise adding a few more days if you want to do some cool day trips too.

3. Research your airport to accommodation commute in advance

First time visiting London? Great news – the confusion starts before you even arrive!

When booking flights, you may find that there are actually six airports that service the Greater London area: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Luton, London City Airport, and London Southend Airport.

For most visitors coming from overseas, Heathrow and Gatwick will likely be your main point of entry, whereas the others are popular for shorter flights, typically from elsewhere in Europe (often with budget airlines like Ryanair , easyJet and Wizz Air , especially with Stanstead and Luton ).

When planning, you should remember to factor in costs getting from these airports to central London, as it’s often not cheap.

While the options vary by airport, the most convenient (and most expensive) is of course by taxi or private transfer. Welcome Pickups can be a good option for pre-booking, if you are prioritizing convenience and ease.

There are also public transport options for all of them which are much more cost-effective.

One general word of warning though: regardless of which airport you arrive at, make sure you research different ways to get to the city centre. Often times, the most popular and most advertised options aren’t the best solution.

For instance, with Heathrow, often visitors will hop on the Heathrow Express, a ride notorious for being the UK’s most expensive train journey per mile (though a new train from Luton is set to dethrone it) … only to find out they need to complete their journey with further means because their hotel is nowhere near Paddington Station.

So, definitely explore different options for getting into the city!

4. Prioritize comfort when booking accommodation

In terms of places to stay, there are thousands of hotels and accommodation options to choose from in London. Unfortunately, their prices will make you want to cry, regardless of quality.

As I discuss in my guide on how to book the best accommodation every time , often sacrifices must be made depending on whether you’re prioritizing price, quality or location.

For London, I would advise prioritizing quality or price.

Whereas in other cities, I’m more inclined to prioritize location, the truth is London and its attractions are very spread out, so booking a hotel close to one attraction won’t necessarily put you at an advantage when it comes to seeing other places.

Plus, staying in touristy areas can mean noise, crazy prices, and a lack of good-value places to eat nearby. Rather, in London, I think it’s smarter to prioritize an area with good food options nearby and proximity to a Tube station (preferably in more central zones like Zone 1 and Zone 2).

Apart from that, to make your decision, I think you should be looking more at the specifics of the hotel and whether they suit your needs in terms of amenities and comfort. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, you’ll want somewhere nice to come home to!

5. Thoroughly research your accommodation before booking

Related to the London planning tip above is the simple fact that many of London’s hotels are terrible value for money.

You’d assume (based on prices) that you’re getting a great place to stay, but oftentimes hotels will lack the amenities you typically expect.

This is because many (smaller) London hotels weren’t purposely built to be hotels, and are converted from old buildings, which may mean a lack of elevator and/or ‘quirky’ plumbing and temperature control issues.

So, be extra careful when you’re vetting hotels. Read the descriptions, comb through reviews, scroll through all the photos, and if amenities like Air Conditioning are important to you, triple check the hotel has it because many older ones do not.

Don’t automatically assume every hotel will have standard amenities (especially if the price seems too good to be true!)

6. Make sure you have a data plan

Another important London tip is to get a local SIM card or make sure you have an international data plan because having access to Internet in London is pretty crucial these days, with many restaurants/pubs offering their menus on QR code or confusingly stumbling around using Google Maps.

Three has really cheap data plans and you can pick up a card straight at the airport! You can also find their SIM cards on Amazon. An unlimited one costs less than my 5GB data plan back home in Canada. It simply doesn’t make sense.

7. Make sure you have a travel-friendly credit card

Another important London travel tip? Make sure you have a good credit card that travels well.

London these days is becoming very much a cashless city and you’ll be relying on card a lot more than cash, which is why it’s important to have a travel-friendly credit card like Wise , which doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees or overinflated currency conversion fees.

8. Do not rent a car for your London trip

When in London, I wouldn’t advise renting a car. Driving in the city is a horrific pain, with copious weird fees that tourists aren’t used to.

Public transport is definitely the way to go. Renting a car may make sense for further trips out in to the countryside, but just know that when you’re in London itself, public transport or taxis should be your pick.

9. Learn how to book taxis quickly and easily

On the topic of taxis, I’d recommend downloading an app called FreeNow which is basically Uber but with licensed taxis.

This is way easier than flagging down a taxi on the street, plus you can see how much the fare will be, which helps you avoid getting scammed.

10. Avoid hop on/hop off buses to get around

Another London tip for getting around: I wouldn’t advise using those ubiquitous hop on/hop off buses as a means of transport.

Not only are they wildly expensive compared to local buses, their schedules also aren’t as consistent or reliable as regular public transport, so it’s really a lose-lose situation.

Instead, just use the vast public transport network that serves millions of locals everyday! Sure it’s stuffier and you might get lost or meet some characters, but it’s all part of the experience.

NOTE: I do think the open top buses are fun, but I’d advise doing a tour for the experience, rather than use it as a way of getting from Point A to Point B. Local transport will cost you far less, and will make you feeling more like a Londoner, if that’s what you’re after.

11. Make sure you have a contactless card for public transport

If you DO end up using public transport in London, the good news is it’s quite easy. Both buses and the Underground (AKA the Tube) rely on a card tap system that automatically charges you.

As a tourist, the easiest option is to just use a contactless card for all payments. You tap in on the bus as you board, then you can just get off at your stop without worrying again. Or, you tap in at Tube stations at the gates on your way in, and at the gates on your way out. Easy!

There is a reloadable card called an Oyster Card that you can buy to tap in/out easily, like a gift card you fill up with travel credit, but the prices and caps are the same for both contactless cards and Oyster cards.

Plus there’s a 5GBP activation fee for Oyster cards, so it’s not worth it for a short trip, unless you’re dealing with some specific scenarios which I’ll outline below, after this cute photo of a tap in/tap out machine.

12. Get an Oyster Card (in some situations)

There are only two situations where I think getting an Oyster card makes sense if you’re a tourist.

First, if you plan to buy a RailCard, this saves you 1/3 on all journeys, including on the Tube so you will need to get an Oyster Card and link the two to take advantage of that. Of course this only makes sense for visitors staying longer or who plan to come back often.

Second, you should maybe consider an Oyster card if you don’t have a travel friendly credit card and get charged individually for foreign transactions, as those costs might add up.

In most cases though, just using a contactless card is the simplest solution because it deducts amounts automatically. You can even use this to get far out to popular day trip destinations like Hampton Court Palace.

Just make sure you use the same card all day though because there are daily caps on how much they can charge you!

13. Understand when to take buses vs. the Tube

In terms of public transport in London, there’s Underground trains AKA the Tube, buses, and overground trains which connect to suburbs and neighbourhoods that are farther out.

As a tourist, you’ll most likely be relying just on the Underground and buses. 

Both have their pros and cons.

I do think buses are fun for tourists because they’re above ground so you see a lot more, especially if you ride at the front of a double decker (which is a mandatory must-do in my opinion), plus you can get phone service on them and they are cheaper as well, especially because it’s one price across zones.

The downside is they’re not as punctual (the time tables on Google Maps are notoriously inaccurate, so focus on the digital estimates at the stops themselves whenever possible)… and you can get stuck in traffic.

So, keep these pros/cons in mind when choosing how to plan your journey. If traffic a mess, the Tube may be a better choice. If you need phone service, want views, or are prioritizing low cost, then the bus may be better.

NOTE: Contrary to popular belief, the Tube does not run 24/7. It actually stops running surprisingly early, so check times before you head out, or prepare to get comfy on the night bus.

14. Always plan for lots of buffer time in case there’s delays with public transport

Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to plan things with buffer time in between obligations, especially if you need to be somewhere at a specific time.

The Tube may not get caught in traffic like buses do, but there’s still often random delays and unexpected failures.

So, if you have a tour, show or attraction booked, be sure to add in 30 minutes or more of wiggle room, just in case.

15. Walk as much as possible

Truthfully though, while I’m a big fan of London public transport, my preferred way to get around is walking as much as possible within neighbourhoods, then taking the Tube or bus to cover huge distances.

In busier tourist areas, there’s often signs you can follow to find big attractions so don’t worry too much about navigating on foot, and walking can sometimes even be faster than the Tube depending on how far you’re going.

16. Learn to ride the Tube like a pro

If you want to navigate the Tube system like a slick, terrifyingly efficient professional, then there are some basics to keep in mind.

First, I would never ride the Tube by choice between 7:30-9am and 5-7pm. It’s more expensive at this time so it’s a lose-lose, plus it’s rush hour when everyone and their mom’s landlord is trying to get to/from work. Don’t get caught in this as a tourist. Remember, you’re here to escape that kind of minutia!

Second, remember, when riding the Tube, you need to tap out to leave, so have your card ready to tap out upon exit, and don’t block everyone’s way as you shuffle through the deepest depths of your chaotic tote bag.

Also make sure you have your full journey loaded on your phone or written down before you head out. There’s usually no service so you won’t be able to Google directions when you’re down there, hence why you may want to bring a book or some form of entertainment.

One random hack I have for finding the right exit to take from a Tube station is to plot your journey on Google Maps, and then rotate your map to make it look like your train is headed straight North. This way, you have a sense of which direction you need to move towards once you get off the train, and which exit makes the most sense.

In this example for instance, as you exit the train, you will know your end destination is behind and to the left of you:

Some busier stations will also have an exit guide:

Lastly, be sure to exercise proper Tube etiquette:

• Let people off the train before you try to get on
• If there’s a crowded train, take off your bag or have it on your front so you’re not in everyone’s way
• Don’t stand on the left side of the escalator – this is meant to be left empty for people who choose to walk up

17. Consider a BritRail Pass if travelling farther

If you’re staying a while in London and plan to do many day trips or side trips, one potential pass worth considering is the London Plus BritRail Pass .

With it, you can get unlimited train journeys for a set period (either a consecutive few days or a set number of days within a month).

The London Plus Pass is especially good value because it covers the Greater London area, plus many of London’s most popular day trip destinations like Bath , Winchester , Windsor, Salisbury, Brighton , and Bournemouth.

This is a great option if you need a bit more flexibility and don’t want to buy tickets in advance, but overall if you plan to only do a handful of day trips, buying tickets well in advance will probably be cheaper. 

18. Don’t overload your London itinerary

Now let’s move onto some London itinerary planning tips. The first and most important one? Resist the urge to overload your itinerary!

London is a gargantuan city packed with fun attractions, so many in fact that even people born and raised there haven’t seen it all.

Which stands to reason that you, as a first time visitor, will not be able to see it all in one go either.

I would recommend limiting big paid attractions to 1-2 per day, then dedicating the rest of the day to just wandering, enjoying food, and pursuing more relaxed activities.

19. Plan your days by neighbourhood

Another important London must-know is that you should be organizing your itinerary based on strategic neighbourhood hopping.

London is really spread apart so planning things by neighbourhood is crucial for avoiding the inefficiency of doubling back. If you need help, I have a 3 Days in London itinerary you can steal.

Needless to say, it’s really worth getting out of Central London to explore other neighbourhoods during your visit. Notting Hill, Camden, and Shoreditch are super popular ones for instance, but if you want something quieter, Hampstead Heath or Greenwich are also great.

20. Consider the London Pass for potential savings

London is expensive, so I highly recommend you cap your paid attractions to only a few that you desperately want to do, then devote the rest of your time to free attractions.

That said, if you do intend on seeing lots of paid sights I can highly recommend the London Pass , especially if you can grab one on sale.

It’s essentially one card you pay for that then gets you into tons of paid attractions. If you plan correctly, this can save you SO much money. I bought a ten day one recently so that I could test out all of London’s paid attractions in one go. It was busy but I ended up saving a crazy amount of money.

Again, this would only be worth it if you planned to see a bunch of paid sights anyway, but it’s worth looking into if you’re a ‘see it all!’ type of visitor.

21. Prioritize uniquely ‘London’ attractions

We’ve already established that there’s a ton to see in London… so how can you decide which sights to prioritize above the rest?

Well, my advice would be to prioritize uniquely London attractions. There are many big name attractions in the city now that are fairly random and completely unrelated to the city, for instance Shrek’s 4D Adventure or Madame Tussauds.

And… Unless you are travelling with kids and need to entertain them, I think there’s way better attractions to be prioritizing, so try to pick ‘Londony’ attractions whenever possible.

22. Time your attraction visits strategically

Of course, it’s worth emphasizing how busy London can be when it comes to tourist sights, so if you want to enjoy attractions with minimal selfie sticks in your eyes, then avoid going to big attractions in the middle of the day.

Early morning or (even better) just before closing time is often way less busy.

23. Familiarize yourself with all the free things to do in London

I’ve mentioned this already, but it’s worth noting again just how many great free things there are to do in London!

You can visit parks, go to free museums, or simply absorb London’s most wonderful sights on a (very free) walk.

In terms of free/by donation museums, the V&A is my personal favourite – it’s full of amazing decorative art and also located very close to other free museums like the Science Museum and Natural History Museum.

There’s also the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the Imperial War Museum, the British Museum and more. So if you’re looking to save money, prioritize these sights over others.

There are some great free viewpoints as well, like at…

• Tate Modern – the views over the Thames from the viewing level terrace are too good to pass up
• Primrose Hill – a farther away view of the skyline in a very pretty park/colourful neighbourhood
• Greenwich Observatory  – the perfect place to see the London skyline at sunset

24. Learn when to book London’s most exclusive free/almost free tickets

While London is swimming with free things to do, some are harder to pursue than others due to limited tickets that are pre-released at set times before quickly being gobbled up by the eager freebie goblins.

SO, to help you prepare, here are some cool experiences in London that are free or almost free, but need to be booked in advance:

• Barbican Conservatory: Really beautiful and free green space in the heart of the City! Tickets released for next week Thursdays at 10am here
• Sky Garden: Free and stunning viewpoint, but you need to book in advance and the tickets go QUICKLY. Usually tickets are released every Monday up to a week in advance. Click here to book.
• Mithraeum: Cool ancient Roman temple underneath all the huge skyscrapers in the City of London. Tickets can be booked up to four months in advance here although they do accept walk-ins depending on availability.
• Ceremony of the Keys: Secret, centuries-old ceremony at the Tower of London where they lock up for the night. SUPER cool. Not free, but only costs 5 GBP. Tickets need to be booked in advance on the 1st working day of the month at noon, for the next month. You can book it here.

NOTE: If you don’t manage to book Sky Garden  for free, another fun way to see it which I prefer is to book it for breakfast to see it without crowds. It does cost 8.50 per person but you get a drink and a pastry so it’s not a bad deal!

24. Book important must-dos well in advance

From West End shows to reservations for popular restaurants, planning ahead is key in London, especially during peak season.

Some key attractions that tend to book out months in advance include the Harry Potter Studio Tour and tickets for shows at the Globe .

So, remember: preparation is key to avoiding disappointment! If you know what attractions you want to see, book in advance online and get a skip the line ticket. If there’s a special restaurant you want to visit, book a table. If there’s a non-negotiable show that you need to see, book those tickets.

… You can always book cancellable ones to secure your spot, then decide later!

25. Learn how to get the best deals on West End shows

On that note, if you’re hoping to get West End show tickets during your time in London, then here are some tips for saving money:

• If you’re flexible with what show you watch, get the TodayTix app – they always have great sales and deals and within that app you can enter different ticket lotteries and do day-of rush tickets
• In advance of your trip, enter different ticket lotteries – they have ones for Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and other popular shows. This is how I got these seats in Hamilton for only 10 GBP!
• And in a pinch, you can also visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted day-of tickets

26. Read local blogs/websites to find special events

Another VERY underrated London travel tip is to scour local blogs and websites for fun events/pop-ups.

In a city like London, there’s always cool things happening, so if you want to spice up your itinerary beyond the tourist must-sees, there’s plenty of opportunities. London is home to millions of locals after all!

Some good local websites to check out include London x London , Time Out London , Londonist , Secret London.

27. Be sure to try plenty of English classics

Ahh, now for London food and drink tips!

I know most visitors will flock to London to try fish and chips, but besides this English classic, there are many other great British foods to try (alongside excellent international options, but more on that later).

If you’re craving local food, be sure to try some…

• Savoury pies
• A full English breakfast
• Sausage rolls
• Sticky toffee pudding

Those visiting on a Sunday should also make sure they try a Sunday roast, which tends to be eaten as a heavy lunch or early dinner, although booking for this in advance is strongly advised. 

28. Visit food markets if you have trouble with decisions

Beyond English classics, be sure to head out to some food markets in London as well (the city is famous for them!)

These vibrant foodie hubs offer a taste of London’s incredibly diverse food scene, all in a ‘grab and go’ manner that’s ideal for those who are indecisive, or simply bottomless pits of sustenance like me.

Borough Market is a foodie favourite that’s always busy but fun. Other markets I love for food include Greenwich Market, Brick Lane Market, nearby Old Spitalfields Market and (the much smaller) Maltby St Market… although these all have their own specific opening days, so be sure to research before you head out!

29. Learn where to grab a quick, cheap bite

If you’re in a rush, on a budget, or both, the most cost-effective and quick lunch you can get for yourself in London is a Meal Deal. These are set combos that include a main, a snack, and a drink for a set small price like 4 or 5 pounds. Most major supermarket chains do them.

Another place to get cheap snacks is bakeries or chains like Greggs, where you can get pastries and sausage rolls for less than 2 pound each.

I know how savage London can be on one’s budget, so keep these money saving tips in mind do help ease the pain a bit on some days.

30. Learn proper pub etiquette

Now, let’s have a quick chat about pub etiquette.

Going to a pub in London is an essential activity, even if you don’t drink. Pubs can be a great place to grab food, socialize or even listen to live music if you plan properly, so don’t write off the experience just because you’re not a drinker!

Of course, visiting a London pub for the first time can be an awkward experience for first timers, full of random little culture shocks, so here are some must-knows to help you prepare.

First – not all pubs in London have table service, so the most typical way to order (especially if you’re just getting drinks) is to go up to the bar and order from there. You can usually place food orders at the bar as well. If you plan to do this, take note of your table number (usually somewhere on the table) so that they know where to bring your food!

When ordering at the bar, you tend to pay on the spot, and not after the meal is over.

These days, it’s also common for pubs, especially chain ones, to have a QR code or app where you can order directly from your table using your Table number. If you’re feeling a bit anti-social, this can be an easy option.

Lastly, in terms of what to order, beers are most commonly ordered as pints which in the UK are 20 fluid ounces, but if you want something smaller, ordering a half pint (AKA just a half) is also possible, although not too common.

Bear in mind pubs don’t tend to have as wide a selection for drinks as in bars, so you’re probably best sticking to beer, wine, cider or whatever simple cocktails they list on their menu. Don’t go asking for anything too fancy or they may look at you like you’re an alien.

31. Learn how tipping in London works

Now, in regards to tipping, you’ll find that many restaurants in London these days add on a Discretionary Service Charge of about 12.5% which is automatically tacked onto your bill.

This isn’t a mandatory fee and you can ask them to remove it if you don’t think the service deserves that amount.

Otherwise, if you pay it, don’t worry – you’re not usually expected to pay an additional tip on top of that, unless you found the service to be really exceptional.

32. Be careful when crossing the street

Now, for some London safety tips.

Please, for the love of Peppa Pig, make sure you look the right way when crossing the street.

The first time I visited London, I almost died about five times. Brits drive on the left, which sounds cute enough until you realize it turns every street crossing into an auto-fuelled death trap.

This has become such a problem that most crosswalks in touristy areas literally have “LOOK LEFT” and “LOOK RIGHT” painted on the pavement in aggressive white block letters, so read them.

33. Keep your phone close at all times

While pickpockets do exist everywhere, the more common crime these days in in London is phone snatching. 

What thieves will often do is come by you on a bike or scooter, then snatch the phone from your hand and escape so be sure to avoid having your phone out when you’re in a busy area, especially next to the road.

… And review my guide on how to avoid pickpockets too.

34. Beware of commonly mispronounced words and names

If you’re a first time visitor to London, you may be shocked to find that many of the names you’ve been reading in your head actually sound nothing like how you’ve been pronouncing them.

That’s because British English is filled with fun little traps!

So, let’s review some of the most commonly mispronounced names in London:

• Thames is pronounced like “temz”, not THEY-mz
• Leicester Square is pronounced like “LEST-ER Square”, not like LAY-SESS-TER Square
• Greenwich is pronounced like ‘GREN-itch”, not green witch
• Clapham and Fulham are pronounced like Clap-mm Full-mm, not Clap-HAM or Full-HAM
• Southwark is pronounced like “Suth-irk” not South Wark

And trust me, that’s barely scraping the surface. SO, when in doubt, keep an ear out on the announcements at train stations and tube stations for the proper pronunciation of things. I still learn new pronunciation traps all the time!

35. Beware of differing words in British English

On a related note, remember there are quite a few day to day words that are different in England compared to North America, so remember…

• Bathroom = the toilet or loo
• Elevator = lift
• Garbage can = bin
• Line-up = queue
• Sidewalk = pavement

… Just to name a few examples.

36. Learn some basic London etiquette

Of course, norms vary from destination to destination. Here are a few to bear in mind for London specifically:

• Never jump a queue – this might as well be a punishable crime in England
• Avoid talking too loudly – North Americans have a reputation for being obnoxiously loud in public
• Don’t take up a seat on the bus or train with your bag if it’s busy
• And most importantly: don’t put on a fake English accent! You might think it’s funny or convincing, it’s probably not

37. Don’t bring too much cash out

I mentioned before how London is mostly a cashless city these days… but it’s an important must-know so I’ll mention it again!

Remember: there are now some places in London that are “card only” so you won’t be needing cash too often, hence why I’d recommend carrying very little with you at all times.

A good rule of thumb is to never bring more cash out than you could stand to lose. I usually just walk around with £20 juuust in case, but I’ve rarely had to use it.

38. Learn where to find free public toilets

If you need to find a public toilet while exploring London, either look for big train stations, McDonalds, Starbucks and department stores OR in a pinch, duck into a pub and order a drink.

39. A hooded jacket > an umbrella

If you’re running low on space and can’t decide what to pack, I would recommend packing a hooded jacket over an umbrella for your trip to London.

London’s rain can often come unexpectedly, and honestly the wind can be pretty vicious too, so having a hooded jacket is a better defense.

Because yes, it does rain a lot quite randomly in London, so make sure you’re prepared!

40. Remember to be respectful

Getting to the end of our list of London travel tips, please remember the importance of being a kind and respectful tourist!

Some examples of what NOT to do include…

• Trespassing private property to get a fake candid in front of a colourful wall
• Being loud and disruptive if you’re wandering around a cute residential neighbourhood
• Blocking the escalator/sidewalk/train door with huge suitcases and bags
• Stopping suddenly on the sidewalk to look at directions/take a photo

At the end of the day, there are a lot of tourists in London, sure, but there’s even more locals who call this city home… so let’s make sure we don’t ruin their day to day lives with our tourist debauchery.

41. Binge watch movies/shows set in London before your visit

Finally – last but not least, a very dorky tip: watch lots of movies and shows in advance of your visit which showcase London as the backdrop.

This will make your trip 1000x more delightful… trust me!

There’s way too many to choose from, but here’s a list to get you started:

• About Time (one of my favourite movies ever – please watch it)
• Paddington 1 & 2 (not just for kids. These are great and showcase London well)
• Bridget Jones’ Diary or Notting Hill (if you want a good rom com)
• Anything Sherlock Holmes related
• Love Actually (at Christmas time – a must!)
• The Harry Potter series (not a TON of London scenes, but still magical)

I hope this list of London Travel Tips was helpful!

I appreciate you trudging your way through this lengthy list of tips for London, my London fangirl in training. Hopefully this post answered most of your questions, but if you have any more, let me know in the comments. Safe and happy travels!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips © FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published Sep 7, 2023 and updated Mar 10, 2024.

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Traveling to London for the First Time (2024): Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Traveling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London might be overwhelming indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city!

How long do I need to spend in London? When to visit? What are the best places to stay in London? How to save time and money and still see the best that London has to offer?

To help you plan your first trip to London, I selected some of the best tips for visiting London . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your London trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames River Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio (book well in advance!)
• The View from The Shard .

These are our top travel tips for visiting London:

1. Stay in Central London

The question that gets asked a lot by first-time visitors is what are the best places to stay in London.

Hotels in central London can be expensive, yet while it might be very tempting to choose cheaper accommodation outside the city center, it’s a choice that you’ll quickly regret. First, commuting into the city every day will cost a lot of money and time. Precious time, that you could otherwise use for sightseeing.

Visiting London for the first time? Stay in central London!  By staying in central London you can see much more in less time. Ultimately this will save money not just on transportation, but also on your overall trip budget because you’ll need fewer days in order to see just as much.

Now that we established that central London is the best place to stay when visiting London for the first time, you might be wondering which neighborhoods are the best for sightseeing.

There is probably no single best answer to this, but here is a short list of neighborhoods that we personally looked at when planning our recent trip to London with kids : Westminster, Trafalgar/ Covent Garden, Soho, Bankside, and South Bank. 

Ultimately we chose the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel , which is located on the South Bank close to the London Eye . We loved being in the center of the action and being able to easily walk everywhere. Staying in the center makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance or just a short bus/ tube drive away.

The area around Covent Garden/Trafalgar Square is another great choice. Check out Citadines Trafalgar Square if you are looking for a nice price/quality/location hotel.

TIP: Using the map below, you can also easily see what’s available in central London for your travel dates and group size.

In general, I’d say just look for the best deals that you can find for your group and travel dates and as long as it’s in Central London, you know you made a good choice.

TIP: If you are looking for a lower budget stay in central London (although ‘budget’ is a relative term here), check out the Waterloo Station area (10 minutes walk to London Eye ). It’s one of the few places in the center where you can often find good quality budget accommodation. Here are two of the best choices in this area: Nox Hotel Waterloo and Point A Hotel London Westminster .

If you go further from the center, accommodation gets a bit cheaper. But a lot also depends on the specific area. In general, west/ northwest of the River Thames is better than going further east/ southeast because most of the main landmarks and attractions of London are on the western side of the river. Unless you stay very close to the river, in which case, it’s as good as it gets.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in London

2. Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and one of the most popular cities in Europe. It’s an extremely popular destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The busiest times to visit London are July and August, as well as European bank holiday weekends and school breaks. If you can, try to avoid these peak periods for fewer crowds and better prices and availability.

If you plan to see London during Holiday Season, it’s best to avoid the main shopping streets on the weekends and the last days just before Christmas.

TIP: Since spring school holidays in Europe usually fall later than in the U.S., London is a great European destination for spring break . It can also be very nice in June when most European countries still have school.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Travel in Europe

3. Foresee Enough Time and Don’t Try to See Everything

If you are traveling to London for the first time, you are probably wondering how much time you need in London. You have to realize that London is huge and there is no way to see everything in just a few days or even a few weeks… So don’t come to London thinking that you can see it all in just one or two days.

While you can see most of the main sights in London in one day or two days , for first-time visitors, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This should give you sufficient time to get acquainted with the city, see the main landmarks, and visit a few of the most popular tourist attractions in London .

However, we also suggest visiting at least a few places outside of the city as that will make your trip so much more special. In that case, you should really plan at least 5-7 days in London. More about day trip suggestions further below.

Also, don’t try to see ‘everything’ in London. This is simply not possible and will leave you tired and frustrated. Plan to visit no more than two or three bigger attractions every day and leave some time for unexpected discoveries.

4. Book as Much as Possible in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting London is not to plan your visit in advance. Long in advance!

Starting with flights and accommodations and ending with London attractions and activities – booking in advance means more choice, better prices, and less time wasted queuing. After all, you want to make the most of your trip to London and not spend all your precious time standing in line.

TIP: Often tickets for the main London attractions are cheaper if booked online at least a day in advance. For example, you can usually get cheaper tickets for Madame Tussauds , The View from The Shard , or the  London Eye online (not even to mention avoiding the biggest queues and actually being able to visit).

For some places not reserving in advance usually means that you won’t be able to visit at all. For example, the Harry Potter Studio Tour , which is often booked up weeks and months ahead. To give you an idea, recently, we couldn’t find tickets for the day (let alone the time) when we wanted to go 16 weeks in advance! I checked all the possible websites and tour options and this day tour was the only one that still had availability, and only because it was just new at that time. And it’s not even the peak season!

If you want to go see a musical in London, book your theater tickets well in advance. Sometimes, there are last-minute tickets available as well, but not to the most popular shows and the seats you get are usually far from great.

TIP:   If you didn’t think to prebook and are looking for last-minute theatre tickets in London, check the TKTS ticket booth on Leicester Square. You can buy theatre tickets only in person for performances on the same day, or up to two days in advance.

5. Save Time and Money on London’s Major Attractions

Visiting London for the first time means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions in London . However, if you aren’t prepared, it’s very likely you will waste hours and days standing in lines.

If you want to make the most of your time in London, consider skip-the-line tickets and priority passes at the most popular attractions.

Yes, they are expensive but think of it this way. What’s the point of paying all that money to travel to London to then spend all your time queuing instead of sightseeing…

Sunday 40% Off (2024 Spring)

If you are visiting London between March and May 2024, you might be able to take advantage of the 40% discount on some of the major London attractions if you book in advance and visit them on Sunday.

Below is the list of the attractions that offer this discount. Click on the links to activate the promo code and book the ticket directly on the official website:

• Madame Tussauds London .
• London Dungeon .
• SEA LIFE London .
• Shrek’s Adventure .

The London Pass

One of the best ways to see a lot of the major attractions in London with a priority entrance is The London Pass . For example, it includes FREE entrance to places like The Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, or London Zoo and experiences like the Thames River Cruise or Hop-on Hop-off bus tour (to mention just a few)…

However, it only makes sense to get the pass if you visit at least 2-3 of the included attractions per day, so you need to decide if it’s worth it for you.

If you are planning to visit a lot of major attractions in a very short time, then the London Pass is definitely worth it. But plan well and make sure you get the most out of your pass during its validity period.

TIP: If you are staying in London longer, buying a pass for multiple days is more beneficial than just getting a pass for one day. Note that there are several different choices of passes in London ( The London Pass , London Explorer Pass ). Our research shows that the London Pass is one of the best options.

Fast Track, Skip the Line & Timed-Entry Tickets

The London Pass includes free entrance to 60 top attractions in London, but some of the most popular attractions like the London Eye are not included in this pass. Furthermore, many popular attractions now work with timed entry slots.

So for the most popular attractions, it’s best to book fast-track or timed-entry tickets well in advance.

We visited London with our three kids and used fast-track tickets wherever we could. I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to wait in line everywhere. We could have never seen half as much in the time that we had, not to mention our sanity, standing in line for hours with young children…

For example, you can buy fast-track tickets for the London Eye , Madame Tussauds , and some others. You can get timed-entry tickets for the Tower of London , The Shard , and many others.

A fast-track ticket to the most popular attractions like the London Eye or even Madame Tussauds can easily save you a couple of hours! The queues here can be 2-3 hours long, so believe me, a fast-track ticket is a real lifesaver . As a minimum, get a standard timed-entry ticket online before you go.

TIP: The London Eye also has several different prices depending on when you book and when you visit. For example, the early morning, late evening, or weekday tickets are usually a bit cheaper. Plus, you can save up to 20% if booking online and at least 24 hours in advance! You can find all the best ticket options for The London Eye on the official website .

6. Visit London’s FREE Attractions

Here are some places and activities that you should definitely add to your London travel list:

Free Museums in London

Visiting London is not cheap, but there are so many great things to see and do completely for free. Here are just a few London museums that can be visited free of charge : British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Museum of London and many more.

London’s Parks and Gardens

London has many gardens, parks and playgrounds that are free to visit. It is also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

London Views

While some places require a ticket, there are lots of great views in London that don’t cost anything at all. For more information, please see our guide to the best views of London .

London’s Shops

Don’t get me wrong – shopping in London isn’t cheap by any means. But visiting the shops is of course absolutely free and can be an attraction in itself. Don’t miss Harrods and Oxford Street ! Kids will love  Hamleys (the world’s largest and oldest toy store), the LEGO store , and the  M&M store .

TIP: Try to avoid shopping streets and big department stores on the weekends and just before Christmas.

London Markets

London has lots of wonderful markets, scattered all around the city. With quirky, unique shops and food stalls that will leave you mouthwatering, it will likely be hard to resist buying something. But you can spend hours and days wandering around London’s markets without spending anything…

TIP: Some of our favorite markets include Camden Market , Greenwich Market , Spitalfields Market, and Borough Market (this is where some of the best food tours in London come too).

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is one of the free things to do in London that are not to be missed. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place at Buckingham Palace at 10.45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (weather permitting).  It’s very popular among tourists, so make sure to arrive early in order to secure a spot with a good view.

For the exact location and up-to-date schedule, please consult the website of the Household Division .

READ ALSO: Top FREE Sights & Things to Do in London with Kids (many suggestions will also be interesting for adults)

7. Use Credit Cards (or Smartphone)

These days, you hardly ever need cash for payments in the UK. Pretty much every place accepts credit cards and most places now also accept payments directly via your smartphone. You may want to get some cash for small purchases, but it’s so much easier to just use your credit card or smartphone.

You can use all major credit cards in London, but VISA and Mastercard are by far the most accepted cards. Amex is not widely used in Europe and Diner’s Club is pretty much useless. Debit cards (or cash-only cards) are also accepted pretty much everywhere.

One thing you should know is that if you use a card, often, you need one with a chip and a 4-digit PIN. Make sure that you know your PIN number by heart! You’ll need a credit card with a PIN for most payments all over Europe. Some places might still accept a card with your signature, but often, they don’t even know that they can or how to approach it because nobody in Europe uses that system anymore.

Good to know: When using an ATM or paying for purchases, you’ll be asked to choose currency – either local currency (UK pound sterling) or your own currency (US dollar if you’re traveling from the US, or Euro if you’re from Europe). Always choose to pay in local currency (UK pound sterling) and let your own bank do the currency transaction, or you risk losing a lot of money. A lot.

TIP:  If you don’t have the right credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin, check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel . I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .

8. Use Public Transport & Use a Contactless Credit Card or Oyster Card

London is a big city and visiting everything on foot just isn’t feasible. The good news is that London’s public transport system is very efficient.

One of the best and quickest ways to get around in London is metro, aka the London tube . The biggest advantage of the tube is that you can quickly get to the other side of London without having to waste your time in the traffic. Here’s a tip for you I once got from a local. Avoid the tube during rush hour and during Christmas.

However, while traveling underground, you don’t see anything of the city, so for shorter distances, I recommend taking one of the city’s buses. Riding these original red double-decker buses is a typical London experience you should try at least once.

TIP:  Get the Oyster card . It’s a sort of electronic ticket that can be used for all public transport in Greater London and is much cheaper than paying for single-ride tickets. You can find more information about the Oyster Card here .

Alternatively, just use your contactless credit card . You can scan it when entering the metro, then scan it again when you leave. It works the same way as the Oyster card and if you use public transport several times a day, the maximum amount you spend will be capped at a daily ticket rate.

Note that children often travel free of charge (more information here ). However, for older kids where kids’ tariff is applicable, you better get a ticket. Using your credit card for the kids as well would mean that you’re paying adult rates for them. On top of that, you need one card per person anyway.

TIP: Since the recent Uber ban in London, a traditional London cab is the best option if you have lots of luggage. You really don’t want to take the tube with young kids and big suitcases, take my word for it. We took a cab twice in London and it was much more affordable than we expected. Furthermore, riding a traditional English cab is part of the experience of visiting London for the first time.

9. Walk or Rent a Bike

I know that I just told you that seeing London on foot isn’t feasible. However, you’d be missing a great deal if you take a tube or a bus every time. After all, one of the best ways to see a new city is to explore it on foot . London is no exception.

Another great way to see London and easily cover bigger distances is by bike . There are lots of self-service city bike stands where you can rent a bike, or you can join a guided bike tour.

If you are visiting London for the first time and don’t know the city well, renting a bike without a guide is maybe not the best idea, unless in the parks. London traffic is really busy, it comes (for most of us) from a different side than what we are used to, and if you also need to read the map, it can get quite dangerous.

TIP: If you want to explore London by bike, book a tour with a local guide. There are several great options, e.g. this half-day bike tour that covers the main highlights of London , or this bike tour that brings you to the less-known places of London .

10. Use Hop-on Hop-off Buses and River Cruises

There are so many ways to see London! For the complete experience, I recommend you try as many different means of transport as you can during your London trip.

Hop-on hop-off buses are extremely popular and are a great way to see the city and major attractions.

One of my favorite ways to see any city is by taking a boat where possible. There are so many boat trip options in London, so you really have no excuse not to see London from the Thames. One of the most popular options is hop-on hop-off boat on River Thames . It allows you to see many attractions close to the river in an easy way.

TIP: Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets usually include one FREE Thames River cruise ride and a FREE walking tour.

11. Get off the Beaten Path

It’s understandable that you want to see the main landmarks when traveling to London for the first time. However, London is so much more than Big Ben or Buckingham Palace!

There are so many quirky neighborhoods, local markets, lesser-known museums, and beautiful gardens in London.

Visiting a few less known places like this will just make your first trip to London even more special and memorable.

TIP: Here you can find some great ideas for different things to do, the hidden gems of London . And here you can find some nice ideas for the best views and viewpoints in London .

READ ALSO: Camden Town – one of the coolest neighborhoods in London

12. Eat Like the British

London is an expensive city and dining out can be a pricey experience. Furthermore, restaurants located close to tourist attractions don’t always serve the best food, so researching restaurants in advance can be a good idea.

Here are some insider tips on where to find the best food in London and save money :

• Try traditional Fish&Chips where locals eat (e.g. Poppies Fish&Chips or The Golden Chippy).
• Local supermarkets offer lots of affordable options for sandwiches or salads – perfect for a picnic in the park.
• Borough Market is the best food market in London, but there are also so many other smaller markets and food stalls.
• Ottolenghi deli sells delicious packed lunches.
• Harrods food hall is not to be missed.
• Lots of fine restaurants cost a fraction of the price if you go there for lunch rather than dinner.
• Traditional afternoon tea experience is a must in London and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We had  afternoon tea with kids at St. Ermin’s and loved it! Nowadays, there are many easily accessible and very affordable high tea experiences all over London (see here for some of the best options ).

READ ALSO: British Food to Try in the UK

13. Take a Day Trip Outside of the City

While London has so much to offer, there are also so many nice places to visit outside the city as well! From the most popular destinations like Windsor Castle and bucket-list places like Stonehenge to the English countryside and charming villages of the Cotswolds , but also some of the UK’s best towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford, or Cambridge – there are so many amazing possibilities near London.

So if you can, plan a longer stay in London and take at least a few day trips to explore more of England. This will make your trip so much more special!

TIP: If you are short on time, we recommend that you take organized tours that cover some of the nicest places in one day. That way you can see a lot in just a few days – much more than you’d ever be able to do on your own. And yes, it’s not exactly exploring deeper, but if this is your first time in the UK, it’s better than nothing.

Here are some of the best day tours from London that we recommend for first-time visitors:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Oxford, Stratford & the Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfer .
• Liverpool and The Beatles (a very long day, but well worth it for The Beatles fans). See also our guide on how to visit Liverpool from London .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips and One Day Tours from London

14. Don’t Forget The Little Important Details

Here are some more practical tips to consider when traveling to London for the first time:

• You can pay by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. And no, you can’t pay in Euro or US Dollars in London, you really need to get Pound sterling from an ATM.
• You are not expected to tip in the UK and service charge is often included in your restaurant bill. In most London restaurants, you’ll get charged 10-15% in addition to your bill. Locals say they don’t typically tip at the bar, but would usually leave a 10% tip at a restaurant if the service was good and not yet included in the bill.
• Don’t forget your travel adapter . UK uses Type G plugs, which are very different from other European countries, or the US.
• You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes . Nowadays, Europeans wear sneakers in the cities too, and London is no exception. However, we tend to wear more fashionable sneakers (something like this ), not the ones you wear when playing tennis… However, some places in London still throw upon (and some doormen give you ‘the look’ or even refuse entry) if your clothing and/or footwear looks too casual…
• Look right(!) when crossing a street in London. Yes, right, because they do drive on the other side of the road in Britain. If this is your first trip to the UK, it might take some getting used to. So be careful!
• You may want to consider buying a local SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi to save on roaming charges.
• Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket. It rains a lot in London, especially in the colder season. Although, as climate changes, the weather has gotten significantly drier here too. So check the weather forecast before your trip. Wearing layers is always the best way to go!

So, these are some of the most important practical tips you should know when traveling to London for the first time.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience and tips from visiting London? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Secret Places of London That Most Tourists Never See

London Travel FAQ

The best time to travel to London is in the warm season between March and October. Summer is the peak season with big crowds. For mild weather and fewer people, come in spring or in the fall. The very best months to visit London are April-May and September-beginning of October.

London is huge and there’s no way to see everything in one trip. If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This will allow you to see the main landmarks and visit a few tourist attractions. If you also plan to take day trips and see some of the UK from London, then plan to stay for at least a week.

The best way to explore London is by focusing on one area at a time and walking between the main attractions that are located next to each other. For bigger distances, use the London subway, hop-on hop-off buses, or river cruises.

If you are visiting London for the first time and want to see all the main landmarks and attractions, we recommend staying in Central London. The areas around Big Ben – London Eye have the prime location for sightseeing. Staying here will save you lots of time for commute and will allow you to make the most of your trip.

London is one of the best cities in the entire world and definitely worth visiting! With famous landmarks, royal history and traditions, fun tourist attractions, world-class museums, theaters, and a unique cultural mix, London has something to offer for any type of traveler. It’s a bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime!

More inspiration for your trip to the UK:

• Best Things to Do in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days in London
• Things to Do in Greenwich
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• London with Kids
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Things to Do in Blackpool
• Tips for Visiting Blackpool
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends who are planning their first trip to London. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Travel tips for other major cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Paris Travel Tips
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Monday 18th of March 2024

Hello - your article has been very helpful - I do have a few specific questions with regard to the 'skip the line' or 'fast track' tickets - I am not clear on where to buy those? Do I buy from the individual attractions like St. Paul's, Tower of London or some other way? And when it says to book well in advance using one of the apps such as the London Pass - is that days in advance or weeks in advance? (we will be there in late August, just 2 adults). Does the London Pass include/automatically give you Priority entrance? Thank you so much!!

@Jurga, Thank you! This is indeed super helpful - I appreciate all the tips!

Hi Tracy, 'fast track' or 'skip the line' might mean different things depending on attraction. It's usually indicated when you book tickets. Nowadays, many of the most popular attractions also work with timed-entry tickets, so you book a specific time slot and the wait is limited. A few examples: * the London Eye tickets. You can choose standard, or fast-track tickets, and many other options like multi-attraction tickets, etc. In most cases (unless you opt for flex tickets), you have to choose a time slot. However, even with the reserved time slot, the fast-track ticket will give you a much faster entry (skipping most lines) than the standard ticket where you'll have a much longer queue with everyone who reserved those tickets for the same time. * The Tower of London tickets - here, you book a specific time slot. It's not completely skip-the-line, but the line will be limited to only those people who reserved the same time slot. * Madame Tussauds - you can choose between standard and fast-track tickets. * St Paul's Cathedral tickets are now valid on the specific date, not time, and it shouldn't be too busy. Entrance to the Golden Gallery might be limited if it's very busy, but it's not something you can reserve in advance.

If you buy any multi-attraction pass, then you will usually receive instructions from them and they will advise you for which attractions it's best to reserve time slots separately. Each place has different ways how they work, but e.g. if you get this London Pass, you will find all the instructions for each of the attractions. The majority of less popular places will be simple to enter just like that, but for the most popular ones, you will need to make a reservation. It's a bit more complicated that way, but you might save quite some money depending on which pass you get, for how long, and which places you choose to visit. Let's just say that if money isn't an issue, it's usually simpler to get the tickets for the most popular attractions separately, with reserved time slots, and potentially fast-track/skip-the-line access where available.

As for how long in advance to book - as soon as you know your travel dates and/or when tickets become available. The earlier you book, the more options you will have and time slots to choose from. That said, some places only open their booking system a month or two/three in advance. But there are also others that get completely sold out half a year in advance. August is a peak season, so I'd book everything that you absolutely want to do asap. If you use GetYourGuide and other websites which we personally use and recommend for most tickets and tours, you will see that they offer a free cancelation option for most of the attractions for up to 24 hours before the visit, so you have nothing to lose. All this information is available for each ticket/tour separately, and you can see it all before you book.

Alternatively, book guided tours for the most popular places. Most of them have skip-the-line access and some even offer something unique. For example, we are visiting London again soon, and this time we reserved this early-access tour to the Tower of London. The same company also has this amazing after-hours tour.

Hope this helps a bit. I know how overwhelming it can be, but nowadays not making advance bookings often means that you will not be able to visit the most popular places at all. It's not just London or Europe, but pretty much any big city in the world. In the USA, you even have to make reservations for many national parks and similar... So if you want to have a truly fun and relaxing trip, you have to do your homework. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

My name is Wendy! I am planning to visit London soon .I very enjoyed your article. It was really helpful .thanks a lot

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Glad to help, Wendy. Enjoy London!

Sunday 26th of November 2023

I really enjoyed your article and it was VERY informative. It helped me decide not only what to do, but what not to do. I have 2 teenagers. I was wondering if the Harry Potter studio is considered a "must-do" or is it a tourist trap or falls somewhere in between. It seems like all-tolled it will take about 7-8 hours, and that is a lot of time spent out of the city for 1 place. We will have 5 1/2 days in London and already planning 2 full-day excursions, so will have 3 1/2 days. Thank you in advance for your help!

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi Brian, I know exactly how you feel. We ourselves are going to London soon with our three teenagers, for just 3 days, and we're also considering Harry Potter Studios on one of those days. It is a long day, indeed, and not cheap either. But from everything I read and heard, it's extremely well done and everyone I know who visited with teens was very enthusiastic about it. We recently visited Harry Potter studios in LA and the whole family found it amazing. From what I understand, the ones in London are much bigger and even more impressive. But we have a couple Harry Potter fans in the family AND we have been to London many times before, so we are less worried about 'missing' something else out. We are actually going for the more special experiences this time (ABBA Voyage, Tina Musical, maybe one of the Walks' exclusive tours, street art, markets, etc.) rather than traditional sightseeing. I guess it all comes down to your family's interests and which alternatives you consider instead. But remember that most of the places you'll visit will likely be less interesting to your kids than to you, so sometimes you have to balance things out to make sure the trip has something for the whole family. I know from experience that there are only that many churches and museums that our kids can handle... ;) So I'm afraid I can't help you much, and you'll have to ask your kids and decide together with them. Maybe make two alternative plans for a day, present it to the kids, and let them choose which one they prefer. If you decide to go, the research I just did for our own trip shows that - at the moment - this transfer + Harry Potter Studios entrance ticket is the cheapest option (about 50£ savings for a family of 4 vs other providers). Have a great time in London!

Thursday 12th of October 2023

My name is Albert, I was very impressed after reading your article and I also got a lot of useful information. Thank you.

Glad to help, Albert. Have a great time in London!

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Wow !!Planning to visit London along with out of city October, Thank you for helping me find thé information I needed ,it’s so helpful and informative! looking forward to hear you more 💙

Glad to help, Diki. Enjoy London!

50 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To London (2024 Review)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Nicole

London is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. If you enjoy travelling, you will inevitably find yourselves in London. If you are new to travel, you will quickly list London on your “must see” destination list. The draw of London is understandable. We all grew up hearing stories about the Queen and the antics of the royal family, or the architectural symbols of London, like Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Big Ben, or Westminister Abbey (to only name a few). Yet planning a trip to London can be an overwhelming task. London is a massive city that is expensive. However, there are ways to make it less complicated and less expensive. I’ve asked industry experts and frequent visitors to supply their best travel tips for first time visitors to London. Here are fifty of them.

This post may contain affiliate links. That means that I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you buy something through my site. This helps me run my website and produce the articles that I hope you find helpful.

Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To London

The best travel  tips  to London for first time visitors fall into several categories. Those include:

• How best to get around;
• Ways to save money;
• Where to stay;
• Where to eat;
• How to stay safe; and
• Best things to do.

There were a couple of areas that I received the same advice over and over again from different travel experts and locals. Those were:

• Stay in Central London;
• Take public transportation; and
• Walk, walk, and then walk more.

Those tips and others are laid out below and explained.

The Experts

The travel tips to London are from multiple sources.

First, I was born in England. Since leaving, I have returned as a tourist more than 20 times over the last 30 years. I’ve gone alone, with my husband, girlfriends, and even with my children. Each trip has been different and given me lots of exposure to different hotels and restaurants. In addition, it has taught me how to make the most out of my time and money.

Second, I have asked some of the best travel bloggers, industry experts and locals about their top tips for first time visitors to London. From my own personal experiences, I can tell you these are fantastic.

There are other destinations in the world that are just as expensive and overwhelming as London. 

New York City  is one of them. If you are travelling to New York soon and want to arrive prepared, take a look at  50 Best New York City Tips For First Time Visitors .

Las Vegas is another. Here are 50 Best Las Vegas Tips For First Time Visitors .

New Orleans is one of the most fascinating places to visit in the USA. It offers culture, cuisine and history that is a blend of French, African, Spanish and Creole. For a five day itinerary, take a look at this link . For travel tips for first time visitors, please see 40 Best Travel Tips For First Time Visitors To New Orleans .

Finally, just organizing and booking a trip can be overwhelming, especially a trip to London. I have written a comprehensive step by step process about how I go about planning a trip, in particular how I save money along the way. For more information about that, please see Planning A Holiday: A Foolproof Guide To Easy Vacation Planning.

Other Destinations In United Kingdom

If you hope to explore more of the UK, please see 23 Best Places to Visit In The UK In July and  22 Best Places To Visit In The UK in August.

Best Tips For First Time Visitors For Travel Within London

London is a fast paced, densely populated and exciting city. There are taxis, cars, buses, subways, trains, and lots of people almost everywhere. Knowing how best to get from one end of the city to the next as quickly and as cheaply as possible is an absolute must. Here are some of the best London tips for getting around.

London Airports

There is more than one airport servicing London. There are six. Those are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, London City, Southend and Luton and they are located in vastly different locations. If you have a choice of flights landing in different airports, select one that offers the best (cheapest and fastest) public transportation to your accommodation.

Research Best Transportation From Airport Before Arriving

Ben from Tiny Little Changes recommends arriving at the airport prepared for the best, cheapest and fastest way to reach your accommodation.

“London’s public transport system is comprehensive, but mind-boggling complicated for the uninitiated. You can waste a bunch of money the moment you arrive in the country by choosing the wrong method of transport. For example, the Heathrow Express is fast, but very expensive. There’s an underground option (via the Piccadilly Line) that takes longer but costs far less, and may actually be more convenient, depending on where in London you’re staying. 

It’s well worth taking the time to research this before you leave. Standing jet-lagged and overwhelmed at a ticket machine, while dozens of Londoners sigh and curse behind you, is not the way to begin your London experience.”

Avoid Travel With Luggage During Rush Hour

Jessie from Pocket Wanderings recommends avoiding travelling with luggage on public transportation from 7:30 -9:30 am, and 17:00 – 19:00 (5:00 pm – 7:00 pm). You will be dodging exasperated locals and will be exhausted by the time you reach your lodging or the airport.

Take The Underground (aka Tube or Subway)

The Underground is the best way to get around the city. The underground system is safe, extensive and efficient and you avoid traffic. It is normally faster than Uber or taxi.

However, the Underground doesn’t run 24 hours or may have reduced hours on holidays. Accordingly, check the schedule before you organize your day.

Download Underground App

Nick from My UK Sim Card splits his time between the USA and London. He recommends downloading the Citymapper app to your phone and use it to navigate the public transportation system (the app gives detailed real-time step-by-step instructions).

Buy An Oyster Card

Payment for public transportation is contactless. Accordingly, make sure you buy an Oyster card for travel on trains and buses. It is easy to add credits to it and it is cheaper than buying single or return fares with other methods.

Steph from A Nomad Passport says, “With the card you just have to hold it against the reader as you enter stations and the system will automatically calculate your fare once you hold the card to another reader as you leave the station at your destination. There is a daily cap so you don’t have to worry about spending more money on your fare.”

You pay a deposit for the actual Oyster card (different from adding money for actual travel) so make sure you return it at a kiosk at an Underground station at the end of your trip to get your deposit returned.

Peak Vs. Off Peak Tickets

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours warns that you should make sure you pay attention to whether you have purchased Peak or Off Peak travel tickets. Travelling during peak hours with an off-peak ticket can be a costly affair if you are caught.

Buses Are Cheaper Than The Underground

A single London bus journey costs around £1.55 no matter the distance (unlike the Tube zone fare system). You can even take multiple buses within one hour at no extra charge. Plus, no matter how many buses or trams you take, it will never cost you more than approximately £4.65 a day. Just make sure you use the same payment option (Oyster Card, Travelcard, etc.) across every journey. Night buses run all night between the close of the Tube and the start of daytime bus services.

It is also a great way to see the city.

Avoid Underground If Have Strollers

Keri from Bon Voyage With Kids used to live in London with her three kids. She says, “If you are traveling with young kids or kids in strollers, take the bus, not the tube. Many of the tube stations have lots of stairs and not all of them have elevators. The busses have space for strollers (usually two at a time) and they don’t have to be broken down.”

Avoid Driving

London traffic is horrible and parking is expensive. In addition, they drive on the left side of the road – in other words opposite to the way that people drive in North America. This makes any kind of driving stressful and even dangerous.

Nick from My UK Sim Card says, “There are so many things to see and do. Around one corner could be a 400 year old pub. And around another could be the remains of some Roman empire building. Feel free to simply “get lost” in London, and you’ll be happy that you did.”

In addition, check walking distances between sites. One stop on the Underground might only be a few minutes walk. In other words, walking would be faster and cheaper than hopping back on the Tube.

Hannah from All About The Apres says, “Despite its size, the tourist centre of London is walkable and reasonably cycle-friendly. I lived in London for 7 years but it wasn’t until I switched to cycling for getting around the city that I realised how close together some of the underground stations are and how I could have saved thousands of pounds on public transport. If you are a confident cyclist you can rent the Santander Cycles to explore the parks and make use of the designated cycle lanes that weave through much of the city.”

Best Tips For Saving Money in London For First Time Visitors

London is expensive. Unfortunately, this is a reality that is largely hard to avoid. However, there are some very useful cost saving tips. Here are some of the best tips to save money in London.

Buy A London Pass

Samantha from S&A Getaway recommends purchasing a . You pay a one time fee (price per day decreases the more days that you purchase) and you get access to most major attractions in London with a skip the line ticket at no additional cost. Here is a London attractions map to see the benefits.

Samantha says, “The first time I came to London I was unaware of the pass and wasted so much money.  The second time I was in London I invested in the London Pass and went to so many more attractions than the first time because they started to become free after the first few attractions I went to.”

Visit Free Museums

Kimberley from Ready Aim Travel recommends going to the famous London museums and art galleries that offer free admission. This includes the British Museum, National Gallery or Natural History Museum, but there are far more.

There are other attractions that may charge admission but may have free days every month. Make sure you research that when you plan your time in London.

Carry Appropriate Identification

You may be eligible for student or seniors’ discounts so make sure you carry your student card or other photo identification with your date of birth. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are discounts.

Most cafe chains, such as Pret-a-Manager or Costa, offer free wifi. Alternatively, you can purchase a UK SIM Card with high speed 4G LTE and 5G data before you head off.

Use Kellogg’s Vouchers For 50% Off Tickets To Attractions

Eddie lived in London for 13 years and discovered a way for his visiting friends to pay only 50% for tickets to several major attractions. “Kellogg’s and several attractions have partnered up in an offer called “Grown-ups go free” so that anyone who buys a box of Kellogg’s cereal or other items gets a code inside the box that gives you a 2nd ticket for free whenever you buy an adult or child ticket. Visit Kellogg’s website for the details. Current attractions include Madame Tussaud , , , and more.

Travel By Train And Get 2 FOR 1 Entry

Sinead from Map Made Memories recommends taking the train to save money. “The National Rail (train) offers 2 for 1 entry into certain attractions when you travel by rail, even if it is only for one stop. Check out the details on it’s website and make sure to comply with date and time restrictions. Pre-bookable only but can be a real money saver on high price items such as the Tower of London.” 

Purchase Return Tickets

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours recommends purchasing a return ticket instead of two single tickets when leaving London as you will always save money. “Most destinations allow you to purchase an open-ended return, where the return leg must be carried out within a month of the purchase date. Perfect for when you aren’t entirely sure how long you’ll be exploring for.”

Avoid Instagram Famous Restaurants

Nicolas recommends avoiding Instagram famous restaurants that cost a lot of money. Instead, try out small family owned restaurants that can be more capable of serving a much authentic flavor of the city .

Do Take Out

Candice from The Tuscan Mom says that you can save a lot of money on food if you opt for take away versus eating at an in-person restaurant. There is an automatic 12.5% service charge at restaurants. Marks & Spencer and Pret-A-Manager have fantastic healthy take away options.

Eat At Supermarket Chains

Sinead from Map Made Memories recommends eating breakfasts and lunches at Supermarket chains like Tesco or Sainsburys. They often offer meal deals with drink, crisps (potato chips) and sandwich starting at $4 USD.

Afternoon or High Tea At Marks & Spencers

You should try to do a proper English High tea when you are in London. Not only does it include tea, but usually a traditional selection of sandwiches like cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, smoked salmon, or shrimp (all with the crusts removed, of course), and scones with clotted cream and fresh strawberry jam. Most hotels offer High tea. However, to save money, go to a Marks & Spencer’s self serve restaurant. You lose the atmosphere, but gain exceptional food and excellent prices. In addition, you can also purchase an inexpensive high tea outfit to make it extra special.

Purchase Discount Tickets For West End Shows

Watching a West End theatre production should be on your “must do” list on a trip to London. Some of the best actors and singers in the world make London their home. Sean from Living Out Lau recommends saving money on tickets by watching a matinee show (in the afternoon). In addition, if you aren’t fussy about what show you see, you can also go to same day ticket kiosks for discounted seats.

Lottery And Rush Tickets For West End Shows

Two other ways to get access to popular West End shows is by way of lottery or rush tickets. If you wish to get tickets to sold out shows for deeply discounted rates, try to win access to tickets by way of lottery. You can download Todaytix app and apply for seats during a certain time period. Alternatively, go directly to the theatre/show website for their own lotteries.

Rush tickets are day seats that you can purchase right from your phone on the day of the performance. Rush tickets are available on the TodayTix app at 10am each performance date. Alternatively, go directly to the theatre/show website for their own rush tickets.

For more information about both types of tickets, please see this website .

For other simple travel tips to save you money, please take a look at 10 Best Money Saving Travel Tips .

Best Travel Tips For What To Do In London For First Time Visitors

London offers a mind boggling amount of activities to do. Unless you are moving to the city, you will need multiple trips back to see everything worth seeing. So how do you figure out what you should see or how best to organize your time? Here are some of the best tips for what to do in London for first time visitors.

Research before you arrive what you want to see and do. Then, try to map out where everything is and how best to organize each day based upon where they are located and how long each activity may take. Remember London is a huge city and you do not want to be wasting time on the underground going from one end of the city to the other if there is a better way to do this.

You Can’t Do Everything

London is absolutely packed with amazing attractions, restaurants, shows and history. Be realistic about what you can see and do in one day. It is far better to plan only one or two things to do each day, and enjoy your time there. In addition, it leaves open the possibility of unexpectedly stumbling on something that you want to explore more.

Visit Less Touristy Areas

Benjamin from French Together is a Frenchman living in London. He recommends visiting less touristy areas. “Go deer-watching in Richmond park, walk along the Thames river in Chiswick, explore the charming Blackheath Village… Doing so will give you a much more authentic experience of the city, help you discover hidden gems and get a feel for what living in London is really like.”

Try Traditional English Food

Benjamin from French Together recommends going for a Sunday roast, a traditional meal enjoyed by many British families every Sunday. “You will not only enjoy an authentic British experience but also enjoy roast potatoes, meat, Yorkshire pudding and yummy British sauces such as mint sauce, apple sauce and horseradish.”

Fish and chips is another very traditional English meal that you should try while in England. As mentioned earlier, you should also try afternoon tea.

Take Hop On Hop Off Bus

Kerri Bon Voyage With Kids recommends taking the Hop On Hop Off bus on your first day to get an overview of the city, especially if you arrive on an overnight flight. In addition, you will likely be jet lagged, so this is an easy, first day activity that will also get you engaged in the city.

Take Boat Bus Versus Tourist Boat Along Thames

Sinead from Map Made Memories is from London. She recommends taking a boat bus along the Thames rather than the tourist boats. They can be very scenic and you get a different view of London. She suggests doing the leg from Westminister to Cutty Sark. In addition, they are very cheap compared to a tourist boat.

Avoid Public Holidays and School Vacations

London has over 9 million residents. In addition, it is a very popular destination for people all over England as well as the world. Museums and other attractions are already naturally busy but become packed on public and school holidays. Try to be aware of those dates and avoid them if possible.

Attend Ceremony Of The Keys At Tower Of London

Tabitha from Travel Compositions recommends attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. She says, “Tickets are cheap but hard to get. Every night the tower Yeoman Warders perform a gate-closing ritual where they lock up the Tower of London, a tradition that has been carried out for over 700 years.”

Only a few bystanders are invited to watch, so you feel as though you get a private insight into this unique tradition.

Avoid Westminister Abbey

Tabitha from Travel Compositions also recommends avoiding Westminster Abbey. “It is a bit overrated and overpriced. I understand the significance and beauty of it. However, at £24 ($32 USD) a pop you get herded through the cathedral like cattle and feel rushed to look at everything. Any other cathedral in England will be cheaper and way less crowded, allowing space to admire all the intricate details at your own pace.” 

If you would like to Travel Cheaper, Smarter and Easier, then join the thousands of subscribers who receive my weekly newsletter filled with the most up to date and best travel tips around. Sign up with this link !

Best Tips For What Families Should Do In London

Parks and playgrounds.

There are many green parks and playgrounds for stretching legs, including the Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens that is themed after Peter Pan.

Tower Of London

Kerri from Bon Voyage With Kids recommends the Tower Of London. She says, “I highly recommend the Context Travel Family Tour . This group is skilled at telling wonderful stories to kids to engage them on this fascinating place and my kids still talk about what they learned many years later.”

Hampton Court Palace

Kerri also recommends taking a day trip to Hampton Court Palace as it is another very family friendly location that will step you right into history. It offers interactive activities, actors in period costumes, a fun hedge maze, playground for kids, and even audio guides for adults and kids! 

Attractions For Older Children/Teens

Taking teenagers to London is a whole other level of stress. How do you engage them? Most would be interested in seeing the iconic sites of Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, and the likes. However, not all day, every day.

I found a couple of fantastic options that my kids loved. Consider a scavenger hunt in the British Museum, Natural History Museum, or Victoria & Albert organized by ThatMuse . By the end of the scavenger hunt, you will have visited almost every room of the museum, seen exhibits you would never have seen if you left it up to yourselves to discover, and had a blast.

Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour of Harry Potter . This is a fantastic option for older kids who loved the Harry Potter books and movies. I would keep younger kids from the attraction as it focuses on the tricks on how the movies were made and thus, removes the magic behind the movies and the books.

For tips related to the scavenger hunt and visiting the Harry Potter Studios, please take a look at my blog London Attractions With Teens: Scavenger Hunt Anyone?

Best Travel Tips To London For First Time Visitors Concerned About Safety

London is actually a very safe place to visit. Like any large city, use common sense and you should be fine. In other words, don’t go walking down a dark alley alone in the middle of the night with earbuds in your ears blasting music. However, there are a couple of unique scenarios of which you should be aware.

Avoid Being Pick Pocketed

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours warns against pick pockets. She says, “3 Card Monte (aka Find the Queen, Ball and Cups etc) has become a popular scam in London. You’ll often see tables set up on Westminster Bridge where you’ll see what appear to be tourists winning and losing money by guessing which cup the ball is under or picking which position the queen has moved to. Now the trick itself is usually sleight of hand but the real scam is that there will be several plants in the audience acting as pickpockets. You are just as likely to lose money watching one of these games as you are playing one. Just keep walking.”

Refuse Flowers

Anyone offering you flowers, or ‘Lucky heather’ will 100% ask for a ‘small donation’ for their gift. Just politely refuse to take whatever they are offering and move on.

Avoid Walking With Phone Out

Jessie from Pocket Wanderings says, “Avoid having your phone out when walking along the pavement, as phone thefts by thieves on motorbikes is common.”

Best Travel Tips To London For First Time Visitors

There is some advice that fall into lots of different categories. Accordingly, here are the rest of the best travel tips to London for first time visitors.

Social Niceties

Jamie from Fat Tire Tours says, “We are not a city renowned for its willingness to talk to strangers. Don’t be surprised if your attempts to natter on the underground are met with bemused silence. It’s nothing personal.

By the way, none of us know the Queen.”

Stay In Central London

Consider paying a little more for accommodation in central London. If you are keen, there are even London hotels with outdoor pools . In exchange, you will pay less for travel on the underground and you may be able to walk to all of the tourist attractions that interest you. In addition, you will save valuable time exploring London versus being on the Tube or a bus.

Pay Attention To Plugs And Voltage

Martin from Light Up My Photos recommends arriving with a type-G plug or universal adapter. If you are from North America, none of your electronic devices will be able to be plugged into the wall without one.

Also, make sure the voltage of your device can work with the voltage in London. In essence, US voltage is 120V whereas UK voltage is 240V. You need to make sure that the device can work with a higher voltage before plugging it into an electrical socket in London. If it can, then no problem. If it is a different voltage, you need to purchase an adapter or you will blow your device.

Do Not Stand Left On Escalators

Erin advises not to stand on the lefthand side of the escalator since this is designated for only walking purposes.

Avoid London In Summer

London is packed with tourists during the summer months. For savings and less crowds, consider visiting during other times of the years.

Dress Properly

You will be walking a lot even if you choose to take the Underground or the bus. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, bring an extra layer (jacket) and umbrella. The weather can change very quickly regardless of the season.

Dinner Is Early

Dinner is usually over by 10:00 pm. Most restaurants will be closing by then. If you are from a country where dinner is served late, this might be a bit of an adjustment.

The best travel tips for London for first time travellers are meant to lower your stress, save you money, and help you organize your time in the amazing city. If you discover any new ones along the way, make sure you let me know!

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

London Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 5, 2024

London is one of the most popular cities in the world. It’s home to charming pubs, world-class (and often free) museums, tons of history, some of the best theater performances in the world, a diverse population, incredible food, and a wild nightlife.

I know it’s cliche to say there’s something for everyone but, in this sprawling metropolis, there really is!

I’ve been visiting London since 2008 and, with every subsequent visit, the city has grown on me. The more I go, the more awesome stuff I see, the more I fall in love with it. There’s always something new to do here and there’s an energetic vibe to the city.

Unfortunately, it’s also an expensive destination. A visit here can eat a hole in any budget if you aren’t careful.

Luckily, there are tons of free and cheap things to do in London . While budget travelers need to be frugal here, you can still visit London on a budget and have an amazing time.

This London travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time in this cosmopolitan capital!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on London

Top 5 Things to See and Do in London

1. Visit Big Ben and the House of Parliament

Although you can’t go up the tower, you can view this Gothic structure from the street and hear its chimes four times an hour. Big Ben is actually the name of the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster which can be found inside Elizabeth Tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, but is often used to refer to the clock and the tower as well. To learn about the UK government, take a tour of Parliament, founded in 1801, while you’re here (get there early or reserve tickets online) . Guided tours cost 29 GBP while self-guided multimedia tours are 22.50 GBP. The best view of the tower is from the opposite side of the river on the South Bank, near the London Eye.

2. See the Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Built in 1070, the Tower of London has expanded many times over the years. It was built as a double-leaf bascule bridge in the middle (both sides lift up) to maintain river access to the Pool of London docks while easing congestion on each side of the river. You can visit inside the tower and walk along the glass walkways. Weapons, armor, and coins were made here until 1810 and today you can view the famous crown jewels, walk the battlements, wander recreated medieval palace rooms, see the iconic Yeoman Warders (known as the Beefeaters as they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from King Henry VII’s table), and spot the legendary black ravens that live in the tower. Skip-the-line tickets are 29.90 GBP.

3. Admire Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is only open to the public for 10 weeks during the summer, but you can join the crowds and watch the changing of the guard at 11am every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday throughout the year (get there in good time to find a good place to stand). Admission to the palace isn’t cheap, with tickets costing 30 GBP online (33 GBP on the day), while exclusive guided tours are 90 GBP. Check the Royal Collection Trust website for details on other events happening throughout the year.

4. See Westminster Abbey

A working royal church, the Gothic Westminster Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in 960 CE. More than 3,300 people are buried here including 17 monarchs and numerous royal funerals have been held here over the centuries. It’s the traditional coronation site for British monarchs and has been the setting for every coronation since 1066, as well as for many other royal occasions, including 16 weddings. Other famous British figures buried here include Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Aphra Behn, and Charles Dickens. Tickets cost 27 GBP , but you can visit for free if you go during a service. Just make sure to dress (and act) appropriately as it is a place of worship.

5. Hang out in Trafalgar Square

Stroll around and admire the fountains and the famous monuments, such as the four bronze lion statues and Nelson’s Column (which honors Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805). It is bordered on all sides by a number of museums, galleries, cultural spaces and historic buildings so there’s plenty to do as well. Trafalgar Square is also known to be a center of national democracy and protest so peaceful rallies and demonstrations are frequently held (usually at weekends). Even if there aren’t any official events, lots of people still hang out here so it makes for a good place to people-watch.

Other Things to See and Do in London

1. take a free walking tour.

London has tons of different walking tours on offer. From free tours to specialty tours to paid tours to literary tours to quirky tea tours, London has it all. Free London Walking Tours and New Europe Walking Tours are two of my favorite companies to go with when it comes to free tours. They’re the best way to see the sights and learn about the city on a budget. Just remember to tip at the end!

If you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours, check out Take Walks. They offer affordable tours that go into a lot of detail. And if you’re a Harry Potter fan, Get Your Guide runs an awesome Harry Potter tour around the city for 15 GBP.

2. Go museum hopping

London has more museums than you could see in a single visit, and many of them are free. You can spend days visiting world-class museums like the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum, and many others — all without spending a penny. One of my favorites is the Natural History Museum, a beautiful Romanesque building that contains over 80 million items, including specimens collected by Charles Darwin. It also has an expansive collection of fossils, making it a fun and educational stop. The Victoria and Albert Museum (named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert) is another favorite of mine. It’s home to over 2,000 works of art covering over 3,000 years of human history.

3. Grab some food in Borough Market

Established in 1756, London’s Borough Market has something for every foodie. It’s home to some of the best British and international produce and dishes. Come here hungry and leave satisfied. It’s great for people-watching too. The market is open daily but the crowds are terrible on Saturdays so be sure to get there early.

4. Enjoy some theater

London is known for its famous theater scene. Attend a show while you’re here and see some of the incredible performances that make London famous. Tickets can be pretty cheap, and something is playing every night (check out TKTS for discounted tickets to shows in the West End). Otherwise, catch a Shakespeare show at The Globe in South London — tickets range from 5-62 GBP depending on the show and seat you choose.

5. Stroll along Brick Lane

Known for vintage clothing, cheap eats, and art, this East London street is a local favorite. Sunday is the best day to come, as this is when the outdoor street market takes place, though the restaurants and shops lining the street are open daily. Brick Lane has some of the best (and cheapest) food in London, especially when it comes to curry, as this is the hub of London’s Bangladeshi community. This street is also a great place to bring a camera, as its walls are basically a gallery for London’s best street artists, including Banksy, D*Face, and Ben Eine.

6. Ride the London Eye

The London Eye is a 152-meter (500-foot tall) Ferris wheel. While a little cheesy, it’s nevertheless one of the most popular attractions in London. It’s across the street from Parliament and provides excellent views of London and the city’s most iconic buildings, especially on a clear day. Tickets are 32.50 GBP , but if you want to play tourist and take in the view, it might be worth it. The ride lasts 30 minutes and tickets start at 32.50 GBP.

7. Visit the London Dungeon

The London Dungeon calls itself “the world’s most chillingly famous horror attraction.” It covers 2,000 years of London’s gruesome history and is a morbid but interesting museum. Although you can learn about popular torture methods in England, this place has turned into more of an “amusement park” type attraction. But if you like things like escape rooms and scary boat rides, it’s enjoyable. Tickets cost 29 GBP when you book online (32 GBP in person).

8. See St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is a striking English Baroque cathedral with a world-famous dome. Architect Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, the iconic building dates from the 17th century. Inside, you can visit the crypt to see the resting places of famous figures including The Duke of Wellington, Christopher Wren, and Admiral Nelson, or just enjoy the cathedral’s glittering mosaics and elaborate stone carvings. If you don’t mind climbing some stairs, a highlight is to climb to the Stone Gallery or Golden Gallery for panoramic views over surrounding London. Admission costs from 18 GBP when you buy online , which is cheaper than the London Eye and offers similarly breathtaking views.

9. Explore Covent Garden

Covent Garden, a popular West End neighborhood, is a fun place to hang out for an afternoon. It’s home to lots of quirky stalls, busking musicians, an artsy market, and a selection of unusual pubs and coffee shops. Covent Garden is also within walking distance of all the big musical theater shows, so it’s a great place to spend a few hours before catching a performance. Make sure to visit Covent Garden Market, which has been open since the 1830s. It’s a good place to grab a bite to eat or shop at some of the artisan craft stalls. It’s open Monday to Saturday from 8am-6pm, with an outdoor farmer’s market on Saturdays between April and December.

10. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe

An integral part of England’s history, Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, the venue for which the famous playwright wrote his plays. It’s a must-see for lovers of Shakespeare, with performances embracing near-perfect replicas of Elizabethan staging practices. You can even sit in front where the groundlings did, for shouting and heckling! The theater is open-roofed, so bundle up in the winter. Tickets cost 5-62 GBP depending on the production and the seat (you can stand just as they did in Elizabethan times). You can also take a guided tour for 17 GBP to learn more about the history of the theater (more specialized ones such as the Ghosts and Ghouls tour or the Pride tour cost 20 GBP).

11. Explore Camden Market

A long-time counter-culture haven, Camden Market is home to over 1,000 independent shops, stalls, cafes, restaurants, bars, buskers, and everything in between. It’s enormously popular and busiest on the weekends (it sees over 250,000 visitors each week). Camden Market is actually a series of six separate markets, so you can literally wander the labyrinth of alleyways for hours and not see it all.

12. See the Royal Observatory

Since its founding in the late 17th century, the Royal Observatory at Greenwich has played an important role in astronomy and navigation. The observatory is divided into two sections, with one half focusing on time while the other half is devoted to astronomy. In the Meridian Courtyard, you can stand on either side of the Prime Meridian, which separates the Earth’s eastern and western hemispheres. The Peter Harrison Planetarium is also housed here, where you can see a show for 10 GBP. The Royal Observatory itself costs 16 GBP .

13. Walk around the Strand

In the 12th century, rich noblemen built elegant homes and gardens along the shore (the strand) of the Thames, making it one of the most prestigious places to live (a fact that remains true to this day). Walk down this thoroughfare and be treated to a grand display of wealth and beauty. It was dubbed “the finest street in Europe” by Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli in the 19th century. The Strand, which runs from Trafalgar Square to Temple Bar, is home to numerous shops, pubs, landmark buildings, and classic hotels.

14. Drink beer at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

This historic pub has been around since the great fire of 1666 (and there has been a pub at this location since 1538). It’s surprisingly large inside, and in the winter, fireplaces keep pub-goers warm. The wood paneling, atmospheric lack of natural lighting, and vaulted cellars make stepping inside feel like stepping back in time. Famous literary figures like Charles Dickens, R.L. Stevenson, Mark Twain, Oliver Goldsmith, and others used to frequent (and write about) this particular pub.

15. See the Churchill War Rooms

Located beneath the Treasury Building in the Whitehall area of Westminster, the Churchill War Rooms include the government’s command center during World War II and a museum about the life of Winston Churchill. The centerpiece of the whole place is an interactive table that enables visitors to access digitized material from the Churchill archives. If you are like me and a huge history nerd, this is one of the best attractions in the city. I highly, highly encourage you to visit. It’s worth the price! Admission is 29 GBP.

16. Relax in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens for some reprieve. Both parks, which are (conveniently for the visitor) right next to each other, are designated as Royal Parks of London. Hyde Park is the most famous park in London. Originally the private hunting grounds of Henry VII, it opened to the public in 1637 and is a great place to stroll, picnic, or catch one of the many events that are hosted here throughout the year. Kensington Gardens are home to the Serpentine Galleries as well as Kensington Palace. The park and the gardens cover almost 250 acres!

17. Take a Jack the Ripper tour

Jack the Ripper is one of London’s most infamous killers — and his true identity was never figured out. Every night, there are tons of people in the East End learning about Jack the Ripper on a ridiculous number of similar tours. The tour guides you through dark alleyways, stopping at historic locations connected with the infamous serial killer. Tickets cost 15 GBP .

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Brighton Travel Guide
• Bristol Travel Guide
• Cambridge Travel Guide
• Liverpool Travel Guide
• Manchester Travel Guide
• Oxford Travel Guide

London Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-8 beds costs 16-25 GBP per night while a bed in a dorm with 10-18 beds costs 13-16 GBP. A private room with a shared bathroom costs 50-90 GBP per night. If you want to stay closer to the center of the city expect to double these prices and expect prices to be at least 10 GBP higher in peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels offer free breakfast and self-catering facilities.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel room costs 70-100 GBP per night. Prices are higher in the center and in peak season. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, and a coffee/tea maker.

There are lots of Airbnb options in London. A private room costs 45-60 GBP per night (80-100 GBP in the center), while an entire home/apartment starts around 90-150 GBP per night (more in high season).

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

You can eat cheap in London if you stick to street eats and food vendors (plus many of the hostels have free breakfast). You can find fish and chips or a kebab for about 7 GBP each. Indian food can be purchased for between 8-10 GBP for lunch entrees. You can buy pizza for 8-12 GBP or burritos and sandwiches for 5-9 GBP. Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 13 GBP for a combo meal.

For a mid-range meal of traditional British cuisine at a pub or restaurant, expect to pay 14-16 GBP. A pint of beer can cost up to 6-8 GBP while a glass of wine costs around 7-10 GBP.

You can find tons of high-end dining in London, but be prepared to spend a lot. Expect to pay at least 30-35 GBP for a three-course menu with a drink in a mid-range restaurant and upwards of 70 GBP in a higher-range establishment.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 50-60 GBP. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries are Lidl and Aldi, Sainsbury’s and Tesco are more mid-range, while Marks & Spencer and Waitrose are higher-end.

A great way to save money is to get the Taste Card. This diner’s club card offers 50% discounts on tons of restaurants as well as two-for-one specials. It can really pay off, especially on any nice meals you want to have. You can only live on fish and chips for so long!

Backpacking London Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking London, expect to spend about 60 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, taking public transit, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like parks, free walking tours, and museums. If you plan on drinking, add another 10 GBP to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of 150 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb room, eating out for most of your meals, having a drink or two, taking public transit and the occasional taxi, and doing some paid activities such as Tower Bridge or Westminster Abbey.

On a “luxury” budget of about 300 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more taxis, and do whatever activities and tours you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

London Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. But thanks to its free museums, cheap pubs, and numerous hostels, there are a lot of ways to cut your costs and save money here. Here are my top tips for saving money in London:

• Visit all the free museums – Most of the museums in London are free, including the Museum of London, the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum. The National Gallery and the Tate Modern are also free and are two of my favorites.
• Buy an Oyster Card – This prepaid transit card saves you about 50% on each tube, bus and tram ride. If you plan on using the tube a lot, get this card! You can get a refund for the balance left on the card at the end of your trip. If you aren’t charged international transaction fees and have a contactless credit or debit card, you can also use this for travel and the system automatically caps your travel so you never pay more than you would have if you had bought a travel card. Just make sure to tap in and out and the beginning and end of each ride to make sure you’re charged the right fare.
• People watch at the markets – Sunday is market day in London, with Camden Market, the Portobello Market, the Flower Market, being some of the more popular options. People watch, snap some photos, and enjoy local London life without spending a dime.
• Watch the changing of the guards – Both the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (4 times a week) and the changing of the horse guards (daily) at Whitehall take place at 11am (10am at Whitehall on Sundays). Take in true British flare with these interesting and free ceremonies.
• Just walk and explore – London is a huge city and beautiful, historic buildings abound. I once walked for four hours and barely made a dent in the route I was going to take (hence the need to get the Oyster Card.) However, once you get out of the tourist area around the Thames, you get to see London the way the locals do. You can pick up free maps of showing walking routes around the capital from any of London’s tourist information shops.
• Snag last-minute theater tickets – You can get last-minute tickets to the theater from the official booth in Leicester Square. Availability varies every day, so be sure to get there early. And if you don’t want to shell out a lot of money to see The Lion King or Les Misérables , check out smaller shows and comedy nights at theaters like Leicester Square Theater, where prices start at about 17 GBP.
• Skip the cabs – Taxis are incredibly expensive in London and can destroy your budget. I stayed out past when the tube closed one night and the taxi to my hotel was 31 GBP! If you start taking taxis everywhere, you’ll end up spending hundreds of dollars per day, so keep this in mind.
• Master the night bus – In London, the tube closes around 12:30am (the Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines do run all night on Friday and Saturday nights). To avoid taking expensive taxis, make sure you get a map of the night bus routes so you can get back to your hotel/hostel on the cheap. These buses go all over the city and into the suburbs.
• Take a free walking tour – London, like most big cities in Europe, has a wide array of free walking tours given throughout the city. For a historical view of the city, try New Europe , and for off-the-beaten-path tours, try Free Tours by Foot .
• Get the Taste Card – This diner’s club card offers 50% discounts on thousands of restaurants as well as two-for-one specials. It can really pay off, especially on any nice meals you want to have.
• Get the London Pass – If you get the London Pass, you can enjoy access to over 80 London attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. A one-day pass is 89 GBP, a two-day pass is 115 GBP, and a three-day pass is 135 GBP. You can get all the way up to a ten-day pass for 199 GBP although they often have deals on giving discounts to this. This pass makes for good savings if you’re planning on doing a ton of sightseeing! Other passes available include the London City Pass from Turbopass which includes an option to add transport costs, and the London Sightseeing Pass.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in London

While the city may be expensive, its popularity means there are lots of hostels here. I’ve stayed at dozens of hostels over the years. Here are some of my favorites:

• Astor Hyde Park
• St. Christopher’s
• Clink261 Hostel
• Generator London
• Onefam Notting Hill

For more hostel suggestions be sure to check out my list of the best hostels in London.

How to Get Around London

Public transportation – London has excellent public transportation and is the cheapest way to get around. A one-way fare on the tube in Zone 1 costs 6.30 GBP, but getting a Visitor Oyster Card reduces tariffs to 2.50 GBP per ride. No matter how many trips you take per day, your Oyster Card caps your travel at 7.70 GBP for travel in Zones 1 and 2. This is applicable across all public transit, including buses and trams, saving you a ton of money.

The Visitor Oyster Card costs 5 GBP, and then you choose how much credit to add to your card. Remember that you can get back any remaining balance at the end of your trip.

The bus system in London also uses the Oyster Card and costs 1.65 GBP per ride. However, a day of unlimited bus- and tram-only travel costs a maximum of 4.95 GBP. Buses do not accept cash; you must use either an Oyster card, a Travelcard, or your own contactless payment card.

The tram system in London works the same way as the bus system, with rides costing the same.

Bicycle – London’s public bike-sharing program is Santander Cycles. With 750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes, they’re available all over the city. Renting a bike costs 1.65 GBP for up to half an hour and 1.65 GBP for each additional 30 minutes, though you can always dock a bike and take out another one to restart the free timer.

Keep in mind, however, that London isn’t a super bike-friendly city, especially if you’re used to biking with cars driving on the other side of the road!

Taxis – Taxis are readily available, with prices starting at 3.80 GBP and going up around 3 GBP per mile (the tariff is more expensive at night). Given how expensive they are, I wouldn’t take one unless absolutely necessary.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in London but it still costs an arm and a leg if you use it a lot. Stick to public transportation.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for 20-30 GBP per day for a multi-day rental. However, traffic is terrible in the city so I wouldn’t rent a car here unless you are heading out on some day trips. Remember that driving is on the left and that most cars have manual transmissions. There’s also a 15 GBP daily Congestion Charge for driving in the center (7am-6pm Mon-Fri and noon-6pm Sat/Sun/public holidays) and parking is expensive too. Drivers need to be 21 to rent a car as well.

When to Go to London

London doesn’t get too cold, but it’s notoriously foggy and rainy. Summer is peak tourism season, and temperatures are the warmest during this time — but rarely are they ever above 30°C (86°F ). London is bursting at the seams during the summer, but the city has a fun, lively atmosphere. People make the most of the warm weather and there are constantly tons of events and festivals happening.

Spring (late March-June) and autumn (September-October) are also fantastic times to visit, as temperatures are mild and the city isn’t as packed.

Winter lasts from December to February, and tourism crowds thin out dramatically during this time. Temperatures can dip below 5°C (41°F), and prices are slightly lower as well. Expect grey weather and be sure to dress warmly.

Since it is frequently rainy here, pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella no matter when you visit.

How to Stay Safe in London

London is a safe city and the risk of violent crime here is low. Scams and pick-pocketing can occur around high-traffic areas, especially around tourist attractions like London Tower and on crowded public transit. Pick-pockets tend to work in teams, so stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach at all times just to be safe.

Solo travelers, including solo female travelers, should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Although there are no super seedy neighborhoods in London, avoid wandering around late at night alone — especially if you’ve had a pint or two. As an extra precaution, only bring the money you need when you go to the bar. Leave the rest of your cards and cash in your accommodation.

Scams here are rare, but if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you do experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

Thanks to a few high-profile terrorist attacks and riots across Europe (including London), I frequently get emails inquiring whether or not Europe is safe to visit. The short answer: yes! I wrote a whole post about why Europe is safe to visit.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

London Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Fat Tire Tours – For bike tours, use this company! They have fun, interactive tours led by expert local guides. You’ll get to see all the main sights without breaking the bank!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of England.

London Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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• Where To Stay
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Planning a London trip (essential tips for first time visitors)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2023

Planning your first visit to London? Feeling overwhelmed? We have you covered! In this article, I share all my best tips for visiting London. Follow these steps and I will show you how to plan your trip to London and make the most of your visit.

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and certainly the number one destination for visitors to the UK. If this is your first time visiting London it can however feel quite overwhelming when it comes to planning your trip.

Common questions you may be considering include

When is the best time of year to visit London?

• How many days do I need to spend in London?
• What are the must see London sights and landmarks?
• Where should I stay in London?
• What should I budget for London?

These and a myriad of other questions can make planning your visit seem complex and just too hard.

Read on for London travel tips and practical actionable steps to help when planning a London trip and reduce stress.

Step 1 – Decide when to visit London (and for how long)

Step 2 – book your london accommodation, a. book tickets and tours in advance, b. consider purchasing a london sightseeing pass to save you time and money.

• C. Include some of London's free attractions and sights in your itinerary

A. Use public transport including the London Underground (the Tube)

B. purchase an oyster card for use on public transport, c. hire a santander bicycle or take a river cruise on a thames clipper, d. catch a london cab, step 5 – plan where (and what) to eat in london, step 6 – consider adding a day trip from london into your itinerary, insider tips for first time visitors to london, how many days do you need in london, what is the best area to stay in london for first-time visitors, how much do i need to budget for london, enjoy your visit to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), how to plan your trip to london – top travel tips for planning your visit to london.

(Tip – If possible avoid visiting London during peak times)

Deciding when to visit the UK is the first step in my UK trip planner and if London is your first destination you may also be considering just how long you need to spend in London.

London is the most popular city in the UK for visitors from all over the world and is busy all year round. However, it gets even busier and more crowded during school holiday periods, particularly in the summer months of July and August though London in spring is also a popular time to visit too.

July and August is peak tourist season in the UK with many Brits as well as overseas visitors heading to the capital for their holidays. 

While London is not a particularly budget-friendly destination at any time of year you will find hotel prices are particularly steep during peak season.

Weekends and public holidays* can also be fairly hectic in London especially around popular shopping areas such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden. Museums and art galleries can also be more crowded than usual.

London in December is always busy and if you (like me) can’t resist the beautiful Christmas lights, markets and shops keep in mind that the weekends before and after the holidays are the worst. If you plan to visit London in winter but want to avoid the busy season you will find January and February is quieter and as it is low season prices are lower too.

Thousands of visitors throng the streets and fill underground stations. If you panic in crowds or in confined spaces avoid the underground around this time, particularly around Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden.

My answer to the question, ‘How long should I plan to stay in London?” is at least 3 to 4 days. This should enable you to see and enjoy some of London’s major sights and landmarks.

• Public holidays (called ‘Bank’ holidays in the UK are December 25/26, Jan 1st, Good Friday and Easter Monday, the first and last Mondays in May and the last Monday of August)

Read more – When is the best time to visit London and the UK?

(Tip – Stay in central London)

Hotels are expensive in London and it is tempting to book accommodation further out of the capital. I would advise against this.

When planning your UK travel budget do keep in mind that accommodation costs in London may be the most expensive of your trip.

Areas I would recommend to stay in include the West End – Covent Garden , Soho, Leicester Square, Westminster or South Bank and Bankside . These are all central locations with most of London’s top sights within walking distance and convenient access to the Tube.

Read more – Where to stay in London (a guide to the best areas)

Step 3 – Plan your itinerary

(Tip – Don’t try to do and see everything)

It may be impossible to see and do everything you want when you visit London. It is easy to over plan and overestimate how much you can do. It can also be exhausting.

I would recommend identifying your “must-do’s and must-see’s” when you plan your travels to London and developing your London itinerary around those.

Read more – Ultimate London bucket list (including the main landmarks and attractions)

I recommend booking tickets and tours in advance especially if visiting during peak times. It can be difficult to purchase tickets on the day for many London attractions such as the London Eye for example.

Tickets for some attractions may also be cheaper if you purchase in advance.

To save time and money when visiting London for the first time I would consider buying a sightseeing pass.

One of the most popular is the London Pass .

The London Pass includes free entrance to 80 attractions in London (including the Tower of London , London Zoo, the View from The Shard and many more) plus a one day Hop On Hop Off bus tour as well as discounts on shopping, dining, and entertainment. It comes with priority entrance to attractions so you can skip the queue and avoid wasting precious holiday time.

Which pass you purchase will depend on what you plan to see and do. The London Pass is a great option if you plan to see 2 or 3  of the attractions every day but it may be a case of calculating the costs of entry to each attraction versus the cost of a pass to decide if it is worthwhile for you. Read our complete review of the London pass!

Another pass available is the London Explorer Pass where you can create your own tour of London with a pass to 3, 4, 5 or 7 top attractions

There are also lots of excellent tours of London available to book. Choosing the right sightseeing or themed tour of London can be a little overwhelming so use my comparison guide to the best walking tours of London to help you to decide which tour is right for you.

C. Include some of London’s free attractions and sights in your itinerary

Visiting London is not cheap so it’s good to know that there are lots of free things to do there. Many museums and galleries are free of charge for visitors. The British Museum, Tate Modern and Natural History Museum are free and very popular with visitors.

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is another popular (and free) attraction that should not be missed.

Enjoy a stroll around one of London’s many parks. In summer head to Primrose Hill with a picnic for great views across the city. There are lots of markets to visit too including Borough Market, Brick Lane and Portobello Market.

The Sky Garden (London’s highest public garden) is another popular free attraction in London though you will need to book a ticket to ensure you can see them. (Bookings open 3 weeks before – click here to book your free ticket to The Sky Garden )

Read more – 32 free things to do and see in London

Step 4 – Planning a London trip; consider how you will get around London

(Tip – Buy an Oyster card )

I would NOT recommend hiring a car and driving in central London. I speak from experience as I was required to drive in central London when I worked there and it is a stressful experience. 

It is much easier to use the public transport system (the Tube, trains, buses, trams, light railway, trains)

While the Tube is the quickest and easiest way to travel around London don’t use it all the time as you won’t see much of London if you spend your time travelling underground.

I recommend booking a hop-on hop-off bus tour (read our review of the best London bus tours ) or jumping on one of London’s famous red double-decker buses to see the main sights as it’s a great way to orientate yourself with the city.

One of the top sightseeing bus routes to take is Route 24 from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath (catch the bus from Victoria) which passes some of London’s most famous sights including Westminster Cathedral, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square before continuing onto Camden Town and Hampstead Heath.

Good to know – Keep in mind that peak times of day to travel in London are 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday when people commute in and out of London for work. It is cheaper to avoid these times on public transport and travel during off-peak for better prices.

LEARN MORE – Complete guide to getting around London on public transport

An Oyster Card is an electronic ticket that is preloaded with credit and is used to pay for public transport in London including the Tube, Overground, trams, buses and boats. Read more about Oyster Cards.

I recommend purchasing an Oyster Card as it is a cheaper option than buying single-use tickets.

Visitor Oyster Cards are available if you are visiting London from overseas. The cards can save up to 50% off regular fares, are accepted everywhere and will save you time on arrival in London.

→ CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR VISITOR OYSTER CARD

How to use the Oyster card

To use the Oyster Card simply tap on the yellow card reader when you enter a station and tap off again when you exit. There is a maximum daily amount that can be charged.

Alternatively, you can also use a contactless credit card and tap on and off as you enter and leave tube stations.

Children under 11 travel free on the London Underground, Docklands Light Railway and buses and do not need their own ticket. Children aged 11 – 15 will need their own Oyster Card but can get a 50% reduction in fares for up to 14 days.  

If you need to top up your card during your trip you can do it at a station or in over 4000 shops around London. If you have money left on your card before you leave London you can get a refund (over £10) or keep the card for your next visit. 

Good to know – When using an Oyster card on a London bus swipe the yellow card reader as you get on the bus. Do not swipe it again as you get off! You can’t buy tickets using cash for buses in London so you will need an Oyster card or a contactless credit card.

You will see Santander bicycle docks all around the city. These were introduced by the now Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he was the Mayor of London.

Bikes are charged at £2 for the first 30 minutes and you will need to use the Santander bike app to enter your credit card details to rent one.

Alternatively, if you like the idea of cycling in London but are a bit nervous why not book a bicycle tour with a guide ?

Another great way to experience London is to take a river cruise. I recommend jumping on a River boat service run by Thames clipper to Greenwich from Westminster. Oyster Cards are valid for use on the clippers too so no need to worry about buying a ticket!

Alternatively, why not take book a boat trip or cruise along the Thames – read our comparison guide to the best Thames cruises here.

London cabs are synonymous with the capital and I would recommend travelling in one at least once during your London visit.

Yes, they can be pricy but there are times when I would advise that you take a London cab rather than public transport. For example, don’t struggle on the underground with large suitcases – it is not the place to take large items of luggage.

If you are flying into London you have a number of options to travel into the city. You can either book a transfer direct to your hotel or take the Heathrow Express to Paddington then a cab to your hotel (or if you are landing at Gatwick Airport take the Gatwick Express to London Victoria then get a cab to your hotel from there)

Read more in my guides to the best ways to travel from Heathrow to London or from Gatwick into London .

How to hail a London cab

• Look for a cab with the light on top displaying the word “TAXI” as that means that it is available. Once you hop in and drive off the light is switched off.
• Stick out your arm when you see the taxi (make sure you are standing somewhere the taxi can stop)
• Once the taxi has pulled over go to the front window and tell him where you want to go.
• You will notice the meter clicking over as you drive to your destination.
• Some London cab drives are very chatty and have some interesting stories to tell – I always ask if they have picked up anyone famous in their cab!
• Once you have arrived you will be told the final cost. I round up to the nearest £

Tip – Visit markets and supermarkets for budget lunches and picnic options

Although the UK may not be famous for its cuisine London really is a fabulous destination for foodies.

I would recommend sampling some traditional English food and while this list isn’t exhaustive here are some dishes to try.

• Afternoon tea – there are lots of fantastic afternoon teas  available in London from the classic Ritz afternoon tea to themed afternoon teas including one on a red London bus !
• Fish and chips
• Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding
• Jellied eels 
• Pie and mash
• Strawberries and cream (A Wimbledon classic)
• An English pint of beer in a traditional English pub with a bag of pork scratchings
• A full English breakfast

If you are simply looking for a sandwich for lunch pop into a Pret a Manger . This UK sandwich shop chain sells baguettes, sandwiches, wraps, salads at a reasonable price.

Supermarket chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S and Waitrose are also good for sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

Borough Market is London’s most famous food and drink market offering diners a wide choice of restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes.

To save money eat at popular budget restaurant chains such as Nandos, Wagamama, Pizza Express, Pho, and Cafe Rouge.

Read more –  20 traditional English foods to tempt your tastebuds

Tip – If you are nervous about travelling independently there are lots of tours available which combine 2/3 of the most popular destinations such as Windsor/the Cotswolds & Bath into a one day trip.

If you have enough time in your UK travel itinerary why not take a  day trip from London by train?

Popular day trips to the South East and South West of London include Bath , York , Oxford, Stonehenge and Blenheim Palace to name a few. There are also some fabulous castles near London which make easy day trips.

If you really feel adventurous why not book the Eurostar to Paris ? It will be a full day and busy but it is doable (my husband once met me in Paris for coffee via the Eurostar!). Click here to read my top tips for first-time visitors to Paris

Discover 17 of the best day trips to make from London in my complete guide.

⇒ Click here for prices and to reserve your Eurostar ticket to Paris!

• Do be careful with your belongings in London. Unfortunately, there are pickpockets around so I would recommend using a pickpocket-proof bag/backpack when you travel. Read more about pickpocket bags and why I highly recommend using them in my guide to the best anti pickpocket bags and backpacks.
• Pay attention when withdrawing money from ATMs. Card skimming is a problem particularly around popular tourist destinations such as Oxford Street. If anything looks suspicious do not use the machine. If possible only use machines in banks.
•  Tipping is not expected in the UK – leave 10% for good service but do check your bill in case a service charge of 10 – 12.5% has already been added. If you take a cab round up the fare to the nearest £
• Vehicles drive on the left in the UK. Pay attention when you cross the road because if you are used to driving on the right you will look the wrong way! Always cross at traffic lights and don’t jaywalk. London roads are busy and you need to concentrate when crossing them.
• It can be very hot on the underground at any time of year. In winter shops can also be stifling. I recommend wearing layers so you can cool off if necessary. Carry a bottle of water too to stay hydrated. 
• If you want to see the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace do check the schedule as it does not occur every day and times can vary.
• At the time of writing this article, Big Ben is covered in scaffolding for essential repairs. The scaffolding is now scheduled to be removed by spring 2022.
• Visiting London always involves lots of walking so ensure you wear comfortable shoes.  
• The weather in London can be very temperamental and change rapidly (it is a myth though that it rains all the time) It can actually be very hot in London in summer. Read my essential packing list for London and the UK so you know exactly what to bring for your trip.
• Read my guide to purchasing tickets for popular London attractions

FAQs – Planning your first visit to London

These are the most frequently asked questions about visiting London that come up in my Facebook group (Why not head over to my London and UK travel planning group where you will find a friendly community of like-minded travellers to chat to or ask for advice about your UK travels)

London is a world-class destination at any time of year. Deciding what time of year is best to visit London will really depend on what you want from your trip!

If you prefer warm weather and longer days then the summer months of June to August are generally the best though this is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to visit.

Popular London events such as the Chelsea Flower Show (May/June), the Trooping of the Colour (June), and Wimbledon (June) also lead to an influx of visitors.

London is generally at its wettest and coldest from December to February when snow can sometimes fall in the capital. Outside of the run-up to the Christmas holidays and New Year, this can be a less hectic time of year to visit.

When evaluating the best time of year to visit London consider your budget, what you want to do, what weather you prefer and if there are any events you particularly want to see.

I recommend planning 3 to 4 days in London especially if it is your first visit. There is so much to do and see and it can be exhausting so I recommend adding one more day than you think you will need to your itinerary. 3 to 4 days in London should give you enough time to see most of the main sights.

If you are thinking of adding some day trips from London into your UK itinerary I would plan at least a week in London.

I recommend booking accommodation in central London. Yes, it may be more expensive but if you only have a few days in London stay near all the main sights and landmarks.

There is nothing worse after a long tiring day of sightseeing realising that you have to travel some distance to your accommodation.

You can find lots of options for all budgets and travel styles in my London Accommodation Guide.

London can be an expensive city to visit but if you are worried about your budget there are ways you can save on costs.

• Purchase an Oyster card to save on transport costs (including getting into London from the airport.
• Evaluate the cost of buying individual tickets to attractions versus the London Pass .
• Buy sandwiches, drinks and snacks from supermarkets.
• Avoid London during peak season when prices are at their highest.
• Many of London’s attractions including museums, art galleries, parks and markets free
• Read my budget London travel tips guide for more ways to save when visiting London.

Read more – Planning your UK trip budget

Enjoy planning your trip to London. You can find more practical travel planning tips and resources to help plan your visit to London and the UK below:

• London Travel Planning Guide
• Top tips for first-time visitors to England
• Guide to 9 principal train stations in London
• Guide to visiting the UK in winter
• Complete guide to the London Eye
• Best day trips from London by train
• 9 Red phone booths for that iconic photo
• 17 Best Apps for London and the UK

If you have specific questions about visiting the UK and planning your visit why not join my UK and London Travel Planning Group on Facebook where you can chat with others planning their trip.

44 London Travel Tips – the Ultimate Guide

• Post author: Svet
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: March 18, 2020

London packs a powerful punch of parks, museums, landmarks, and restaurants.

If you don’t mind mild rain, and you love exploring big, cosmopolitan cities, this article with 44 top London travel tips will help you enjoy the British capital in the best way possible.

From the tastiest fish to order with your chips to the fastest transportation you could use, and from the secret money-saving tips to the coolest neighborhoods to stay in, here are all our battle-tested tricks.

Use the navigation below for easier browsing.

Ready? Let’s dive right in.

Start Planning Your Trip to London with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in London ⭐

📍 Westminster to Greenwich Cruise – the best way to admire the most famous sights of London is on a boat trip on the River Thames.

📍 Warner Bros. Studio Tour – a must-see for any fan! Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film sets and explore the magical props, costumes, and decors.

⭐ Best Accommodations in London ⭐

🏨 St Martins Lane – our top recommendation is this affordable, central 5* gem.

🏨 Number Sixteen Firmdale Hotels – an ultra-chic stay in the Chelsea area.

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in London ⭐

🚍 The London Pass – enjoy big discounts, free travel, and entrances to top museums.

🚍 Discover Cars – compare and find the best rates for car rentals.

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Preparation – Things to Do Before You Go to London

The capital of the United Kingdom is pretty easy and pleasant to explore, but some extra preparation never hurts. This section of our London travel tips will shed some light on that.

• Pack your best rain shoes . This might seem obvious, but I didn’t do it, expecting the rain would be as timid as a mouse. And when the torrential rains hit me, even my big umbrella didn’t help. Be wise and pack waterproof shoes or be prepared to buy a pair in London. Not sure what else to prepare for your trip? Get our proven Travel Checklist .
• Have a windproof umbrella . Speaking of umbrellas, have one with you. Just not the $2 type. Pack a robust one that’s going to withstand the constant London winds. And preferably one that’s automatic as you’ll need to open and close it dozens of times a day.
• Bring a travel adapter with you . The U.K. differs from most European countries not only by its currency, measurement system, and the side of the road they drive on but also by its electrical outlets. Getting a travel adapter will save your electronics from trouble. But don’t sweat it if you forget – most hotels sell them for a couple of pounds.
• Be prepared for a lot of parks . The thing I loved most about London was its numerous parks. The two that are a must-visit are Hyde Park and Green Park. You’ll find both of them in the heart of London.
• Order an Oyster card. You can get it via this website . The card costs a non-refundable £5, plus postage. Purchase it in advance of your trip to London, and you can begin exploring London from the moment you arrive. More London travel tips about Transportation are waiting for you below.

Weather – When Is the Best Time to Visit London

Planning goes a long way when you’re preparing for a busy destination. And, boy, isn’t London busy? However, there are certain periods when you won’t need to bump into teems of people. Below, you’ll find information about each season .

• Expect light spectacles and low temperatures in winter . Save for the Christmas holidays, winters in London are not as busy as other seasons. However, they’re wet, windy, and gray, so pack good shoes, wind-proof clothes, and a hat/scarf. If you happen to be arriving around Christmas, though, be prepared for throngs of people. For charming light spectacles, too.
• Enjoy green parks and festivals in spring . Mild weather, longer days, a ton of greenery in the parks. What’s more to ask, right? Spring in London is the best time to discover the city’s numerous parks, commons, and city farms. There are many festivals and events, including Easter, Mother’s Day, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the London Marathon.
• Visit open-air festivals but beware of the crowds in summer . If it rains, it rains. And you get wet. This is just a part of the British summer fun. The best things to do in London in summer include many open-air activities, strolls by the river, visiting the city’s urban beaches, and a host of music festivals. London gets seriously busy in July and August, so if you dislike crowds, better stick to September or other seasons.
• The lovely colors make up for the rain in autumn . While summer might be merciful to Londoners in regards to rain, fall comes with generous amounts of precipitation. London’s charm and the drop-dead gorgeous autumn colors make up for the shorter days and lower temperatures. The countless parks are a great escape from the city buzz. And if it starts raining, use the opportunity to get lost in one of the city’s numerous museums.

Money-Saving & Currency Tips: How to Save a Buck or Two

Let’s face it. London might be slightly cheaper than Tokyo, New York , or Moscow, but it’s expensive by most standards. However, if you follow our money-saving London travel tips, you can save a bunch or even get stuff for free. Read more below:

• Thanks to Brexit, the exchange rate of the British pound is low. As of writing of this travel guide, £1 = $1.32. For travelers like you, this is great news, as you’ll get more for your buck.
• Most major museums and galleries in London are FREE . Yes, you read that right. London prides itself on hundreds of museums, and the most famous ones have free entrance . Bear in mind that if you’re satisfied with your visit, you can leave a tip. Here’s a list of all museums and galleries in London that are FREE of charge, and for more free things to do in London , check our separate post on the topic:
• British Museum . Discover the fascinating history of humankind thanks to the mind-blowing collection of ancient artifacts at the British Museum.
• Museum of London . Get lost in London’s evolution from prehistoric times until today.
• Natural History Museum . Admire awe-inspiring skeletons of a blue whale and dinosaurs.
• Science Museum . Boasting 15,000+ scientific objects, this museum will play with your sanities thanks to its interactive displays.
• Imperial War Museum . Like war movies? Well, why don’t you “watch” the exhibits at the IWM London in real-time?
• National Army Museum . Dip yourself in the history of the British armed forces in five galleries chock-full of peculiar objects.
• National Maritime Museum . You’ll find everything from ancient maps through epic sea battles to investigative expeditions in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
• Museum of London Docklands . Immerse yourself in the history of London as a port when the British capital dominated the seas in the 19th century.
• Royal Air Force Museum . One of the best free London museums, the Royal Air Force Museum will enchant you with its number of fascinating aircrafts.
• V&A Museum of Childhood . Wanna be a kid again? Pay the V&A Museum of Childhood a visit, and bring back sweet memories with thousands of objects from the 1600s until today.
• Royal Academy of Arts . This gallery introduced free displays in 2018, including paintings by world-class painters, Greek and Roman statues, and sophisticated sculptures.
• Victoria and Albert Museum . The museum prides itself on one of the largest collections of art and design objects worldwide. Find jewelry, photography, fashion, sculpture, and more.
• Sir John Soane’s Museum . Marvel at a gigantic collection of paintings, drawings, and antiquities at Sir John Soane’s Museum.
• Bank of England Museum . Explore how the British pound (sterling) evolved overtime at one of London’s most peculiar museums.
• Horniman Museum and Gardens . Fancy anthropology, natural history, and musical instruments in an eclectic fusion? Then, you have to visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill.

• National Gallery . Admire 2,000+ masterpieces of European painters, including the works of Botticelli, Caravaggio, Da Vinci, and Van Gogh.
• National Portrait Gallery . The National Portrait Gallery will fulfil all your portrait cravings, having the largest collection on a global scale.
• British Library . If you love books, the British Library teems with literary treasures – both old and modern. Don’t miss the Shakespeare’s First Folio!
• Tate Britain . From the 1500s until the present day, find exquisite examples of the finest British art in Tate Britain.
• Tate Modern . A power station houses one of London’s most famous galleries where world-class paintings coexist with performance art and stunning photographs.
• Guildhall Art Gallery and Roman Amphitheatre . At this site, you’ll find a collection of art treasures from 1670 to nowadays plus the ruins of a Roman Amphitheatre from the 2nd century CE.
• Wellcome Collection . A combo of a museum and a library, the Wellcome Collection will fascinate you with its medical artefacts, as well as art and life objects.
• Queen’s House . Tulip Stairs? Check. Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I? Check. Rare works of Greenwich from Lowry, Turner, and Canaletto? Check, check, check.
• London Mithraeum . Bury yourself in ancient artefacts and Roman history at one of the best London museums.
• The Wallace Collection . The drop-dead gorgeous building is a masterpiece in itself, but if you venture in, you’ll be amazed by the Magnus opuses that await you in its galleries.
• Whitechapel Gallery . As one of the finest London galleries, the Whitechapel Gallery has prepared for you contemporary art by upcoming and famous artists.
• Serpentine Galleries . If you fancy modern art from international authors, check out the Serpentine Galleries situated in the heart of Hyde Park.

Warning : Last time I was in London, I visited the famous British Museum . I especially loved the Asian and Egyptian collections. However, in 78 minutes, I managed to see just 15% of the museum. That’s how HUGE it is. Have that in mind when you make your plan for visiting London.

• Get the London Pass . Nobody likes queuing. Save time and money and buy the London Pass. It grants you with FREE entrance to numerous attractions, including The Tower of London, The Shard, The London Bridge, The Westminster Abbey, and The London Zoo (to name just a few). You’ll also be able to skip the lines at the gates.

Note : Before buying the pass, make sure you have time to visit at least three of the included 80+ attractions. Otherwise, it might be not worth the price. If you’re visiting London for a few days, consider getting a multi-day pass. There are several options for that – The London Pass, London Explorer Pass, London City Pass .

• Enjoy the best panoramic view of London for free . There’s a way to avoid paying an entrance fee for visiting the Shard , London’s tallest building. GŎNG Bar, located on level 52, is the highest hotel bar in Western Europe. Get a table, pay for your drinks, and you can have the fascinating view across the city for (almost) free. Neat, right? What’s even neater – the panorama from the Shard is mind-blowing. Take a look:

Food & Drinks in London: What You Shouldn’t Miss Tasting

As one of the most cosmopolitan cities worldwide, London’s culinary scene will seduce you with a wide-ranging mix of classic British and modern, international cuisine. Due to its ethnic diversity, the British capital offers you a fantastic fusion of multicultural tastes that will leave you wanting more and more.

• Fish and chips is a must. If you really want to experience British cuisine , trying the U.K.’s most famous dish should be on your food list. Most restaurants will serve it, but I recommend visiting Poppies for the best fish and chips in town. Just remember that the vinegar, which comes with the dish, is for the fries. That’s how the Brits eat them – soaked in vinegar.

Note : The best fish for the dish is haddock . Usually, in restaurants, they ask you what fish you’d like for your fish & chips. Now, you know what to order.

• If you’re looking for something other than fish & chips, don’t you worry . London packs close to 40,000 restaurants. FORTY THOUSAND. From typical British pubs through a host of Italian and French bistros to numerous Asian restaurants, you’ll find more than enough to satisfy your specific palate.
• Enjoy delicacies during the Afternoon Tea . The famous British tradition is a great experience, which shouldn’t be rushed. Plan a couple of hours to fully indulge into the English muffins, cakes, finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
• Don’t forget to try other typical English dishes, too . Here’s just a short list to seduce your appetite:
• Full English breakfast;
• Pie and mash;
• Bangers and mash;
• Roast duck;
• Beef Wellington;
• Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding;
• Eton mess; and
• Sticky toffee pudding.

• The beer pint is BIGGER than in the US . The U.K. pint is 20 fluid ounces (568 ml), while the American one is 16 fl. oz (473.176 ml). The calculation of ounces is also different as fluid ounces on both sides of the Atlantic are not identical. The bottom line is this – you’ll get around 25% more beer when you order a pint in London. The price starts from £5. Cheers!
• The best Indian food outside of India is in London. Obviously, the place to try Indian food is India. But London prides itself on some of the best Indian restaurants. That’s one of the craziest facts about London .
• If you don’t want to splurge on a restaurant meal, eat at one of the numerous markets . Here is a list of the best markets for street food in London:
• Borough Market offers everything from cheese, meat, and olives through fruits and vegetables to chocolates.
• Camden Market features all kinds of ethnic take-away street foods.
• Maltby Street Market will seduce you with innovative take-away meals as well as many free food samples.
• Southbank Centre Food Market has a huge collection of all types of street food carts.
• Berwick Street Market will help your hunger with various take-away dishes.
• Whitecross Street Market serves a wide variety of ethnic food.
• Leatherlane Market sells fruits, vegetables, and affordable street food.
• Brockley Market has stalls with fruits, vegetables, meat, ethnic cuisine, and seasonal treats.
• Broadway Market vends fruits, vegetables, breads, pastries, and cakes.

Traveling in London: Types of Transportation and Getting Around the City

London is one of the largest cities in Europe. As such, it has an extensive public transportation system.

The British capital is also one of only two cities in the world, served by six airports (the other one is New York ). This section with London travel tips reveals the best options to travel in and around the U.K. capital.

Interesting Fact : If you’re visiting London for several days and want to make the most of your trip, why not kill two – or more – travel birds with one stone? You can travel on a day trip from London to Paris or from London to Brussels and add another wonderful experience to your itinerary.

• The best way to explore the city is on foot . In that way, you get to feel the charm of London. Walk in the lush parks, pass by gorgeous buildings, wander small quaint streets in the city center, and stroll the banks of the River Thames. You’ll find plenty of landmarks and museums there. Just beware of the strong wind.
• Use the Tube . The London Tube is the oldest underground system in the world. Its 11 lines have 270 stations throughout the whole city. Just be prepared for the crowds of 5+ million daily commuters.
• Use your contactless bankcard to pay for public transport . You just swipe your credit/debit card, and the machines let you in. That’s not the cheapest option, but it comes in handy when you’re in a rush, and you don’t know where exactly to buy tickets. Don’t forget to swipe out when you’re leaving the station, as it’ll charge you the largest fare.
• Get the Oyster Card . If you’d like to save some cash on transportation, instead of using your contactless card, get an Oyster Card . It’ll save you up to 50% compared to single tickets. If you plan to use a lot of transportation, we recommend topping the card with around £10 per day.
• Ride the only remaining historical double-decker route . Route 15 (Heritage) is the only line, which is still serviced by the iconic London red buses. It runs between Tower Hill and Trafalgar Square. One of the reasons these buses no longer serve more routes is their lack of wheelchair access. Below are the most interesting stops on the current Route 15. For the whole list, visit this website .  
• Tower of London;
• Monument Station;
• Cannon Street Station (Here the route takes one of two alternatives, either towards Charing Cross Station or Holborn Station . Below is the route to Charing Cross Station . );
• St. Paul’s Churchyard;
• St. Paul’s Cathedral;
• City Thameslink Station/Ludgate Circus;
• Aldwych/Somerset House;
• Charing Cross Station;
• Trafalgar Square.

• The other London buses routes are also a great way to travel around the city . Bear in mind that the drivers don’t accept cash. So, you’ll need either an Oyster card, a Travelcard, or a contactless debit/credit card. The fare is £1.50 (regardless of the distance you’re traveling), and you can hop for FREE on unlimited buses or trams within an hour of starting your first journey. In other words, there’s no distance limit, but there’s a time limit.
• Night buses run from 11 PM to 6 AM . If you party past midnight and the Tube is closed, don’t worry. There are night buses that crisscross the capital until the regular public transportation starts running again.
• The bus route network of London covers the whole city with 24-hour service. You can buy a O ne Day Bus & Tram Pass for £5, and there’s no limit on the number of bus and tram journeys during that day (rides on the Tube are not included in the pass). If you’re staying in London for a longer period, consider a 7-Day Bus & Tram Pass for £21.20.
• Driving is on the left . This applies to the whole United Kingdom, including the British Isles. And unless you also drive on the left in your country, be cautious when crossing the street. There are signs on the road to further help you, but it’s still confusing the first day or two.
• Avoid the famous London cabs . You’ll get almost anywhere in the city faster by public transportation. On top of that, London is known for the exorbitant taxi rates. The regular traffic jams will drive the price even higher and lose your precious time for exploring the city.

Accommodation in London: Tips for Finding the Best Room for Your Comfort Needs

London offers plenty of accommodation options for every traveler. From humble hostels with bunk beds or capsules through posh hotels to luxurious apartments from local hosts, one thing is certain – you’ll find a bed to rest your body. Here are our London travel tips for choosing the best room for your comfort needs:

• What are the best areas to stay in London ? If budget is not an issue, and you’d like to choose your spot according to its location, here are the best locations in the city:
• Soho – for nightlife;
• South Bank and Bankside – for sightseeing;
• Marylebone and South Kensington – for families;
• Mayfair, Marylebone, and South Kensington – for romantic getaways;
• Camden – for a local vibe;
• Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Soho – for walking; and
• Covent Garden – for food and restaurants, as well for first-time visitors.

Hotel Types in London

With its 1,500+ hotels, London will surely live up to your hotel craving. From budget bed & breakfast through mid-range to upscale hotels, there’s something for every wallet.

• 1-star hotels . Hotels with 1 or 1.5 stars are basic, but they usually offer FREE breakfast. Prices start at $20-25 per night .
• 2-star hotels . Hotels with 2 or 2.5 stars have higher standards of hospitality, cleanliness, and maintenance. Most of them offer complimentary breakfast. Prices start at $45-50 per night .
• 3-star hotels . Hotels that have 3 or 3.5 stars come with room service during daytime and evening, Wi-Fi in public areas, internal telephone system, and a complimentary breakfast. Prices start at $65-70 per night .
• 4-star hotels . Hotels that are 4 or 4.5 stars offer 24/7 room service, Wi-Fi in bedrooms, higher staffing levels, and other enhanced services, including afternoon tea, meals at lunchtime, and luggage assistance. Prices start at $85-90 per night .
• 5-star hotels . Hotels with 5 stars are open all-year round, have proactive service & customer care and multilingual receptionists, and offer many enhanced services. These include concierge, escort to the room, valet parking. In five-star hotels, you’ll also find a spa, a business center, a second dining area, and a permanent luxury suite. Prices start as low as $115 per night , and can be as high as $900 or more.

* According to Research on Booking, Hotels, and Kayak. Prices vary greatly depending on location and season.

Hostel Types in London

As a city that welcomes 20+ million tourists annually, the British capital packs a diverse punch of hostel options, too.

• There are 150+ hostels in London . For whatever reason you fancy visiting hostels, don’t you worry – London has a host of them.
• Prices vary depending on location . As you can imagine, the hostels in London’s center are pricier. But if you’re looking for a more budget option, the lowest price you can find is as little as $10 per night , with $25 as an average (based on Booking prices).
• There are student and YHA hostels in London . They are perfect for mingling with other travelers. These types of hostels usually have dorms with common bathrooms, so if you’re seeking some quiet time, go for a London hostel that has private rooms and en-suite facilities.
• Are hostels safe in London? You might be wondering “ Are London hostels safe “? In general, they are. But since they’re a shared accommodation, a little extra security goes a long way. If you’re concerned about your belongings, opt for a hostel that offers lockers (most do).

Other Accommodation Options in London

• There’s Airbnb in London . Airbnb has become a popular option for many travelers around the globe. And London is no exception as it offers plenty of locations to choose from. Just remember to research your place well to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
• Apartments . These fully-furnished, self-catering accommodations are perfect for brief visits. Apartments and short-stay studios come with 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom selections in various spots around London. If you don’t mind a little self-care and you love preparing your own breakfast, next to Airnbnb, this is your best option.
• University rooms . These are an amazing bang for your buck and you don’t need to be a student to book a stay. This type of guest accommodation is a great alternative to staying in a cheap London hostel, hotel, or bed & breakfast. University rooms can also be outside university campuses – in London’s modern and historic residences – often offering FREE Wi-Fi, gym access, and more conveniences.
• Longer stay? Check out spotahome.com . If you’re searching for mid- to long-term accommodation, make sure you check out the booking platform spotahome.com . The site owners check all properties on the website and take their own photos, including virtual tours of the accommodation. Plus, they offer very solid guarantees. For instance, if the landlord cancels your stay at the last minute, they relocate you or help you with hotel costs (if needed).

What Are Your Favorite London Travel Tips?

There you have it – all London travel tips that you need for a memorable visit.

If you exclude the crazy crowds and the (almost) constant rain, London is tons of fun. I know for certain that I’m going back.

I loved the British capital, and so would you, especially now that you know these 44 insider London travel tips.

Bookmark this page or pin the image below, so you can revisit it.

Now, we’d like to know:

When are you going there?

If you’ve already been to London, what impressed you the most?

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15 London travel tips & hacks no one told you about

Things to do in London London Travel Guide London Travel Tips

In the bustling metropolis of London, the pace can leave you breathless as you strive to keep pace with its energy. Yet, amidst its dynamic atmosphere, there are several simple tips for travelers to bear in mind. London, a city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and pulsating with life at every turn, rewards careful planning with the avoidance of tourist traps and the maximization of enjoyment. Although it may initially appear daunting, securing your tickets in advance serves as an excellent initial stride towards ensuring a seamless visit. Here are some invaluable travel pointers to ensure your time in London is unforgettable.

London Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to London . Don't forget the pack the right adapter and maybe brush your British English! Also, get yourself used to British high tea maybe.

Read our complete London Travel Guide here

Language English

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +020

Socket Type G

Currency Pound (£, GBP)

Best Time To Visit London

March to May

London's weather can be unpredictable, requiring both sunglasses and umbrellas at different moments! While Spring is often considered the optimal time to experience London's charm, don't worry if your plans are set for other seasons; each one offers its own distinctive allure. From March to May, temperatures fluctuate from chilly to pleasantly warm, making it an ideal window to explore the city. Be sure to carry a jacket to navigate the occasional weather shifts. Alternatively, if you're enchanted by the magic of Christmas, bundle up and visit between December and January to witness the city's spectacular festive celebrations.

Read our complete blog on the Best Time To Visit London .

London Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Keep right on the escalators

Though it might seem peculiar, there's an unspoken convention in London advising individuals to stick to the right side of escalators to allow others to pass. In a bustling metropolis like London, where everyone's racing against the clock, even the smallest gesture of politeness can make a significant difference!

#2 Get yourself an Oyster card

An Oyster card offers both convenience and affordability, making it a smart choice for saving money during your city visit. Easily obtainable from the airport or your local station, simply top it up as needed. With an Oyster card, navigating London's subway network, known as The Tube, becomes effortless, eliminating the need to rush around or wait in lengthy ticket lines.

Here's all you need to know about using an Oyster Card in London

#3 London is the home of Hop On Hop Off Buses

With an excellent network and cost-efficient transportation, these buses will make sure you get acquainted with London in the best possible way! With a number of buses connecting and dropping you off at key attractions, Hop on Hop Off bus is ideal for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Apart from that, these buses also provide you with an audio guide so that you don’t miss out on anything important during your journey.

#4 Crossing the streets are a task in London

The sidewalks and streets are labeled ‘Look Right’ or ‘Look Left’ to help you remember where the cars are coming from. Following traffic rules in London can help you escape unwanted fines, apart from keeping you safe. Keep in mind that cars are driven on the left side of the street in England and that designated pedestrian walkways exist on busy streets at all times.

#5 Tipping in London is not customary

Although considered a mandate in the US, tipping in London is not really a requirement when you’re dining at the restaurants. The service charge which is otherwise provided in tips is usually included in the cost of your bill in London, so don’t sweat it by trying to tip big money at restaurants! However, if you do feel like appreciating the service, a couple of pounds can be a nice gesture.

#6 Book ALL your attraction tickets in advance

While it is possible to avoid the crowd on the weekdays, some of the popular attractions of the city witness crowd throughout the week. Booking well in advance or getting yourself a skip the line pass could help you avoid the queues that are two to three hours long. This could not only help you save time but could also save you a good amount of money.

Check out discounted tickets to the top things to do in London and save big money by booking in advance.

#7 Pack for all weathers. Always carry an umbrella

London is best known for its erratic weather changes, where it can be sunny one minute and you can wind up feeling cold after an unpredictable shower! Pack your essentials wisely so that you have plenty of layers at hand to tackle any weather. Having an umbrella at all times is advisable.

#8 Keep an eye out for freebies

Although an expensive city, there are several museums, art galleries and architectural marvels around that can be explored for free. Do your research to find out more about these, which can also help you save some money during your stay. You may also take a stroll into some of its vibrant street markets which won’t charge you an entry fee as well.

15 Absolutely Free Things To Do In London

#9 sometimes walking is faster than the tube.

London is widely connected by the Tube, and while it seems like the best option to travel around, there are places which are accessed quicker by foot. For instance, Leicester Square to Covent Garden is located in the same vicinity and they can be easily reached by a brisk 2 to 3-minute walk.

#10 Visit Oxford Street on a weekday

If you’re in the mood to shop, differ it till its a weekday instead of stopping by on a Saturday. Not only does the area witness an upsurge of a crowd on the weekend, but there are also times the Tube is closed down for crowd control. Enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted shopping trip on a weekday morning and make the most of your visit to Oxford Street.

67 Experiences You Cannot Miss Out In London

#11 ride a bike around the city.

You may come across several bikers on a typical day in London, as bikes are quite an inexpensive mode of transport in the city. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind losing their way during their excursion, rent a bike which is easily available on bike-bays on the street using a debit/credit card.

#12 London follows military time

While most countries follow a 12-hour clock, you may find London displaying military timings on clocks across the city. Acquainting yourself to this system will help you avoid silly mistakes that can easily occur otherwise. Make sure to double check your train and bus tickets to know if you got the right time on it!

#13 Eat like the Brits

London is dotted with several flashy restaurants, however, make sure you enjoy a roadside plate of fish and chips for an authentic taste of Britain. Explore markets such as Borough market amongst others, which have affordable food stalls lined up. Experience the English palate by trying out various delicious street food that London has to offer instead of picking a usual restaurant for a change.

#14 Carry a type-G plug or a universal travel adapter

London, unlike the US, uses a type-G plug which requires a different type of pin. It is essential to carry a type-G converter for you to successfully charge your electronics of any sort. Make sure you buy one from your respective country, as it may become expensive hunting for one in London.

#15 London = West End Show is a MUST

West End shows, unlike Broadway, are affordable in London and can be easily booked both online as well as offline. There are plenty of shows if you’re not too picky, and you can also choose your seats according to your preference! But you simply cannot leave London without watching a Westend show.

Here's our complete guide to West End Theatre for first timers in London.

Book discounted London Theatre tickets for the best selling shows

Tips for saving money on transportation in london.

• Familiarise yourself to London’s zones : While it is impossible to become an expert with the London rail network due to its complexity and vast connectivity, keep an eye out for some of the zones that are helpful for your daily travel. Download the Underground Application for your phone to make sure you don’t board the wrong train.
• Get an oyster card : Get yourself an oyster card which would help you on saving both time as well as money during your trip in the subway. The card, which works for both metro and underground, can be easily topped up at any station in the city! Having an oyster card will also mean you will not have to wait it out at the long queues.
• Buses over cabs, always : London has an extremely well-connected network of public transport, and buses can be of great use during your trip. A bus journey across the city will cost you as less as £1.50, irrespective of the distance. Apart from that, the buses also have a cap of £4.50, which will mean that is all you can spend on public transport for the day!
• Rent a bike : Affordable, reliable and eco-friendly, bicycles are found almost everywhere in London and they only cost £2 per day! Find docking stations on the side of the street, and activate a bicycle using a debit/credit card. You can make a trip between two docking stations for thirty minutes before you get to activate it again.
• Walk most of it : Walking is a viable option in London as there are a multitude of places accessible by foot. Not to mention how great it is to escape the traffic that clogs the city on weekends as well! Book yourself a guided walking tour to make the most of your excursion in the city, along with simply saving your money on transportation!
• Ferry it if you'd like : Cruising on the Thames, whether for leisure or purpose is highly recommended. You could use the Thames to get around attractions in the city, or just take a luxurious Thames river cruise and enjoy a meal on the boat.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In London

• Never eat around prime attractions : Avoid being sucked into touristy traps and make sure you go through the restaurant before investing money in it. Do a quick check on some of the local restaurants that serve authentic food instead of walking into the first restaurant you see. Asking a local to guide you can also be a great way to indulge in something worthwhile.
• Pick a Bed and Breakfast : Choose hotels or home-stays that offer you breakfast along with your stay. Most hotels in London offer a breakfast buffet that will consist of a variety of food. Filling up on a heavy breakfast before starting your day would mean you will wind up with an affordable, light lunch.
• Try street-side vendors : Fine dine is great, but you can taste some of the most authentic British food at local food stalls. Take a stroll through some of the city’s most famous street food markets (such as Borough Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market) to gorge on some delicious road-side food.
• Look out for BYOB and prefer tap water : Save up on bottled water during lunch or dinner by asking for tap water or regular water — which is considered safe to consume in London. You may also keep an eye out for ‘BYOB’ (bring your own beer/ alcohol) restaurants which will allow you to carry your drinks. This will help you save on the expensive drinks that the restaurant otherwise offers.
• Pick buffet food : An all you can eat buffet is a great idea if you’re worried about whether you’re going to like what you try. Apart from that, portion sizes at a buffet are not an issue, and you can invest in the kind of food you prefer. Run a quick search to locate restaurants serving up a buffet, and you’re good to go.

More Tips To Save Money In London

• Accommodation tips

Accommodation in London is expensive, so make sure you choose a hotel or Airbnb in the suburbs. Since traveling around the city is quite affordable with an Oyster card, choose a traveler’s hostel or a Bed and Breakfast instead of a regular hotel to cut down your expenses on accommodation.

Free attraction tips

Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend! Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Free museum days

• While everything in London may seem expensive, there are plenty of museums to visit free of cost. Places like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum are some of the attractions where you can visit for free! Make sure you do your research before setting out on an excursion around the city.

Online ticket purchasing

• Purchasing tickets ahead of time can save you not just monetarily, but also with respect to time. Keep an eye out for discounts and combo offers that can help you grab a great deal for your trip. If you’re someone who enjoys musicals, getting cheap West End show tickets can also be helpful.
• Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend!
• Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Top 10 Things To Do in London

I'm sure you have your London itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in London. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Tower of London

The Tower of London is a defining British structure that has served as an armory, royal residence, and jail throughout history. The tower today houses the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeaters, who guard them. A visit to the Tower of London is essential for any first-time visitor to London.

2 London Eye

The London Eye is the second highest observation point in London, surpassed only by The Shard. Its site on the river's banks provides an amazing view. The London Eye has been labeled as London's Eiffel Tower, allowing everyone a chance to see the huge metropolis from a new perspective.

3 Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace is a veritable showcase of royal magnificence, and it served as the Queen's official residence until 2011. The entirety of Buckingham Palace is grandeur personified, and it's nothing short of regal opulence. This remarkable architectural beauty in the center of London is a must-see for all tourists.

4 Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic church in London, England, and one of the country's most significant religious structures. According to legend, a group of Benedictine monks arrived at this location and began a practice of worship every day during the Bishop Mellitus era. Westminster Abbey truly made headlines in 1605, when Edward the Confessor constructed his throne here where he was eventually buried along with his wife.

5 Harry Potter Tours

Harry Potter Tours, London will take you on a journey through the city of London (and beyond) to get your photo snapped at platform 9 3/4 and board the Hogwarts Express, experience Diagon Alley and drink butterbeer, among other things. Not to mention any number of film locations where you may go.

6 Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and London's largest. It is the world's biggest botanical collection and the world's biggest UNESCO World Heritage Site in London.

7 West End Theatre

West End Theatre is the most popular form of theatre in London and is typically associated with musicals. It encompasses a wide range of genres, from Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary comedies.There are currently 40 theatres operating in London’s West End, with a combined seating capacity of over 100,000.

8 Thames Cruises

What are some tips for traveling to London on a budget?

1. Travel during the off-peak season. You can save a lot of money by avoiding the busiest times of year.

2. Look for discounts and deals. There are often great discounts available if you book your travel in advance or look for package deals.

3. Stay in hostels or budget hotels. You don't have to spend a lot of money on accommodation to have a great trip.

4. Eat like a local. Take advantage of the many cheap and delicious eateries London has to offer instead of splurging on meals every day.

5. Use public transportation. London's public transportation system is extensive and relatively inexpensive, so make use of it as much as possible.

How can I avoid getting lost in London?

1. Get a good map. Before you even leave for your trip, make sure you have a good map of London so you can orient yourself and plan your route in advance.

2. Ask for directions. If you do get lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions from a local. People in London are generally very helpful and will be happy to point you in the right direction.

3. Use your smartphone. If you have a smartphone, make use of its GPS capabilities and download a map of London so you can always find your way.

4. Take a walking tour. A great way to orient yourself in a new city is to take a walking tour. Many hostels and hotels offer these for free or for a nominal fee.

5. Stay in a central location. If you're worried about getting lost, consider staying in a centrally located hotel or hostel so you're always within easy reach of the main sights and attractions.

What are some good restaurants to eat at while in London?

Pret-a-Manger, Wagamama, The Breakfast Club, Dishoom and Honest Burgers are popular fast food joints and coffee places in London!

What are some helpful tips for using public transportation in London?

If you're unfamiliar with the London Underground, it can be daunting to try and navigate your way around the city using only public transportation. Some useful things to do would be to plan your route in advance & purchase an Oyster Card among other things. Besides this, here's Everything you need to know about the Public Transport in London !

What is the tipping etiquette in London?

In London, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service in restaurants and bars. If you're taking a taxi, it's common to round up to the nearest pound or give 5-10% of the fare as a tip. For other services, tipping is not required but always appreciated if you received great service.

Ready to explore London?

Check out the top things to do in London and our London Travel Guide to plan your vacation like a pro! .

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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London Travel Guide

Ah, London — home to world-class restaurants, an unparalleled music scene, fantastic hotels, and some seriously rich history. Plus, tea. Who could forget the tea? London is a beautiful city to visit, and with England's fantastic public transportation, it's a breeze to get from point A to point B. You could easily spend a week or more exploring all that each London neighborhood has to offer and still have things left over for your next visit.

With sites and cultural hubs like the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Kensington Gardens, and all manner of food, drink, shopping, history, and culture, it's no wonder why the 'Big Smoke' is a top travel destination.

Greenwich Mean Time during the winter, British Summer Time during the rest of the year (starting at Daylight Saving Time).

Best Time to Go

England experiences relatively mild and somewhat rainy weather year-round, and when you should go depends on what you'd most like to experience. Spring, summer, and fall allow for taking in the parks and getting the most out of how walkable London is, while winter is beautiful and festive for those looking to get their fill of Christmas markets and traditional cheer.

Things to Know

London is filled with neighborhoods brimming with great things to do, and England's exceptional public transportation makes it simple and stress-free to travel between them.

Londoners, and English people in general, have a much different manner of interacting with one another than Americans do. While an American might think nothing of smiling at a stranger they pass on the sidewalk or asking about work in the first few minutes of a conversation, etiquette in London errs on the more private, respectful, and more distant. Don't mistake this for aloofness or consider those you meet unfriendly; it's just a difference in cultural norms. Instead, talk about things like movies, TV shows, books, your travels, and the like, instead of work or family.

A fun and somewhat reassuring fact is that London has much better takeaway sandwiches than the U.S. If your day is too packed to have a sit-down lunch, a sandwich from a chain will be legitimately delicious. Most importantly, almost all British museums are free , meaning anyone can wander to their heart's content, no matter their budget.

How to Get Around

Getting around London is unbelievably easy thanks to the well-maintained and extensive Underground (also known as the Tube). Tickets for riding the Underground, unlike American transportation systems, which often pay per ride or per trip length, are paid in zones. Fare also varies based on the time of day and the method you use to pay. It's worth getting an Oyster card — the Underground's MetroCard or SmarTrip Card — to simplify your vacation.

There are 11 Underground lines servicing all nine zones. Maps of these zones are in every Tube station. Most of the popular sites in London are in Zone 1, which covers central London. The Tube runs daily from 5 am to midnight and with reduced hours on Sunday. Some late-night services are available on the weekend, but generally, you'll want to be prepared to take one of the easily-found London taxis or use a rideshare app if you're out and about after midnight.

Best Hotels

Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom Phone:+44 20 7836 4343 Book Now

The only luxury hotel on the River Thames, The Savoy is a five-star experience known worldwide for its luxurious and beautiful accommodations. As the first hotel built for the purpose of being a luxe hotel in all of London, it has a rich and storied history; seeing its beautiful architecture and dramatic decor is worth doing even if you don't end up staying here.

The Connaught

Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7499 7070 Book Now

The Connaught has known a few names and owners over the course of its more than 200-year history, but its main throughline has always been luxury. Chef Hélène Darroze runs a restaurant with the distinction of two Michelin stars, and the bar was awarded Europe's Best in 2019. For a spectacular experience in the heart of London, The Connaught can't be beat.

Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3828 2000 Book Now

Once an abandoned bank building, The Ned found new life in 2012 as a five-star luxury hotel. Outfitted in a style reminiscent of the 1920s and with ten restaurants under its roof, The Ned is an experience unto itself — much less a great retreat from your London adventure. In addition, The Ned features a spa with treatments from massages to vitamin IV drips. Trendier than other 5-star hotels but certainly with style, The Ned is a great choice for a young couple or friends traveling in style.

Chiltern Firehouse

Address: 1 Chiltern Street London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7073 7676 Website

Originally a fire station, the Chiltern Firehouse is small and cozy. Each of the 26 rooms features at least one working fireplace and range from standard rooms to lofts and suites. The Chiltern Firehouse restaurant is a Michelin-starred eatery with seasonal offerings. A unique and domestic experience, the Chiltern Firehouse truly does feel like a home away from home.

Address: 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7396 9000 Book Now

The Goring is a century-old, family-owned luxury hotel with 69 uniquely decorated rooms. Along the same road as Buckingham Palace, The Goring is the last word in having a truly royal stay. The Goring offers an excellent restaurant and bar and several packages that let you tailor your trip to exactly what makes you happiest.

11 Cadogan Gardens

Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7730 7000 Book Now

Built in the late 19th century as four separate townhouses, 11 Cadogan Gardens has a resulting unique and eclectic interior of winding corridors and staircases. Located in upscale Chelsea, the hotel is within walking distance from Harrods, the Saatchi Gallery, Hyde Park, and many other can't-miss tourist spots.

Address: 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN Phone: +44 20 7781 8888 Book Now

Near the British Museum and Covent Garden, the Rosewood is a centrally located luxury hotel boasting lush, classic decor. The five-star hotel has carefully renovated its Edwardian architecture, melding the historic and modern seamlessly. Enjoy contemporary afternoon tea modeled after the art of British sculptor Antony Gormley in the intimate Mirror Room, then step out into the bustling heart of London. During busy times there is a minimum stay required to book, so be sure to check early and often if you have your heart set on staying at the Rosewood.

The Lanesborough

Address: 2 Lanesborough Place SW 1, London, SW1X 7TA Phone: +44 20 7259 5599 Book Now

Once an elegant country house, The Lanesborough is now a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, private spa and fitness club, cognac lounge, and award-winning afternoon tea service. With elegant and warm decor, The Lanesborough is an iconic and world-class option for travelers looking to stay somewhere in style.

Best Restaurants

Address: 593 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, London E11 4PA Phone: +44 020 8281 4801 Website

Singburi is a gem of a Thai restaurant, beloved for its rotating menu of delicious and authentic curries, noodles, and seafood. Try something new here — don't stick to your usual takeout Pad Thai order (as delicious as Pad Thai is). A crispy omelette, like their delectable Kai Jeow (a crispy omelette with oysters), should do the trick.

Westerns Laundry

Address: 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London N5 1PB Phone: +44 020 7700 3700 Website

This beloved, sustainably-focused restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and small plates — and bread. So, so much bread, some of the best you'll ever eat. Stop in for a pastry or a sandwich, enjoy their small plates, or order a loaf of bread ahead of time to set yourself up with delicious breakfast for a week.

The Palomar

Address: 34 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 7439 8777 Website

The Palomar is walking distance from Trafalgar Square and some of the most enjoyable museum-going in London, so chances are you'll have the opportunity to enjoy their modern-day Jerusalem menu in a beautiful, mosaic-scattered space. Try the octopus glazed with harissa oil or the Bayt al Maqdis Chicken just for the artichoke crisps.

Address: 51 Lamb's Conduit Street, Holborn, London WC1N 3NB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7242 8963 Website

A seasonal wine bar with a classic British menu, this flashy restaurant puts the "British food is boring" rumor to rest. There's a wine for every dish, and more — their list is outstanding, and the bold and unique twists on classic British dishes make this a must-taste spot even for folks for which (gasp) wine isn't that exciting.

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch, High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3011 5911 Website

Lunch is a la carte at Lyle's, meaning you have the opportunity to order and share a few dishes between yourself and your friends and get the best of all worlds. The dinner menu is set, offering a prix fixe three-course meal with a few options for your appetizer, entree, and dessert. The space is beautiful and minimalist — a calm, understated place to focus entirely on your incredible food.

Address: 39 Endell Street, West End, London WC2H 9BA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3422 0221 Website

A small, sustainable seafood restaurant in Covent Garden, Parsons has an unpretentious, always-fresh menu. Parsons has mastered the art of updating classic British flavors, like smoked eel, for the modern palette. Their fish pie is heavenly, and you'd be remiss not to enjoy a sticky toffee pudding if you've got room for it.

Black Axe Mangal

Address: 156 Canonbury Road, Highbury, London N1 2UP, United Kingdom Phone: No phone number, email only: [email protected] Website

What this Turkish restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in personality — up to and including their occult buns (which are hot cross buns, but with pentacles on them). It's loud, but most importantly, it's fun: nothing about Black Axe Mangal takes itself too seriously, from the hard rock soundtrack to the delicious food. Edible glitter, tongue-in-cheek dish names, and an excellent beer list all make Black Axe a top spot for a good time.

Address: 40 Doric Way, Somers Town, London NW1 1LH, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 4580 1282 Website

Roti King is in a basement — this is just something to know because otherwise, it might be a touch difficult to find. "Hidden gem" isn't a metaphor here: you're going to have some of the best Malaysian food you've had in some time, possibly ever. If you're having trouble finding the entrance, just look for the line; there's almost always at least a short one of people waiting for their chicken murtabak and char kuey teow.

Dishoom Shoreditch

Address: 7 Boundary Street, London, E2 7JE Phone: +44 020 7420 9324 Website

London restaurant recommendations wouldn't be complete without at least one Indian food recommendation, and to be fair, most places are going to be incredible. Dishoom is something special, though — its airy, Bombay-style decor, beautiful views from the veranda, and house recipes have earned it a dedicated following. As a reminder, chicken tikka masala is sweet in England, so if you want something savory, try a new dish — like gunpowder potatoes or the marsala prawns.

Things to Do

Tower of london & tower bridge.

Address: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7403 3761 Website

The bridge most associated with London isn't actually the London Bridge, it's Tower Bridge — this is the bridge you almost certainly have in your mind's eye when imagining London. The Tower of London has an infamous reputation, but its history is even more interesting than most know. Tudor buffs will love tracing the steps of Queen Elizabeth I, and there are free tours given throughout the day.

St. Dunstan in the East

Address: St Dunstan's Hill, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7374 4127 Website

Built in 1698, St. Dunstan in the East was once a church. It was firebombed during World War II, and the ruins were converted into a public park — certainly one of the most unique and beautiful. Though small, stepping into the park feels like stepping into another world. Bring a camera; you won't want to miss snapping shots of the ivy-covered ruins.

National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7747 2885 Website

The National Gallery has one of the most incredible collections in the world, including pieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and many, many more. Their 2,300-piece collection is frequently rotated, so be sure to see what sometimes-stored pieces are on display when you go.

St. James' Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 300 061 2350 Website

Not to be confused with the football (aka soccer) stadium in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, St. James' Park in London is one of its most famous, right alongside Buckingham Palace and perfect for a rest during a busy day of sightseeing. It is known for its waterfowl — ducks, specifically, but also a small flock of pelicans.

Address: Hyde Park has several entrances, convenient to the neighborhoods surrounding it. Phone: +44 300 061 2000 Website

Hyde Park is a massive 350 acres, nestled smack dab in the middle of London, and worth a day's focus all on its own. With events, historical monuments, walking tours, and gardens, it is a truly stunning and fun place to be. It's famous for its Speakers Corner, which has been a stage for free speech and debate since 1872.

Shakespeare's Globe Theater

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7902 1400 Website

Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays, and his entire body of work is rotationally performed. The Globe's performances are heavily influenced by what is known historically as the experience of seeing them in Shakespeare's day, for an immersive experience impossible to find elsewhere.

Highgate Cemetery

Address: Swain's Ln, Highgate, London N6 6PJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 8340 1834 Website

Ghost-chasers and history buffs alike will love to walk around Highgate Cemetery, where 170,000 people are buried. It is also a nature reserve, and the entire grounds are lush, beautiful, and feel a bit out-of-time. Notable graves to pay your respects at include Douglas Adams, George Eliot, Karl Marx, Leslie Hutchinson, and many more.

Buckingham Palace

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 303 123 7300 Website

In the heart of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is a beautiful and awesome (in the traditional sense of the word) piece of architecture and history. You can actually go inside the famed Buckingham Palace — tours of certain rooms in the palace are available.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, South Bank, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7967 8021 Website

Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is the best view of London — it was literally built to be exactly that, and its construction is known as an observation wheel, not a Ferris wheel. It's a touch expensive, but visited by millions of tourists for a reason: the view from the top is absolutely stunning.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7246 8350 Website

One of the most recognizable sites in London, St. Paul's Cathedral dates from 1690 and still has most of its original stained glass. It's known for its extensive and stunning mosaics, soaring Gothic architecture, and large, beautiful Cathedral library.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7219 4272 Website

Everyone's must-stop for a classic London Insta snap, the iconic clock is nearby to other points of interest and featured in most driving and walking tours. Tours of the tower itself are limited to UK residents.

British Museum

Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7323 8299 Website

The British Museum differs from the National Gallery in that it is as much an anthropological museum as an art museum. Collections are organized by era and country of origin, and frequent exhibitions are curated around themes to explore human experiences across ages. Their total collection is estimated to be around 8 million pieces, with many taken out only for specific reasons, so it's worth seeing what special exhibitions are on display.

Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7222 5152 Website

Even people for whom history is not necessarily a thrill, gothic Westminster Abbey is an overwhelming, stunning experience. Every coronation of an English monarch since 1066 has happened here, and the Abbey is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth of York, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Unknown Warrior, and dozens of others. Westminster Abbey also pays homage to great poets, artists, and writers with a series of beautiful memorials.

Best Shopping

Covent garden.

Address: 14 James Street, London WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7420 5856 Website

Covent Garden is both a neighborhood and a famed market, first established in 1694. The center is the beautiful Piazza, where walking is made easier and more pleasant by the lack of cars. In addition to an array of unique shops, Covent Garden is home to the London Transport Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and several high-end restaurants.

Borough Market

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7407 1002 Website

The motto of London markets is: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Borough Market is large and primarily focused on food, and is one of the longest-running in the city. Officially established in the 19th century, there is one area that dates back to at least the 12th — so definitely buy yourself a sandwich and think how pleased your ancestors would be at your bounty.

Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, Soho, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7437 5660 Website

There are a few equally-convenient locations for the famed, enormous bookstore Foyles, but the flagship — and most impressive — store is in Soho, at Charing Cross. Even folks who wouldn't describe themselves as readers travel to visit Foyles for the sheer scale of it, including the gorgeous architecture and the vast collection of books.

Camden Market

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3763 9900 Website

Camden Market was established in 1791 and has been charming London and travelers ever since. Near enough to Regent's Park and the London Zoo to walk, Camden Market is full of shops, cafes, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford Street

Address: From Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch Website

Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe, greeting about half a million visitors every day across its 300-plus shops. Whatever you're looking for, Oxford Street probably has it. Notable shops include Topshop, Dr. Martens, Flying Tiger, Muji, and Selfridges.

Regent Street

Address: From Piccadilly Circus to Park Crescent Website

Intersecting with Oxford Street is the equally impressive Regent Street, home to the flagship stores for Burberry, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and more. Regent Street was built to be London's dedicated shopping street, a place for Londoners to get anything and everything they might need. There might be a few more now, but Regent Street is the original — and some might say the best.

Carnaby Street

Address: From Beak Street to Great Marlborough Street Website

The third in the shopping street trifecta is Carnaby Street. A few streets over from Regent Street, Carnaby is much shorter and largely fashion-focused, especially vintage shops specializing in threads from the '60s. Shorter doesn't mean less diverse, though — Carnaby Street is home to over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Seven Dials

Address: Center of St. Giles District Website

Seven Dials, sometimes considered part of Covent Garden, is truly unique: a circular road junction that has a slower, calmer pace than the rest of London. Seven Dials is named for the seven sundials at its center and is surrounded by about 90 shops and restaurants.

Neighborhoods to Know

Shoreditch : A trendy neighborhood chock full of vintage shops, cafes, art galleries, and clubs. The neighborhood skews young and boasts everything from artisan coffee shops and fine dining to chain restaurants. Wander around here for some of the best shopping in London.

Notting Hill : Yes, that Notting Hill. It's as charming as you imagine it to be. Famed for Portobello Road Market and the antiques and vintage stores that line it, Notting Hill is also home to high-end restaurants, the Ladbroke Square Garden, and some of the most charming and beautiful residential streets in London.

Covent Garden : Synonymous with the Covent Garden Market, this much-loved neighborhood is filled with odd little gems like tiny toy stores, bookstores, clothing boutiques, and more — plus an array of restaurants and eateries. Covent Garden is not a mall; it is, truly, a garden, and a lively and beautiful place to sit, have a coffee, and people-watch.

Camden : Also known as Camden Town, though no one really calls it that anymore. Home to Camden Market and the famed venue Electric Ballroom, it abuts The Regent with easy walking access to the London Zoo and a bit of a longer walk to Queen Mary's Rose Gardens.

Kings Cross : Not only a rail station but a neighborhood, too! Historic Kings Cross Station is a big draw, though, with a photo area for Platform 9 ¾ and a "Harry Potter" gift shop right nearby. Kings Cross was once heavily industrial but has been made over with gardens and small green sitting areas.

Soho : Lively, theater-dotted Soho in the West End is the place to go for nightlife of all stripes. Take in a show, go dancing, enjoy a late-night movie or dinner, or a few of the above. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in London, being an easy walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

The West End : The West End is London's Broadway. But don't be fooled — it's not just international stagings of Broadway shows. The West End is a thriving theater scene with original work going up regularly.

On one hand, the weather in London does not tend to fluctuate between highs and lows, no matter the season. On the other, it rains in London — a lot. About nine to 10 days a month , on average. No matter when you go, pack some waterproof layers; odds are you'll be glad you brought them.

Spring: Spring in London, and England as a whole, is beautiful. London is a very green city, and spring brings the parks and gardens to blooming, fragrant life. Early spring can be a little chilly, but it might be worth going then to beat the tourist boom from late spring through summer.

Summer: Summer in England is mild and lovely, and London is no exception. Temperatures rarely climb above 75°F. For this reason, it is by far the most popular season for travel, and hotel and flight prices tend to reflect that — however, it's also inherently a bit more lively, with a lot going on.

Fall: Again, fall is temperate, with a little more rain than summer. If you want to beat the summer rush but still want warmer weather, you might want to wait until fall for your trip.

Winter: Winter can get cold, but not bitterly so; average temperatures rarely fall below 30°F. England is big on Christmas, and holiday markets and cheer abound. If you love the winter holidays, London might be a perfect choice for you — it's hard not to feel festive in the land of A Christmas Carol.

Apps to Download

London Tube Live : Up-to-date info on delays, updates, departure information, and routes. iOS | Android

The Pub Finder : Crowdsourced app for pubs and bars, including reviews and tips. iOS | Android

London Pass : Free interactive London guidebook. iOS | Android

Related Articles

9 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING LONDON

By Author Katie

Posted on Last updated: January 5, 2024

Heading to London? We share these essential travel tips for visiting London so that you can plan your next trip with ease. 

London is a bustling, never-ending city that can be exciting, engaging, and wow you at every, and any, given moment. It can also be confusing, frustrating, and make you want to throw up in the nearest bin – but good luck finding a bin on the underground or at any train station! I digress.

So, for those wanting to visit, here are the essential travel tips for visiting London.  Planning a visit on a budget? Head over to Emily’s post on the best hostels in London. On the other hand, if you want to live it up, check out these gorgeous luxury flats to rent in London in coveted neighbourhoods, like Notting Hill, Richmond, Kensington, Chelsea, and Mayfair. Staying in one of these neighbourhoods will make your trip even more memorable since you’ll get to discover cafés, restaurants, pubs, markets, and boutiques.

Whilst in the UK, don’t forget to take some of these day trips from London or visit some other awesome cities such as Liverpool or Brighton!

The Currency

The UK uses the Great British Pound and very few shops accept anything other than the Pound or card payments. Money can be withdrawn from any ATM but to avoid transaction charges, head to an ATM outside a chain supermarket or a bank. Some hotels and larger stores in London may accept the Euro.

ATM machines are abundant in the city, but it will be more convenient to go cashless since most establishments accept credit and debit cards. 

The Weather

The weather in London is hit or miss. November through to March is fairly cold and windy, and June to August is (most of the time) warm and sunny but incredibly crowded. April, May, September, and October give temperatures around 14-20 degrees and are my favorite time to head into the city. Regardless of when you visit, bring an umbrella – it will randomly rain at any given point! London is a great place to visit at Christmas but don’t bank on snow!

When to visit London

London gets very busy during the British school holidays. Through the months of July and August the queues are long, as our the Christmas events during the week leading up to Christmas. London is one of those cities that are always busy, but to get the best weather and least crowds, September or June are great times to explore.

However, many people would tell you that London is best to visit during the summer months not only because of the fair weather but also because of exciting events that are held, such as music festivals and open-air screenings.

When you do arrive at the airport, you can catch a train to the city or use an airport taxi to reach the city with ease.

The Underground

If it is your first time in London, the underground can be slightly daunting but is by far the best way to get around the city. Taxis are too expensive, buses are too slow and the city is far too big to spend all day walking around. Instead, pick up an oyster card, use the machines to top it up and download the London underground map onto your phone to help you. The TFL website also gives you specific directions from one attraction to another and tells you exactly where you need to change or get off.

The Cost of London

London is expensive. Unfortunately, it is just one of those cities that is very pricey – but for locals like us, it does make everywhere else look ridiculously cheap! Expect to pay around £100 a night for a decent private room, at least £4 for a pint of beer, £7+ for a lunch at a café, and upwards of £25 per person for a meal.

To see all the historic sights, plan at least 4 days in London – which will cost around £600 for those on a budget (not including travel to and from London).

Save Money in London

Yes, London is expensive but there are a few ways you can save money. For a cheaper pint, head to the Wetherspoon chain pubs, which are also a great place to have a cheaper meal too. Visit the free attractions to save some money too.

Food in London

The UK has a few must-eats when you visit the UK and London offers them all. Book yourself an Afternoon Tea at one of the fancy hotels (The Ritz or The Kensington Hotel are popular choices), go to a small local café for a Full English Breakfast, and don’t forget to try some fish ’n’ chips.

Things to do in London

Of course, there is so much to see and do in London. The most popular attractions include seeing Big Ben, watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace, exploring the Tower of London or shop ‘till you drop on Oxford Street.

But don’t miss some of the other amazing attractions in London; take a canal boat up the river at Little Venice, sample the flavors of London Borough Market and get an amazing view of the city from the Sky Gardens.  

London has a lot of amazing attractions and neighborhoods to explore, perfect for all types of travelers. If you are traveling with family then make sure you check out these things to do in London with teenagers.

Accommodation in London

Book your hotel or hostel in advance. London is not the type of place you show up and walk in – unless you want to be charged triple the prices on booking.com.

If you are looking to save some money, check out the budget chain hotels like Travelodge, Premier Inn or Ibis – just make sure to check reviews online before you go because chain hotels in London can be hit or miss. 

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London Travel Tips: Top 10 Hacks For Travellers to London

So, you’re finally going to London! Need some London travel tips?

Right now, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the preparations but fret not this guide will give you a couple of tips that may come in handy on your trip to visit London.

Table of Contents

10 Helpful London Travel Tips

There are a few things you need to know that could help you with your trip to London. Check some of the tips below:

1. Pack Appropriately

The things you pack for your trip to London has EVERYTHING to do with the temperamental weather.

British fashion is predominantly revolving around the country’s highly unpredictable weather.

But, here’s the rule of thumb: never trust the weather forecasts. When they say it’s going to be warm and sunny all week, prepare for rain and cold anyway.

One item that you can confidently bring is a scarf because it is exceptionally versatile. When it’s sunny, you can use it to protect yourself from the sun or when it’s cold, it will keep you warm.

2. Fly into low-cost airports

One of the oldest tricks in the book to save money when booking flights is to fly into an alternate airport.

Don’t rule out the possibility of landing in slightly further away from the city center because even with the added cost of the train or bus, it might work out a lot cheaper than flying into major airports.

Use the “nearby airport” option available on most booking sites such as Skyscanner and Expedia to see the fare difference to fly into various airports.

Most budget airlines offer low-cost flights to alternative airports such as Gatwick and Stansted with cheaper landing fees.

3. Use an Oyster Card

The Oyster Card is a pay-as-you-go electronic smartcard which can be used to pay for all public transportation in London.

If you plan to stay in London for a couple of days, then this is your cheapest option to travel in and around the city.

Fares vary depending on the type of transport you use, the zone(s) you travel in, the time and day you travel. Just load your Oyster Card and your good to go.

You can buy it before you leave and get it delivered to your home address so you’ll be ready as soon as you arrive in London.

4. Learn the language

Sure you speak English but the question is, is it British? They have tons of words that mean completely different from what you might have known.

If you’re an Aussie, you might give them a laugh when asked to borrow a thing.

Also, don’t get into argument when they say it’s the autumn season during your visit but you actually insist that it’s fall.

It pays to read and learn a few words and phrases to be aware of the British terminologies.

Walking is a life in London. Besides, you will see much more of the city when you walk along with its multitude of streets.

Soon you’ll realize that places are a lot closer than they seem and you never know what you might stumble upon just wandering the streets.

For example, from Leicester Square to Covent Garden, the walk will take less than 3 minutes, which is a lot faster than going underground on the tube and most of all, it’s free! You’ll get yourself some exercise, too.

6. Drive on the left

Personally, I would not advise you to drive to London because the transport system is sufficient enough to visit the top attractions.

But, should you want to drive to visit the outskirts of the city or avoid the rush hour in the tube or bus, you can navigate the streets with a little insider knowledge: they drive on the left.

Not only that, they use roundabouts where traffic continually flows around a center island.

You won’t run into trouble as long as you remember that traffic in roundabouts always has the right-of-way while entering vehicles yield.

7. Take an umbrella

London weather is notoriously unpredictable. As the locals would say, it isn’t London if it isn’t raining.

But, people are genuinely delighted when the sun is out. Londoners get used to carrying both an umbrella and sunglasses to be prepared for rain and sunshine.

Save shopping for rain gears in London by bringing your own collapsible umbrella or raincoat.

At the very least, check the weather forecast on the BBC before you leave your hotel room every day.

If it starts raining cats and dogs (as they say in England), you can also duck into a shop, café or museum and get out of the rain.

8. Museums and art galleries are FREE

The best things in life are free indeed. The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum , The British Museum , and many more London museums and galleries are free for anyone to visit.

You easily spend all your days in London by visiting tons of popular attractions around the city.

Spend a day drifting through the many historical artifacts and enjoy the rich heritage the city has to offer. Of course, donations are most welcome, but in no way mandatory.

9. Buy your theatre tickets on the day

If you are looking for classic entertainment, London’s West End Shows are the best way to go.

Pay as much as half of the ticket price when you buy on the day or even a few hours before showtime. Just head over to Soho or Piccadilly Circus area and pick which show you want to see.

There are tons of registered, reliable ticketing agents that can offer you a good price for unsold seats.

This is one of those times where “late is better than early”. Contrary to flight sales, the closer to the showtime, the cheaper the tickets are.

You can even grab highly discounted front or VIP seats for a fraction of the price!

10. Watch out for 12.5% service charge

Most restaurants and bars in London add on a 12.5% service charge to your final bill, especially in the higher end or touristic areas. Although, this charge is optional but it’s expected to be paid unless you had the worst service.

When ordering food from restaurants or drinks from bars, always consider 12.5% on top of your order to avoid embarrassment especially when you are on a tight budget.

And Bob’s your Uncle! Or rather, there you have it!

With tons of amazing places to visit, a prospective trip to London can be seriously overwhelming. But with these London travel tips, I hope you will have a more enjoyable and convenient trip.

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15 Essential Travel Hacks When Visiting London

O ne of the top places to visit in Europe or the U.K., London is a bustling city with ample things to see and do. Perfect for history lovers, theatre enthusiasts, luxury brand shoppers, foodies, and spa-goers especially, the Big Smoke has all the makings of a fabulous vacation, any way you slice it. Of course, with countless attractions, must-see museums, incredible restaurants, various entertainment districts, and a party till the sun comes up kind of nightlife, a trip to this iconic metropolis can seem overwhelming at first.

Even if this is not your first time heading to the Big Smoke, planning your itinerary is no small feat. And, regardless of what you decide to get into while vacationing, there are several important odds and ends, including lodgings and transportation, that still need to be sorted ahead of time. So, to ensure your whirlwind getaway goes off without a hitch, here are 15 essential travel hacks that are absolute game-changers when visiting London.

Read more: It's Time To Ditch These 10 Outdated Travel Tips

Visit During The Shoulder Season

When considering a trip across the pond, timing is everything. In the warmer months, London is overflowing with tourists and locals, which means many wonderful attractions are harder to enjoy, waiting in long lines is the norm, and popular activities sell out fast. What's more, travel prices tend to be higher across the board. So, booking a trip to London during the shoulder season is the more pragmatic way to go.

London's shoulder season is usually from September to mid-October and around March till the first half of May. During either time, the weather tends to be more amenable, and things are often more affordable. Plus, travelers do not need to concern themselves with the summer or winter holiday crowds. Though there are spectacular events during the holidays and more than a few outdoor concerts, sporting tournaments, and other happenings going on from late May to September, if you want to experience what this city has to offer sans the masses and without breaking the bank, then the shoulder season is definitely one of the best times to visit.

Look For Accommodations In Central London

With dozens of options available, if you prefer a hotel, an Airbnb, or a hostel, the Big Smoke has no shortage of places to stay. That said, the area you choose to stay in is actually more important here. As you are likely aware, London is a rather large city, so choosing the right area or neighborhood matters. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, shopping, and more, then you should definitely look for accommodations in central London or the West End.

Though the center of London is a little pricier than, say, Victoria or Paddington, it is well worth the extra money, as you are closer to all the fun and entertainment. Of course, depending on the desired price range, travelers can peruse hotels and lodgings in West End and Westminster neighborhoods like Mayfair, Trafalgar, Soho, and Covent Garden. Here is where you will find fabulous options with ample convenience and nearby transportation, plus a range of attractions, pubs, and popular restaurants practically around every corner.

Pack For The Destination

Packing for a London getaway is pretty straightforward, no matter the season. Smart casual layers will work for almost any kind of weather. However, it is worth noting that people tend to dress well here, so make sure you have the proper attire for any nice dinners, plays, or nights out on the town.

In the shoulder season, you can expect, for the most part, mild weather that may require a jacket or fleece at night. Waterproof windbreakers and scarves are always a must in the U.K. If you happen to be visiting in September or October, gloves and a hat are also great to have with you. In addition to warm layers and seasonal accessories, your footwear is crucial in London. Even if walking tours are not your thing, there is still a lot of ground to cover in this thrilling city. Therefore, a pair of comfy, ideally waterproof shoes will ensure you can go the extra mile if need be.

Prepare For Rain

London is no stranger to rain, and a light shower can happen at any time as the weather in the city is often unpredictable. Thankfully, prolonged periods of rain or all-day showers are not all that common in the shoulder season. And the Big Smoke typically gets the bulk of its rain in November. Nonetheless, most months experience rainfall, approximately 11 to 15 days each month, to be exact.

As a result, preparing for rain, even at the start of the shoulder season, will make you a savvy traveler. A raincoat, an umbrella, or an alternative activity such as a museum day, afternoon tea, or a spa retreat for two in the event of a prolonged downpour is really all one needs here. Travelers can easily spend a few hours browsing art and ancient artifacts, enjoying a spot of tea with finger sandwiches, or catching up on self-care if they so choose. But remember, with the necessary preparation, you can always go about your day as planned, too.

Get An Oyster Card

There are more than a few ways to get around London, such as walking, taxi, or Uber. But when your destination is clear across town, it is highly recommended that you explore other modes of transportation. When doing so, you will quickly see that most options accept Oyster cards. If you are unsure what an Oyster card is, it is a convenient smartcard that allows you to quickly and effortlessly pay for your fare — for buses, on the Tube, as well as when taking trams, riding the National Rail, and aboard the River Bus.

The Visitor Oyster card , specifically, makes getting around London much more straightforward and is the more budget-friendly choice. Available in various amounts, travelers can order these handy cards before their trip and receive them at home. Even if you only plan on taking advantage of the Tube or the tram occasionally, you won't have to waste valuable vacation time waiting in line to purchase a ticket or trying to access the city's underground train. So, do yourself a favor and get a Visitor Oyster card.

Navigate The City Like A Local

Learning to navigate the city like a local is yet another travel hack to keep in mind when strolling about London on foot. The easiest way for visitors to take to the street like a Londoner is with a quick review of the walking etiquette rules, which you can find on the GOV.uk website. Of course, you are not expected to memorize all 30-plus rules. But you definitely should keep to the left when walking and match the pace with other pedestrians (most locals walk promptly, assertively, and without being glued to their cellphones).

Other useful rules, like thoroughly looking out for oncoming traffic and staying a reasonable distance from the curb for obvious safety reasons, are also important to know. Similarly, minding the gap on train platforms, obeying pedestrian crossing lights, and reading the relevant signage make getting around the Big Smoke much more pleasant and less hazardous. Plus, with millions of people out and about in London almost every day, being considerate of others comes with the territory and is not something visitors should overlook.

Remember You're On Military Time

When deciding what activities or excursions to book, it is vital that you pay attention to the date and time. The U.K., in general, uses both the 12-hour and 24-hour notations. But you will see more 24-hour clocks while on vacation in London. And, to avoid any confusion regarding daytime versus nighttime hours, people tend to stick to military time for departure times, business hours, showtimes, and more. So, get ready to do a quick math problem in your head if you are not used to the 24-hour clock.

Similarly, London visitors need to be on the lookout for how the date is written. Typically, you will see the date as day-month-year. Therefore, it never hurts to double-check your bookings and make sure your reservations are for the right day. Both the date format and the use of military time may throw you off at first. But you can save yourself a lot of trouble, especially when making travel arrangements online, by simply recalling these fun facts.

Book Everything In Advance

Speaking of bookings, there is a wealth of entertainment available in the Big Smoke, often only a few clicks away. From enjoying the royal jewels and afternoon tea bus tours to appreciating the arts and the iconic figures of yesteryear, you can indulge in it all. In fact, with so many things to do and see here, you may find you are short on time before you have even begun.

A tried-and-true travel hack to ensure you get the most out of your trip to London is to book everything in advance. Why spend valuable time waiting in long lines? The harsh reality is that seating for most activities and dining experiences is never first-come, first-serve, and everything tends to cost more the day of or at the box office. Likewise, popular events, day trips, and highly rated excursions are bound to sell out fast. So, take a second when planning your London getaway to book reservations, tours, plays, spa treatments, and anything else that piques your interest beforehand.

Make The Most Of Free Admission

Adding free-entry art houses, the best museums in London , and larger-than-life libraries to the itinerary is also a great travel hack, especially if you prefer to stay on a budget. Saving money in such an expensive city is always a win, and you can explore fine art spaces, world history, science, fashion, and more while you save. Several must-sees like the British Museum, the British Library, the Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the National Gallery, the Science Museum, and the Design Museum do not charge admission.

And even though there are just a dozen or so museums, galleries, and libraries in London that are free to the public, they are some of the most renowned. But free admission does not stop there — the Royal Parks and the City of London churches are also wonderful other no-cost options. Plus, the Big Smoke is known for its gratis events and festivals that happen all year round — providing more opportunities for visitors to make the most of free admission.

Hit The Shops During The Week

For luxury brand enthusiasts and avid shoppers, London does not disappoint. In fact, this city is home to some of the best brand-name outlets around. Spectacular shopping districts that will have you spending your vacation pennies include Oxford Street, Regent Street, Covent Garden, and St. James's. Unsurprisingly, these high-end shopping areas, in particular, are overflowing with people, especially on the weekends. As a result, if you come to shop, it is better to do so during the week.

Besides these above-mentioned districts, London visitors can also find incredible shopping at Bond Street and Mayfair, Westfield Shopping Centre, King's Road, Carnaby, and Seven Dials. Though these spots are often less crowded on the weekends in comparison, they still offer quite the selection and attract the masses. However, instead of luxury lifestyle brands,  shoppers will find emerging designers, the latest fashions, and one-of-a-kind home goods — making a weekday spree the better choice for snagging highly coveted items before they are gone.

Order At The Bar When In Pubs

Table service at a pub is quite uncommon in London. To avoid not being served, patrons must order and pay at the bar. The same goes for snacks or pub eats — ordering happens at the bar. Typically, patrons order drinks, pay, and then carry their pints and cocktails back to their seats. For food requests, you will likely be given (or have to provide) a table number for your grub so it can be brought to you.

Ordering at the pub bar while doing the complete opposite in restaurants or other dining establishments may initially seem odd or slightly annoying. But when you think about it, it actually makes life a little easier. You do not have to worry about giving a tip and flagging someone down for another round. Patrons also do not have to sit around aimlessly waiting for the bill so that they can pay and leave. Instead, when you are ready to move on to the next pub or call it a night, you simply get up and go.

Try The Cuisine

The British are not necessarily known for their cuisine, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try the food. The culinary experience you can have while visiting the Big Smoke may just surprise you. Not only are there diverse options in this multicultural mecca, but there are some classic dishes such as fish and chips, Beef Wellington, bangers (sausages) and mash, Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding, and other must-tries.

In addition to some quintessential Londoner eats, travelers who have never sat down for afternoon tea should add a classic London afternoon tea or two to their to-do list. Foodies willing to try it all can savor the hearty full English breakfast, shepherd's pie, Scotch eggs, and bubble and squeak (potatoes and cabbage fried to perfection). What's more, for travelers with a sweet tooth, London has more than a few desserts like the sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, and a trifle that will satisfy your cravings.

Skip The Tip While Eating Out

Tipping in London is definitely tricky business. Many restaurants have a 12.5% service charge automatically added to the bill. So, tipping is not necessary there. Alternatively, drinking establishments do not have a service charge, and tipping isn't really part of the process. Therefore, skipping the gratuity when eating out or grabbing a few drinks with friends is perfectly acceptable.

However, tipping does come into play in hotels and with certain hospitality services -- spas, taxis, and private tours. In these instances, the general rule of thumb is to tip somewhere between 10% and 15% for hotel dining, porters, door staff, massage therapists, and so on. When taking a black cab, leaving gratuity becomes a little more discretionary. At the end of the fare, travelers can decide to tip or not — though it is considered polite to either round up or add on a few pounds if you are happy with the service.

Budget Accordingly

When visiting London, going over budget or getting carried away on Regent Street is not difficult to do. From eating out every single day and excursions (both near and far) to shopping, treating yourself, and transportation, things can start to add up quickly. Most travelers budget for flights, accommodations, and entertainment and aim to spend a reasonable amount of money per day per person in this famous old city.

Still, those same travelers forget to consider the exchange rate and are often shocked at the cost. London isn't cheap by any means. Thus, budgeting for any trip across the pond should incorporate the exchange rate, money-saving tips, and everyone's individual travel style. You should also factor in last-minute price changes in your itinerary and unforeseeable expenses (lost items, medicines, other modes of transportation, and more). And remember, when creating your travel budget for London, you need to be honest with yourself — are you trying to splurge or save? This way, there will be no surprises.

Make Room For Day Trips

Lastly, for travelers who have already seen most of the city sights, making room in your itinerary and budget for a day trip or two is highly recommended. Spending days on end in the Big Smoke is exciting, fast-paced, and full of amazement. Nevertheless, this may be one of the only times you are this close to the English countryside, fascinating ruins, castles, quaint seaside villages, vast hiking trails, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and the whole of Europe.

Even if all you need is a mini-break from the hustle and bustle of the city, more than a few phenomenal destinations (including other countries) are only a train ride away. Paris, for example, is only two hours away. Plus, wanderers staying for a couple of weeks can spend their weekends in other far-off and magical places. Ultimately, a semi-lengthy London getaway can be whatever you decide to make it — and with these travel hacks at your disposal, you can make visiting London and its surrounding bits an exceptional experience you will never forget.

Read the original article on Explore .

8 Tourist Traps to Avoid in London (Travel Guide)

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on May 3, 2024

Categories United Kingdom

London is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and we will tell you the tourist traps to avoid in London for your next trip.

London, a city steeped in history and bustling with activity, is one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

However, like many major cities, it has its share of tourist traps. Here’s how to spot some common ones and what you can do instead to enjoy a more authentic London experience.

Read here best  UK sim card for tourist  and best things to know before visiting London

Table of Contents

Tourist Traps to Avoid in London

1. madame tussauds.

Why to Avoid: While popular, Madame Tussauds can be expensive and often has long lines. The experience is also quite similar to other wax museums around the world.

Alternative: Consider visiting lesser-known museums such as the Sir John Soane’s Museum or the Wellcome Collection, which offer unique and engaging exhibits with fewer crowds.

2. Eating in Leicester Square

Why to Avoid: The restaurants around Leicester Square are generally overpriced and cater to tourists, offering less than authentic dining experiences.

Alternative: Head to areas like Soho, Shoreditch, or Brixton for a more diverse and authentic range of dining options at better prices.

3. Shopping on Oxford Street

Why to Avoid: Oxford Street is often overcrowded and filled with chain stores that can be found in many other major cities.

Alternative: Explore areas like Marylebone High Street for more unique shopping experiences, or visit markets like Camden Market or Portobello Road Market for a mix of antiques, crafts, and fashion.

4. The London Eye

Why to Avoid: The London Eye is a popular attraction but can be pricey, and the queues are often very long.

Alternative: For great views of London, consider visiting the Sky Garden or The Shard , where you can enjoy a drink or meal along with panoramic views of the city.

5. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Why to Avoid: This can be an overcrowded experience, making it difficult to get a good view unless you arrive very early.

Alternative: Visit the Changing of the Horse Guards instead, which is usually less crowded, or check out the ceremony at Windsor Castle for a different experience.

6. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Piccadilly Circus

Why to Avoid: Much like Madame Tussauds, Ripley’s tends to be pricey and offers a similar experience to its other locations worldwide.

Alternative: For quirky and mind-bending experiences, try the Hunterian Museum, which houses an intriguing collection of medical specimens, or take a walk through the historically rich and bizarrely fascinating Highgate Cemetery.

7. Harrods During Peak Times

Why to Avoid: Harrods is a famous luxury department store, but it can be extremely crowded, especially during weekends and sales.

Alternative: Consider visiting more local department stores like Liberty or Fortnum & Mason, which also offer luxury goods and have a rich history but with a more manageable crowd.

8. Pubs Around Major Tourist Attractions

Why to Avoid: Pubs located near major tourist spots often have higher prices and a more commercial atmosphere.

Alternative: Seek out historic and authentic pubs further from the main tourist areas. Pubs like The George Inn, one of London’s oldest, provide a more genuine British pub experience.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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Paddy saved £9,763 on an EV – hear his story!

There are more EVs on Uber than ever before – we’re sharing some of their EV journeys with you. Paddy has been driving with Uber for 9 years, and recently made the switch to an EV making over £9,700 in savings – hear more about his story below.

Making the Switch: Going Electric

Paddy, previously renting a Kia Optima PHEV, decided it was time to transition to an EV, finding a 2 year rent-to-buy contract best for him. With £9,763  EV assistance accumulated, he found a suitable electric vehicle that fit his driving needs, all while making some savings along the way.

Selecting the Right EV

Paddy chose to stick with Otto Car, who he had been renting with before for his transition to an EV after talking with other Uber driver friends, who recommended the partner. Browsing through Otto Car’s website, he landed on a pre-loved Kia E-Niro, a perfect fit within his budget. The Kia E-Niro has a real range of 230 miles with a fast time charge starting at 23 minutes.

Using EV Assistance

While Paddy was already considering the EV switch, the financial support from his EV assistance made the decision easier. The process, handled smoothly by the Otto Car team, made his transition hassle-free. Otto Car applied Paddy’s EV assistance over the entire 104 week contract period, reducing his weekly payments by an impressive £93.88 each week.

Driving Your EV

Although locating charging stations and dealing with increased charging costs can present challenges, this didn’t deter Paddy’s commitment. He found a smart workaround: utilising charging stations in his area during his breaks from driving. Overall, Paddy is enjoying his EV.

Paddy’s journey shows how using Uber’s EV assistance, and shopping around for the best EV for you, can make switching to an EV affordable and a seamless transition. 

If you are interested in making the change to an EV, check out our vehicle options!

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