Are you planning a trip to London and want to find out everything you need to know before arriving?  You’re in luck because here you will find all the essential London tips you need to know before your next trip.

When to Visit 

London is the most popular tourist destination in the world, so when you travel can be essential to your experience.  With around 30 million tourists a year, flooding the streets of London, timing is everything.  Peak season, from May to Mid-September and the month of December, brings hoards of visitors making popular attractions crowded and hard to see.

In order to get the most from your time in London, I would highly recommend traveling during the shoulder season, which is mid-September to November and March-April.  This will reduce the number of people at your must-see attractions and reduce travel costs.  Read more about the benefits of traveling during off-seasons in Travel During Shoulder Season Can Cut Travel Costs.

Not All Attractions Are Open 7 Days a Week

One of the most important London tips is that not all attractions are open 7-days a week.  Certain attractions such as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral are open for services but closed for visitors on Sunday.  Plan ahead so you don’t miss out on your must-see attractions.

Save Time by Pre-Purchasing Tickets to Attractions

Many attractions in London provide the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets ahead of time on-line. This is a great option, especially when traveling during peak season. This allows you to skip long ticket lines and head straight to the attraction.  This is especially helpful for popular attractions such as the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, which draw a lot of visitors.

Currency

The United Kingdom uses the British pound. Each pound is divided into 100 pence.  Although most attractions and restaurants accept credit cards, smaller establishments may only accept cash.  For example, several vendors at Camden Market only accepted cash, so make sure to have some with you.

Exchanging Currency

If you want to get cash before leaving the airport, ATM’s generally provide a better exchange rate than the currency exchange booths.  Exchange booths can also be found in the more touristy areas throughout the city.

Some Public Restrooms Cost Money (one of the most important London tips!)

Some public attractions such as parks and outdoor markets often require that you pay to use the restroom. The average cost is 20 pence, so make sure you have coins with you. Also, when in need of a restroom, look for signs marked “toilet”.

Getting Around London is Easy with Public Transportation

We found the London Underground rail system, or “the Tube”, simple to use. To get started you’ll need to purchase an Oyster Card.  An Oyster Card is a prepaid, pay as you go, pass for the London Transport Network that includes the London Underground (Tube), buses, Dockland Light Rail, and other underground trains. You will want to purchase an Oyster Card to travel efficiently and economically in London.

Purchasing an Oyster Card

An Oyster Card can be purchased at any Tube station, including at Heathrow Airport, or online prior to travel. Recommendations on how much to load on your card can be found at the self-service Oyster Card stations. Credit cards and cash are accepted. For more information on the Oyster Card, or to purchase one before you arrive, click here.

To ride the Tube, you just touch your Oyster card to the yellow card reader as you enter and leave the station and the price of your fare is automatically deducted from your card.

When riding the bus, you again touch your card to the yellow card reader as you enter the bus and your fare is automatically deducted. Also, riders are expected to enter the bus through the front door, not the door in the middle of the bus, which is used for exiting.

Ride the Tube from Heathrow into London

You can save money by taking the Tube from Heathrow Airport to the area in which you are staying. Maps at the Tube station can show you the best route to get to your destination.

Public Transportation Routes Can Be Determined with a Basic Map App

Although there are apps for your phone that suggest routes for public transportation, I found using a standard map app, such as Google Maps, worked best. Just select the Transit icon, and you will be provided multiple options.

The Tube Can Be Hot!

Although the Tube is an easy and effective way to travel in London, it can also be hot. We found sitting in the middle of a bench or standing at the end of the train was the coolest and had the best airflow.

A Double Decker Bus is a Great Way to See the City

The local bus can be a great way to see the city. It can be tempting to just stay on the Tube, but try heading to the top of one of London’s double-decker buses and enjoy the sites.

What to Wear

London weather can vary. Even in the summer, it can be raining one minute and sunny and warm an hour later. For that reason, London is a good place to wear layers.

A light jacket and/or umbrella are good for days expecting rain and then layers can be easily removed when the sun peaks out or when riding the Tube.

Choose Your Shoes Carefully

Beware that London sidewalks can be uneven, have wobbly tiles, and streets can be made of cobblestone. This is not the city to wear shoes with any heel. A sturdy shoe will work best to prevent ankle sprains.

Also, when riding the London Tube, riders can end up packed in like sardines. The chance of toes being stepped on is high so a closed-toe shoe provides better protection. I didn’t see any locals with open-toed shoes on the Tube.

Pubs and Restaurants

Order at the Counter in Pubs

The pubs in London are a great break from sightseeing. We found that most pubs expect you to order at the counter in lieu of a waitress taking orders at your table.

Don’t Miss Out on the Fish and Chips and Meat Pies (the most delicious of London Tips)

When traveling in London you must try the fish and chips and the famous meat pies. We found the fish to be fresh mild, and light with a deliciously crispy batter.  Then there are the meat pies.  These are filled with various meats or vegetables and then topped with pie crust or mash potatoes, and served with a side of gravy. Yum-ee!  Don’t miss out on these London favorites!

Beer and Cider

Beer is served at cellar temperature in England, so if you are looking for an icy cold beer you aren’t going to find it in London.  A refreshing alternative is hard cider.  London has many high-quality hard ciders that are worth trying.

Tipping

Tipping expectations vary around the world.  Tips are not expected in London pubs, although at restaurants, a 10-15% tip is customary unless a service charge is already added.

Gluten-Free in London

Menus are often marked with vegan and vegetarian options although not gluten-free. If you need gluten-free options just ask and they often have a separate menu.

We were informed by a server that by law if an item is identified as gluten-free then it must be cooked in a separate space or dedicated fryer, which is good to know for those who are concerned with cross-contamination.

I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious gluten-free fish and chips in London. My two favorite spots for gluten-free fish and chips were Hobson’s Fish and Chips and Old Shades. For those who can eat gluten, the meat pies at Old Shades should not be passed up.  Amazing!!!!

London Must-See’s

• Tower of London
• Buckingham Palace
• St. Paul’s Cathedral (the location of Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding)
• Camden Market
• Westminster Abbey (the location of Prince William and Kate’s wedding)
• Trafalgar Square
• Piccadilly Circus
• Harrod’s ~ It’s so much more than a department store!  You’ve got to love an ice cream shop where you can also get champagne!
• Fortnum & Mason ~ get yourself some cheese and salami while you’re there and enjoy it in their wine bar
• Hyde Park

The City has Something for Everyone

London with its diverse attractions, rich history, world-class shopping, stunning parks, royal palaces, and merry pubs is a city that truly has something for everyone.  This destination should be a must-see on everyone’s bucket list.