Traveling To London For The First Time (Tips & Tricks) - Full Suitcase

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Traveling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London can feel overwhelming, especially on your first visit.

How long should you stay? When is the best time to visit? Where are the best places to stay in London, and how can you save time and money while still seeing the city’s top sights?

After visiting London many times over the years, I’ve put together this no-nonsense, practical guide with the most useful tips for first-time visitors. It focuses on what actually helps once you’re there, so you can plan smarter and make the most of your time in London.

These are our top travel tips for visiting London:

1. Stay in Central London

One of the questions we get the most from first-time visitors is where to stay in London.

My answer is always simple: if you’re visiting London for the first time, stay in central London! You’ll be able to see much more in less time and make the most of your trip.

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 you’ll quickly regret. Commuting into the city every day will cost a lot of money and precious time that you could otherwise use for sightseeing.

Now that we have 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. If you want to be super central, stay near Westminster Bridge (both sides are ok) or near Trafalgar Square – Covent Garden.

Staying here, you are in the center of the action and can walk to most of the top sights and theaters. This makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions are within walking distance or just a short bus/ tube ride away.

We personally like the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, which is located on the South Bank close to the London Eye. It’s good for families. Another nice option is the Page8 Hotel near Trafalgar Square; this one is better for couples or friends traveling together. For a detailed neighborhood guide and hotel recommendations, check out our complete guide via the link below.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in London

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare the best accommodation options in central London. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay. Check it out!

2. Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK and one of the most visited 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 the 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. You have to realize that the city is huge and there is no way to see everything in just a few days or even a few weeks…

That said, you can see most of the main sights in London in one or two days. But 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.

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. You’ll find more information 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.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in London

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 any available tickets 16 weeks in advance! And it wasn’t even the peak season!

If you want to see some musicals 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. Plus, the seats you get last-minute 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 theater tickets only in person for performances on the same day, or up to two days in advance.

Top 4 Experiences in London to Book in Advance:

• London Eye.
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels.
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio (in busy periods sells out months ahead)
• Westminster Abbey.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in London with Kids

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

Visiting London for the first time means visiting at least some of the main landmarks and attractions in London. However, if you aren’t prepared, you will either waste hours standing in lines or not be able to visit at all.

TIP: If you want to make the most of your time in London, book 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…

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 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, can usually save up to 20% off the regular price if booking tickets online and at least 24 hours in advance. They also often have seasonal promotions, etc. Check the official website for the best ticket options for your travel dates and book ahead.

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 for Families (many suggestions will also be interesting for adults)

7. Don’t Worry About Cash

You hardly ever need cash for payments in the UK. Pretty much every place accepts credit cards, or you can just pay using your smartphone or smartwatch. You may want to get some cash for small purchases, but it’s not a must.

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.

PRO TIP: 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 – you always get a better rate.

8. Use Public Transport

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 the metro, aka the London tube. It’s the best way to cover big distances. Here’s a tip 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 walking, using boats, or 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.

Good to know: For public transport, you can either opt for the Oyster card or simply use your contactless credit card (or smartwatch/phone). You can scan it when entering the metro, then scan it again when you leave. If you take 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’d 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: An Uber or 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. Furthermore, riding a traditional English cab is part of the experience of visiting London for the first time.

9. Walk or Take a Bike Tour

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 ‘secret London’ bike tour that brings you to the lesser-known places.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in London with Teens

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 the hop-on hop-off boat on the River Thames. It allows you to see many attractions that are located close to the river in an easy way. If you want to visit Greenwich, the best way to get there is by boat.

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

READ ALSO: Things to Do in Greenwich

11. Get off the Beaten Path

Of course, you want to see the main landmarks when traveling to London for the first time. However, remember that 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. Visiting a few lesser-known places like this will just make your first trip to London even more special and memorable.

TIP: Here you can find some really nice ideas for our favorite hidden gems of London. In addition, check out our guide to 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 once had afternoon tea with kids at St. Ermin’s and loved it! 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 Bros. 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 Euros or US Dollars; you really need to get pounds sterling from an ATM.

• You are not expected to tip in the UK, and a service charge is usually included. That said, 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. The 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… Some places in London still frown 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!

• Consider getting an e-SIM to save on roaming charges.

• Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket. It rains a lot in London, especially in the colder season, so it’s always best to check the weather forecast before your trip. Wearing layers is always the best way to go!

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

So, these are some of the most important practical tips you should know when traveling to London for the first time. If you are planning a multi-city trip to Europe, we have similar guides for other major cities as well – see below.

London Travel FAQ

• Is London worth visiting? Yes, of course! London is one of the best cities in the entire world and is 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!

• How much time do you need in London? 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. Here you can find our recommendations for a short visit: 1 Day in London and 2 Days in London.

• What is the best way to explore London? 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.

Travel tips for other major cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Paris Travel Tips
• Rome Travel Tips
• Top European Attractions to Book in Advance
• Read also our step-by-step guide with planning info and tips for traveling to Europe.

TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.

Jurga Rubinovaite

Jurga is the founder of Full Suitcase, one of the world’s leading family travel blogs with millions of readers. Her travel advice has been featured on CNN, BBC, and Lonely Planet. Since 2015, she has shared experience-based tips, destination guides, and trip advice to help travelers plan unforgettable trips with family and friends.Have questions? Leave a comment under a related article!