40 Essential London Travel Tips For First-Timers

After 30+ years of life, I finally get why London is ICONIC.

I’ll be honest… I didn’t think much of London before my first trip.  From what I’d heard (and maybe from the memory of ‘Great Britain’ from the history books), it seemed like just another big city—museums, history, and vanilla attractions. You know, the kind of place that’s nice but not exactly life-changing.

Oh, how wrong I was.

London completely blew me away. The energy, the history, the Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter-themed experiences, the quirky little corners you stumble upon when you least expect it—it’s a city that keeps you on your toes. 

I traveled to London solo too. No one to rely on but myself, no one to fend for me, and honestly? That’s how I learned the ropes faster than I ever could have with a travel buddy.

I was extremely proud of myself because prior to the trip, I had very limited knowledge of British culture. Sure, I’d heard of the Royal Family, but what was the deal with all the dukes, earls, and barons? Why did everyone keep talking about “pence” (I thought it was pounds)? And why did the weather change its mind every five minutes?

But you know what? Those little confusions turned into some of my favorite memories. Figuring out how to order a proper pint, learning to love the charm of British sarcasm, and even mastering the art of queuing—it all made the experience uniquely mine.

From navigating the Tube like a pro to discovering hidden pubs where locals actually hang out, I picked up so many tricks and tips along the way.

The biggest learning for me was that London is a massive city, and for a first-timer, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve been there, done that, and made all the mistakes so you don’t have to.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

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40 Essential London Travel Tips For First-Timers

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 a “pence” 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.

Depending on the method you choose, from the airport to the city center 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 hotel called Vincent House conveniently located between the Notting Hill and Kensington areas.

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. Plan on seeing a lot in a short amount of time? The London Pass can save you a ton of money.

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.

There are two types of passes: The London Pass+ and The London Pass.

The London Pass+ includes all activities, while The London Pass is better for budget travelers who don’t care for activities like The London Eye, The View from the Shard, Big Bus London, or Madame Tussauds.

If you ask me–someone who loves to learn about local culture and history in fun ways through guided tours and immersive activities–getting the London Pass is a no-brainer for saving money while having fun.

DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AFFGOALL for an additional 5% off your London Pass.

11. If you’re looking for a good deal on accommodation in Notting Hill, go with Vincent House.

I’ll say it again, Vincent House is a great value. I stayed here during my last solo trip to London and would stay here again in a heartbeat. And before your mind goes to “oh this must be a hostel”, let me tell you that it was not!

I had my own room, and surprisingly, it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg (unlike many other hotels in the Notting Hill area).

Rooms are simple, but how much time are you going to be spending in your room anyway? The complimentary breakfast buffet is amazing for what you’re paying–it was definitely the highlight of every morning in London.

Best of all, the hotel is located just a block away from Portobello Road, super close to Portobello Road Market and all the colorful little houses that made Notting Hill famous. Highly recommend this little residence!

12. London is huge. Explore by neighborhood to avoid wasting time and money.

London is massive. Like, 600 square miles massive. Trying to see it all in one go? Forget it. You’ll just end up exhausted, broke, and probably lost. Instead, here’s a smarter way to do it: tackle the city one neighborhood at a time.

Why? First off, London’s public transport is great, but it’s not cheap. Hopping on the Tube or bus multiple times a day will drain your wallet faster than you think.

But if you focus on one area at a time (and group close-by neighborhoods on your itinerary), you can often walk between attractions. Save money, get some exercise, and actually enjoy the city instead of spending half your trip underground.

Plus, exploring neighborhood by neighborhood lets you really soak it all in. Wander the streets, check out the city’s many famed parks, poke around museums, and pop into quirky shops as you come across them.

You’ll get a feel for what makes each area unique instead of just ticking off landmarks like a tourist robot.

Alternatively, you can opt for a full-day adventure like I did (the London In One Day Tour) to help you understand the lay of the land, get some major London attractions out of the way, and set yourself up with all the knowledge you need for the remaining days of your trip!

13. The Oyster Card is great for public transportation, but contactless payment works too.

For those of you who don’t know if your cards have contactless payment, take a look at your cards! This function is indicated by a symbol of four wavy lines.

In fact, during my last 5-day trip to London, I skipped buying the Oyster Card and instead stuck with contactless payments with my credit card. It was simple and convenient and I never ran into any trouble with the entry gates not opening.

By skipping the Oyster Card option, I was able to save the £7 it costs for the Oyster card itself. The fee is non-refundable too!

My recommendation: If you’re planning on going back to London time and time again, it may be worth it for the Oyster card, but if you’re just visiting once every few years, skip it and use contactless payment.

14. Exploring London on foot is the best way to discover Central London.

There’s so much to see at every turn. Walk in one direction and you’ll find yourself in a neighborhood filled with pubs, restaurants, and boutique shopping. Walk a few hundred yards in another direction and you’ll find yourself surrounded by palaces, statues, museums, and churches.

Plus, it’s cheaper than taking public transportation!

15. Traveling during rush hour can be uncomfortably crowded.

Rush hour is defined as the time from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM. You can expect a ton of people standing face to face (or face to armpit) packed into the subway cars.

Tube fares are also more expensive during this time so be aware if you’re trying to travel on a budget!

If you do have to travel during rush hour, remember to take your backpack off and have your belongings glued in front of you so that you are able to see everything that’s happening in and around your bags. You wouldn’t want anything to get swiped out of your bag!

While London is a generally safe city, pickpocketing does occur and you wouldn’t want to be a victim of that now, would you?

16. London is open for business every day of the year, except on Christmas Day.

What this means is that you can plan your trip without needing to account for Sunday/Monday closures as you would in some other destinations like France and Portugal.

Most shops in central London are open seven days a week, though they can only trade for six hours, (usually noon to 6 PM) on Sundays.

17. Make reservations and book tickets to popular day trips, restaurants, performances, tours, or festivals in advance.

In a city with this many people, it makes sense to book your tickets for anything, and everything that you can think of in advance.

Many of London’s popular attractions, such as the London Eye and the Tower of London, can have super long lines. To avoid wasting time waiting in lines you could easily have skipped, try to book everything in advance.

The only thing where I wouldn’t necessarily recommend advance-purchase tickets is if you’re trying to catch a musical or show in West End for discounted prices. In this case, you’ll get the best deal at those last-minute ticket booths.

You can head to any last-minute ticket booth on Leicester Square. I recommend TKTS for all last-minute ticket needs!

For an idea of what popular shows are available, check out the current show offerings on Viator.

18. Don’t plan to do too much on your first day here, especially if you’re traveling internationally.

You will likely be jetlagged. When you’re planning out your itinerary, account for sleepiness at all the wrong times!

Don’t schedule day trips or full-day tours/excursions on your first few days so you can catch up on sleep and adjust to the time shift.

19. Tipping is a thing in London.

Here’s a little tipping guide, depending on the situation you’re in:

• At hotels: you can pay a porter £1 per bag. Gratuity for room staff is at your discretion.
• At pubs: not expected, unless table service is provided. If so, pay £1 per round of drinks.
• At restaurants: you can expect a service charge to be included in the bill. If there is no service charge, you can put down 10% for decent service and up to 15% for exceptional service.
• For taxis: you can round the fare up to the nearest pound.

20. Want to experience the dark side of London’s history? The London Dungeon is a whole lot of fun.

I’m absolutely obsessed with the gimmicky attraction that is The London Dungeon.

If you love reenactments, dark history, or immersive activities over standard museums, I think you’ll love this attraction.

Take a water ride through the “rat-infested” streets of London, experience how the Great Fire of London took place, get a haircut and a shave by Sweeney Todd, learn about Jack The Ripper’s gruesome actions, live your way through the plague in the 1600s, and more in this incredibly fun experience.

I had tickets for this experience during my last trip to London, and I already want to go back so badly–and bring along everyone I know who likes dark history! Sure it’s touristy (it’s located right next to the London Eye) but it’s SO much fun and worth every penny.

Seriously, take my money, London Dungeon!!

21. Make time to stroll through the eclectic neighborhoods and markets.

I’m talking about areas like Greenwich, Marylebone, Seven Dials, Borough Market, Bermondsey Street, and Spitalfields.

Not only will you get to ogle at all the colors of the neighborhoods and get in some really good people-watching, but it’s also completely free!

Not sure how to prioritize them all? You won’t be able to see ’em all, so aim to visit your top two.

Here’s what I would do: get the London Pass for your first few days so you can see all the major landmarks. Once you’ve got all the heavy hitters out of the way, it’s time to hit the neighborhoods so you can experience real London!

In addition to the list above, other cool areas to add to your list include: Shoreditch, Notting Hill, Barnaby, Soho, Chinatown, Brixton, and Hackney Wick.

22. Bathrooms are few and far between in London, so plan your liquid intake wisely!

Let’s talk about something nobody warns you about: finding a decent public restroom in London. In busy areas like the city center or tourist hotspots, public toilets are either hard to find, cost money, or both.

Here’s how to avoid the “I-need-a-loo-now” panic:

1. Plan your drinks. Don’t chug that third cup of tea unless you know where you’re going next.
2. Use restrooms when you can. Cafes, restaurants, and shops often let customers use their facilities—just buy a coffee or snack to be polite.
3. Hit up major attractions. Museums, galleries, and even some big stores usually have free restrooms. You don’t even need to visit the exhibits (but hey, while you’re there…).

Traveling with kids? Double down on the planning. Parks and playgrounds often have toilets (though some charge 25-50p), and shopping centers usually have family-friendly facilities.

23. On Sundays, do not miss your chance to enjoy Sunday Roast.

Sunday Roast tastes like Thanksgiving every Sunday, so don’t miss it!

Sunday Roast is a traditional meal that is typically served on Sundays in London and throughout the UK. It typically consists of roasted meat (such as beef, chicken, pork, or lamb) served with roasted potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.

It’s a classic British dish, and many pubs and restaurants in London offer Sunday Roast as a menu item.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where to head for pubs, I’d recommend Notting Hill. A lot of these pubs are family-friendly too, especially on weekends.

24. Visit a pie shop while you’re in town.

There’s a reason why a pie shop was the main setting in Sweeney Todd! London is filled with great pie shops.

We’re all familiar with what sweet pies are, but don’t be surprised to find lots of savory pie variations while you’re in London (Steak and ale, Shepherd’s pie, Chicken and mushroom, etc.)

For some of the best pies in London, head to M. Manze, MotherMash, or Cockney’s Pie & Mash Shop.

25. Don’t just eat British food during your trip, Indian cuisine is amazing in London.

While British food certainly has its charms, there are plenty of other delicious options to try in London as well. One cuisine that is particularly well-represented in the city is Indian food, thanks in part to the large Indian and South Asian population.

If you didn’t already know, London has really good Indian food.

Some popular Indian restaurants in London include Dishoom (there are lots of locations throughout the city because it’s THAT good), Masala Zone, Tayyabs, and Hoppers.

Many of these restaurants also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

26. Make some time to check out the free green spaces in London.

London’s got some really nice parks to combat the concrete jungle feel. Take Hyde Park, for example. It’s not just a park—it’s a whole vibe. You’ve got people jogging, cycling, rowing on the Serpentine Lake, or just lounging with a book. 

Then there’s Regent’s Park, with its pretty rose gardens and the famous London Zoo. Or Richmond Park, where you can spot wild deer roaming around like they own the place (and honestly, they kind of do).

Entry to these parks is free, so make some time to explore these natural spaces during your visit to London–especially during the months when trees are full and flowers are in bloom.

27. For antiques and vintage shopping, head to Portobello Road Market.

You can buy so much along Portobello Road. You can pick up hip and trendy clothing from an indie boutique, hidden treasures from a charity shop, a vintage teacup from an antique shop, and so much more!

Because of how eclectic it is, Portobello Road Market is one of my favorite areas of London, despite it being a touristy place to visit.

Head to House of Retro for super unique styles! This store completely blew me away with its adorable clothing and accessories.

28. Afternoon tea is a fun little tradition in London worth doing at least once.

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries. If tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes sound like your idea of a good time, schedule in some tea time while you’re in town.

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 and just sit/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.

Spots like Fortnum & Mason’s got you with its live classical music, while the Shangri-La Hotel’s Sky High Afternoon Tea has got you on the epic views. Having said that, these will cost you a pretty penny!

There are many other options available at different price points, so if this interests you, do put in a little research to find an afternoon tea menu that fits your budget and preferences.

👉 Pro Tip: For something super unique (and fun for the kids), check out the Charlie & The Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at One Aldwych!

29. For incredible street art, check out the Shoreditch area in East London.

Shoreditch is an area in East London that has become known as a hub for street art. The streets are lined with colorful murals, graffiti, and other forms of urban art that are constantly changing and evolving.

Some of the most famous street art in Shoreditch includes works by artists like Banksy, ROA, and Invader, but there are also many lesser-known artists who have created stunning pieces that are well worth seeking out.

Don’t like street art? No problem. It’s still worth a visit!

Shoreditch is also known for its awesome nightlife, indie shops, and trendy restaurants and cafes. It’s a great place to spend a day or an evening, soaking up the atmosphere and experiencing the creativity that has made this part of London so famous.

30. Skip Leicester Square — walk one block next to it through Chinatown instead.

Unless you need to go to Leicester Square for something specific (such as the TKTS kiosk for show tickets), I’d recommend you skip it. There’s not really much here other than tacky souvenir stores and touristy restaurants that you can easily find in other ultra-touristy parts of the world.

Instead, take a stroll on the adjacent street, which will take you through the picturesque Chinatown! Be sure to pop into Chinatown Bakery for a light and carby snack, or Four Seasons (known for their Peking duck dishes).

31. Make sure you have an appetite when visiting the Convent Garden area.

When in Covent Garden, don’t miss a stroll through The Yards, Arome Cafe, and Dishoom for a sit-down meal.

Not feeling a sit-down vibe? For something casual yet extremely exciting, head to Seven Dials Market. At the food hall, I recommend Bad Boy Pizza Society, Curry on Naanstop, Pick & Cheese – The Cheese Bar!

32. Make sure that The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is taking place on the day you plan to visit.

I didn’t know this prior to my visit, but The Changing of the Guard doesn’t take place every day when it’s not peak season! Because I did the London In One Day tour on a day when the event wasn’t happening, I did NOT get to witness the iconic event during my first trip.

Here’s what you need to know:

• From June – July: takes place daily
• From August – May: takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

33. There are hotspots where you can find all your tacky souvenirs.

You can visit Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden’s Jubilee Hall Market, or stroll from Westminster to The London Eye for tacky and cheap souvenir heaven.

You’ll find an endless amount of affordable keychains, magnets, and other random items depicting the London guards, British flags, telephone booths, and double-decker buses.

34. Some of the best souvenirs are located in museum gift shops.

Did you know that some of the cutest souvenirs can be found in museum gift shops? That’s right – forget about tacky keychains or fridge magnets from tourist traps, head straight to a museum shop instead.

Museum shops sell interesting gifts that reflect the collections held within their walls. Think packaged tea sets, prints, posters, replicas of historical artifacts, beautifully designed tea towels, themed holiday ornaments, etc.

The British Museum, for example, has an extensive range of Egyptian-inspired items such as jewelry and home decor pieces. The Natural History Museum offers dinosaur-themed toys for children and photo books showcasing wildlife photography.

Other great places to shop for souvenirs? Department stores (Brits sure love their chocolates and candies) like Selfridges, Harrods, Liberty, and of course Fortnum & Mason for all your tea and gourmet epicurean gifts!

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35. 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 pack an 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!

36. Be prepared to come across a lot of free museums.

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
• Museum of London
• The Wallace Collection
• Grand Museum of Zoology
• The Wellcome Collection
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
• V&A Museum of Childhood
• Design Museum
• Mediatheque
• The Vault – musical memorabilia in the Hard Rock Cafe!

37. The number of green spaces in London is endless.

Back in the day, British kings loved hunting, so many parts of London were closed off and designated for hunting purposes. Since then, they’ve been converted for recreational use by the public. 

If you want to spend a day enjoying as many green spaces in London, here’s a great walking route through the parks: start in Trafalgar Square, cut over to St. James’ Park, then to Green Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and finally make a cut through to Holland Park.

It’ll be a day jam-packed with enough picturesque parks to last a lifetime!

38. Portobello Road Market is an eclectic shopper’s paradise.

Aside from the outdoor vendors along the street, don’t miss the shops along the sidewalks. You’ll find independent boutiques and clothing stores for people of all ages, antique shopping arcades, vintage clothing stores, charity shops, and some really great cafes, dessert shops, and restaurants!

For pointers on funky and interesting shops, stop at House of Retro, Alice’s, Jessie Western, and Kin.

For even more unique vintage/antique/unique treasures shopping markets, head to East London’s Upmarket, Spitalfields Market, and Backyard Market.

39. Bring an everyday bag with you that fits a water bottle.

A crossbody or hands-free bag that can fit a water bottle, phone, camera, sunglasses, and phone charging accessories is a must.

And so is that water bottle! It can be way too easy to forget to drink water while out and about, but the last thing you want to do is get dehydrated midday.

Backpacks usually need to be coat-checked at museums, so you’re better off with an anti-theft crossbody bag. You’ll also want to consider that when you’re taking the tube, it’s safer to have your bag in front of you as opposed to behind you on your back.

And if you’re able to find a bag that folds flat so that you’re able to stow it in your carry-on, even better! I like Baggallini’s Securtex Anti-Theft Free Time Crossbody Bag or Travelon’s Anti-Theft Concealed Carry Hobo Bag.

If you’re more of a sling type of person, we love the Bellroy Sling Bag.

40. Check out local events during your trip.

London has a vibrant events scene, with plenty of concerts, exhibitions, and festivals taking place throughout the year.

Do a quick Google search or Facebook events search for the dates of your trip to see if there are any local listings for events during your visit.

41. Ride the local bus if you want to see the city without tiring yourself out.

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! There are day passes for less than £5 so you can take the bus back to where you came from — and then some.

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Save Money On Activities With The London Pass

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 goodness and provides free entry to 100+ 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.

There are two types of passes: The London Pass+ and The London Pass.

The London Pass+ includes all activities, while The London Pass is better for budget travelers who don’t care for activities like The London Eye, The View from the Shard, Big Bus London, or Madame Tussauds.

Some of the top attractions included on both passes are:

• 30+ London Sights Tour
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Churchill War Rooms
• London Zoo
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Tour
• Frameless – Immersive Art Experience
• Sherlock Holmes Escape Room
• London Bridge Experience
• Brit Movie Tours
• Chelsea FC Stadium Tour
• … and so much more!

The London 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!

If you ask me–someone who loves to learn about local culture and history in fun ways through guided tours and immersive activities–getting the London Pass is a no-brainer for saving money while having fun.

DEAL ALERT: For a limited time, use the above link + the promo code AFFGOALL for an additional 5% off your London Pass. This code is also valid for all other Go City passes around the world!

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Do you have any tips for first-timers to London? Let us know in the comments below!

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