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London on a Budget: 15 Cheap Travel Tips

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Updated: 1st March 2023

“But isn’t London super expensive?”  is one of the most common questions I’m asked when talking about travel to the United Kingdom’s capital. And, while it might be a surprising answer, I always reply that cheap may be a stretch – but London on a budget? Absolutely!

There are heaps of tips and tricks you can follow to cut your costs and make a stay in one of England’s best places to visit more affordable. Take it from an ex-local who survived in this city as a waiter for more than a few years; you can make your pound go much further if you know how.

Of course, all the usual stuff applies: visit in the off-season, avoid dates when huge events mean prices spike, and consider hostels or further-out accommodation. But, rather than focusing on the obvious that can apply anywhere, I’ve tried to focus more on London-specific tips and ways I’ve personally tried to do London on the cheap while living here.

So, before even thinking about all the best things to do in London – including all these fantastic free museums – here are some of the budget basics you need to know when planning and during your trip.

1. Flying to London (or not)

Firstly, let’s look at the most significant initial cost: flights. London has two major airports (Heathrow and Gatwick), one city-centre airport that mainly caters to business travellers (London City), and two further large airports (Stansted and Luton), which mainly serve European and budget flights. There’s also London Southend Airport, which I’ve used once for a package holiday; however, it’s tiny and far away, so I will ignore it here. To be fair, most of these airports aren’t really in London, so how you get into the city centre from these airports (see point 5) is also a cost to factor in.

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is search for cheap flights to all of these airports. Skyscanner is great for this, as you can put in your starting point and then ask it to search for flights to London (any) and see which airport is most cost-effective. You can even search for a whole month, or from all your nearby airports, to find more options.

If you’re coming from Europe, then chances are that budget carriers like Ryanair (mainly Stansted) and easyJet (mainly Luton and Gatwick) will offer the cheapest fares. Just keep in mind that on these no-frills airlines, certain extras do cost more.

Luckily, if you play the game, you can find good deals for your flights to London – just be sure to know the main things that will give you surprise fees at the airport. The first is to understand the difference between carry-on vs personal item , as on airlines such as Ryanair, the latter is free, while the first can get you a hefty surprise charge when it comes to boarding. The second major point that a lot of people fall foul of is not doing their check-in online; to do it at an airport usually means a rather eye-watering fee.

From further afield, such as Australia or the USA, you may want to consider other options. While a weekend in London will mean you will want to fly directly to the city, if you’re instead using London as a starting point to explore Europe’s hidden gems , it may be cheaper to start and end your trip elsewhere on the continent.

I have travelled to Amsterdam or Rome to take long-haul flights in the past because it has been up to £250 cheaper each way. London has high taxes, and direct fares are not always that competitive, so look at flying into a different European city first, saving some bucks for a night or two there and then jumping on a budget flight – or a Eurostar train – to London. Alternatively, look at airlines which offer ‘stopover’ deals or connecting flights, as these can also be cheaper to reach the UK while also allowing you to see another city. Two well-known options include TAP Portugal’s Lisbon stopover and Norway-based Norse, which launched in 2021.

If you’re coming from the United States and want to visit London on a budget, you might also want to sign up for one of the cheap flight email services to be notified when deals or error fares are available. I’ve also written in detail about how to find cheap flights using Skyscanner.

You can also use your flights to save money on accommodation if you book an overnight arrival and late-night departure – essentially giving you two full days. There are loads of places to ditch your luggage for the day if your hotel or apartment doesn’t offer this service. LuggageHero  is pretty cheap and has lots of different storage locations.

2. Book your tickets and activities in advance

When you’re planning your cheap trip to London, you’ll likely have already made a list of all the attractions and activities you want to visit. Of course, many of these will not cost a penny, such as seeing the Changing of the Guard or visiting a free-entry museum; however, the reality is not everything will be so wallet-friendly.

So, to reduce and manage these costs, look for deals and discounts so you can book as many activities as possible in advance. You may assume that booking directly will guarantee the best prices, and while this is true most of the time, it isn’t always the case. There are plenty of coupon and discount websites in the UK, and you can often find some of the capital’s best attractions listed with deals.

Some websites worth checking before booking include Voucher Codes , which shares discount codes to use at checkout, and Groupon, which has both discount codes and deals on certain activities and hotels. For theatre tickets, consider websites such as Love Theatre – but also keep in mind day tickets and the West End lottery mentioned below. If you’re travelling to London by train, you can also usually get decent attraction deals on National Rails’ Discount website when using your train ticket.

You might also want to consider one of the various London Passes. Some bundle 2-7 attractions together for a discount, while others are for specific periods and include transport. I know these are really popular websites to recommend as they pay us a nice commission fee for each sale; however, they are only cost-effective if you really make the most of them.

So, evaluate what attractions you will certainly see in London – many museums and galleries are free – and then work out if one of these passes will actually save you money before buying it. If it will, great, snap it up. If you only plan to visit one or two attractions, it might be better to book separately and find deals on those specific activities.

3. Finding affordable London accommodation

Whatever search engine you use, I promise you one thing: cheap does not usually mean cheerful in London. Whilst there can be some bargains to be found the further out you go, you’ll have slim pickings in central London.

As well as searching on hostel or hotel comparison websites like Trivago , take a look at the websites of budget hotels such as Tunes, Easy or The Z, which usually offer central accommodation at a fairly reasonable price and will guarantee a certain standard of hygiene and facilities. Also, some budget hotels, such as Premier Inn, aren’t listed on comparison websites and should be searched and booked directly.

Alternatively, stay further out and use it to your advantage. London is a super-connected city, and we even have a night metro on weekends now so that you can rent any one of  London’s high-quality short-term rentals , and you won’t miss out on a thing. The bonus of staying in zones 3 and 4 is that not only is accommodation usually cheaper, but food and drinks can also drop dramatically in price, and you’ll get a more ‘local’ experience.

If you plan to stay in London for longer than a few days, you might also want to consider housesitting. This tends to work best for slightly longer stays – sometimes a week or more – as you’ll be looking after someone’s home (and potentially pets or plants) while they go on holiday themselves.

There are a few different platforms which help potential sitters and hosts connect. Many of these platforms require a subscription, so you may want to read a firsthand TrustedHousesitters Review before making the initial payment. However, once you’ve secured your first housesit – especially in a city like London – the savings will quickly add up.

4. Rent a car only when you need one

It might be tempting to rent a car the second you arrive in London, especially if you’re planning to explore other parts of England or road trip Scotland , but if you’re looking to do London on a budget, this isn’t wise. Firstly, you just won’t use your car much when you’re in the city, and secondly, by the time you account for car parking and any congestion charges, those costs will rack up.

As such, it’s better to pick up your car on the day you plan to start your road trip. Alternatively, if you want some wheels for the day to head off to a few nearby places, consider a service like Ubeeqo . This car-sharing website offers easy access via an app to local cars by the hour or day, already including fuel and insurance. They have around 100 parking locations in London, and cars can be rented as far afield as Hertford or Cambridge, so it saves on train fares if you’re staying outside the capital and driving in, or vice versa.

5. Don’t get scammed on your airport transfers and trains

“Express Trains” are not something you will find me on. Often, these services only shave a few minutes off the journey time and come at a hefty premium, and there are much more cost-effective ways to reach London’s centre.

These express trains operate from Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted, so when you’re planning how to reach the capital itself, compare the prices and timings of these services with the regular routes – you’ll be amazed at how much extra you are paying when the difference can be as little as 10 minutes. That said, the express services offer some advanced tickets at a heavily reduced price, so it’s always worth checking to see if you can book one of these.

From London City and Heathrow, you can also use the tube or DLR – Heathrow even has access to the new Elizabeth Line – as these are usually cheaper than rail. National Express coach services from Luton or Stansted can also be cost-effective alternatives depending on the time at which you arrive. The bottom line is there are plenty of options, and depending on where in the city you are staying, the express trains might not be the most direct or cheapest option to arrive in London on a budget

6. Walk, cycle and get contactless

London may seem scarily big when you look at a map – or especially a tube map – but walking around central London actually does not take too long. In fact, walking between some tube stations can be quicker than taking the metro when you add up all the time. So, my tip to you is that when the weather is good, do as much of London on foot as possible.

We also have the  Santander Cycle scheme  – standard and e-bikes – which you can find dotted around the city and access with an app or bank card. While these aren’t as cheap as they once were – standard bikes now cost £1.65 per 30 minutes – they offer a really nice way to get around London. If you’re planning to stay in the city for a while and make heavy use of the scheme, the £20 monthly option may be appealing.

You may have heard of the Oyster card, which is cheaper than buying individual travel tickets for the underground and bus network as it has a capped daily price and cheaper individual fares. Thankfully, this benefit also applies to paying with a contactless credit card, so you don’t need to purchase an Oyster card to enjoy the same price cap. If using a foreign card, you’ll just want to check that your bank will not add an additional exchange fee each time; if so, get the Oyster or find a better travel card such as Wise or Revolut.

7. Use public transport for sightseeing

Public transport in London is pretty decent and a daily occurrence for most of us, so if you are from a country/city that requires a car to get around, forget it – TFL can become your best friend when visiting London on a budget.

While the Tube is great, if a little crowded, heading underground will mean missing some of the best Instagram spots in London . So, make use of the buses and sit on the top deck to get that hop-on, hop-off tourist feeling without spending a fortune.

If you want to experience the River Thames without paying for a river tour, then you’ll want to make use of the Thames Clipper , London’s public ferry service. From as little as £4.80 for a standard single – or £18.90 for a full-day pass – you can take a jaunt along the river and spot some of the city’s most famous attractions on the way.

8. Check out the free attractions

London may be an expensive city, but many of the best attractions actually cost nothing. Learning  how to travel the world for free  is a fine art, and here, you have plenty of it to practice.

Some of London’s best free attractions and museums include the British Museum, St Paul’s Church (not the cathedral), The Tate, The National Portrait Gallery, strolling through Covent Garden, people watching at Borough Market (I know a lot of people recommend this for cheap eats, but in reality, many stalls are quite boutique) and taking in the views from Greenwich. There are also plenty of beautiful parks to enjoy.

Then there are the cultural attractions such as watching the Changing of the Guard, exploring the street art in trendy neighbours such as Shoreditch and heading up to one of the free rooftop viewpoints such as One New Change and the Oxo Tower – they might not be as high as The Shard, but they are a lot cheaper!

9. Skip the Shard and get views for free

The Shard may be the most famous of London’s skyscraper viewing platforms, but it’s not the only option.

My favourite spot is actually found across the river – the bonus is you can see The Shard – in the SkyGarden. Not only will you get some far-reaching vistas across London’s best landmarks, but the space is incredible, with plenty of inside foliage.

You do need to book your visit online in advance  to get free access – the tickets are batch-released every Monday – but that little bit of forward planning will save you the same cash. Alternatively, you can book a table at one of the restaurants, but this turns one of London’s best free attractions into a more pricy experience.

10. Look for free events and gigs in London

London’s cultural scene is all-encompassing, and there is no denying this is one of the best cities in the world for music, arts, theatre and other creative pursuits. Thankfully, that means there are plenty of free – don’t forget to drop some coins in appreciation – events to enjoy throughout the year.

Keep an eye on websites like Secret London, which keep a decent and up-to-date calendar of free events in London so that you can plan ahead – or go last-minute – to an extraordinary event. They cover anything from buskers in Covent Garden and free Royal Opera House performances to church choir performances and Friday night parties at the Tate Modern.

11. Chain restaurants are not the enemy

Yeah, yeah, I’m probably going to get slated for saying this – especially as someone who loves supporting independent businesses – but there are some pretty decent chain restaurants in the UK which can provide affordable deals in decent locations, ideal for a quick, easy and affordable lunch.

Some of my favourites include Pizza Express (they often run 2-for-1 deals), Wahaca for Mexican food, and chain pubs such as Greene King or Fullers for decent-priced British grub and pints. Most of these chains have apps with discount deals. For a slightly more upmarket option with good-quality British dishes, head to one of the Browns Bar and Brasserie’s across the city, the restaurant group where I worked for many years.

If you’re going to spend a while in London, then the Taste Card may be worth considering as after a certain amount of uses, the discounts will more than pay for themselves.

12. Hunt out set menu deals

Set menus, especially on quieter evenings (like Sundays or Mondays) and during lunches, are pretty common in London. These are the times when restaurants are not too busy, and you’ll most likely find the best deals.

If you have a restaurant you really want to visit whilst you are here, call or check the website to find out if they offer a set menu – it will usually save you a fair chunk on the À la carte price.

Do keep in mind that the locations you are looking at will likely change the available deals. For example, in financial districts such as the City of London or Canary Wharf, lunches are usually their prime time with office workers, meaning deals aren’t likely during weekday lunches. On the flip side, in the Theatre District and around Soho or Covent Garden, Prix-Fixe menus are usually early evening to get diners in and out quickly before a show.

13. Picnic on a meal deal

If you want to go super cheap – and generally ‘live like an office local’ – then grab yourself a meal deal. It’s not exactly fancy, but it’s a way to cut your travel costs and do London on a budget.

These simple lunch deals are something of a staple in the UK and are offered in places such as supermarkets and even health retailers such as Boots. Usually costing between £3-£4, you can grab a sandwich, crisps (or fruit and other snacks) and a drink. Take these to one of the beautiful parks in London, and you have a bargain picnic lunch on your hands.

14. Try and get last-minute theatre tickets

West End theatre tickets can run into triple digits, especially for the best seats at the hottest shows. Yet, there are a few ways to save money beyond the voucher websites I mentioned previously. Of course, these options aren’t ideal if you need a specific show on a particular day – for that, it’s best to accept the price and book in advance – but if you have some flexibility, consider the below.

Firstly, there are nearly always last-minute tickets up for grabs directly from the box office. These may be returns or just tickets that have been held back for various reasons. On my last visit back to London, I scored great tickets to Miss Saigon for £20 about an hour before curtain up.

Some other shows also offer a ‘lottery’ a little before the performance starts. For example, the Book of Mormon even runs a lottery every day for £20 tickets if you want to gamble daily 2.5 hours before the performance. This is a great way to enjoy London on a budget and appreciate the incredible cultural scene.

15. Book train fares in advance

This isn’t so much a London on a budget tip, but it will apply if you plan on leaving London to visit other parts of the UK, such as Cornwall’s attractions , Scotland’s capital city of  Edinburgh , or the buzzing city of Manchester .

The fact is rail travel in the UK is very costly. You might think these high train prices mean excellent services, but that also isn’t always the case – sometimes a seat isn’t even guaranteed – and you may find yourself standing for much of the journey. As such, you’ll want to book in advance online.

Not only can you usually score a seat reservation this way, but you can sometimes save up to 50% or more from on-the-day ticket prices.

While individual train companies (we don’t have one rail company) allow booking on their websites,  The Train Line  is an excellent place to start as it will search all operators on that route and show you the best prices. However, they charge a small booking fee, so if you want to save a pound or two more, once you’ve found the deal, go to the operator’s website to try and book directly.

If you plan to travel to some of the most beautiful parts of the country, such as  visiting the Cotswolds , these advance fares will be your biggest money saver. Also, check out National Express, the UK’s long-distance coach company. These buses are nearly always modern, comfy, and good value – providing an additional option to reach places perhaps not served by the trains or at an even lower price.

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Thanks for sharing so many tips. I agree with the Skygarden trip, the views are great, and the drink bar at the top is also good. There was a DJ playing live music, so my evening was great.

This is very helpful for my hometown friends. They will travel from the states to here in London when the lockdown ends. This is very informative for them on where to go. Thank you very much for the tips!

Nice blog, And impressive information. Thanks for sharing such a nice information about budget of London travel article

Thanks for these amazing tips. London is a very costly city, these tips will help each traveller to plan his trip to London.

These are amazing tips. I traveled to London and did a 3-day sightseeing walking and taking public transport for the most part. While this has become a no-brainer, it took me time to plan my itinerary considering which part of London I would be staying, what I wanted to see and what attractions are best to see when. So I developed the App which plans the itinerary for you based on these above data. Check it out http://londontrip.io Thanks

Really difficult to stay in a budget while traveling but these tips are really amazing and very helpful. overall thanks for this great article.

Exploring London is a part of the trip and London is a city where you will never get bored. I appreciate your ideas, they are good enough to travel to London on budget.

Thanks for sharing such an interesting and really helpful guide. Every visitor before going to London should read it. There are many hotels available in the budget but booking short stay apartments in London is a nice idea to keep your journey in the budget.

Nice blog. Glad that I read this blog. One of the best tips blog on how to have a vacation cheaply. The “meal day” tip is very useful for the people, who come from other countries. Keep helping. All the best,

I agree, hotels can be expensive in London. A cheaper alternative may be booking a holiday home (house, apartment, cottage) within and outside of London.

Getting the train from/to Kings Cross from/to Gatwick is also a super cheap way of travelling between the city and this airport but not many people know this route. There are often tickets on the Thameslink for around £10.

Also accommodation really can be a lot cheaper than you’d think. I stayed at a hostel in zone 1 near Nottinghill for less than £20 per night.

Great tips Dan.

Yep, that’s another great train line to take, though I really dislike Gatwick for some reason :)

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Escape to Britain

England, Scotland, & Wales Travel and Culture Blog

London · June 26, 2019

20+ Insider London Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting

Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

As the capital city of the UK, London has no shortage of wonderful things to see and do. Between sightseeing major landmarks, discovering hidden gems, and simply relaxing over a long weekend, you’re sure to never be bored. But what about the essential information you need to know before you go? Here are over twenty insider London travel tips to bear in mind before your visit London visit, as well as London mistakes you should avoid !

As someone who has studied and lived in London for years, many customs and practices that seem normal to a Londoner may well seem surprising to most. From the words we use to describe the metro to the best cheap eats the Big Smoke has to offer, here are the little things I’ve learned from living in London that you need to know as a visitor!

#1 You can’t see everything in one go!

This may well go without saying, but try not to see everything London has to offer in one go! There’s a reason that the city is one of the top travel destinations in the world, and this is by and large because of the sheer volume of activities on offer.

Whether you’re in search of foodie experiences, cool museums, or want to see some street art, London offers all of this and more. As a result, the best way to enjoy London in a relatively short time frame is to pick an area or district and to focus on getting to know it on a more local level.

For example, spend a day exploring the City of London, followed by a day in Bloomsbury, and another day in Greenwich if you have just a long weekend! I personally wouldn’t recommend planning a London day trip unless you’re in the city for at least three or four days or more.

After all, London has more than enough districts and green spaces to provide a variety of experiences all on its own! Last but not least on the point that you absolutely cannot see everything in one go, there’s still plenty to pack in, even if you only have a day to explore the city. For a sample itinerary, check out how we recommend spending 24 hours in London .

#2 Dress for the weather and pack appropriately

While, of course, a complete London packing list is the subject for an entirely other post, there’s no denying that one of the best London travel tips I could give you would be to pack appropriately. What this means is being prepared for rain pretty much all year ’round!

London has approximately 106 rainy days each year, and you’re more than likely to encounter one or two of these if you’re visiting outside of the summer (and even during the hottest months of the year, bad weather is not unheard of!)

As such, you’ll want to pack shoes that are a little waterproof, as well as a rain jacket or umbrella. Layers are an absolute must so as to keep warm when exploring outside but to keep cool when travelling on the tube or dining in a restaurant!

#3 The best time to visit London is in the spring or autumn

Indeed, when it comes to deciding the best time to visit the capital city, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider; cost and weather being the most important too! While it’s true that the longest days and the best weather is to be found during the summer, this is also when the queues are at their longest and the prices are at their highest.

As such, if you have a little choice as to when you can plan your visit, plan your trip so that you’ll be in London during the late spring or early autumn. Spring provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy delights such as cherry blossom and wisteria, whereas fall in London is all about the beautiful autumnal colours! Whichever you choose, also try and avoid school and bank holidays as prices will be elevated then as well.

#4 Book your London accommodation well in advance

In the same vein, London is an incredibly popular destination for both business and leisure travellers. As such, you’ll want to book your British accommodation almost as soon as you know your travel dates. Don’t stay too far away from Zone One as otherwise, you’ll lose lots of travel time! Check the best prices for places to stay in London here.

#5 There are plenty of free things to do in London

The city may well be one of the most expensive cities in Europe to visit, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of budget activities on offer! When it comes to experiencing London, you don’t have to break the bank; some of the best free things to do in London include visiting many of the major museums and art galleries, as well as relaxing in one of the many green spaces the city has to offer.

#6 The UK capital has a plethora of hidden gems

Did you know that you can see the auto-icon of a famous philosopher in a University cloister? Or that it’s possible to stroll along a Victorian Market that was used to film scenes from the Harry Potter series?

Well, London offers all of this and more. For a closer look at unusual things to do in the city, check out this guide to London’s best hidden gems .

#7 Book tickets to major attractions in advance

So as to save time, and in some cases, money, be sure to book tickets well in advance so as to avoid disappointment on the day. Many online options offer skip-the-line functions that allow you to save your precious time exploring London for actually enjoying the city as opposed to waiting in queues!

When it comes to landmarks and attractions you should book in advance, there are several that I definitely recommend. For example, the London Eye only has a limited number of spots each day, as do theatre performances, and several exhibitions at museums.

Otherwise, Madame Tussaud’s always has a long queue and so it’s well worth reserving these tickets in advance too! We personally love and use booking activities through GetYourGuide.

#8 Use an oyster card or contactless card for public transportation

Though there’s no denying that public transportation in London is certainly more expensive than many other European cities such as Amsterdam or Paris, the easiest way to avoid extra hefty fees is to avoid buying single-use tickets.

Instead, use a contactless card to tap in and out of the public transport system. Worried your foreign bank will charge fees? No problem! You can also purchase an Oyster Card from a ticket machine with a £5 refundable deposit. More details for purchasing Oyster Cards can be found here .

#9 Drivers in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road

Be careful when crossing the road because people in the UK drive on the left-hand side of the road. As such, also bear this in mind when hailing a cab (in London, ‘taxis’ are known as ‘cabs’), getting on and off buses, and checking you’re taking public transportation in the right direction!

#10 Much of central London is best explored on foot

I would advise not renting or using a car in London as traffic is terrible and the ‘congestion’ charge for using a car in central London is high. Once you’ve arrived in a district that you wish to explore, more often than not, the city is then best explored on your own two feet.

This way, you can enter into any of the museums or monuments that you wish to see. This is also how to stumble upon to hidden gems and off the beaten path locations that you might have otherwise missed! As a result, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute essential for exploring the city.

#11 A note on where to eat in London

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world and, as such, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of places to eat where there’s a range of delicious dishes and foodstuffs. ‘Traditional’ British food includes fish and chips (though this is best enjoyed at the seaside as opposed to in London) and

For affordable eats in the city, there are plenty of options. Most of the larger supermarket chains and chemists (Sainsburys, Tescos, Boots) offer a ‘meal deal’ for lunch. This is essentially where you can get a sandwich/ salad, snack (crisps, fruit, chocolate bar) , and a drink for a reasonable rate.

Otherwise, be sure to check out many of the fantastic food markets that are dotted across London. Among some of the best London markets are Borough Market (dating back to the 13th-century, hands down this is the best foodie spot in the city) , Berwick Street Market (located in Soho) , and Boxpark Shoreditch.

#12 Check out a pub

Head to any town, city, or even the tiniest of villages in the UK and you’ll soon discover that pubs are a staple of British life. London has no less than three and a half thousand taverns, bars, inns, and drinking establishments!

While it’s certainly true that some are better than others, for a true taste of British culture be sure to frequent a pub at least once. The legal drinking age in the UK is 18 and Challenge 25 is in operation, which means that if you look younger than 25, you’ll be asked for some kind of government issued ID (driving license, passport, etc.)

#13 You may need a travel adapter

The UK uses different plug sockets to those of North America, the rest of continental Europe (with the exception of the Republic of Ireland), and much of the rest of the world.

As such, you’ll probably need to purchase a travel adapter before your UK visit! Bring along a universal travel adapter like this one to help you keep your electronics charged on the go!

#14 There’s much more to the UK than just London!

Of all the London travel tips I could give you, this one might seem the most unusual. However, whenever I tell people that I’m from England, I’m often met with ‘so, London?’ Considering that the city is the capital of the UK this isn’t unreasonable.

However, there is so much more to Britain than just London! Some of the best day trips from the city include visits to Stonehenge, Salisbury, the countryside of The Cotswolds, and the seaside of Brighton.

If I were to recommend just one excursion from the city, it would probably be a day trip from London to Oxford , the university city often referred to as ‘the City of Dreaming Spires’!

#15 Learn the local London vocabulary & pronunciations

The London Underground is locally known as the ‘tube’ as opposed to the metro. Otherwise, you should note that pretty much no place names are pronounced how they’re written down!

Case in point: ‘Marylebone’ which is pronounced more like ‘Marleybon’. Many people assume that the nearby town of ‘Reading’ is pronounced as if you were ‘reading a book’. Instead, it’s pronounced more like ‘redding’.

#16 Be wary of common tourist scams

Though London is generally regarded to be a safe city for visitors, you should be sure to keep an eye on your belongings at all times. This is especially true in crowded areas or when you’re travelling on the tube. Be sure to travel with a bag that can be zipped up and be especially careful when using your mobile phone!

#17 Many of the best views of London are free

Of course, everyone knows that some of the most beautiful viewpoints in London can be found in the form of The Shard and from the viewing tower at Tower Bridge. However, what you may well not know is that there’s also a plethora of stunning free views to be discovered as well.

For example, the Sky Garden can be found in the very heart of the City of London and is free to visit. However, you’ll need to book a free ticket in advance so as to reserve your place as there are only a limited number of spots available each day. Otherwise, the Garden at 120 is also free to enjoy and currently has no ticketing process.

#18 Tipping may well be already included in your bill

Unlike in many other European cities, many restaurants in London add a discretionary 12.5% tip at the end of your bill. As such, read your receipt carefully as you may well have already tipped when paying for your food or drinks! Compared with the US or Canada, the UK and Europe, in general, doesn’t really tend to have a tipping culture at all.

#19 Sometimes it’s quicker to walk between tube stations!

London’s tube system looks more like a system of rings as opposed to a spider’s web, and so it’s often easier, quicker (and obviously cheaper) to walk between tube stations as opposed to hopping on the underground. As a result, online maps are your best friend and plan your journey before you set off!

#20 Remember to utilise the Hopper Fare

And while we’re on the subject of public transport, it’s also worth noting that taking the bus is considerably cheaper than taking the tube.

The recently introduced London hopper fare also means that if you’re a contactless method of payment (card or Oyster card) then you can take unlimited bus and tram journeys for free within one hour of first touching in.

Hint: The bus is a free and very inexpensive way to enjoy a self-guided tour of the city in a limited amount of time! With this being said, be sure to avoid rush hour (i.e. 8 – 10 AM and 4 – 6 PM) as this is when the roads become busy with traffic.

#21 *Sometimes* Pret gives out free coffee

Instead of a loyalty or rewards programme, Pret has a scheme whereby employees are allowed to give out free coffee at their discretion. This is a great idea as it gives customers an extra incentive to be nice to their barista (not that you should need one!) And no, the free coffee is not just a rumour. I’ve been lucky enough to get several coffees for free!

#22 It’s possible to get cheap theatre tickets

Want to see a performance but don’t want to spend a fortune? Well, the good news is that it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a theatre performance or play for a reduced fee.

All you need to do is to head to the TKTS booth in the very heart of Leicester Square and see what tickets are left for showings that same day. Unsold tickets are often heavily discounted and are only available to purchase in person.

#23 Don’t hire a taxi from the airport

One of the biggest London travel mistakes you could make would be to take a taxi from the airport to the city centre. The cost will be great and the traffic is likely to be pretty heavy. Instead, make use of the great public transportation city between the airports and London’s centre.

#24 The best view of Big Ben is not actually at the Houses of Parliament

It’s a common misconception that you can actually ‘see’ Big Ben. Instead, the name ‘Big Ben’ is what locals call the bell that rings out from within the Elizabeth Tower in the Houses of Parliament.

The best view of the Neo-Gothic building is to be found from the other side of the River Thames. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our top recommendations for the best photo spots in London .

#25 Stay in central London

Of all the tips I could give you for visiting London, it would be to make sure you book your accommodation in central London.

London is a particularly sprawling city and you don’t want to waste your precious time in the city commuting to and from your accommodation. What’s more is that the money you’ll save in booking a place further out is what you’ll likely end up spending on commuting in and out of the city!

#26 There’s a world outside of London worth exploring

Many visitors go to London and then leave the UK before taking the time to go anywhere else. This is a mistake. The UK is a diverse and beautiful nation and you should be sure to set aside a little time to venture out at least once on a day trip from the British capital.

 Enjoyed reading these insider London travel tips? Pin it now, read it again later:

About Sophie Nadeau

Sophie Nadeau is a travel, history, and culture writer based in the UK. With a love of all things photography-related, castles, and sweet food, she runs her popular blog, solosophie.com when she's not chasing after a sunset or hiking in the English countryside.

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Rohit Singh says

March 31, 2020 at 3:48 pm

Nice article! These tips are really helpful to plan my next trip to London. Thanks for sharing.

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25 top travel tips for tourists visiting london (by a local).

I don’t think anyone can truly ever know everything about London.

But having lived here for quite some time now, I have learnt quite a lot.

Including some crucial tips and tricks that can help make a visit to London that much more enjoyable.

From finding free things to do , to saving money, to avoiding common tourist mistakes.

Below is a rundown of my absolute best London travel tips for those visiting this great city for the first time.

Let’s get straight into it …

Travellerspoint

1. Walk as much as possible

London is a HUGE city, one you will struggle to see a large portion of in one trip. However, it is inevitable that you will need to take a lot of public transport to get around London . 

That being said, a lot of it is very walkable! 

The whole of Zone 1 is really best explored on foot , especially if you are not short on time. 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 want to enjoy walking around the attractions but want to avoid trying to navigate the city for yourself, here are some walking tours that I think include the best stops! 

Private Walking Sightseeing Tour

This private walking tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you around all the most iconic sites in central including the Changing of the Guard, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and St James’s Park. 

Secret Walking Tour of Central London

To see some of the lesser visited sites and some real hidden gems, this secret walking tour takes you off the common walking tour trails led by a local guide. Wander down small alleys in Covent Garden, through the theatre district and learn some forgotten history of the UK’s capital.

Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

If you are a Harry Potter fan, this walking tour will be ideal for you! The tour takes you around all the iconic spots in London which were featured or inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies. This tour has tons on its itinerary including Southwark Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, the world's smallest police station and Diagon Alley. 

2. Don't overpack

London is not a city where you want to be lugging around multiple large suitcases, especially full of things that you won't need. 

Check out my London packing guide for a full breakdown of everything you need and don't need but a few things to take note of are... 

The weather

England doesn’t have the best reputation for its weather so be prepared for rain . Even if you’re not visiting London in Winter , it’s still a good idea. The city only gets an average 200 dry days in the year. Unless you are visiting in the peak of summer, a good raincoat is always something worth bringing! 

London does get warm in the summer and we don't have a lot of air conditioning, especially on transport, so light layers you can easily take off are always best. 

As I mentioned previously, walking is something you will be doing a lot of on your trip to London so make sure you have a good pair of shoes that you can walk around the city in. 

Your itinerary

Unless you are heading to other areas in the UK, leave your walking boots and hiking gear at home . We have beautiful parks in London but all are well-paved and are not on the same scale as parks you might find in other parts of the world! Simple trainers will do just fine. 

3. Download some helpful apps before you arrive

Thanks to technology, getting around London has never been easier ! 

I sometimes see tourists criticising London for having some unfriendly locals when asking for help with directions; the truth is London is very fast paced and people are very busy. 

You might find some helpful people but likely, they will tell you to download some kind of map app to help you get around, as that is what locals do too ! 

Google Maps

Google Maps is my personal favourite app for getting around London. It allows you to download certain areas so you can actually use the map offline which comes in handy with the lack of service underground! 

City Mapper  

Citymapper is another app I use often to find my way around London. It shows you all routes to get to your destination in live times with filters for the different types of transport. 

Not as good for providing directions but TFL 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 also can show your journeys and payments, so you can keep track of your travel expenses during your visit. 

Although the public transport in London is very good, you might want to opt to get a taxi back to your accommodation after a long day of exploring. The Uber app 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. The classic black cabs in London can be quite expensive and Uber is a great alternative to them. 

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. 

4. Don't rent a car

Renting a car in London is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a tourist in London !

You honestly just do not need one! The public transport system is incredible and there are so many ways of getting around London , with driving being the worst method. 

The traffic in London is notoriously awful and by driving around the city you will likely find yourself spending the majority of your time stuck in queues and trying to find overpriced parking. 

Another factor to consider is the congestion charges which cover most of central London. During charge times, you will need to register and pay £15 a day to drive in these zones or face a pretty hefty fine. 

If you are planning on staying a few days in London before exploring some more of the UK by car, I would recommend renting a car as you leave London or in your next location. 

5. Get out of the city centre

Of course, if you are visiting for the first time or only in London for a weekend, you are going to want to see all of its famous attractions but if you have the time, I strongly recommend getting out of the city centre ! 

London is huge and every area has a different vibe, personality and things to see so I would really recommend trying to venture out into some of the areas beyond Zone 1, if you have the chance. Here are some places I highly recommend:

Richmond Upon Thames

Richmond is at the end of the District Line, meaning it's very accessible from central London! Home to the largest royal park, Richmond Park , beautiful riverside walks and the amazing Kew Botanical Gardens , Richmond is well worth a day trip.

Located in South London, Brixton is on the Victoria Line so you reach there from Victoria Station in under 30 minutes. Brixton is known for its art, incredible cheap eats and nightlife scene. 

Hackney is a vibrant area in the east of London which is easily reached by the London Overground. Home to London’s oldest park, Victoria Park , the awesome Museum of Curiosities , Hackney City Farm and tons of quirky bars, cafes and breweries.  

6. Always stand on the right!

My most important travel tip for tourists visiting London is to always stand on the right when on escalators . 

It is every local’s bugbear when visitors don't respect the classic tube station etiquette of walking on the left and standing on the right. 

This just allows people in a rush to walk straight down the escalator and everyone else to ride down on the correct side. Don't worry, there are signs everywhere to remind you but if you are standing in a pair or a group blocking the walkway you might be met with some disgruntled Londoners! 

However, there isn’t really any rhyme or reason to which side you should be on when walking down the street, but I recommend that you move to the side of the pavement if you stop to check directions or snap a quick photo. 

London is just a crazy busy and fast paced city so you are bound to get in a few people's ways, so don't stress too much . 

7. Avoid travelling at peak times

The official peak times are Monday to Friday 6:30 to 9:30 and 16:00 until 19:00 and these are the common times that people commute to and from work and transport is at its busiest. 

Not only is it more expensive to travel at these times, but it is also near impossible unless you are used to doing it every day. 

I will admit it can be quite amusing watching people run and cram into an already full train carriage when the next one is only two minutes away, but it can get overwhelming quite quickly! 

I would recommend that wherever possible, you avoid taking public transport and even taxis during these hours . It is best to nip in somewhere, grab a pint or a coffee and wait for the hustle and bustle to blow over before continuing your journey if you can. 

8. Research the area you want to stay in

Different areas in London have different personalities and things to do so it is best to do some research into which area you would like to stay in before visiting . I have a whole guide on the best areas in London to stay in , but here are a few that I recommend: 

Westminster 

If you are a first-timer in London, Westminster is going to be an ideal spot for you ! While it is more of a pricey option, it's within walking distance to tons of major London landmarks and has enough attractions to keep everyone busy, it is especially ideal if you are visiting with kids! 

Home to the famous Camden market, Camden is an ideal spot to stay in . Located in Zone 2 it has excellent transport links to the centre while still being more affordable than other options. You can find a range of accommodation options here from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels. 

If you are looking for a fun-filled stay and enjoy the nightlife, Shoreditch would be a good pick ! It has an assortment of themed bars to keep you occupied in the evenings and heaps of food markets and vintage shops to walk around during the day. 

9. Avoid school and bank holidays

London is a crazy busy city all year around, it is home to nearly nine million residents and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. 

Being the capital city, many people from the rest of the UK will also visit the city for day trips, holidays and long weekends over bank holidays. 

During half-term and other school holidays, you will find a lot of the museums and attractions will be increasingly busy than at other times of the year . 

You will also find that during these periods, hotels will be really busy and often hike up their prices so I would try and avoid these as much as possible. 

We have a lot of bank holidays scattered around the year and the school holidays usually change year on year but you can find the full list of bank holidays here . 

10. Visit free attractions

London is a notoriously expensive city, and while I recommend doing a lot of the popular paid activities, there are heaps of free things to do in London ! 

Most of the museums in London are completely free to enter, even the world-famous ones like The Natural History Museum , The Science Museum and The British Museum . In high season you might need to book your ticket online to ensure you can get in, but they are all free to enter as well as many others around the city. 

London is home to some incredible markets, especially food markets! Even the largest markets like Borough Market and Camden Market are free to enter and walk around. If you are visiting on a Sunday I would highly recommend checking out Columbia Road Flower Market too. 

London is on a mission to make art as accessible as possible, meaning that a lot of the galleries and exhibitions are completely free to enter ! Some galleries I recommend checking out are The Tate Modern and Tea Gallery on Carnaby Street. 

11. Take a day trip out of the city

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.

We have an amazing 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 yet its origins are still unknown 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. 

The city of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Roman Baths and located just a few hours west of London . 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 . 

If you are visiting in Summer, getting out of London and heading to the seaside city of Brighton cannot be beaten. Swim in the sea, relax on the beach with some fish and chips and wander around the maze of a city centre. You won't need to book a tour for this one, Brighton is only an hour's train ride away from London Bridge station. 

12. Buy a London pass

For tourists visiting London on a budget (or even if not!), one of the best money-saving tips I can offer is to purchase The London Pass ! 

If you are wanting to visit a lot of attractions, the costs can really add up if you are purchasing all of your tickets individually. With the London Pass, you can choose how many days you would like to have it for, and in that time you can visit as many of the 90+ attractions on their list as you like. 

The London Pass saves digitally on your phone and you can use their handy guide to help you plan your itinerary. With your pass, you can also use the “Hop on Hop off” bus tour for one day and the Thames River boat, which will help you get around all your attractions. 

There are endless activities and tours included with the pass , but here are some that I think are the highlights. 

• The View from the Shard
• Kew Gardens
• The Globe Theatre Tour
• Wembley Stadium Tour
• Canal boat trip
• Windsor Castle
• Hampton Court Palace 

13. Try some British foods

England isn't necessarily world-renowned for its cuisine but there are a few dishes that I really recommend that you try while visiting London ! 

Full English Breakfast

We take a full English breakfast very seriously in the UK and while the rising trend of brunches and avocado on toast has made the traditional breakfast take a backseat, you will still find a classic full English on nearly every breakfast menu. 

It mainly consists of bacon, sausage, fried eggs, mushroom, beans and toast but you will find a few different versions around the City.

If you want to experience an English breakfast cooked the proper way and that won't cost you an arm and a leg, I recommend Regency Cafe in Westminster, E Pellicci in Bethnal Green, and Belushis which you can find scattered around the city. 

The Sunday Roast

The Sunday Roast is a British staple in many households and there are endless pubs and restaurants in London that serve it. If you walk around London on a Sunday the streets actually smell amazing! 

They traditionally consist of a roasted meat or nut roast, roasted potatoes, vegetables, gravy and a Yorkshire pudding but many places will add their own signature twist or offering.

I am on a mission to find the best Sunday roast in London so I will make a full post soon but here are some that are very highly rated in the city centre, The Laundry in Brixton, Roast in London Bridge and The Gun in Shoreditch. 

Fish and Chips

I wouldn't usually recommend trying fish and chips away from the seaside as that's where it is usually best, but in recent years, London has really stepped up its chippy game !

Poppies is probably London’s most popular fish and chips chain and I was worried it might be an overrated tourist trap before I visited, but honestly, it's amazing, and they have a few locations scattered around the city. 

Other notable ones include North Sea Fish in Kings Cross, Golden Union in Soho and Fish House in Victoria Park. 

14. Keep an eye on your valuables

Central London is a safe area for tourists to visit , but like any large city, petty theft, pickpocketing and scams are not uncommon. 

A common one that seems to be prevalent at the moment are people stealing phones, so if you are taking a photo of something, make sure you either have a firm grip on your phone or even better, some kind of wrist strap.

There's a lot of street entertainment scattered around the city which can be fun to watch but be especially aware of your valuables if you do stop for a while as be extra careful. If you are distracted by a show, this is the perfect time for someone to pick your pockets or handbag. 

I would recommend putting locks on your rucksack and having a shoulder bag rather than a handbag as they are slightly more secure. 

Another common scam which you will find all over Europe is people offering flowers or bracelets etc. None of these items will be free and they can get quite aggressive if you take one and don't pay. 

This doesn't apply to big company promotions, it is not uncommon for companies like Red Bull and Coca Cola to give out free cans around the city. 

15. Always carry an umbrella

As I mentioned previously, London gets a hell of a lot of rainfall and you don't want to be stuck in one of the downpours without a brolly! 

You can buy really small fold-out umbrellas nowadays and I would recommend packing sure you have one of these on you at all times . 

Obviously, if you do get caught in the rain, you will be able to buy an umbrella pretty easily but they do hike up the prices in the touristy areas as soon as the grey clouds start to appear. 

16. You don't need an Oyster Card

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 were once the best method for paying for public transport, but in recent years they really aren't that necessary . You can now use the same scanners that you would have used to touch in with your oyster card, to touch on with your regular bank card or phone using Google or Apple pay. 

You will need to double-check before you try to use it that your bank card allows for contactless payments as I know it's not as common outside of Europe! If you are worried about transaction fees for using your card contactless multiple times a day, it is worth noting that you will only get charged once for your whole travel within 24 hours, despite how many journeys you take in that time period. 

I personally use Monzo and Revolut for both when I travel and for day to day life as they have contactless payment and the best exchange rates. 

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. 

17. Don't worry about having cash

Thanks to the pandemic, London is now pretty much a cashless city. In fact, you will struggle to find somewhere that will actually take cash ! 

Public transport is 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. 

Even smaller shops and markets only really take cards now, even buskers have card machines ! 

The only occasions you might need some cash are for tipping and the occasional public restroom trip. 

18. Explore neighbourhood by neighbourhood

If you want to see a lot of London, I would recommend planning your trip carefully so you can use your time wisely and see as much as possible . 

If you see the city neighbourhood by neighbourhood you will have a lot more time to take in your surroundings rather than spending a lot of your time going backwards and forwards on public transport. 

It will depend on how long you have to spend in London but for instance, I would spend one day exploring Westminster, seeing the royal palaces, the beautiful parks as well as the Houses of Parliament and the other activities in the area. 

I would spend another day exploring the Southbank, starting at Waterloo, seeing the London Eye and wandering down the south side of the river taking in the sights along the way. This includes Shakespeare's Globe, The Tate Modern, Borough Market, London Bridge and finishing at Tower Bridge. 

You could spend a whole day in the east of the city, there are tons of fun things to do in Shoreditch and the surrounding areas, like Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane. 

19. See some of the city’s street art

London is one of the best places in the world to see street art. Both artists and visitors come from all over to witness its beauty and more and more pieces seem to appear every day! 

You can book this street art workshop which includes a tour of some of the city’s best street art spots and then try your hand yourself back at their studio. 

You will see street art all around the city, but here are some places I recommend. 

Waterloo is home to the infamous Graffiti Tunnel , also known as Leake Street Arches, which is London’s longest legal graffiti wall. Thanks to Banksy, this tunnel is famous for its incredible street art! Since it is a legal place for street art, you can often see street artists at work when walking through the tunnel. 

One of my favourite areas in London, Brixton is known for its vibrancy, culture and incredible street art. Be sure to check out the memorial to David Bowie and other art pieces nearby. 

Croydon is never at the top of the list for tourists to visit in London, but if you are a fan of street art, it really should be. Everything from murals to sculptures to spray paintings, the area is full of it. 

Brick Lane is the epicentre for street art in London ! The areas and pieces change often so it's impossible to suggest specific pieces to see. I would recommend wandering around Brick Lane and Shoreditch in general, you will come across tonnes! 

20. Try to support local vendors and businesses

I know it can be tempting when you visit a new place to try out all of their chains that you might have heard about online, but I do recommend trying to support local and smaller businesses as much as possible! 

This isn't me saying that you shouldn't try out a Wetherspoons at least once while you are in London at all, but you will find a lot better quality food if you stay away from the larger chains and opt for an independent or London-based business.  

21. Get out onto the river

The River Thames runs right through 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, especially lit up at night, is to get out onto the water on a boat. If you want to go fancy, you can book this dinner cruise along The Thames , which makes an amazing date night in London if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion. 

The more affordable option would be to take a ride on one of the many water taxis run by Uber. These water taxis run along the river and can actually help you get around the city pretty quickly. While not the fastest or most convenient method of getting around London, it is by far the prettiest! 

22. Stay near a tube station

The London Underground is by far one of the best ways to get around the city ! It is pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it and can get you from A to B very quickly. 

When looking at booking your accommodation, I would recommend trying to stay as near to a tube stop as possible. That way you will find it easy to get to and from your accommodation, even at night. 

A few of the underground lines in London run late into the night and while London’s night buses are useful, they are very slow and the tubes are much more efficient. 

You can also get into the city from all the airports surrounding London via train so when arriving in and departing London, you will appreciate not having to walk far with your luggage. 

23. See what pop-up exhibitions are on during your visit

One of my favourite things about living in London is that there are always new things to see and new things going on! 

Every day there are new pop-up events, exhibitions and art installations to visit , a lot of which are only there for a short amount of time so you should leap at the chance if you can. 

A big one currently is the Van Gogh Immersive exhibit , an immersive show bringing Van Gogh's art pieces to life. It's been around since July but no one is sure just how long it will be sticking around, so do get tickets if you get the chance. 

It's impossible to say what could be on when you visit so I would recommend checking websites like Time Out , Visit London and Design my Night as they always have regular updates on the new events and pop-ups.  

24.  If you see a queue, check it out!

Us Londoners love queuing but do hate wasting time so if you see a lot of locals queuing outside an event, bar, shop or even a bagel shop, it's probably worth it! 

My advice would be if you ever see a large queue, join it! Admittedly some places rise to fame through Tiktok or Instagram and are actually not worth the hype, but more often than not, if something is popular, it's for good reason! 

A lot of my favourite street food vendors and markets I never would have found if I hadn't once joined a long queue just to be nosey.

My friends and I recently joined a long queue quite randomly and it turned out it was for a new bar opening and once we got in, they had free food and drinks for two hours! 

25. Watch out for traffic

If you are a tourist visiting London, I strongly recommend you always ‘wait for the green man’ at crossings . You will likely see every Londoner walking straight across the road and in front of traffic completely willy-nilly, but if you aren't used to the direction of traffic, it can be tricky! 

In the UK we drive on the left-hand side and if you aren't used to that, you likely aren't used to looking the correct way when crossing the roads. Also, cyclists (and buses) literally come out of nowhere and I've seen some nasty collisions with cyclists and pedestrians a lot of times in central London. 

There are safe crossings all around the city as well as under paths going underneath the main roads and roundabouts so you are unlikely to need to cross the roads without one. 

Any other tips?

Hopefully, my top London travel tips will help you plan your perfect trip to this wonderful city! 

And ensure you don't make some of the classic tourist mistakes in London that are so easy to make. 

Now over to you …

Are there any top travel tips you think I missed?

Or have anything to add to the above?

Drop me a comment below and let me know, I would love to hear your thoughts!

If you are planning a trip to London soon, check out some of my other London guides:

• What to pack for London
• Best places to stay in London
• Best bookshops in London

Leave a comment

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One Day in London – What to Do in London in A Day

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 72 Comments

Planning on spending just one day in London? Sure, it’s not very long, but you’ll be able to see a lot of London’s highlights even in such a short space of time.

In this post, we’re going to help you plan your perfect day in London. We’re going to take a look at some of our favourite sights in London, capital of the UK and a spot I was thrilled to call home for a couple of years before I set off on my travels.

This guide to what to do in London in a day makes for the perfect day exploring London. It would make for a great way to start a longer trip around the UK , or to see some of London’s top sights if you have a few hours stopover in one of London’s airports .

This itinerary would also help someone planning a general European adventure – take a look at our 2 week Europe itinerary for a suggestion of how to plan something like that.

This post is set up to help you see all of these key London sights in one day and I’ve ordered them in the way that I’d recommend you go about doing that.

1 Day London Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of what this plan has you doing, for quick reference

• The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• The South Bank and London Eye, Shard or St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End
• Traditional London Pub

Now, let’s see how that looks in our detailed guide to what to do in London for a day.

One Day In London: What to Do in London for A Day

Below is a detailed guide to what to do in London if you only have a day, in the order that makes the most sense in terms of getting around and minimizing transport.

Ideally, you’ll start the day at opening time of the first attraction (between 9am and 10am, depending on the day of the week), and keep going until you’ve seen everything!

1. The Tower of London

History! If you like the TV show Game of Thrones (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love the Tower of London . This place was home to so much plotting, scheming, death and betrayals that it almost makes George’s epic tale of Westeros seem pale in comparison.

Queens, princes and archbishops died here, and history was literally made on the grass underfoot.

Admittedly, there are less dragons in London.

Expect to spend a least two hours here, exploring all there is to see, from the tower, to the execution block, to the crown jewels themselves. You can see full ticket pricing information here . It’s free for holders of the  London Pass .

Otherwise, you will want to buy tickets in advance of your visit to ensure you are able to visit. You can do so via GetYourGuide here , who we normally use for ticketing at attractions around the world. You can also check prices on the official website here , where you can also see opening times. Note that tickets bought via GetYourGuide normally include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit (although do check the ticket description prior to purchase to be sure).

While you’re at the Tower of London, you might as well take the opportunity to pop across the Thames on Tower Bridge, easily the most famous of London’s bridges, and for good reason!

You can also actually go inside this bridge and learn all about how it works by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is often a place we love to take friends and family when we show them around the city as it’s quite a unique experience.

2. The South Bank and London Eye

Once you’ve crossed over Tower Bridge, you’ll find yourself on the South Bank, cunningly named because it’s on the south bank of the river Thames.

As you walk west along this lovely bit of pedestrianized riverway you’ll find yourself passing such sights as HMS Belfast (one of our favourite military museums in London ) and London’s City Hall.

You’ll also be walking past the recreation of Shakespeare’s famous Globe theatre, the Shard (Western Europe’s tallest building), the Millennium Bridge which leads to St. Paul’s cathedral and the quite magnificent Tate Modern Art Gallery, all of which are likely to tempt you in. Go on, I won’t tell anyone.

Once you’ve made it past all these attractions, and maybe grabbed a bite to eat at Borough Market just behind London Bridge, you’ll find yourself coming around the corner, with the Houses of Parliament swinging into view and the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye looming large.

If you want a spectacular view of London, take a spin in the wheel, and marvel as the city unfurls beneath you.

For tickets, it’s cheaper to book in advance than in person. You can book tickets and check prices on the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass, which you can buy here .

We also have a complete guide to the London Eye here with lots more information to help you plan a visit.

Another option is to visit the Shard, which also offers spectacular views from a higher vantage point. The Shard has better views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, whilst the London Eye gets you close to the Houses of Parliament.

You can book tickets for the Shard in advance on Tiqets here (book online in advance for the best prices). It’s also included on the London Pass.

If you’d prefer not to walk from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament, you can also take a river “bus” from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier all the way down the river to Westminster Pier.

It’s a nice way to see London from the water, and prices for the river bus are pretty good value. See our guide to getting around London for tips on the different public transport options in the city.

3. The Houses of Parliament

After your London Eye ride, walk or boat ride (whichever you opt for!), you’ll want to pop across the river to take in the Houses of Parliament, home to the English lawmakers and the bell known as Big Ben.

This is one attraction that is easy to see from the outside, but not many people know that you can also drop inside if you want to, and go on a guided tour.

Tours aren’t quite “turn up and go in”, as they only run-on certain days, but with a bit of research and forward planning (and by visiting this site ), you should be able to visit the English home of power and authority without too much trouble. You can also book a guided tour of both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament here .

If it is too much trouble though, fear not. The building is very impressive from the outside, and you can sate your thirst for history quite easily by popping to Westminster Abbey, which happens to be just behind the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey has played host to some of the most important historical events of the last thousand years in the UK, hosting 16 royal weddings, around 50 coronations and a host of memorial services, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is also home to some of Britain’s most famous dead, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, notable royals, and many more. Very much worth a visit and free for holders of the London Pass. Full details on pricing and opening hours here . You can also book your tickets online in advance here .

4. Buckingham Palace

Ah, the Queen. Depending on you who you talk to in the UK, she’s either a lovely old dear who the country needs, or a tragic waste of taxpayers’ money.

Whichever, she does happen to have a number of rather lovely houses to live in, the most famous of which is of course Buckingham Palace. Here you can peer through the railings to watch the changing of the guard and wonder as to how the other half live, and wave frantically at the windows on the off-chance that someone waves back.

On our itinerary, you’ll likely miss the Changing of the Guard (see when that happens here ), so you would need to move things around if that happens to be a priority for your visit. Missing it isn’t the end of the world though, as it gets really crowded at that time of day.

You can also visit and actually go inside Buckingham Palace in very narrow windows of opening during the summer, with full details of pricing and opening hours available on this website.

Of course, whilst you’re at Buckingham Palace, you should probably take a moment to explore some of the other local attractions.

A quick stroll down the Mall will take you past the pretty St James’s Park, home to a number of pelicans. Then you can head out onto Trafalgar Square, where you can enjoy seeing the lions, Nelson’s famous column and sate your art appetite at the excellent, and free, National Gallery .

Note if art and museums is more your thing, you might want to schedule a visit to the British Museum in this itinerary. From Trafalgar Square it’s a 20 minute walk or a 12 minute tube ride to one of London’s most famous (and free) museums.

5. Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End

From Buckingham Palace you could either stroll up the Mall, or head back towards Westminster Abbey, and go up Whitehall. I’d advise the latter, and not least because one of the Harry Potter London locations is nearby .

Going up Whitehall takes you through the heart of government in Britain, and you’ll pass right by 10 Downing Street. Don’t be upset if you miss it though, you can’t actually see the famous door from the street.

As you walk along Whitehall you’ll find yourself passing the Cenotaph, one of Britain’s most well-known war memorials . You’ll also pass the Horse Guards, where you can get photos of the, well, Horse Guards atop their horses, before finally arriving at Trafalgar Square.

This is home to Nelson’s Monument and the National Gallery, and a photo with one of the lions is pretty much mandatory. From here, you’re an easy walk to the West End, home to the famous covered market of Covent Garden and a number of London’s most well-known theatres.

If you have time, you might now consider visiting the excellent Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where you can learn all about the history of London’s transport system. Alternatively, you can just take in a free show from one of the street entertainers here.

This is also where you’ll find Leicester Square, which is famous as where major films are first shown in the UK.

Here you might want to take in a show to round off your day in London – we can recommend the Mousetrap , the world’s longest running stage show in the world!

6. Visit a Decent London Pub

It’s not all hard work and sightseeing, you know. When you’re in London, you really should take the time to experience a truly British experience – a pub.

Enjoy a pint of something exotically named hand-pulled from a wooden handle, and marvel as to how the decor is likely not to have changed for a good couple of hundred years.

If you’re hungry, try out an English classic like fish and chips or steak and ale pie, and rejoice at how much of London you were able to see in one day.

If you’ve gotten to this point and think the idea of focusing on the pubs of London is more your scene, check out this walking tour which does just that. For more food tour suggestions, see our complete guide to the best food tours in London , which has recommendations on lots of tours as well as detail on all the food and drink to try when you’re in London.

Map of 1 Day London Itinerary

To help you visualise the above we’ve put it into a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Getting Around and Saving Money in London

For the day in London as described above, getting around by foot is entirely feasible – contrary to public opinion, central London is perfectly walkable. If you’re not so into walking though, then London is very well served by public transport.

The cheapest way to use that is with an Oyster card, a pre-pay system which works out much cheaper than paying for tickets, and available at nearly every transport hub. You can also use a contactless credit card or a device which supports contactless payments.

We have a detailed guide to using the London transport network here which covers all your options.

In terms of visiting attractions, a number of London sights are free, including some of the top museums like the Tate Modern.

However, places like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and St. Pauls Cathedral aren’t free, and if you think you’re going to be visiting a few sights, then you have a couple of options for saving money.

First is the  London Pass , a sight-seeing pass that gives you access to over 80 top attractions across the city.

From those listed on this page, the London Pass includes the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, View from the Shard, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Transport Museum.

If you plan on visiting all those attractions (we’d suggest either the London Eye or the Shard rather than both though), the entry fees as of April 2024 would be around £153 per person (assuming you pick either the Shard or the London Eye, it would be even more if you visited both!).

A 1 day London Pass currently costs £114, so that would save you around £39 per person. It also saves you the hassle of having to book separate tickets for each attraction or joining long ticket lines on site.

Check our full review and guide to the London Pass to see if it’s for you.

The second option we recommend is the GoCity London Explorer Pass . This lets you pick and choose from a set of attractions. You can choose to go to 2, 3, 5 or 7 attractions from the selection of over 60 attractions.

We think that both of these passes can save you money in London, the difference is largely down to which attractions you want to see, and how many attractions you want to see.

Get your London Pass online from the official site here .

What about a walking tour of London?

If you’d prefer to have a guide for all or part of your day in London, who can share with you some of the history of this city as well as more local knowledge and insights, then we can recommend this London in a Day tour .

This tour covers nearly everything we have in our one-day London itinerary, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Changing of the Guard, and Westminster Abbey.

It’s a full day tour, but we think is one of the better options if you would prefer an escorted experience and the input of a guide.

We’ve used the tour company “ Take Walks ” for walking tours around the world, and have always had a positive experience, and are happy to recommend this tour . They also have a number of other tours in London that are worth checking out.

Another option we suggest are  these tours by City Wonders , they offer a wide range of tours in London, from introductory tours through to more detailed and specific tours.

They also offer attraction entry to most of the attractions in this list if you want to book items individually. Definitely a good one-stop shop for your London trip planning.

Harry Potter fans will want to check out this guided tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London .

We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.

Where to Go After Your Day in London – Day Trips & More

We’re often asked where to head to from London after this itinerary is over, or just for suggestions on good day trips from London.

We’ve done quite a  few day trips from London, including a day trip to Oxford and a day trip to Stonehenge from London , and we wanted to share some ideas, for both day trips from the city and longer trips to see more of the country.

• Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds are really popular destinations, and you can easily do these together as part of a day trip from London. This tour features all of those destinations, as well as Windsor Castle. It even includes lunch!
• Lovers of Downton Abbey will want to visit Highclere Castle where the show was filmed. See our guide to visiting Highclere Castle , which includes tips for visiting as a day trip from London, then check out this tour .
• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . Three popular destinations from London that you can visit as part of a day trip. Also see my guide to visiting Oxford from London for more ideas.
• A private tour down to Portsmouth . This is a good tour for those of you with an interest in naval history and/or visiting a lovely English seaside city. Also see our guide to things to do in Portsmouth for more ideas.
• For a longer trip, check out my 10 day UK itinerary by public transport , which starts with a couple of days in London, but then has you touring some highlights of the rest of the country. We also have 1 week and 2 week self drive itineraries .
• Visiting Paris as a day trip from London is a popular option as well, and with the Eurostar train direct from central London to Paris in around 2 hours, this can even be done as a day trip. You can either do this yourself, booking train tickets here , or you can take a day tour like  this one . See our guide to spending a day in Paris for sightseeing tips.
• If you want to take a longer guided tour from London and see more of the UK, we recommend  this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

Hopefully these give you a starting point for the next stage in your trip!

Where to Stay in London

If you’re planning on spending the night in London, you have no shortage of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury five star properties.

For this itinerary, we’d suggest placing yourself fairly centrally if you can, to minimise travel time. For a short stay like this, we’d definitely recommend using booking.com to book your property – whilst we love apartment rentals, we think they are less sensible for a whistle stop visit.

For examples of properties at different price points that are centrally located, here are some options:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – a well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money
• The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

Generally when searching for somewhere to stay our first choice is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to hostels , guest-houses and even apartments . Try them for London and see!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for London here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

We also have a complete guide to where to stay in London . That has over 60 recommendations for where to stay across a number of areas in London for all budgets. It also has tips on which neighbourhoods to stay in and things to know before booking a property. Well worth a read.

Practicalities for Visiting London

Electricity in London is of the 220v standard, with a three pin plug that isn’t found in too many other countries. Travellers from most of the rest of the world, including mainland Europe and the US will need an adapter like this .

In addition, US travellers will need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

London uses the British pound, which is accepted across the British Isles. You can get Pounds from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

If you do use a credit or debit card, just make sure it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees or have a poor currency conversion rate. There are a number of excellent credit cards for travellers, and it’s always worth checking to be sure you have a good deal before travelling and racking up unexpected fees.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city, including in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. These are usually excellent value as data rates in the UK are very competitive.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in London is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like this to save on having to buy water bottles.

London is a safe city in our experience, although as with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. If you’re going to use a taxi, make sure you use a licensed operator such as a black cab.

Further Reading on Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third party content we think you’ll find useful in planning what to do in London, as well as the wider UK.

• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing.
• Spending more time in London? Check out our itinerary for spending two days in London , as well as our detailed itineraries for 3 days in London and 6 days in London .
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• A guide to public transport options in London , as well as the best ways to pay for public transport in London
• A guide to the best food tours in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to a 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• A detailed London packing list to help you pack
• A guide to getting into central London from all London’s airports
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information
• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations

And that sums up our idea of the perfect one day in London! Have you visited London? What would your perfect day look like. Let us know in the comments below!

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Leeroy Jenkins says

22nd August 2023 at 8:11 am

This is the best guide I’ve found in looking for how to hoof it around London in a day. Exactly the itinerary I was looking for and practical guidance and helpful tips. Thank you, we are there tomorrow!

Laurence Norah says

22nd August 2023 at 8:52 am

Thanks very much Leeroy! Have a great time and remember, stick with your team and watch out for dragons 😉

Ajitabh Gupta says

1st January 2023 at 10:26 pm

Hi there , this is a fantastic itinerary. Thanks for putting this together . We have a 12 hour layover at Heathrow and we are planning to book a private car for the entire duration. We land at 9 am on Sunday with return flight at 8:55 pm same Day. Will you suggest any changes to the itinerary since we will have a private taxi for the entire duration, if so , what ? Thanks in advance

3rd January 2023 at 4:39 pm

Hi Ajitabh,

It’s my pleasure! So I think you should have plenty of time with a vehicle. Traffic into and around London can be a bit slow, I’d estimate you’re looking at around an hour each way from Heathrow conservatively. But this should give you time to see the highlights as described. The only recommendation I might have it to do the itinerary in reverse. Depending on the day and how long it takes you to clear customs, you might make it to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard in the morning. Then you can work your way through the sights in reverse and finish at the Tower of London. I believe it is still recommended to book timed entry for the Tower of London, so if you do that for the afternoon you don’t need to worry about getting there by a certain time in the morning, which could be stressful. I’d also recommend booking a timeslot for the London Eye / Shard if you plan on visiting one of those.

Other than that though, have a great trip!

Kelly Powell-Smith says

15th August 2022 at 6:27 pm

These are great tips! Thank you for posting them. My daughter and I will have a full day in London (plus the afternoon we arrive) and are looking at this one day itinerary and it seems perfect. High on our list of things to do are Tower of London, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. I think we will start at the Tower of London when it opens at 9 am. Estimating about 2 hours there as you suggest. If we take the walking route shown, about how long might it be before we arrive at the London Eye? Trying to buy tickets in advance so trying to guess arrival time. Same for the Abbey. Thinking we’d do the latest afternoon tour and then stay for Evensong since there will be one of those services on that day. Thank you for any tips you can share.

16th August 2022 at 9:13 am

Thanks very much! So if you take the route I suggest, which crosses Tower Bridge and follows the South Bank, it’s about a 55 minute walk. However, you are going to see quite a few things along the way, including Tower Bridge from various angles, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and the Golden Hind ship. These will probably all have you stopping and taking photos, so I’d suggest planning for a 1.5 hour trip just to be on the safe side.

Then from the Eye to Westminster Abbey is a 15 minute walk, but again, you’ll be going past the Houses of Parliament, so I’d recommend planning for 30 minutes.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

27th September 2021 at 4:50 pm

Wow, you’re quick! Thank you Laurence, I appreciate your help.

We (my mom and me) fly to London Stansted around midnight and from there have a transfer to Victoria. We’re not staying at any hotel, but have an evening flight back, so have to transfer back to the airport from Victoria around 4pm, so basically we have 15 hours or so to spare. Unfortunately most of it is at night 🙁 We have only our backpacks, no other baggage, so that’s good. I’m so afraid we’re not going to see much and walk in circles or be late for the transfer back to the airport.

I thought we could first go from Victoria to walk around Soho and China town, then maybe to St Paul’s Cathedral and through Tower Bridge toward Tate Modern – but it opens at 10, so we have several hours to get there… After that I was thinking London Eye & Big Ben and, since it would be after 10am – The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and back to Victoria.

What do you think?

27th September 2021 at 6:39 pm

It’s my pleasure 🙂

Ok, so that sounds pretty full on! Unfortunately, yes, London is going to be mostly closed. Obviously late night bars and clubs will be open, but other than that the sights will be closed. SoHo will be pretty lively I expect as there are a lot of bars and things there. Overall your plan sounds pretty good, as long as you don’t mind spending a fair amount of time with not too much open. You will at least see a side of London that is less seen, especially in the early hours of the morning! Should be an experience 😀

Let me know if I can help any more! I think you’ll have more than enough time to do everything you want 🙂

27th September 2021 at 11:45 am

Hi! How are you?

What free attractions do you recommend? And what could I see at night? I’m arriving at Victoria Coach Station at midnight and go back home from the same station around 4PM, so I have some time to sightsee but I don’t really know how to schedule all that 🙁 I would really appreciate your help!

Thank you so so much in advance

27th September 2021 at 12:59 pm

Good to hear from you! So I’m not sure from your message if you are planning to sleep somewhere or just sightsee. At midnight pretty much all the attractions will be closed in London until the following morning, although you can of course see the outside of all the sights. So I’d probably suggest sleeping until the morning and then getting up quite early and sightseeing. I’d suggest staying near the coach station so you can get to and from your accommodation, and ensure to pick somewhere that lets you store any bags you have as well as one which has late check in.

From the Victoria Coach station area you could easily follow our route in reverse if you just wanted to see sights from the outside. So that could include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, London Eye, South Bank, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

In terms of free attractions, it depends on your interests. I like the science museum, V&A museum and Natural History Museum, which are all close to each other in Kensington. The Tate Modern is good if you like modern art, and the Museum of London is awesome to learn about the history of the city.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can provide any more input! Have a great trip!

David Bunting says

22nd September 2021 at 11:12 pm

Hi me and my wife are coming down to London in October we are trying to plan a good tour to see the sights I’ve just seen your walking tour in one day and it’s just what we are looking for we are staying in kings cross and would get the tube to the start point and walk it to finish up in convent garden area we are not planning on spending much but may do London eye or shard we may do a river cruise but we like to walk and take in the sights how far from start to finish is your walk if we start between 10 and 11 taking it steady calling for a couple of drinks and maybe the attractions I’ve mentioned would we be round for mid afternoon maybe or would it take longer we may not use the attractions we may just take the sights on foot we enjoy just walking your walk plan I think is ideal for us I think we will see all we want in the walk I hope you can help me it will be much appreciated. Cheers. David

23rd September 2021 at 9:50 am

So the total walking time you are looking at on this route is about 2 hours. I’d also recommend when you get to the Tate Modern, to cross over the millenium bridge and take a look at St. Pauls Cathedral. It only adds five minutes walk to the trip but is well worth the detour.

Obviously, depending on how long you stop to look at attractions / have a drink or two, the journey will take longer, but I’d say if you started around 10am you’d definitely be able to do this by mid-afternoon.

Have a great time in London, let me know if you have any more questions!

Deana Rasberry says

7th January 2020 at 4:09 am

I have been reading all your lovely suggestions and that is great information to have. I am planning a first time trip to London in May and arriving at 0900 in Heathrow and staying at Accor hotel right near that airport. My question is I have the full day from arriving to 7:30 where I booked tickets to see WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre, but in terms of sites to see in which order would you recommend with that event in mind? The morning after I fly ( on 16th) back to States. Its just one full day in London after 3 weeks around Europe, I am departing out of Heathrow so decided to arrive one day before. Thanks for your time in advance and look forward to suggestions. I already down loaded the LONDON city mapper for trans options….. wanted to see much as possible including Piccadilly and maybe Abbey Road studios.

7th January 2020 at 3:16 pm

I would actually say that the order in the itinerary should work just fine for you. The only change I might make would be to switch the last two stops around, but only if you don’t want to go inside Westminster Abbey. This is because the abbey closes fairly early, so if you get here late you will only be able to enjoy the outside (which is also magnificent). Otherwise, the rest of the itinerary should work fine in the order it is in, as the theatre is near Westminster Abbey 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help, and have a lovely time in London,

7th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Osum!! Thank you For all the advice. I appreciate them. Deana

8th January 2020 at 11:56 am

My pleasure!

1st January 2020 at 7:15 pm

Such a helpful overview of 1-day in London! And one short ‘day’ is all we have. To make the most of our time I’m wondering if you can help fine tune our itinerary plan.

We arrive at Heathrow at 8pm on a Sat night in Sept, and fly out on Sun at 5pm. Given the relatively late arrival we’re wondering which neighbourhood we should stay in. We’re looking for something that would put us in good position to launch into the walking tour the next morning and at the end, be in a good position for picking up the luggage and whisking back to the airport. Accomodation-wise, we’re look for something moderate meaning charm and comfort but not luxury.

Also, are there any parts of the tour or off-tour suggestions that would be conducive to squeezing in 10pm-midnight on Saturday?

Look forward to any further advice you have for us!

Karen & Carla

1st January 2020 at 8:29 pm

Hi Karen & Carla,

Great to hear from you, and thanks very much.

So I would personally suggest staying at a hotel near Paddington train station. We stayed at this one a couple of weeks ago, which was just a five minute walk from the train station, and they held our luggage on our last day with no problem. It’s also a short walk to nearby tube, from where you can easily get to the start of your day. There are quite a few in the area. From Paddington, you can get the Tfl rail service direct to Heathrow for around £10 per person each way, and it takes around 30 minutes. There’s also the Heathrow Express, which is twice as fast and costs twice as much, so it’s up to you!

In terms of what you could squeeze in, obviously most indoor attractions will be closed at the time. However, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are pleasant to walk at night, and I always love walking across the Thames Bridges near the London Eye at night as it is so pretty and lit up.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip, and do let me know if I can be of any further assistance!

All the best, and Happy New Year,

2nd January 2020 at 1:06 am

Happy New Year to you as well, Laurence, and wishes for many more happy travels. Thanks for the advice. We’re booked and ready to go. 🙂

2nd January 2020 at 11:20 am

My pleasure – have a great time!

Vijay Patel says

3rd September 2019 at 6:10 am

It’s my dream to visit London for once in my life as I am very fond of places to visit in London. especially, the London Eye. The list of places and other things to do in London is just amazing. London is such an amazing place to reside and visit hence I will be definitely sharing this great blog with my friends and family. I am glad I came across this and thanks for investing time and sharing this informative post with us.

3rd September 2019 at 9:45 am

My pleasure Vijay, thanks for your comment 🙂

7th August 2019 at 11:41 am

These are some fantastic tips which I will definitely be going to follow on my next one day trip to London. And please suggest any of the budget hotels in North London which have all the necessary facilities and close to these attractions. Thanks

7th August 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thanks Ammy!

So the two properties in our list we’d suggest based on your criteria would be:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options

If those don’t work, the linked site should have plenty more options for you 🙂

21st March 2019 at 6:38 am

Hello Laurence, I stumbled upon your posts in Google, I found very helpful tips from your website. I’m thankful for such detailed, well-done posts. It will by our first time in London, I’m nervous because I’m bring my parents and will be there for only a day. Taking Euro Star train from Paris we will arrive Monday May 13, 2019 at St. Pancras @ 8AM and leaving same day at 8PM. Knowing that we won’t have a lot of time and afraid to get lost, your posts have eased somewhat my anxiety.

I’ve been watching other channels on YouTube but yours is the best by far and have met my needs. I saw your 1 day London itinerary & map. London has comes alive to me, I was so happy because I’ve been trying to study the map, city mapper, bus routes…and was so overwhelmed.

We’re on a budget so we’ll take public transportation and will do sightseeing only.

I was planning to take public bus but since you mentioned taking the Tube & River Boat/Bus will save some times from and back to St. Pancras is a great idea.

Is there any way you can give more details of how to take the Tube, bus numbers/routes efficiently for our trip?

I plan to go directly to Buckingham from St. Pancras to watch the changing of the guards then head to Sky Garden and Borough market for lunch. I’m excited to take River Boat and walk to some of your suggested sites as time allows before we head back to St. Pancreas.

Not to be greedy but do you think we can stop by and check out Little Niece on the way back to the train station and call off the day? Hopefully we can visit British Museum as well. .So sad already…

Lastly, will we have trouble of finding public toilets there?

Thanks so much again for your time & people like you to help out others via Internet of travel needs. Annie N.

21st March 2019 at 11:12 am

Thanks for your comment (and e-mail!).

So you have quite a lot of time – 12 hours should give you plenty of time to explore.

In terms of your route, the easiest way to plan a route in London, in my opinion, is just to use Google Maps. It has all the transportation options that you need and will pick the fastest route. Even if you don’t have data, there’s free WiFi available throughout London to help you.

It’s hard to give you an exact route plan as I’m not sure of your overall itinerary. However, from St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace, the best option is going to be the Victoria line ( https://goo.gl/maps/w9C3mATLCHu ).

From there to the Sky Garden you can take the Circle and District Line ( https://goo.gl/maps/nPLm5VNNi1q )

I would definitely advise downloading London as an offline Google Map to your phone, then you will be able to find your way around the streets.

I’m not familiar with Little Niece – where is that?

There are some public toilets in London, so you should be able to find them without too much trouble 🙂

Have a great trip, let me know if I can help any more!

22nd March 2019 at 5:44 am

Thank you Laurence for your quick reply! Sorry I meant Little Venice not Little Niece.

22nd March 2019 at 9:57 am

Ah, that makes sense. So you could try and squeeze that in, although you would be cutting it quite fine with everything else as well 🙂

22nd March 2019 at 6:50 pm

Thanks! One more question please, if we follow your suggested routes and start from St.Pancras to Towel of London…will we make it to watch the changing of the guard in time?

22nd March 2019 at 6:55 pm

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place from 10.45 – 11.30am. From St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. So if you arrive into St. Pancras at 8am you will have more than enough time 🙂 I’d suggest seeing something else on the way. Unfortunately many attractions do not open until 10am, however you could explore Covent Garden and see Trafalgar Square in the meantime.

2nd March 2019 at 8:56 am

Hi, myself, husband and two teens (16 and 17) are visiting London in June for one day. Our first time visiting and feeling anxious. We would like to maybe visit some free places but also do a couple of paid sites. what would you recommend for us, and of interest to the teens. Is your itinerary doable by foot and how far between each site to walk? Thanks in advance

2nd March 2019 at 9:03 am

I understand the anxious feeling of wanting to see everything! I guess I would say that it is definitely possible to see many of the highlights in a day, but not to worry too much about trying to see everything London has to offer in just one day, as it’s a big city with hundreds of attractions! I’d try and focus on a few big items that you really want to see. My suggestions would be things like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, which are some of the more iconic landmarks in the city.

The itinerary as I have laid it out is do-able on foot yes. You’re probably looking at a total of 2 hours of actual walking, but obviously you will take a lot more time as you’ll be taking pictures and looking at the sights. You’ll also need to get from wherever you are staying to the start and end point.

In terms of paid sites, I would definitely recommend the Tower of London. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and one of the oldest castles in the UK, and there is so much history to learn about here. After that, many of the attractions can be enjoyed from the outside, like the Tower of London and the south bank. You could also pop across the Millenium Bridge from the Tate Modern to visit St. Pauls. Even if you’re not into Modern Art, I can recommend a visit to the Tate Modern as there’s a great view from the balcony.

I hope this helps – do let me know if I can be of any more assistance 🙂

Melissa says

20th January 2019 at 12:52 am

Hello, I’m visiting in March for one day coming in on the Eurostar. What should be my first stop on your list ? And how can i get to it ? Thanks so much

20th January 2019 at 12:07 pm

Hi Melissa!

So the Eurostar arrives at St. Pancras. My suggestion is to follow this itinerary in the order it’s laid out, so your first point of call will be the Tower of London. This is easy to get to from St. Pancras, you just take the Underground. Specifically, you’ll want to take the Circle line (Yellow colour) from St. Pancras in the direction of Liverpool Street, and get off at Tower Hill. It’ll take around 10 minutes.

I hope this helps! I have a using the London transport network here which might be useful too 🙂

Have a great trip!

Kathleen Trakas says

27th January 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hello! My Husband & I also are in Paris for our 3rd trip in December & want to take the Eurostar to London for the day. Reading your suggestions we feel confident we can do your itinerary in just one day- we’re early birds so with this itinerary what train times do you suggest would give us a relaxing but full day? We can catch the 6am train and how long would this all take to get back to the train station without worry?

27th January 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi Kathleen!

So it’s around a two hour trip to London from Paris, meaning the 6am train will get you in at just after 8am. The only thing to bear in mind is that many of the attractions in London don’t open until after 9am.

To make the most of your time therefore, you might want to reorder the day. I’d suggest starting with some of the outdoor sights like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the Houses of Parliament first, and then Buckingham Palace. You can then make your way along the south bank past the London Eye, Tate Modern, Golden Hind and HMS Belfast before getting to Tower Bridge, and then seeing the Tower of London.

From the tower of London you can then hop on the tube for the ten minute ride back to St. Pancras, for the train. I’d advise giving yourselves plenty of time for all that, as you’ll likely want to eat at some point as well and not feel rushed, so a train at around 6 or 7pm would be my suggestion.

I hope this helps!

28th January 2019 at 4:55 pm

Thanks so much! Pretty excited to be Headed to London for a day! Cheers!

Helena says

20th December 2018 at 4:28 pm

Heey, I’m going to London with a friend inJanuary. He are arriving sunday at 9am at Gatwick and sleeping somewhere in Enfield and going to Southampton the next day. I enjoyed looking your guide for one day and i would like to ask your opinion on what to do in one day, knowing that the tickets are kinda expensives and we love nature and high-views. Thank you! And good work!

20th December 2018 at 4:39 pm

So are you asking for advice in London? I will assume so 🙂

For views, I would recommend the Sky Garden. It’s free to visit, but you do need to book a timeslot in advance which you can do on their website here . Tickets are released on a Monday for the following week, and they alway go very quickly, so you’ll want to set a calendar reminder. Another good viewpoint can be had in the Tate Modern museum, which is also free 🙂

In terms of more sightseeing, many of the sights and attractions in London are free, such as watching Changing of the Guard, and looking at the outside of the major buildings like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and so on. So I would advise you to basically follow this itinerary fairly closely, but just to skip any attractions you don’t want to pay to see if budget is a key concern.

For nature, you will likely enjoy a visit to some of the parks, like Hyde Park or Green Park, which are just near Buckingham Palace / Trafalgar Square.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip

Kadeer says

13th December 2018 at 10:12 pm

Hello my family and I are traveling and have one day in London, we fly in to Gatwick at 12 pm and out of Gatwick the next morning at 7 am. We are staying at a hotel close to the airport…. would you recommend any changes or advice for us (kids ages are 11/13/15). I am not sure if we should take uber, train, the express train, or taxi. Also while in London should we do the hop on and off bus?

14th December 2018 at 2:47 pm

So from Gatwick one of the easiest ways to get into London is to take the train (see my full guide to getting to central London from all the airports here ). You can take the Gatwick Express, but these tickets are usually £20 per person each way, so if budget is a consideration i would instead suggest taking the normal train, which has tickets starting at £9.90. You can check ticket prices and times here – it’s always cheaper to buy in advance online, just make sure you get on the train that you buy the ticket for.

In terms of the itinerary, you will definitely have to reduce the sight seeing a bit as you only really have half a day. My suggestion would be to visit Tower Bridge and look at the Tower of London from the outside, then take the tube to Westminster where you can see Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

I hope this helps – have a great time in London!

3rd December 2018 at 1:07 am

family of 4 person , visiting london for one day what tips you suggest for us. thanks alot

3rd December 2018 at 11:05 am

My advice would be to follow the itinerary, but to perhaps slow it down depending on the age and stamina of your family. Certainly, everything is do-able, but in hearing feedback from family travellers, travelling as a family will require you to take things a bit slower (depending on age).

Have a great time!

Amanda says

4th November 2018 at 7:16 am

Your itinerary sounds perfect everything I would love to see! I’ve been so anxious just thinking of how to plan my ONE day in London. Could you provide some tips on where to start the day? I will be arriving in London in the morning about 9 at Heathrow. My departure will be about 11 that evening from Gatwick. I’ll be using your itinerary as my guide. But need tips on how to use my time as efficiently as possible. I also want to make sure I make my flight that evening. Please help!

4th November 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Amanda! Sounds like you have lots of time to see all the things on my itinerary, but I would suggest in a different order to make it more efficient based on your airport arrival and departure. 🙂 So from Heathrow the cheapest option is to take the tube, you could take this to Leicester Square. From here you can get out and see Trafalgar Square, then walk to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace – you should be in time to see the Changing of the Guard. From here you can then walk along the south bank of the river, from the London Eye all the way around, past Shakespeare’s Globe and HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, the Golden Hind etc. You’ll finish near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, when you are done you can take the train from London Bridge train station which goes direct to London Gatwick airport 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great day out!

Nandini says

11th August 2018 at 11:55 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica! Thanks so much for the post! Most certainly, It gives a pretty good idea to plan a one-day trip! I will go to London from Birmingham on 31st August and leave on 2nd September. That gives me 1 evening and 1 full day and 1 morning to explore London! Would you please give me any particular suggestion so that I can utilize my stay to the best extent?

13th August 2018 at 9:23 pm

Hey Nandini!

Sounds like a fun trip 🙂 So, it’s a bit hard to give specific advice without knowing your interests, but our general advice would be to figure out what you really want to see, and try to plan your time so you can see them as efficiently as possible. So for example, if you have an evening in London, some attractions such as the London Eye or the Shard are open later, so you can go to them on your first day perhaps. Or you could catch a show. Essentially, try to make the best use of your time as possible whilst you are there 🙂 Hopefully this helps!

Talva Walker says

2nd August 2018 at 8:12 pm

Hi, I’ve been enjoying your post. Very insightful. I’m planning a trip to Paris Aug 31-Sept 5, arriving CDG at 7:20am on Sept 1, staying at the Mercure Paris Alesia. I am planning a day trip to London via EuroRail. Can you please suggest the best travel and sightseeing routes from Paris to London so I can get the most out of my day while in London. Thanks

2nd August 2018 at 8:21 pm

HI Talva, thanks for your comment. Could you just elaborate for me what you need – as you say you are taking the Eurail train, which will put you right in central London, are you looking for a tour guide or a suggested itinerary? There’s only one train option as far as I know, you just have to pick a time that works for you 🙂

8th August 2018 at 9:24 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for your response. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m looking to find the best way to spend my day in London allowing time to/from the Eurorail. Is this doable.

9th August 2018 at 2:41 pm

Hey Talva! Well, that makes more sense. This itinerary is definitely do-able in a day but it does depend on what time your train gets in and leaves. If you are looking for the highlights, I’d suggest the Tower of London, walking across Tower Bridge, the London Eye or The Shard for great views, the exterior of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. That should all be very achievable in a day 🙂

11th July 2018 at 4:52 am

Hi, We are planning a trip to England and visit to Scotland and/or Ireland in early August. This may be too optimistic coverage but we have 12 full days. Our flight lands in Gatwick and we come back via Shannon. What is your recommendation? I plan to rent a car after spending 3 days in London.

11th July 2018 at 9:46 am

My advice would be to check out our 2 week UK itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ and adjust it slightly to meet your time-frame and particular interests 🙂 We also have 1 week and 10 day UK itineraries, as well as loads of other content on travelling in the UK. So I am sure you will find the answers you need, but I’m always happy to provide further information as well.

Camilla says

1st July 2018 at 6:45 pm

I love the tips! We will be staying in a hotel near Covent Garden and will follow this! Any recommendations for places to eat around the area? I will be travelling with my in-lawsmy parents and my husband, we are not picky with food and we want to try where the locals eat.

3rd July 2018 at 10:30 am

Hey Camilla! Thanks very much 🙂 To be honest, we rarely recommend restaurants as recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our advice would be to ask at the hotel reception when you get in, or look on Yelp / Google for nearby restaurants or pubs that have good ratings. A good pub meal is a must when visiting London. I would also add that there is a huge volume of visitors to London, as well as a very multi-cultural feel to the city, so most venues will cater to both locals and visitors 🙂

Beccare says

19th May 2018 at 10:38 am

Hello there, I will be heading into the Uk at the ending of this year and I have a list of places I would like to see in one day but not very sure how to see them all. I only have one day for sight seeing unfortunately. I plan on purchasing a one day london pass, the places are: British Museum, St Paul Cathedral, London motor museum, Charles Dickens museum, Globe Theater, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, London Bridge, West Minister Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The view from the shard.

19th May 2018 at 7:09 pm

Hi Beccare!

I will be honest with you, I think you will struggle to see all of those locations in one day. I think you should be able to see a lot of them, but not all. My suggestion would be to start at the Tower of London, then Tower Bridge, Globe Theater, St. Paul’s cathedral, London Motor Museum and Westminster Abbey. Then head to the shard as that is open later. I think that would be achievable, but still you will have to go quite quickly. Otherwise you will rush so much you won’t see anything so well. I hope this works!

Alma J Saad says

16th May 2018 at 5:05 am

Excellent photographs. particularly the one of the Routemaster transport. Notwithstanding the 9 appeared, one additionally keeps running on the 15 (Heritage) course, which takes guests past numerous traveler spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and so forth.) an incredible method to see London and considerably less expensive than a visitor transport!

17th May 2018 at 9:12 am

Thanks very much Alma!

Mohamed Haikel says

30th March 2018 at 3:35 pm

Im planning a honeymoon trip to europe and london is one of my stops and this article/post has been very helpful in narrowing down my list of places to visit. ill have a full day for sightseeing. Im staying at the Novotel Wembley in London. Any advice or recomendation on where i should start my sightseeing?

30th March 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Mohamed! Congratulations on your wedding 🙂 The easiest way to get around London is to take public transport, so my suggestion would be to take the tube (also known as the underground) from near your hotel. There are two easy options. First would be to take the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park Station to Aldgate Station, and then walk to the Tower of London. Alternatively, and I think my preferred option, would be to take the Jubilee Line from Wembley Park Station to London Bridge Underground Station, and then walk from there. It’s a prettier walk from the latter.

If you need information on getting around London, I have two posts to help, one on how to use the public transport system in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/guide-public-transport-london/

And one on paying for transport in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/pay-public-transport-london-oyster-contactless-best/

Andrea Heys says

26th March 2018 at 6:34 pm

Wow, This is really helpful, thank you. We are 4 ladies (3 Canadians and 1 Brit) staying around the Gatwick area at the end of April 2018. We have one full day and evening to see everything. We would love to see as much as possible (1 lady can’t walk a long way at a time but can rest for a few minutes and then carry on). The Canadians are leaving it up to me, the Brit (but from the North) to show them around. They want to sight-see and then take in a west end show in the evening. Can you recommend a route that can accommodate not too much walking?

26th March 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Andrea – delighted that you found the post useful 🙂 I’ll do my best to help out!

From Gatwick (I’m assuming the airport), my advice would be to take the train into central London – specifically London Bridge. This will put you almost directly across the river from the Tower of London, as well as a number of other great London sights (HMS Belfast, St. Pauls Cathedral & Tower Bridge). So a good place to start.

I’d then suggest after seeing all that you want in that area, that you take the River Bus service from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier, and go to Westminster Pier. It’s pretty cost effective, and is a good way to see London from the water 🙂 Then you’ll be in the heart of Westminster, right next to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Churchill War Rooms, and whatever else you want to see in that area. You could also do the London Eye quite easily. Then, from Westminster it’s a short walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing St to Trafalgar Square, from where you have your pick of the shows.

Hopefully that all makes sense! I wouldn’t advise doing everything in the comment, obviously pick and choose what you’re interested in. IF you are interested in going in a few of the different attractions, definitely check out the London Pass (linked in the post) to see if the cost savings make it a benefit to you.

Have an amazing time – do pop back and let me know how it went!

29th March 2018 at 3:37 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll definitely let you know what we chose. This is great information and I heard about the London pass so we’ll check it out. This is a fantastic website that I’ll be recommending to all I know in Canada. Great information about London. Thank you again ?

29th March 2018 at 4:19 pm

My pleasure Andrea – and thanks very much!

Dale Fisher says

25th March 2018 at 2:50 pm

Your itinerary sounds perfect since we are staying for one day. We, husband and two daughters 21 & 23, leave in a few days and I will use your itinerary. We are staying at the London Arch so should I still start my day at the Tower of London? What if I begin at Westminster Pier and take the River Cruise to the Tower? I have pre booked tickets to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. I plan to do it all walking. I value any opinions. Thank you!! Dale

25th March 2018 at 3:02 pm

Glad to be of help! It’s really up to you. From Marble Arch, it would probably make the most sense to go in the following order:

Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey / Houses of Parliament River cruise or walk along south bank to Tower of London Tower of London Then you could either take public transport back or the river cruise again.

Alternatively you could take public transport to the Tower of London, and then the itinerary would finish near Buckingham Palace and be quite close to where you are staying 🙂

25th March 2018 at 3:23 pm

Thank you!! This was extremely helpful! We arrive the day before and have the evening free, any suggestions to make the most of our evening? All the best, Dale

25th March 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure! There are a few options, you could try one of the following;

Take in a West End London Show (there are many to choose from, we know the Lion King is very popular!) Take a ride on the London Eye at sunset or head up the Shard for great views Pop out for a meal or a drink – there are so many dining and drinking options we don’t think you’ll struggle to find somewhere

simon harding says

26th November 2015 at 9:00 am

beautiful photos. especially the one of the routemaster bus. In addition to the 9 shown, one also runs on the 15 (Heritage) route, which takes visitors past many tourist spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral etc.) a great way to see London and much cheaper than a tourist bus!

Claudia Luxembourg says

6th August 2015 at 11:43 am

You got it covered! I know London so well that whenever people visit me I take them on my very personal walking tour. I usually start in Covent Garden, walk to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, then head to Trafalgar Square where we stop at the National Gallery. Keep on to Buckingham Palace and then continue to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster. Then I go to the British Museum too. I taylor it depending on what people are interested in. But it usually works fine. It is an amazing city. I also love Chiswick. Perhaps my fav. part of London!!

Laurence says

7th September 2015 at 9:11 am

That’s one of my favourite routes 😀 I lived in Covent Garden for a couple of years, love that part of town!

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London Travel Tips: 30 Things You Need to Know Before Travelling to London

Planning a visit to London? Equip yourself with these handy London tips before you go – how to get around, ways to stay safe, practical information and more.

From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to its vibrant streets brimming with culture, London has an enchanting allure that never fails to captivate. But before you embark on your journey, there are a few insider tidbits you ought to know. 

Whether it’s navigating the tube like a pro, deciding which London landmarks to visit, or savouring the best fish and chips in town, consider me your trusty guide. 

So sit back, relax and get ready to unlock some useful tips for travelling to London.

Top 5 London Travel Tips

Get familiar with the currency.

First of all, you’ll want to get a handle on the money situation in the UK. We use the pound – though you’ll hear Londoner’s using quid interchangeably. 

Paper notes come in denominations of £5, £10, £20 and £50, while coins come in all shapes and sizes: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2.

It’s worth noting that while cash is widely accepted in London, card payments are also commonplace. So, whether you’re swiping your card or counting your quids, do your homework to navigate the world of pounds like a proper Londoner.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Whether you need a visa to visit the land of tea and crumpets depends on your nationality. You can easily check if you need one before taking the plunge.

Now, even if you don’t need a visa, there are still some hoops to jump through. You must meet the Standard Visitor eligibility requirements. You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa online, and it’ll set you back around £100 for up to 6 months in the UK.

Learn the Language and Slang in London

If you’re reading this, I imagine you’ve got a pretty firm grip on English and won’t have any issues in London. 

That said, don’t be surprised if you encounter some unique British slang and expressions that might leave you scratching your head. Embrace the local slang, like calling friends “mate” or saying “cheers” to express gratitude.

Decide on the Best Time To Visit London

While London is a year-round destination, it’s no secret that the summer and pre-Christmas period can get pretty crowded and pricey. 

If you prefer more breathing room and wallet-friendly options, consider visiting in late spring or early autumn. Picture pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and fewer tourists—it’s a win-win.

However, if you crave the hustle and bustle of summer, expect crowds and higher prices. The longer daylight hours and lively atmosphere make it a tempting time to visit, especially with parks, riverside bars, festivals and the likes of Wimbledon in full swing.

Check out this handy London travel guide to help you pick the best time for your visit.

How To Stay Safe in London

Though I generally believe London is a safe city, there are pockets of crime and things like pickpocketing are more common. But don’t panic. Just be cautious with your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. 

In bustling Central London, the constant flow of people offers a comforting sense of security, lasting well into the evening hours. Additionally, London’s police force are equipped with surveillance cameras and boast rapid response times.

Now, the tube might introduce you to some colourful characters — perhaps a tipsy troublemaker or rowdy teenager — but here’s the trick: avoid eye contact and don’t pay them any mind. And those signs warning about pickpockets and thieves? Take them seriously and keep a watchful eye on your belongings.

Tips for Visiting London: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Stay in a central location.

When you’re on a mission to explore every nook and cranny of London, you need a place that ticks all the boxes. This includes readily available transport, being close to attractions and a hassle-free journey back if you decide to paint the town red until late hours.

Planning where to stay in London is an important factor to consider. For most tourists, central London is the place to be, where the action unfolds and the top attractions await. 

London’s efficient public transport system will be at your fingertips, so booking accommodation near a tube station is wise. Trust me, it’s a time, cost and hassle-saving hack worth its weight in gold.

Land at One of the More Central Airports

When visiting London, it’s wise to consider the airports you fly into. Opting for one of the more central airports can save you time and hassle. London Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City Airport are excellent choices as they offer convenient transportation options to the city centre.

Check Your Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in London, but make sure yours has a chip and a 4-digit PIN for smooth transactions. And before you jet off, check if your card offers free foreign transactions. If not, consider getting one that does to save yourself a bundle.

Here’s a word of caution. When paying for everything with a card, it’s easy to lose track of prices and forget to mentally convert them into your hometown currency. Stay sharp and watch those expenses, or you might find your budget taking an unexpected nosedive.

Navigate the City Efficiently

Grab your smartphone and arm yourself with the Citymapper. You can thank me later.

This trusty companion will be your guiding light in manoeuvring the bustling streets of London. It shows you the best routes and subway connections and suggests alternative modes of transport like buses or bikes.

Londoners Drive on the Left

Here’s a crucial nugget of wisdom before you hit the streets of London: they drive on the left-hand side. If you’re accustomed to cruising on the right, this little switcheroo can catch you off guard.

So, keep your wits about you, focus on traffic direction and pay attention to the trusty road signs. If you ever find yourself unsure which way to look while crossing the road, latch onto a group of locals marching in the same direction and tag along

Use Ride-Hailing Services and Black Cabs

When it comes to getting around London, the best tip is to embrace the tube. But, for times when you do need a taxi, use ride-hailing services like Uber/Bolt (or hop into one of the iconic Black Cabs).

With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can summon a comfortable ride to whisk you to your desired destination. No fussing over directions or worrying about language barriers with the drivers.

The Tap Water Is Safe To Drink

London’s tap water is perfectly safe to drink. To stay hydrated, bring along a trusty refillable water bottle . Not only will it save you from splurging on pricey, bottled water, but you’ll also be doing your part in reducing plastic waste.

Buy a London Pass

Grab the London Pass for access to 85+ top sights and attractions. 

Sure, the pass itself may seem steep at first – £89 for adults, £54 for the little ones, and options for one, two, three, six or ten days. But it’s a worthy investment if you plan to visit multiple landmarks in a short amount of time.

Staying Connected

To stay connected when you travel to London, check with your current provider about international plans – it might save you a few quid. Consider purchasing a local SIM card, an e-SIM or a portable Wi-Fi device. You can find pay-as-you-go SIM cards at supermarkets, convenience stores or airports.

Bring a Universal Adapter

London uses a type-G plug, so remember to carry a type-G converter. I would recommend buying one in your home country to avoid the hassle and expense of hunting one down in London.

Also, remember to pack a universal adapter for your phones and other electronics. Trust me; you don’t want to cause a power outage because your hairdryer couldn’t handle the voltage.

Pack Comfortable Shoes

Don’t forget to add a pair of comfortable t rainers for walking around the city. Here’s the deal: while London boasts an impressive array of public transportation options, it’s easy to overlook how walkable it is. 

You can take in the sights, soak up the vibes and discover hidden gems you might have missed from the confines of a bus or the tube.

Take a Walking Tour

Now that you know to bring comfortable shoes, lace them up and join a walking tour. It’s the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the sights, rub elbows with the locals, and unravel the city’s hidden secrets. 

From pay-what-you-want tours (don’t forget to show those hard-working guides some love) to specialty and literary-themed tours, there’s a walking adventure for everyone.

Rent a Bike

If you’ve got a knack for balance (unlike yours truly), biking around London is a fantastic way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks. Biking is also budget-friendly and popular, so you’ll blend in with the locals.

London has many bike rental facilities, making it a breeze to hop on two wheels almost anywhere. You can rent a bike from a street bike bay using your trusty debit or credit card. Just remember, getting a little lost is all part of the biking charm.

Visit As Many Museums As Possible

London boasts a multitude of museums, each one worthy of a visit. So, why limit yourself to just one or two when you can challenge yourself to conquer as many museums as humanly possible in a single day? 

From iconic showstoppers like the National Gallery and the British Museum to hidden gems like the Petrie Museum, London has a museum for every taste and interest. And here’s the best part: many incredible museums won’t cost you a single penny.

Keep Right on the Escalators

Here’s a pro tip for navigating the hustle and bustle of London (and avoiding some angry side-eye): keep right on the escalators. Trust me – it’s a big deal.

Londoners are always in a hurry. So, by standing on the right, you graciously make way for hasty locals to zoom past you on the left. It’s an unwritten rule, a small act of courtesy that keeps the city in motion.

Book As Much as Possible in Advance

London’s attractions are often jam-packed with tourists. If you want to breeze through the gates and avoid disappointment, book everything you possibly can in advance online – especially when planning a high-season visit.

Online bookings not only save you time but can also score you some awesome deals. Some places like the Shard and the Sky Garden (which, by the way, is free) require reservations ahead of time.

Arrive at Attractions Early

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, another tip is to arrive early before the hordes of tourists descend upon these iconic landmarks. Remember, the early bird not only catches the worm but also avoids the long queues and enjoys the attractions with fewer crowds.

Eat Like a Londoner

It would be a shame to visit London without savouring the local cuisine. Be sure to check out the best places to eat in London , or embrace British tradition by treating yourself to a roadside plate of fish and chips.

But don’t stop there – London is a melting pot of culinary delights, so venture beyond the usual restaurants and explore the vibrant street food scene. From mouthwatering international flavours to innovative food markets, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Be Mindful Of Tipping at Restaurants

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London like it is across the pond. Most restaurants already include a 12.5% service charge on the bill, but if the service has been dreadful, you can have it removed.

If you’re happy with the service or the charge is absent, a 10-15% tip will suffice. Of course, if you’re feeling extra generous, sprinkle some more pounds.

Take a Day Trip

Why stop at London? The UK is brimming with historic sites and breathtaking landscapes to explore. If you have the time, don’t limit your adventure to just the city. 

There are many exciting day trips from London to discover the wonders that lie just a short drive or train ride away.

Bring an Umbrella

The UK has gained quite a reputation for its unpredictable weather. When visiting London, always consult weather forecasts in advance and make it a habit to carry an umbrella with you at all times.

Visit the Markets

London’s markets are a must-visit, so leave some time in your itinerary to explore some of them, including Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road Market. They’re not just shopping spots but lively hubs filled with delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere and cool souvenirs.

Look Out for London’s Street Art

London’s streets are an open-air canvas. Keep your eyes peeled for the mesmerising street art that adorns the city’s walls. The city has a dynamic art scene where masterpieces magically appear overnight. 

So, as you wander through the city’s colourful streets, prepare to enjoy the ever-evolving beauty of London’s street art.

Visit London’s Iconic Pubs

No visit to London is complete without indulging in the age-old tradition of pub-hopping. Whether you’re a fan of the classic pint or craving some mouthwatering pub grub, the city has many options. 

So, raise a glass and enjoy the merry atmosphere at some of the best pubs in London for an authentic British experience.

Go Off the Beaten Path

I get it – London is bursting with iconic attractions you can’t miss on a short trip. But here’s my insider tip: sprinkle in a few offbeat spots for an unforgettable adventure. 

There is a delightful mix of weird and wonderful things to do in London that would be a shame to overlook.

Step into the mysterious world of the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History for a truly unique adventure. It’s filled with oddities and curiosities that will amaze and bewilder you. 

Want to delve into London’s darker side? Take a ghost tour or a Jack the Ripper walking tour after dark.

Psst… I’ve written a book about all of London’s weird and wonderful attractions!

Best Travel Tips for London: Frequently Asked Questions 

Well, it depends on what you’re after. Three days should do the trick if you’re looking to hit up the top attractions. But if you’re eager to dive deeper into the neighbourhoods, off-beat gems and events, extend your stay to at least five days. And, if you’re up for day trips or getaways, carve out a generous 7-10 days to savour the London experience.

London is expensive – there’s no denying it. However, there are also plenty of ways to save some cash.  Opting to walk around or take the tube instead of a taxi, eating at London’s cooler budget-friendly restaurants (Padella gets a hell yeah from me) and visiting London’s many free museums are just a few of the ways you can enjoy the city for less.

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once 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!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make 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.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

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

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to 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.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. 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.

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 . 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.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, 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 Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. 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 Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

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 , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben 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. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

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. 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. 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 juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, 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. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, 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.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make 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. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

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.

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

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

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 many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. 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!

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.

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 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, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  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.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

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.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on 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 with even just a half day’s worth of time.

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.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

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

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 by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and 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 extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

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

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

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 nearly 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 opted for 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 places, you can spend an extended period of time 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 will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

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.

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. Most 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.

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 get quite high with even 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.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate 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 can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

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 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 a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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76 thoughts on “the ultimate cheat sheet for your first trip to london”.

I have been to London several times, but I found your guide and itineraries very helpful!

I’m so glad, Chrysoula! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve been to nearly 50 countries and still not the UK, so I’ll have to remember to come back to this article when I finally make it to London 🙂

Thanks, Tamara! 50 countries is quite an accomplishment! Awesome. Glad the guide will be useful when you make it to London. 🙂

Somehow I wish I’ve read this post before my first trip to London. Then I wouldn’t have skipped many experiences listed here) Thank you for putting this up! I’ve pinned it as well (maybe I’ll visit London again, then I’ll need it for sure)

Thanks for reading and sharing on Pinterest, Natalia. 🙂 Here’s to hoping you make it back to London soon!

Love the Pro Tops plus how you broke each day down into categories. What a great way to see London! I also like how you included things to see if it is your first time there. Going anywhere for the first time can be so overwhelming!

Especially in a big place like London, Bryanna. It’s nice to break it up and make the most of your time.

You made me want to visit London again! Love the way you divided the itinerary with themes and suggestions for good food. London is such a huge city and planning a trip there for the first time can be overwhelming, you just make it so easy! Cheers,

Thanks, Natalie! Sometimes, it’s just easier to work on trip planning in small chunks. 😉

I’ve been to London a few times, but I’ve never made it to the Windsor Castle or the Hampton Court Palace. There is just so much to do in the city and its surroundings, but you’ve highlighted the must-sees in a very comprehensive and informative post. I’d love to go back and take more advantage of the free museums, especially the National Gallery!

Next trip, Erika, take some time for Windsor Castle and/or Hampton Court Palace. They’re well worth your time. 🙂

Wish I had your cheat-sheet on m first trip to London! You certainly covered all the hot spots and then some. I can’t wait to go back and hit the places I missed.

Thanks, Sue. A return trip to London is always a good idea. 🙂

Loved your tips! I’ve pinned and will reference during my London trip planning. Can you share a bit more about the oyster card?

Thanks, Amanda! I’m so glad the post is helpful for planning your London trip. The oyster card is a plastic card you can use for quick and easy entry to the London’s metro, buses, and many commuter trains. The card is 5 pounds to buy, after which you load some money onto it. The fare you’ll pay for a metro ride with the oyster card will be cheaper than if you had simply purchased a single ticket for the ride. The Oyster card also caps off what you’d pay in a day making sure you never pay more than had you bought a day pass travel card. Hope that helps! 🙂

I love the addition of the pro tips, especially times of day best to visit. I do love London, but timed a few things wrong, ending up in bigger crowds than I like.

Thanks, Rhonda. I certainly know that feeling of being in a crowd and wanting to be anyplace but there! Glad the pro tips will help for your next London trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie! Any tips for going to London with a toddler? Going to London this Wednesday and I’m going to use your cheat sheet! Thanks!

Hi Jen! So exciting to hear about your trip. 🙂 I’d definitely do the London Eye, but book tickets ahead of time online to skip the line. The Changing of the Guard with its parade, music, and horses are also toddler-friendly. He’ll get in free to the London underground, but if you don’t want to do that, go for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The pirate-themed Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park is also supposed to be a big hit. Not sure if he’s too young, but the I’d also look at the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime and/or Transport Museum, and maybe a show like Lion King. If that show is too long, how about The Gruffalo? It’s based on the kids book and is less than an hour long. Let me know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!! 🙂

Awesome, thank you for this! I printed out your cheat sheet & 8′ using it for our guide! Thanks!

Great! Hope you have a fantastic trip, Jen!

I’m actually from London, yes all these places are great, but you haven’t mentioned how expensive they can be. Most museums and art galleries are free and fantastic but eating at fancy hotels is only for the rich! Try to go to restaurants and pubs that are not in the tourist areas and you’ll be much better value for your money. As for traditional fish and chips, there is a great place in Waterloo road called Superfish. It’s the best around and very reasonable. Lots of London Taxi drivers eat there, so you know it’s good!

Hi, Joanne and thanks for the tip about Superfish! It’s so great to get that from a local. Totally agreed about eating in hotels, too expensive. I only splurged on the Dorchester Tea because we wanted to have a fancy afternoon. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

Hi, thank you for your tips. We’re going to London ne te may, my husband and I. Do you recommend Stonehenge ?

Hi Helene, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, as many times as I have been to London, I have not made it to Stonehenge. To help you, I’m linking to another blog post all about visiting Stonehenge written by a blogger friend of mine. She’s got some great tips. Hope that helps! 🙂

There are some great tips here. I’m planning a trip to London during the high season with a variety of ages from grandmother, 4x 30 year olds, 4 kids between the ages of 8-3, and 2 newborns. Aiaiai. Just trying to get a place to eat together will be challenging. I loved your tips about the Oyster card, and pre-booking tickets, It saves lots of time to book in advance so that you are not waiting in line for tickets, and then waiting in another line for entry. Depending on how early you book it also puts that block of tickets on separate credit card bill instead of all at once. Just a tip from how I travel with all the children and trying to be budget concsious, I usually stop in a local grocery store and grab the 3 (pound, I don’t have the symbol on my keyboard) meal deal, Its filling and usually healthy. If you have any more kid friendly tips I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the guide, I found you on Pintrest, and will make sure to repin.

Thanks for reading, Erin, and for repinning on Pinterest. I appreciate it. 🙂 Sounds like your trip is set to make some amazing multi-generational memories. Thanks for sharing your food tip. London has great parks to make use of when the kids need a break. Hyde Park has paddle boats for rent and a great playground and fountain. St. James Park also has a popular playground. Enjoy your trip!

Do you have more ideas? We will be in London for 10 days. We will do all you mention but we need more?

Hi June, Thanks so much for reading and so exciting about your upcoming trip to London! 🙂 A couple other sites/places I’d recommend is Kensington Palace and if you’re at all a history buff, the Churchill War Rooms. If you’re doing all of that plus these last 2, check out the London Pass to save some money. Also, check out Free Tours by Foot and Sandeman’s free walking tours. If you’re interested in street art and/or learning more about London’s ethnic food scene check out a tour in the Shoreditch neighborhood. With 10 days, you can also plan day trips out of the city if you want. The Cotswolds Warwick Castle , and/or Stratford upon Avon are just a couple of hours drive, as are Stonehenge and Bath. Even Paris is a doable day trip with the Chunnel train taking just 2ish hours. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the tip about the London Pass! We went last year and no one told us about it, and we are going back in October and still want to do many of the activities included in the pass. Sounds like a great value!

Fantastic, Dana. I hope your trip is fantastic and enjoy the London Pass! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

The best North Indian food is in southall (West London), trains run from Paddington. Brilliant Restaurant highly recommended..

Thanks Preetvan for the tip! 🙂

It’s ravens that you find at the Tower of London, not crows!

Thanks for that! I have no bird ID skills! 🙂

Thanks for your post; definitely adding it to my Pinterest board. I’m heading there for Spring Break with my husband and three teenage girls. We have eight days (flying into Gatwick and out of Paris-CDG). How do you suggest we split the days between London and Paris? And what would your top recommendations be?

Thanks for reading, Sheath. So exciting about your upcoming family trip to London and Paris. Both cities have so much to see and do, it all depends on your interests. You can easily split your time in half, although the Francophile in me says to give yourself an extra day in Paris. Not sure if you’re into theatre, but a night out to see a show in London’s West End is unforgettable. Tower of London, Shakespeares Globe, Borough Market, high tea are all at the top of my London first time list. For Paris, visit the top of Notre Dame in the morning, Arc de Triomphe at dusk, Sainte-Chappelle, Musee de l’Orangerie, and wander through 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements for tucked away shops and cafes as a start to your Paris visit. Hope that helps and have soo much fun! 🙂

Thank you for this cheat sheet. Great tips and ideas. My best friend and I are traveling to Europe for our 40th birthdays in March. We are spending about 2 1/2 days in London. It seems you were recommended traveling by way of the tube for most everything. I had been looking at the Hop On and Off Bus before reading your cheat sheet. Would you recommend skipping the bus and just using the tube?

Hi Heather, Thanks for reading. London is such a great city for a friends birthday trip! I would still recommend the Tube. The traffic in London can be horrible and Hop on Hop off buses can get stuck in it with the rest of the vehicles. With 2 1/2 days, getting underground will help you maximize your time getting from place to place. Enjoy your trip! -Jackie

Do you have any recommendations for visiting in December (just prior to Christmastime)? My family and I will be arriving on a Monday and departing on Thursday (for Germany), flying in and out of Stansted. It will be myself, my husband, and our 2 kids, ages 20 and (will turn while we’re in London) 17 year old (boy and girl). My husband is normally into things like the museums, but he’s the type that would need several days in any one museum (he literally reads each and every plaque, and doesn’t miss a display, LOL). So, because we’re limited on time, we’ll probably skip museums until another time. My husband and I are doing Harry Potter/WB Studios on Tuesday (I’m a big fan, kids not so much) and we’re letting them go off on their own. Will definitely be getting Oyster Cards.

Any other recommendations, especially since will will be cold weather? Thanks!

Thanks for reading, Cammi. I’d definitely try and see a show, be it one in the west end or a special Christmas themed show or concert. I’d also like to see the seasonal attractions like the winter wonderland in Hyde Park and all the lights around the city. I’m a cold weather gal so I love to get outside. But just in case of super cold weather, I’d have 1 museum in mind just as a back up if you need to warm up. Not sure if your hubby has seen the Churchill War rooms not far from Westminster, but I highly recommend. Enjoy your trip!

My husband and I leave for our first ever trip abroad, London, in less than a week! The ironic and very strange thing is that as soon as I read the title of our article was that the authors last name is Sills. That is MY maiden name and some of my father’s family still lives in England! Dad himself, Charles Sills, was actually born in London! We will be visiting some Sills relatives in Suffolk on our trip!

Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Sincerely, Elizabeth (Sills) Hurd

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for reading and omg! My maiden name is Sills as well! I have done a ton of family research but always run into a dead end trying to figure out more about the George Sills who came over from England to the U.S. back in the 1800s. That’s so amazing you’ll be combining your tip with some ancestry travel. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy meeting your relatives! Thanks again for reading the blog. 🙂 Jackie

Nice tips overall. Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Thanks for reading, Brandy. 🙂

I must say this is an ultimate post for travelers who are looking for trip to London at affordable cost. You have covered everything in your post such as best places to stay, which is really helpful.

Thanks for reading, Sandeep. Happy travels to London!

Your blog is amazing – thanks for all the incredible ideas. We are considering going to London for Spring Break (March 8-17, 2019). Would you recommend going at his time ….will the weather be agreeable? Thanks, Stacey

Thanks for reading, Stacey, and for your kind words. So, it’ll likely still be chilly, but I’d say yes, go! Take this with the knowledge that I live in NYC and walk around in all kinds of weather and that I love visiting Europe in the off-season. I’d rather have cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, with London’s Underground/Subway, you can so easily pop underground and get around if you needed to escape the weather for a bit. Not to mention with delicious tea, scones, English pies, and Indian food, there’s plenty to warm you up! 🙂 Thanks again for reading.

very informative blog love to read it. i got so many new ideas about London. Thanks for sharing and it will help me during my visit to London. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mickey. Enjoy London. 🙂

Love this guide and the one for Portugal also. Now if I could print it and store it in my travel file folder for easier access when I go to London. Thanks for writing these detailed trip reports – they are extremely helpful

Thanks do much for reading, Jane. You can download the London cheat sheet to help with your travels. 🙂

Going to the Harry Potter Studios by bus from Central London is the silliest thing to do. It takes too long AND you can only stay at the studios until the time your bus would take you back (about 4 hours) – not enough time for a true Harry Potter fan. It is fastest and easiest to go by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction (Oyster can be used) and takes about 30minutes. The studio has buses at Watford Junction to take you there – it takes just about 10 minutes. We stayed over 7 hours at the studios – my kids would start a riot if we had to leave after some 4 hours only!

Thanks for reading, Deesi! And great tips! Appreciate you sharing. 🙂

Your blog is amazing. How do I download the cheat sheet??

Thank you ~Alison

Thanks so much for reading, Alison. All you need to do is fill in the fields on the cheat sheet sign up box. It’ll get sent to you. 🙂 So glad the blog has been helpful for you.

If you have enough time you should certainly consider Kew Gardens and Greenwich. You can take the clipper down the river to Greenwich. Also Kenwood is free to visit and set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Don’t pay to go up the Shard. Book the free tickets for Skygarden three weeks ahead. Or go up the tower at Tate Modern. Children like all these places but as other people have said the parks are lovely and all different. It’s lovely to see this thread still working and growing after such a long time. Well done!!!

Thanks for reading and sharing your London tips, Marian! I didn’t know that about the Shard!

The Dorchester is indeed a great hotel, but the very best Afternoon Tea has to be the Ritz.

Thanks for reading and sharing, David. I have heard great things about the afternoon tea at the Ritz. I’ll have to try it next time I’m in London. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this info about London. I am planning to visit in a neaxt month.

Thanks for reading, Alina. Have fun in London. 🙂

Amazing. you have told very easy and splendid ways for exploring London. London is my favourite place to travel and for food too. I love the food Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Amy. Glad you had great travels to London. 🙂

My niece and I want to go to London. We’ve considered a tour group, but the itinerary is limited, I enjoyed reading your cheat sheet. It was interesting, and we got very excited at the thought of actually visiting the sites, Have you ever traveled there in December? I am a teacher and my big break is in the month of December, I don’t want to go and freeze! The travel dates would be between December 14th and December 24th. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Rebecca and Brooke

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. I haven’t been to London in the winter but I’ve been to many other cities in Europe in winter like Paris, Prague, Budapest, Munich, and more, also during my winter school breaks! I’m probably not the most objective person on this as I live in NYC and walk around outside all winter long. But I love European cities around Christmas. Yes, it’s chilly. But if you dress right the charm and the ambiance is unforgettable. I’d highly recommend a London Christmas visit! If you want some freedom to explore mixed with a few organized activities, plan a couple of day tours instead of something more comprehensive. The London Pass is also a great way to see what’s popular while saving money by bundling sightseeing costs. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! 😉

Thank you so much. We are moving ahead with our plans. I agree, if you dress appropriately, the weather will not be a factor.. Again, I really learned a lot from your cheat sheet and have read it many times.

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. 🙂 So glad to hear the cheat sheet was helpful. I hope you have a wonderful trip to London.

Heathrow express!! Saved me so much time! So glad I read this.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yep, the Heathrow Express makes things super easy! 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.

Glad to hear it, William. Thanks for reading.

Hello Jackie, I am at the beginning of planning a second Girls Trip to London, and the country side of England. The first was with a group of high school girls friends,(tons of fun) and this one will be with all my sister in laws. Both groups are in their early 60’s. I appreciated the link to the GO transportation site. I like the idea of a van to haul us all to the hotel from Heathrow. There will be six of us in this up coming trip. There were only four on the high school trip. We all squeezed into one cab, and shared the cost. I don’t think we can squeeze six ladies and luggage into a cab, so the van idea sounds good. I suggested a cab for the HS group, knowing it is the more expensive way to get from the airport. I knew we would be sharing the cost AND also with the age of the group, didn’t think we (or I ) would want to be dragging our luggage in and out of tube trains. They were all ok with the idea of a cab. Also one thing I tell anyone I know who is on their way over, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I know they aren’t always the most fashionable, but gee, your feet will thank you at the end of the day. No new shoes that haven’t been wore in yet either. One last thought– the HS trip was a full week in London, so we all decided that the London Pass would be a good idea– and it was! The Shard visit alone would have cost 50 pounds for one person to enter. The payable sites do add up. All worth seeing, but can get pricy. Not so sure it will be worth it for this sister in law trip, we won’t be spending as much time in London. Thanks for the time and research you put into this travel blog. Very enjoyable read. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Deborah! So exciting to be planning another trip (and a Girls Trip, even better!) to London. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too. Totally agree on comfortable shoes! My go-to’s for lots of walking (live in NYC) and traveling (one pair is with me on every trip) are Allbirds . In fact, I just bought 2 new pairs (Tree Runner & Wool Runner) since I’ve worn my others out. If anyone in your group or you are looking for something comfy, definitely give these shoes a look. Enjoy your trip to London and come back if there are any questions I can answer. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

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Savvy Travel Advice

3 Days in London: A Perfect 72 Hour London Itinerary

Last updated: May 28, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 162 Comments

London is one of the world’s largest and most exciting cities, offering visitors thousands of things to do, including museums, royal palaces, beautiful parks, historical sites, and world-class theatre.

With all these options, planning a trip to London can be a bit overwhelming, especially for first time visitors. We’ve put together a recommended 3 day London itinerary that will help you see the city’s highlights if you have at least 3 days in London.

Our suggested 3 day itinerary has you visiting all the city’s most famous attractions (e.g., Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Tower of London) as well as some of the city’s lesser-known attractions.

In addition to the 3 day itinerary, we also provide tips on how to get around London, a map that plots out each day’s suggested itinerary, and tips on how to save money during your 3 days in London.

Table of Contents:

Planning Tips for 3 Days in London 

Before we share the 3 day London itinerary, we wanted to make sure you have all the planning information to make the most of your 3 days in London. So we first share information on how to get around London, how to save money on sightseeing, day trip recommendations, advice on where to stay, and further trip planning resources.

How to Get to London

London is well-connected to the rest of the world and easy to reach by plane or train. Most international visitors arrive by air.

London has six main airports, and you can get to London from almost any part of the world. If you are arriving from an international location outside Europe, Heathrow  is likely to be your arrival airport. For helping in getting into London from an airport, see our London airport guide  which covers transport options from all 6 airports.

If you are arriving by train, London is well-connected to train routes throughout the UK and Europe with a number of train stations in and around central London. Those planning to travel by train throughout the UK might want to see if a BritRail Pass might save you money, or another rail pass if traveling throughout Europe by train.

Those arriving from Scotland can check out our Edinburgh to London guide , and might want to consider taking an  overnight sleeper train .

If you are arriving from continental Europe by train or car, you’ll need to travel across the English Channel on the  EuroStar  train or take a ferry.

How to Get around London

London is best explored either on foot or by public transportation. Cabs and bike hires are also options.

London has a great public transportation network and most visitors spend at least some time traveling on it. This includes public bus, tram, and rail services (including “the Tube”) within the city. You can buy individual tickets for each ride, but many visitors get an Oyster Card  which allows you to travel on almost all the city’s public transit options and can save you time and money.

If you are considering an Oyster Card, you can read our full Oyster Card review . For more information and tips on getting around London, check out our detailed  public transport guide to London .

We do not recommend driving in London unless you are planning to stay on the outskirts of the city as driving and finding parking in central busy locations can be a nightmare. Parking is also expensive in many areas and there are congestion fees for driving in the city center.

If you are driving to London, I’d park your car when you arrive in the city and then use public transport to get around the city.

If you need to book a taxi in London, we recommend using minicabit to compare prices and make a booking.

How to Save Money on Sightseeing in London

London can be an expensive destination for visitors and the costs of a trip here can quickly add up. There are a number of London discount passes you can purchase before your trip to help you save money (and time) at London’s most popular attractions and museums.

Our favorite London discount pass is the  London Pass which allows free entry into over 80 of London’s top attractions, including the Tower of London , Westminster Abbey, View from the Shard, Windsor Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and many more.

The Pass also comes with a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, hop-on hop-off river boat, and additional discounts on food, shopping, theatre tickets, and tours. You can see a full list of attractions and benefits here .

We’ve used the London Pass on a number of visits and have written an in-depth London Pass review  which you can read to help determine if the London Pass would help you save money or time on your trip.

Although London can be expensive, it also has a number of fantastic free attractions including beautiful green parks, historic sites, and world-class museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Victoria & Albert Museum. Also be sure to check for special events and festivals that may be happening during your visit. 

Possible Day Trips from London

If you only have 3 days in London you certainly won’t need to leave the city for want of things to do. If this is your first visit, we actually would recommend spending the full 3 days in London as there is so much to see, do, eat, and take in! But we know that for many visitors, there is a must-see attraction outside of London that they want to see such as Stonehenge, Oxford, or the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio tour .

If there is something you really want to see in southern England and you only have the three days, then you can visit it as a day trip from London. For most places, you’ll have the option to see it as part of a guided tour, take public transit, arrange a private transfer, or rent a car and drive yourself.

We recommend taking public transit, joining a tour, or booking a private transfer to do a day tour from London. Unless you arrived by car or are planning to drive in the UK after your visit to London, we don’t really recommend having a car in central London as it can be a headache with the traffic, lack of parking, high overnight parking rates, and congestion charges.

Below are some popular London day trip options to consider:

• Stonehenge – This ancient and mysterious stone circle is one of the most popular stops on a day trip from London. Most commonly done as a bus day trip, but you can also do it via public transit (train plus shuttle), rent a car, or book a private transfer. Read about our Stonehenge day trip experience here , which was a version of this tour  of Stonehenge, Bath, and the Cotswolds. A couple other suggestions for guided tours are this express half-day trip  to Stonehenge or this full day trip which includes inner stone access at Stonehenge and a stop in Bath.
• WB Harry Potter Studio – Harry Potter fans will likely want to make time to visit the Warner Brothers Studio located outside the city in Leavesden where all of the Harry Potter films were filmed. The Harry Potter Studio Tour  (fee) includes loads of original sets, clothing, props, interactive exhibits, and a giant gift shop. You can get here from London via public transit (train plus shuttle) or by booking a tour or transfer. Tickets must be booked in advance. You can also  book a tour  from central London that will take you directly to and from the studio so you don’t have to take the train and shuttle. If you want to take a walking tour of the Harry Potter London filming sites consider this guided tour .
• Oxford – Oxford is a compact and scenic historical city that is home to England’s oldest university. You can read our post about things to do in Oxford and how to plan your own Oxford day trip from London . It is easy to reach by train. If you are interested in a guided tour, you might consider this tour which visits Oxford plus the Cotswolds.
• Highclere Castle  – Highclere Castle is the country house home of the Earl of Carnarvon, but it is better known as Downton Abbey from the hit British period TV series. The best way to get here is by car or by joining a tour. Here is a suggested guided tour option that includes a visit to Highclere Castle, Bampton (used as Downton village), and other Downton Abbey filming locations. Open seasonally so check opening dates before planning a visit.
• Stratford-upon-Avon  – Stratford-upon-Avon is a picturesque Midlands market town that is best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare and for its well-preserved Tudor buildings. Best ways to get here is by car, train, or guided tour. Here is a  guided tour option that includes a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cotswolds. See our guide to things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon here .

Where to Stay in London for 3 Days

If you are planning to do a visit that is similar to our suggested 3 day London itinerary, we’d recommend staying in central London to avoid added travel time. We’d suggest staying somewhere in the region between Kensington in the west and Canary Wharf in the east.

London has every type of accommodation option that you can imagine, from  inexpensive hostels  to self-catering  apartments  to 5-star  luxury hotels .

London is home to some really classic luxury hotels like  The Ritz ,  The Dorchester ,  Brown’s , and  The Savoy , but it also has a number of mid-range and budget friendly chains like  Holiday Inn Express ,  Travelodge ,  Best Western ,  Premier Inn , and  Ibis.

London is an expensive city so expect to pay a bit more than you might normally in less expensive destinations. But if you book in advance and compare prices, you should be able to find something that will fit most budgets.

To find the best rates on hotels in London, we recommend searching on Booking com or Hotels.com as in our experience these two sites tend to have the best prices and widest choice on both hotels and a range of apartments.

If you are looking for self-catering apartments or rooms, we recommend checking out Plum Guide . In our experience they offer some of the best options. See their listings for London here . There are also loads of other apartment booking sites  you can check.

Here are a few suggestions across budgets (lowest to highest):

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel  – A well reviewed centrally located hostel, only a 15 minute walk from the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben) and Parliament Square.
• SoHostel – Another well-reviewed hostel located just at the edge of Westminster, only a 15 minute walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
• Point A Hotel – This is a hotel within the well-priced Point A hotel range, and this one is well-reviewed and located in Westminster. A 17 minute walk to Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey. We’ve stayed here; rooms are tiny but clean and a great budget option.
• Premier Inn – This well-rated mid-range 3-star option is located hotel is located near the Borough Market and London Bridge.
• Hilton Tower Bridge – This well-rated hotel offers a good value for what it offers and is located within a short walk of Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Borough Market.
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – A centrally located 4-star hotel offering excellent value for money located near Buckingham Palace. We’ve stayed here; the lower priced rooms are small but the hotel is very well-located.
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• Brown’s – If you are looking for a classic 5-star London luxury hotel, you can’t go wrong with Brown’s which provides intimate boutique luxury. It is the oldest hotel in London and is located in Mayfair within a 12 minute walk from Buckingham Palace.
• The Savoy  – Another classic 5-star luxury hotel, this one much larger, located in central London. Less than 10 minute walk to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

For many more options, see our complete guide to where to stay in London , which also has tips on what to look for and the different neighbourhoods in the city.

Have More or Less than 3 Days in London?

If you have less than 3 days in London, we have also written a suggested guide to spending  1 day in London  as well as a  2 day London itinerary . We also have a guide to seeing the best of the city and its royal sites in a  one day London walking tour .

If you have more than 3 days, we also have a 6 day London itinerary  that should give you plenty of ideas of how to spend up to 1 week in London.

If you’re in London for longer than 1 week and want some advice, feel free to leave us a comment and we’re always happy to provide some suggestions based on what you enjoy doing and seeing.

Further Information & London Resources

We have written a lot about London on both of our travel blogs, so you can check out our  London articles on Finding the Universe  and our  London articles  on this blog for more info and to see where we’ve been.

For additional planning resources, the  city tourism website  and  Visit Great Britain  websites also offer tons of helpful information for visitors. If your travels are taking you beyond London, you can check out Laurence’s suggested  2-week UK itinerary  to get you started.

If you are looking for a London guidebook, we recommend either the latest Rick Steves guidebook or Lonely Planet guidebooks .

Most of our suggested itinerary has you walking and using the Tube, so we recommend picking up a decent walking map for London. We really like the London  laminated Streetwise map  (it also includes a central Underground Tube map), but you can also probably find a free paper map at your hotel or at a visitor center.

If you are looking for packing tips for your trip, check out our suggested  London packing list .

3 Day London Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in London

Now, we’ll share our suggested 3-day London itinerary. Our itinerary is geared to the first-time visitor to London who has 3 days in London (or more), and is interested in visiting a number of historic and cultural attractions as well as some green spaces and scenic viewpoints.

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we recommend that you use this as a guide for your trip and tailor it to suit your individual interests, needs, and speed of travel. If you have any questions as you are planning your trip to London, please feel free to leave us a comment in the Comments section at the end of this post.

Be sure to check on the opening dates and hours for any must-see attractions before you set out as many attractions close for one day per week, or may be closed due to renovation or a special event.

For all attractions with an entrance fee, we’ve noted there is an entry fee by writing “(fee)” next to them. Since many visitors use the  London Pass , the attractions that are included on the London Pass are starred (*) denoting that passholders receive free entry so these attractions have “(fee*)” next to them. We do our best to keep this information updated, but things change so you may want to double-check fees and London Pass inclusions before your trip.

The map below shows the suggested walking routes for each of the three days in London with all major London itinerary locations noted. Click  here  or double click on the map below for a closer look and to see exact locations in Google maps:

London Itinerary Day 1 – Explore Westminster

We recommend starting your trip to London in Westminster as it is the geographical, cultural, and political center of the city. The City of Westminster is actually its own city within London! Here you’ll find some of London’s most iconic buildings, including Buckingham Palace, Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey.

Many people enjoy taking a sightseeing bus or walking tour to get a good overview of a city before heading off to explore on their own. If this is you, I’d recommend doing it on your first day in London to get a good orientation.

• If you like hop on hop off buses, the City Sightseeing bus covers many of London’s highlights. A  free sightseeing bus is included for those with a London Pass.
• If you enjoy walking tours we can recommend  Take Walks which offers several tours in London as well as many other locations in Europe. We have used them several times and all their tours are well-rated.
• If you are looking for a full day walking tour that will cover most of the highlights of Westminster, we recommend this one  or this one . Both cover many of the highlights including a visit to Tower of London , a Thames river cruise, and seeing the Changing of the Guard. You can read a full description of the full day London walking tour I did on my very first visit to London to get an idea of what these are like.
• If you are looking for a half day tour, you might consider this 4 hour tour .
• If you are a Harry Potter fan, consider a Harry Potter guided walking tour like this one
• If you are looking for a private walking tour of London or a customized tour, we recommend checking out the London tours offered by Context Travel.

Our suggested Day 1 London itinerary starts and stops near Parliament Square, but you can begin it at any point along the route. Today’s route is walkable but you can also get around via public transit, taxi, or a sightseeing bus as well.

Parliament Square & Houses of Parliament

We’re going to start off our itinerary at Parliament Square which is a well known public square in Westminster that is easy to get to via public transport and is a stop on all the main sightseeing buses as well. Around the square you’ll also find the statues of a number of famous people, including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Robert Peel, and Gandhi.

This popular square is surrounded by famous buildings, including Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret’s Church, the UK Supreme Court, and the Palace of Westminster. The Palace of Westminster, better known as the Houses of Parliament, is probably best known for its famous Big Ben bell which sits within the iconic golden Elizabeth Tower.

The large government building is named after the former medieval palace of the same name. A few sections of the medieval palace of Westminster still remain, including the 14th century  Jewel Tower  (fee*) which you can visit.

Although perhaps not a priority stop with only 3 days in London, the public can tour the  Houses of Parliament  (fee) on certain dates. Tours include visits to the Westminster Hall, St. Stephens Hall, Commons Chamber, and the Lords Chamber. UK residents can contact their local MP or a Member of the House of Lords to arrange a free tour. Otherwise, you can  book a tour ticket online  for a self-guided audio tour or guided tour. Tours must be booked in advance.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey  (fee*) is one of the most famous and impressive churches in England. It dates back to 1245 and was mostly built in the Gothic style. Inside the church are tombs and memorials to a number of the most famous British people from the past 1,000 years, including royalty, scientists, aristocrats, and artists. It has also been used for all English and British coronations since William the Conqueror in 1066 as well as being the site of numerous royal weddings, including the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

If you plan to visit Westminster Abbey be sure to leave extra time to get in and see everything as it is a popular place and it takes a while to explore. An audioguide is included and will help you make the most of your self-guided visit. You can skip the line and get fast track entry by booking your ticket online in advance here .

In summer 2018, the  Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries  (fee) via the new Weston Tower of Westminster Abbey Tower was opened. The galleries house exhibits about the history of the abbey as well as a number of priceless artifacts. Admission to the Galleries is currently an extra £5.00 and you will receive a timed ticket since space is limited.

Guided tours of the main sections of the Abbey are also possible for a small extra fee (currently £5/person), check at arrival or on the Abbey website for tour times.

Churchill War Rooms

The  Churchill War Rooms (fee) is made up of two connected museums: the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. The Cabinet War Rooms allows visitors to explore the huge underground secret bunker where the majority of the World War 2 effort was directed from 1939 to 1945. An audioguide and interpretive exhibits help visitors understand the maze of underground rooms and what happened here.

The Churchill Museum is a large room dedicated to the life of Winston Churchill. It provides information on his life from his early years to his death in 1965, with a focus on his long political career. This is the most comprehensive museum I’ve ever visited on Churchill and our favorite site of the many  Winston Churchill sites in London . Book your tickets online in advance here .

For those with an interest in the London Blitz, we can also recommend the  London Churchill War Room tour  (save 10% off any Context tour using this link) by Context Travel which includes a guided visit to the Churchill War Rooms as well as a guided tour of parts of London related to the Blitz.

Those interested in military and war related history, should check out this list of London war museums and memorials .

St. James’s Park

We now recommend walking through St. James’ Park in the direction of Buckingham Palace for a bit of greenery. The 50-acre park is one of the city’s 8 Royal Parks and is known for its famous pelican residents. There is a café located within the park if you need a tea or coffee break or a light lunch.

Near the park is the  The Guards Museum  (fee*) which tells the history of the British Army Guards regiments as well as St. James’s Palace , a 16th century palace that was once the main residence of the British monarch. Today the palace is still used as a residence for members of the British royal family (although not the monarch) and as a meeting place. The palace is not open to visitors.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the most famous palace in the UK and serves as the primary London residence for the reigning sovereign of the United Kingdom. The royal palace dates back to 1703 and was originally built as a townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham, but was later acquired by King George III. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to officially reside in the palace.

If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll need to skip either the morning visit to Westminster Abbey or the Churchill War Rooms (you can visit one later in the afternoon instead) to get to Buckingham Palace before 11am. The Changing of the Queen’s Guard ceremony takes place on most days at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace around 11am, and lasts about 45 minutes. If you want to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, check the  schedule online  in advance (may be cancelled last minute due to weather or security issues) and show up early to get a good viewing spot.

If you want a spot to watch part of the Changing of the Guard with fewer people, you might consider watching from in front of Friary Court in front of St. James Palace (the Old Guard normally lines up and starts here). Another alternative is to watch the Changing of the The Queen’s Lifeguard (horse guards) at the  Horse Guards Parade .

Most visitors are happy to just get a look at the palace and perhaps see the Changing of the Guard, but you can also tour the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace (fee) in the summer (generally August and September only). You need to book tickets in advance if you want to tour the palace, you can get tickets here for a tour and self-guided tours include audioguides.

Even if you can’t visit the State Rooms of Buckingham Place, there are places on the palace grounds that are open to the public year round. At the  Royal Mews  (fee) you can see a large number of royal carriages and coaches, including the Diamond Jubilee State Coach. At the Queen’s Gallery  (fee*) you’ll find excellent art exhibitions from the royal collection which change regularly throughout the year.

Piccadilly Circus

We now recommend heading to Piccadilly Circus en route to Trafalgar Square. Piccadilly Circus  doesn’t have any clowns, but it is a famous circular road junction well-known for its neon signs and advertising. You’ll find the well-known Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain  here.

From here, it is a short walk to many of London’s West End theaters (head up Shaftesbury Avenue) or to London’s West End shopping area (follow Regent Street).

Trafalgar Square & the National Gallery

Trafalgar Square is one of the most popular public squares in London and is home to Nelson’s Column (a monument to Admiral Horatio Nelson) and London’s famous stone lion statues. The square also features performing street artists and contemporary art (a changing featured piece of art occupies the square’s Fourth Plinth ).

Here you’ll also find two of London top art museums, the  National Gallery  and the  National Portrait Gallery . We’ve spent a lot of time in both over the years and they include world-class art from artists such as Picasso, Turner, Titian, and Monet. If you love art, I’d plan to spend some time at one or both of these museums. Entry is free (special exhibitions may cost extra) at both museums although donations are greatly appreciated.

If you are traveling with kids, they may enjoy creating a brass rubbing they can take home with them at the nearby  London Brass Rubbing Centre (fee) located underground within St. Martin-in-the-Fields. Note that this isn’t always available, check the website for when you can do it.

Now we recommend walking down Whitehall, which is the street running south from Trafalgar Square towards Parliament Square. Whitehall is so named for the Palace of Whitehall, a large medieval royal palace complex that stood here until it was destroyed by fire in 1698. It was the largest palace in the world at one time with over 1,500 rooms!

A small well-preserved section of the Whitehall palace complex, the  Banqueting Hall (fee), can still be visited today. The Banqueting House was designed by Inigo Jones and features a beautiful ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens.

Today Whitehall is still the center of the UK Government and you’ll pass a number of government buildings along your walk. You’ll also pass the  The Household Calvary Museum  (fee*), a small museum dedicated to the history of the Household Cavalry which is located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards. In the middle of the street, you’ll also see The Cenotaph , the UK’s national war memorial.

You’ll also pass by the entrance to Downing Street which is where the Prime Minister (at 10 Downing Street) and other UK government ministers reside. The street is gated and guarded, but you can peek through and should be able to get a glimpse 10 Downing Street, which is the headquarters of the UK government and official residence of the UK Prime Minister.

As you continue your walk, you’ll end back in Parliament Square where we started our day.

Westminster Bridge

Now we recommend walking across Parliament Square and onto Westminster Bridge. This bridge dates back to 1862 but there has been a bridge here since 1750. From the bridge, you’ll have a fantastic view back of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames. You can then take a walk along the Thames or head off to dinner.

London Dungeon

If you still have time and stamina you might want to continue on across Westminster Bridge to where you’ll find several attractions located along the Thames, including the London Dungeon and the London Eye .

The  London Dungeon (fee*) is a popular interactive walkthrough attraction that uses costumed actors, special effects, and rides to share some of London’s darker and more gory history and provide some laughs and screams along the way.

The educational and historical part of the experience here is a bit questionable, but if you enjoy amusement parks and haunted houses, you’ll probably enjoy this. Not recommended for young children or those with a nervous disposition.

Next door to the London Dungeon are two family-oriented attractions, the Sea Life London Aquarium (fee*) and  DreamWorks Tours: Shrek’s Adventure (fee*).

If you are wanting to visit these attractions, they are also included on the London Pass.

The  London Eye (fee*) is Europe’s tallest observation wheel and a great place to get some nice views over London and the Thames. Visitors stand in large enclosed glass pods on this giant ferris wheel like attraction and it spins very slowly to give visitors expansive views. You can also add champagne to the experience or even get a private pod.

The London Eye is open late (depending on the time of year) making it a great last stop or even after dinner visit. Around sunset is a nice time to do this ride. Great in good weather, I’d skip if the weather is too bad as it will spoil the views.

You can save money (and time) by purchasing your tickets in advance. Online prices are usually much lower than if you buy at the ticket desk.

You can buy tickets for the London Eye from the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass.

We also have a complete guide to visiting the London Eye here .

London Itinerary Day 2 – City of London & Southwark

Today we recommend exploring the City of London. The City of London is another “city within a city” like Westminster. It is home to much of the city’s financial and banking services, and is also the oldest part of the city. This area was named “Londinium” by the Romans and you’ll find an interesting mix of the city’s oldest landmarks and most modern buildings here.

Across the River Thames from the City of London is the London Borough of Southwark. A number of top London attractions and landmarks can be found here including HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, The Shard, Southwark Cathedral, the Imperial War Museum, and Borough Market.

You can get around and do this itinerary on foot, but you may want to take public transit to get from the Sky Garden to St. Paul’s Cathedral to save time. If you are planning to do a Thames river cruise, you may want to do it today after your visit to the Tower of London. 

Tower of London

The  Tower of London  (fee*) was first built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as a royal castle and defense tower. It was then expanded over the centuries and served many purposes, including a fortress, prison, armory, and Royal Mint. Today is it a UNESCO world heritage site and it is famous for serving as a prison and execution site of famous people like Queen Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, and for housing the Crown Jewels.

The Tower of London is definitely one of the most popular (and one of our favorite) attractions in London, so we recommend being there near opening time if you can. Once inside, we recommend visiting the Crown Jewels first as this part can get very crowded.

There is a lot of to see here but some of the highlights are the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, the Tower Green, and the tours given by the Beefeaters ( Yeoman Warders ). For more information, see our complete guide to visiting the Tower of London .

The Tower of London is included on the London Pass, or you can book tickets in advance here .

If you enjoy nice views, we recommend a stop at Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. The terraced garden area is laid out over three storeys (level 35 to 37) and there is an observation deck, bar, and open air terrace.

Although the Sky Garden is technically a public garden and can be visited for free, we recommend booking a space in advance as they are often fully booked and can’t always accommodate walk-ins. Tickets are generally released each week and can be booked up to 2 weeks in advance. If the free slots are already booked out and you still want to visit and enjoy the views, you can generally still get in by making a restaurant reservation and eating at one of the several restaurants located here.

Nearby, we recommend stopping by to see The Monument , a 202 foot Doric column monument designed by Christopher Wren and Robert Hooke to commemorate the Great Fire of 1666 . The column stands approximately at the spot the fire started. Visitors can actually go inside (fee*) and climb the over 300 stairs to the viewing platform on top.

You can then walk to St. Paul’s (about 15 minutes) or take the Underground from The Monument stop to the St. Paul’s Cathedral stop.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral  (fee*) dates back to 1697 after the previous one was badly destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was rebuilt by Christopher Wren in the English Baroque style, but a church dedicated to St. Paul has been on this site since the 7th century!

The dome of the cathedral is a recognizable feature of the London skyline and the church has long been seen as a symbol of the spirit of the British people, especially during World War II. The church is an active place of worship with regular Anglican services, and has been the site of a number of notable events including the wedding of Prince Charles and Diana, the state funeral of Winston Churchill, and Jubilee services for Queen Elizabeth II.

The church can be visited and tour and admission prices include an audioguide for a self-guided visited. Guided tours are often given throughout the day by church staff.

Visitors have the option to visit the main parts of the cathedral, the dome, and the crypt. There is often a line to visit the dome as only a certain number of visitors can climb the steps at a time, so allow extra time if you want to climb the dome to visit the Whispering Gallery and/or the Stone and Golden Galleries.

If you don’t have the London Pass (free entry included), we recommend booking your ticket online in advance to save money and to skip the ticket line.

Alternative: An alternative (or additional) attraction in the area that you may want to visit is the Museum of London . A great free museum that we’d highly recommend to anyone interested in the history of the city (note, closed until 2026).

Shakespeare’s Globe

Now we recommend heading across the Millennium Bridge, a steel pedestrian suspension bridge, to the other side of the Thames to see Shakespeare’s Globe (fee*).

This is of course not the original Globe Theatre (built in 1599) used by William Shakespeare, but it is as faithful of a modern construction as could be produced of the open-air theatre where Shakespeare staged many of his famous plays. The Globe is located near where the original would have stood. The original Globe Theatre stood about 200 meters away and you can go see the site and it is marked by a plaque.

The reconstruction of The Globe was the dream project of American actor/director Sam Wanamaker. If you want to see the inside of the theatre, you can visit the museum exhibition, learn how it was constructed, and do a guided tour of the open-air Globe where you get to see the stage and seating areas.

You can also enjoy open-air performances here in the summer or at the indoor candle-lit Jacobean style Sam Wanamaker Playhouse year-round. A great venue to see a Shakespeare play in London. Just be sure to book your performance ticket in advance.

Alternatives:  Other nearby attractions include the Tate Modern (free, charges for exhibitions*), HMS Belfast  (fee*), Southwark Cathedral (free, donations welcome), and  The Old Operating Theatre Museum  (fee*).

Borough Market

Borough Market is the best known and one of the oldest markets in the UK. It is believed that a market has been in this area since around 1014!

Today the market is filled with fresh produce, fresh meats and fish, baked goods, cheeses, flowers, wines, spices, and other food stuff. There are also cafes, demonstration kitchens, and restaurants that are part of the market as well as many food stalls selling ready-to-eat foods, including sandwiches and all kinds of street foods from Ethiopian wraps to Galloway beef stew to vegetarian pastries. This is a great place for a snack or meal!

If you are really interested in food, we’d recommend considering cutting out some of the other stops in the itinerary today and doing a food tour here, such as this one . A food tour will allow you to understand the history of Borough Market and allow you to sample and taste a wide selection of local products and dishes. For more on food tours, see our complete guide to the best food tours in London .

The market is normally open from 10am to 5pm and is closed on most Sundays during the year. Check the hours ahead of time when planning your day.

London Bridge & Tower Bridge

From this area you can admire London’s two most famous bridges, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Both are active road bridges over the River Thames that can be crossed by vehicles and pedestrians.

Given time, you probably only have time to admire them today, but both do have associated attractions if you want to visit them. You’ll also have a good view of HMS Belfast (fee) moored in the Thames, a WW2 era Royal Navy light cruiser that is now a popular tourist attraction.

London Bridge has existed in some form since Roman times, although the current one was built in the 1970’s. Next to London Bridge is the  The London Bridge Experience  (fee*) which tells the darker history of the London Bridge over time through the use of interactive exhibits and theater and is geared towards families and young adults that don’t mind a bit of a scare.

Tower Bridge is the more iconic bridge, although often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge. It is a Victorian bascule and suspension bridge built between 1886 and 1894, and is very photogenic with its iconic bridge towers.

If you want to learn more about the Tower Bridge (and have extra time) you can visit the  Tower Bridge Exhibition  (fee*) which covers the history of the bridge and allows access to the towers and walkways, including a glass walkway you can walk across that extends 138 feet above the Thames!

The Shard  is a modern pyramidal shaped skyscraper that is home to several restaurants, a hotel, offices, shops, and a viewing gallery. It was completed in 2012 and is currently the tallest building in Western Europe at 1,017 feet (309 meters) with 87 floors.

The viewing gallery, called The View from the Shard (fee*), is the highest public viewing gallery in London located on floors 68, 69, and 72. The building offers spectacular 360 degree views over central London and you can see just about all of the city’s major landmarks. On a clear day they say you can see up to 40 miles away, and it definitely offers the most expansive views over London we’ve every seen! Good views both during the day and the evening.

Now, The View at the Shard is fairly pricey (currently £37/person) for what it offers. So I’d carefully consider your visit here especially if you have already visited the London Eye and/or Sky Garden which both also offer good city views. If you do want to visit book your tickets online in advance for the best prices.

The View from the Shard is also included on the London Pass , so if you have one of these then it is definitely worth visiting.

Another way to enjoy the view is to head to the GONG Bar on Floor 21, and while not as high as the viewing platform, still offers sweeping views of the city for the price of a cocktail. This is a great spot to enjoy a before or after dinner drink. You can book ahead but they also take walk-ins at the bar. The Shard also has several other restaurants and bars, reservations recommended or required for meals.

West End Show

The West End is one of the most world-renown places in the world, along with New York City’s Broadway, for professional theatre. Over 30 theaters can be found in the West End offering a wide variety of musicals and plays. Here is a good list  of the theaters which also denotes the current main production being shown at each.

If you are wanting to go to a West End theater performance, you can book tickets in advance online before your trip (recommended if there is a specific performance you want to see) or try to find a deal once you are in London if you are flexible in what you see. Here are some  tips for buying theatre tickets,  and London Pass holders have access to  theater ticket discounts  on several West End shows.

But if theater and musicals are not your thing, there are a number of nighttime performances in London every day, from rock concerts to opera to films to comedy shows. For operas, symphonies, and classical music, you can find a list of upcoming performances here .

London also has a great nightlife scene with hundreds of bars, pubs, discos, and clubs. No matter what your taste, you are sure to find something of interest!

London Itinerary Day 3 – Kensington & Windsor Castle

So now you’ve seen some of the BIG highlights in London like Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the National Gallery. For your last day we’d suggest exploring a neighborhood like Kensington in the morning and then head to Windsor Castle in the afternoon.

Alternative London Neighborhood Options. We are going to recommend Kensington as the neighborhood to explore today, as we feel it offers something for every type of traveler and also has a large number of attractions, including several free museums. But if you are wondering about other neighborhood options we can also recommend Greenwich or Camden.

Each of these 3 neighborhoods are interesting and have a number of attractions and are worth a day of exploring. If you’d prefer to explore Greenwich or Camden, you can find a day itinerary for both of these neighborhoods as part of our suggested 6 day itinerary .

Or you can instead use this day to visit sites of interest to you that didn’t make it into our 3 day itinerary, such as the British Museum (free), Kew Gardens (fee*), the London Zoo (fee*) or a tour of the FC Chelsea stadium (fee*). Indulge in a particular passion or just enjoy a leisurely day of shopping or pub hopping.

Or head out of London for a day trip (see “Possible Day Trips from London” section at the beginning of the post for ideas) to visit popular sites in southern England such as Stonehenge or Oxford. It’s you last day, so spend it however you like!

You can get around Kensington today by foot, but you will need to take a train to reach Windsor Castle.

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace (fee*) is a grand 17th century home that was first used as a royal residence by King William II and Queen Mary II. It continued to be used as a royal residence by a British monarch through the reign of King George II. Since then it been used as the residence and workplace of “minor royalty”, and is still an active working royal palace.

One of the people most associated with the palace is Queen Victoria although she never lived here as queen. Victoria was born at Kensington Palace and it was here that she learned that she was queen. Fittingly, outside of Kensington Palace is a large marble statue of Queen Victoria, designed by her daughter Princess Louise, that depicts her at the age of 18 in her coronation robes.

In more recent times, it has been the home and workplace of Princess Margaret, Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Henry. It is still the official London residence of Prince William and Prince Henry and their wives, Princess Eugenie, and several other members of the Royal Family.

Despite it being a working royal palace, visitors are able to visit many of the rooms in the palace year round. There is a lot to see here and you can easily spent a few hours wandering around the warren of rooms. I would recommend taking a look at the different self-guided routes that the palace staff recommend and these are color coded and mapped out. The routes are based on different themes (e.g., Queen Victoria, King’s Apartments, Queen Victoria, royal fashion) so you can be sure to see the parts of most interest.

Note, the palace currently has a very popular Princess Diana fashion exhibition (entry is included with the palace ticket but expect additional lines for this exhibition). This has led to increased visitor numbers.

If you don’t have a London Pass I would recommend purchasing your ticket in advance here and if you do have a London Pass, I’d recommend arriving near opening time. I’d also recommend visiting on a weekday rather than a weekend if you can.

There is a  café here serving meals and refreshments, and also a garden worth exploring if you have time and the weather is good.

Kensington Gardens

After visiting the palace, we recommend spending some time exploring the surrounding Kensington Gardens. The gardens are another one of London’s royal parks and covers 265 acres. It’s a beautiful green space and we recommend a little wander if the weather is nice.

Some of the highlights of the park are the two Serpentine Galleries (free contemporary art galleries), an ornamental water garden, the Albert Memorial, the Elphin Oak (carved hollow oak tree), and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.  Food and drinks are also available at cafés in the park year round.

Probably the most striking memorial in the park is the Albert Memorial, a giant ornate memorial to Prince Albert who died of typhoid in 1861, leaving his wife Queen Victoria grief stricken. From the memorial, you’ll have a good view of the Royal Albert Hall.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall (fee*) is the top performance venue in London and the hall hosts everything from classical concerts to rock bands to sporting events. The world-class concert hall was the idea of Prince Albert and was first opened in 1871. Everyone from the Beatles to Winston Churchill to Nine Inch Nails have made appearances or performed here, and each year it hosts the BBC Proms .

If you are heading off to Windsor Castle this afternoon, you may not have time go inside and can just admire it from the outside. But if you do have time, visitors can join a guided tour of the hall. Guided tours of the Royal Albert Hall help you understand the history of the concert hall and take you to see the auditorium, gallery, and the private suites of the Royal Family.

If you want to do a guided tour, we recommend booking these online in advance, as they are very popular and do sell out.

If you are looking for an evening entertainment option during your time in London, there is almost always something happening at the Royal Albert Hall. You can book a ticket online or stop by the Ticket Office.

Now we recommend deciding between a visit to Windsor Castle or spending the rest of the afternoon exploring more of Kensington.

Afternoon Option #1:  Windsor Castle 

Windsor Castle  (fee*) is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and still an active royal residence. It was originally built in the 11th century as a defensive motte-and-bailey castle by William the Conquerer and has been a royal residence since the reign of King Henry I. Today the castle is a favorite weekend home to Queen Elizabeth II, a place where state visits are often hosted, and a popular tourist attraction.

During most of the year, parts of Windsor Castle are open to the public. This includes the castle’s  magnificent State Rooms which were mostly designed and built in the 19th century. Other highlights include the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the 15th-century St. George’s Chapel, and the Changing of the Guards ceremony (a much smaller version of the ceremony that takes place in front of Buckingham Palace). 

Most visits are self-guided and there is a good audioguide included with admission. You can also join offered guided tours at the castle, I’d check the website in advance for tour times. Note that the castle can get very busy, especially in the summer months. 

If you want to visit Windsor Castle, the afternoon is currently the recommended time as the castle gets very crowded in the morning. We’d recommend getting on a train to Windsor at least 3 hours before closing time (it varies by season so check the website) to ensure you have enough time to visit. We’d recommend allowing 1 hour to travel to the castle and at least 2 hours for the visit.

To get here you need to take a train out of London (about 1 hour ride each way). You cannot use your Oyster Card to travel to Windsor as it is outside London, so you will need to buy a rail ticket at the station. Paddington Station is a 25 minutes walk (or slightly shorter Tube ride) from either Kensington Palace or Royal Albert Hall.

Afternoon Option #2: Afternoon Tea, V&A Museum, Shopping, & Hyde Park

If you decide to continue to explore Kensington, we recommend considering an afternoon tea break, visiting the V&A Museum (or one of the other free museums in Kensington), doing some shopping, and taking a stroll through Hyde Park. Check our guide for more things to do in Kensington .

Afternoon Tea in Kensington

The tradition of afternoon tea originated in the aristocratic homes of England in the 19th century, and there is no better place to have afternoon tea than in London. You’ll be spoiled for choice in London as there are thousands of places that serve tea from casual cafés where you can get a cuppa and a scone to luxury hotels offering a 3-tiered silver tray fancy afternoon tea experience.

If you are just looking for a casual tea, you’ll be able to find that at many cafés in this area. One suggestion is to break for tea within one of the cafés at the Victoria & Albert Museum , which include both opulent Victorian era rooms as well as casual outdoor courtyard spaces. Once a week, The Victoria & Albert Museum also serves a formal Victorian afternoon tea that recreates the afternoon tea experience of Queen Victoria, and for this one you do need to book in advance.

But if you want a more luxurious experience, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. Luxury spots to enjoy afternoon tea in the Kensington area include The Berkeley and The Lanesborough . Also a few to consider in nearby Mayfair (west of Hyde Park) are The Ritz , The Dorchester , and Claridge’s .

We have oddly had a lot more afternoon teas in Paris (see our Paris afternoon tea guide ) than London so far. But we can suggest in this area that if you are looking for something a bit different, you might want to check out the fashion-inspired Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea at The Berkeley. This fun and colorful tea is designed for those who love fashion and the tea menu changes each season along with the fashions on the catwalk.

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum , often referred to as the V&A, is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design. The museum collection is extensive and items range from Chinese embroidery to John Constable paintings to Baroque furniture to Alexander McQueen gowns. It’s a must visit for anyone interested in art or design.

The museum is also known for hosting a lot of really interesting exhibitions which often attract a large number of visitors. The museum is also known for its current café and restaurant located within the beautiful Morris, Gamble and Poynter Rooms, which is the oldest museum café in the world.

Entry to see the permanent collection at the V&A is free. Some temporary exhibitions are also free but there is generally a fee to enter the major ones. If you have a London Pass, you get free entry into one of the paid exhibitions.

Alternatives: Kensington is home to several other well-known museums, including the   Science Museum  and the Natural History Museum . Both are free (donations appreciated) and both are good alternatives if you aren’t excited by the V&A. The Science Museum in particular is a great family-friendly option.

Harrod’s

Now if you are in the mood for some shopping or just some window shopping, Kensington has some excellent shopping areas. The most concentrated areas are along King’s Road, Kensington High Street, and Sloane Street. You can find everything from more budget friendly international brands like Zara and H&M to high-end luxury department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Harrod’s is one of the most famous luxury department stores in the world. It was founded by Charles Harrod in 1835 and grew to be the best known British department store in the world, being patronized by celebrities, politicians, royalty, and the British elite. Although in recent years it has been bought by the state of Qatar and has suffered from some bad press, it is still a luxury store worth checking out for those who enjoy shopping. Other department stores in this area are Harvey Nichols and the more traditional Peter Jones.

If you are more into antiques, you’ll want to head to Church Street where you’ll find a number of antique stores like Andrew Nebbett Antiques and Designs, Alfie’s Antique Market, The FM Gallery, and Church Street Antiques.

Hyde Park is yet another of London’s great Royal Parks, covering 350 acres. It used to also encompass Kensington Gardens, but the two are now divided by the Serpentine Lake and Carriage Drive. The park offers lots of tress, ornamental flower gardens, a large lake, walking and cycling paths, sport facilities, and a playground. 

Attractions with the park include The Serpentine Bridge, Holocaust Memorial, the Diana Memorial Fountain, Speaker’s Corner, and several war memorials. Located at the northwestern and southwestern corners of the park are the Wellington Arch and Marble Arch.

Each Sunday at Speakers’ Corner , located on the northeast edge of Hyde Park (near intersection of Marble Arch and Oxford Street), you can hear people give speeches and hold debates about a variety of topics in the name of free speech. The tradition dates back to the mid-1800’s and anyone can participate.

The park is a great place to get active as you can boat, cycle, play tennis, skate, ride horses, or even swim within the park. In the summer boating is popular and you can rent a rowing or pedal boat to enjoy the Serpentine Lake or you can take a ride on the solar-powered Solarshuttle. There are also a few places to grab coffee or have a meal, including lakeside dining.

Enjoy your final evening!

It is your last night in London so plan something you’ll enjoy and remember. This could be a nice dinner out, a pub crawl, attending a late night museum opening, a sunset River Thames cruise, a creepy Jack the Ripper tour , seeing an event at the Royal Albert Hall, a sporting event, a  classical music performance , or just relaxing after 3 busy days of sightseeing!

Save Money on your 3 Days in London with the London Pass

We wanted to give you an example of the cost savings over 3 days in London if you were using a London Pass. The following calculations are based on the above itinerary although it doesn’t include every single attraction we suggested but includes what we believe is a realistic number for someone planning to actively sightsee based on the above itinerary.

Here is the cost savings for 3 days in London for 2 people using the London Pass.

So in the above example, visitors would have a cost savings of £112.8 per person for a total cost savings of £225.60 for 2 people. This is definitely a considerable savings on entry fees for three days of sightseeing!

Even if you change some of the attractions or take away a couple of them, you would still save money with a London Pass if doing a similar amount of sightseeing. In general, you need to visit an average of 2 to 3 higher priced attractions per day to save money with a 3 day London Pass.

We highly recommend that all visitors check out the London Pass, especially if it is your first visit to London. The pass covers free entry to over 90 attractions and museums, plus a number of discounts on tours, restaurants, souvenirs, and theater tickets. Not only will it save many visitors money, it can also save time as it provides fast track entry into certain busy sites.

You can check the latest prices and purchase the London Pass at the official website for the pass here . We also recommend checking prices on and GetYourGuide here as sometimes one will be better value than the other.

However the London Pass is not a good fit for all travelers, and if you are not sure if it is a good fit or not, read our  full review of the London Pass to help you decide if it is worth it. Our review breaks down the features, ways to purchase, how to calculate your cost savings, and more.

There you have our suggested London itinerary on how to spend 3 days in London!

Planning a trip to London? Pin this article to Pinterest to read later:

How many of these attractions would be on your London itinerary? If you’ve visited London, what were you favorite spots in London? If you have any questions about the itinerary or visiting London, just ask them in the comments below and as always we are happy to help!

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Jewel Post author

May 31, 2024 at 1:53 pm

Do you have any taxi recommendations for London to brighton?

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 31, 2024 at 3:01 pm

I would recommend checking out minicabit which is a popular UK taxi comparison site. It is used by hundreds of cab companies.

However, that drive takes about 2 hours so is going to be very expensive if you take a taxi or other type of private transfer. So I would also recommend considering public transit for such a long journey.

You will save time and money by taking a train to Brighton, the quickest trains only take about 1 hour. You can also take a bus which is cheaper but that will take about 3 hours. There are regular trains and buses/coaches between London and Brighton daily. If you are just going to Brighton for the day, I would choose the train as it is the fastest and most cost effective way to do a return day trip.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any question as you plan your trip to England!

Best, Jessica

Kai Parker Post author

March 28, 2024 at 2:50 am

London has always been a dream destination for me, and this city itinerary just sealed the deal! I can’t wait to immerse myself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of this iconic city. Thanks for the inspiration, I’m definitely bookmarking this for my next adventure!

March 31, 2024 at 6:58 am

Glad you found our London itinerary to be an inspiration for your future trip to UK. Once you start your planning, feel free to ask us any questions about your trip!

Wishing you happy travels! Jessica

Michelle Post author

February 25, 2024 at 1:11 am

Hi There, the map above is AWESOME! Just wondering if there’s a list of the numbered points on the map, rather than having to comb through the information, like a quick reference? Thanks 🙂

February 26, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Hi Michelle,

I am so happy that our London map and 3 day London itinerary have been useful in planning your trip. So I think you are just referring to the image, but if you double click on the image or the link above it (look at the paragraph above it where it says click here) that will take you to the map I created within Google Maps so you can see all the points on the map that are numbered in the picture. Does that help?

But just note that you should definitely consider reading through each day of the itinerary as these are just suggested routes and places to visit and you should modify it per your own time and interests. You may not have time for everything on each day so best to know which places are must-sees for you and which you are OK just seeing from the outside and all that.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to London!

December 27, 2023 at 6:26 am

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your insightful 3-day London itinerary! Your detailed suggestions and personal experiences really add a genuine touch. I followed your recommendations and had a fantastic time exploring the city. I’d like to share an additional budget-friendly tip: consider staying at Serviced Apartments in London. My recent stay there was both comfortable and affordable, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make the most of their London trip without breaking the bank. Thanks again for your fantastic suggestions!

December 28, 2023 at 1:31 pm

So glad that you enjoyed you stay in London!! Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you found our itinerary and advice helpful in spending 3 days in London. And thanks for sharting your tip about having a good stay in a serviced apartment. I hope you get a chance to return to London again soon!

Alan Post author

August 22, 2023 at 3:22 am

just wanted to say a big thank you for all the work you put into this itinerary, we used it to plan our own 3 days in London, got the pass, had a wonderful time! your advice made our time much easier and less stressful!

August 23, 2023 at 12:47 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment and glad you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful. Very happy to hear that you had such a wonderful trip to London!

Hapy travels, Jessica & Laurence

Mary Jo Lauscher Post author

July 31, 2023 at 1:15 pm

Hi there, I found your three day itinerary very helpful.

We are going to London at the end of September. My question is about getting advance tickets for any of the sites. If we plan on using the London Pass, how do I order advance tickets, make a reservation, or skip the line ticket, etc? I have not been able to find any information on that. Also with the London Pass can we use the Hop on hop off both days of the 2 day pass? Thanks for all your information, it was very helpful!

August 2, 2023 at 8:04 am

Hi Mary Jo,

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip. So if you decide to go with the London Pass, you do not need to make advanced reservations for most attractions. But you do need to book for most walking tours, bus tours, and other types of guided activities. You can find all the details for the attractions and tours that need to be reserved and how to do that on this page .

The hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus ticket included with the London Pass is only valid for 1 day (no matter the length of your pass). This is the same with the Thames boat cruise ticket.

For skip the line access, you can skip the ticket line for most attractions with the pass but you can’t skip the security lines. Your London Pass essentially acts as your ticket for most attractions. I don’t think since COVID that there have been many attractions that have a specific line for pass holders, but generally you get in the same line as those who have prebooked tickets.

For popular attractions not included on the London Pass, such as the London Eye , Churchill War Rooms, UK Parliament tours, Madame Tussauds , etc. then it is best to buy tickets in advance for these. I would check on any must-see attraction if reservations are recommended or required. But if you only have 2 days, I suspect that the London Pass will cover your admission fees for most attractions that you plan to visit.

For any attractions or tours that you want to do in London that recommend or require reservations (with or without the London Pass), I would start booking those soon if you have your dates set for next month.

Hope that helps and let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip!

Katie Post author

July 6, 2023 at 11:32 pm

Hello! Your itinerary is awesome!! I was wondering if you could help me with mine for four days in London in November. Is it doable or too packed? What should I take out or add? Should I buy an Oyster card? What should we actually go in and see? We are most likely staying at the Hoxton Holborn, AMANO hotel, or Wilde Aparthotel. Any dinner recommendations or cocktail/ house music places? 🙂

Day 1: Friday On and off bus tour Buckingham Palace Churchill War room Big Ben Westminster Abbey Dinner dishoom Shoreditch neighborhood for dinner/drinks

Day 2: Saturday St Paul’s Cathedral Borough Market Tower bridge South bank river walk Tower of London Leadenhall Market Soccer game

Day 3 Sunday Walking Notting Hill Kensington Palace Hyde Park Bond Street Regent street/Park Camden Market Abbey Road Hampstead Heath

Bermondsey neighborhood to eat?

Day 4 National Gallery Seven dials market Tennis museum?

July 9, 2023 at 7:05 am

So Day 1, I think all that is doable. Doing HOHO bus, visiting the Churchill War Rooms and Westminster Abbey. Seeing Buckingham Palace and the Parliament/Big Ben from outside. Also lots of other things you can easily see in that area such as St. James Park, Parliament Square, Westminster Bridge, London Eye and National COVID memorial. Dishoom is a great restaurant to try for atypical Indian food, we love it and just be sure to make a reservation as they are often fully booked. Although I’d also recommend trying a typical British curry place at some point too if you want the typical British Indian experience. The closest Dishoom to you (if stay in Holborn area) is the location in Covent Garden as its within walking distance. But if you are wanting to go to Shoreditch that night, then there is a location there as well, just note you’ll be looking at a 30 minute Tube/bus ride each way. Shoreditch might make more sense on the day you plan to visit Tower of London and be in the City of London.

Day 2 – I’d probably start with the Tower of London in the morning as it is normally worse with crowds than St. Pauls Cathedral. So I’d reverse the order and go from the Tower of London then to Tower Bridge and Borough Market before heading over to St. Paul’s. You can have lunch at or near Borough Market. Leadenhall Market is nice but limited options there compared to Borough Market. I think it would be hard to fit in a soccer game today if you want to visit all those places unless there is an evening football game on that day, might be better to try to do on Day 4?

Day 3 – If Kensington Palace is the only place you really want to visit the inside of, I think this is doable. Just note if walking it is about a 1 hour or so walk from Kensington Gardens to Hampstead Heath (so may want to take public transit as well). So if wandering on a more relaxed day today except for the palace, I’d just priortize your day for what you really want to see most and if you don’t make it to everything, you won’t be disappointed. The other thing to note is that Bermondsey is very far from any of the places you are planning to visit this day.

Day 4 – This might be a good day to also include the British Museum, especially if staying nearby. Its free, donation only and you can book time online in advance. Also easy to visit in the same day as the National gallery and Seven Dials Market. For a tennis museum in London, I am guessing you mean Wimbeldon – this is doable but it is well oustide central London and will take you about an hour each way to visit so I would just be sure this is something you really want to see. You could try to do the soccer game this day instead perhaps? Or consider a West End play or musical?

In terms of timing, I would go back through your itinerary and just make sure the timings will work out when you check the opening times/days and how long you expect to spend at each one. So say you expect to spend 2 hours at Tower of London, 1.5 hours at Westminster Abbey, 1 hour Borough Market, etc. plus the amount of time you think it will realistically take you to get from one place to the other. I’d then build in a bit of extra time so you don’t feel rushed. That should help you decide if there is too much on any one day. You want to try to balance seeing all the must-see things on your list without feeling rushed and having a little down time to relax and make unexpected stops.

London has so many restaurants, cafes, cocktail bars – I would just think about where you are going to be/want to be and look for well-rated options nearby. It sounds like you are going to be staying in the Covent Garden area and there are lots of options there that would likely be within walking distance of where you are staying. For a cocktail bar with live house music (and also food), you might check out STEREO. If looking for a historic pub for a typical pub lunch or dinner, you could try Lamb & Flag in Covent Garden or Museum Tavern across from the British Museum. Just note that for meals, especially for dinner you’ll want to be sure to book a table in advance.

In terms of Oyster Card, you can read our Oyster Card review post here . Based on your itinerary, I would say you will be taking public transport quite a few times so you can either get Oyster Cards or use your credit cards if they are PIN & Chip ones. You would also probably save money with the London Pass , and you can order your Visitor Oyster Card with the pass if you want. For a London Pass, I’d probably do a 3-day pass and just be sure to fit anything in that you want to see included on the pass on the first 3 days, and stick to free or not included attractions on Day 4. But that would cover all the big attractions you have listed (Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, St. Paul’s, sightseeing bus, Kensington Palace, etc.) except for Churchill War Rooms which sadly is not currently on the pass.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to London.

Wishing you a wonderful trip! Jessica

katie Post author

July 12, 2023 at 6:34 pm

Thank you so much for the info!! What restaurant would you suggest for a traditional curry? Also out of my day 1 and day 2? Which do you think I should visit vs just see? Anything overrated? Are the markets worth it? Anything more local that I should include?

July 13, 2023 at 4:11 am

You’re very welcome, happy to help.

You can find good Indian curry places all over London, Brick Lane is famous for them but I’d just go some place that is convenient. I’d just check reviews or ask a local person of best curry place nearby. Chicken tikka masala is probably one of the most classic British Indian dishes and one of the most popular dishes eaten in the UK (of all foods!), but there are lots of popular curries. Indian curry is one of the most popular takeaway foods in the UK.

For Days 1 and 2, I would recommend visiting all the places you want to see (see my prior comments on each day). The places you listed are some of the most popular places to visit and all are worth visiting. But of course it depends on your specific interests, time, and budget.

Leadenhall Market is OK – it’s a beautiful setting (I think most tourists come here for the Harry Potter connection as it was used a filming location) and there are several places to eat here. But if you are looking for more of an actual fresh food market, then Borough Market has both fresh food/produce stalls as well as prepared food stalls and restaurants. So I would recommend Borough Market over Leadenhall but they are both different. You can walk through either fairly quickly (although Borough Markets gets really busy around lunch time) so if on your way, they are easy enough to visit but if you want to try food or buy food, I’d recommend Borough Market over Leadenhall.

I would just build your itinerary based on what you are most interested in seeing and doing. Just make sure to allow yourself enough time and build in some flexibility.

Hope that helps! Jessica

TF Post author

June 27, 2023 at 4:41 am

Hello there! Just finished reading your article on the “3 Days in London” itinerary, your detailed itinerary and insightful recommendations have truly sparked my wanderlust.

Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive and well-thought-out itinerary. Your passion for travel and your love for London shine through in your writing, making it an enjoyable and informative read. I can’t wait to plan my own trip to London using your recommendations. Keep up the great work, and I’ll be eagerly following your future travel adventures!

June 28, 2023 at 7:58 am

You’re very welcome, glad you enjoyed reading our London itinerary, and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London!

Happy travels, Jessica

Lyn Fields Post author

May 26, 2023 at 6:08 am

LOVE all this info about London. We will be following the three day walking tour. We would like to have high tea/afternoon tea on Day 2. Do you have a recommendation for a location that would be in the vicinity of our Day 2 itinerary?

June 2, 2023 at 4:28 am

So glad that you are finding our London itinerary and info helpful!

So in terms of afternoon tea options in that area, you have a lot of them. Fortnum and Mason at the Royal Exchange would be a good bet in the City of London. Others in that area you might check out are The Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square, The Ned, and the Rosewood Hotel. Another option could be the Helix Restaurant at The Gherkin for a more contemporary setting with a city view. But pretty much any nice hotel in that area serves afternoon tea (although some only on weekends) and you can also find more informal and less pricey afternoon tea options at cafes and such in the area (one is Cafe Rouge near St. Paul’s Cathedral). Just be sure to check dates and times, and make sure location makes sense with your schedule. And be sure to book your time in advance.

Enjoy! Jessica

Henry Cris Post author

February 5, 2023 at 7:05 pm

Amazing tips on London travelling. Hoping to visit here soon. And really liked your article about London. It will help me a lot on visiting here. Thanks for sharing.

February 13, 2023 at 7:24 am

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and so glad to hear our article was helpful to you! Wishing you a great trip to London and just let us know if you have any questions as youplan your visit to London.

Amy Bull Post author

January 7, 2023 at 9:22 pm

Hi J & L, I have read your advice for many cities we visit and it is WONDERFUL! I am actually going this week and we are celebrating a 60th birthday. I wanted to know if you recommended a few restaurants that are note worthy of a memorable birthday dinner for two. Maybe with a view or great environment? I want to make the entire day memorable and his biggest request is to see Stonehenge. Any thoughts would be very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! Amy

January 11, 2023 at 1:03 am

So happy to hear that you have found our travel blogs helpful in planning your travels to various cities!

So for London, I don’t have any specific recommendations as it would depend a lot on budget, type of food, part of London, etc. There are just so many restaurants you could choose. Some thoughts might be to go to one of the old historic pubs for a pub lunch or dinner one day. For something fancy, the 5-star hotels (Savoy, Dorchester, Grosvenor Hotel, Claridge’s, Browns’, Ritz, etc.) all have very nice restaurants & bars and some of the top rated ones in the city. In terms of views, that is much harder but you could consider a restaurant near the top of The Shard as there are a few restaurants and bars there with great views over central London, and the nicer ones would make a good potential b-day dinner spot. Another option is the Sky Garden which has a restaurant. Or you might consider a restaurant along Thames with nice view of river. Anyway, hope that gives you some options and ideas to research.

For Stonehenge, it really depends if you are planning to drive yourself, take public transit, or join a guided tour from London? We’ve done all three at one point or another. Laurence has written a guide to visiting Stonehenge that might be helpful. Last visit, once we arrived, we took the free Stonehenge shuttle to the end to walk to the site, and then walked back through the field using the little map there to see some of the other prehistoric remains on walk back through fields. There is also a good visitor centre/museum that is worth spending some time to learn more.

If your husband is specifically interested in stone circles and prehistoric stone sights, Avebury might be a good secondary stop which is nearby and much less crowded (you can walk up and touch stones). There are also lots of other prehistoric sites in the region. Other places that people might combine on a day trip to Stonehenge are Oxford, Salisbury, or Bath. But I would just be careful to not pack in too much, especially if traveling on your own as it can make for a long day. But if doing a day tour, then at least you are not doing the driving. The only drawback to a guided tour is to make sure you will have a enough time in the places you visit for what you want to see/do.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have more questions as you plan your specific bday trip! Jessica

Florence Post author

November 1, 2022 at 8:15 pm

Hi Jessica & Laurence, This is Florence and i am making my 1st trip to the UK soon. May i know what’s the best site that i can look at for booking of train tickets in advance for travelling within UK? Apprecaite any advise. Thank yo.

November 2, 2022 at 7:04 am

Hi Florence,

So I am assuming you are meaning for travel outside of London? As within London itself, you don’t need to book in advance for the public transit Underground trains, buses, etc.

There is National Rail website which is the official UK train website which has info on the trains in England, Wales, and Scotland. But since there is not actual national rail service operator (but several independent operators), there are a number of website operators where you can book trains online in the UK so you can also go directly to the train service website (LNER, ScotRail, Avanti, Lumo, NI Railways etc.). The local operator will depend on where you are going in the country.

One convenient website to compare times and prices you can book on a website like Trainline . This is what we normally use for convenience to book online and they also have a mobile app.

You can also of course buy and book tickets in person at the actual train stations but we recommend booking in advance if you can for any longer journeys. You are often not guaranteed seats if you don’t book in advance on many trains. It depends on the company but tickets are often available to purchase 90 days in advance.

Another good website for figuring out how to get from one place to another and general travel info and connections (also works for buses and such) is the Traveline Info website . It is a very helpful website.

Anyway, hope that helps get you started. If you have any specific questions about booking train tickets in the UK, just let us know.

November 3, 2022 at 2:58 am

Great! Thanks Jessica. I will look into it and will inquire again if I have any other questions with my travel plans. Have a great day!

Bart Post author

October 3, 2022 at 12:53 am

Top tip if you’re visiting Borough Market… don’t venture there on a Saturday. It’s crazy busy, rammed full of people from very Early on! Visiting during the week is a far more pleasant & leisurely affair – you won’t feel like you’re being rushed off of your feet.

October 3, 2022 at 7:09 am

Thanks for sharing your tip for visiting Bourough Market in London – it is definitely busier on the weekends. But it is also the most lively so it can still be interesting to visit on the weekends if that is when you plan to visit, but you do have to expect the crowds and be more patient than on weekdays.

Also on Saturdays is usually opens earlier (8am) so going near opening time is a great way to enjoy the market on Saturday.

Shelley Post author

September 20, 2022 at 11:29 am

Hello! I love your 3-day itinerary and plan to use most all of it. Is there link where I can download it? Maybe I missed it but I am trying to work smarter, not harder and am copying and pasting a ton. Thanks in advance!

September 21, 2022 at 4:16 am

Hi Shelley,

Glad you are finding our London itinerary helpful for your trip. Is there a reason you need to copy it? We’d recommend just using it directly from the website for best functionality.

But you can also print or download it as a PDF file for offline personal use as long as you are a newsletter subscriber (it is free and easy to sign up). Once signed up you can then click on the Printer icon on the sidebar or at the end of the article.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to Lonon!

Bright A Post author

September 15, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Great tips to hear from you for 3 days itinerary. You blog is awesome to read also to explore London within the days. Thanks!

September 16, 2022 at 4:01 am

Hello Bright,

Thanks for letting us know our London itinerary is helpful.

Obviously if planning to visit London in the next few days, things are a bit crazy because of the Queen’s passing and upcoming funeral. So be sure to check opening dates/times and closures. Many businesses and attractions will be closed on Monday for the funeral.

Wishing you a great trip to London! Jessica

Suzie Post author

July 15, 2022 at 1:52 pm

Wow so glad I stumbled across your blog . So informative. I will be visiting London this July and am taking a lot of tips from your blog . For shopping , what would you recommend? Any outlets where I can get a good deal on bags ? Thanks so much

July 18, 2022 at 5:51 am

Glad you are finding our London articles on our travel blogs helpful in planing your upcoming trip.

In terms of shopping in London, Oxford Street is probably the best known shopping street. Also Regents Street, Bond Street, Mayfair area, Knightbridge area (Harrods). So lots of shopping opportunities, but not sure about great outlet stores in the city or where to get a good deal. London is generally an expensive city so we find shopping is often less expensive elsewhere. But you can often get good deals if you shop the sales and pay attention to discounts. It just depends on your budget and the types of stores you are prefer.

Bicester Village is a shopping outlet located near Oxford (about 1.5 hours from London) which has a lot of outlet stores all together and is a popular place for shopping for tourists. So that might be a place for your to consider.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip to London!

tuhina roy Post author

June 27, 2022 at 11:56 pm

wow…great info….wud be visiting in Oct’22….might add perfect fit for me at one glance/place…have been asking so many people around for last one month abt London n places to visit n here its given in such a nice n informative way….wonderful:-)….thanx much for collating these kind of info for people like us who r visiting from other countries….thanx again

June 28, 2022 at 10:41 am

You are very welcome, and so glad to hear that you are finding our London itinerary helpful! If you have 3 days in London, this should definitely give you some good ideas of where you might want to visit on your trip.

But if you have any questions as you plan your trip about things to do in London or elsewhere in the UK, just ask us and we are happy to try to give advice.

Rebecca Post author

June 12, 2022 at 5:34 am

Jessica & Laurence, We just returned from an awesome visit to London and we used your recommended 3 day itinerary. Thank you SO MUCH for your work in preparing the itinerary. All of the information you provide from the London Pass, Oyster Card, the description of places to visit and how to get there helped our visit to go smoothly. We didn’t waste too much time looking for things or figuring out how to get there and we were able to fit in everything we wanted to do! Having the London Pass helped us avoid lines, plus everything was already paid. The Oyster Card was also a huge benefit because we didn’t have to keep buying tickets. THANK YOU! Rebecca

June 12, 2022 at 6:11 am

Hi Rebecca,

So happy that you had such a great trip to London! And we are happy that our tips and advice were helpful in planning your trip.

Yes, I think that if you have limited time on a trip, you want to plan ahead and do what you can so that you can spend as much time as possible doing things and visiting places rather than having to plan and figure things out on the go.

Thanks for taking the time to comment and let us know about your trip. We always love hearing that our advice was helpful!

shelly v Post author

April 27, 2022 at 8:12 pm

Hello Jessica, Wow! Thank you for all the valuable info in your planning tips and itineraries. We are traveling to London and Paris this June. It is our first visit and traveling with teenage daughters so are focused on the most iconic sites. Based upon your 3-Day Itinerary for London, we have selected our “Must-See” London List ( most likely the minimum time to tour the area for each site since I’ll be traveling with teenagers). – Explore Westminster: Buckingham Palace w changing of guard; Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Bridge, Westminster Abbey – City of London: Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, London Bridge & Tower Bridge, – Windsor Castle & Kensington: Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, Shopping at Harrod’s

1) Based upon our Must-see list, will the 3-day London Pass cover the attractions we plan to visit? 2) We are staying close to Earl’s Court Station – do you recommend we also purchase the Travelcard? 3) Since we arrive 6/9 midday into London (after overnight flight), what might you recommend for day 1 itinerary?

April 28, 2022 at 9:27 am

Thanks very much!

So based on your itinerary we have the following feedback if you are trying to visit them all in 3 days:

– For Westminister: Make sure you check Westminster Abbey opening dates and hours. It is closed on Sundays to visitors and for certain occasions/holidays so you’d want to make sure to schedule around any closures if you want to visit here. – For City of London sites: I would probably choose to do either the London Bridge OR Tower Bridge experience. I think otherwise you’ll be rushed for time as the Tower of London, in particular, can take a while to visit. But you can of course see both from the outside without paying but as far as doing the full attractions on them, I’d probably do one or the other. – For Windsor & Kensington – Because you will need to travel out to Windsor, this could be a lot to fit into one day, but depends of course on how long you spend at each place. For the Royal Albert Hall, the tours are only given at certain hours so you may want to make sure that will fit in with your day. – Note that it looks like you are planning to visit a few days after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (June 5th) so we expect things will be busier than usual during this general period. Although luckily you are arriving after the Jubilee weekend itself when things will be super busy and hard to visit I think. It may make sense to book timed tickets directly for some attractions that have limited capacity such as Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and Royal Albert Hall so you are guaranteed entry within a certain time period.

1 – Yes, the 3-day London Pass will cover all the paid attractions you plan to visit, which are Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge Exhibition, London Bridge experience, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall. If you were to pay adult (16+) entry to all those it would cost around £178, whereas a 3-day adult London pass is normally £123. However, as noted above, you may not have time to do everything on your list so keep that in mind. The price saving will also depend on the age of your daughters, if they are under 16, then they can use a child pass so I would do those cost-savings separately. If you plan to take the sightseeing bus at any time during your visit, that would also add to the cost savings.

2 – You are definitely going to use public transport during your time in London, so will need a travel card. Bundling the travel card will save you some time and is convenient, although it costs the same as buying a Visitor Oyster Card separately. It’s really just for convenience, there’s no saving or extra cost to buying it with the London Pass. You can see more about getting around London here.

3 – For your first day, it sounds like you will just have probably a half day once checking in at hotel. I am guessing this is not a day you plan to use the London Pass? If not, I’d recommend maybe the British Museum and/or London Eye, both of which are not included on the pass. You’ll likely be pretty tired so I wouldn’t plan too much that first day.

April 9, 2022 at 5:07 pm

Hi Jessica, The information you provide in the 3 days itinerary is amazing, so detailed and informative! We will be getting off a cruise in London on a Friday and will stay until Monday.

We have reservations at Point A Hotel in Paddington. What would you recommend for transportation from the port to our hotel? We’ve already purchased the 4 day London Pass and Visitor Oyster card. Is our hotel near public transportation? It looked like it when we checked, but would like to verify. What would you recommend for getting to the airport on Tuesday morning? We need to arrive at the airport at 6:00 A.M. Transportation begins at 5:00 A.M. Is it feasible to use the public transportation and arrive to the airport on time? Our Oyster Card will be expired so we’ll need to pay for the transportation to the airport.

On Day 2 you recommend the river cruise right after visiting the Tower of London in the morning. If we do that, will we have time to visit the other sites recommended for that day? Might it be better to take the cruise in the evening? I looked at the times and it looks like it runs later on weekends, but stops in the afternoon during the week. Am I reading that right? Is the Thames River Cruise the same as the Uber Boat by Thames River that’s included in the London Pass?

If I download the London Pass app on my phone prior to the trip, will I use data as I access it while in London?

April 10, 2022 at 6:35 am

First, glad you are finding our London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip! Sounds like you have already got a lot of your trip planned.

Yes, the Point A Hotel (a good budget option) is near a lot of public transit options. You have Underground stations (e.g, Edgware and Paddington), bus stops, a train station (Paddington), and the Heathrow Express service (at Paddington) all under a 10 minute walk from your hotel. So you should not have any issues accessing public transit.

For getting to the airport, probably the best option, if flying out of Heathrow (I assume you are flying out of Heathrow? there are 6 airports around London) would be to do the TfL Rail train from Paddington Station to the airport. It takes about 30-40 minutes. I would just double check the timetable for your specific date to make sure it works for when you need to leave.

You should be able to still use your Oyster Card by just adding some credit to it if you have used up your prepaid credit (you can do it at the machines at the stations) as the Oyster Cards do not expire. Or you can buy tickets at the station or in advance online.

Other options would be to take the Heathrow Express (a bit faster but more expensive) or the Underground/Tube (but you would have to change stations).

Yes, we do mention taking the boat after visiting the Tower of London just because it is very convenient to do so there as there is a boat pier just next to where you exit the Tower of London. But you can of course do it later in the day from elsewhere along its route. It can be a good late afternoon or evening activity as it keeps running after many of the other attractions close. But just make sure that you will be near one of the piers where you can use the London Pass (you can only start a journey from 4 of the piers). And yes, there are a few options for taking Thames River Cruises but the one included with the London Pass is now called the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. So you want to make sure to get on that one.

I think you may be reading the timetables wrong on the boat schedule as that doesn’t sound correct as I think the boats run until 10pm/11pm all week. Some of the boats don’t run as much on weekends, especially the routes focused on commuters, but the more tourist-oriented routes generally run regularly all week. I would double check the schedule and specifically look at the times for the 4 stations where you could start your journey with the London Pass. The boats are normally about every 20 to 30 minutes. You can choose how long you want to stay on the boat as there are regular stops and you can do hop-on, hop-off if you wish.

In terms of how much you can do, it will just depend on which places you intend to visit and for how long, and which you just plan to stop and see during your day. The Tower of London for instance will likely take up all or most of your morning. I would not plan for more than 3 big visits per day. So you may need to pick and choose and prioritize certain attractions over others. I would write down which places you want to visit, how long you think you’ll spend at each, and the time it takes to get between them to get a good idea of what is feasible. Everyone goes at their own pace. You also want to work in some flexibility and free time so you aren’t too rushed and also leave a little time for getting lost/waiting in lines, etc.

If you download the London Pass app and install it prior to your trip, you should then not need to use any data to access the app on your phone. You just need data to download it and set it up. The only reason it would need data would be if the app needed an update. We also recommend downloading your QR code to a separate local place on your phone so you will have access even if you can’t open the app for any reason. We also recommend printing the QR code and London Pass # so you also have a paper copy you can use to access sites in case your phone battery dies or something.

Anyway, hope all that helps and makes sense! Happy to answer further questions as you plan your trip to London.

April 15, 2022 at 10:53 am

Thank you so much for taking the time to provide thorough answers to all of my questions! You are an amazing wealth of information! Rebecca

April 15, 2022 at 11:20 am

You’re very welcome and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to London!

April 29, 2022 at 12:13 pm

Hi Jessica, I’m trying to finalize our plans for our trip to London. We’ll be getting off a NCL cruise. What do you suggest is the best transportation option for getting from the port to our hotel, Point A Hotel in Paddington? We’ve purchased the Oyster Card. Thank you, Rebecca

April 30, 2022 at 4:29 am

It depends on where specifically your cruise ends, where is the cruise terminal? You say the cruise goes to London but does it actually end in London itself?

Most cruises end in either Dover or Southhampton, and if that is the case, you would need to catch a train from either to London. For a journey to London from either of these cities, you would need to pay for your train tickets separately (can’t use Oyster Card) since that journey would be well outside of greater London. Then once in London, if you are not arriving into Paddington station, you would probably want to get the Tube to your hotel and you can use your Oyster Card for that. Or you can of course take a taxi if you have a lot of luggage.

May 1, 2022 at 3:30 pm

Trish Post author

April 8, 2022 at 9:40 am

Thank you for your article on visiting London! I’m doing research for a trip I’m planning in early 2023. My question is, are there any of the locations you mention that could be unsafe for an older lady traveling alone? Or any special tips for me related to this?

April 8, 2022 at 10:37 am

London is considered a pretty safe city in general for travelers. I’ve generally felt safe when in London, even in the “less nice” neighborhoods. So I would not worry too much about it when visiting London.

However, as with any large city, there are pickpockets and thieves, and you should always use normal caution (e.g., not carrying large amounts of cash, securing your valuables so difficult to pickpocket, being aware of your surroundings, trust your gut). Most crimes against tourists are opportunity ones where a theif will steal someone’s wallet, smartphone, or purse. Thefts and muggings tend to take place in London’s busiest tourists areas, including Westminister, Camden, and Kensington.

And of course, more serious things do happen (we were in London during the 2017 London Bridge incident for instance) but these are unusual. Violent crimes against tourists are pretty rare in London (and the UK in general).

The only thing I would say other than regular safety advice would be to be more cautious if walking around the city at night after dark, such as after dinner or after leaving an evening West End play or something. But it is generally pretty easy to stay in well-lit main streets and around other people. If you need to go a longer distance, you can always take a taxi/minicab/Uber or get a bus instead of walking. Also a good idea to have your route and transport planned out in advance before leaving the attraction/restaurant/hotel.

If it’s late at night (after 10pm), particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, I tend to avoid the Tube. It’s not necessarily unsafe but a lot of drunk people tend to be riding on these evenings and it can be more unpleasant.

In terms of planning your time, our suggested London itinerary is pretty geared to someone trying to do a lot each day. But if you like to go at a slower pace, I’d just recommend planning a bit less each day so you have plenty of time to enjoy each attraction and get from one place to the other.

Hope that helps, and feel free to reach out if you have further questions as you plan your London trip!

tatiana Post author

March 2, 2022 at 12:21 pm

HI. I saw the London Pass includes a walking tour, any reviews on this tour?

March 3, 2022 at 2:49 am

Hi Tatiana,

Yes, the two general London walking tours: 3 hour Palaces and Parliament Tour and then the 5-hour 30+ London Sights Tour are newer additions to the London Pass. We haven’t done either of those tours or taken any tours yet with the company that runs those two tours but the company has a 5-star rating on Google. The tours are pretty similar to ones we have taken in London with other companies and seem like they would both be good intro tours to London.

Just note that the tours don’t include entry into any attractions. If choosing one of them, I would choose the 3-hour tour as 5 hours is pretty long without visiting any attractions. But both of them have very good reviews online.

If you decide to take any of the walking/bus/bike tours with the London Pass, just be sure to make your reservation in advance once you have your Pass. I believe that all the guided tours required advanced bookings.

Marina Teramond Post author

February 11, 2022 at 3:09 am

I can subscribe to everything mentioned about London because it is truly an incredible place with its unique atmosphere and I think that if you have an opportunity, this city should be in your list of places which you plan to visit. It is so cool that you devoted your article to a detailed plan for implementing a trip to London. I really like this idea to cover London for three days because if you plan it in a smart and thoughtful way, you will be able to spend this time eventfully and it will be enough for you to observe wonderful landscapes there. Your plan seems so elaborate and convenient in all respects because it provides you with a great deal of opportunities. I think that it is important to put exploring Westminster first because it is a real calling card of this city and it has its own individuality at the same time, being truly unique. I also want to visit Trafalgar Square because I think that it perfectly conveys the vibe of London.

February 11, 2022 at 9:35 pm

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning your trip. You will want to tailor it to your interests, pace, mobility, time, etc. but this should be a good starting point for what you might want to see on a first time visit with 3 days to visit London. Just let us know if you have any specific questions as you plan your trip!

Kitkat Post author

February 5, 2022 at 1:42 pm

So glad I found this article! I live in UK and my family is visiting soon but was having a hard time planning on what to see in London. This is perfect! Although I would like to ask, roughly how long or how many hours does the daily itinerary last? As I have to factor in touring with a child and a 60 year old. 🙂

February 6, 2022 at 5:28 am

Glad you are finding our 3 day London itinerary helpful in planning things to do with visiting family. For each day, we list a lot of potential places you could see and things to do; however, you would want to pick and choose what is of the most interest. We give some of the main sights as well as alternatives. The itineraries are definitely designed with those packing in a lot for a full day from after breakfast in morning to about dinner time, but you can adjust to suit your own pace and interests.

I would say visiting 3 major sights per day is going to be plenty with children but you could also see additional things along the way (without taking the time to go inside and visit). I’d try to estimate amount of time you’d want to spend at each and plan day accordingly with plenty of time for breaks and plenty of time to get in between each place, depending on how far away. Most of the places we list each day are within a reasonable walking distance from one another, but it will depend on everyone’s physical mobility.

Since you have a child visiting, I’d maybe pick at least one place that would be particularly fun for him or her. Depending on age and interests, this could be a place like the London Dungeon (not for young children), Sea Life, London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, Tower of London, London Zoo, Science Museum, etc.

Some places you could easily spend a few hours (such as the Tower of London or National Gallery) whereas another place you may only be interested in a brief visit. If you have London Passes , this can save you a lot of money if visiting several places. We used them when we had family visiting over the summer and they were great. Note that a few places in London (including free museums) require reservations due to COVID-19 precautions so be sure to check in advance if reservations or time slots are needed to visit.

Our 6 day London itinerary may also be helpful as it includes a couple more areas of London you may want to explore in addition or instead, depending on how long your family is staying.

Hope that helps, and just let me know if you have further questions. Wishing your family a fun visit to London!

elena gilbert Post author

December 28, 2021 at 9:22 pm

Amazing blog on visiting London, really interesting I loved reading it.

December 29, 2021 at 8:12 am

Glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and hope you found it helpful. Do let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London!

Vicki Copeland Post author

October 2, 2021 at 5:08 pm

Hi Cats- This is a fantastic travel site! Thank you so much. There are 2 of us headed to London for 3 days and your itinerary is perfect! I think we should definitely get the London Pass. Being that we are going in October, do you think there will be fewer people already booked for the places that are currently selling tickets for specific times? I’m guessing that even if we have a pass, if the time we arrive is booked we will have to wait? We are so looking forward to some pints and Shepard’s pie!

Laurence Post author

October 3, 2021 at 1:55 am

London is a busy city year round but there should be fewer visitors in October. A lot of tourist attractions have not been very busy this year due to Covid and travel restrictions. We last used the London Pass in late August and never had any long waits when we visited (including Tower of London & Westminister Abbey) but it does just depend as some have security checks. So just be sure to book those places that require it and you should be OK. But I would leave a little extra time in your itinerary just in case.

Note that most of London’s free museums currently also require pre-booking a time slot due to COVID to ensure entry so be sure to check in advance.

Wishing you safe & happy travels to London! Laurence

Elena Post author

September 24, 2021 at 4:18 am

Amazing blog about London, really interesting and very informative!

September 26, 2021 at 6:03 am

Glad you enjoyed our suggested 3 day London itinerary! Just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London.

vertoe Post author

August 26, 2021 at 4:21 am

Thank you for this amazing itinerary on 3 days to spend in London. London is a beautiful place to visit .

August 29, 2021 at 3:58 am

Thanks Vertoe, glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and had a good visit to the city! We were just back in London ourselves just yesterday and spent 3 days there – so much do there!

Johani Ponce Post author

August 19, 2021 at 6:49 am

I am planning to go to London next year. Very good guide

August 20, 2021 at 4:55 am

Thanks for taking the time to let us know that you enjoyed our London itinerary. Just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London for next year!

Vertoe Post author

March 25, 2021 at 5:52 am

Wow what an amazing London itinerary and list of things to do! Thanks for sharing this valuebale information.

March 25, 2021 at 8:44 am

Thanks very much, and just let us know if you have any questions if you are planning a trip to London!

GG Post author

January 19, 2021 at 4:00 am

This was so useful in planning my first trip to London! Thank you so much.

January 23, 2021 at 8:31 am

You’re welcome GG, just let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London!

Raleigh Truitt Post author

September 17, 2020 at 9:12 am

Will you publish a fold-up plasticized (rain-proof) version of your 3-day London guide? I could use one.

September 20, 2020 at 5:34 am

Hi Raleigh,

Glad you like our 3 day London itinerary. We do not have any published guides (waterproof or otherwise) of our itineraries but you are welcome to print (and laminate!) it. Just let me know if you have any questions as you plan your trip to London.

Vernon Post author

April 15, 2020 at 10:22 pm

Great blog, very helpful! If you’re visiting Europe and would like to stop over in London, but only have a 3 days to spare this blog get you covered it contains all the information.

April 16, 2020 at 5:24 am

Glad you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful and wishing you safe and happy travels!

Lia Post author

February 26, 2020 at 2:30 pm

Hello, Me and my mom are going to travel to London next week, we arrive on the 4th at about 3pm and we leave on the 7th at about the same time, so that means we have 2 full days and 2 half days…we have a lot things we want to do but we are kinda short on time and we need to stay with a budget…This time, I’m really lost and it has been really difficult to plan this trip….Do you have any tips or suggestions for our trip? Thank you ^-^

February 27, 2020 at 5:13 am

It really depends on what you want to do, your budget, and where you are staying in London. But I would recommend considering getting a London Pass or London Explorer Pass if many of the places you want to visit are included on those passes. They can help save you money and also help you organize your time – the London Pass also includes a sightseeing bus and boat tour you can do.

I’d make a list of the places you really want to see and can realistically see in the time you have and then group them together by where they are in London. The half-days are going to make it harder to plan around, especially if you are arriving into London via the airport as most places will be closing by the time you get in so I’d focus on the evening only activities that night (London Eye, theatre shoes, late night museum openings) so you don’t feel rushed.

I would also focus on some of the many free and low-cost attractions in London – many of London’s best museums have free entry (donation only) and there are of course the parks, gardens, and you can do your own walking tours of neighborhoods of interest.

If dining out is not a must-do, you can definitely save money in London on food and drink by picking up sandwiches, salads, snacks, etc. on the go rather than dining in. Grocery stores, Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Pret a Manger, fast food, etc. Museum cafeterias can also be great places to stop and eat that are normally good value without taking up too much time (if you are there already). It can also save you time, especially in the day, if you are trying to see a lot in one day.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip! Jessica

Karen Gilbert Post author

February 8, 2020 at 8:23 pm

Good Morning My friend and i will be in London (first time) on 14th April departing 18th April from Gatwick to South Australia. I have looked at so many things and have got myself very confused. We woud like to see Buckingham Palace, Changing of the Guard, the Mews, Kensington Palce, Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey, Parliment Houses, Harrods and Portobella Markets and a cruise on the Thames. Is this realistic??We have a hop on hop off bus ticket for the 15th only. Is it worth getting the London Pass or would it be better to pay as we go in case our wants exceed our endurance. We are both in our 60’s. We dont want to do too much walking (ie a complete walking tour)but we can manage some walking. Should we get an oyster Card? we are staying at Hyde Park Executive Apartments which is close to a train station and bus line i understand. Any help you can give 2 older ladies would be appreciated very much.

February 9, 2020 at 5:38 am

I would look at how much time you have from arrival to when you need to depart London for Gatwick airport. Do you have 4 full days for instance? 3.5 days?

Then I’d break down the places you want to see by day and think about how much time you wan to spend at each. For instance do you plan to tour Westminster Abbey or do you just want to see the outside of it? Most things are not time specific except for things like the Changing of the Guard so you will want to take that into account when planning our your days.

For the busiest places, like Tower of London you’ll want to try to get there first thing in the morning to make the most of your visit.

Given the number of places you want to see, I would suggest that you’d probably save money with a 3 day London Pass. The London Pass allows you to be flexible as it sounds like you don’t want to pre-purchase your tickets for attractions in advance? So then the pass would be ideal if you plan to visit several places on it.

The Oyster Card can also make transport easier for you if you plan to use the public transit and you can also use it to get to and from the airport.

The apartments it looks like you are staying are near some metro and bus stops. The Paddington train station is about a 15 minute walk away. However, if you are flying into Gatwick Airport, you might be better off staying near Victoria Station in London as the bus and train connections to and from Gatwick are better to Victoria train station. But you can of course just transfer and change trains to get there as well.

Veronica Webster Post author

January 28, 2020 at 11:17 am

Hi Jessica, I love your blog!! My husband and I are travelling in March to London-Paris-Amsterdam and your blog has been very useful. Very well organized, the information is fantastic. Here gomy questions. Based on your 3 days itinerary we have planned the London part. My “problem” seems to be fitting Saint Paul’s Cathedral in a more efficient way, on day 2, as we also plan to take the river cruise that day. I’m breaking down the draft so maybe you have some suggestions

Day 1, we arrive 10:50 am in London, we are giving ourselves like 2-2:30 hours to arrive to hour hotel (customs, picking up Oyster card, London pass, etc), our hotel is very close to Saint Pancras station (5 minutes walk, on Argyle square). As it will be the afternoon, we’re trying things not included in the London Pass. If we make it to he museum well, if not we will just take time to walk around and enjoy the evening by Picadelly Circus.

Day 1 Arrival Hotel British Museum Picadelly Circus

Day 2 (we start the London Pass) HopOnOff (we actually use it as transportation to Westminster) Parliament Square Westminster Abbey Big Ben ( I know it’s under renovation, just watch) Churchill War Rooms Trafalgar Square Buckingham palace

Day 3 Tower of London Tower Bridge/London Bridge (we walk to St Paul’s and views of bridges) St Paul’s Cathedral (here we would use the tube to go back to almost where we started to take the cruise) Cruise Tower of London-Westminster Westminster Bridge to London Eye London Eye

Day 4 Kensington Palace Hyde Park Harrods

Thank you very much!! Veronica

January 29, 2020 at 6:34 am

Hi Veronica,

Yes, I would probably leave yourself 3 hours for everything just to be on the safe side for everything as it is hard to predict time it takes for security etc. and you don’t want to feel rushed on your first day.

Day 1 – The British Museum is a great place to visit and entry is by donation only and there is so much to see that you could spend most of the day here if you wanted. From there you could also wander around the Covent Garden area and go to Picadilly Circus. If you don’t get to Picadilly Circus your first night, it is very close to Trafalgar Square on your second day so easy to fit in there between Trafalgar and Buckingham Palace. Day 2 – Looks good, yes, I think they’ve uncovered Big Ben finally (it was under wraps for a while) but it is still under construction. But you will see it from as soon as you step off the bus into Parliament Square. You’ll also see it from Westminster Bridge which you cross to get to London Eye on Day 3 which is our favorite view of the Houses of Parliament. I am guessing you are going by Buckingham Palace just for the view, correct? The palace is not open to the public in March but you can visit the next door Queen’s Gallery (royal art gallery) and the Royal Mews (royal carriages). Both are included with your London Pass if you have extra time that day. Day 3 – I think St. Paul’s is fine as you have it and it is only about a 30 minute walk between the two sites if you go along the river and it is a nice walk along the Thames (provided weather isn’t too bad!). Just note that the London Eye is not included as part of the London Pass so you’ll want to buy tickets for that separately. Day 4 – Looks good. If you are staying near St. Pancreas train station, you are a fairly short walk away from the Eurostar station if you are taking the train from London to Paris.

If you are still planning your Paris part, this suggested 3 day itinerary may be helpful.

Hope that helps and wishing you a great trip to London, Paris, & Amsterdam!

Leslie Post author

December 1, 2019 at 5:25 am

Thank you so much for your 3 day itinerary! I visited London for the first time in October and only had 3 days; I followed your itinerary almost exactly (with just a few slight variations). London seemed a little overwhelming as I was planning my trip and your itinerary made it so easy to figure out how to organize and spend my time. I was able to see all of the highlights I wanted to without feeling rushed. It turned out to be one of the best trips I’ve ever taken!

December 1, 2019 at 6:28 am

Hi Leslie, So happy to hear that you had a great trip to London and that our 3 day London itinerary was helpful in planning your trip. Thanks for letting us know! Feel free to share any highlights from your own trip or tips for future readers visiting London as I know a lot of other visitors only have a few days to explore. Best, Jessica

December 2, 2019 at 2:30 pm

I think the highlight of my trip was the morning spent in Kensington; walking through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, touring Kensington Palace, then walking by Royal Albert Hall and on to the History Museum. One thing I did that was not on your itinerary was take the Thames Clipper (you can use your Oyster card) from the Tower of London to Greenwich. I enjoyed walking around Greenwich, visiting the market and a pub there, and of course see the Royal Observatory and standing on the Prime Meridian!

December 3, 2019 at 9:38 am

So glad you enjoyed Kensington so much. Yes, it is nice a nice area of London to wander around and there is a lot to do and see while still being fairly relaxing with lots of green spaces and free museums.

We enjoy Greenwich too, especially the historical sites and market! We have it as part of our 6 day London itinerary but not on our 3 day one. But yes for those wanting to take a Thames river cruise, to any destination, the Tower of London is a great place to do it as the boat stops just a short walk from the Tower.

So glad you had a great trip and thanks so much for sharing some of your favorite places and tips!!

Trevor Hall Post author

September 25, 2019 at 7:10 am

I’m glad London has great transportation that I can take all around the city. My wife and I are taking our kids to the UK soon to make some fun memories. I’ll try to incorporate public transportation into our plans.

September 26, 2019 at 12:55 pm

Yes, it is very easy to get around London using public transportation and you can check out this guide to London public transit for some more information and tips. You can explore just about all of London using a combination of public transportation and walking. Best, Jessica

Sanjay Kadam Post author

September 7, 2019 at 8:17 pm

Dear Team, Excellent information provided for visiting London. I am sure with such descriptive and in-depth study of spending 3 days in London anyone as per his/her budget can explore London . it will be much more easier and convenient to a first time traveler. Thanks and keep up the good work.

September 8, 2019 at 2:24 am

Hi Sanjay, Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad it was useful to you. Wishing you a wonderful trip to London! Jessica

Taryn Hristova Post author

August 27, 2019 at 5:55 am

Thanks for this awesome article! My daughter and I just spent three days in London earlier this month and your itinerary was a lifesaver! We used it as ours. We did a ton of walking and feel like we packed so much in. Thank you so much for all of your research and advice 🙂

August 27, 2019 at 6:10 am

So glad you had a great visit to London and thanks for letting us know that our itinerary was helpful in planning your visit!

John William Post author

August 26, 2019 at 9:49 am

nice article, thanks for sharing.

August 26, 2019 at 11:33 am

Hi John, Thanks for letting us know you enjoyed it! Wishing you a great trip to London, Jessica

Tiffany Bui Post author

August 12, 2019 at 10:46 am

My friend and I are going to London Sept 14-18. We’ll arrive at Heathrow airport noon the 14th and travel to Paris morning the 18th from St Pancras station. We already got 3 days London Pass (mobile). Which London transportation pass do you recommend for our stay?

August 12, 2019 at 11:34 am

Hi Tiffany,

For your time in London, I’d recommend the Oyster Card if you are looking for a transport card. You can read our Oyster Card guide for more info – you can purchase it in advance (the Visitor Oyster Card which can be purchased here ) or get one once in London.

For tips on using the public transit in London, you can read this London public transport guide .

For your trip to Paris, you’ll want to book your EuroStar tickets in advance for the train if you haven’t done so already.

Hope that helps, and wishing you a great trip to London & Paris!

Tiffy B Post author

August 12, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Thank you so much for the prompt response and all the helpful tips. I really appreciate your work. May you and Laurence be blessed in everything that you do!

Have a wonderful week!

August 9, 2019 at 3:58 pm

Great itinerary, thank you so much for your recommendation. I’m going to buy 3 days pass and how should I best fit Hop on hop off bus and the river cruise to this itinerary?

August 10, 2019 at 2:47 am

Glad you are planning to use our London itinerary. You can modify the itinerary as you wish but we would suggust maybe doing the sightseeing bus on the first day you arrive to get an overview of the city (rather than so much to get from place to place) by taking one of the routes. This can be a nice way to get an overview of a part of the city. But you can take a look at the routes and see what will make the most sense for you as it could work on other days as well.

We recommend doing the Thames River cruise on Day 2, perhaps after a morning visit to the Tower of London. There is a stop located near the Tower. You can also check out Day 2 suggestions as part of our 6 day itinerary as we have the Thames cruise included as part of it.

Simone Post author

August 6, 2019 at 5:38 am

Hey Laurence and Jessica, Thanks for the content, it has helped me a lot to craft the best route for my short-visiting.

August 7, 2019 at 5:44 am

Hi Simone, You’re very welcome and wishing you a great trip to London. Best, Jessica & Laurence

Claudel P Post author

June 11, 2019 at 8:57 am

Great post! We will be heading to London for 5 full days during Thanksgiving this year.. so I am loving reading on your 3 and 6 day posts! Will there be christmas decorations or christmas markets during this time (november 27-december 2). if so, do you know where and what we should hit? We love Christmas! Have you seen either plays: Harry potter & cursed child, wicked, or matilda? which would you recommend?

Thank you so so much! I’m sure I’ll have more questions once I continue reading 🙂

June 11, 2019 at 10:14 am

Hi Claudel,

Glad you are finding our London posts helpful in planning your trip.

Some Christmas decorations should be up by the beginning of December, especially in the stores. Some of the larger Christmas markets also start around this time. One of the biggest is the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and it is expected to begin in late November so you should be able to catch that which has Christmas market, decorations, ice skating, rides, circus shows, etc, but it is a bit early for exact dates for most of these so I’d check a bit closer to your trip. You can see the official website for the Winter Wonderland here .

I have personally seen Wicked and enjoyed it but not the other two, but all have really good reviews. I doubt you’d be disappointed with any of them and I would go for the one that is of most interest to you. Or if you are on a bit of a budget, you can see if you can get discount tickets for any of the shows once in London. If you are getting a London Pass, then Wicked is currently one of the shows that pass users are eligible for discounted tickets, you can see more about this here .

Note that the Harry Potter & Cursed Child is a long two-part show (either both shows on same day or 2 over 2 days) and tickets often sell out well in advance, and you are very unlikely to get a discount for that show. So if that one is your fave, I’d book it in advance to guarantee a seat.

If you enjoy Harry Potter, Laurence has a Harry Potter filming location in London guide that you might enjoy, as well as a guide to the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour .

Olga castillo Post author

May 29, 2019 at 12:49 pm

Great tips and great 3 day pass information.

On the London pass does that include theater tickets? Any recommendations for a nice pub for lunch and for a good place for fish n chips. Also if you can help me out or give me some suggestions. I purchased London eye tickets for the wrong date, now it seems that I can’t change therefore will lose my money what can I do please help. Also can we wear shorts and go into the churches and the museums? Please advice if all possible. O. Castillo Miami Fl

May 29, 2019 at 2:23 pm

Glad you finding our London itinerary helpful in planning your upcoming trip. Sure happy to try to answer your question.

– The London Pass does not include free theater tickets, but it gives you up to 50% off on certain shows so you can purchase theater tickets at a discounted rates through their concierge service with your Pass. For example, there is usually 4-5 shows discounted (e.g., Aladdin, Thriller Live) and the discounts are usually between 20 to 50% off the normal ticket price. You can see more about this here . -BTW, I assumed above you were referring to West End performance theater, not movie theaters / cinemas as the London Pass does allow free entry to see films in a few area Curzon movie theaters right now. You can see those listed under the included attractions.

-There are LOTS of good pubs in London and many also serve fish and chips so you can get both at the same place in many cases. I’m not an expert on good fish n chips, but I would just do a search online depending on where you are and you’ll find lots of recommendations. The Clarence in Whitehill (Westminster) is a long-standing central pub where many Prime Minsters have had a pint including Winston Churchill. One popular spot for fish n chips is Ben’s Traditional Fish & Chips. But as I said, there are lots and lots of pubs, you’ll run into them everywhere as you walk around.

-For London Eye tickets, I can’t really help with that. You will need to call or email the London Eye or ticket seller where you purchased the tickets to see if they can change the date for you. Where did you purchase them?

-Appropriate shorts (e.g., not too short) should be OK in London. Most of the churches in London are active places of worship and so you should dress respectfully and act as you would in churches in your own country. You are asked to dress respectfully and modestly (e.g., avoid wearing things like skimpy tank tops, midriff baring tops, really short shorts/skirts) and for men to remove hat upon entry, etc.

-Note that if you are from Miami you might find London a bit chilly depending on the weather when you visit, as it can be cool and rainy even in the summer at times (or it can be pretty hot). So be sure to check the weather before your trip and make sure you bring some clothes for layering.

Stanley Post author

May 18, 2019 at 8:58 pm

Hi Jessica,

We, a party of 4 adults and 6 teenagers, will be in London this December. First arrival on the 18th, then off to Europe the next day, and back to London for a few days from the 31st to the 2nd

My questions are:

1. Would moving around London (mainly using tube, HIHO, and walking) during New Year’s eve and New Year’s day itself be congested, meaning we may have to scale down on the number of places that we plan to visit?

2. Will the attractions be open on New Year’s day?

3. For the above reasons, and to avoid the crowd, we are actually considering the option of taking a day trip to Bicester Village on New Year’s eve for some shopping. But, can you advise if we would have problems returning to London due to overcrowding on the trains and tube?

May 19, 2019 at 3:42 am

Hi Stanley,

Sounds like a fun family trip to Europe.

1. Yes, things will likely be congested on New Year’s Eve, especially towards evening as many people will be heading off to eat, celebrate, and party. So expect it to be busy and the Tube may not be the best place to be later in the evening (e.g., plenty of loud drunk people). But New Year’s Day shouldn’t be too bad as most people in the UK are off work and sleeping in as it’s a public holiday.

2. Some attractions will be closed on New Year’s Eve and/or New Year’s Day so I would be sure to double check the ones you plan to visit to be sure they are open. Some may just have reduced hours. But you should still find plenty to do in London on these days as many attractions stay open.

3. Bicester Village is definitely an option and I think it only closes on Christmas. You can get there by train or you can book one of the dedicated shuttle buses that goes back and forth from central London to Bicester Village if worried about the trains/Tube. It is a very popular destination with the Chinese and other international tourists so it will likely still be busy but not more busy than usual. Other non-shopping options is to book a day tour to some place like Stonehenge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Kent, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, etc. Since you have such a large group, a private tour is likely to be less expensive than joining a group tour and most private tours will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel so you don’t need to worry about transportation.

May 19, 2019 at 9:15 pm

Many thanks for the speedy response and useful tips, much appreciated.

Warmest Regards,

Vicki Baker Post author

May 17, 2019 at 6:51 am

So informative. Thanks so much. I have planned our UK trip from your suggestions. What SIM card for my cell phone do you recommend for the UK. We are coming from Canada.

May 17, 2019 at 7:33 am

Hi Vicki, Glad you are finding our London itinerary and other UK content helpful. For a SIM card, perhaps the easiest is going to be the Three SIM card , which you can pick up at the airports in booths or once in London. Then you can just add data to it as required, and they come with unlimited texts and minutes. Three is our provider here in the UK.

Another to consider is the SIMS and SiM stickers by KnowRoaming which is a Canadian company and you could get one before your trip. We’ve used them as well before.

But you can read more about these and other options for getting online and staying in touch internationally in this article .

May 17, 2019 at 7:56 am

Thank you Jessica for the quick response. Will look up the article you suggested. Great help. Keep up the good work!

May 17, 2019 at 9:03 am

Hi Vicki, Glad it was helpful and just leave Laurence (my husband who wrote the article about SIM cards, hotspots, etc.) a comment if you have further questions as he is more of an expert on UK SIMs 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful time in the UK. Jessica

Tim Riley Post author

April 5, 2019 at 10:10 am

Wonderful web site. We are going to be in London 2 days prior to a Princess Cruise around the British isles. There are 8 of us, ranging in age form 62-82. We arrive Heathrow, June 4 @ 6:45am and will be staying 2 nights 6/4 & 6/5) at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel. Boarding the ship on Thursday, June 6. Would like your suggestion of how best to make the most of 2 these days.

Thanks for your time.

April 5, 2019 at 1:04 pm

Your hotel is well suited for exploring the central highlights of London. I would recommend doing Day 1 and Day 2 of this itinerary. And then I’d recommend taking a few things out and slowing it down since you’ll be traveling in a bigger group. Getting a 2 day London Pass can help as it will allow you to bypass ticket lines at many attractions.

I’d also recommend asking everyone for 1 or 2 must-see things to do or see in London and see if you can incorporate at least one thing everyone really wants to do. Hopefully most will fall within the main highlights (Tower of London, Buckingham Place, etc.) of the itinerary, but may also include changing the itinerary a bit to visit the British Museum, going to a particular shop, or making sure to stop for a fish and chips pub lunch or going to a West End performance.

It may also make sense for a group of this size to split into 2 if there are differences in interests (e.g., one wants to spend the day in museums and one wants to go shopping).

If you have any specific questions about how to modify the itinerary, let me know!

Ken Post author

March 25, 2019 at 10:09 pm

Hi Jessica, we are planning 4 and half days in London and then 3 days and nights starting in Bath and Cotswold. Any suggestions on a mid range hotel/ bed and breakfasts . We are taking a train to Bath and I’m asking for help on the transportation to the Cotswolds area, places to stay for 3 nights,tours and rentals car to get around. Thanks in advance, Ken

March 26, 2019 at 11:29 am

I’d book your train ticket in advance to Bath to save money and also ensure a seat reservation. You can see schedule here .

For exploring the Cotswolds, you can either explore on your own by car or you can take a half day or full day tour from Bath. So if you stay within walking distance of central historic Bath (e.g. Roman baths) you could probably do it without a car if you wanted and rely on public buses and day tours. Or you can rent a car in Bath but you don’t really need a car to explore Bath itself as the highlights are located within walking distance of each other.

If you rent a car, there are a few agencies in Bath including Europcar and Enterprise, we normally use Enterprise, you can check prices here . Just note you need to take a short bus or taxi ride from central Bath to many of the car rental agencies, including Enterprise, as most are a little outside the city center.

For activities and day trips from Bath, I’d check out this list . Some good day trips might be Stonehenge, Cotswolds, Oxford, Bristol, Cheddar Gorge, but I’d recommend spending one day just exploring Bath itself.

We haven’t personally stayed in Bath overnight so I don’t have any personal recs, but there are a number of mid-range hotel and B&B options, I’d just pick something near the city center. Some to check out might be Annabelle’s Guest House , Henrietta House , or The Rising Sun Inn .

Menaka Post author

March 18, 2019 at 5:06 pm

hi Jessica This is super awesome…all your blogs have helped me tremendously in planning my itinerary. Would greatly appreciate your inputs on a few of my questions below: 1- as part of the London pass, I believe we get one day of HOHO bus and River Thames cruise option. Assuming the 24 hour clock for HOHO starts the moment we take the bus but do we also have to take the River Thames cruise within that 24 hours or can we do it any time within the 3 days of London Pass validity? 2- how did use the HOHO option with the 3 day pass itinerary? 3- we want to do the stonehenge, bath and windsor day trip as a part of a tour so I’m assuming the admission fee to Windsor would be a waste for us? 4- we are a party of 6, 2 kids (5 and 9) and 4 adults (2 over 60)- how family friendly would you consider the 3 day itinerary, also considering, we will be jet lagging first couple of days. We are staying a total of 6 days in London and 3 in Edinburgh- London 4 days, Edinburgh 3 days and London 2 days.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

thanks Menaka

March 18, 2019 at 6:05 pm

1. The HOHO bus ticket is good for 1 full day, so not for 24 hours. Just for one full operating day of the sightseeing bus to whenever the bus service begins to when it ends. The HOHO River Thames cruise is good for 24 hours, and I would probably do this a different day than you are using the bus ticket. 2. You can use the HOHO bus anytime/day you want, but I’d probably do it the first day so you can listen to the commentary and learn more about the city and sightsee from the bus before you start visiting a lot of places. If you are feeling tired the first day from jet lag, this can also be a nice break from walking. Since our itinerary is designed for walking, you don’t really need the bus or public transit too much to get around so you can also use it more to just sightsee than to get from place to place, but it is up to you. 3. For the day trip, yes, the price of the entry fee for Windsor is probably included in your tour cost. I’d try to do the day tour on a day when you don’t have the London Pass if you have days when the pass is not going to be valid. 4. With 2 younger kids and a group of 6 people, it is going to take you longer and you’ll need more breaks. So I’d cut out a little bit from each day or just take it at a relaxed pace and do what you can each day, without trying to rush too much. Maybe just set priorities to make sure that everyone in the group gets to visit their top attraction. I’d get some info from everyone what their must-see thing to do in London is so you know it ahead of time and can make sure you can fit it in.

Elaine Post author

February 24, 2019 at 8:54 am

Hi Jessica and Laurence, My friend and I are traveling to London and Paris from 4/19 (land at 9am) – 4/26 (leave at 6:40 pm) . My son is studying abroad in Bologna and will be meeting us in London for the weekend. We are in London from 4/19-4/23 but are going on a day trip to Highclere Castle on 4/22. What days’ itinerary would you suggest for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sunday is Easter so hope that doesn’t impact our stay too much. We were planning on attending Mass(Covent Garden) around 9ish that morning then continuing on from there. We are staying at the Doubletree Hilton – Victoria. Thank you, Elaine

February 24, 2019 at 10:15 am

I think our suggested 3 Day itinerary will work for you since you essentially have 3 full days with one day going to Highclere Castle. I’d just check on the opening dates for each attractions you want to visit. Some may be closed (or have reduced hours) for Easter Sunday. Many attractions are closed certain days (Westminster Abbey closes on Sunday) so I would just plan as you would any other trip. If you plan to follow our itinerary (at least loosely), I’d recommend considering the London Pass.

Covent Garden is a good area as you are within walking distance (or short ride) from several good attractions including St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Transport Museum, The National Gallery, and the West End theatres.

At Highclere Castle be sure to take time to stroll the gardens and visit the museum – the focus of the visit here has become on Downton Abbey but I think the true life story of the family is more interesting.

I would expect that London will be busier than usual that weekend as many people, locals and tourists, will be enjoying a long weekend in the city. But it should not be as busy as summertime.

For Paris, it looks like you may have at least 2 full days there. Here is a suggested 2 day Paris itinerary that may be helpful.

Hope that helps, and let us know if you have any specific questions as you continue planning your trip to London!

Cindy Post author

January 13, 2019 at 1:05 pm

I am researching my first trip to London. I think that our flight will come in around 11:00 am. Is this too late to start with the day 1 itinerary? Is there something else that you would recommend for this day?

January 13, 2019 at 3:22 pm

Hi Cindy, If your flights lands around 11am and then you go through security, baggage claim, travel into London, and check into your hotel to leave your luggage, you’ll probably have about half the day left. So you could probably fit in part of the day’s itinerary, but you won’t be able to do it all.

I would suggest just picking one big attraction that you want to visit and head there after you get into London and drop off your luggage, perhaps in Westminster. Then after your visit you can see how much time you have left. I’d do some walking around and visit one or two of the attractions that are open later hours, such as the London Eye and the the Shard or you can do a tour such as the Jack the Ripper tour or get tickets for a West End show. Some of the museums also are open late one night of the week (Fridays is a popular day) so you can check that as well.

Hope that helps, Jessica

Cindy Dunlap Post author

May 6, 2019 at 3:01 pm

Hi Jessica, I think this was my post to you from January. Now that I have solidified my itinerary a little more, it raises more questions. You were so good with your last reply I am reaching out to you again. We land at Heathrow at 10:10am on May 12th, with transportation to our hotel in Bloomsberry already covered. Should we purchase our Oyster Pass at the airport? We will be in London May 12th, 13th, 14th, then Paris on the 15th for a one day visit. (Already have tickets for EuroStar) Back in London 16th with a 1:15 Harry Potter Tour and 17th with an afternoon tour of Stonehenge. We fly back home at noon on Saturday the 18th. We are planning to get a two day London Pass since my understanding is they have to be used on consecutive days. Should we pick up the pass at their Center? We love your 3 day itinerary but how can we tweak it to fit our schedule, any suggestions? Also, we want to do the London Eye, any idea as to when would be best time to squeeze it into our time in London? So much to see so little time???? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, Cindy

May 7, 2019 at 1:11 pm

Hi Cindy, Yes, I think getting the Oyster Card at the airport make sense and then you can start using it right away. Otherwise you can purchase the Oyster Card at just about any Underground station (the standard one, not the Visitor one).

Yes, the London Pass has to be used during consecutive days so it does sound like you would want the 2 day London Pass. I would then to try to visit all the main attractions you want to visit covered by the London Pass on those 2 days. You can often save money by purchasing the London Pass online and then you could pick it up in central London. Otherwise, you can purchase it at the Heathrow airport Information Center, but the lines here can sometimes be a bit long.

If you like the itinerary and you only have 2 days, I would just do Day 1 and Day 2 of the itinerary as that covers most of the central highlights of London. The London Eye is already included as a suggestion for something to do in the evening of Day 1. Since the London Eye is not included on the London Pass, it is good to do in evening when other attractions are closed. It is also nice for sunset views and is open late.

Grace lee Post author

October 17, 2018 at 5:46 pm

Wow! I can’t believe how helpful this site is! You’re amazing. We will be in london in June for about 5 full days and will follow your 3 day itinerary. We want to explore Cotswolds area. Is there a way to do it without a tour guide? Sounds like it’s not an easy area to visit on your own? We will rely on public transportation. Any suggestions please? Thank you! Sincerely, Grace from Chicago

October 18, 2018 at 12:19 pm

Public transport is generally very good in the UK, particularly England, but it is not the best in the Cotswolds area. You can take a train to get there but a train will not get you around efficiently. There are several bus companies that operate within the area but you can spend a lot of time waiting and changing buses to see the main towns with tourist appeal unless you only want to stop in one or two of them. It is doable though to see the area by bus, and best if you have 2 days from London to explore just so you have adequate time to really explore. If you decide to do public transit, I’d recommend taking a train to Oxford and then taking buses from there.

But probably the two best ways to explore the area, especially as a day trip or overnight trip from London, are by renting a car or taking a guided bus tour (or private tour). If you are only doing a day trip, it is probably not worth renting a car unless you have a bit more time. Taking an escorted tour of the Cotswolds is very time efficient as you don’t have to worry about driving or parking, can visit several villages in one day, and they will take you to some of the most scenic and popular spots.

Check out our article on visiting Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds , as it goes over the various options in how to get to Oxford and the Cotswolds from London (car, train, bus, guided tour, self drive). It can also help you decide what villages and attractions you may want to visit on a day trip.

Hopefully that helps, and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to London!

Julie Post author

October 17, 2018 at 12:00 am

Hello I will be arriving at Gatwick airport next month. It is my first trip to London and I am very excited! Can I know where can I buy the London oyster card and London pass in Gatwick airport? Will the shop be opened? Also how much to rent a wifi router there? My arrival time is 5am. I will need the card to go to St Pancras station. Thanks in advance!

October 17, 2018 at 1:23 pm

Sounds like an exciting trip to London!

You can buy the London Pass at Gatwick Airport at the travel concierge and reservations desks. I don’t know for certain their hours, but it says here that there are 2 and both open at 4:00am. I would call in advance just to double check their times and what they have available if you need to purchase something there and you can find all the phone details here: https://www.gatwickairport.com/at-the-airport/shopping-eating/shops/airport-concierge/

But I would actually recommend buying the London Pass online in advance if you can. It is currently on sale so it will save you a little money – you can then have it delivered to your home (for a shipping fee) or pick it up once in London (for free).

If you are planning to get a Visitor Oyster Card , you need to purchase it in advance. You can purchase it alone or in combination with the London Pass.

The regular Oyster Card can be purchased at the concierge desks in Gatwick North Terminal or Gatwick South Terminal or at the Gatwick Airport train station (or most Underground stations once in London).

I am not sure about mobile WiFi hotspots, but you can certainly rent them if you need to. If you can’t rent one in the airport (or they seem too pricey), you can certainly rent them once you get into London. Here is a guide to getting online while traveling that might be helpful. But you might also look into options before your trip. Prices generally range from about $7 to $12 per day depending on the company.

Hope this helps and do let us know if you have more questions as you plan your trip to London!

October 19, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Hi Jessica, thank you for your quick reply. 🙂 Could you let me know if our itinerary (first week of Nov) is feasible? We do not want to wear ourselves out, yet do not wish to miss out on any interesting sights.

DAY 1 (5pm onwards) – Watch a musical. Which do you recommend? And any tips on getting a cheaper tic? I have watched The Wicked, Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and the Les Miserables at my hometown. Would love to watch one that I have not seen before in London itself!!

DAY 2 – 1) Free & easy day trip to Stonehenge. Love to see the magnificent wonders of nature! Is it the most convenient way to go by the tube? Can I just use the Oyster card?

2) Leicester Square to see the Christmas lights (heard it will be up already?)

DAY 3 – 1) Sky Garden, 2) Imperial War Museum, 3) Westminister Abbey, 4) Churchill War Rooms, 5) Thames River Boat Cruise @Westminister Pier, 6) London Eye.

DAY 4 – 1) St. Paul’s Cathedral, 2) Tower of London, 3) Tower Bridge, 4) Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, 5) Borough Market, 6) View From The Shard.

DAY 5 – 1) Kensington Palace, 2) Windsor Castle.

DAY 6 (Need to leave for Gatwick around 6 – 7pm) – 1) British Museum, 2) London Zoo.

I am thinking to get a 3 days London Pass to use from Days 2 ~ 4. Is the free transport to Windsor Castle still valid on Day 5, after the 3 days?

We are also keen in the following: Is it possible to squeeze into the above?

1. Mudchute City Farm (If we go for this, should we skip London Zoo?) 2. Chinatown 3. Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising 4. Brick Lane visit 5. Big Ben (Is it under renovation?) 6. B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

We are also on a tight budget as have spent most on the airfare and accommodation. It would be great if you can recommend any affordable and nice places to eat, shop (for souvenirs, snacks, etc) or apps that can use to get discounts? Is UK Groupon good for tourists? Our budget is around 20 pounds/pax for lunch and dinner.

Thank you in advance!

October 21, 2018 at 9:33 am

There are a lot of musicals (and plays) always playing in London – you’ve seen some good ones, some other popular ones include Kinky Boots, Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Matilda, Mamma Mia, Thriller, Hamilton, and School of Rock.

If you are flexible about the performance you see, a good way to save money is to check in at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square which offers half-price and discounted theatre tickets or you can go directly to a theatre’s box office on the day for cheap standby tickets and returns. But you can also save money often by booking online (just be sure to book with a reputable ticket seller). You can also get discounted theater tickets with the London Pass (performances change but currently includes Thriller, Kinky Boots, and Aladdin) as well and you can see more about that here .

If you want to go to Stonehenge, you will need to book train tickets (and then take a shuttle) or book a bus trip. Stonehenge is far from London so you cannot use your Oyster Card or take the Tube. You can read all about that in our Stonehenge day trip post. I’d recommend booking a day tour for the most convenient option.

Day 3 – This will be a busy day and a bit spread out. I’d start early and perhaps consider starting at either Westminster Abbey or Churchill War Rooms as those are the busiest 2 attractions. Or start really early at Sky Garden (breakfast or coffee) so you can get to one of the others by opening time.

Day 4 – Tower of London gets very busy, so you may want to go there first. St. Paul’s is also busy but absorbs crowds a bit better. Just a thought.

The London Pass will definitely save you money on your time in London if you do all the above. I’d consider the 6 Day London Pass (especially since it is currently on sale) as I think it will be worth it as you’ll save money on entrances to Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace, and the travel to Windsor and back. Otherwise you will need to pay for these entrances and the travel.

I would probably not try to squeeze much more into your itinerary as it is already pretty full. If you find yourself with extra time, it is always good to know what else is around you but I would maybe not try to do too much more. Having some time to relax and enjoy just wandering around and enjoying a pub lunch is always nice 😉 Big Ben is under renovation and is not expected to reopen to the public for tours until 2021.

Some budget tips: London Pass will save you money on attractions and theatre tickets. Grab sandwiches and snacks from places like Boots or Marks & Spencers during the day – most UK grocery stores and convenience stores offer grab-and-go meals deals around £10 which include sandwich or pasta, side or snack, and drink. Compare menus for sit-down meals before you sit down – traditional pub meals usually offer a good value in London as well as ethnic food spots like Indian, Thai, and Pakistani. London has great Indian food! I have not used Groupon in the UK but it is here.

October 24, 2018 at 12:21 am

Noted on your tips.

If I buy a 3 days London Pass, do I have to activate the HOHO bus and transport to/from Windsor Castle during the same 3 days? Or can they be used outside of the 3 days?

Also what is the current theatre 1 for 1 promotion on the Visitor Oyster card? I read up online and it seems that the train play (can’t remember the name) has finished? Does it offer discount for Aladdin and the other plays that you mentioned?

If not, would it better if I just buy a standard Oyster Card at Gatwick airport’s concierge counter upon arrival? Is it for sale there? I emailed them but no response.

Where are the places that I can get affordable souvenirs and snacks?

October 25, 2018 at 12:51 pm

Yes, you do need to get and use the HOHO ticket while your London Pass is valid, you use your London Pass to get a same-day ticket to get on the bus. It is the same for Windsor Castle as if the person checks your London Pass date and it is expired they won’t let you though the gates (they are manned by a staff member). So for your itinerary, I’d recommend the 6 day pass as it will probably be a better value than the 4 for what you want to do.

For the discounts with the Visitor Oyster Card, you can see them here . They change regularly so not sure which theater tickets are currently on offer. For the London Pass, you can see the discounted tickets on offer here (currently includes Aladdin).

The Oyster Cards are essentially the same but the Visitor Oyster Card provides discounts so it is normally the pick for most visitors. But if you don’t plan to use any of the discounts, then either will work exactly the same. Just remember the Visitor Oyster Card would need to be purchased before your arrival to London.

As noted before, there are several locations you can purchase the regular Oyster Card at Gatwick. If you need to get a hold of the airport concierge counter, I’d recommend calling them rather than email them. The phone number to both desks is on the page I sent earlier.

For discounts on passes and cards, you won’t find them in person, only online. So if the London Pass is on sale, I’d definitely recommend buying it online. The London Pass has fairly regular sales online. As far as I know there are not sales on the Oyster Card as it is a transport pass.

A good area for budget souvenirs is actually where you pick up the London Pass (if you buy it online, and don’t have it mailed) around Leicester Square as there are several shops there. But it depends on what you are looking for as you’ll see souvenir places all around as you travel in London. Snacks can be found all over – grocery stores like Boots, Sainsburys, Aldi, Tesco, etc. all have affordable snacks.

Wishing you a great trip to London!

Sulastri Gunawan Post author

October 14, 2018 at 7:33 am

We’re interested to follow your 3 days itinerary and buy a London Pass for 4 people. Please advise which 3 stars hotel should I stay which is close to the HOHO bus so we can save transport cost.

Many thanks and best regards, Lastri

October 14, 2018 at 2:37 pm

Hi Sulastri,

Glad you found our 3 days in London post helpful in planning your trip itinerary 😉 In terms of hotels in the 3 star range a few to check out are Premier Inn (located near the Borough Market and London Bridge), Hilton Tower Bridge (within walking distance of Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Borough Market) and Nadler Victoria Hotel (a 4-star near Buckingham Palace). All are centrally located and within a 10 minute walk of a HOHO bus stop – all work well with the itinerary and will minimize the amount of public transport (or taxis) you’ll need to take.

Those should give you some good places to start, but you have loads of lodging options in London near bus stops as the buses stop near almost all of the major centrally located tourist attractions.

sergio Post author

October 10, 2018 at 10:58 pm

This itinerary is amazing. The best one I’ve seen while researching my London trip next week. Is there a way to get this in a PDF or hard copy so I can keep it with me while on the road? Or should I just print it from my web browser. I feel like it may get too cluttered that way. Thanks!

October 12, 2018 at 7:28 pm

Hi Sergio, So happy you found our 3 day London itinerary so helpful in planning your trip! We don’t have a great way to get a PDF of our content at this time, but since a lot of people have asked over the past year, we are trying to come up with a solution soon.

But can definitely print it if you wish and the best way to do that might be to scroll to the bottom of the post and then find the “Share this Post” social icons. If you then click on the “More” button, you’ll find a print option.

Wishing you a wonderful trip to London! Jessica

Karen Post author

October 10, 2018 at 9:50 am

Hi, We will be visiting London October 25-28. I am having a hard time deciding on how to plan out our days. We arrive October 25th at 10:00 am from Los Angeles. I would like to do some sightseeing that afternoon. What would you recommend doing that day? Th next day we will try to see a lot!! Then on the 27th I would like to go to Windsor and if you have other recommendations I would greatly appreciate it. Do you think we should book any tours? Sorry for all the questions. It’s difficult to cram so much in a short time. I appreciate your help. I love your site!! Its been very helpful.

October 10, 2018 at 10:53 am

I would recommend following the Day 1 suggested itinerary on your first afternoon in London. Since you will have a later start, you won’t be able to go inside too many places, so prioritize any of the sites you want to visit the interiors, but there is lots to see by just following the walking tour. Then on Day 2, I’d start at Tower of London if you want to visit there. On Day 2, you can also go back and visit anything on Day 1 that you missed and prioritize the places you really want to see/visit. Then Day 3 you can follow the Day 3 itinerary as it includes Windsor.

Since it sounds like you have about 3 full days, I’d just modify the 3 day London itinerary into how it fits your time in London and interests. The more you plan ahead, the more you’ll be able to see. Just make sure to leave in some flexibility so you are not too rushed and have some time to explore and enjoy!

Let me know if you have questions as you put together your itinerary.

Anais Hernandez Post author

October 1, 2018 at 5:42 pm

My brother and I will be spending 3 full days in London in November. After sooooo many reading of London itinerary, this one is the most complex. I feel it covers everything and most importantly at my pace. Love it! Well done!

October 3, 2018 at 8:31 pm

Hi Anais, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a comment and thanks so much for the kind words. We are so happy that you found our 3 day London itinerary helpful for planning your trip to London. We wish you and your brother a wonderful 3 days in London. Please let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip – we will be back in London in November ourselves for a week 😉 Best, Jessica

Hugh Post author

August 25, 2018 at 4:49 am

Hi Jessica & Laurence,

Simply wow….!!! Your efforts are really appreciable, this is an amazing itinerary for spending 3 days in London. I love all the images that you have shared. Thanks for sharing this!

August 25, 2018 at 5:45 am

Thanks Hugh, thanks for taking the time to comment and wishing you a great trip to London! ~ Jessica

Rio Post author

August 25, 2018 at 4:00 am

This is a great itinerary. As a native Brit I only visited the Tower of London last year and still have yet to visit The Churchill War Rooms (it was closed the last time I was there). I used to visit London several times a year as I had family living there at the time and we would rarely do any tourist attractions. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve actually managed to properly explore our Capital.

August 25, 2018 at 5:43 am

Hi Rio, Glad you enjoyed our London itinerary and hopefully you get a chance to visit some more attractions on your next trip. It is so true that we often don’t properly explore our own home. My husband lived in central London for a few years, and only went to a few of the major tourist attractions while he was there. Now, with me, he’s been to just about all the highlights over the past few years 😉 Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

August 21, 2018 at 8:55 pm

We’ll definitely be using both this itinerary and the London Pass on our next visit. Sadly, we have yet to actually dedicate a trip to explore the city properly! Fixing that is high on our list. Thanks for all of the ideas and details – pinning this one for later! Only thing is, so much to see we’ll have to repeat several times. At least, that’s our plan! 🙂

August 23, 2018 at 5:40 am

Hi Rob & Ann, Hope you get a chance to visit soon and the London Pass is definitely a great way to explore the city. Yes, there is so much to do in London that it can take a few visits to do all the things you might want to do. We visit at least once a year and always leave with things we want to see next time 😉 Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

August 20, 2018 at 6:10 am

The last time we were in London I was surprised at how crowded it was. It had been awhile since I’d been there, and I found it pretty packed. If I were to go back, I’d love the side trips. I’ve never done any of them. I would love seeing Highclere Castle and the Harry Potter world. I wonder what I would think of Stonehenge, but hey, why not? I love the detail of all of your posts.

August 20, 2018 at 6:29 am

Hi Seana, Yes, London is just one of those cities that is busy and popular year round – it can particularly be busy in the summer months. We tend to visit in the autumn, winter, or Spring although you can get some amazing weather in summer. Day trips are pretty easy to take from London and we’ve done all three of those ones and really enjoyed them – I am not even a huge Harry Potter fan but the Harry Potter Studio is still really interesting and well done. Best, Jessica

Anna Post author

August 19, 2018 at 7:43 am

London is such an awesome city and what a great itineary! I´ve spent a month there for my masters thesis 6 years ago and really wanted to go back to do more of the sightseeing ever since! Especially the day trips like Stonehenge or Oxford!

August 19, 2018 at 11:11 am

Hi Anna, Thanks, and hope you get a chance to return to London to do some of the day trips and explore more of the country. Stonehenge and Oxford are both great places to visit in England – we particularly really love Oxford. Best, Jessica

Michael Post author

August 19, 2018 at 3:26 am

Wow what an extensive list of things to do! WE live in London and are meant to be planning 3 days here for our friends later this year. I think I might just send them the link to this and then spend my afternoon in the pub!? Thanks for sharing!

August 19, 2018 at 4:59 am

Hi Michael, So you can just print the 3 day London itinerary, have them buy a London Pass, and meet up with them after their sightseeing in the evening for drinks and dinners – all sorted 😉 It can be hard to show people around a popular destination, I used to live near San Francisco and we now are in Edinburgh (Laurence used to live in London as well) and most people want to go do/see many of the same things but how many times do you really want to ride the cable cars or visit Edinburgh Castle. Enjoy your friends’ visit to London and hope this helps you a bit in your planning! Best, Jessica

Wendy Maes Post author

August 18, 2018 at 7:00 am

It’s been 16 yers since I was in London, but next month I am finally going back with my BFF. This itinerary is perfect! I am going to pin it to use it next month.

August 18, 2018 at 7:59 am

Hi Wendy, Thanks for pinning and so happy to hear you are getting a chance to visit London again next month. I hope you have a wonderful time and glad our London itinerary came at such a great time – enjoy your vacation in London! Best, Jessica

California Globetrotter Post author

August 17, 2018 at 7:20 pm

We thoroughly enjoyed using the London Pass and would highly recommend it again! And probably get it again on a future return to do more! So convenient, and it’s so nice to be able to visit as many locations as you wish without any limits, unlike Nashville.

August 18, 2018 at 7:47 am

Hi Lolo, Yes, the London Pass is one of our favorite city discount passes and we’ve used it a few times now. It would definitely save you money (and time) if spending three days in London and visiting many of the places on this itinerary. It along with the Paris Museum Pass are our two favorite city passes we’ve used.

There is a limit with the London Pass (there is a maximum purse value) but it is pretty high so very few travelers would be able to visit enough places to max is out, and we’ve never heard from anyone about this being an issue. Best, Jessica

Cynthia Post author

August 17, 2018 at 6:41 pm

This is a great itinerary! I was in London for 5 days a few years ago. My favorites were the National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Tate Modern. Also went to a couple other museums can’t remember names of! One had pre-Raphaelite art. Wonderful collections. The Tower of London and other iconic sights were faves as well. I liked seeing the sparkly jewels. 😉

August 18, 2018 at 7:41 am

Hi Cynthia,

Thanks, yes, London has some amazing museums and art galleries and you could easily spend 3 full days just visiting them! Sounds like you visited a number of great ones. Umm, for the pre-Raphaelite art, it may have been The Tate (not the Tate Modern) but it could have been one of several museums. Yes, the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels is always a popular favorite 😉 Best, Jessica

Anda Post author

August 17, 2018 at 6:15 pm

London is one of my favorite travel destinations. We’ve spent a week there a few years ago, but my sweet memories started to fade. I think it’s time for another trip. Your 3-day itinerary gave me the idea to add London to our trip to Italy this fall.

August 18, 2018 at 7:36 am

Hi Anda, Ours too! Although I didn’t have a very good impression of London on my first day there, it was raining, windy, and there was tons of some sort of debris in the air that kept blowing into our faces. One of our first stops was also visa related which didn’t add to the appeal. But I’ve come to really love the city and there is just so much to do there, which is a good thing since is it one of the places we visit the most 😉 Hope you get a chance to stop in London in the fall. Best, Jessica

Katherine Post author

August 17, 2018 at 2:35 pm

I lived in London for a few years, and the best thing about it is that you’re never done seeing everything there. There’s always something new and different to check out, and your London itinerary is an awesome first taste! I miss it so much 🙂

August 18, 2018 at 7:34 am

Hi Katherine, I hope you get a chance to get back to London soon 😉 Laurence also used to live in London but saw very few tourist attractions while in London so he enjoys returning with me and seeing all the museums, historical attractions, etc. We’re excited to head back for a week in November! Jessica

Anisa Post author

August 17, 2018 at 1:46 pm

I have spent a fair amount of time in London but I still have so many things I want to see! I need to go to the Churchill War Rooms and do the tour of the Houses of Parliament. I still need to go to the Sky Garden too, but I never plan enough in advance.

August 18, 2018 at 7:31 am

Hi Anisa, Both the Houses of Parliament and Churchill War Rooms are great sites in London and both are easy to visit on the same day as they are a short walk from one another, but you do need to plan ahead for the Parliament. There are also some similar threads between them that make them good stops for the same day. We’ve visited the War Rooms twice, once with a guide and once without and found it interesting both times. Best, Jessica

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First Timer’s Guide to London with Kids (+ 17 Things to Do for Families)

By: Author Leslie Harvey

Posted on Published: October 31, 2022

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After a long break from international travel, our family recently hopped across the pond for the kids’ first trip to Europe. We spent a full week of a two week vacation exploring London, England. We were in town just weeks before Queen Elizabeth passed away, so were able to experience some of the final days of her Jubilee Celebration as well as the many offerings the city always has to offer.

My sister lived just outside London with her family the last couple of years so we had a bit of the inside scoop in planning our own trip thanks to her experience (and also thanks to a neighbor of ours who lives part-time in London). But even without the help of locals, we found the city supremely easy to navigate with kids. We found London had a wealth of family-friendly activities as well.

As with all cities, there’s a learning curve. My husband and I had both been to London several times before, but we were seeing the city anew this trip visiting it with kids for the first time. Here are all the basics that other first time visitors to London with kids need to know, from transportation tips to the very best things to do in London with kids.

(Trips With Tykes uses affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through links in this post. See our full disclosure policy linked in the menu at the bottom of this site.)

Getting to London with Kids: Airports & Trains

First things first – if you are a first timer to London, what are the best options for getting there?

Many Americans arrive by air, as London has multiple airport choices and is often used as a gateway city for travelers ultimately planning to visit multiple places in Europe. There are 6 total airports in the London area but the two that North American travelers are most likely to arrive into are:

• London Heathrow (LHR) : The largest international airport in London, Heathrow has non-stop flights to and from nearly every major city all around the world. The airport is served by nearly all major airlines.
• London Gatwick (LGW) : Located south of the city, London’s second largest airport has non-stop flights to several larger North American cities, mostly on JetBlue and British Airways, as well as lots of low cost carriers offering intra-Europe flights.

Related : Tips for Flying EasyJet

If you are coming from elsewhere in Europe, your family may be arriving by train instead of by plane. Most trains from more distant destinations arrive into San Pancras Station (we took the Eurostar out of Saint Pancras station ourselves leaving London to head to Paris next). But trains from many destinations within the United Kingdom come into a number of different stations in the central part of the city.

No matter what station you arrive into, it’s usually a pretty easy connection on the London Tube at that station to get where you need to go (more on local transportation below). The most important thing to note for train arrivals if you are coming from outside the United Kingdom is that Brexit has complicated train travel a bit. You’ll have to clear international borders and likely will need to plan for more time at your departing station than ever before.

Where to Stay in London with Kids

We did an enormous amount of research on where to stay in London with kids, trying to find a perfect combination of location and amenities at the right price ( Related : find out how much a trip to London costs ). The choices in a city so large are likely to be pretty overwhelming to other first time travelers as well.

London is of course quite expensive and many Americans should expect some sticker shock. We live in San Francisco so are pretty accustomed to high hotel prices. We were actually pleasantly surprised to find prices not entirely out of the stratosphere. Even in the high summer season, finding 4+ star accommodations for a family of four in the city center is entirely possible for under $500 a night.

Of course, prices fluctuate quite a bit with the changing exchange rate. Prices have gotten even better for Americans since our visit, as the British pound has reached rough parity with the American dollar as of the date this post is published.

Like elsewhere in Europe, hotel rooms are smaller than might be customary in the United States, and the slate of amenities and furnishings aren’t going to be quite the same. We found that these features were the ones most important to scrutinize in comparing London hotels and lodging:

• Bed types : Many rooms that sleep 4 in London have just two double beds. Can you and your partner share a double? If you have more than one child, can your kids? Look out for family suites or deals for families to get 2 rooms with the second at a discount rate if you need more beds (see, for example, Marriott’s 50% off a 2nd room offer for select London hotels ).
• Air conditioning : England is usually pretty chilly, but if you are visiting during peak summer months like many tourists, you may experience some pretty hot and humid days. Not all hotels and accommodations have AC, so if you need that to be comfortable, check carefully.
• Elevators : Some historic buildings in London do not have “lifts.” We found that some apartment style accommodations would mean dragging suitcases up several flights of stairs. This might not be a great choices for families with younger kids – especially travelers with kids of stroller age.
• Breakfast : A lot of London hotels have excellent breakfasts as an optional add on to your room rate – often at a very reasonable price. Price compare carefully!

We ultimately ended up staying in a one bedroom flat in Mayfair at 9 Hertford Street , which ended up being ideal for our family of four for a week. It had some of the amenities of a hotel, including top notch warm and personable service, with a lot of the conveniences of a larger vacation rental. We ordered grocery delivery from Sainsbury’s to fill our fridge with breakfast foods and snacks and made much use of the washing machine in the flat as well. The property is located within a 7 minute walk of the Green Park tube station. The location was exceptionally convenient, putting us on three Tube lines (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria).

Other hotels and flats we seriously considered and researched extensively:

• Clermont Hotel, Charing Cross : Located near Charing Cross station, this hotel is also very centrally located. We initially booked and held a Deluxe Family Room, but a Studio Suite would have fit our family as well. Be sure to become a member on the site which entitles you to 10% discounts right away.
• The Cavendish Hotel, London : Idea for families of 3, this hotel makes sofa beds available in its larger rooms to accommodate a third person and also has cribs available. The hotel is close to Mayfair and Piccadilly. Breakfast for kids under 12 is free with a paying adult.
• St. James Hotel & Club : This luxury hotel specializes in interconnecting rooms for families, offering discounts on the second room. We found the Deluxe suite with living area and king bed that interconnected to a superior room with queen size bed was the best fit for our family of 4.
• 10 Curzon Street by Mansley : these serviced apartments are similar to the ones we ultimately chose at 9 Hertford Street. The two bedroom apartments sleep up to four people, but note that the building does not have an elevator.
• Athenaeum London : The priciest option we considered, this luxury hotel in Mayfair has residence style rooms ideal for families (including a California king bed and pop up bunk beds) as well as a children’s concierge.

Getting Around in London with Kids

London has one of the best public transit systems in the world and that’s a major reason it’s an ideal destination for family travelers. Tourists really can easily get anywhere they need to go with minimal time at a cheap fare.

Figuring out the rules and fares is a little tricky (my husband did the deep dive and found this post amazingly helpful). Kids under age 11 travel for free with a paying adult. There are discounts available for older kids and teens as well.

We found that a Travelcard that covered all public transit in Zones 1-2 (£38 for 7 days) covered us for every destination we wanted to visit except Heathrow Airport and a Premier League game in a stadium located outside of the city center. Load the Travelcard as well as additional funds for pay-as-you-go fares onto an Oyster card and the computers apply the best fare for you. We bought a pay-as-you-go Oyster card for my 13 year old daughter, because the Young Person’s discount for ages 11-15 was the cheaper option for her even if we used public transit extensively.

London Underground (the Tube)

London has a massive and extensive subway system (referred to as the Tube) that reaches almost everywhere in the city that tourists are likely to want to go. Trains come every few minutes and are comfortable and safe, albeit crowded during commute hours, as you might expect.

If you are using the Tube with a child 10 and under who travels for free, enter and exit via the handicapped turnstiles which open slowly enough for two people to walk through together. Like a number of places in older cities of Europe, some of the Tube isn’t entirely accessible. If you have babies and toddlers in strollers (especially more than 1), it’s going to be harder to navigate. But I did notice how kind and helpful Londoners were when they saw a parent struggling with a little one on the Tube – multiple people stepped up to assist which was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a major US city.

London’s famed double decker buses are another easy and convenient public transportation option all over the city. We were blown away by how frequently they ran. We used them mostly as more direct routes between some places when traveling on the Tube would have involved a change to another line or a little bit of a walk to a station. My kids loved going up to the second deck and sitting in the very front row where the windows above the driver give great views of the city streets below. Oyster cards and Travelcards can be used to pay fares on buses just like the Tube – scan is upon entry only.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

Many tourists opt to take a different kind of bus to travel around London – a hop on, hop off. While touristy and not official public transportation, definitely don’t dismiss this as a potential form of transportation. These buses hit a lot of the city’s highlights and offer multiple routes, plus they offer audio commentary to help you learn about the city and get your bearings. Bus companies to consider include Big Bus Tours, City Sightseeing London, and the Tootbus.

Cabs in London aren’t as ubiquitous as they used to be, but there are still plenty of taxis to be had if you prefer a private ride around town. All London black cabs now offer contactless payment options in addition to accepting cash, so they are more flexible than ever.

Uber & Ridesharing

Ridesharing is alive and well in London. There are a couple of companies that Americans may not be familiar with that some locals use, but Uber is truly everywhere as well. We used Uber on several occasions (especially when transporting luggage) and were able to get cars of varying sizes and had fast response times even at off hours.

Best Times to Visit & How Long to Stay in London with Kids

When should you go to London and how long should you stay with kids? The right answer of course first depends on your family’s schedule.

Summer is peak season for family travelers as that is when most kids have substantial time off of school. Of course that means larger crowds and higher prices. But the warm weather is more pleasant than much of the rest of the year, when London can be pretty cold and dreary.

If your family has a more flexible schedule, shoulder season in May and September often has the the right combination of good weather and lower crowds. Spring break is another solid possibility for American visitors. But it can still be quite chilly in March and April, so pack accordingly!

We visited during the first week of August (when English schools are on a break between terms). The weather can be very hot and humid in August some days, which is a down side to this time of year. Because of the school break, however, traffic in the city was more reasonable and most activities were open 7 days a week so it was easy to schedule all the things we wanted to do. Plus, because a lot of US schools go back for the year in early to mid-August, we also found the crush of American tourists had dropped off a lot by the time we visited, which helped with crowds at tourist attractions.

As for how long you need in London, the longer the better! I’d recommend a bare minimum of 3 days in London with kids, but a visit of 5-7 days or more is ideal. Even with our full week in town going pretty much non-stop, we just scratched the surface.

Top 17 Things to Do in London with Kids

So now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s get to the good part. What should you plan to DO while in London with kids?

Few cities in the world have as many iconic attractions and must-dos as London. And so many of these things to do are family-friendly, so you are going to have a hard time picking and choosing.

Start by gathering the family and making a list of everything that interests you. Your list is likely going to be very long. We put all of our family’s choices into Trip Advisor so we could easily see on the map which ones were close to one another and possible to do together in a single day.

Here are 17 of the best things to do in London with kids (with a map to all of them to assist in your navigation and planning).

Some of course will be better for younger kids and some will be better for older kids and teens, so I’ve indicated age recommendations for many of them. Whenever available, I’ve also linked below to standalone articles from bloggers I personally know and trust for more details on each of these attractions if you want to do a deeper dive.

Tower of London

Both of my kids named the Tower of London as one of their favorite stops in London. Built by William the Conquerer over 1000 years ago, the Tower has played a central part in many major events in English history. Must-sees include the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders (elite guards responsible for the Tower’s safekeeping who give engaging must-do tours too!), the ravens, and the Royal Armouries. History comes alive here in engaging ways for kids with tales of battles, torture, and execution among the ancient buildings.

The Tower of London is a very popular attraction that gets crowded, so I highly recommend getting tickets for the earliest entry time to beat the crowds. Plan for a visit of at least 2-3 hours with kids to be able to see the highlights. More details in this family-friendly guide to the Tower of London .

Westminster Abbey

As the site of the coronation of many monarchs and the final resting place for many of them as well, Westminster Abbey plays an important role in both the religious and political history of England and Great Britain. Entry into the church includes an audio guide, and there is a version available for children that explains the stories in a more accessible format in about an hour – just the right length for younger attention spans. (More tips for families in this article from my friend Allison about what to expect at Westminster Abbey .)

While most visitors explore the church only, we went a little out of the way to sit in the College Garden as well, which is a lovely and peaceful green space for toddlers and younger kids to explore with amazing views of the Palace of Westminster for parents. Westminster Abbey is within easy walking distance of both Parliament and the Churchill War Rooms (both listed below), so it’s possible to do two or even three of these attractions in a single day if you plan the timing carefully, which is what we did.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is the famed cathedral featured in the “Feed the Birds” scene of Mary Poppins that is also the site where Princess Diana and Prince Charles were wed. It is the people’s church in London and turned out to be even more popular with my kids than Westminster Abbey. Take one of the shorter free guided tours to learn a little of the history (or use the included audio guide). And definitely make time to climb to the top of the dome for magnificent views of the city on clear days – not for the faint of heart but well worth it!

Churchill War Rooms (Imperial War Museum)

Kids can learn about one of Great Britain’s most famous prime ministers as well as a lot about World War II history in a visit to the Churchill War Rooms. This museum is located in the underground bunkers where Churchill and his cabinet rode out the bombings of London during the Blitz, ultimately directing the Allies on to victory. An audio guide (including a “family” setting with descriptions more understandable for kids) is included in the price of admission.

I was worried that the Churchill War Rooms would be too much boring history for my younger child (who was 8 years old and about to enter 3rd grade at the time of our trip). Its underground location, the walk-through layout of the museum, and its many multimedia exhibits turned out to be surprisingly engaging. My son especially enjoyed the interactive screen where visitors can listen to Churchill’s most famous quotes and quips. Plan on at least 2 hours to visit – more with teens who may be more deeply in to the history.

Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

The Palace of Westminster is home to Great Britain’s House of Commons and House of Lords, and it may come as a surprise that tours are offered here! Tours with a live guide as well as self-guided audio tours (both about 90 minutes) are available. We opted for the guided tour, which was a little more expensive but worthwhile to mix things up, as many London tourist attractions have audio guides.

Parliament was one of the favorite stops for my 13 year old. Seeing the room she had previously viewed only on TV and YouTube while watching the famous Prime Minister’s questions was especially meaningful to her. But the tour was probably a little too dry or at least too long for my 8 year old, so this is one attraction I might save for older kids who have a deeper understanding and appreciation of government and politics.

London Bike Tour

I have never thought of London as much of a biking city, but the government has installed a massive amount of biking infrastructure in recent years which has drastically changed the landscape. And that means that it’s incredibly easy to explore a number of city highlights on two wheels.

We took a private family tour with BrakeAway Bike Tours to get our bearings on the first morning of our stay in London. Our tour guide was knowledgable and upbeat while also giving us practical tips along the way and taking all the necessary measures to keep us safe. Everyone in the family ranked it one of our absolute favorite activities.

There are multiple quality bike tour companies (we investigated them all!), including Tally Ho! , the London Bicycle Tour Company , and Fat Tire Tours London . Many of the tour guides are actors and entertainers and have the skills to keep kids engaged. Most tour companies offer trail-along bikes and even trailer attachments so it’s possible for families even with toddlers and younger kids to enjoy this activity. Families with younger kids (under 10 or 12 years old) usually are required to book a private tour.

For amazing views of London, head to the city’s most visited attraction: the London Eye. This giant ferris wheel towers over the southern banks of the Thames River, rotating slowly one revolution each half hour so riders can take in the views. Because of its popularity, it’s essential to book tickets well in advance. This is one of the most expensive attractions in London and queues can be brutal. If you plan to do it, especially with impatient younger kids or if you are on a tight schedule, I’d highly recommend paying even more for the Fast Track tickets to skip the queue.

The same company that owns the London Eye also operates nearby Sea Life Aquarium, Madam Tussauds, the London Dungeon, and Shrek’s Adventure. As several of these attractions are replicated in a lot of cities around the world and are pretty touristy, we skipped them, but many families enjoy them. Combination tickets can save you some money if you plan to do more than one.

Afternoon Tea

Many of the luxury hotels in London offer decadent afternoon teas, and we highly recommend partaking in at least one during a family vacation. Most of these teas welcome children with special theming and kid-friendly food selections, so it’s very hard to pick among the many excellent choices.

We decided to go with a classic experience at the Savoy Hotel’s Thames Foyer for our family of four (my husband and I also took tea at the Ritz London as an adults-only date night). Also recommended for families is tea at St. Ermin’s , the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych , and the Original Sweetshop Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield Mayfair . (See more family-friendly London tea recommendations.)

Sunday Roast

While we are on the subject of food, one other must-do meal is a traditional Sunday Roast. Compared to many European countries, England isn’t exactly known for its amazing cuisine, but we had heard from friends and family that the Sunday meal is one worth experiencing. They were so right.

Sunday roast consists of a hearty plate with a roasted meat (usually chicken, beef, or lamb) covered in gravy with side items like potatoes, vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding. Any local pub will likely do the job in spades. We ate our Sunday Roast at the Chesterfield Arms in Mayfair near our hotel and the meal was one of the very best of our trip. Some pubs serve this dish all weekend long, so you may have more than one night a week to get your fill.

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the largest public markets in London with a history of over 1000 years. Today, it is full of sights and smells that capture kids’ attentions. There are a number of food stalls to grab a quick meal or snack on the go or table service restaurants surrounding the market itself for a more leisurely meal.

Hamleys Toy Shop

Hamleys Toy Shop is a child’s dream come to life – seven floors of every toy from around the globe at its main location on Regent Street. There are play stations throughout the shop where kids can see some of the toys in action and even play with a few themselves.

You’ll find a wide selection of toys that may not be available back home, including lots of Peppa Pig, Paddington, and Harry Potter as well as Hamleys’ own label of toys that includes an iconic red London bus and a teddy bear (with a new design each year). There’s even a Build-a-Bear station that includes outfits unique to London like a Beefeater costume. It was hard getting my kids to leave, so consider yourself warned!

London is full of beautiful parks to explore with kids, but Hyde Park is one of the largest with multiple offerings that families will enjoy. On the east side, families can rent paddleboats on the Serpentine Lake or hire a lawn chair to sit and people watch or enjoy an ice cream.

On the west side, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground is one of the top things to do with younger kids. The play structure is shaped like a pirate ship. Kensington Palace is also located adjacent to the park. This Royal Palace is open to the public, with viewings of the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments as well as Kensington Gardens. It’s one of the most popular attractions for visitors wanting to explore Britain’s royal history.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

Speaking of palaces, Buckingham Palace nearby is another must-see with kids. The famous Changing of the Guard there usually happens daily in June and July, but only 4 days a week the rest of the year (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), so plan carefully and prepare for large crowds.

For limited periods (usually in late summer and early fall), the palace opens to the public for tours. The tours are quite expensive and not necessarily a must-do on shorter trips (particularly if you plan to visit other royal sites), but worth considering. The children’s audio guide is hosted by Rex the Corgi – a cute touch.

British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest and most magnificent collections from historical sites around the world, from Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon’s Elgin marbles. It is an engaging place to introduce kids to history and archeology. You can really customize your experience and the time you spend there to match the ages an interests of your children, so it is one of the best things to do in London for all ages. And it’s free!

The enormous size of the museum is pretty overwhelming so I’d recommend looking at the offerings in advance and having a plan to navigate it. Check out this guide to the British Museum with kids for the top things to see.

All Things Harry Potter

Harry Potter fans will find a wealth of activities to do all over London. For the superfans with plenty of time to spare, the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour is an experience farther outside of the city center (more like a day trip) that requires something approaching a full day to see. There are also plenty of walking tours and bus tours of the sights of the Harry Potter films as well. More casual fans should at least consider popping by Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station for a photo opp and to visit the gift shop selling Potter merchandise.

See more offerings in this post with 9 Harry Potter things to do in London .

Premier League Match

Thanks to Ted Lasso, English Premier League football is hotter than ever among Americans right now. Attending a Premier League match is an amazing opportunity to have a much more local experience in London… if you can get tickets. We had to join the club for Tottenham Hotspur to even have the right to purchase tickets direct. Then we had get up in the middle of the night twice and refresh the website frantically to get the seats we did. But it was well worth it! Premier League matches run roughly from August to May.

One mistake we made when attending that other families of young kids should know about – Premier League games are loud – louder than any other sporting event I’ve ever attended. Consider bringing ear protection for younger and more sensitive kids if you do manage to score seats.

West End Show

London has a thriving theater district on the West End that rivals New York’s Broadway for the number and quality of shows it offers. There are always a number of kid-friend shows available. Some have age minimums or recommendations, so check carefully to make sure the show you choose is suitable for everyone in the family.

We watched Back to the Future: The Musical on our visit, which debuted in London and will soon also be showing in New York. It was a massive hit with everyone in the family, but most especially my husband who has surely watched the movie a few hundred times. Other family-friendly shows running in 2022 include: The Lion King, Matilda, Disney’s Newsies, Frozen, Mary Poppins, and Wicked.

Tips for Booking & Saving Money on Attractions in London with Kids

While it’s hard enough to narrow down what you want to see in London, figuring out how best to book tickets and not spend too much money can be even trickier. A few London travel tips to consider when it comes to the logistics of booking and visiting attractions (plus see even more in this list of helpful European travel tips ):

• Book Direct! : If you just want tickets to most attractions, book direct, unless you are booking a combination ticket that bundles multiple attractions at a discount. A number of travel websites and blogs will direct you to ticket middlemen like Viator and Get Your Guide for tickets (I won’t do that just to get an affiliate commission). While these sites do offer a number of in-depth tours worth considering, many listings on these sites are merely glorified marked-up admission tickets.
• Book in Advance : While there are some attractions in London where you can walk up and purchase tickets, everything is much more planned in advance these days. To avoid long lines or being shut out of an attraction entirely during peak tourist season, purchase tickets in advance (timed entry is required at many places).
• Check for Closure Days : A lot of London attractions are open 7 days a week (more than any other city in Europe we experienced), especially in peak summer months. But not all of them. Be sure to keep track of any days that activities are closed when planning out your travel itinerary so you don’t miss out.

Here are a few ways we discovered families can get a discount on multiple attractions in London:

• Family Ticket Bundles : A number of London attractions offer family tickets directly on their website that can help you save money on admission (most often these for adult/child combinations of 3-5 people). Be sure to read all the ticket options offered to find which one adds up to be the best deal for your family. Look for “concession” rates for discounts – this is a term that Americans may not immediately know the meaning of!
• National Rail 2-for-1 Discounts : If you are traveling to London by rail, you are eligible with your train ticket for a number of 2-for-1 discounts for many activities. Details on how to book and claim are on the National Rail website .
• London Pass by Go City: The London Pass by Go City is a discount pass that allows you to bundle multiple attractions and save. It includes Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, a hop on hop off bus tour, and many others. If you plan to do 2-3 attractions per day that are offered under its umbrella, you’ll likely come out ahead, but you have to do the math.

Final Thoughts on London with Kids

Our family had an amazing time in London. It is just the right place to start European travels with kids . The city is so easy to navigate without wasting any time, and London has a wealth of family-friendly things to do. Even though it’s an enormous city, the neighborhoods feel compact, welcoming and friendly. It’s a city we can see ourselves returning to many times, so we highly recommend other families give it a visit as well!

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London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides (Trip Planning)

These London travel blogs will help you create the perfect itinerary for your trip to one of the world’s most exciting cities!

One of my favourite parts of being a travel blogger is showcasing my home city via my blog. I mean, I adore travelling the world, but where do I know better than the city I live in?

I’ve built up lots of London travel guides on my blog, sharing my favourite quirky things to do in the city, where to eat , and some weird and wonderful places to stay too.

First time visitors should tick off the obvious sights like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Hyde Park, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. You’ll probably go on a free walking tour to see a few other sights too. But… after you’ve seen the obvious ‘in every movie about London’ landmarks, where’s next?

Well that’s where I come in! Once you’ve seen the top sights in Central London, it’s time to go local. Why not catch the tube north to beautiful, leafy Hampstead and mooch around Hampstead Heath or grab a bite to eat in one of the area’s characterful pubs?

How about heading west to Shepherd’s Bush , one of London’s vibrant areas, and enjoying neon crazy golf, tasty local food and some unique entertainment?

You’ve probably heard about Camden and its famous market, but would you know the best places to eat once you get there? My London travel blogs will guide you to the most delicious treats in the area.

In fact, if you travel with your stomach, I’ve got guides to the best food markets in London , some great ramen joints dotted around the city, a list of bizarre themed restaurants , as well as a few hot tickets if you’re travelling on a tight budget .

Find out about an amazing food tour of Borough Market, where Londoners go for cocktails in Covent Garden, and a few events at the Natural History Museum that are guaranteed to surprise you!

These London travel blogs are packed full of personal tips – things you’ll only learn from years of living in the city. Follow them and you’re guaranteed to plan a memorable, action-packed itinerary! 

London Travel Blogs And Travel Guides

After living in this incredible city for most of my life, it's time to share my top London travel blogs and guides with you!

If you have any questions, don't forget you can always email me or leave a comment below.

48 Quirky And Unusual Things To Do In London 

From afternoon tea with a twist, to solving mysterious crimes and playing captain for the day, this is the definitive guide to the unique, crazy and downright unusual things to do in London.

Quirky, Unusual And Unique Restaurants In London 

From watching circus performers as you tuck into your main course, to eating in the dark, in a prison or while watching some weird and wonderful entertainment, these unique restaurants in London all offer something very special.

London’s Best Food Markets

From Borough and Brixton to Camden and Hampstead, it's time to reveal the best food markets in London.

11 Quirky Hotels In London For 2021

Looking for quirky hotels in London? YES! From floating hotels, capsules and animal lodges, to arty rooms, old prisons and more, it’s time to find out about some of the BEST quirky hotels in London for this year.

The Best Escape Rooms In London

The best escape rooms in London will have you cracking codes, solving puzzles, escaping from Mafia bosses, perfecting your wizarding spells and stealing millions of pounds.

13 London Desserts You Have To Try

From super-duper freakshakes and croissant-donut hybrids, to the latest waffle sensation and ice cream filled macaroons, these are the top London desserts right now.

Best Ramen In London

Time to share where to eat the best ramen in London. From Tonkotsu and Ippudo to Bone Daddies and Kanada-Ya, where should you go for your bowl of noodle soup?

Amazing CHEAP Restaurants In Central London

This guide to the best cheap restaurants in London is perfect if you’re on a budget!

Best Cafes To Work From In London

Searching for the best cafes to work from in London? No doubt you’ll need Wi-Fi, power, good coffee and a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Find out which places I'd recommend.

Where To Go For Cocktails In Covent Garden, London

What are the best cocktail bars in Covent Garden? From secret and quirky bars to glam hotels, find out where to go for cocktails in Covent Garden, London.

The Best Things To Do In Shepherd's Bush Right Now

From immersive experiences, shopping and escape rooms, to crazy golf, spinning and delicious food, these are the best things to do in Shepherd’s Bush, London.

The Best Restaurants In Shepherd’s Bush

From cute cafes and romantic wine bars, to immersive dining experiences, delicious dim sum and tasty Middle Eastern cuisine, it’s time to reveal some of the best restaurants in Shepherd’s Bush.

Best Places To Eat In Camden Town

The definitive guide to the best places to eat in Camden, featuring the best pub for a Sunday roast, top burger, tasty curry, plus some great cheap eats in Camden Market.

A Helicopter Tour Of London

As bucket list activities go, a helicopter flight over London has to be one of them! Find out more about this once in a lifetime experience now.

The Best East London Street Art Tour

From incredible murals and unusual graffiti, to colourful hidden messages, it’s time for London street art tour. 

Top 10 Things To Do In Hampstead, London

With a great food market, adorable streets and of course Hampstead Heath, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Hampstead. 

The Best London Food Tour

Flavoursome salami from Sussex and Wales, English sparkling wines that compete with the best champagnes, and traditional pies filled with indulgent fillings – this London food tour is a reminder that British cuisine shouldn’t be overlooked!

When Is The Best Time To Visit London?

England is a country obsessed with weather. Don’t know what to say? Comment on the weather! Us Brits talk about it a lot, but contrary to what you may have heard, we don’t have awful weather in London. It’s just a little unpredictable and varies from region to region.

You can expect average lows of around 5 °C in London in January / February, and highs around 25°C in July / August.

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit England, I’d suggest planning a trip in May or June. The weather tends to be warm and sunny, rain is at a minimum and it’s out of peak season, so you shouldn’t be battling any big crowds either. The longest day is around 20th June every year, so it’s a time you can enjoy maximum daylight hours exploring!

I’ve never been a fan of November in London. It’s the wettest month of the year, and while December can be pretty cold, there’s a Christmas magic in London which always puts a smile on my face!

Planning your trip to London? Here are a few quick highlights:

There are so many amazing things to do in London! What are you going to choose? 

Let me know if you have any questions about anything I’ve mentioned in my London travel guides, or any questions about public transport, safety or areas I’ve not mentioned already. If you want to check out any of my other travel guides about the UK, you can find them all here .

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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London travel tips

Discover the vital information all visitors to London need to know: what to do and, especially, what not to do

Ah, London. T he air might be polluted and the weather unpredictable but with top-notch restaurants ,  world-class theatre  and art and a tonne of lively bars , pubs and clubs on our doorstep we can’t really complain. Despite the stiff-upper-lip stereotype, Londoners are generally very friendly (except, perhaps, when travelling during rush hour), but with a population of 8 million and an ever-shifting skyline, we know the capital can be a confusing – and expensive – place to navigate. So take our advice on everything from transport tips to cultural customs: you’ll guarantee your trip is filled with good times. 

An email you’ll actually love

Go contactless or order an Oyster

London isn’t the cheapest of cities, so it’s a good idea to watch the pennies where you can. You’ll save a small fortune on transport using a contactless card compared to a travelcard. Alternatively, you could preorder an Oyster card from the Transport for London website . It’s the cheapest way to pay for single journeys, as long as you remember to tap in and out on the yellow readers by the gates. (Forget and you’ll be charged the maximum fee.) Visitor Oyster cards are available from £15.

Stand on the right

Unless you want a queue of loudly tutting commuters to form behind you, you better stand on the right when travelling on escalators. If you’re planning to sprint all the way up or down, the left-hand side is all yours.

© Matthew G/Flickr

Tipping is often included

London doesn’t have a big tipping culture and much of the time a discretionary service charge will be added to your bill (read the receipt carefully). You can ask for it to be taken off if the service you received wasn’t good. If your bill doesn't include a service charge and your experience at the restaurant has left you happy and well-fed, having been attended to by a great waiter or waitress, leaving 12.5-15 percent is usually the standard. 

Londoners love a queue

Whether you're at the bar, the toilet, the ticket machine or the changing room, there will be a queue. Cut in at your peril.

©  Garry Knight/Fl ickr

Pack for all weathers

When it comes to the weather, London is a jack of all trades, master of none. Drizzle plays the most but we dabble in frost, snow, hail, wind, fog and a spot of sunshine on the side. Pack jumpers and jackets you can easily remove, plus raincoats and brollies that can spring into action at a moment’s notice. 

© Dave Hunt/Flickr

Most of our museums are free

Are you a sucker for science? Do you fawn over fashion? Or maybe you like exhibits that have been embalmed? Whatever your taste, you’ll find it satisfied at one of London’s museums, and you don’t need to spend a penny to get your culture fix because many of our magnificent museums are free, although some ask for a discretionary donation.

© Natural History Museum

Galleries are more fun at night

Many of the capital’s museums and galleries have regular late-night opening hours on certain days to cater for those who like to unwind with some art after work. And many also put on special adults-only after-hours events where art, music, creativity and booze collide. 

© Dan Weill

Sometimes it’s quicker to walk

Once you’ve got the hang of our sprawling tube network it can be tempting to show off your Oyster skills, but sometimes you’re better off walking. Travelling between Covent Garden and Leicester Square? It’s a four-minute stroll and you’ll avoid the lift queue at Covent Garden station. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our readers'  tube hacks and use this  Transport for London  map to check out the walking distances between stations. 

© Roberto Trombetta/ Flickr

Make the most of London’s green space

• Things to do

Whatever part of the capital you’re in, you won’t be too far from a patch of green. London is even on course to becoming the world’s first National Park City . Whether you’re on the hunt for a picture-perfect picnic spot, are searching for a scenic running route or just want some grass to sprawl out on, one of London’s lovely parks will fit the bill.

© John Parfrey

Use the night tube

The night tube is finally here and it’s fabulous.  It runs all night on the  Victoria, Jubilee, most of the Central, Northern and Piccadilly  lines and part of the London Overground, but  only on Fridays and Saturdays, so don’t get caught out during the week. You can use your Oyster, travelcard or contactless card as usual to pay for your trip.

© Nandan Prabhu

Eat a full English breakfast

• Restaurants

We love a brunch  as much as the next pretentious avo-lover, but sometimes you just need a good hearty full English breakfast : eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, plus extras like mushrooms, black pudding or grilled tomatoes. London has everything from greasy spoon cafes, which have been serving fry-ups since the 1900s, to fancy restaurants that may add a twist to the classic combo. Either way, every visitor should experience our unofficial national dish.

© Terry's Cafe

A trip to the theatre doesn’t have to be expensive

Don’t let steep West End prices put you off seeing a good show. It is possible to go to the theatre on the cheap if you know how. Every venue has its own rules about how to bag cut-price tickets, whether it's rocking up early to the box office, entering a lottery or using a certain app to book. And there are always d iscount websites like our very own Time Out Tickets .

© Daniel Allen

Nor does the cinema

Long gone are the days when you could see a film for 20p but   cinema   tickets don’t have to cost a bomb.   Some cinemas are always cheap , others offer membership deals or have more visitor-friendly discount days, so there are many ways to   get your film fix without breaking the bank .

© Prince Charles Cinema

Explore the city by bike

With new cycle paths, ancient parkland and only a few steep hill climbs, London is on its way to becoming super bike-friendly. Hire a Santander Cycle , saddle up and discover some of London’s most scenic cycling routes . 

Discover secret London

If you’re only here for a short time it can be tempting to tick off all the big-hitting tourist attractions , but take a step back from the crowds and head off the beaten track to discover charming hidden gardens , otherworldly locations and places that time forgot . Weird museums ,  clandestine bars and lesser-known restaurants will give you more to talk about than visiting Buckingham Palace.

© Will Pryce

Don’t feed the pigeons

Not only does scattering crumbs on the ground cause irritating and slightly scary flocks of pigeons to swoop towards humans, it’s also a punishable crime. Get caught feeding Trafalgar Square's birds and you risk a £500 fine from the City of Westminster. A heavy price to pay for wanting to recreate the bird lady scene from ‘Mary Poppins’. 

© Bill Smith

Go independent

London is full of talented creatives, chefs and artists who are competing with the big chains to make a living. Whether you’re after coffee , fashion , gifts or gigs , if you want to find out what Londoners can really do, seek out the independents.

© P Langley

Leave London

Don’t get us wrong, we’re the first to sing London’s praises but even we need to escape the city once in a while. The good news is the rest of the UK isn’t so bad either. Feeling like you need to get the hell outta town? Go on a  day trip , head for the  beach  or book a hotel and make it a  weekend getaway . 

© Kentish Lavender

Choose your accommodation wisely

Want to book a romantic break, a sesh with the lads/girls or a family getaway? Each requires a different kind of accommodation, so don’t let your trip be ruined by picking the wrong option. Check out the best  hotels and  Airbnbs , so you don’t get stuck with mediocre digs out in the deepest darkest depths of Zone Six. 

© The Cavendish Hotel

Let Time Out be your guide

Nobody wants post-holiday FOMO. But it can be hard to know what to squeeze in if you’re short of time. That's where we come in. Time Out exists to help you get the best out of London, so read our website when your planning your trip, use our app while you're wandering around town and pick up the free magazine on a Tuesday at any tube, rail or overground station. You're welcome.

© Time Out

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15 London travel tips & hacks no one told you about

Things to do in London London Travel Guide London Travel Tips

In the bustling metropolis of London, the pace can leave you breathless as you strive to keep pace with its energy. Yet, amidst its dynamic atmosphere, there are several simple tips for travelers to bear in mind. London, a city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and pulsating with life at every turn, rewards careful planning with the avoidance of tourist traps and the maximization of enjoyment. Although it may initially appear daunting, securing your tickets in advance serves as an excellent initial stride towards ensuring a seamless visit. Here are some invaluable travel pointers to ensure your time in London is unforgettable.

London Essentials

Starting with the essentials, here's what you must know before getting to London . Don't forget the pack the right adapter and maybe brush your British English! Also, get yourself used to British high tea maybe.

Read our complete London Travel Guide here

Language English

Time zone GMT+1

Country Code +020

Socket Type G

Currency Pound (£, GBP)

Best Time To Visit London

March to May

London's weather can be unpredictable, requiring both sunglasses and umbrellas at different moments! While Spring is often considered the optimal time to experience London's charm, don't worry if your plans are set for other seasons; each one offers its own distinctive allure. From March to May, temperatures fluctuate from chilly to pleasantly warm, making it an ideal window to explore the city. Be sure to carry a jacket to navigate the occasional weather shifts. Alternatively, if you're enchanted by the magic of Christmas, bundle up and visit between December and January to witness the city's spectacular festive celebrations.

Read our complete blog on the Best Time To Visit London .

London Travel Tips 101 - A First Timer's Holy Grail

Below are the tips and hacks you're here for. Read on and thank me later!

#1 Keep right on the escalators

Though it might seem peculiar, there's an unspoken convention in London advising individuals to stick to the right side of escalators to allow others to pass. In a bustling metropolis like London, where everyone's racing against the clock, even the smallest gesture of politeness can make a significant difference!

#2 Get yourself an Oyster card

An Oyster card offers both convenience and affordability, making it a smart choice for saving money during your city visit. Easily obtainable from the airport or your local station, simply top it up as needed. With an Oyster card, navigating London's subway network, known as The Tube, becomes effortless, eliminating the need to rush around or wait in lengthy ticket lines.

Here's all you need to know about using an Oyster Card in London

#3 London is the home of Hop On Hop Off Buses

With an excellent network and cost-efficient transportation, these buses will make sure you get acquainted with London in the best possible way! With a number of buses connecting and dropping you off at key attractions, Hop on Hop Off bus is ideal for those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Apart from that, these buses also provide you with an audio guide so that you don’t miss out on anything important during your journey.

#4 Crossing the streets are a task in London

The sidewalks and streets are labeled ‘Look Right’ or ‘Look Left’ to help you remember where the cars are coming from. Following traffic rules in London can help you escape unwanted fines, apart from keeping you safe. Keep in mind that cars are driven on the left side of the street in England and that designated pedestrian walkways exist on busy streets at all times.

#5 Tipping in London is not customary

Although considered a mandate in the US, tipping in London is not really a requirement when you’re dining at the restaurants. The service charge which is otherwise provided in tips is usually included in the cost of your bill in London, so don’t sweat it by trying to tip big money at restaurants! However, if you do feel like appreciating the service, a couple of pounds can be a nice gesture.

#6 Book ALL your attraction tickets in advance

While it is possible to avoid the crowd on the weekdays, some of the popular attractions of the city witness crowd throughout the week. Booking well in advance or getting yourself a skip the line pass could help you avoid the queues that are two to three hours long. This could not only help you save time but could also save you a good amount of money.

Check out discounted tickets to the top things to do in London and save big money by booking in advance.

#7 Pack for all weathers. Always carry an umbrella

London is best known for its erratic weather changes, where it can be sunny one minute and you can wind up feeling cold after an unpredictable shower! Pack your essentials wisely so that you have plenty of layers at hand to tackle any weather. Having an umbrella at all times is advisable.

#8 Keep an eye out for freebies

Although an expensive city, there are several museums, art galleries and architectural marvels around that can be explored for free. Do your research to find out more about these, which can also help you save some money during your stay. You may also take a stroll into some of its vibrant street markets which won’t charge you an entry fee as well.

15 Absolutely Free Things To Do In London

#9 sometimes walking is faster than the tube.

London is widely connected by the Tube, and while it seems like the best option to travel around, there are places which are accessed quicker by foot. For instance, Leicester Square to Covent Garden is located in the same vicinity and they can be easily reached by a brisk 2 to 3-minute walk.

#10 Visit Oxford Street on a weekday

If you’re in the mood to shop, differ it till its a weekday instead of stopping by on a Saturday. Not only does the area witness an upsurge of a crowd on the weekend, but there are also times the Tube is closed down for crowd control. Enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted shopping trip on a weekday morning and make the most of your visit to Oxford Street.

67 Experiences You Cannot Miss Out In London

#11 ride a bike around the city.

You may come across several bikers on a typical day in London, as bikes are quite an inexpensive mode of transport in the city. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind losing their way during their excursion, rent a bike which is easily available on bike-bays on the street using a debit/credit card.

#12 London follows military time

While most countries follow a 12-hour clock, you may find London displaying military timings on clocks across the city. Acquainting yourself to this system will help you avoid silly mistakes that can easily occur otherwise. Make sure to double check your train and bus tickets to know if you got the right time on it!

#13 Eat like the Brits

London is dotted with several flashy restaurants, however, make sure you enjoy a roadside plate of fish and chips for an authentic taste of Britain. Explore markets such as Borough market amongst others, which have affordable food stalls lined up. Experience the English palate by trying out various delicious street food that London has to offer instead of picking a usual restaurant for a change.

#14 Carry a type-G plug or a universal travel adapter

London, unlike the US, uses a type-G plug which requires a different type of pin. It is essential to carry a type-G converter for you to successfully charge your electronics of any sort. Make sure you buy one from your respective country, as it may become expensive hunting for one in London.

#15 London = West End Show is a MUST

West End shows, unlike Broadway, are affordable in London and can be easily booked both online as well as offline. There are plenty of shows if you’re not too picky, and you can also choose your seats according to your preference! But you simply cannot leave London without watching a Westend show.

Here's our complete guide to West End Theatre for first timers in London.

Book discounted London Theatre tickets for the best selling shows

Tips for saving money on transportation in london.

• Familiarise yourself to London’s zones : While it is impossible to become an expert with the London rail network due to its complexity and vast connectivity, keep an eye out for some of the zones that are helpful for your daily travel. Download the Underground Application for your phone to make sure you don’t board the wrong train.
• Get an oyster card : Get yourself an oyster card which would help you on saving both time as well as money during your trip in the subway. The card, which works for both metro and underground, can be easily topped up at any station in the city! Having an oyster card will also mean you will not have to wait it out at the long queues.
• Buses over cabs, always : London has an extremely well-connected network of public transport, and buses can be of great use during your trip. A bus journey across the city will cost you as less as £1.50, irrespective of the distance. Apart from that, the buses also have a cap of £4.50, which will mean that is all you can spend on public transport for the day!
• Rent a bike : Affordable, reliable and eco-friendly, bicycles are found almost everywhere in London and they only cost £2 per day! Find docking stations on the side of the street, and activate a bicycle using a debit/credit card. You can make a trip between two docking stations for thirty minutes before you get to activate it again.
• Walk most of it : Walking is a viable option in London as there are a multitude of places accessible by foot. Not to mention how great it is to escape the traffic that clogs the city on weekends as well! Book yourself a guided walking tour to make the most of your excursion in the city, along with simply saving your money on transportation!
• Ferry it if you'd like : Cruising on the Thames, whether for leisure or purpose is highly recommended. You could use the Thames to get around attractions in the city, or just take a luxurious Thames river cruise and enjoy a meal on the boat.

Tips For Saving Money On Eating In London

• Never eat around prime attractions : Avoid being sucked into touristy traps and make sure you go through the restaurant before investing money in it. Do a quick check on some of the local restaurants that serve authentic food instead of walking into the first restaurant you see. Asking a local to guide you can also be a great way to indulge in something worthwhile.
• Pick a Bed and Breakfast : Choose hotels or home-stays that offer you breakfast along with your stay. Most hotels in London offer a breakfast buffet that will consist of a variety of food. Filling up on a heavy breakfast before starting your day would mean you will wind up with an affordable, light lunch.
• Try street-side vendors : Fine dine is great, but you can taste some of the most authentic British food at local food stalls. Take a stroll through some of the city’s most famous street food markets (such as Borough Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market) to gorge on some delicious road-side food.
• Look out for BYOB and prefer tap water : Save up on bottled water during lunch or dinner by asking for tap water or regular water — which is considered safe to consume in London. You may also keep an eye out for ‘BYOB’ (bring your own beer/ alcohol) restaurants which will allow you to carry your drinks. This will help you save on the expensive drinks that the restaurant otherwise offers.
• Pick buffet food : An all you can eat buffet is a great idea if you’re worried about whether you’re going to like what you try. Apart from that, portion sizes at a buffet are not an issue, and you can invest in the kind of food you prefer. Run a quick search to locate restaurants serving up a buffet, and you’re good to go.

More Tips To Save Money In London

• Accommodation tips

Accommodation in London is expensive, so make sure you choose a hotel or Airbnb in the suburbs. Since traveling around the city is quite affordable with an Oyster card, choose a traveler’s hostel or a Bed and Breakfast instead of a regular hotel to cut down your expenses on accommodation.

Free attraction tips

Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend! Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Free museum days

• While everything in London may seem expensive, there are plenty of museums to visit free of cost. Places like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert museum are some of the attractions where you can visit for free! Make sure you do your research before setting out on an excursion around the city.

Online ticket purchasing

• Purchasing tickets ahead of time can save you not just monetarily, but also with respect to time. Keep an eye out for discounts and combo offers that can help you grab a great deal for your trip. If you’re someone who enjoys musicals, getting cheap West End show tickets can also be helpful.
• Chart out your trip in a way where you can make the most of London’s free attractions. The city hosts several museums, art galleries, and landmarks that you can visit without spending a pretty penny. Apart from this, you can also its outdoor spaces without having to spend!
• Include some of the city’s most vibrant street markets, such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market, in your itinerary to save up on expensive shopping. Apart from fruits and vegetables, these markets are best known for an eclectic collection of antiques, funky clothes, and music that you can buy cheap.

Top 10 Things To Do in London

I'm sure you have your London itinerary all sorted, but here are my top 10 favourites in London. If any of these are missing from your itinerary, make sure you squeeze them in! There are a few recommended tours for each attraction, so if you haven't grabbed tickets as yet, now would be a great time.

1 Tower of London

The Tower of London is a defining British structure that has served as an armory, royal residence, and jail throughout history. The tower today houses the Crown Jewels and the famous Beefeaters, who guard them. A visit to the Tower of London is essential for any first-time visitor to London.

2 London Eye

The London Eye is the second highest observation point in London, surpassed only by The Shard. Its site on the river's banks provides an amazing view. The London Eye has been labeled as London's Eiffel Tower, allowing everyone a chance to see the huge metropolis from a new perspective.

3 Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace is a veritable showcase of royal magnificence, and it served as the Queen's official residence until 2011. The entirety of Buckingham Palace is grandeur personified, and it's nothing short of regal opulence. This remarkable architectural beauty in the center of London is a must-see for all tourists.

4 Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a large Gothic church in London, England, and one of the country's most significant religious structures. According to legend, a group of Benedictine monks arrived at this location and began a practice of worship every day during the Bishop Mellitus era. Westminster Abbey truly made headlines in 1605, when Edward the Confessor constructed his throne here where he was eventually buried along with his wife.

5 Harry Potter Tours

Harry Potter Tours, London will take you on a journey through the city of London (and beyond) to get your photo snapped at platform 9 3/4 and board the Hogwarts Express, experience Diagon Alley and drink butterbeer, among other things. Not to mention any number of film locations where you may go.

6 Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and London's largest. It is the world's biggest botanical collection and the world's biggest UNESCO World Heritage Site in London.

7 West End Theatre

West End Theatre is the most popular form of theatre in London and is typically associated with musicals. It encompasses a wide range of genres, from Shakespearean tragedies to contemporary comedies.There are currently 40 theatres operating in London’s West End, with a combined seating capacity of over 100,000.

8 Thames Cruises

What are some tips for traveling to London on a budget?

1. Travel during the off-peak season. You can save a lot of money by avoiding the busiest times of year.

2. Look for discounts and deals. There are often great discounts available if you book your travel in advance or look for package deals.

3. Stay in hostels or budget hotels. You don't have to spend a lot of money on accommodation to have a great trip.

4. Eat like a local. Take advantage of the many cheap and delicious eateries London has to offer instead of splurging on meals every day.

5. Use public transportation. London's public transportation system is extensive and relatively inexpensive, so make use of it as much as possible.

How can I avoid getting lost in London?

1. Get a good map. Before you even leave for your trip, make sure you have a good map of London so you can orient yourself and plan your route in advance.

2. Ask for directions. If you do get lost, don't be afraid to ask for directions from a local. People in London are generally very helpful and will be happy to point you in the right direction.

3. Use your smartphone. If you have a smartphone, make use of its GPS capabilities and download a map of London so you can always find your way.

4. Take a walking tour. A great way to orient yourself in a new city is to take a walking tour. Many hostels and hotels offer these for free or for a nominal fee.

5. Stay in a central location. If you're worried about getting lost, consider staying in a centrally located hotel or hostel so you're always within easy reach of the main sights and attractions.

What are some good restaurants to eat at while in London?

Pret-a-Manger, Wagamama, The Breakfast Club, Dishoom and Honest Burgers are popular fast food joints and coffee places in London!

What are some helpful tips for using public transportation in London?

If you're unfamiliar with the London Underground, it can be daunting to try and navigate your way around the city using only public transportation. Some useful things to do would be to plan your route in advance & purchase an Oyster Card among other things. Besides this, here's Everything you need to know about the Public Transport in London !

What is the tipping etiquette in London?

In London, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service in restaurants and bars. If you're taking a taxi, it's common to round up to the nearest pound or give 5-10% of the fare as a tip. For other services, tipping is not required but always appreciated if you received great service.

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Check out the top things to do in London and our London Travel Guide to plan your vacation like a pro! .

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Lakshmi Menon

Born to parents bit by the wander bug, Lakshmi calls her love for travel "hereditary and habitual". Perpetually ensconced with a book in her hand and a mug of coffee in the other, she has been to over 15 countries in her 23 years of existence and is currently saving miles and money for her solo trip to Iceland. Always hustling towards the least trodden path, she has encountered some wonderful people during her escapades and if you ever meet her, she won't stop gushing about them.

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London Travel Tips: Top 10 Hacks For Travellers to London

So, you’re finally going to London! Need some London travel tips?

Right now, you might be a bit overwhelmed with all the preparations but fret not this guide will give you a couple of tips that may come in handy on your trip to visit London.

Table of Contents

10 Helpful London Travel Tips

There are a few things you need to know that could help you with your trip to London. Check some of the tips below:

1. Pack Appropriately

The things you pack for your trip to London has EVERYTHING to do with the temperamental weather.

British fashion is predominantly revolving around the country’s highly unpredictable weather.

But, here’s the rule of thumb: never trust the weather forecasts. When they say it’s going to be warm and sunny all week, prepare for rain and cold anyway.

One item that you can confidently bring is a scarf because it is exceptionally versatile. When it’s sunny, you can use it to protect yourself from the sun or when it’s cold, it will keep you warm.

2. Fly into low-cost airports

One of the oldest tricks in the book to save money when booking flights is to fly into an alternate airport.

Don’t rule out the possibility of landing in slightly further away from the city center because even with the added cost of the train or bus, it might work out a lot cheaper than flying into major airports.

Use the “nearby airport” option available on most booking sites such as Skyscanner and Expedia to see the fare difference to fly into various airports.

Most budget airlines offer low-cost flights to alternative airports such as Gatwick and Stansted with cheaper landing fees.

3. Use an Oyster Card

The Oyster Card is a pay-as-you-go electronic smartcard which can be used to pay for all public transportation in London.

If you plan to stay in London for a couple of days, then this is your cheapest option to travel in and around the city.

Fares vary depending on the type of transport you use, the zone(s) you travel in, the time and day you travel. Just load your Oyster Card and your good to go.

You can buy it before you leave and get it delivered to your home address so you’ll be ready as soon as you arrive in London.

4. Learn the language

Sure you speak English but the question is, is it British? They have tons of words that mean completely different from what you might have known.

If you’re an Aussie, you might give them a laugh when asked to borrow a thing.

Also, don’t get into argument when they say it’s the autumn season during your visit but you actually insist that it’s fall.

It pays to read and learn a few words and phrases to be aware of the British terminologies.

Walking is a life in London. Besides, you will see much more of the city when you walk along with its multitude of streets.

Soon you’ll realize that places are a lot closer than they seem and you never know what you might stumble upon just wandering the streets.

For example, from Leicester Square to Covent Garden, the walk will take less than 3 minutes, which is a lot faster than going underground on the tube and most of all, it’s free! You’ll get yourself some exercise, too.

6. Drive on the left

Personally, I would not advise you to drive to London because the transport system is sufficient enough to visit the top attractions.

But, should you want to drive to visit the outskirts of the city or avoid the rush hour in the tube or bus, you can navigate the streets with a little insider knowledge: they drive on the left.

Not only that, they use roundabouts where traffic continually flows around a center island.

You won’t run into trouble as long as you remember that traffic in roundabouts always has the right-of-way while entering vehicles yield.

7. Take an umbrella

London weather is notoriously unpredictable. As the locals would say, it isn’t London if it isn’t raining.

But, people are genuinely delighted when the sun is out. Londoners get used to carrying both an umbrella and sunglasses to be prepared for rain and sunshine.

Save shopping for rain gears in London by bringing your own collapsible umbrella or raincoat.

At the very least, check the weather forecast on the BBC before you leave your hotel room every day.

If it starts raining cats and dogs (as they say in England), you can also duck into a shop, café or museum and get out of the rain.

8. Museums and art galleries are FREE

The best things in life are free indeed. The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum , The British Museum , and many more London museums and galleries are free for anyone to visit.

You easily spend all your days in London by visiting tons of popular attractions around the city.

Spend a day drifting through the many historical artifacts and enjoy the rich heritage the city has to offer. Of course, donations are most welcome, but in no way mandatory.

9. Buy your theatre tickets on the day

If you are looking for classic entertainment, London’s West End Shows are the best way to go.

Pay as much as half of the ticket price when you buy on the day or even a few hours before showtime. Just head over to Soho or Piccadilly Circus area and pick which show you want to see.

There are tons of registered, reliable ticketing agents that can offer you a good price for unsold seats.

This is one of those times where “late is better than early”. Contrary to flight sales, the closer to the showtime, the cheaper the tickets are.

You can even grab highly discounted front or VIP seats for a fraction of the price!

10. Watch out for 12.5% service charge

Most restaurants and bars in London add on a 12.5% service charge to your final bill, especially in the higher end or touristic areas. Although, this charge is optional but it’s expected to be paid unless you had the worst service.

When ordering food from restaurants or drinks from bars, always consider 12.5% on top of your order to avoid embarrassment especially when you are on a tight budget.

And Bob’s your Uncle! Or rather, there you have it!

With tons of amazing places to visit, a prospective trip to London can be seriously overwhelming. But with these London travel tips, I hope you will have a more enjoyable and convenient trip.

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