Traveling to London in the winter can be an unforgettable experience. From iconic landmarks to an array of seasonal festivities, it’s a great time to explore one of the world’s most popular cities.
But, before you book your tickets, here are a few important things you need to know about traveling to London in the winter. From packing tips and transportation advice to weather forecasts and holiday events, this guide has everything you need for a successful trip.
Are you ready to make your trip THAT much better? Then you need to read these useful winter travel tips before your next visit to London.
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Table of Contents
Which Winter Months Are Best To Visit London?
London can be a beautiful city to visit during the winter months, with many seasonal events and attractions on offer. In my opinion, the best (and by best, I mean most magical) time to visit London in winter is during the month of December.
December is a particularly magical time to visit London as the city is decorated with festive lights and decorations, and there are numerous Christmas markets and holiday events to enjoy. The iconic and famous Winter Wonderland event in Hyde Park is also open during December, offering visitors a range of winter activities and attractions.
While December is the most festive month to visit London, it is also the most expensive time of year to visit. If you’re traveling on a budget, this would not be the ideal month to visit!
January, February, and March tend to be quieter months in London, but they still offer plenty of attractions to visitors. You can enjoy winter sales, exhibitions, and events such as the Chinese New Year celebrations, which are always lively and colorful.
If there’s any month to avoid, I’d say it’d be January. Not only is it the gloomiest and coldest, but also the days are the shortest. The sun rises in London at about 8 am and sets at about 4 pm, which doesn’t give you that many hours of daylight for sightseeing.
One thing to keep in mind when visiting London in the winter months is the weather. Temperatures can be chilly, and there may be occasional rain or snow, so it is important to pack appropriately and plan your activities accordingly. But with the right preparation, visiting London in winter can be a wonderful experience!
To sum it up, if you’re looking for:
- The most festive time of year to visit: December
- The best deals on flights and accommodations: January to March
Visiting London In The Winter: 20 Essential Travel Tips
1. London is so festive during the holiday season.
London is an amazing destination to visit during the holiday season. The city becomes a festive wonderland, with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and a wide range of holiday-themed events and activities. Here are a few reasons why London is so special during the holiday season:
- Lights, lights, lights: Some of the most iconic displays include the lights on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden.
- Christmas markets: London is home to several Christmas markets, where you can browse for unique gifts, sample festive treats, and enjoy the holiday ambiance. Some of the most popular markets include Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, the Southbank Centre Winter Market, and the Christmas Market at Leicester Square.
- Ice skating: During the holiday season, London is home to several outdoor ice skating rinks, which offer a fun and festive activity for visitors of all ages. Some of the most popular rinks include the rink at the Natural History Museum, the rink at Somerset House, and the rink at Canary Wharf.
- Holiday events and shows: Expect lots of holiday-themed ballets, concerts, and pantomimes. The Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, and the West End theaters are just a few of the venues that offer holiday entertainment.
Keep in mind that it is going to be cold, and because of the holiday season, expect lots of crowds.
2. Take the opportunity to sip on mulled wine.
Mulled wine (and other warm alcoholic beverages) is one of the best things about cold weather, honestly!
Winter is a magical time in London, when the city comes alive with festive lights, Christmas markets, and cozy pubs that offer warm drinks to keep you going through the cold weather. Whether you’re exploring the city’s iconic landmarks or simply strolling through its charming neighborhoods, a cup of mulled wine will make your winter adventure even more memorable.
For all the best mulled wine spots, check out Timeout’s list of mulled wine goodness.
Pro Tip: Food markets are the place to go for festive eats! For example, Borough Market (pictured above) becomes a wonderful place to sample mulled wine, Christmas pudding, mince pie, sausage rolls, and other traditional favorites.
3. Find some indoor activities to do that excite you.
I get it, there is such a thing as TOO many museums. But the good thing about London is that there’s so much you can do indoors–and the activities are not limited to museums.
Here are a few ideas of fun indoor things to do when you want a little escape from the cold:
- Have afternoon tea at the Palace Hotel
- Enjoy a 3-course Sunday lunch jazz cruise on the River Thames
- Eat at a unique restaurant, pub, or eatery such as Pick & Cheese – The Cheese Bar
- Visit a quirky specialty museum such as the Wellcome Collection, Grant Museum of Zoology, Jack the Ripper Museum, or Sherlock Holmes Museum
- Take a trip through old England’s darkest days at The London Dungeon
- Have Sunday Roast at a pub with the family
- Window shop your way through famous department stores like Selfridges, Harrod’s, Fortnum & Mason, and Liberty.
- Have a spa day at places like K Spa at K West Hotel
- Catch a play or show at a theater in the West End
4. The weather can be very unpredictable.
Depending on when you go, you can experience sun, overcast, rain, and snow (rare, but can happen) all in one day.
You’re going to want to pack items that can be layered, such as a rain jacket, baselayers, light sweaters, down jackets, scarves, and hats. Gloves and a warm coat are also essential. In terms of fabric, I recommend merino wool everything!
5. Wear your heaviest and bulkiest clothing items on the flight.
Let’s say you have a heavy/bulky sweater that you love and absolutely need to bring on your trip. That’s fine, but you should definitely wear it on the plane in order to save room in your luggage for other things.
The same goes for shoes. If you plan on bringing boots, wear them. Don’t pack them. If you need a second pair of shoes, make sure they’re smaller and lighter than your boots and pack those.
If you dress and pack with this technique in mind, you can very well fit a few days’ worth of clothing in a carry-on alone!
6. A down jacket is great for when rain isn’t in the forecast.
If you’re visiting during the winter and rain/snow is not in the forecast, you can opt for a down jacket as your main outerwear.
You’re going to want something that’ll for sure keep you warm when you’re out walking through the parks or meandering the streets of Westminster.
Here are a few options I recommend:
- Orolay Women’s Thickened Down Jacket – a cult fave and one of Oprah’s favorite things!
- REI Co-op Norseland Insulated Parka – Women’s
- Patagonia Down With It Parka – Women’s
- Columbia South Canyon Down Parka – Men’s
- Fjallraven Skogso Padded Insulated Jacket – Men’s
While these jackets may seem expensive, they’re going to be a solid investment and will last you years to come.
7. Bring an umbrella with you, even if rain is not in the forecast.
One of the most common things that people associate with London is its rainy weather. While it’s true that the city can experience frequent rain showers throughout the year, it’s not always predictable.
Having said that, you’ll want to a packable travel umbrella when you visit London, even if rain is not in the forecast.
Even if the forecast says that it’s going to be sunny, there’s always a chance of rain, especially during the cooler months of the year. Carrying an umbrella with you ensures that you’re prepared for any sudden changes in the weather!
8. Pack a really warm jacket that you can layer clothing under.
Reiterating the concept of layering again here.
When you’re outdoors, you’re going to be really thankful for that jacket. But when you’re indoors, expect it to be really warm. Therefore, wearing layered clothing will help you in all cases–when it’s frightfully cold outdoors and when it’s nice and warm indoors.
9. A warm hat, scarf, and gloves will really come in handy.
If you’re traveling in the winter months, London will be cold. While it might not seem too cold when you base the weather on daytime temperatures, where the cold will really get you is at night.
After 4pm as the sun begins to wind down for the day, the weather gets noticeably colder.
10. Cold winter accessories are necessary even MORE so when the wind picks up.
I’ve noticed that in the afternoons, especially on a cloudy day when the wind is more prevalent, my fingers get way more frozen and creakier as the sun begins to set. I’ve had to whip out a beanie that I hadn’t needed earlier in the day just to keep my ears warm.
When packing for your winter trip to London, be sure to pack a pair of hat and gloves to protect those little extremities of yours!
11. To be ready for all types of weather, bring a pair of travel-friendly waterproof boots.
Boots are a good choice of footwear, as they will keep your feet warm and dry in the rain or snow.
When packing footwear, you should pack an additional pair of comfortable shoes to walk around in, as well as that pair of boots in case there is rain in the forecast. Don’t forget to pack a thick pair of socks to pair with your boots!
The one pair of shoes that kills two birds with one stone for me? For both guys and gals, I’d highly recommend getting a pair of Blundstone boots!
If snow and rain are not in the forecast, you can go with regular walking shoes.
My all-time favorite travel shoes these days are the tried and true Ecco Soft 7 (they’re stylish, comfortable, and have been raved about for decades since they were first created)! The best part is that they have them for both men and women.
The sole support on these is great for Europe travel — you’re not going to be feeling each and every rock under your foot if you happen to be walking on cobblestoned streets!
12. If you plan on visiting open-air markets, show up well before closing time.
Open-air markets like Portabello Road Market in Notting Hill can have stated business hours until 7pm, but in reality, the vendors start closing shop as early as 5:30pm.
Make sure you show up with enough time to shop around before night falls and it gets too chilly for anyone to want to be outside.
13. Visit an indoor food hall over an outdoor food market.
From my visit to Borough Market in February, I know firsthand how brutally cold it can feel trying to enjoy your food while freezing in the outdoors. I had an amazing-tasting paella, but at this point, I can barely remember how it tasted because it was completely overshadowed by the memory of how cold it was!
When your body is in survival mode, how much can you really enjoy your food?
My recommendation would be to save the outdoor food market for the warmer months of the year and instead, visit some of the enclosed ones.
Indoor food markets are an excellent choice as they provide a cozy and warm environment. Unlike outdoor markets, indoor ones allow visitors to stay indoors and avoid the cold weather while still enjoying some of the best foods London has to offer.
A few convenient indoor options are Seven Dials Market, Mercato Metropolitano, and Arcade Food Hall.
14. Don’t expect the parks that London is famous for to be pretty.
I’m not sure what I was thinking, but I fully expected to fit in a day of wandering through London’s famous Royal Parks during my winter trip to London. What a horrible idea.
If you’re visiting during the winter season before spring is in full spring, expect that there will be no leaves, no flowers, no nothing. It will be gray and sad.
Needless to say, I gave up on the park exploration idea pretty quickly once I saw the cold hard truth (pun intended).
If seeing the Royal Parks in all their glory is a bucket list item for you, either reschedule your trip or plan another trip back to London during the warmer months. I definitely plan to be back next spring to catch all the greenery in action!
15. If a walk is more than 15 minutes away, consider taking public transportation.
While I’m usually a huge advocate for walking and seeing as much of a city on foot, things kind of change when it’s cold.
If you’re not prone to turning into a cranky baby in the cold like I am, then you may have no issues at all with walking for prolonged periods in the cold. But for the rest of us cold-weather-weaklings, I’d suggest taking the London Underground to save your fingers and ears the pain of enduring the cold for miles on end.
To take the tube to where you need to go, I recommend downloading the Google Maps app or the City Mapper app to help you work out which buses and trains to take in London.
WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON: CENTRAL LONDON (ZONE 1)
If you are planning a trip to London, one of the most important decisions you will make is where to stay. While there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, staying in a central location in London is a surefire way to have an unforgettable experience.
One major advantage of staying in central London is the proximity to all the world-renowned landmarks. With iconic sites like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and The Tower Bridge just minutes away from your hotel or Airbnb, you’ll be able to maximize your time exploring without wasting hours each day commuting on trains and buses.
Staying in a central location also allows for more spontaneity during your trip. With everything within easy reach, you can easily pop back to your hotel or apartment if you need a break or want to drop off some new purchases before heading out again.
A hotel anywhere in Zone 1 is best. More specifically, Zone 1 covers the West End, the Holborn district, Kensington, Paddington, the City of London, Borough, London Bridge, Earl’s Court, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Lambeth North, Waterloo, and more.
Recommended Hotels In Chelsea/Kensington: Egerton House ($$$) or Milestone Hotel Kensington ($$$)
Recommended Hotels In Notting Hill: The Portobello Hotel ($$) or Vincent House ($-$$)
Recommended Hotels In Victoria: The Windermere Hotel, London ($$)
Recommended Hotels In Shoreditch: One Hundred Shoreditch ($$)
Recommended Hostels that are centrally located: Hostel One Notting Hill, Urbany Hostel London, Lee Abbey London
👉 Pro Tip: Ride a regular bus for a super cheap, local-life view of the city! The Route 11 bus runs from Fulham to Liverpool Street Station via Chelsea, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Bank of England. Best of all, the bus ride costs less than £2!
16. Be flexible with your itinerary.
When traveling to London in winter, you need a bit more flexibility with your travel plans. If you have each and every day planned with rain-less days in mind, then you’ll have a really hard time reshuffling your travel itinerary if the weather turns south.
Take my visit to London this past winter, as an example. I had a whole day dedicated to exploring Borough Market, Shoreditch, and the rest of East London. I left my hotel bright and early, ready for a whole day of exploring!
However, I had not accounted for the fact that it was so many degrees colder than the previous day. After my food tour at Borough Market, I simply could not take the cold, aborted the mission, and just decided to go back to the hotel by 1pm to enjoy a cozy afternoon by the heater. Sometimes, you just know your limit like that!
I’d recommend leaving some room every day for aimless roaming through London’s eclectic neighborhoods — because there really is THAT much to see and take in!
That way, if your itinerary doesn’t go according to plan, you at least have some free time during the following days to reschedule an activity that you missed on a previous day.
17. Plan for shorter days with less sunlight in the mid-afternoons.
During the winter, the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier, so plan your activities accordingly to make the most of the daylight hours.
Don’t be surprised if sunlight starts to wane by 3-4 pm during the months of January and February!
18. Warm up with a hot drink throughout the day.
London has many great coffee shops, cafes, and tea rooms where you can enjoy a hot drink to warm up after a day of exploring.
Afternoon tea is something I especially recommend you try once!
This is a quintessentially British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. It typically involves a mid-afternoon meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes, and is often seen as a social occasion for friends and family to catch up and enjoy each other’s company.
Many hotels, restaurants, and tea rooms offer traditional afternoon tea service, complete with elegant table settings, fine china, and attentive service.In addition to the finger foods being super cute and delicious, it’s also a great way to take a break from sightseeing or shopping and to unwind for an hour or two.
Some quintessential places to enjoy afternoon tea in London include The Ritz, Claridge’s, Fortnum & Mason, and The Savoy.
If you’re planning a trip to London in the winter, keeping warm with afternoon tea should definitely be at the top of your list of things to do.
19. Visit all the free museums and galleries.
London’s museums and galleries are great places to visit during the winter, providing a warm and dry refuge from the cold weather outside. The best part of it is that SO many of them are free to visit!
There are tons of free museums in London, thanks to the UK government’s commitment to promoting access to culture and education for everyone. Most of these museums are supported by public funding and donations, which allows them to offer free admission to all visitors.
Here are a few of the more popular ones to have on your radar (if they interest you):
- The British Museum: This iconic museum houses a vast collection of artefacts and objects from around the world, including ancient Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and Roman artefacts.
- The National Gallery: This world-renowned art museum boasts an impressive collection of over 2,000 paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.
- The Natural History Museum: This museum is home to a fascinating collection of specimens from the natural world, including dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and rare animal specimens.
- The Science Museum: This interactive museum is perfect for science enthusiasts, with exhibits and interactive displays that cover everything from space exploration to robotics.
- The Tate Modern: This contemporary art museum is located in a former power station and features works by some of the world’s most renowned modern artists, including Picasso and Warhol.
In addition to these major museums, there are also many smaller and more niche museums in London that offer free admission, such as Sir John Soane’s Museum, the Museum of London, the V&A Museum of Childhood, and the Design Museum.
👉 For everything else that’s fun but NOT free, there’s the Go City London Pass that can help you save boatloads of money on top attractions, excursions, and activities!
20. Take a holiday-themed tour of London’s most festive areas.
London’s tour companies are fully aware that tourists flock to the city in December. The good thing about that? They host extra-magical holiday-themed tours during this time of year for visitors to experience the city without completely freezing their butts off!
Some tours will allow you to see the city lights from the comfort of a double-decker bus, while others aim to take you on a walking tour through the iconic Christmas markets London is famous for.
GetYourGuide has a good amount of festive tours to choose from — check them out here!
Other Essential London Travel Tips
1. London’s currency is the pound sterling (£). 100 pence = £1.
It’ll be useful to know how much a “pence” is. You may come across it throughout your visit to London.
Funny story: I really needed to use the restroom (or “loo” as the Brits say), and I found a public toilet that charged money to enter — pence to be exact.
I didn’t know how much this was, so I went in blindly and wished for the best when I used my credit card to enter a public bathroom in one of the royal parks. Luckily, it wasn’t too expensive.
2. There are five airports nearby, so make sure you’re booking your flights to and from the correct one.
The airports are Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, Luton Airport, London City Airport.
Most international flights go in and out of Heathrow (LHR), while domestic flights or flights within the EU can go in and out of a few other ones.
3. The London Heathrow Airport is not actually in London.
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and is often considered to be London’s main airport. However, many people are surprised to learn that Heathrow is actually located outside of London, in the neighboring county of Middlesex.
Heathrow Airport is situated about 14 miles (23 kilometers) west of central London and is easily accessible by public transport, including the London Underground, buses, and trains.
For travelers arriving at Heathrow, it’s important to plan their onward journey carefully to avoid any confusion or delays. There are many transport options available, but some may be more convenient or cost-effective than others depending on your destination and budget.
Depending on the method you choose, getting to/from the airport will take you anywhere from 20 minutes to 1-ish hour.
4. Transportation to and from the airport is a bit more expensive than in other countries.
Expect to spend about $7 to $90 USD, depending on which mode of transportation you choose.
Even if you choose public transportation, not all public transportation options are equally as cheap. For example, the Heathrow Express (the fastest way to get from LHR to Central London) will set you back a hefty amount of money.
The Heathrow Express is a non-stop train service that takes you from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station in Central London. It runs every 15 minutes and takes just 15 minutes to get to Paddington. However, it can be quite expensive, with a one-way ticket costing around £25 ($34) and a return ticket costing around £37 ($51).
Shocking, right? Read the next few tips to get around this crazy cost.
5. Book your Heathrow Express tickets in advance to save a good chunk of change.
By booking your Heathrow Express journey in advance, you could get a one-way ticket from just £5.50.
If you’re reading this post early in your trip planning, I recommend you buy your train tickets in advance online to take advantage of substantial discounts compared to buying them on the day of travel. Pricing differs depending on whether you’re 14, 30, or 90 days out from your travel date.
The greatest discount of up to 75% of the walk-up price (the one that’s advertised as £5.50 for a one-way saver ticket) must be booked at least 90 days in advance through the mobile app.
During my latest solo trip to London, I hadn’t started planning my itinerary until a few weeks in advance. By that point, it was far too late to save substantially on Heathrow Express tickets. The cheapest price I could get for Heathrow Express at the time of booking was £20.
Not the best pricing, but it also wasn’t the day-of cost of £25 either!
6. If you missed your chance to snag cheap Heathrow Express tickets, take the London Underground instead.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, the London Underground or the Elizabeth Line are great options.
The Elizabeth Line, also known as Crossrail, is a new line that connects Heathrow Airport with several locations in Central London. It’s a fast and efficient service that runs every 10 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to get to Central London.
The cost of a one-way ticket on the Elizabeth Line is £12.80 ($15 USD) at all times of the day, for a journey from Heathrow airport to Zone 1 (Central London) and vice versa.
If you’re looking for an even cheaper option, you can take the Piccadilly Line on the London Underground. The Piccadilly Line is a slower service than the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth Line, but it’s much cheaper. A one-way ticket on the Piccadilly Line costs around £3 ($4), and a return ticket costs around £6 ($8).
However, keep in mind the journey time can take up to an hour to reach Central London, so if you’re not in a rush, this can be a really budget-friendly option for you.
7. A lot of things in London are painfully expensive. Especially accommodations!
You’ll almost always need to book your room well in advance. If you’re on a budget, hostels are easy to find and offer decently priced double rooms. Simple bed and breakfasts are also a more inexpensive option than typical chain hotels.
During my last solo trip to London, I stumbled across a wonderful little accommodation option called Vincent House. While the rooms were on the simpler side, the fact that there was free breakfast (as well as a dinner/half board option) made my stay so worth the money!
Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a proper English breakfast each and every morning?
They have single rooms too, which means solo travelers don’t need to pay a double-occupancy premium for traveling alone while still getting some much-needed privacy.
Pro Tip: For the best deals on accommodation, try avoiding the summer season as well as the Christmas/New Year holidays.
8. Food is expensive too. But there are ways to get around the price.
During lunchtime on weekdays, a lot of restaurants feature a lunch special where you can get a decent amount of food on a lunch menu for a special price.
And unless you decide to eat falafel wraps, kebabs, and grab-and-go food (Pret a Manger, Leon, pizza, etc.), you can expect to spend £15-20 for lunch and slightly more for dinner.
If you’re interested in fine dining, consider making lunch reservations over dinner reservations as lunch meals are typically cheaper.
9. Expect to spend a bit more on shopping than you would in the EU.
If shopping is on your mind, be prepared to pay a few bucks more than you would outside of the UK.
While shopping around many of London’s bustling shopping districts, I found that for international brands like Zara, & other stories, etc.– when you compare the price in pounds vs euros, you’ll actually get a better deal paying the price in euros.
I’d say if you’re traveling to the EU either before or after your trip to London, save your shopping for then.
Now obviously if you’re looking to pick up British snacks and souvenirs only sold in England, you’ll have to shell out money here and pay that premium.
10. The London Pass can save you a ton of money if you’re looking to see a lot in a short amount of time.
This super-popular sightseeing card is jam-packed with tourist goodness and provides free entry to over 80 top attractions in London!
The pass can be purchased for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10 consecutive days, with prices varying depending on the duration of the pass. With the pass, you can skip the ticket lines at many of the included attractions, saving you time and allowing you to fit more into your day.
Some of the top attractions included in the London Pass are the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Churchill War Rooms, the London Zoo, and the London Eye.
The pass also includes a hop-on, hop-off bus tour that takes you to many of the city’s top sights while also doubling as free transportation for the day!
In addition to free entry to the included attractions, the London Pass also offers other perks, such as discounts on dining, shopping, and theater tickets. It also includes a guidebook with maps and information on all the included attractions.
For even more essential London travel tips, read next: 40 Essential London Travel Tips For First-Timers
Essential Tips For Winter Packing
Before I wrap up this post, I wanted to provide you with a recap of what you’ll need to do in order to have a successful (and warm) trip to London.
- Pack lightweight clothing that’s easy to layer in a carry-on bag.
- Opt for a water-repelling or waterproof jacket. Down is always nice and warm.
- Merino wool is one of the best materials for winter travel clothes.
- Use a set of packing cubes to keep organized and compress bulkier items that may take up too much room without them.
- Wear your bulkiest layers and clunkiest shoes on the plane.
GAME-CHANGING GADGETS FOR SMARTER AIRPORT TRAVEL
These are some of my favorite airport/airplane travel products that free my hands up and make traveling so much more convenient. Say goodbye to the days of fumbling around or not having enough hands for things.
- Add-a-Bag Hook and Hanger Strap | Have a purse, briefcase, tote bag, or bag of souvenirs that’s causing you inconvenience by needing to be carried? Get this bag hook and attach it to your luggage so you only need one hand to tow everything with you.
- riemot Luggage Travel Cup Holder | This foldable drink caddy holds 2 cups, perfect for your pre-flight coffees and fountain drinks. There’s also room to hold books, iPads, phones, tickets and documents.
- Traveling Hat Clip | Have you ever brought a wide-brimmed hat on vacation and found it to be the most annoying thing to travel with? A hat clip for your bag or backpack completely removes the struggle of needing to carry your hat in hand!
- Flight Flap Phone & Tablet Holder | Attaches to airline seat backs so you can watch movies hands-free. Also great for standing your phone up on tables too!
- Clipa2 – The Instant Bag Hanger Collection | Hang your bag or purse literally anywhere (on your luggage, on restaurant tables, hotel rooms, etc).
- Priority Pass – I have had a Priority Pass membership since 2018, and I don’t think I’ll ever give it up! I love being able to gorge on lounge food/drink, shower, nap, and relax in peace before my flight. If you’re wondering if this pass is worth it, it is! (Especially if you travel internationally — the lounge options have gotten kind of poopie domestically, but are still amazing in other countries!)
Consider Getting The Go City London Pass
Experience the best of London with the Go City London Pass, an all-digital pass that provides easy access to the city’s most popular museums and excursions.
With the Go City London Pass, you can explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich. You can also visit some of London’s best museums, such as the London Transport Museum and the Household Cavalry Museum.
Here’s a breakdown of the two different passes they have for London:
Go City London All-Inclusive Pass
The Go City All-Inclusive Pass is really great for travelers who want to see as much as possible while they’re in a destination.
With the Go City London All-Inclusive Pass, you can choose between a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-day pass that will give you free admission to 80+ museums and attractions throughout the city.
Here’s a sample of what the pass offers:
- Tower of London (Take a look at the magnificent Crown Jewels and see the Tower’s world-famous history. Retail value: £33.60)
- Uber Boat by Thames Clippers 1-day River Roamer (See the best of London’s landmarks from the River Thames with a hop-on hop-off boat tour. Retail value: £23.50)
- 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Get to know London a little better with a hop-on hop-off bus tour! Retail value: £37.00)
- Westminster Abbey (Visit one of London’s most important historical buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Retail value: £27.00)
- Old Royal Naval College (Explore one of the most stunning painted ceilings in Britain at the Old Royal Naval College. Retail value: £15.00)
- London Bridge Experience (Explore the spooky underground tombs of London Bridge and brave the haunted house. Retail value: £31.95)
- Tower Bridge (Explore one of London’s most iconic structures. Tower Bridge is an unmissable sight! Retail value: £12.30)
- ZSL London Zoo (Meet over 750 incredible species and explore innovative exhibits at ZSL London Zoo. Retail value: £41.80)
- St Paul’s Cathedral (Explore St Paul’s Cathedral, one of the most enchanting architectural landmarks in London. Retail value: £23.00)
- Kensington Palace (Retail value: £25.40)
- Sherlock: The Official Live Game (Retail value: £45.00)
- Royal Mews (Discover the royal working stables and British monarchy’s grand collection of carriages and coaches. Retail value: £15.00)
- The Queen’s Gallery (Step into The Queen’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace to explore art exhibitions and displays from the Royal Collection. Retail value: £17.00)
- Hampton Court Palace (Take a step back in history and walk the hallways of one of the country’s most famous palaces. Retail value: £26.30)
- RHS Garden Wisley (Discover one of the world’s greatest gardens and go green with envy at RHS Garden Wisley. Retail value: £16.50)
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (Admire the unique landscapes, iconic architecture, and a vast collection of living plants at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retail value: £21.50)
- …and TONS more!
DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AFFGOALL for an additional 5% off your Go City pass. This code is valid for any Go City pass in any destination!
Go City London Explorer Pass
If you don’t plan on visiting a ton of different attractions and would like to handpick your activities, Go City also has an Explorer Pass for London. With the Explorer Pass, you’ll pay one flat fee for a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-choice pass.
You’ll then have 60 days to use the Explorer Pass on whichever attractions you’d like. There is also no need to pick attractions ahead of time, so you’ll have the flexibility to choose attractions as you go.
A lot of the same attractions included with the All-Inclusive pass are available, but some do differ. You can check out the full list of included attractions here.
No matter which of the two you choose, there’s no denying that the London Pass provides great savings, with up to 50% off the normal ticket value of included attractions!
Other things to know: The pass is valid for the duration of your pass, starting with and including the first day you visit an attraction. Non-activated Explorer and All-Inclusive passes are valid for two years from the date of purchase, so you can buy them now for a good price and travel within two years’ time!
London Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:
- emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Do you have any tips for first-timers to London? Let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more London travel tips? You may also like:
London In One Day Tour: A Jam-Packed Full-Day Adventure Through London
40 Essential London Travel Tips For First-Timers
21 Immersive Things To Do In London For People Who Love Unique Experiences
50 Brilliant Ways To Travel Europe On A Budget
10 Best Women’s Shoes For Walking Around Europe (That Are Actually Cute)
9 Best Women’s Travel Vests For Style, Safety And Smarter Travel
