The Most Important London Journey Ideas For First Timers

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London is among the most visited cities on the earth for a cause, and the sheer quantity of individuals could make it overwhelming for first timers.

That’s why we ready this information on the important issues to know earlier than visiting London for first timers, so that you don’t really feel out of your depth whenever you arrive.

The next London journey suggestions are primarily based on our personal expertise visiting London, in addition to from classes we’ve discovered dwelling there and suggestions shared by our Editor who lives in London at present.

All of this mixed expertise brings you this whole checklist of suggestions and methods with the intention to make your first journey memorable.

I can let you know from my well-rounded expertise and experience as knowledgeable traveler and blogger, London is among the finest bucket checklist locations you may ever ask for.

However, it’s a type of locations that requires cautious planning so that you don’t waste money and time…

Know the most effective time to go to London

London is a year-round vacation spot, however it actually comes alive within the hotter, summer time months with folks out having fun with the parks, riverside bars, festivals, music occasions and, after all, the Wimbledon Tennis Event. Summer time is peak vacationer season.

Once you journey to London through the summer time months the times are for much longer with the solar setting round 10pm. Though touring in summer time will imply larger crowds and better costs because it’s excessive season.

Spring is fairly with blooming flowers and climate that’s warming up. We visited in late March (spring) and had a run of 5 heat (ish) clear, sunny days – a rarity even in summer time.

We have been 1-2 weeks too early for spring blooms however did catch some on our final couple of days, together with cherry blossoms.

Spring is a good time to plan your London journey as will probably be the shoulder season (Could and June) with fewer crowds and cheaper costs, however with good sufficient climate so that you can get pleasure from your keep.

September – October will probably be the same expertise.

The festive season will convey Christmas lights and vacation occasions, however the winter months will probably be bleak, chilly, and darkish with very pronounced Tube Faces.

London has darkish days within the winter, from 9:00am – 4:00pm, so there’s little daylight and it might typically result in SAD.

Do your finest to keep away from the busiest occasions, that are financial institution vacation weekends (public holidays), college breaks, and July and August. US college breaks will probably be principally totally different to the UK, which may work in your favor.

Plan for not less than 5 days in London

We stayed for 10 days in London and nonetheless didn’t see all of it. It’s a sprawling metropolis with a lot to see and do, even once we lived there we have been nonetheless discovering new sights!

How lengthy you keep is dependent upon what you need to see and do, how busy you need to be, and the way a lot time you’ve got in your schedule.

When you simply need to expertise the highest London sights, then I’d say go to for not less than three days. If you wish to discover slightly deeper into London’s neighborhoods, festivals, and occasions, then you’ll be able to prolong that for not less than 5 days or so long as you need.

I feel 5 days in London could be optimum for many guests to expertise the high issues to do in London and to encorprate a little bit of downtime within the itinerary as nicely.

Plan for 7-10 should you’re including in day journeys or getaways similar to to Stone Henge, Dover, Hastings or Tub.

Right here is our 3 day London Itinerary information and our 7-day itinerary for London that will help you along with your planning!

Concentrate on interchangeable climate

When the solar is shining and the temperature is heat, it’s laborious to discover a happier, extra buzzing place than London.

It makes you need to reside there, till a couple of days later when the standard London grey gloom and drizzle units in and the temperature drops to freezing. This will go on for days and days.

The climate in London could be unpredictable, and difficult to deal with. Pack an umbrella each day, no matter what the solar is doing. It could possibly be clear blue skies one minute and a thunderstorm half-hour later.

For a brief London trip, you shouldn’t see such large adjustments, however it is best to examine with the MET Workplace for hour by hour climate forecasts. It’s normally fairly correct.

You aren’t going to expertise any climate extremes on a brief journey to London, however you’ll positively want layers yr spherical – not less than within the night should you do get a type of heat days.

Common climate temperatures for London are:

• Nov – Jan: 45F – 53F
• Feb – Apr: 40F – 49F
• Could – Jul: 51F – 74F
• Aug – Oct: 59F – 73F

Pack sturdy and cozy strolling sneakers

As you’ll be busy exploring quite a bit on foot, certainly one of our high suggestions is to pack comfy garments and footwear to swimsuit the climate.

Put on a sturdy and supportive pair of strolling sneakers with satisfactory tread for exploring within the day.

Within the night, until you’re visiting a elaborate restaurant, costume could be as informal as you want in London. You possibly can put on sneakers (trainers for the Brits!) in most locations, until said on the web site.

Another issues we advocate you pack are:

• A rain jacket. I favor raincoats over umbrellas because it’s extra versatile and simpler to pack and carry. Umbrellas could be very awkward in a metropolis as busy as London and annoying having to place them up and down when going inside and outside.
• Pack layers. We had sooner or later in Tub the place it went from feeling heat within the solar, to snowing, after which forwards and backwards once more about thrice!
• Deliver a snug day pack for carrying round your layers, water bottle, and private belongings.

Keep in Zones 1 or 2

London is definitely divided up into zones, which makes it simple for exploring (and budgeting). The centre of London is zone 1, after which the zones work their method out from there.

There are 9 zones in whole, however as a vacationer, you in all probability received’t go previous zone 3 – so we advocate staying in zones 1 & 2, particularly first-time guests.

A lot of the sights are in Zone 1 and a pair of, and so will prevent money and time getting round.

A number of the fashionable areas to remain in London Zone 1 and a pair of are:

• Victoria
• Kensington
• Waterloo
• Hyde Park
• St Pancras
• Westminster
• Southwark

You possibly can keep additional out of the town to avoid wasting cash, however generally the trade-off between saving cash and saving time on commuting by being central to the motion cancels one another out, significantly on quick getaways!

It’s additionally price noting that when touring round on the London Underground (the metro) it might take as much as an hour to get from Zone 3 to the middle.

Wherever you keep in London, the environment friendly and unbelievable London public transport system will probably be shut by so it’s not an enormous deal should you keep additional out.

Ebook a lodge close to a tube station

We advocate reserving your London lodging close to a Tube Station (The Tube is the affectionate nickname of the London Underground).

It can prevent a lot time, value, and trouble.

The most effective Tube strains to get you round to the foremost vacationer sights in London would be the:

• Piccadilly Line (darkish blue)
• Circle Line (yellow)
• Central Line (purple)
• Northern Line (black)

The three inns we stayed in throughout our London journey have been all simply minutes’ stroll to tube stations and it was heaven.

Resorts we stayed at:

Altering inns could also be nice for selection and to be nearer to sure neighborhoods or sights. However, it will also be a trouble and eat into your time. Do your due diligence to work out what’s finest to your time and price range.

Lodging in London is dear

Do you know that London has extra 5-star inns than some other metropolis on the earth? Lux vacationers are in luck!

You will discover lodging to swimsuit any fashion in London, however it doesn’t matter what your fashion, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay a worth for it. Backpackers will discover many hostels, however anticipate to pay anyplace from £50-£60 for a bunk mattress in a dorm room. Sure, I do know.

Resort rooms in London additionally are usually small with many aged, or outdated buildings and rooms, particularly in Zones 1 and a pair of the place there are extra historic buildings that have been constructed earlier than they have been became inns.

Double rooms sometimes have two double beds. Household suites are two double beds, only a barely larger room. At all times examine with the actual lodge’s room descriptions, as we discovered the room classifications complicated.

Some inns will provide interconnecting rooms for households, however that would be the additional expense of two lodge rooms.

In case you are touring to London from the USA, lodge servicing received’t be as nice as you’re used to, and a few facilities could also be lacking like physique lotion and tissues!

Some inns might have buffet breakfast included, or for a further charge.

Included breakfast along with your lodge will prevent time in search of out native spots, however, should you simply need to seize a fast croissant, pastie, or bagel for breakfast, having breakfast out will probably be a less expensive choice.

We discovered the breakfasts within the inns to be fairly good with loads of choices, together with a Full Scorching English breakfast. They’re positively higher than customary US lodge continental breakfasts.

In fact, it’s finest to guide your lodging prematurely, particularly through the busy summer time months!

London Airports have excessive airport taxes (and there’s multiple airport!)

One vital factor to know earlier than visiting London is that London has a number of airports. The principle worldwide airport is London Heathrow, however you may additionally fly into London Gatwick Airport, which is extra generally serviced by nations in Europe.

London Heathrow is the foremost airport in London the place most worldwide vacationers will arrive. Gatwick is the second largest. You possibly can learn extra tips about attending to and from London airports.

Once you arrive in London, you probably have a baby beneath twelve, you’ll be able to be part of the household specific line when getting by way of immigration. An attendant escorted us to the entrance of these lengthy strains.

This was the primary time in all my years passing by way of UK Immigration that the officer didn’t ask 1,000,000 questions, and was pleasant and environment friendly. Be ready to inform them the place you’re touring, how lengthy for, and why. They might even ask questions on your work scenario and funds to your journey, 

There may be additionally London Luton, which is de facto removed from the town middle (although you will get a prepare straight into the town), London Stanstead (a ache to get to from the town) and London Metropolis Airport (normally solely home within the UK).

All of the airports impose excessive airport taxes. Many vacationers will keep away from flying out and in of London to flee the charges, however the price of a prepare into London from these airports is greater than the taxes, so that you would possibly as nicely pay the tax.

When you journey to London from the USA, it might typically be cheaper to pay to your flights as an alternative of utilizing your mileage factors, as you must pay these greater charges.

We in some way booked our flights utilizing factors by way of the Chase Portal and didn’t get any tax costs. I’m positive they included the taxes in your entire “(level) worth” moderately than paying as an additional.

You might discover low-cost flights to one of many smaller London airports like London Luton, London Stansted, and London Metropolis.

They’ll be cheaper than locations like Heathrow or Gatwick, however make sure to think about extra journey time and transport prices into the town.

In case you are flying internationally, I like to recommend Heathrow or Gatwick as they’re linked to the London Underground, so you’ll be able to simply get to your lodge.

Depart for the airport in London 3 hours earlier than your flight

Once you go away London, arrive on the airport 3 hours earlier than your flight to permit you time to get by way of safety and immigration, which is notoriously gradual.

Heathrow is a unbelievable airport. It’s large so give your self time when leaving London to get your self cleared and strolling round. You’ll discover a lot of nice shops and locations to eat.

It’s a refreshing change to US airports that are horrible (aside from our personal small RDU). It’s embarrassing whenever you examine JFK to Heathrow.

Getting round London

We’ve a whole information on getting round London, which describes intimately the transport varieties together with the London underground (tube), buses, cabs and ferries, plus ticket choices and costs together with the Customer Oyster Card vs contactless fee.

For a first-time customer, it might really feel sophisticated, however when you perceive it you’ll LOVE the convenience and effectivity of the London Transport Community!

Our primary tip for touring to London is to stroll as a lot as you. We walked from 8-12 miles per day and beloved it!

Not solely was strolling unbelievable for our well being, however it additionally actually helped us to see a lot of London as we moved from A to B.

It’s typically quicker to stroll between tube stations than to catch the tube. So, map it out. Our rule of thumb was if it was a 20-minute stroll, we’d simply stroll as by the point you get out and in of Tube stations, and anticipate the trains, after which trip to your vacation spot twenty minutes may have handed.

“Quid” means British Pound / Sterling

The UK makes use of kilos and pence, not {dollars} and cents! English folks have so many colloquial and slang phrases, which I’ll share in additional element later, however the one you’ll hear quite a bit is the phrase “quid” rather than kilos.

So, if they are saying, “it’s 5 quid,” they imply 5 kilos.

London is a cashless metropolis

London is a metropolis the place you don’t want to make use of money. We didn’t use native money as soon as. We didn’t even contact or change any British cash, solely utilizing our bank card.

As exchanging cash could be irritating, we beloved this newfound ease.

You should utilize all main bank cards, however most typical will probably be VISA and Mastercard. Some locations will settle for American Specific, however I’d have a backup to be secure!

One can find ATMs, or money machines because the English sometimes say, in every single place so accessing cash should you want it’s simple.

I used to be shocked how frequent and pure it was for everybody to pay by tapping their playing cards – or bt fee apps. It’s just about the one method cashiers provide fee.

When you don’t have the faucet function in your card, they nonetheless take the insert and swipe.

Tipping in England isn’t anticipated, however appreciated

Whereas we’re with regards to cash in England, I’ll reply the query, “Do you must tip in London?” No. No. No.

My favourite factor about London and being in England was not having to tip. In America, tipping provides a number of additional value to your invoice, particularly now it’s frequent for them to anticipate 25%.

I beloved having the ability to stroll into any café or pub, know that they’re getting paid a superb wage, order, faucet and go. The worth is because it says, and I can stroll away.

When you eat at eating places with desk service, they may sometimes add on a service cost of round 7.5%. However it might go as much as 12.5%. If service cost shouldn’t be included you’ll be able to go away a ten% tip should you like.

You’ll want to examine your invoice so that you don’t tip greater than obligatory.

You don’t have to tip anybody, together with housekeeping, bell boys and many others. Nobody in England expects it.

For our Individuals, I’ll warn you, you’ll not get service such as you do again dwelling…and that’s okay. Not higher or worse, simply totally different.

We’ll share extra by way of this publish, however mainly, you’ll be self-serving, or in search of out assist a number of the time. Whereas it’s not as attentive, it’s nonetheless pleasant and useful.

For our Aussie pals, it’s identical to dwelling!

London is dear, plan your price range accordingly

Plenty of folks ask me what price range do I would like for London, and it is a query that’s sophisticated to reply because it is dependent upon if you find yourself touring (and what present financial circumstances are); your explicit forex conversion charges, your spending habits and your fashion of journey i.e. do you like extra luxurious or price range.

London is an enormous metropolis, so it won’t be a real price range vacation spot. I didn’t discover it way more costly than touring within the USA, however your price range can get uncontrolled should you’re not cautious.

For a household of 4, you’ll be able to anticipate to spend round £250 – £500 a day (factoring in lodging).

Get a 3-pin plug (Kind G retailers) for charging devices

The UK makes use of Kind G retailers. These sockets have three rectangular holes, together with a floor. You’ll want an influence adaptor for the UK – we journey with a common one so it covers most nations we go to.

Don’t overlook to activate the small change on the outlet, or the electrical energy received’t move!

UK’s frequency is 50Hz and the usual voltage is 230V. Home equipment rated between 220 and 240V could be safely used and not using a voltage converter.

In case you are from the US, you’ll want a converter if touring with electrical razors, hair dryers, or curling irons. It could possibly blow up your machine and begin a fireplace in any other case!

We advocate leaving all of them at dwelling. Resorts may have hair dryers to cowl you! English folks aren’t as picture acutely aware as Individuals and also you received’t be judged.

And also you received’t want convertors for laptops, telephones and cameras.

It’s a intelligent thought to have a transportable charger to your telephone as it’s possible you’ll not be capable of discover many energy factors all through your day exploring. With all these images and movies you’re capturing for reminiscences, your battery will drain shortly.

Get an eSIM information plan, Wi-Fi in London shouldn’t be quick

As we work and journey, we should be linked, and the free wifi in London isn’t dependable sufficient.

Free Wifi shouldn’t be laborious to return by in London, however it’s normally not quick. In cafes like Starbucks, Costa or Cafe Nero, one can find WiFi and it’s normally quick sufficient, however when strolling round you’ll need to keep linked.

You should buy an eSim from Airola, the world’s first and largest eSIM retailer. You may get linked the second you land and keep away from these nasty roaming costs.

It’s really easy to enroll and activate it to your telephone, and at $10 for 3 GB over 30 days, you’ll be able to’t beat it. All you do is set up the app, select your vacation spot and package deal, set up the eSim after which activate it.

You may also seize a neighborhood Sim card from most digital shops, however why hassle when you are able to do it digitally.

Simply watch out, importing Tik Toks and video streaming can chew up information quick.

One can find free Wi-Fi in a number of locations, however it’s unreliable and sometimes choked and gradual. A few of them are extraordinarily painful to log onto.

You sometimes want to join most – both by way of Fb or by electronic mail. Some would solely allow you to join by sending you a textual content message. “Howdy, I’m worldwide, so I can’t obtain any textual content messages!”

And the WIFI on the nice Western Railroad was dreadful. So don’t get excited by that great good thing about catching the prepare!

Actually, get the eSim.

You possibly can drink faucet water in London

This will likely look like certainly one of our most uncommon London journey suggestions, however it’s one of many largest issues that bothered or impacted us probably the most in all our years of journey – water.

In London, you’ll be able to drink the faucet water, however you received’t discover fountains or be given water in eating places with out asking for it.

We’ve turn into so used to quick access to consuming water within the USA – after I sit down at a café or restaurant within the US, the very first thing the waiter does is place a pint of ice water down in entrance of me, after which fills it up all through the period of our meal. I NEVER must ask for water.

After we first arrived in London, I didn’t even understand I wasn’t consuming water till the top of the primary day after I felt so dehydrated.

You need to ask for water within the UK. Or, they’ll have a self-serving jug on the counter with actually SMALL cups.

Guzzle three glasses earlier than taking one again to your seat.

It was additionally laborious to seek out public water fountains. Refill earlier than you allow your lodge and everytime you cease for meals.

You’re overcoming jet lag, you’re strolling round quite a bit and exploring, consuming loads of water is essential, even in chilly climate whenever you don’t really feel as thirsty!

We DO NOT advocate shopping for single use plastic water bottles. They’re TERRIBLE for the setting and your pockets.

London is primarily secure, however…

Security is among the largest issues about London, and the reality is irrespective of the place you journey, it is best to all the time be alert, conscious, and ready. Something can occur anyplace.

I don’t consider touring to London as harmful, nor have I ever felt unsafe or afraid, however that’s as a result of I don’t journey to the notoriously dodgy neighborhoods (Brixton, Camden). Westminster has the very best crime fee, which might be due to its proximity to parliament.

Central London is normally busy with folks shifting round till not less than 10pm, which helps you are feeling safer, and the police drive can be wonderful in London with surveillance cameras in every single place and fast response occasions.

I used to stroll round at night time alone quite a bit after I lived in London (not saying I like to recommend this btw as a solo feminine traveler. You do must nonetheless stay cautious and vigilant) and by no means had any issues.

You might come throughout somebody on the tube who could also be slightly drunk, disorderly, or slightly on edge. For this reason London launched the British Transport Police, who you’ll be able to merely textual content should you see something that makes you uncomfortable to 61016 and they’re going to type it.

London does have a little bit of a homeless drawback, and it’s not unusual to see beggers on the tube. Don’t give them any eye contact or listen should you don’t need to donate spare change.

Different passengers will probably be there to assist, and you may converse to the guards on the station (although if yow will discover them! Many tube stations appear to be void of workers).

You possibly can all the time get off the tube should you’re uncomfortable and catch the subsequent one coming quickly after.

You will notice a lot of indicators warning you about pickpockets and thieves so be vigilant in taking care of your possessions.

Brush up on English Tradition and Etiquette

English persons are typically pleasant and useful. You might discover them extra reserved than Individuals and Australians (in London not less than, not within the countryside), however they’re much less critical and picture acutely aware than Individuals.

They’ve a enjoyable humorousness, get pleasure from “taking the mickey” out of individuals, and love slightly boisterousness when spending time with others.

They love music (and have a stellar historical past of high musicians on the earth) and sports activities, and are fairly well-educated relating to politics and world affairs.

The English have a popularity for politeness and good manners, so bear in mind so as to add in your “Excuse me, Pardon me, please, and thanks.”

This politeness extends to by no means leaping a queue (line) and standing to the best aspect whereas going up and down escalators within the Tube stations.

You’ll quickly uncover an rude English particular person should you break these guidelines. I agree, England. I agree!

The tradition in London can be very numerous, which is among the many causes we like it!

You will discover cuisines, celebrations, festivals, and illustration from many nations all over the world.

I can think about most cultures all over the world will then really feel considerably welcome or have a spot to hook up with their very own tradition.

London is HUGE. Discover By Neighborhood

It’s simple to really feel intimidated by a metropolis the dimensions of London. Not only for its 607 sq. miles (double NYC) and inhabitants of 9 million folks, however for the depth of the experiences and sights that lie inside its sprawling streets and neighborhoods.

A visit to London requires cautious planning prematurely. We had nearly all the things booked earlier than we arrived in London and an itinerary mapped out for every day.

To economize on transportation and time wasted on shifting between sights, discover London every day by neighborhood or space.

Remembering that you just’ll spend most of your time in Central London, which isn’t only one space, however a mix of many neighborhoods unfold out all through Zones 1 & 2.

Ebook sights on-line prematurely

From historical past and Royalty to artwork and tradition, wonderful theater exhibits, and buzzing neighborhoods with totally different personalities, there are such a lot of issues to do in London for any curiosity.

Analysis your excursions and sights and guide them prematurely. They will guide out shortly and so they even might solely function on sure days. We missed a few excursions we wished to do due to this cause.

Tickets booked on-line prematurely will also be cheaper than shopping for in particular person on the attraction. And a few sights just like the Shard and the (free) Sky Backyard require advance reservations.

In case you are planning on visiting the Warner Bros Studios for the Harry Potter tour, you have to reserve your tickets far prematurely. Click on to learn our full information with suggestions and overview of the expertise.

3D verification

We bumped into a problem when attempting to guide prepare tickets on the Nice Western Railroad from London to Tub and Oxford with our US bank card.

It wouldn’t settle for our card because it wasn’t 3D verified, and Chase Visa couldn’t 3D confirm our card for some cause.

I’m informed it is a widespread drawback in Europe now. It occurs just for on-line transactions and just for some firms.

We solely encountered it this one time and have been capable of guide our tickets by way of Trainline as an alternative.

Arrive early to London Sights and Excursions

For fashionable vacationer sights just like the Tower of London, arrive early to beat lengthy strains.

Once more cautious analysis and planning is required to know the busiest sights and how one can match it into your day by day schedule.

Our Beefeater information informed us strains to see the Crown Jewels are sometimes 2 hours lengthy, and whereas the London Eye can transfer quick, wait occasions can nonetheless be lengthy.

Fortunately, given we have been touring in London in March when vacationer numbers have been nonetheless low, we didn’t have any wait.

Quick Observe or Skip the Line Tickets are price it

Time is of the essence whenever you go to London. A fantastic thought, in case your price range permits, is to buy skip the road tickets every time you’ll be able to.

When you get the London Go Metropolis Go you’ll have many high London sights included. Nevertheless, some won’t be, just like the London Eye.

Additionally, some included sights just like the Tower of London don’t have the skip the road function, and you may’t reserve your house prematurely.

In these cases it is perhaps higher so that you can use the London Go for different sights and pay individually for the highest sights.

You’ll have to do the maths and analysis to determine what works finest to your price range and interval.

We additionally buy a number of our Sip the Line tickets by way of Get Your Information or Tiquets.

The London Go by Go Metropolis

In case you are visiting a number of London vacationer sights, will probably be price buying a London Go Metropolis attraction cross.

It’s a low cost attraction card which can prevent cash on admission costs. You should buy a card that has 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7 sights.

Do your analysis to see which of the sights on the cardboard you need to do earlier than you choose the kind of card you need.

We had a 3-pass attraction given to us by Go Metropolis to trial. For our 10 days in London a 7-attraction cross would have been extra helpful.

Select the sights which might be the most costly to make use of with the playing cards, after which perhaps pay for the opposite sights you need to do which might be inexpensive.

DO THE MATH for the totally different situations to see whether or not it’s cheaper to purchase particular person tickets or the London Go, or a little bit of each.

There may be additionally the London Sightseeing Go, which we didn’t get to judge whereas in London so can’t give a private suggestion, and I’ve not too long ago skilled horrible customer support with them.

Nevertheless, we’ve used them earlier than within the USA and beloved it, particularly for his or her extra native experiences. I additionally like how they’ve multi-day passes as an alternative of sights.

If you need simply the highest London sights although, I feel the London Go will probably be higher.

There are many free issues to do in London

The most effective issues about journey to London is that so lots of their museums are free! And their museums are distinctive. In actual fact, it’s normally the smaller museums which might be extra area of interest that you must pay for, the massive ones are normally free.

Listed here are a couple of free museums we love: British Museum, Tate Trendy Nationwide Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, and the most effective one by far, the Pure Historical past Museum.

The Altering of the Guards, a well-liked factor to do at Buckingham Palace, can be free!

As talked about, strolling round London is an excellent approach to take in the tradition – and it’s FREE.

You possibly can stroll throughout Westminster Bridge and London Bridge to see views of Massive Ben and the Homes of Parliament, you’ll be able to go to Westminster Abbey at no cost however pay for a tour is you need to.

We additionally loved strolling round to the Harry Potter Movie areas in London. It’s free, however you too can be part of a guided strolling tour should you don’t need the effort of doing it your self.

For a densely packed metropolis of individuals and buildings, you’ll discover a huge variety of open inexperienced areas with charming Royal Parks and gardens, and the gorgeous Thames River meandering by way of the town. We love St James Park, Hyde Park, and Regents Park.

And, most of the finest panoramic views in London are free!

London is a consumer’s paradise

When you’ve come to London to do some procuring, you’ve hit the jackpot. There are such a lot of markets in London which might be enjoyable only for looking and other people watching.

A few of our favorites are:

• Camden Markets – another neighborhood and iconic market. See our publish on how one can expertise the final word day in Camden.
• Borough Market – a vibrant, native meals market. Yum!
• Portobello Highway Market – a Saturday market famend for its vintage wares.

Different fashionable procuring areas embrace:

• Covent Backyard – though a vacationer space, it’s certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in London. Loads of massive identify manufacturers and boutique shops (with a lot of eating places). Count on greater costs although.
• Oxford Road – one of many busiest streets in London with massive identify manufacturers and offers. Keep away from on a Saturday because it’s shoulder to shoulder.

We didn’t do a lot procuring in London as I feel costs are cheaper within the USA. It’s a enjoyable London exercise for teenagers although, and Kalyra purchased some garments from Brandy Melville – which was cheaper than the US.

The West Finish Theater Ticket Hack

A spotlight of any journey to London is a theater present within the West Finish. London is famend as among the finest locations on the earth for theater with over forty venues within the West Finish.

On our final trip to London, Kalyra, Savannah and I went to see Matilda within the Cambridge Theater in Covent Backyard and beloved it!

Kalyra did the analysis to seek out the most effective worth tickets and booked it whereas we have been in London. We booked by way of LondonTheatre.co.uk and bought among the final seats.

However, because it was a small theater, all seats had nice views, and we in some way ended up with seats close to the entrance and for what we thought was an amazing deal.

There are a couple of hacks for getting a superb deal on West Finish tickets.

1. Ebook as far prematurely you’ll be able to, particularly for fashionable productions, in order for you a superb seat.
2. You possibly can snag cheaper West Finish theater tickets by choosing stand by tickets, which you purchase on the day on the venue.
3. Ebook on the day. When you go to one of many stands in Leicester Sq., and also you’re not fussy about what you watch, you will get a deal on a present occurring that day by filling a seat. In fact, you run the chance of lacking the present or getting a horrible seat should you don’t guide forward, however in case you are okay with simply experiencing the West Finish moderately than passionate a couple of explicit present, it is a smart way to save cash.
4. Ebook a matinee. That is normally cheaper than a night present.
5. Ebook a seat on the again. This counts as an obstructed view seat and is cheaper than customary ticket costs.

You may get last-minute tickets from the TKTS ticket sales space on Leicester Sq.

Don’t let anybody let you know British meals sucks…

There’s a frequent false impression that British meals is horrible. This. Is. Not. True.

British meals shouldn’t be all meat and potatoes, you simply have to know the place to look. You’ll discover hearty British meals in pubs. Search for a Youngs or Greene King pub (not a Wetherspoons, they’re one of many most cost-effective locations to eat meals in London however the high quality is rarely nice) and also you’ll have freshly made, farm to desk dinners.

Pubs are an amazing place to eat. We beloved it for the English pub cultural expertise, but in addition as a result of their menus swimsuit most individuals.

You’ll discover many English favorites like fish and chips, steak pies, and Sunday Roasts – you must attempt a Sunday Roast not less than as soon as. And naturally, a pint of English ale to clean all of it down with.

There are many locations you’ll be able to seize and go in London too. Search for bakeries with scrumptious sausage rolls (get one from Greggs, it’s the UK’s favourite), Cornish pastries, and sandwiches.

Marks & Spencer’s, Tesco, and different grocery shops may have premade meal offers (sandwiches and salads, a snack and a drink) which might be a extra inexpensive consuming out choice for lunches.

The reality is, in London, yow will discover each delicacies. It’s a multicultural metropolis and one of the crucial numerous locations on the earth, so should you don’t like British meals, yow will discover each delicacies you’ll be able to identify.

After I lived in London we used to like getting kebabs from our native retailer close to the Tube (particularly after an evening out!). You have a tendency to seek out these extra when you get out of Central London.

Plan for a excessive tea (afternoon tea), it’s a nice English cultural expertise and in case you are touring with youngsters they’ll like it. (see our Science themed excessive tea in Kensington on this publish).

Ebook prematurely for any eating places if attainable.

England will get a nasty rap for meals, and in some areas that may be so, however, with London’s range, you’re positive to seek out good meals wherever you go. We had respectable meals your entire time.

You’ll want to eat as many sizzling chips with mayo as you’ll be able to for me! Yum!

Eating places are normally self-service in London

Remember that service could be very totally different to the US. Just some eating places may have hosted seating, however typically not.

More often than not you’re strolling round to seek out your personal spare desk, or seat on the bar. There received’t be a ready checklist for institutions like this – you’ll simply must be fast to leap within the subsequent accessible seat.

You’ll order and pay on the bar as nicely for meals and drinks. And can typically serve your personal water. You received’t get a lot desk service, until to clear soiled plates.

It’s simple to be Gluten free or Vegan in London

I felt so nicely taken care of in London with the abundance of gluten free meals choices which included fish and chips, Sunday roast (with gravy), scones with jam and cream, lamingtons, and scrumptious ciders and beers – and I imply beer!

THANK YOU London. It makes such a distinction. Simply another excuse I miss you a lot!

Vegan choices are prolific throughout the town as nicely, as are many different dietary circumstances.

Espresso in London is fairly good

I used to be shocked at how good the espresso scene was in London, particularly since England is extra identified for its tea consuming.

I by no means had a nasty cup of espresso in London. I had some that have been simply okay, however there have been none that I needed to throw within the bin, which occurs greater than it ought to within the USA.

Be ready although – espresso sizes in England are smaller then the US. You’ll not discover 16oz massive right here. Their massive dimension is 12oz and 8oz is common (and typical).

Except you go to Starbucks, which sadly is on each nook now in London.

Don’t go to Starbucks. Simply don’t. Help the native espresso retailers. Their espresso is nice, their tales distinctive, ambiance heat, and the service pleasant and welcoming.

We’ll be sharing a publish with a few of our favourite espresso we present in London quickly.

Consuming in London is iconic, however costly

You’ll not be quick on locations to have a drink in London, the nightlife right here is unbelievable – it’s really a metropolis that doesn’t sleep. There are pubs on each nook, plus actually cool bars.

If the solar is out, head all the way down to the river for a pint with a view.

On heat dry days, patrons will spill over onto the sidewalks exterior pubs which brings such a vigorous environment. The cobblestone streets and alleyways of Covent Backyard will probably be packed.

Lots of pubs within the West Finish will cease permitting youngsters after 5pm. Most pubs in London will shut at 11pm with a final drinks closing name at 10:30pm!

One factor we LOVED about having a drink in England is the decrease ABV% of the alcohol.

The beer is simply getting far too robust within the US for Craig’s liking, and he doesn’t need to be consuming 6.5% – 9% beers anymore. In London, they averaged about 4.9% – 5.2%, which he’s used to from Australia.

By the best way, should you’re a Guinness drinker, the Guinness in London is method higher than the USA, the nearer to Dublin the higher.

And it was so good to have a 4% ABV cider and never really feel over buzzed and have it affect my sleep.

I used to be thrilled that there have been a couple of gluten free beer choices for me as nicely.

The craft brew scene has actually taken off since I lived in London. We solely noticed one Fosters faucet our total time in London, whereas after I labored there it felt like each pub served it. This can be a GOOD factor.

Now you’ll discover native breweries taking middle stage on the faucets. Craig actually loved consuming the native English cask ales from the pump.

The pump is a novel method of pumping the Actual Ale from the keg within the cooler cellars up into the bar. It’s uniquely British and particularly applicable for conventional cask-conditioned ales.

I LOVED the Previous Mount Berries and Cherries cider. Put that in a glass with ice and take a look at to not drink its candy goodness too quick!

Two different well-known English drinks to get pleasure from are:

• Pimm’s and Lemonade – England’s favourite summer time drink, particularly for girls.
• Gin Spritzers – You’ll discover a complete menu of gin choices in nearly each place you go. I took a liking to the assorted flavors of gin spritzers you’ll discover.

Take day journeys from London (or in a single day stays)

As you’re planning your journey to London, take into account if you wish to take any day journeys. I overlook simply how small England is and the way it’s prepare service makes it really easy to hook up with different cities and cities.

You could have many unbelievable locations within the UK which might be simple day journeys from London. It’s a great way to interrupt up the depth of London and expertise a wider English tradition.

We advocate going by prepare or renting a automobile should you really feel courageous sufficient to deal with the UK’s roundabouts and London’s chaotic roads.

The trains are environment friendly, however they’re changing into dearer. You possibly can guide tickets by way of Trainline, or should you favor a bus, you may additionally use the Nationwide Specific bus service or Flixbus.

We caught the prepare to Tub from London for 2 nights, and Oxford for 2 nights in the course of our London journey. Each have been unbelievable.

Different high locations to go to in England near London embrace Stonehenge, Brighton, Hastings, Cambridge, and the Cotswolds.

Be taught the lingo

I discussed earlier that the Brits like to make use of “quid” when speaking about their forex, however this isn’t the one lingo you would possibly hear in your travels.

When you’re not a local English speaker, and also you’ve discovered English overseas, it’s possible you’ll suppose you’ll be discover with the English language in your journey to London – it’s England, in spite of everything.

You’ll quickly discover the Brits have totally different phrases for nearly all the things and also you’ll be questioning should you’ve by chance booked a visit to Mars.

That will help you out, listed below are some generally used slang phrases in England that you could be come throughout:

• A’ight: It’s a greeting that’s a shortened model of “alright.” They aren’t asking you should you’re okay, they’re simply saying hiya.
• Cheers: Brits use “cheers” to say thanks, it’s not only for clinking drinks collectively and wishing one another luck.
• Mate: Everyone seems to be your mate in England. It means good friend, or simply what you name somebody you don’t know to get their consideration. You might often hear “oi mate!” which could possibly be a tout attempting to get your consideration.
• Knackered: means drained.
• Bloke: means a person.
• Skint: means no cash.
• Chinwag: it means to have a dialog.
• Satisfied. means blissful.
• Taking the Mickey: I discussed this earlier, see should you caught it! It means to mock somebody or to joke about them.
• Leg it. It means to run. When you hear somebody shout leg it, they’re telling you to run, so in all probability finest to run.

Get Journey Insurance coverage

I can’t let you know how secure I felt understanding that if something occurred on our journey to London, our journey insurance coverage would assist shield my complete household.

Journey insurance coverage is the very first thing we buy earlier than reserving a visit, so we’re protected ought to one thing go incorrect in your journey, in addition to when you’re ready to your journey to start!

The world is way too unsure to take the chance of shedding your journey funding AND having to pay extra ought to one thing unlucky occur.

It’s such a small worth to pay for peace of thoughts and safety. And as we’ve all the time stated, should you can’t afford journey insurance coverage, you’ll be able to’t afford to journey.

Last Ideas

There you’ve got it, these are our high London journey suggestions and as you’ll be able to see there’s quite a bit to know, and I’m positive there are extra suggestions so as to add so do tell us you probably have any extra questions within the feedback and we’ll do our greatest to reply them.

London is an unbelievable metropolis, and we all know that it doesn’t matter what, you’ll fall in love with it as a lot as we did. It has world-class museums, distinctive vacationer sights, iconic landmarks and structure, historic historical past, a vibrant arts tradition, and unmatched pub scene and variety of individuals and neighborhoods. What extra are you able to need?

I lived in London for 2 years within the late 90s, returned there a number of occasions with Craig once we lived in Dublin, and once more in March 2022 with our two daughters, and we nonetheless like it each time we come again right here.

I take into account it my dwelling of my early twenties, and I hope this London journey information lets you really feel the identical method about this unbelievable metropolis.

You may also learn our tips about how one can plan a visit to Europe with youngsters and suggestions for visiting Europe with youngsters. And locations in Europe youngsters will love.

FREE London Bucket Checklist Printable PDF

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