|| Everything you need to know before you visit London ||
So, you want to travel to London, but you have no clue where to start? We've got you covered!
In this article you will find everything you need to know before you travel to this marvellous city. Honestly, I'm a bit biased since this is my favorite city in Europe. I would say: 'London is always a good idea.' Photographers love this city during every season. When it rains you get these grey, sharp rainy shots, but when it's summer in London the city glows, and of course during Christmas season the city lights up and you will see every details from what you see in movies.
HERE ARE 10 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT LONDON
Written by: Stephanie Gabriella
1. Don't try to see EVERYTHING
When you are planning a visit to London for the first time, it is impossible to see EVERYTHING. Here's why: Simple, it's just too big. The city itself is approximately 1,572km2. Keep in mind that about 9 million people are living here. Prepare yourself for a very long walk, especially if you are visiting during the spring/summer months. When we visited London last time we had a minimum of 20.000 steps per day. This was mainly because whenever we took the tube and arrived to our destination, we wanted to walk right away to the next spot.
If this is your first time visiting London, we recommend to stay at least 4-5 days. Within these days you can visit the main landmarks and a couple of tourist activities. If you are planning day trips outside of London, let's say you are visiting Oxford or Brighton, you should definitely plan at least one week.
When I lived in London I came across someone that told me the following: 'I have lived in London for 9 years now, and I still haven't seen EVERYTHING, because the city is just too big to visit every single corner.'
2. Choose an area that fits your trip
Truly depending on what your purpose of your trip and your preferences are, during your first time here, it's better to choose an area that will save you time and money to travel around. I can suggest you a few areas of where to stay when you are visiting London:
West London - Notting Hill
Stay at one of the many beautiful hotels in the area of Notting Hill. Since our last trip in London (August 2022), this area holds a spot in our hearts. If you are a fan of the movie Notting Hill and want to wander around and see the charming white and colorful houses a long this area, this is your stay. I would call it: The Montmartre of London. It's a charming neighbourhood with cobbled stoned streets and either white or colorful Victorian townhouses. A Perfect romantic or girlstrip getway. They have the exciting Protobello Road Market, where you will find vintage juwlery, bags, sunglasses, antiques and amazing food!
East London - Shoreditch
Those who want to stay in the midst of a creative area should book a stay in the neighbourhood. It's one of the most trending, urban neighbourhoods around London. Here you can find trendy bars, restaurants, boutiques, creative designers, concepts stores, marvellous vintage stores, art galleries and of course loads of street art. The kind of street art you want to take a longer look at. Also, the Spitafields Market can be found where you can choose several cuisines for your breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Central London - Covent Garden
If this is your first time visiting London, definitely base yourself in the area of Central London. For instance, Covent Garden. You can easily walk to a lot of popular monuments such as, the Big Ben, the British Parliament, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, The Royal Opera House, Soho, the river River Thames and many more.
3. The seasons of London
When is the best time to visit London? Well, if you want to avoid the crowds, do not visit London during the summer months: June, July, August. These are the peak months for tourism. Expect long waiting lines and a lot of crowded areas. However, if you would like to explore a sunny London with great weather between 22-30 degrees than this is the perfect timing for you. If you prefer mild weather, than make sure to pay a visit between Spring or Fall season (March-May or September-October-mid November). These are also the best months to visit London. If you have the chance to avoid bank and school holidays, please do avoid them, because these are also peak periods in London.
Lastly, if you are a fan of Christmas season and all the decorations than come to London during mid November and December. You may encounter some rain, however there are also chances of snow. It will be a bit chilly, so please pack your luggage with careful preparation. And, expect busy crowds at Piccadilly Circus and Oxford street.
4. Bring a universal power adapter
Don't be like us, and bring a long a universal power charger. They use a type G socket, which might be different than the ones you are using. It is one thing we (very) often forget to bring with us, so please do take it with you. Of course, it is not a problem if you might forget one, because they have many stores that sell them too. However, if you are planning a trip to such a big city as London, you do want to spend a lot more time on sightseeing and activities, rather than spending time searching for a charger.
5. Public transport
Public transport, I personally am a fan of the public transport of London. It's fast and easy. Every line has its own colors, so you can easily recognise which one you have to take. There are many different routes for the same destination, so if you having a feeling that you are lost: Do NOT panic! Everyone around London is always very friendly and fond to help you out, as long as you ask them politely. And, do not forget to take as many bus rides as possible. Their red buses are a whole experience itself!
Before or the moment you enter London, please download the app: Citymapper. It's the kind of: 'The Google maps of London.' It will get you everywhere!
Also, you might want to buy an Oyster card. With this card you can travel with the bus, underground and overground. Just pre-load it with money and use this one to travel at a fraction of the cost of using paper tickets. The best part of the Oyster card is that it's a subject to a daily cap, once you have reached this cap, if you travel more this is going to be free for that day. Also, there is a weekly cap, in case you are planning to stay a longer time in London than just a couple of days. You can buy the Oyster card at National Rail Stations or at a tube station. You have to pay at least 5 pounds as a deposit and add credit for your journeys, until you reach the cap. The five pound is refundable when you return the Oyster card. This is also the price of a visitor Oyster card.
6. Book tickets in advance
Attractions and activities:
Be prepared! If you want to avoid long waiting in lines, please book your tickets in advance. It's okay if you're not really a planner, but to make the most out of your London experience, you should plan your routes and book your tickets in advance. If you book your tickets in advance you have more advantages, such as: better prices, less time in queues and more choices.
My advice: Tickets for main attractions, such as the London Eye, Shard or Madame toussauds are mostly cheaper to book in advance. Another tip: If you'd like to visit a theatre musical, please do book your tickets also in advance, as prices are cheaper. Of course, there are some last minute tickets available, however don't expect the greatest spots.
Plane tickets:
When should you book your plane tickets? If you know the exact dates of your trip to London, book as fast as possible. The earlier you book, the better prices you will get. For example, if you already know in August that you want to spend Christmas in London, book your ticket! Prices are likely to start from: 56 euros return p.p. (excl. luggage). However, if you just decide in November that you will spend Christmas here... the prices will not be any cheap at all. Always try to book tickets with a minimum of 3,5 weeks before departure. If you book just within (less than) a week before, the prices are most likely to rise, up to at least 150 EURO per person. Always try to book your trip to London at least 3,5 weeks to a month before.
7. Get a London pass
Get a London pass! If this is your first time visiting London, this might be interested for you to save a lot of money. It's a good way to explore many of London's most iconic landmarks, without paying too much. However, the price of the London pass itself is quite pricey: 75 pounds for an adult and 55 pounds for children. You have to create a plan of things you want to do and visit and compare these prices with the price of a London pass. Keep in mind this pass allows you to see more than 80 attractions for free of entry. It also adds a few extra compartments such as a guidebook, hop-on-and hop-off bus tour.
Want to know more about the London pass and which landmarks are included? Check it here: London pass
8. Visit London's free activities
Although everyone says 'London is not cheap', did you know that they offer some things you can do for free? This is really nice to have a variation of activities and expenses.
- Museums are free!
Plan a day where you will visit a museum or two, Especially when it's raining outside, this can be a perfect activity. It's personally one of my favourite things to do, wandering around Tate Modern or Victoria and Albert. The entrances and exterior of the buildings are also always aspects that will impress you, even before entering the musea. Make sure you arrive early or around 4PM, so you don't end up in the crowd.
- Go Market hopping
London has so many lovely markets to visit. Every area, almost every area, has a different market to explore. It's always nice to walk around them and also get to know locals a bit more. Visiting markets is definitely an activity that cheers me up, no matter where I am. Their food stalls will leave you mouthwatering and don't forget to say 'yes' whenever they ask you to try something. Also, those markets are heaven for those who are in to fresh veggies and haloumi. The entrance of these are free, but of course the food, clothes and stuff they are selling isn't. However, you can spend hours here, strolling and not spending a single penny (except if you are eating here which we highly recommend).
Here are a few of our favorite markets you can visit:
- Portobello road market on the weekends
- Shoreditch market on Saturday
- Camden market (this one is lovely during winter)
- Greenwich market
- Spitafields market
- Get stunning views
London offers many spots where you can watch London from a different angle, such as above. Visit a stunning rooftop bar, such as: Sky Garden, or watch over London from the top of Tate Modern, or just get in to the London Eye.
9. Restaurant Service Fee's
Unlike Amsterdam, London has a (sometimes high) rate as restaurant service fee. Do not forget to always ask your receipt, so that you not do something as 'double tipping'. This will save yourself some money, unless you really want to do this yourself of course. The restaurant service rates vary in every restaurants, however most of the time is it approximately in between 10-12,5% up to more.
10. Pound store
There are several supermarkets in London. However, if you want to save some money: you should visit the pound store. There are quite a few all over London and aren't we all sometimes just want to have a quick small snack, such as a muesli/chocolat bar, a croissant or salad, or just a refreshing beverage? This is definitely a store where you can get a lot of products, for less than 10 pounds. Also, a very nice one to pass by and get snacks and drinks for your when you're on the road during your day trip.
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