First time travelers to London need not fear! Here are a few helpful tips to make their experience as seamless and memorable as possible, including recommendations of top restaurants and attractions to visit. We have you covered!
Avoid Leicester Square crowds unless attending a movie premiere (in which case, don your Benedict Cumberbatch shirt to demonstrate your fan status!). And be careful not to disturb any foxes! Cathay Pacific flights are available to London whenever you want them.
Plan your trip in advance.
Ensure you set aside enough time for all the activities that matter most on your itinerary if time is a concern, to prevent missing out due to limited schedule. Allow for some flexibility; vacations seldom go as planned!
Take advantage of London’s world-class public transport system – especially its reliable Underground, known as “the Tube.” This will get you almost anywhere within a few stops! To save money and access various modes of transport quickly and affordably, consider purchasing an Oyster travel card; simply tap it when entering either public transit (like buses and the Tube) or use contactless credit/debit cards to activate it when riding these forms of transport.
The British Museum is both an architectural marvel and an immense repository of antiquities. To fully experience all that the museum offers would require days; so take your time exploring those exhibits that most interest you – returning later may allow for even more discoveries!
Visit London’s world-renowned West End to witness one of its many classic or new plays starring local (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Angela Lansbury or Benedict Cumberbatch) and international stars like Phoebe Waller-Bridge or Angela Lansbury) or international stars (Phaebe Waller-Bridge, Angela Lansbury or Benedict Cumberbatch) stars that delight visitors as well as locals.
Wander through Green Park to catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace, home to the British Royal Family for 775 rooms, then make your way over to Parliament where you can capture photos of Big Ben clock tower and Westminster Cathedral.
Take a stroll down Oxford or Regent Streets and end up at Piccadilly Circus to experience the heart of London – it’s like Times Square without all the crowds! Just remember the UK drives on the left!
Take advantage of free museums.
London offers cutting-edge art exhibitions, iconic attractions and hidden spots, world-class theatre performances and stunning green spaces – with so much to do for visitors who stay for more than one week in this bustling metropolis, you may never manage to cover everything that awaits you here!
History buffs, music enthusiasts and culture enthusiasts all find something to explore in London. Many top attractions are free and easy to access; to maximize sightseeing adventures efficiently use an app such as Sygic Travel which prioritizes sightseeing by providing an easily navigable route from your hotel or hostel – this can save considerable time!
History enthusiasts will delight in exploring the British Museum, an institution which houses ancient objects like the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Mesopotamian items – free for all visitors. Additionally, Trafalgar Square attractions such as Trafalgar Gallery offer easy walking distance for reaching National Gallery which contains pieces by world renowned artists including Da Vinci, Van Gogh and Turner.
Churchill War Rooms, where former Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed World War II operations during his time as prime minister, can make for an intriguing visit. To avoid long lines at this attraction it’s recommended to arrive early.
Fans of The Beatles will want to visit Abbey Road studios, including walking across their iconic zebra crossing featured on their 1969 album. Additionally, The London Eye should not be missed – its giant Ferris wheel provides breathtaking views over London and can make for a romantic date night experience or offering prime viewing spots during New Year’s Eve fireworks displays in London.
Stay in a traveler’s hostel or Airbnb.
Rather than paying through the nose for accommodations, London traveler’s hostels may be your answer to saving on accommodation costs. Not only are these places usually clean, but many also provide fun activities that you can participate in with other travelers such as pub hopping and drinking games that help create relationships throughout Europe.
One of the top things to do in London is taking in a show at its West End theater district, comparable to Broadway in New York with numerous productions available for your enjoyment. Here you can experience British culture first-hand while seeing some of its most acclaimed actors.
Once in London, make sure to visit one of its museums and ride on the London Eye – it offers incredible panoramic views! After that, don’t forget to stop at some local restaurants and bars where you can indulge in some authentic English fare – you won’t be disappointed!
Shoreditch is an excellent way to experience all that London has to offer, offering plenty of unique bars and restaurants like Trapeze Bar as well as music shops and quaint bakeries – perfect for enjoying live music while dining or browsing quaint bakeries! For further exploration, hop on a bus or train and head towards West End; here you can stroll the famous shopping district!
Eat street food.
One of the greatest joys of London is its delicious street food offerings. An estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide consume street food daily according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN; typically this type of cuisine serves workers by roadside vendors using fresh local ingredients for affordable snacks or meals hawked along streetsides – but it can also offer delicious ways to experience London!
Street food dishes often boast low levels of fat while providing ample amounts of protein and carbohydrates, as well as being an enjoyable way to sample new flavours and explore them further. If unsure what to order, inquire from the vendor or ask for their recommendation; tipping is customary in the UK so leave 10-15% as an appropriate tip if the service was satisfactory.
Central London can be dauntingly large and easy to get lost in, so ensure that you always carry a map with you at all times. In order to navigate its public transportation system efficiently and avoid getting lost easily, use TfL Go’s journey planner app for easier planning of your trip and research any bus or tube routes you plan on taking ahead of time.
An unforgettable London visit begins by seeing iconic attractions like Big Ben, Tower of London and Buckingham Palace; but a fulfilling city break should also include theater trips, Covent Garden shopping trips and exploring its many markets. Consider taking a sightseeing tour for maximum exposure. Book this in advance to make the most of your trip; consider buying a London Pass as well.
Stay away from tourist traps.
London may be one of the most-visited cities in the UK, but there’s so much more to it than Westminster, Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. Instead of visiting only tourist hot spots like these, take a subway ride into some lesser-visited neighborhoods – who knows? Maybe you’ll discover some great restaurants, bars or attractions!
The London Eye offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of London, but is often overrated and overpriced as a tourist trap. Booking tickets in advance online will save time waiting at the attraction and can often be cheaper. If you really want to experience this popular attraction, I would advise entering their ticket lottery before hand in order to try to secure skip-the-line passes!
Sea Life London Aquarium is another notorious tourist trap located at the heart of London and designed to be as tourist-friendly as possible, charging exorbitant entrance fees and featuring questionable wax lookalikes of famous people. If you want a more authentic London experience, visit 13 Blenheim Crescent instead and visit the Notting Hill Bookshop from the movie!
Avoid obvious tourist traps in London, like visiting a waxwork museum or trying to take a picture with Prince William on a red carpet (you might end up looking more haggard than him!). Additionally, avoid blocking pedestrians’ paths with luggage or standing in front of an escalator (the British people will unleash an intense form of silent outrage and tut-tuting upon you!); just remember that millions of other people call London home – respect their space!