London Travel Tips | Ultimate London Travel Guide

Planning a trip to London? Since moving from the US to England in 2021, I find myself in London at least once a week. No matter how many times I visit, I don’t think I’ll ever stop loving this city or feeling lucky that I get to wander its streets. 

With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know how to plan for a London holiday. I created these London travel tips to share what I’ve learned about traveling to London and help you make the most of your visit, without wasting time or money. 

London England At a Glance

London is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and a common starting point for travelers visiting the UK for the first time.

Located in the Southeast of the country, London is a sprawling city with no defined downtown. Centuries of history have formed the city into a place that often feels more magical for its lack of structure. From icons like the Tower of London to hidden alleyways and lively markets, it’s no wonder Samuel Johnson once said “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” 

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The Best Time to Visit London

There’s no bad time of year to visit London, but different seasons do bring out different experiences in the city.

When to visit London for the best weather 

You need a bit of luck any time of year, but you’ll find the most sun and warmest temperatures between June and August. Since UK summer school breaks don’t kick in until August, June and early July are a good bet for warmer weather before the summer crowds set in.

When to visit London for the best value

You can’t do better than January and early February (before half-term school break). It will be dark and dreary some days, but the city feels gloriously open and prices are as low as they get.

When to visit London for the most festive atmosphere

Experiencing London at Christmas is a must. The darker winter nights are lit up with beautiful lights, while Christmas markets dot the city. It’s a wonderful time to visit.

Where is London Located?

London is in the southeast of England. It is about five hours by train from Edinburgh, and 2.5 hours by train from Paris. Multiple airports make it easy to reach London from just about anywhere in the world.

Which Airport is Closest to London?

London is served by six major airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Southend. Most international travelers arrive at either London Heathrow (marked in red on map) or London Gatwick (marked in purple on map).

London Travel Tip: If you are able to find better flight prices by flying into one London airport and departing from another, there is no reason you can’t do this. All of London’s airports are accessible by public transit. Just be sure of which airport you need so you can plan your transportation correctly.

What’s The Best Way to Get to Central London From the Airport?

No matter where you land, you’re going to need to get from the airport to your London hotel. There are several options for transportation, so let’s look at the best routes.

Travel Options from Airports to Central London At a Glance

Heathrow to London options

Transportation Method	Time	Arrival stations in London*	Standard Adult Fare
Heathrow Express	20 minutes	Paddington	£25 one way, £37 return
Piccadilly Line	~50 minutes	South Kensington, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, King’s Cross St. Pancras	£5.60 one way
Elizabeth Line	25 minutes	PaddingtonBond StreetTottenham Court RoadFarringdonLiverpool Street	£12.80 one way
Taxi	45-60 minutes	Drop off to your chosen location	£56-105 one way

Gatwick to London options

Transportation Method	Time	Arrival stations in London	Standard Adult Fare
Gatwick Express	30 minutes	Victoria	£18.50 one way, £36.80 return
Southern commuter train	30-50 minutes	Victoria	From £11.30 one way
Taxi	60+ minutes	Drop off to your chosen location	£90+

How to get from Heathrow to London by train

Heathrow is the largest airport, so let’s start here. There are three major routes by train from Heathrow into London.

The fastest route from Heathrow to London 

The Heathrow Express service can be a lifesaver when you’re arriving jetlagged. There are plenty of signs to easily find your way to the train, and it will take you to Paddington in central London in under 20 minutes. Heathrow Express trains depart every 15 minutes. 

Tickets are £25 for a single journey, or £37 for a return journey. If you buy your tickets in advance, you can sometimes get discount fares for £15 single. Children 15 and under travel free with a paying adult.

Heathrow Express trains are nice and typically have plenty of room for you to grab a seat and stow your luggage. 

The cheapest route from Heathrow to London

For the cheapest train fare, follow signs to the Underground to take the Piccadilly Tube line. Trains run every 10 minutes or faster during peak hours. Night service (11:30pm – 5:00am) is available from all terminals except Terminal 4. Once you depart Heathrow, the Piccadilly line takes 50 minutes to arrive at Piccadilly Circus. 

The Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Piccadilly Circus costs £5.60 for a single journey. Prices can vary depending on which station you exit the service. 

The easiest way to pay your way is to bring a contactless credit card or ApplePay that you can tap to pay. Simply tap the card or your device on the yellow pad on the entrance gate, then again at the exit gate. Be sure to tap at both ends even if gates are open so you aren’t accidentally charged the maximum daily rate. 

As the cheapest route, this train service is more likely to get crowded at peak times. You may have to stand during the journey if trains are crowded. Try to move along the platform away from the platform entry to find train carriages with more room.

The most flexible route from Heathrow to London

The Elizabeth line opened in 2023 and includes service between Heathrow and the following central London stations:

• Paddington
• Bond Street
• Tottenham Court Road
• Farringdon

There are additional stops along the line, but these are the ones you are most likely to need traveling into London. From Heathrow to Paddington takes about 25 minutes. As with the Piccadilly line, just follow the signs for the Underground to reach the trains. 

The Elizabeth line costs £12.80 for a single journey from Heathrow to Paddington. Prices vary depending on how far you travel.

The Elizabeth line trains are new and nice, and generally less crowded than the Piccadilly line. There are no Elizabeth line trains running overnight, generally between 11:30pm and 4:30am. 

How to get from Heathrow to London by taxi or car service

If you aren’t staying near one of the stations serviced by express trains or if you have a group traveling together, it can make sense to instead take a car into London. I do not mean driving yourself and will never encourage you to drive inside London. Between congestion charges and confusing, narrow roads, driving into London as a non-local is a recipe for a panic attack. All of London’s airports are serviced by taxis and car services. London’s black cab taxis are iconic, but come with a steep cost for a slow journey. Expect to spend £56-105 for a transfer from Heathrow into central London. The trip usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes.

London Travel Tip: Arrange a car service in advance through HolidayTaxis to know exactly what you’ll pay and ensure a driver is waiting to meet you on arrival. You can also request car seats for children in advance with your booking.

One good reason to travel by car is if you are not staying within central London. For instance, we had friends visiting and decided to meet near Hampton Court Palace for our first night. Train service would have required them going into London and then doubling back to Hampton Court station. I instead booked a car to pick them up from Heathrow and bring them to our hotel in about 40 minutes. 

How to get from Gatwick to London by train

Gatwick is located south of London, and is on the commuter train line that runs between London and Brighton. Trains run regularly from Gatwick’s South Terminal.

The fastest route from Gatwick to London

Gatwick Express service will get you to London Victoria in 30 minutes. It runs every 15 minutes, so waiting time at the terminal should be minimal.

Pricing for Gatwick Express depends on the time of day you travel and whether you buy online in advance. A ticket valid any time purchased online costs: 

• £18.50 single journey or £36.80 return trip for adults
• £9.25 single journey and £18.40 for children aged 5-15
• Children under 5 travel free

During peak hours (before 10am or between 4:30pm-7:30pm), the cost of Gatwick Express is not much more than the slower commuter trains.

I travel through Gatwick regularly, and the best reason to book Gatwick Express is to avoid crowds. It’s very common to see travelers on the regular commuter train at Gatwick left standing in the aisle clutching their suitcase handles because the train fills to capacity. Booking the express train generally means you’ll find a seat and have enough space for your luggage. This is because commuter tickets don’t grant access to Gatwick Express trains. 

The cheapest route from Gatwick to London

The commuter train that runs through Gatwick to London Victoria train station will be more crowded, but is sometimes just as fast as Gatwick Express. You can still reach London from Gatwick in 30-50 minutes on commuter train routes.  

Commuter train ticket pricing is most expensive during peak hours (before 10am or between 4:30pm-7:30pm). Fares start from £11.30. Up to two children under five travel free with a paying adult. Reduced child fares apply for children 6-15 years old.

London Travel Tip: The best way to get a cheap train ticket from Gatwick to London is to book in advance on Trainline. This way you will know exactly how much your ticket will cost in advance and you can compare prices between Gatwick Express and commuter train routes. You can also bypass the long lines of people buying their tickets at the station kiosk when you get to the airport.

How to get from Gatwick to London by taxi

As with arrivals into Heathrow, you can easily find taxis and car services willing to drive you between Gatwick and any location in London. London’s black cab taxis are iconic, but come with a steep cost for a slow journey. Expect to spend £90+ for a transfer from Gatwick into central London. The trip usually takes 60 minutes or more, depending on your destination. 

London Travel Tip: Arrange a car service in advance through HolidayTaxis to know exactly what you’ll pay and ensure a driver is waiting to meet you on arrival. You can also request car seats for children in advance with your booking.

Where Do You Arrive When You Travel to London by Train?

If you arrive in London from other UK cities or another country, you should be arriving into one of London’s central train stations. These are most likely to be: 

• St. Pancras International (for arrivals from Europe)
• King’s Cross (for arrivals from Scotland)
• London Euston (for arrivals from Ireland via ferry and train or from Manchester)  

Helpfully, these stations are all very close together and have lots of easy connections for Tube journeys across the city. 

If you choose to stay in this area, you’ll be conveniently located for the British Museum, Regents Park, and the British Library.

Where to Stay in London

London is a big place with a lot of lovely options for places to stay. If you’re planning your first trip to London, check out my picks for the best hotels and apartments in London for first-time visitors.

Where you ultimately decide to stay is likely to be a balance of priorities and budget. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest considerations to finding your perfect stay.

What to expect from London hotels and vacation rentals

London has the full range of stays available, from hostels to luxury hotels to vacation homes. However, a London idea of those terms might not line up with your own. These are a few of the quirks common in London lodging:

• Breakfast is often included at smaller, boutique hotels. Larger chains are more likely to not include breakfast, or charge you extra for it.
• Elevators are often very small and may not be available at all. Ask for a ground floor room if you have trouble with stairs.
• Hotel rooms are often small, and may only allow two occupants per room. Look for family rooms if you are traveling with children.
• Vacation rentals are often well away from tourist sights. Look for the closest tube station from the rental and check in GoogleMaps or Citymapper how long it takes to get from there to Piccadilly Circus. That will give you a good average for how long you’ll spend commuting to sightsee.

Where to Stay in London to Minimize Dragging Luggage Around

I like to start with where I’m likely to come into London on the train. For example, if you fly into Heathrow, then it’s really easy to get a direct train to Paddington Station via either the Heathrow Express or Elizabeth line. Choosing a place to stay within a short walk of Paddington will save you from dragging your luggage a long distance. 

My hotel pick near Paddington: Best Western Plus Delmere Hotel

Just around the corner from Paddington station in a classic London facade, staying here means you can drop your bags and head out to explore quickly! You’re also a quick walk from Hyde Park and have easy access to the Tube from Paddington. Rooms are small (welcome to London!), so may not have enough room for families wishing to stay all in one room.

“Loved the location! It was close to public transport and was easy for taxi drivers to locate. We also loved how friendly the staff was. We had a few questions and they were so great to help us.”

Tessa from United States of America (see more reviews)

Where to Stay in London to be Near the Most Sights

Covent Garden or Soho are your best bets to be right in the middle of everything. There are a lot of hotels in this area catering to tourists. Unsurprisingly, you’re going to pay the highest rates in this area as well. 

My hotel pick in Covent Garden: Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street

Right in the heart of Covent Garden, this Radisson Blu Edwardian hotel will have you within a 10 minute walk of Trafalgar Square. The Seven Dials area around the hotel is brimming with excellent restaurants and shops. Don’t miss my favorite pizza in London at Homeslice in Neal’s Yard. This hidden courtyard is very Instagram-friendly. The Seven Dials Market is also worth a visit, and maybe you’d like to try Pick & Cheese – a conveyor belt restaurant dedicated to cheese.

“Everything! The rooms , the staff was wonderful and warm and kind! The breakfast was the best I have experienced!”

Janyce from United States of America (see more reviews)

Where to Stay in London for the Cheapest Price

I always recommend looking to the Southbank area for hotels that are still close to everything, but tend to be less expensive. The reason it’s less expensive is that more of London’s underground network runs on the north side of the river. You may have to walk a bit more or take buses to get around, but the trade off isn’t huge. 

My hotel pick in Southbank: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London

Located directly across the Thames from Parliament, you can get some pretty spectacular views with the right room here. You’ll be just a short walk from Big Ben and the London Eye, while also close to Waterloo station to catch the Tube. This hotel also offers family rooms and suites – hard to find in London!

“Brilliant location. Brilliant Staff. lovely hotel clean and tidy, Staff very helpful & friendly. Would definitely stay again”

Stephen from United Kingdom (see more reviews)

Best Things To Do in London

Your options for things to do in London are endless. Whether you prefer museums, historic sites, art galleries or theatre, you’ll find all of it and more here. To help you narrow your choices, and decide how many days to spend in London, refer to this map:

This will give you an idea of which attractions are close enough together to be easily grouped into the same day. Pick your ideal attractions and build up how many days you need based on their location.

Top London Highlights

If it’s your first time visiting London, these are the top experiences you don’t want to skip!

• Tower of London. Home to the Crown Jewels and endless tales of history and horror. Don’t miss joining one of the Yeoman Warder tours for insider tales.
• Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This is the view you’re most likely to associate with London. The Elizabeth Tower (home to Big Ben) climbs into the sky beside the lavish former palace home to Parliament. It is possible to book a tour of Parliament, but most people just stop by the area and appreciate the view.
• Westminster Abbey. Located just over the road from Parliament, you can’t miss this iconic church that is also the final resting place to a host of famous royals, artists, and great thinkers. The building is stunning inside and out.  
• Buckingham Palace. The most famous royal residence in the world, and host to the daily changing of the guard ceremony. Tours inside area available in limited summer months only.
• British Museum. Perhaps the most famous (and controversial) museum in the world. Visit to see the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and more. Free to enter with some paid rotating exhibits.
• Natural History Museum. From the giant blue whale skeleton greeting you in the main hall to the escalator headed into the molten center of the earth, there’s excitement to uncover around every corner.  
• Borough Market. The destination for London foodies! This market under the railway line is expansive and offers so many delights. Book a Borough Market food tour to taste the best bits without feeling overwhelmed. 
• London pubs. You’ll see plenty of options to grab a pint or a meal at a classic pub. Two of my favorites are Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (Fleet Street) or The Prince Alfred (Maida Vale)
• Afternoon tea. Most upscale London hotels, and several restaurants, offer afternoon tea. It’s such a unique and tasty way to mark your trip to London. For the traditional take, I recommend afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. For something more extravagant, take in the extraordinary views and the Peter Pan-themed treats at Aqua Shard. 
• London theatre. The West End is bursting with fantastic performances, or take in a one-of-a-kind performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. I usually buy theatre tickets through London Theatre Direct for the best prices. 

London Hidden Gems

If you’ve seen some of the major sights before, or are itching to find some hidden gems, here are a few of my favorites:

• The Wallace Collection. Art and antique weaponry in a historic townhouse. You get the feeling you’ve stumbled into a very wealthy relative’s home. Keep an eye out for a painting that inspired the creative team on Disney’s Frozen. 
• Drury Lane Theatre Tour. Get behind the scenes and hear sordid tales of royal fights, ghosts, and a murderous actor dispute over a wig. This is the world’s oldest theatre in continuous use, and the tour guides do a fantastic job of sharing the history with dramatic flair.
• Sir John Soane Museum. This small museum holds the personal collections of this 19th century architect in his unique home. The house itself twists and turns, and is filled with antiquities. It sort of feels like stepping into a giant cabinet of curiosities. You’ll never know what you will find around the next corner.
• London Mithraeum. Nothing says London history quite like finding a Roman temple to Mithras under a finance building. See the ancient temple and artifacts found right in the heart of London.
• Churchill War Rooms. Just around the corner from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, you’ll find the bunker used to plan the British military’s actions during World War II. See how people lived and worked underground, including some spaces that have been left undisturbed since the war ended.
• Spitalfields Market. Borough Market and Portobello Road may be the most known markets in London, but Old Spitalfields Market benefits from being a little further off the main tourist path. Shop for art, books, and fashion in the covered market building. Over 40 food and drink vendors are there in case you need a snack break from shopping.
• Walk along Regent’s Canal. The canal running from Regent’s Park to Camden Market is a peaceful step away from the city bustle. Watch the birds on the water, ogle at some very expensive houses, and peek into the London Zoo. Walking paths follow the canal.

Best London Tours

No matter what you plan to see in London, you’ll appreciate it more with an experienced guide.  

Tours are a fantastic way to dig beneath London’s surface. With so much going on, it’s easy to miss the details that make this city shine.

These are my top picks for London tours.

Best London Highlights Tour: Walking Tour with Westminster and Changing of the Guard

Half-day walking tour with a knowledgeable guide to help you uncover the stories behind the sights. Includes access and guided tour inside Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, Downing Street, and changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

“Our tour guide was wonderful like Mary Poppins (practically perfect in every way!) Well spoken, well executed, safe tour. Very informative and engaging.. Also, extremely knowledgeable of London and fielded all questions from the group in professional, entertaining manner. Tops in our opinion and a great asset to your company and to the UK!”

B Michael from United States of America (see more reviews)

Best Harry Potter Tour: Harry Potter Locations Walking Tour

Check out the real London locations that inspired the Harry Potter books and films. Your guide will point out 10 film locations and share stories of how J.K. Rowling was inspired by London. You’ll also stop by Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station for souvenir photos pushing your trolley through the wall on your way to Hogwarts!

“Fantastic Tour. Our tour guide Richard, was very knowledgeable and had general London facts for each location alongside the incredible Harry Potter facts, pictures and videos. Richard was very friendly and helpful, and managed to keep up with the 5 year old’s questions and legs. Obviously, as a walking tour, plenty of walking involved by the 3 hours flew by. Highly Recommended, Cheers Richard”

Ben from Australia (see more reviews)

London travel tip: If you’re hoping to visit the Harry Potter film studios, keep in mind that it is located outside central London. It’s a really fun day trip for true lovers of the Harry Potter films. Book your transportation and entry tickets for Warner Bros. Studios here.

Best Food Tour: Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

The Borough Market is fantastic, but also vast and overwhelming. Visit with a guide to learn more about the market’s history, the types of food available, and pick up tastes of the very best bits. 

“We were out with Tyson today! There was a lot to eat, a lot of history, incredibly funny and highly recommended! Our group consisted of Australians, Canadians and Argentinians. The food tour is a great way to start a conversation, especially about traditional food in different countries. We don’t need to eat anything else until tonight, but I would recommend taking a bottle of water with you because of all the food with lots of different spices etc. so you can have something to drink in between! Thanks for the delicious experience! Best regards from Germany!”

Sabrina from Germany (see more reviews)

Best Creepy Tour: Jack the Ripper Evening Walking Tour

Ready to take a true crime tour straight out of Victorian London? This evening walk takes you through London’s violent past and follows the tracks of the city’s most infamous killer. 

“Fascinating walking tour around London’s East End exploring the locations involved in the unsolved Jack the Ripper case. George the guide gave a thoroughly engaging tour which gave an insight into the case. Definitely recommend George and also an evening slot in the winter as a dark cold night gave it all the more chilling atmosphere!”

Duncan from United Kingdom (see more reviews)

Best Guided Day Trip from London: Small Group Cotswolds Villages Tour

If seeing postcard-perfect English villages is on your bucket list, then book in for a guided tour that picks up and drops off in central London. The Cotswolds can be very challenging for non-UK drivers, so taking this small group tour lets you focus on the gorgeous countryside without the stress.

“My husband and I did the Cotswolds tour Christmas Eve, and our guide was Simon and our driver was Michel. They both were excellent and gave us great history of the Cotswolds and the area around them. It was also nice to have a guide because Simon gave us all of the best restaurant recommendations. They made spending Christmas Eve in the Cotswolds a real treat. Also, it is nice to do a formal tour because it didn’t seem like there was any public transportation to the Cotswolds from London. The Cotswolds are truly a unique and beautiful place in England, and when someone says picture the English Countryside this is what I imagine! We plan on definitely coming back in the spring to see the beautiful landscapes.”

Ava-Marie from United States of America (see more reviews)

How Do You Get Around in London?

Once you’ve booked your hotel and decided on the sights you want to see, you still have to sort out how to get there. Luckily, London has an extensive public transportation network that is safe and reliable. These are the transportation options you are most likely to use during your visit.

Tube / London Underground

The most common and most well-known way to get around London is on the Tube . The Tube originated with the world’s first underground railway, which opened in 1863. Continuing to expand and improve over the years, the most recent Elizabeth Line just opened in 2022.

Riding the Tube is usually a pretty pleasant experience, but rush hour can bring a crush. Try to keep your rides to after 9am and avoid 4-6pm during the week. 

Maps for the Tube are posted in every station, and you can check it out in advance here – Transport for London Tube Map. An important thing to remember when reviewing this map is that it is not geographically accurate. Don’t assume that a Tube ride is going to be faster than walking if you’re only going one or two stops. I like to use Google Maps or Citymapper to  compare transit versus walking time. If it’s only 10 minutes or so faster to take the Tube, I’ll usually walk. 

London Travel Tip: Getting around Tube stations often involves lots of escalator rides. Stand on the right when on the escalator, leaving the left side open for people in a hurry to speed through.

Paying for the London Underground – Fares

Paying for passage can be more confusing than navigating the Tube. Your best method to pay adult fares are with a tap to pay credit card or an Oyster Card. I personally use a debit card paired through ApplePay.

Oyster cards (dedicated pre-paid fare cards) used to be the norm for all London transportation. You can still arrange for a Visitor Oyster Card to be mailed to your home prior to your trip. It makes for a fun souvenir, but isn’t a necessity. If you are traveling with a child between 6 and 15, they can use a Visitor Oyster Card too. Ask a TfL staff member for help when you arrive to get the child discount applied to their Oyster Card.  

If you prefer to pay with a tap-to-pay credit card, keep in mind that you have to use a different card for each person in your party. You will have to tap the card, or your phone if using Apple Pay or Google Pay, at the entrance and exit gates. The service tracks your journey based on these taps and will not admit a second person on the same card. 

Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult on the tube. Use the wide gates and bring the child through with you when you tap in or out. No separate ticket needed.

I find that pay as you go is the most cost effective fare, but check the TfL website for travelcard rates if you’re planning to be in London 7 days or longer. 

London Travel Tip: Prices are capped every 24 hours, meaning you won’t be charged more than the daily cap even if you take more rides. For an adult traveling in Zones 1-2 (this covers most places you would travel as a tourist), the daily cap is £8.50.  

London Buses 

The bus will often be a slower option than the Tube, but faster than walking and a great way to see more of the city between your sights. Riding in the front seats on the top level is a unique, though occasionally terrifying experience. 

If you have a Visitor Oyster Card or a tap-to-pay credit card, you simply tap the payment pad as you enter the bus. If you have a Travelcard or other paper ticket, just show that to the driver as you board. Note that you don’t tap anything when you exit – just hop off!

London Travel Tip: The bus driver will not wait for everyone to be seated before moving. Especially if you are on the stair headed up top, make sure you hold onto the rail in case of sudden movement. 

Walking in London

London is a dream for walking. So many of my best experiences here have happened while I was walking to something else. Don’t limit yourself to only the big tourist sites separated by busy Tube rides. If the distance is reasonable for you, I highly recommend going on foot. 

London Travel Tip: Road crossings helpfully have notices painted to remind pedestrians which direction to look for oncoming traffic!

River Boats in London

Traveling through London on the Thames river gives you a whole new perspective on the city. Thames clippers zip back and forth like buses on the water, making it easy to hop on when it suits you. A particularly nice experience is to take a boat between the Tower of London pier and Westminster pier. This will give you views of the Tower, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament (home to Big Ben) from the water. 

Pay for river journeys by tapping in and out with contactless payment or an Oyster card right at the dock. Note that the river trips are more expensive than other forms of mass transit. (£8.60 for a single adult fare). River trips also do not count toward the daily cap rate. 

If you want a sightseeing river journey that’s sure to show you the best London landmarks, then book a Thames river cruise. 

Taxis in London

London’s black cabs are icons, and a reliable way to get around the city. You can flag down a cab from anywhere. A cab that is open to passengers will have a yellow light on top of the vehicle. Credit cards are readily accepted for payment. 

Cable Car

Only available between Greenwich and East London, the cable car service over the Thames is still a tourist draw. It’s a little far to the east to easily work into most plans, but is a fun bit of transport if you find yourself in the area. 

Is London Safe?

It’s common to feel apprehensive about traveling in a large city, especially if you’ve never been there. Luckily, London is a safe destination for visitors. The Safest Cities rankings from Berkshire Hathaway listed London as the eighth safest city out of 31 large cities around the world. For context, Paris, Tokyo, and Orlando all ranked as less safe than London.

Violent crime is not common in the central areas of London frequented by tourists. As a visitor, you are most likely to encounter petty crime like pickpockets or phone theft. 

Safety tips for London

Follow these basic tips to stay safe in London:

• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings close, especially in tourist areas that are more likely to draw pickpockets. Hold your bag in front of you in crowds, and don’t drape it over the back of your chair in restaurants. 
• Be skeptical of helpful strangers. Londoners are polite, but not overly friendly. Assume that anyone who comes up to you offering to help you out of the blue probably wants something. With that said, if you’re lost or need help, most people will be happy to help when you approach them.
• Research accommodations. As in most major cities, there are unfortunately plenty of scams out there. I always warn against booking lodging that is unreviewed or seems too good to be true. The last thing you want is to arrive jetlagged only to find that your hotel doesn’t actually exist.  

If these tips have you feeling anxious, let me reassure you that I’ve always felt safe in London. I’ve walked alone at night, hopped on and off the Tube with only my young daughter beside me, and traveled all over the city on public transit. Use your common sense, but don’t be afraid to get out and explore!

Do You Need Travel Insurance in London?

You are under no obligation to buy travel insurance for your trip to London, but it is recommended. I secure travel insurance for every trip out of country.  

This is what travel insurance can protect you from:

• Medical fees. The NHS is only free for residents, meaning you may be on the hook if you unexpectedly need to see a doctor.
• Lost or stolen belongings. Travel insurance often covers the loss of belongings and fees to replace important documents like passports. 
• Trip cancellation or interruption. You can often include coverage in case unexpected events prevent you from completing your trip as planned.

Compare insurance prices and coverage easily with Travel Insurance Master. They compare rates and coverage across multiple providers and recommend the best value coverage. You’ll also see a side-by-side comparison of available packages so you know exactly what you’re getting.

How to find medical care in the UK

If you are visiting the UK and need to find medical care, here’s what you need to know:

• For emergency services like an ambulance, call 999 (the UK version of 911).
• To find an emergency room, ask for the nearest A&E (accident and emergency)
• For minor issues like a stomachache, check in with a pharmacist. They are highly trained and can recommend medications for many ailments.
• Many doctors will see non-resident patients on the same terms as private pay patients who live here. You will need to pay for the visit (unless covered by your travel insurance), but prices are often less than you’d expect in the US. 

London Travel FAQs

What do you need before traveling to London?

If you are visiting from the US, you will need to have a valid passport to enter the UK. Americans do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to the UK, as long as your trip is for six months or less.

How many days in London is enough?

Plan on at least 3 days in London. 5-7 days is an ideal amount of time to explore the city and plan on 1-2 day trips. For more details and tips to plan your itinerary, see my full guide on how many days to spend in London.

How much cash do I need in London?

Most everything in London can be paid for without cash. I regularly travel into London with no cash in my pocket. If you prefer to have cash on hand, I’d recommend keeping it to a maximum of £50 in smaller denominations so you don’t attract pickpockets. 

Is tipping expected in London restaurants?

Tipping culture is not as prevalent as in the US, but a tip is still appreciated for good service. Most restaurants will add a service charge of 10-15%, so check your bill before leaving more. No tip is expected for fast food or self-service restaurants. 

What to wear in London?

One of the wonderful things about London is that everyone fits in here. There is no set wardrobe that screams “Londoner”. For must-pack items that keep you stylish and comfortable while visiting, don’t miss my seasonal packing lists.  

Is the London Pass worth it?

The London Pass lets you bundle attractions into a single or multi-day ticket. While the idea is good, I rarely find it to be a better overall deal, so cannot recommend it. Add up the cost of individual tickets to compare with the London Pass before you buy. Keep in mind that many museums in London included on the London Pass are already free to enter.

More London Travel Blogs

How to Spend a Rainy Day in London

How Many Days to Spend in London

The Best Area to Stay in London for First Time Visitors