Planning your very first trip to London? You’re probably bursting with questions.
Where should you stay? How long should you go for? Is the London Pass worth it? What are the can’t-miss experiences?
This guide has you covered. Whether you’re dreaming of iconic landmarks, craving afternoon tea, or wondering how to get around this massive city, we’re here to help. We’ll answer the big questions—and a few you might not even know you had. And if we missed something, feel free to drop your question in the comments.
📌 Table of Contents
- Key Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Top 10 Must-Do Experiences
- How Many Days You Need
- Best Time to Visit London
- Choosing the Right Airport
- Getting Around the City
- Using an Oyster Card
- Saving Money with the London Pass
- Must-Know Tips (Like Which Way to Look Before Crossing the Street!)
- Booking in Advance
- Where to Stay
- Tipping in London
- Essential Apps, SIM Cards, and Adapters
- More Helpful London Resources
First Time in London: What to Expect
London is big. Really big. With world-class museums, historic landmarks, lively neighborhoods, beautiful parks, and iconic experiences, there’s far more to see and do than you’ll fit into one trip—and that’s okay! You’re about to explore a city that’s both timeless and constantly evolving.
⭐ Top 10 Experiences for First-Time Visitors
Here’s a must-do list for your first London adventure:
- Marvel at the treasures in the British Museum
- Explore history at the Tower of London
- Walk across Westminster Bridge for stunning views of Big Ben
- Step inside the grand St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Discover royal history at Westminster Abbey
- Indulge in a classic afternoon tea
- Take in the views from the Shard, Sky Garden, or London Eye
- Snap photos of the iconic Tower Bridge
- Shop and explore at Covent Garden
- Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
🔗 Want more? Check out our full London Bucket List for even more ideas.
⏱️ How Many Days Do You Need in London?
Minimum: 3 days – Enough to hit the highlights from the Top 10 list.
Ideal: 5 days – Time for iconic sites and a day trip (think Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford, or Windsor Castle).
Have more time? Even better. After 12 days over two visits, we still have more to explore.
☀️ Best Time to Visit London
- Summer (June–August): Warm, sunny, and packed with tourists. Average high: 23°C (73°F).
- Spring (March–May): Mild, blooming, and less crowded.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, colorful parks, and higher chances of rain.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and damp—but London at Christmas is pure magic.
🎄 Bonus: December lights, markets, and snowy scenes make winter surprisingly charming.
🚫 Travel Tip: Avoid UK school holidays if you can—they come with bigger crowds and higher prices.
✈️ Getting to London: Best Airports
London has six international airports. The two most convenient are:
- Heathrow (LHR): Best for international travelers. Easy access via the Tube, Heathrow Express, or taxi.
- Gatwick (LGW): Also well-connected via the Gatwick Express.
Other options:
- London City (LCY): Close to the center; great for short European flights.
- Stansted, Luton, Southend: Budget-friendly, but farther away and less convenient.
🚇 Best Way to Get Around London
London’s Underground (the Tube) is the fastest and easiest way to get around. It’s clean, frequent, and reaches nearly every major attraction. You’ll never wait long for a train.
💡 Apps to Download:
- Citymapper – Your new best friend for navigating London.
- Tube Map or TfL Go – Great for planning Underground routes.
- Google Maps – Still helpful for walking and bus routes.
Other options include buses, trains, taxis, and Uber. We use a mix of the Tube and the occasional taxi, depending on time and energy.
💳 Get an Oyster Card
The Oyster Card is the key to affordable travel across London. Use it on the Tube, buses, trams, and more.
- Buy it at Heathrow, Gatwick, or any Underground station.
- Load it with pay-as-you-go funds or a 7-day Travelcard.
- Tap in and out at Underground stations—no need to buy tickets each time.
💰 A 4-day stay? Start with £30. You can top it up if needed.
✅ Bonus: Hit the daily cap and ride free the rest of the day!
💸 Save Time & Money with the London Pass
The London Pass gives you entry to dozens of top attractions, including:
- Tower of London
- View from the Shard
- Westminster Abbey
- Tower Bridge
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Kew Gardens
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus
- Chelsea FC Stadium tour
🎟️ Group your visits into 2–3 days and buy the pass for that period.
📅 Use a separate day for free attractions like museums.
🚫 Skip adding the Oyster Card through the Pass—it’s cheaper to buy it separately.
👀 Look Right Before You Cross the Street!
Sounds simple, but it’s important. In London, people drive on the left.
At almost every crosswalk, you’ll see instructions painted on the pavement—“Look Right” or “Look Left”—follow them!
📅 Book in Advance
London is busy—year-round. Avoid long lines and last-minute stress by:
- Booking attraction tickets online or with the London Pass
- Reserving your hotel early
- Making dinner or afternoon tea reservations in advance
🏨 Where to Stay in London
For first-timers, central London is the best base. You’ll be close to major attractions and well-connected by the Tube.
🏨 We recommend the London Marriott Hotel County Hall:
- Located on the Thames between Westminster Bridge and the London Eye
- Walkable to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and two Tube stations
- Some rooms even offer views of Parliament!
For more hotel picks, check out our full guide to Where to Stay in London.
💷 Do You Tip in London?
- Restaurants: 10–15% if service isn’t included
- Taxis: Round up the fare
- Bellhops: £1–2 per bag
- Tour guides: Tip at your discretion
📱 Apps, SIM Cards, and Adapters
- Power Adapter: UK uses Type G plugs.
- SIM Cards: Try Airalo for an easy eSIM you can activate before you land.
- Apps to Download Before You Go:
- Citymapper
- Tube Map or TfL Go
- Google Maps
📚 More London Resources
- ✅ Best Things to Do in London
- 📍 5-Day London Itinerary
- 🏨 Where to Stay in London
- 🎄 London at Christmas – Lights, markets, and holiday magic
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in London?
At least 3. Five is better. More is ideal.
What should I not miss?
The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the British Museum, afternoon tea, and views from the Shard or London Eye.
Do you tip in London?
Yes—10–15% at restaurants (unless service is included), plus a little for taxis and bellhops.
What’s free in London?
Many museums, public parks, changing of the guard, and even the stunning Sky Garden.
Still have questions? Drop them in the comments—we’re happy to help.
Already been to London? Share your tips with fellow travelers!