TIPS AND TRICKS FOR VISITING LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME
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This post is giving you tips for travelling to London for the first time
Travelling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London can be pretty overwhelming especially if it’s your first time in the city.
When is the best time to visit London? How long do I need to spend in London? Where are the best places to stay in London? How to save time and money on a London trip?
To help you plan your first trip to London I have compiled my best tips and tricks you need to know before visiting London for the first time. I have visited London over 30 times and I understand how overhelming of a place it can seem.
This London guide will help you plan your perfect London trip as well as showing you how to make the most of your time and money.
Let’s get started!
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
LONDON CHECKLIST
✅ An excellent pair of walking shoes for all the walking you’re going to do around the capital.
✅ A hoodie or warm sweater to stay warm in the cold British winter.
✅ A decent raincoat as it rains quite a lot in England.
✅ A good quality compact camera to record those Christmas memories.
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This post is about giving you the best tips for your first visit to London
Are you heading to London for the first time?
After reading these tips and tricks for your first visit to London you will be armed with all the vital information you need to have a great first trip to London.
If you’re struggling with what to pack for London this London packing guide can help.
Here are my top tips for travelling to London for the first time.
1) Stay in Central London
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A common question most people ask before they visit London for the first time is ‘where should I stay on my first visit to London?’ or ‘what are the best places to stay in London?’
I’ve been to London many, many times over the years and have stayed in most of the different neighbourhoods in London and they all have their different pros and cons. However, for your first visit to London, I highly recommend staying in Central London.
Hotels in Central London aren’t cheap! And it can be tempting to start to look further afield for more budget friendly accommodations. I believe it will be a decision you come to regret if you do decide not to stay in Central London. Mainly as London is a pretty big, sprawling city and travelling in to the tourist areas each day is going to cost you alot both in money and time.
So, if you’re on your first visit London you should stay in Central London. When you stay in Central London you will be able to pack more in to your days and see more of London - which is what you came to London for, right?! As you’ll be closer to all the action and tourist hot spots you won’t have to spend as much money on travelling which can get expensive when you’re travelling in to and out of London every day.
So, now we’ve established you should stay in Central London on your first trip to London - where exactly is Central London? The areas in Central London that are good to stay in that are excellent for sightseeing are Westminster, Covent Garden and South Bank.
These areas are close enough to the main tourist attractions that you will want to see on your first trip to London so that you can easily walk to them or access via a short bus or tube ride.
A great hotel I’ve stayed in in Westminster is The Sanctuary House Hotel. It’s in a great location less than 5 minutes' walk from Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It’s a grand Victorian hotel and it also has a restaurant on site where you can eat like a Brit and grab a delicious, classic British dish.
Covent Garden has some great hotels including The Z Hotel Covent Garden which is direcgly behind St Pauls Church and the Covent Garden piazza and Page8, Page Hotels which is between Covent Garden and Leicester Square.
If you’re on a tight budget it can be pretty difficult to find a hotel in Central London. There are some areas that you can find a good deal, particularly the area around Waterloo Station, which is south of the river just a short 10 minute walk from the London Eye and across the river from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. A great hostel in this area is The Walrus Bar and Hostel where you can get a bed in a mixed dorm for around £20 or if you want your private space you can get an apartment for just over £100 a night at StowAway Waterloo.
If you do choose to stay in a different area of London you can get cheaper accommodation. Some of the best areas to stay in London are Southbank which is a great area for Big Ben, the London Eye and Buckingham Palace and Kensington that’s near the museums. As a general rule in London, west and north west are the more expensive areas to stay whilst east London is considerably cheaper. This is because most of the attractions in London are north of the river and to the west.
Use this map to find hotels in London that are perfect for your budget, travel dates and group size.
LEARN MORE : Where to Stay in London
2) Don’t worry about having cash
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Since the pandemic London has become pretty much a cashless city so it’s important to have your smartphone or contactless debit or credit card with you to be able to pay for things.
To be honest, you will probably find it difficult to find somewhere that will actually accept cash.
All public transport, including buses, overground trains, underground trains are completely cashless which means you will need either a ticket, a contactless credit or debit card, or an Oyster Card to get around the city.
You may think that you’d be ok with cash at smaller shops and markets but even they only really take cards now.
You may want to carry a little cash in case you want to use a public toilet as some of them charge 50p. Cash is also handy if you want to tip someone although you can usually add a tip when you pay by card.
3) Book as much as possible in advance
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I love winging it when I travel! Arriving in a destination, not knowing much about the place and discovering as I go but winging it has a time and a place. Your first time in London is not the time to wing it!
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting London is not planning your trip in advance. Once you’ve booked your flights and accommodation it’s time to book the London attractions and activities you want to do. Often when you book in advance you get more choice, better prices and you avoid the queuing times when in London. You don’t want to be spending your first trip to London standing in queues waiting for things. You want to be exploring and enjoying yourself.
Many London attractions are best booked in advance and you can often get cheaper prices when you book some time in advance. Different attractions should be booked at different times leading up to your trip.
As a guide I’d recommend booking Buckingham Palace State Rooms and Harry Potter Studio Tour at least 3 months in advance. If you’re picky about the time and date of your visit I’d recommend booking Westminster Abbey at least a month in advance as well as the Churchill War Rooms.
If you want to visit the Sky Garden you should try and book these as soon as they are released. They are released three weeks ahead of time and book up very quickly.
Other things you should consider booking in advance are the London Eye and the Tower of London.
With some attractions such as The View from The Shard you will usually not be able to visit at all if you don’t reserve in advance.
If you want to see a musical or show in London you should book your theater tickets well in advance. There are great deals to be had on last minute tickets but they’re not usually available for the more popular shows and you don’t usually get wonderful seats. So if you want to pick your West End Theatre show you should book in advance. My favourite West End Show that I visited many, many years ago now is The Lion King. It’s simply spectacular!
TOP TIP : If you are wanting to get last minute London theatre tickets you can check out the TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square. You can buy theatre tickets in person at the ticket booth for performances the same day or the next day.
Inside Tower Bridge
Inside Tower Bridge
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LONDON
Lonely Planet Guide to London a fantastic guide book detailing all you need to know about visiting the UK capital.
London : A Guide for Curious Wanderers is a wonderful book highlighting special, hidden gems around London.
4) Visit Londons free attractions
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There are so many free attractions to visit in London and you should definitely add them to your London travel itinery as it’s a great way to keep the costs down for your trip.
Free Museums in London
There are alot of free museums in London so you should definitely take advantage of them. Here are a few of the London Museums that can be visited free of charge:
London Parks and Gardens
Despite being a bustling capital city there are many green spaces in London including Royal parks, gardens and playgrounds. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Some of the best green spaces include:
Hyde Park
Green Park
Regents Park
St James Park
Primrose Hill
Kensington Gardens
Battersea Park
Hampstead Heath
London Shops
So this technically is a free activity. You don’t have to actually buy anything! Although you’ll probably want to. Visiting London shops is a great free activity and some of the best you don’t want to miss are Harrods and Londons famous shopping street Oxford Street. The M&M Store, the LEGO store and Hamleys (which is the world’s oldest toy store) are great places to visit.
London Views
London is a fantastic city and you can get great views of the city from various places around. Some of them you will have to pay for but some are absoultely free such as
Sky Garden (free to visit but must be booked in advance)
One New Change (a shopping area opposite St Paul’s Cathedral)
SUSHISAMBA London (a rooftop restaurant and cocktail bar in the City of London)
Primrose Hill in Camden
Greenwich Observatory
Tate Modern viewing level
Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is one free thing to do in London that should not be missed. The ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace at 10:45am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays (weather permitting), lasts about 45 minutes and should not be missed. Soldiers gather at St James’ Palace and Wellington Barracks from 10:00am and march to Buckingham Palace accompanied by music. It’s a pretty popular things to do amongst tourists so you should arrive in plenty of time to ensure you secure a spot with a good view.
For up to date information and schedule take a look at the Household Division website which also has lots of information about the Guards.
London Landmarks
There are many iconic London landmarks that you can head to for free. Lace up your comfy shoes and head out to view these famous sights.
Buckingham Palace
Big Ben
Tower Bridge
London Bridge
Covent Garden
Leadenhall Market
Millennium Bridge
London Markets
London has so many wonderful markets all over the city. A little like the shopping mentioned before - this is technically a free activity but with so many unique stalls and street food on sale you’ll be hard pushed to not end up buying something. But you can spends hours wandering around London’s markets without spending a penny. If you’re visiting London around the holiday period you should check out the best Christmas markets in London. Some of the best London markets are:
Camden Market
Greenwich Market
Borough Market
Spitalfields Market
Portabello Road
Brick Lane Market
Colombia Road Flower Market
5) Avoid Bank Holidays and school breaks
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London is a fantastic city to visit but it can get very crowded with tourists. The most popular times to visit London are the end of July and August when the UK and Europe are on school holidays and in December on the lead up to Christmas. It also gets busier during UK Bank Holiday weekends which are:
Good Friday and Easter Monday
May Day - the first Monday in May
Spring Bank Holiday - the last Monday in May
Summer Bank Holiday - the last Monday in August
The UK school holidays is a time alot of people from the UK visit London and you should avoid these times if possible. The holiday dates change each year so you should check for the most up to date information but schools generally have a week mid February, 2 weeks around Easter, a week at the end of May, 6 weeks starting around 23rd July, a week around Halloween and 2 weeks at Christmas.
Avoid these peak times and you will get less crowds and more affordable prices.
If you plan to visit London during the run up to Christmas I recommend avoiding the main shopping areas like Oxford Street on the weekends and the last few days before Christmas. Also, you should be aware that London pretty much comes to a stand still on Christmas Day with no tourist attractions open, shops closed and no public transport running including the underground, overground trains, buses and trams.
6) Understand you can’t see everything
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If you are travelling to London for the first time you need to realise just how big London and just how many things there are to see and do in London.
You’re probably wondering how much time you’re going to need in London when you visit for the first time. Honestly, there’s no way you can see everything London has to offer in a few days or even a week. If you’re coming to London don’t think you can see everything in two or three days.
You can probably see the main sights of London in two jam packed days but for a first time visit to London I highly recommend at least 4/5 days. A week in London would be even better and allow you to see the main landmarks and visit the most popular tourist attractions in London.
You need to remember you are never going to be able to see everything in London on your first visit to the English capital. You’re going to have to prioritise the attractions that are worth it to you. Plan to visit two or three bigger attractions each day and leave a little time for unexpected discoveries or hidden gems in London you find when out and about. Some of the best experiences I’ve had in London have been when I’ve randomly stumbled across a place.
You should also remember that the UK is so much more than just London and taking some day trips to other places is definitely a worthwhile thing to do when in the UK.
7) Save time and money on London’s major attractions
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When you visit London for the first time you will probably want to visit all the major attractions and the main landmarks. This could mean lots and lots of queuing. This means a lot of wasted time standing in line when you could be enjoying the wonderful things London has to offer.
The London Pass
One of the best ways to see a lot of the major attractions in London is to get The London Pass by Go City.
It gives you access to more than 90 top attractions, tours and museums including:
Tower of London
The View from the Shard
Windsor Castle
Westminster Abbey
London Bridge Experience
Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral
Kensington Palace
You can enjoy a 1-Day Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus tour with over 60 stops across London including Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus. The pass is valid for a full working day across 3 routes.
You get access to the Thames River Boat which is a fanastic way to see the city by travelling up and down the River Thames. This is a 1 day hop-on hop-off deal.
You can purchase 1 day up to 10 days London City Pass so pick whichever one is the right option for you. It only really makes sense to get the London City Pass if you’re going to visit at 2/3 attractions per day.
You should make sure you plan your London trip well so that you make the most of how many days you need on your London City Pass.
Fast Track and Skip the Line Tickets
Whilst the London Pass is fantastic and provides free entrance to many of Londons top attractions some of the more popular attractions are not included in the pass. Most notably attractions like The London Eye and the Harry Potter Studio Tour. The queues for the Harry Potter Studio Tour are never too bad but for the London Eye they can get ridiculous. I have walked past them many times and they seem to be at least 2 hours long. You don’t want to be spending all that time queuing up when yo could be enjoying all the amazing sights London has to offer.
You should consider buying skip the line tickets for some of the more popular attractions such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Madame Tussauds and the Tower of London.
When you have a fast track ticket you can easily save yourself hours per day that you’re not having to stand in line.
8) Walk or rent a bike
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Now, I know I’ve said that London is a big sprawling city and that’s true so exploring London on foot may not seem possible. But trust me, you’re missing out if you don’t explore a little on foot. If you always just hop on the tube you’ll miss out on some great explorations.
In my opinion, one of the best things to do in a new city or location is to just wander around on foot and see what surprises you stumble upon. Now you may be short on time during your first trip to London but I recommend at least once not getting on the tube or bus and walking instead - you never know what you might stumble across.
It’s sometimes surprising for first time visitors to London that alot of London especially where the main tourist attractions are can be easily explored on foot.
Most of Zone 1 of London is best explored on foot. A lot of London’s main landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace, are all a short walk away from each other.
Not only does walking save you transport costs, but it also allows you to see some of London’s best-hidden gems that are often missed if you are spending all your time underground on the tube.
If you fancy exploring London by foot but are not sure how to navigate it yourself there are some fantastic walking tours that include some of the best London hotspots.
The Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour takes you through the great sites that inspired J.K. Rowling, from Shakespeare's Globe to the London alleys that inspired Knockturn Alley. Highlights include passing The Leaky Cauldron, the secret wizarding inn. Explore the real Diagon Alley, where Harry buys his first wand. You can even see the bridge destroyed by the Death Eaters in "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince".
Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour is a great tour that takes you around some great sights in Whitechapel where Jack the Ripper terrorised the community including Brick Lane, Christ Church, Spitalfields Market and Petticoat Lane.
Another fantastic way to explore London and cover a greater distance than walking is by bike. There are alot of city bikes you can rent in London. Santander Cycles are all over London. There are 800 docking stations and 12,000 bikes to hire around London and it costs £1.65 to hire a Santander Cycles bike for 30 minutes.
If you visiting London for the first time and don’t know the roads very well I wouldn’t recommend hiring a bike to go out on the roads with as London traffic is pretty crazy. There are cycle lanes around London but it still can be pretty dangerous if you’re unfamiliar with the roads and need to be checking a map. Hiring a bike is a great idea around the parks, although watch for ‘dismount’ signs as you’re not allowed to cycle on all park paths.
If you would like to explore London by bike a great thing to do is to book a bike tour around the city. classic 3.5 hour London bike tour that allows you to take in the main tourist sights of London or you can go on a secret bike tour of London that shows you some hidden landmarks of the City and East End.
If you don’t fancy either of those bike tours you can take a look at all the different bike tours in London on offer.
9) Eat like a Brit
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England isn't necessarily known for its cuisine but there are a few dishes that I really recommend that you try while visiting London!
Full English Breakfast
This is not a dish to be scoffed at. We take our full English breakfast very seriously and you will find it on almost every breakfast menu wherever you go.
You will probably find a few different ones around the city but the classic full English consisits of bacon, sausage, black pudding, fried eggs, mushrooms , beans and toast. You can often get vegetarian or vegan versions these days.
The great thing about a full English is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune and it’s great to get your prepared for a busy day sightseeing. Some great places to grab breakfast in London are Regency Cafe in Westminster, for a posh version you can head to Duck and Waffle which is the highest 24 hour restaurant in London and Terrys Cafe near Borough Market.
A Sunday Roast
The Sunday Roast is a British staple in many households and there are endless pubs and restaurants in London that serve it.
A Sunday Roast traditionally consists of a roasted meat (or nut roast for the vegetarians and vegans), roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire puddings but many places will add their own signature twist or offering.
Some great places to grab a Sunday Roast in London are The Marksmen on Hackney Road, The Prince Arthur near London Fields and Our Black Heart in Camden is great for vegans.
Fish and Chips with Mushy Peas
In the UK we love fish and chips by the seaside and on Friday nights! You can also give it a try in London and any day of the week you want.
Poppies is probably London’s most popular fish and chips chain and you can find them in Soho, Spitalfields and Camden.
10) Download some helpful apps before you arrive
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I sometimes see the narrative that London is unfriendly and locals aren’t helpful to tourists who ask them for directions and to be honest I can understand where that comes from.
The truth is though London is a very fast paced city and people are very busy. If you’re asking people for directions during rush hours (between 8-9am and 4-6pm) they’re in a rush to get to work or get home from work after a hard day so they’re more than likely going to come off as a little rude.
To help you navigate your way around London you should prepare yourself beofre you arrive by downloading a few apps to your phone that will help you.
Google Maps
Google Maps is a great app for getting around London. It allows you to download certain areas so you can actually use the map offline which is perfect if you’re on the tube and have no service underground!
TFL
TFL (Transport for London) has live train times as well as bus timetables which can be really helpful for getting around London. If you create an account and link your bank account, it will show your journeys and payments, so you can keep track of your travel expenses during your visit.
City Mapper
Citymapper is a great app and one I use all the time whilst navigating around London. It shows you all routes to get to your destination in live times with filters for the different types of transport.
Santanter Cycles
If you’re planning on renting a bike to get around London you need to get the Santander Cycles app.
Uber
I generally recommend using the great public transport system when visiting London but you may want to grab a taxi back to your accommodation after a long day exploring so it’s good to know what is the best app to use. Many people who visit London for the first time hop in classic black cabs but they can be quite expensive so Uber is a good alternative to them. If you want to have a classic London black cab experience you can book different black cab tours in London.
Uber is well used in London and will help your driver find your exact location to pick you up and you can see the journey price before you book.
Deliveroo
London has some great restaurants but eating out for every meal can get tiring and expensive. Deliveroo has tons of the city's restaurants available for take-out and can be delivered directly to your accommodation.
The Monument
St Paul’s Cathedral
11) Always stand on the right
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Possibly my most important travel tip for tourists visiting London is to always stand on the right when on escalators.
If you want to fit in like a local and not receive the wrath of the locals I can’t reiterate enough how important this tip is! If there’s one thing locals hate it’s tourists not respecting the tube station etiquette of walking on the left and standing on the right.
The reason for this is if you want to just ride the escalator you stand on the right and anyone who wants to rush by walking up or down the escalator can do so on the left side. There are signs everywhere around the underground reminding people of this rule but many tourists still don’t do it.
If you approach an escalator as a group just filter to the right side. If some of your group stand on the left you will definitely be met by some disgruntled Londoners who are trying to get somewhere in a rush. By all means if you’re in a rush, head to the left and walk up or down the escalators.
This ‘stand on the right’ rule only applies on the tube escalators so don’t worry too much when you’re walking down the street . There’s no rule there and you can do what you want.
12) Take a day trip out of the city
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If you are coming from overseas and staying in London for more than a couple of days, I would really recommend taking a day trip to some other areas in the UK. Too many people visit the UK and only visit London and it’s such a shame as the UK is a beautiful country with so much to offer.
There is a great public transport system in the UK and you can reach every city in the UK from London via rail or bus. You could easily base yourself in London and take a couple of day trips to some of the other places in the country.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the most well-known ancient wonders of the world. The stone circle dates back to prehistoric times. Its origins are stilll a mystery but visiting and learning the theories is one of the most popular things to do when visiting the UK.
You can book this day tour from London which includes Stonehenge, Windsor and a beautiful walking tour around Oxford.
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is an Area of Natural Beauty in England with fairytale houses and stunning countryside. It’s a beautiful area to head out of the city and see some of the English countryside.
This full day tour to the Cotswolds and Oxford takes you to Bourton-on-the-water and Bibury which are two of the most beautiful villages in the UK and the historic university city of Oxford
Bath
The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its Roman Baths. It’s located just a few hours west of London in Somerset. This beautiful city is unlike any other that you will find in England with its distinctive architectural style. You can get there pretty easily by train but if you want to combine a visit to the city of Bath with a trip to Stonehenge, you can book this day tour from London.
Brighton
If you are visiting in the summer months I really recommend getting out of London and heading to the seaside city of Brighton. There is a wonderful pebbly beach that you can relax on, swim in the sea if you’re brave enough (it’s pretty nippy) and buy some fish and chips. (Watch out for the seagulls - they’ll try to nab your food)
A great thing to do in Brighton is to go 138meters in the air up the Brighton i360 which is a futuristic glass viewing pod that gives panoramic views of Brighton and the South Coast.
Brighton is only an hour's train ride away from London Bridge station so very easy to get to from London.
Stonehenge
Roman baths in Bath
Village in the Cotswolds
13) Get out on to the river
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The River Thames twists and turns right through the centre of London, with a lot of the city’s main attractions lining the banks on either side.
One of the best ways to see the city is to get out onto the water on a boat. You can book various different cruises along the river including this dinner cruise along The Thames or you could combine a cruise with another English classic, an afternoon tea with this river cruise with afternoon tea.
If those cruises are slightly out of your budget you could always take a ride on the water taxis. These are Uber boats that can actually help you get around the city pretty quickly. It’s a great way to travel and allows you to see the city rather than always heading underground to the tube.
14) You don’t need to get an Oyster card
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Oyster Cards are cards that can be purchased from train stations that you can preload with money to use on all forms of public transport in London including the buses, tubes, trains and the river bus.
Oyster Cards used to be the best method for paying for public transport, but in recent years they really aren't that necessary. Now, instead of using an Oyster Card you can now touch in with your regular bank card or phone using Google or Apple pay.
Make sure you check with your bank that your bank card allows contactless payments as although contactless payments are very popular and common in the UK and Europe it’s not as common in other other countries.
You should also check with your bank if you will get charged for using your card whilst in the UK. Lots of banks charge transaction fees when you use your card outside your own country.
If you are from the UK visiting London I really don’t recommend getting an Oyster Card. It’s just an extra hassle and you can use your bank card or phone instead.
If you aren't able to use your bank card or your phone to pay for transport, it is best to get an oyster card rather than paying for individual tickets as it does ultimately work out a lot cheaper.
You can get an Oyster Card several ways:
Online with a contactless and Oyster account, if you live in the UK
At Oyster Ticket Stops in many newsagents in London
At all Tube, most London Overground and most Elizabeth line stations
Some DLR stations
At the Tramlink Shop in Croydon
You need to pay £7 for an Oyster card.
15) Important little details
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Don’t forget your travel adapter. The UK uses a three pinplug which is different from other European countries and the US. It is the TypeG plug.
You’ll be walking alot around London on your first visit. Make sure you pack some comfortable walking shoes for your trip. .
Look right when you cross the road in London. We Brits drive on the left which is different to most countries so make sure you look right when you’re crossing the road as it can take a little time to get used to as a tourist. We’re very kind to tourists in London and we do tend to write on the road which way you need to look to safety cross the road.
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 as whenever you’re visiting London there’s a chance it may rain and you don’t want to be caught out. The weather changes alot in London (and the whole of the UK) so a good tip is to dress in layers. It may b cold in the morning but by lunchtime it could be really hot and if you’re in layers you can strip off a little.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many days do you need in London if it is your first visit?
If it is your first time in London, we recommend spending at least three days here. That gives you just enough time to see the main highlights of London. More time allows you to day trip out of the city or more thoroughly explore the neighbourhoods and museums in London.
What is not to be missed on a first trip to London?
If it will be your first time in London, be sure to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, stroll across Westminster Bridge and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, go shopping at Covent Garden, have afternoon tea, and get a bird’s eye view of London from the London Eye, Sky Garden, and/or the View from the Shard.
What is the best month to visit London?
The best time to travel to London is in the warmer season between March and October. Summer (end of July and August) is the busiest time with big crowds.. For mild weather and less people you should visit London in the spring or autumn. The best months to visit London are April and May and September
What’s the best way to tour London?
The best way to explore London is by focusing on one neighbourhood or area at a time and walking between the main tourisit attractions that are all close to each other. For bigger distances use the London Tube, hop-on hop-off buses or river cruises.
Do you tip in London?
Yes, it is customary to tip 10 to 15% at restaurants and tip taxi drivers and bellhops one to two pounds for their assistance.
What are the best free things to do in London?
Many museums in London are free, including Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and the British Museum. Other free things to do in London include watching the Changing of the Guard, strolling across Westminster Bridge and the south bank of the River Thames, enjoying the view from Sky Garden, seeing Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, and window shopping along Regent, Oxford, and Bond Streets.
Is London worth visiting?
London is one of the best cities in the world and definitely worth visiting. London has something to offer all types of travellers from famous landmarks, world class museums, theatres, royal history and amazing tourist attractions. It’s a bucketlist destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Top 10 London Experiences
Where to stay in London
These are my favourite hotels for a range of budgets in London.
Budget Traveller
Dover Castle Hotel is great for budget travellers costing around £40 per night during the festive season. It’s less than a mile from the Tower and London and Tower Bridge and offers dorm rooms at a great price in a handy location.
The Walrus Bar and Hostel is on the south side of the river just across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It offers twin rooms with breakfast available close to Lambeth North and Southwark tube stations.
Mid range Budget
The Portico Hotel is located in Westminster so excellent for Big Ben and Houses and Parliament and most of the central London tourist attractions. Room are available for around £150 per night during the festive season.
Inhabit, Southwick Street is near Paddington Station and offers beautiful rooms. Breakfast is available at the hotel should you wish to eat before you head out on your day exploring the capital.
Luxury Accommodation
is located right by Hyde Park. It has breath taking views over the famous London skyline. There is a gym on site and two award winning restaurants.
this superb luxury hotel is located in the heart of the city overlooking the impressive Somerset House. You can stay here from £450 per night over the festive season. There is an amazing rooftop bar with spectacular views over London.
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
More Information for your Trip to the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
LONDON ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to London? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Did you know that …
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