LONDON TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 40+ Must-Knows Before Visiting London + What NOT to Do!
Happy to Wanderγ»24 minutes read
London offers unique experiences in every season, with a minimum stay of four days recommended, and prioritizing comfort over location when choosing accommodation. Traveling within the city is best done through public transport like buses and the tube, with advance booking essential for popular attractions and free or low-cost activities available with prior reservations.
Insights
- Prioritize comfort over location when selecting a hotel in London due to the city's expansive layout, ensuring a more enjoyable stay.
- Utilize public transport like buses and the tube over renting a car in London for more efficient travel, while also considering the transition to a cashless system for payments.
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Recent questions
What is the best time to visit London?
Spring and fall are ideal due to fewer crowds.
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Summary
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Essential London Travel Tips for Visitors
- London offers something unique in every season, but it's advisable to avoid the peak season of July and August due to crowds and uncomfortable heat.
- A minimum stay of four days in London is recommended to fully explore the city, with longer stays allowing for day trips.
- London is served by six airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick being the main entry points for overseas visitors.
- Using the tube is a cost-effective way to travel from Heathrow, with contactless cards simplifying fare calculations.
- Comfort should be prioritized over location when choosing a hotel in London due to the city's vast spread.
- International visitors should acquire an international SIM card or data plan for easy access to the internet.
- London is transitioning to a cashless system, so having a travel-friendly credit card like Wise is recommended.
- Renting a car in London is unnecessary, with public transport like buses and the underground (tube) being more efficient.
- Prioritize buses over the tube for cost-effectiveness and a more scenic experience, but be prepared for London traffic delays.
- Limit paid attractions to one or two per day, explore neighborhoods efficiently, and consider a London Pass for multiple attractions.
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"London's Free Museums, Food Markets, and More"
- London offers numerous free museums like the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Imperial War Museum, British Museum, and more.
- Booking in advance is crucial for popular attractions like West End shows or the London Harry Potter Studios tour, which can book up two months ahead.
- Free or low-cost activities in London, such as the Mithram, Barbican Conservatory, Tower of London's Ceremony of the Keys, and Sky Garden, require advance booking.
- Utilize the Today Tix app for discounted West End show tickets, enter lotteries for Hamilton and Harry Potter, and check the tkts booth in Leicester Square for day-of discounted tickets.
- London offers a variety of British foods beyond fish and chips, including meat pies, full English breakfast, sausage rolls, sticky toffee pudding, and Sunday roast.
- Explore London's international cuisine at food markets like Brewer Market, Greenwich Market, Brick Lane Market, Old Spittle Fields Market, and Maltby Street Market.
- Pub etiquette in London includes ordering at the bar, using QR codes for ordering, ordering pints of beer, and being aware of optional service charges for tipping.
