So, you’re planning your first trip to London? How exciting! This vibrant city is bursting with history, culture, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. But navigating it can be a bit daunting if you don’t know what to expect.
That’s where our London travel tips come in handy! Whether you’re looking for cheap travel tips to stretch your budget or essential London travel advice to help you blend in with the locals, we’ve got you covered.
I lived in Scotland but visiting London was a totally different world, even though they’re in the same country! London is enormous and bursting full of history and culture and take it from me, you’ll want to be prepared to make the most of your time in the city. Some of these London travel tips I had known and some of them I wish I had known before I visited.
From getting around the city efficiently to finding free attractions, these tips for traveling to London for the first time will set you up for an unforgettable adventure. So, lace up your comfy shoes, grab your Oyster Card, and let’s dive into the must-know secrets for making the most of your London experience!
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Tips for Traveling to London for the First Time
1. Get an Oyster Card or better yet, just use contactless payment for the cheapest fares on the Underground (Tube), buses, and trains. Any of your credit or debit cards that have a tap to pay option work, or Apple Pay on your phone.
2. Avoid peak hours (6:30-9:30 AM and 4-7 PM) to save on transport costs if you are not in a big rush to explore the city or want to sleep off any jet lag.
3. Use buses instead of the Tube for a scenic and cheaper option.
4. Download the CityMapper app to be able to see all of the transportation routes available for the tube, buseses, trains, and even boats
5. Or embrace walking! London is a very walkable city, with lots to see on foot. You’ll stumble upon history and quirky spots everywhere that will make you feel like you know the city even better. We tried to save a few dollars on transportation when we were there and walked a ton of places and don’t regret it. Just wear comfy shoes!
6. Look left when you cross the roads! This may seem obvious, if you’re traveling to London for the first time, you’d be surprised how easy it is to look to the right and start walking. Throughout heavily touristed areas in the UK they’ve painted “Look left” into the pavement to help you out.
7. When you’re getting around, be sure to download Google Maps for offline access if you’re not paying for international data. I’ve also preloaded my route on Apple Maps while connected to Wi-Fi, which allows it to continue guiding you even without cell service. Finding your way back can sometimes be tricky, but free Wi-Fi is readily available, so I’ve always managed to find my way.
8. Take advantage of free attractions. Many of London’s top museums and galleries offer free entry, including:
- British Museum
- National Gallery
- Tate Modern
- Natural History Museum
- Science Museum
9. Walk around iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Trafalgar Square which you can admire from the outside without any admission fees.
10. If you are planning to visit somewhere with ticketed admission like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey, make sure you buy your tickets well in advance if you’re traveling during the summer months when the number of tourists in the city peaks.
11. Don’t want to pay to visit Westminster Abbey or didn’t book far enough in advance? No worries, you can visit St. Margaret’s, a 12th century church on the grounds of Westminster Abbey for free. One of my favorite cheap London travel tips is visiting what is known as the “Parliamentary Church” which houses the tomb of Sir Walter Raleigh and is fun to walk around.
12. And because unexpected things can happen, it’s a smart idea to get travel insurance for your trip to London! I recommend using travelinsurance.com—it lets you compare different plans from multiple providers in one place, so you can easily find and customize the coverage that suits your needs.
13. London has beautiful parks where you can relax and people-watch for free. Try Hyde Park, St. James Park, Greenwich Park, or Regent’s Park.
14. Free walking tours are available all over London and often cover major historical areas like Westminster, The Southbank, and Covent Garden. Tip your guide if you’re happy with the tour!
15. Make sure to enjoy a Sunday roast. While you might know about fish and chips, a traditional Sunday roast at a pub is a quintessential British experience you shouldn’t miss.
16. Also, many London pubs are actually really family-friendly and serve excellent meals, not just pints of ale.
17. Londoners are generally pretty polite and appreciate good manners. Simple phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” can go a long way. It’s common to hear “sorry” even when someone isn’t at fault, so don’t be surprised!
18. Use apps like Too Good To Go or Olio to get leftover food from cafes and restaurants at a decent discount. This will let you try local cuisine without spending a fortune.
19. Co-ops and Tescos in London are a great spot for takeaway sandwiches and other quick meals. Their £5 meal deals are a fantastic way to stretch your budget. Just a heads-up from an unfortunate personal experience: steer clear of any seafood from Tesco’s meal deals—you’ll thank me later.
20. If you’re used to shopping at ALDI, you’ll feel right at home in London, as they’re everywhere. It’s perfect for grabbing essentials if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, and it can save you a lot. Lidl is also widely available and offers similar bargains.
21. Look for food markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Brick Lane Market for affordable and diverse street food.
22. Know your tea etiquette. Afternoon tea is a delightful British tradition. If you’re attending one, don’t raise your pinky, and always pour the milk after the tea. There are plenty of spots to experience this, from luxurious hotels to quaint tea rooms. You’ll want to book ahead on these.
23. In general, tipping is different than in the USA. Tipping in London isn’t as expected as in the US. Service charges (usually around 12.5%) are often included in restaurant bills. If not, a 10-15% tip is more than sufficient. You don’t need to tip cab drivers, though rounding up to the nearest pound is appreciated.
24. Bring a reusable water bottle. London’s tap water is safe to drink, and public water fountains are becoming more common. This can save you money and reduce plastic waste. Look for “Refill” stickers on shop windows, offering free water refills.
25. Consider staying in hostels or Airbnb in more affordable neighborhoods like Camden, Vauxhall, Shoreditch, or Brixton. I recommend staying in Vauxhall in my 2 day London itinerary for travelers on a budget.
26. Some universities rent out their student accommodation during the summer for a cheaper stay. King’s College is one of the best situated universities if you are visiting in the summer. Learn more here. Not sure when you should visit? Review my guide on the worst times to visit London.
27. Wanting to take in a show at the famous West End aka the UK’s Broadway? Head to TKTS Booth in Leicester Square for discounted same-day tickets for West End shows.
28. TodayTix also often offers great deals on popular shows if you have a space open in your itinerary and didn’t pre-book.
29. Use the London Pass Wisely If you plan to visit several paid attractions, consider the London Pass for savings, but make sure you will use it enough to make it worth the price. I personally didn’t, but had we stayed longer I would have.
30. Avoid tourist traps for souvenirs. Head to charity shops like Oxfam for local markets for unique and affordable gifts to take home. Not looking for souvenirs but forgot something you need in your wardrobe? These charity shops are also great to grab a sweater or jacket without spending a fortune.
31. Buy a prepaid SIM card from a provider like Giffgaff or Three for cheap data and calls.
32. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi in cafes, libraries, and public areas to save on data.
33. Always pay in the local currency! Whenever you are given the chance to withdraw in the British Pound (£) or the US dollar at an ATM, pick the Pound as you will get a better rate. The same is true when you’re paying for anything at a store or restaurant.
34. Use a no-fee credit card to avoid paying international fees on your purchases (or avoid carrying around a ton of cash to avoid paying said fees). Here are 7 reasons why the Venture X is my favorite travel credit card.
35. If you do have a no-fee credit card, then you don’t need to take out any Pounds before your trip, or at the airport upon arrival. You’ll typically get terrible exchange rates and you won’t run into many situations where credit cards are not accepted in London.
36. As I detail in my winter London packing list, make sure you have a solid coat for any season that you’re visiting. A waterproof windbreaker in the summer months will help you stay comfortable.
37. One of my biggest pieces of London travel advice is to dress in layers! Regardless of if you’re exploring just London or traveling from London to Scotland to explore, temperatures in the UK will vary greatly throughout the day. The last thing you want is to be too cold to enjoy all that London has to offer (or too hot if that sun happens to come out!).
38. One thing I wish I knew before heading to London: packing cubes are a game changer! You’ll need those different layers for the varying temperatures and packing cubes help keep everything organized. These are my go-to favorites.
39. If you’re bringing along hairdryers, curling irons, or straighteners, you might need both a voltage converter and a plug adapter. Most devices aren’t compatible with the 230V supply and Type G plug used in the UK. Keep in mind, plug adapters don’t convert voltage, so double-check your device’s compatibility before plugging in. If you do need a converter, I recommend this one.
40. If you’re not packing any straighteners or curling irons, this plug adapter is a cheaper option. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work anywhere in the world, making it perfect for future trips. With multiple USB ports, you won’t have to argue over who gets to charge their phone—especially handy when traveling with a group.
As you embark on your adventure in this incredible city, keep these London travel tips in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. From savvy budgeting with cheap travel tips to embracing local customs, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your trip.
Remember, the more you know before you go, the easier it will be to navigate and enjoy all that London has to offer. With these tips for traveling to London for the first time, you’re ready to create unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most iconic destinations. Safe travels!
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More UK from Basic Economy B:
- 40 Tips for Traveling to London for the First Time
- Worst Time to Visit London (and the Best!) – Ultimate Guide
- Essential Packing List for London in Winter: How to Pack Smart
- Full Breakdown on the Best Way to Travel from London to Scotland
- 2 Day London Itinerary: Discover the Best of the City on a Budget
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