Visiting London for the first time: A Starter Guide from a local

Are you Visiting London for the First Time? This London Travel Guide covers everything you need to know to plan your first trip to London with all the essential travel tips.

Who doesn’t dream about visiting London, the Capital of UK? The city is reach with history and culture, and offers something to every type of traveler! However, planning a trip to a big city like London for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when there is so much to do and see in the city with short duration of time in hand!

I live near London, and frequently visit the city during Weekends. And during each visit, I find so many hidden gems to explore, and my bucket list is keep growing! I have explored so many must-see places, food markets, green parks, and historical sites of London in a year! And I can say, few days are very short to admire this city!

London is very big as well as spread out! It’s really important you plan your stops, which areas you want to explore, things to do, and you must know all the essential tips to maximize your time in the city!

In this beginners guide, I am covering all the things you should know before visiting London for the first time! You’ll find the list of must see attractions, best things to do, how to get around, tips on the weather, what to pack, food and drinks to try, where to stay in London, and all the travel tips from a local!

Whether your first visit to London includes the history and culture or relaxing, this London first time visitors guide includes everything!

I will also include all the must see attractions, Historical sites, Parks, Markets, and Neighborhoods to visit, as well as some hidden gems.

London is my favorite city and I am really glad calling this city home! I love exploring the nooks and corners of the city on weekends! I hope this travel guide helps you to plan your trip to London for the first time!

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to London for the First Time

About London & Its Geography

London is in southeastern England, with the River Thames running through it horizontally. It’s globally known for being the home of the British Royal Family, who live in the various Royal Residences throughout the city.

The city is as romantic and beautiful as you may have seen and heard about it in Books, TV or movies! Being born in India, I had crush for it through Bollywood movies! And now living here is like dream come true for me! This is the city, you might want to visit again and again!

One of the most important thing before you visit any city, is to figure out its overall geography! So, understanding the different areas of London is very important to plan your first trip to London with ease!

When people refer to London, they mostly think about Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and tower Bridge! But the city has actually 32 boroughs plus the City of London!

The major attractions are located in the inner boroughs surrounding the River Thames, in the middle of the city!

During your first time visiting London, you will most likely visit the following areas: City of London, City of Westminster, Tower Hamlets, and Kensington.

All the borough are well connected by public transportation and you can explore it easily! But it’s good if you can be familiar with the area while using the Public transportation!

How to Get to London

London is well connected with all the major cities from around the World! And there are many airline options for flying into London from Europe, USA , Asia and the Middle east!

London has SIX major airports spread throughout the city: Heathrow Airport(LHR), Gatwick Airport(LGW), Luton Airport, Stansted Airport(STN), London City Airport, and Southend Airport. But most likely you’ll use LHR, LGW or Stansted airports that connects major cities around the globe!

Once you know which airport you are flying into, its relatively easy to get to London from the airport! Each airport offers a variety of transport options, ranging from high-speed trains to budget-friendly coaches and the London Underground (Tube) to reach Central London area!

London Heathrow (LHR): The largest airport and the most popular choice for visitors, is located ~16 miles (25 km) outside the London City Center. It has an excellent option Heathrow Express that runs non stop and gets you to Paddington Station in 15 minutes! From Paddington, you can use underground to reach your hotel.

You can also take Elizabeth line for cheaper option, takes 30-40 minutes! It has several other stops in central London, which may be beneficial depending on where your hotel is!

If you are on budget, and don’t mind about timings, National Express and Mega bus offer budget-friendly services. Make sure to book it in advance!

As you’re in London for the first time, I recommend taking either the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line from Heathrow Airport.

London Gatwick (LGW): Another major airport located in South London, ~28 miles (45 km) away from Central London. The Gatwick Express offers non stop service to Victoria Station in 30 minutes.

You can also use Thames link and Southern trains that serves multiple train stations in London, and it takes around 40-60 minutes!

London Stansted (STN): It majorly serves budget airlines. Take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street Station. You can also use National Express coach which takes around 1-1.5 hour to reach central London!

By Train From Europe: If you’re already in Europe, you can check out the train routes that run from closest European Cities to London and back! Eurostar offers regular services between Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Brussels, Antwerp, and Paris to London!

Trains are very hassle free, and book it well in advance to get cheaper fare. You can compare the prices between trains and flights, and book accordingly!

How To Get Around London

If you’re visiting London for the first time, you’ll need to understand how to get around the city using Public transportation. But thankfully, London has some of the best public transportation I’ve ever experienced. While it might seem daunting at first, it’s actually pretty simple to use it!

If you’ve traveled to the big cities like New York, Washington DC and used their Subway, London has similar system to get around without using car or taxis! But even though you haven’t used any public transport in past, London’s public transport system is very easy to navigate!

In general, the best way to get around London for your first time is a combination of Walking and Public transportation.

London is very walkable city, and I really love this culture of the city! When I was in USA, this wasn’t the norm, and here people walk 5-10 miles easily in a day! Even on rainy days, you can expect to see people walking outside with umbrellas, rain boots, and a warm coat!

If you like walking, it’s a great way to get around London and you’ll come across some beautiful parts of the city, which may be known to locals only!

But as as you’ll be in London for short time, and its better not to walk everywhere to maximize your travel time! Still, you’ll easily walk 15,000 steps a day when in London! I always prefer walking for short distance rather than taking a tube or bus!

So, use a combination of walking, taking the Underground (“The Tube”), and riding the bus to travel around London during your first visit!

I highly recommend downloading Google Map and Citymapper app to navigate the routes around the city!

To find public transport routes, put your current location and destination in the app and you’ll get options for trains and buses with departure/arrival time, including the fastest, easiest, and least amount of walking! I highly recommend Citymapper over google maps, because it gives you better options for desired routes! You can also download London TFL app to get updates about line changes, delays and closures.

How to Pay for Public Transportation

London Public Transportation is extremely easy to use, thanks to its contactless payment system! It works on both underground as well as buses — No Paper ticket required!

All you have to do is set up Apple or Google Pay on your phone and tap it to get through the turnstiles.gates or at the buses! You can also use your Credit card/debit card for the same! You will also need to tap on the way out as well, so have your card/phone ready when you exit!

Make sure to use same card/device throughout the day to tap in/out to get the benefit of daily cap!

You can also opt for an Oyster card, a card you add money to and pay as you go throughout London’s public transport. It works on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, and more!

Can You use Buses to Get Around London?

The buses in London are the classic red, double-decker ones you may have seen in photos or movies! These red double-decker buses are another major transport option in London. You can use it when you’re tired from all the walking! But it can’t replace the Tube, it takes less time!

But the buses are iconic to London, and you must have to ride it once during your first visit to London! Take the route 9,11, or 24 to enjoy London’s famous landmarks from your seat! This is also great option when the weather is not in your favor!

You can use your Apple or Google pay, Oyster Card, or contactless credit/debit card to ride the buses in London. All you have to do is tap to pay when you hop on the bus! The spot to tap is near the driver at the entrance!

If you’re ride is longer, I recommend to upstair sitting for the best views and usually its least-crowded. Each seat has “STOP” button on vertical bar in front of you to request for your desired stop! Make sure to press the button once the bus has departed from the stop right before yours, to let the driver know you’re getting off at the next stop!

NOTE: Tube stops around 11:30 PM. If you’re out late in the night, Buses are convenient to reach your hotel late at night!

Taxis and Ride Shares

Uber, Lyft, and Bolt all operate within London. With all these options, you can book a ride through their respective apps.

London’s iconic Black Taxis are a classic and reliable way to get around the city. The drivers are very professional with extensive knowledge of the streets. However, black taxis can be very expensive than ride sharing apps!

Where to Stay When Visiting London for the First time

Now that you have got an idea about getting around London, lets discuss best areas to stay when visiting London for the first time! When choosing a stay, also keep in mind about your itinerary, style and budget!

As this is your first trip to London, it can be overwhelming for you to decide where to stay in London.

As a first-time visitor, I highly recommend staying in the heart of London for your trip. This means staying in either the City of Westminster, or the City of London!

And there are a few neighborhoods within the city of Westminster that offers different experiences, culture, and great accommodation options! Staying in this central area will put you right at all the actions when visiting London for the first time!

Luckily, London is well-connected via public transportation, and very walkable! You can easily visit all your must-see places, even if you’re not staying in that particular neighborhood!

Let me now share a quick guide about few famous neighborhoods of London for your stay!

Mayfair

May fair is one of London’s most exclusive and upscale neighborhoods. And this is my favorite are to visit in London. The streets are lined with beautiful Georgian buildings, which transport you right back in time!

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendation in Mayfair: 

• The May Fair Hotel
• 1 Hotel Mayfair
• The Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane 
• The May Fair Townhouse

Known for its high end luxury historic hotels, upscale restaurants, and luxury boutique shops, Mayfair is the perfect place to stay for your first trip to London if you’re looking for a little bit of luxury with central location!

Mayfair is just right behind the Hyde Park, the largest of the four royal parks in London, and is less than a mile away from Buckingham Palace. If you love upscale stay with some green space around you, Mayfair is one of the best area to stay in London!

Though Mayfair is not the best location for lively Nightlife compared to Soho!

SoHo

Soho is vibrant neighborhood in London’s West End, located right beside the Mayfair! It is famous for electric mix of shops, restaurants, and a theatre scene. It also has some great nightlife with bars and nightclubs if that’s your thing!

This neighborhood has become known for London’s thriving LGBTQIA+ community with many Gay and lesbian bars around Old Compton street!

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendation in Soho:

• The Soho Hotel
• Broadwick Soho
• The Resident Soho

Covent Garden

Next up is the iconic Covent Garden, a lively and vibrant neighborhood in the heart of London’s theatre district.

If you’re visiting London for the First Time, you must have to visit the historic Covent Garden Market, eat Indian food at Dishoom Covent Garden, visit beautiful cafes, or hit the lovely pubs in the area!

The center of Covent Garden has a lovely pedestrian-only square where you can enjoy a stroll, explore shops, and catch a show by street performers! And if you’re visiting London during Christmas, don’t miss magical Covent Garden Christmas Market!

Covent Garden is the perfect place to stay for your first time visiting London if you want to be in the middle of all the tourist attractions!

By staying in this area, you’ll be able to walk to some popular tourist sites like Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, and the Victoria Embankment Gardens. All these places are just 8-10 minutes walk from Covent Garden!

In addition, you’ll be in the heart of West End, London’s famous theatre district, if you are interested in seeing a show! You’ll have London’s best restaurants, and Pubs right at your doorstep! And you’ll be also near to Soho to enjoy the nightlife!

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendation in Covent Garden:

• Covent Garden Hotel
• The Savoy
• St Martins Lane
• Z Hotel Strand (Mid range)
• Page 8 Hotel (Best value for money)

Westminster

One of the most popular destination for first timer visitors to London is City of Westminster! It is home to the most famous London sites like Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey!

It’s located right next to the River Thames! If you cross Westminster Bridge, you can access the the River Thames to reach the Popular London Eye, and The Queen’s Walk!

In addition to these iconic sites, you’ll also be walking distance to London’s beautiful green spaces like St James’s Park and Green Park, which are great for bike riding, walking and summer picnics!

While Westminster is very super convenient area for the stay, it can often feel very crowded and hotel prices are likely to be higher during Peak summer season! If you want peaceful stay location, Westminster isn’t for you!

However, this is convenient option for people who wants to see famous landmarks of London like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey without the crowds early in the morning!

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendation in Westminster: 

• St James’s Court, A Taj Hotel
• The Londoner Hotel
• Raffles London at the OWO 
• The Guardsman Hotel
• Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

City of London

And lastly, there is the The City of London, a neighborhood on the north bank of the River Thames. It is the historic financial district of London, known as Square Mile! If you’re on the South Bank, and cross Millenium Bridge or Tower Bridge, you’ll be in the City of London!

During weekdays you’ll find smartly dressed business people at nearby Pubs after office hours! This is I think very much like Financial District of New York on Weekdays!

If you’re staying in the City of London, you’ll be near to Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Sky Garden, and Leadenhall Market. For me, this is my favorite area to visit in London, with beautiful South bank walk, aesthetic cafes, and so many restaurants, and seeing London from the iconic viewing platforms!

I suggest staying near Tower Hill Station for convenient Public transport access! If you love quiet stay, City of London is the best neighborhood to stay in London!

🏨 Top Hotel Recommendation in the City of London: 

• Leonardo Royal Hotel London City
• Citizen M Tower of London
• Novotel London Tower Bridge

🏩 My Top Picks for stay as first timer visitors to London : Covent Garden, Soho and Westminster. You’ll be within walking distance from all the attractions in London.

Best Time to Visit London

The best time to Visit London is summer(June to August). It’s most popular time to visit the city with holiday breaks, but this is also one of the most busiest time of the year!

You can expect hot and sunny weather, long daylight hours with 10 PM Sunsets, and so many events and festivals throughout the city. But expect high prices, and crowds everywhere with long lines, busy restaurants, and packed tube stations. If you plan to go during Summer months, I’d highly advise booking early!

But my favorite time to visit London is Spring (March end to May)! The city decks up with beautiful cherry blossoms, wisterias, and parks blossoms with roses! The season makes city alive after deadly winter! The weather remains mild, and sunny; and days just start getting longer! This is absolutely best time to visit London!

Another best time to visit London is during Fall season (September to October). During mid October, you’ll see beautiful fall foliage, mild weather with still long sunny days till end of the October! You’ll see fewer crowds as summer rush ends!

Winter(December-February) is not the good time to Visit London! It will be very cold, rainy and foggy. The sun rises late at like 8 AM, and sets early at 4 PM in Winter, which isn’t ideal for the sightseeing!

But London in December is most magical! With all the Christmas lights, ice skating rinks, Christmas markets and festive cheers will make your trip to London most memorable! You definitely need to experience Christmas in London!

Overall, I would late spring and and Fall season to visit London with fewer crowds and good weather! early summer is another best option to visit with longer days!

Important Things to Know for Visiting London for the First Time

Below are few things you must know for traveling to London for the first time! This list gives the basics your trip go more smoothly.

Language

English is the official language in England — No surprise here! People speak British English, which does have a few different words than American English. It’s good to know few British words/synonyms for the basic conversations!

Some Essential British words/slang that are useful to know:

• All right – Hello, how are you
• Cheers – Thank you or Good Bye
• Ta – A quick “Thanks”.
• Mind the gap – An announcement on Tube, when the doors open to indicate the space between the train and the platform.
• Chips – Fries
• Loo – Toilet
• Have a good one – Have a Good day
• Biscuits – Cookies

There are so many such British slang, which may sound funny to someone visiting London for the first time. But above words you’ll hear very commonly!

Currency

All of the United Kingdom uses the Great British Pound(GBP), also known as the Pound Sterling, but usually just referred to as the “Pound(£)”.

It is to note that, it is different currency from other parts of Europe which is Euro (€), although the symbols can look similar to you!

If you’re paying with cash, you can sometimes receive “Pence“, equal to 1/100 of a pound!

Make sure to check the conversion rate with your home currency before you travel to London for the first time! However, you might not need to use more cash, as most of the places in UK operates on Contactless Payments!

Cash vs. Card

You’ll not need to use cash in London, as cards are accepted everywhere. You can tap your contactless cards or Phone to pay for your bills, transportation or other activities.

But it’s always useful to carry small amount of cash and/or coins with you in case you need it. But I wouldn’t recommend to exchange large amount of cash for your first trip to London! And it’s better to use card than cash for hassle free trip.

Outlets/Plugs

UK uses different plug than most of the other countries you may have traveled. They uses “Plug G“, which is the plug with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The UK operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. So, do’t forget to pack a Universal Power Adapter for your electronic devices.

Note: Leave your hair dryers/ hair ironing machines at home, if its operating on Single Voltage! You simply can’t use it with just adapter, you’ll need dual voltage input to use them in UK!

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not expected like in the USA. Usually when eating out at restaurants, 10% to 15% service charge or gratuities are added to the bill! If its added to the bill, you do not need to tip on top of it.

At bars and pubs, tips are not common nor expected, but you can round up the bill if you’re getting the change!

In fast-food chains, casual cafes, or when grabbing coffee, tipping is very uncommon. Additionally, in many self-service environments, like food markets or street stalls, No tip is required! However, you can give small tip to Hotel door staff or porters for their services!

Roads and Crosswalks

People in the United Kingdom including London drive on the left side of the road, which is different from the rest of Europe and the United States!

If you’re coming from the countries where they drive on the right side, and this is your first time in London, it may take a while for you when you first get here! And how this can effect you, even if you’re not renting a car?

Because you’ll be crossing many roads during your stay in London. And cars driving on the left side instead of the right means you’ll need to look right (and left) when crossing the street!!

When catching buses, ensure you’re on the correct side of the street to get on a bus in the direction you need to go. It will be the opposite compared to right-side driving countries!

So, as a general rule of thumb, look BOTH ways when crossing any road in London.

Tips for your First Trip to London

These are few London travel tips you must know to plan your first trip to the city hassle free!

Plan your Itinerary Strategically

London has so many iconic sights, incredible museums, and beautiful neighborhoods. You may want to see EVERYTHING on your first trip to London! But leave some room between each place to have some spontaneous fun or rest instead of Jam Packed Itinerary!

With so much to do and see in London, trying to see it all on your first trip may be overwhelming. Make a list of your must-see sights in London, and plan 2-3 activities per day which are in your top Priority.

If something doesn’t work out as per your plan, make a list of secondary activities which you can pivot without loosing your time!

Take Advantage of Free Activities

London is very expensive city, but it offers so many free things to do, without spending any money!

For example, most of the popular London museums, including the British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Wallace Collection, and the National Portrait Gallery, are completely free to visit and they are worth the visit!

In addition, London has some gorgeous (and free) Green spaces and Royal Parks to take advantage of summer picnics, which includes Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Green Park, and Kensington Gardens.

I also love beautiful river walk along South Bank, Canal walks in Paddington, and Richmond River side. I love exploring Little Venice during fall season!

These free things to do in London can save your money, and you can budget it for your meals or accommodation.

Choose a hotel near a Tube station

I’ve already covered best neighborhoods to stay for your first trip to London. When you look up for hotel options, just check the distance to the nearest Underground (Tube) station. You can do this on Google Maps simply by looking for Underground logo (a red circle with a dark blue line).

If your hotel is 20-30 minutes walk to underground station, its not practical for staying there! After the long day of exploration, and walking you might need a short walk to your hotel!

And honestly, a short walk to tube station will make your life easier for your first visit to London!

Make Reservations For Activities & Restaurants

If you want to visit a popular attractions like London Eye or Tower of London during peak summer season, make sure to buy your tickets online in advance! Most of the famous attractions sell out during this time!

In addition to booking in advance, I highly recommend looking into skip-the-line tickets to navigate long lines, and this saves so much time!

Similarly, make sure reservations for the popular restaurants of London, as they often booked out months in advance!

Book your London Eye and Tower of London fast track tickets here.

Take at Least One Walking Tour

When you’re new to any city, I highly recommend taking a walking tour to know the basics about the city! This is why I recommend to book a walking tour during your first trip to London.

I typically like to do a walking tour on my first day in any new city to learn about the history of the city! You’ll learn lot about the places you’re going to visit during your stay in London! However, its simply upto your travel choice!

Check this walking tour that gives you idea about places to visit around Westminster, history of London and the Royal family.

This summer I took Thames River Lunch Cruise! This cruise took us from Tower of London to Greenwich with seeing landmarks like London eye, Shard, Parliament etc from river, while enjoying top deck views as well as eating delicious 2 course meal! This is absolutely my favorite way to see London landmarks from water!

Check If London Pass is worth to buy or not

You may have probably heard about the “City Pass” to explore the best sights of any big cities, like NYC Pass, Paris Pass, Rome Pass etc. These types of passes include entry tickets to all the most famous attractions at a discounted rate.

For example, the London Pass gives you access to over 97 popular attractions including Tower of London, The London Eye, Thames River Cruise, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, museums and more! It allows you to skip the ticket lines and can save you both time and money during your visit!

The cost of the London Pass varies depending on which you buy: the Explorer Pass (for a specific number of attractions) or the All-Inclusive Pass (unlimited access).

While this Pass can be great to save money and time, but you really need to do the math, and make sure it actually save you some money.

For example, if you purchase the 3 Day All-Inclusive Pass, you’ll get access to 107 attractions, and tours over the 3 days. So compare the prices of individual costs vs the Pass price, if it saves you some money!

If you only want to visit one or two paid attractions, it’s probably not worth purchasing. However, it’s worth to buy if you’re visiting most of the iconic landmarks of London, it will save you money!

I recommend to map out all attractions you plan to cover, buy the pass for 1-2 days to cover those paid sites during that time!

The Tube isn’t always the Fastest Option

Aah, London and its famous “mind the gap” sound on Tube! I’ve already covered major information about London’s underground system for the first time visitors to London.

When you use Tube, mostly rely on CITY Mapper app to get the most accurate routes. I found Google Maps to be very complicated for many desired routes! But sometimes taking a tube might not be the best option! Let me explain it in detail.

Note: Make sure to check your Google Maps settings and keep your tabs ON for both train & bus.

While Tubes are most convenient, Buses can be best for short routes, and they are cheaper than taking the Tube. Sometimes, taking a direct Bus can save your time than taking two different tubes to your destination.

Also, with the bus, there’s no need for escalators descending underground, stairs down even further, and walking to the right platform. This saves you from lots of walking!

While Bus isn’t fastest option, it sometime saves your time ! But they aren’t very punctual and there can be lots of traffic delays especially in tourist areas! often, it remains packed during peak times!

Get Ready for Typical British Weather

If you’re visiting London for the first time, and may be wondering what to expect in terms of weather! You might have heard about how English Weather is famously unpredictable! You’ll often find Brits talking a lot about weather, and now I am one of them😁!

While many thinks UK is always cold and rainy, but it’s not always the case. Summer months are amazing to spend in London, with sunny blue skies, and late sunsets ! Actually, it really depends in which months you’re planning to visit London!

But UK weather can change very quickly! After living hear since more than a year, I have experienced it quite a lot! It could be drizzling at the moment, and next minute you’ll find clear blue skies! So, always carry umbrellas as like brits do! Weather is very highly unpredictable!

Summer is of course the warmest and driest time of the year, but heat waves can also happen! And keep in mind that air conditioning is not common in London! Though you’ll find many indoor areas with AC to cool down yourself!

What to Pack for your First time to London

London is very much diverse city, and you can wear what you like for the most part. But high fashion is part of the country’s history! You can wear your stylish or quirky fashionable outfits in London! And If you’re planning any luxury/Michelin star dining you will want to dress up formal for that.

Dress for the Weather

Your specific wardrobe also depends on what season you are visiting London. If you’re not dressed for the weather, you’ll be very uncomfortable.

Spring and fall seasons can be windy and rainy, while summer season still receives mild rainy days! If you’re not prepared, you’ll feel miserable and can’t enjoy your time in the city! The cold here can be different than your home city!

Layered clothing is key to adjusting to varying temperatures throughout the day, and a sweater can be handy for cooler evenings.

However, you you’ll need below items no matter what time of year you are visiting London:

• Lightweight waterproof Jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Waterproof Boots
• A small umbrella
• Puffer Jacket/ sweater for cooler evenings
• A cross-body bag
• Portable Phone charger
• Small Day Pack for essentials

Protect Against Pickpocketing

Like any other big cities in the world, London also has its fair share of pickpocketing issues, and basic safety precautions are important for protection against theft.

I always carry Anti Theft Sling Bag or Anti theft Backpack while exploring the city! When I’m on public transportation, I take keep the backpack in my lap with the zipper facing my body. Don’t put your backpack/purse on the floor/seat next to you, as it can be easily pickpocketed.

Travel Tip: Phone theft is very common in London. Thieves can grab your phone out of your hand and will run/bike away if you aren’t paying attention! Always keep your Phone close to you, or carry a phone case with straps. Stay alert and don’t fall for any scams!

How Long To Stay in London for the first time

You won’t be able cover EVERYTHING during first trip to London! Easily you’ll need Seven Days for your first time in London if you want to see all the main sights without packed Itinerary!

If One week in London isn’t possible for you, five days in London are absolutely enough to cover all the major sightseeing places, activities, but still it can be busy all days!

If you have Three to Four days in hand, you can simply cover all the major landmarks of London! It’s really not enough time to visit the city, but if you’re already in Europe or have visited the city before, you can absolutely consider visiting London in 3 days!

Overall, Five to Seven Days are enough to visit London for first time visitors.

Must See Attractions in London for the First Time Visitors

As I have already said, there are so many places to visit and things to do in London, the city is incredibly beautiful, as well as carrying thousands of years of history! As you take a walk around, you’ll come across historic pubs, old restaurants, churches, hundreds of years old architecture and so on!

But seeing all of them during your first trip to London might be impossible especially you have only few days in hand! However, for first time visitors, iconic attractions of London are a must. You can choose the ones you most want to experience and save the rest for next time.

Here’s my recommended list of must visit attractions and things to do in London for first-time visitors.

• The Tower of London — Home of the Crown Jewels and explore the history of it.
• Buckingham Palace  — Witness the Changing of Guard Ceremony
• Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) — Get iconic shots of Big Ben with Red telephone box
• Houses of Parliament — Iconic landmarks of London
• Westminster Abbey — Stunning architecture inside, it has seen the coronations of British Royals for hundreds of years.
• London Eye — City’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll get beautiful views from the top.
• Visit the Museums — British Museum, the National Gallery, Natural History Museum, V&A Museum, and Tate Modern.
• Hyde Park & St James’s Park — Beautiful Royal Parks of London to escape the escape the crowds. Both are located beside the Buckingham Palace.
• Borough Market — Must take a food tour through this historic food market.
• Tower Bridge Engine Rooms — Take a tour of Tower Bridge to visit its towers from top. At the end of tour visit the Engine rooms to know more about its operation.
• Explore Neighborhoods — Visit the Mayfair, Soho, and Covent Garden area. Walk along the Oxford street, Regent Street , Bond Street etc. Enjoy the iconic billboards at Piccadilly Circus.
• West End : Check out the theatre area of London and attend a show.
• Trafalgar Square & Leicester Square — Most Iconic and vibrant space of London with seasonal events throughout the year.
• St Paul’s Cathedral — An architectural marvel and a must-see destination for history and art lover.
• Sky Garden — There are so many places to see London Skylines, but Sky Garden has some of the best views. It’s free to visit but prior reservations are recommended.
• Visit at least one Pub — There are so many historic pubs to visit in London. So, make sure to visit one of them to experience British culture. If you’re in London during summer, visit Churchill Arms, known for its beautiful floral displays.
• Afternoon Tea — You can’t leave London without trying British Afternoon tea. It’s quintessential British experience, and there are so many amazing places in London for it. Few of the famous in London are Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum and Mason, The Ritz London, Sketch, and Claridge’s. Make sure to reserve a table in advance.
• Must Try British staples like Fish & Chips, Sunday Roast, and full English Breakfast. If you’re Vegetarian, you’re in heaven! You’ll find lots of options with so many cuisines! Few Pubs and restaurants also serves veg version of Sunday Roast! So, don’t forget to try!

Affordable food options in London

London is very expensive city, and eating out every time at any restaurant can break your budget! But there are so many ways, you can save money!

For some inexpensive quick food, use chain restaurants like Pret A Manger, or Greggs for a tasty, affordable snacks, lunch or a drink. I actually love M&S Food Hall for their pre packed meals at decent cost! It’s fresh and delicious! You can also check out Tesco or Morrisons for the same.

Also, London is very diverse city with so many food options, thanks to its immigrant population! You’ll find lots of variety of cuisines!

FAQs for First-Time Visitors to London

Do you need cash in London?

No, you really don’t to carry cash in London. London is a cashless city. You can very much use contactless payments everywhere. However, keep some cash handy for emergencies, tips or markets!

Is London Expensive to Visit?

Yes, in general London is expensive to visit. But there are lots of places to visit in London for free, from museums, parks, neighborhoods to landmarks. Just make sure to avoid visiting London during British Bank holidays when UK families also traveling around. Christmas is also another most expensive time to visit, but its also most magical season in the city!

Do I need to tip in London?  

Service charges are often included in restaurant bills. If not, you can pay 10-12% on top of the bill but its not mandatory.  

When is the best time to visit London?  

Spring (March-May) and Fall Season(September- October) offer mild weather, sunny days and still longer days. You can expect fewer crowd as summer rush ends.

Is the Tap water safe to drink in London?  

Yes! Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in all of London and UK.  

Is London Safe to visit?

London is one of the safest city to visit, even taking a tube at late night is very safe. however, always keep an eye on our surroundings and take precautions as you take in your city!

Is London Underground safe?

London sees millions of visitors every year, as well as locals use underground on daily basis. It can get crowded during peak hours or near touristy areas like Westminster, Covent Garden or Tower Hill. Just keep an eye on your purse, Phone etc. Overall, underground is very safe and affordable.

Final Thoughts for your First Trip to London

That’s a wrap on my ultimate first time visitor’s guide to London. The city has captured my heart with its timeless charm and beauty!

Whether it’s your first trip to London or nth trip, you’ll have unforgettable memories. Enjoy the afternoon teas, late sunsets over river thames, and historic attractions in one of world’s greatest city.

As a first time visitor to London, you may be overwhelmed with all the things to consider. However, London is one of the easiest city to explore if you plan it well. I hope this travel guide has helped you feel more prepared and comfortable for visiting London for the first time.