The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?

You’ve chosen a fantastic global city and one that I love to return to again and again!

In fact, this guide is a blend of my best tips and London itinerary advice based on 3 of my own trips to the city and is specifically written for anyone who is visiting London for the first time.

I understand how hard it can be to plan a trip to London. It’s a H-U-G-E city with a lot of famous landmarks and iconic sights. And if you’re like most of us, you don’t have an unlimited number of days to explore on what might be your one and only trip to London.

You want to see the best of what London has to offer while having the most fun possible and making the most of your trip.

In this guide, I’ve put together my own travel-tested cheat sheet compiled over multiple visits to London packed with information about:

• the best things to do in London
• how to get to London from the airport
• where to stay in London
• how to get around once you arrive
• important tips for first-timers to London
• and a mapped-out London itinerary planning tips that you can customize based on how many days you have and what you’d like to see.

I’m ready to share this fabulous city with you. Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

Let’s get started!

How to Plan a Trip to London

After you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

With a city as massive as London, I recommend making a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos.

Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area. If you’re not sure, don’t worry. I’ve listed them below based on my own travel experiences in London.

One mistake first time visitors to London make is not realizing how big the city is. You don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day. You’ll end up wasting time and stressing yourself out.

Another mistake is not booking ahead of time. With only 3 or 4 days in London, don’t waste time in lines for top sights or be disappointed that a restaurant you wanted to visit is completely booked.

For my first trip to London, I used The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money.

On my return visits to London, I got specific tickets for the individual things I wanted to see and do on Get Your Guide.

Finally, once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, look at the Tube Map to orient yourself. I’ve also included Tube stops and lines for major attractions to help you.

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

The steps above are my exact outline of how I’ve planned my trips to London.

Below, I’ve shared specific London itinerary ideas with maps and Tube stops to help you plan your days in a logical way based on the top sights and experiences I think first time visitors to London might like to see and do using my own travel experiences to the city.

These ideas can help you piece together a complete day-by-day itinerary for London with plenty of room to tweak them based on your own interests.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Tower of London is an absolute must-see with its thick, ominous walls, almost 1,000 years of history, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. I visit it every time I’m in London because it’s one of my favorite sights to see.

I say that because today I have no worries that I’ll be sent to theTower or the nearby Tower Bridge by the King to “think” about my choices and wait for the inevitable… execution.

But after the Tower of London was built in 1078, it was exactly this; a frightful prison for infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

When you visit the Tower of London today, you can feel the heaviness in the air and how eerie some of the spaces inside are. That’s probably because many of the daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years.

The resident Yeoman Warders (a.ka. Beefeaters) who guard and live at the Tower of London maintain these rituals and routines. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m. Don’t miss the chance, too, to see the crown jewels which are guarded within this medieval stone fortress!

Pro Tip: Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your London Pass to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at Borough Market in the Southwark neighborhood.

It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

If you skip a Tower Bridge visit, do walk across London Bridge to admire it from afar. You can take a perfect photo of it from the London Bridge!

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your contactless payment (more on this below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, get ready to eat to your heart’s content! London has many different markets but Borough Market is the most well-known and will give you a good taste of what to expect at similar markets around the city.

No matter what I’m craving, I can find every imaginable food item here. It’s a great place to sample foods from all types of cuisines. Plus, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminister, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach whether it’s your first trip to London or not. I eat here at least once whenever I’m in London!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam).

Heads up! Borough Market is closed on Mondays and busiest on weekends. It’s also only open until 5 p.m. on most days (4 p.m. on Sundays) so you can’t have dinner here.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard, London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest and most spectacular views over the city. It could be a great way to have a drink and take a break from sightseeing. If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset, the views from here are fantastic!

If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Elizabeth Tower (with it’s bell, Big Ben) and London’s iconic Parliament Building. Walk back onto Westminster Bridge for fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

You can book a visit to go inside London’s Parliament building but I don’t think it’s a must-do unless you’re really interested in learning more about the building and the Parliament of the U.K. They also offer tours of the tower to see the inner workings of the clocktower. For both of these, tours are limited and need to be booked in advance.

Continue on to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey, just a couple of minutes walking from Elizabeth Tower. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays (except for religious services) so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

The London Pass includes access to Westminster Abbey.

I love the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room! Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. Plus, if you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married!

Pro Tip: If you want to take a ride on the London Eye, do it with these stops in and around London’s Parliament Building because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. If it’s out of your budget, not to worry. In my opinion, the experience is a bit overrated.

You can also take a boat from Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames which is a great way to see London’s sights with some commentary from the Captain.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2.

The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. I visited them on my second trip to London.

But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to Buckingham Palace where the Changing of the Guards happens. The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare and a must-see on one of your days in London.

The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip: Check the Changing of the Guard schedule before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal vibes flowing for a stroll around Hyde Park. It’s one of the largest parks in London (350 acres!), as well as one of the Royal Parks. I love to walk through here to see the monuments, gardens, and fountains, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at The Dorchester Hotel.

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. I’m a sucker for finger sandwiches, but especially scones with clotted cream. The experience also comes with sweets, and of course, tea, for a quintessential London outing.

If that’s not your cup of tea (couldn’t help myself!), you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it. It’s a great choice if you’re traveling to London with kids.

The walk is a bit long but if you head into Hyde Park on your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at St. Paul’s Cathedral to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture and the views from the top. If you can go first thing before the Cathedral gets busier. There’s a great coffee shop nearby called Rosslyn Coffee on Queen Victoria Street just 5 minutes from the Cathedral if you need a caffeine boost before visiting the church.

Climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views. There are 3 different levels where you can stop and see the beautiful views of London. I recommend stopping at all of them. After that, be sure to check out the crypt before you leave.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass. The Cathedral is open for visits every day except Sunday.

Pro Tip: Across the street from St. Paul’s Cathedral, look for the One New Change shopping center. There’s a free rooftop terrace where you’ll have perfect views of the dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames. Plus, the bridge is so unique!

As you cross, look back at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The bridge is perfectly lined up to frame the Cathedral and a great spot to take a photo!

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are right next to each other.

The Tate Modern has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby Globe Theatre is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire in 1613 after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, use your London Pass to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. Theater is part of the culture in London that goes back hundreds of years and this is a great way to see this part of London’s history.

The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out! I’ve seen shows here on each of my trips to London and recommend you do, too. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare or not, it’s a really fun experience!

Pro Tip: Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

Good to Know! Borough Market is just an 8-minute walk from the Globe Theatre. So if you missed it on another day, this is another opportunity to make your way there for lunch without zigzagging across the city.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The British Museum. The art and artifacts on display are one-of-a-kind and open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, buy tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive. I saw a fascinating exhibit about Stonehenge on one of trips to London.

If you’re on the fence about visiting, the museum’s top sights can be seen in an hour using this guide.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through Covent Garden and eating at the Seven Dials Market or head over to Soho and Oxford Street for a shopper’s paradise.

Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip: There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to Leicester Square and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!), get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at Trafalgar Square. This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the National Gallery right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Or head to the National Portrait Gallery just next door to see portraits of famous British people from Queen Elizabeth II to William Shakespeare.

Best of all, both are free to visit, although you should book a free timed-entry in advance so that you can avoid waiting in a potential line.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio. Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Day Trip Ideas for Your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites in just a half a day (for each one).

Trains run from London to both Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace. From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points. You can easily visit these palaces without an organized tour.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. I’ve seen a lot of castles around the world and the rooms at Windsor Castle took my breath away! They are spectacular!

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens including Queen Elizabeth II. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience showing Tudor history and what daily life was like here in its heyday.

I even ran into King Henry VIII himself when I was there! I saw the King talking with Anne Boleyn and later on flirting with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour.

The palace also has gardens and a maze.

Pro Tip: Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the London Pass. Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have 4 days in London, it’s possible to use one of the days to do a full day trip with the help of an organized tour. It’s a great way to see some top sights and places in the U.K. without stressing over the logistics.

Here are a few of the most popular ideas:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

Pro Tip: If you’re trip to London includes some time in the English countryside, focus on London while you’re there. Then, rent a car explore places like Stratford-Upon-Avon, the Cotswolds villages, and Warwick Castle on your own.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get almost anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location.

Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also chosen apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide. They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most big cities, you can spend an extended period of time there and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely want to see the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need at least 3 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can plan day trips from London or even get off the beaten path.

How to Get to London from the Airports

The Heathrow Express is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an express train which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for Southern Railways from Gatwick to compare.

I’ve always taken the express trains. For me, the time saved is worth spending a bit more.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the London Tube with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. All taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip: My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides at all costs!

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can soar even with the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly.

Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

I’ve used the Tube on all of my trips to London. Plus, it’s super easy to use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

1. Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
   
2. If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
   
3. If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
   
4. You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

And in case you’re still thinking about taking taxis, it’s worth repeating. Avoid London taxis and London traffic. Taxis are so expensive and can take longer than had you just walked or jumped on the Tube.

London Tips for First-Timers

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, use the tips below to help. They’ve come from 3 of my own trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer are very busy, not to mention more expensive during this peak travel time. If you have some flexibility, it’s worth avoiding July and August in London.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

The London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money. Plus, you don’t want to find out something you want to see or do is sold out.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you can always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have different plug options with USB ports, too.

Ready for your First Trip to London?

London is such a fantastic city to visit, full of iconic landmarks, historic sights, great food, and fun experiences. I’ve put together my best tips and info based on my own trips to London to help you plan your own unforgettable visit.

I hope you’ve found this guide helpful but if you have questions about planning your trip to London, let me know!

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