A First-Time Traveller’s Guide to London
If you’re travelling to London for the first time, then there’s plenty for you to see and do, even if you’re there for a week or two. Most people tend to travel to the city for a long weekend to a week, which is plenty of time to explore a lot of the capital city itself.
London combines 2,000 years of history with its arts scene and cutting-edge, modern cuisine. You can find some of the best Italian restaurants London to dine in, as well as unique food experiences you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in the country, like a cheese conveyor belt in Seven Dials.
1. Getting Around: Navigating the Capital
To get around the city with ease, the TFL is highly recommended, and you can download TFL Go or the Citymapper app to plan your routes with ease.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.
When paying on the underground, you’ll simply need to tap in and out using contactless bank cards or mobile devices, rather than buying paper tickets. When travelling on escalators, make sure to stand on the right side to let commuters walk up on the left.
Riding the top deck of a red double-deck bus is great for a cheap city tour and an overground view of popular tourist spots.
2. Must-See Icons vs. Hidden Gems
Some must-see icons are the classic circuit that includes Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.
Don’t forget to take a walk down The Mall to see Buckingham Palace and to watch the Changing of the Guard.
For local alternatives, head over to Leadenhall Market or experience a panoramic skyline view for free at Sky Garden.
3. Dining and Culture on a Budget
For those who want to dine and enjoy the city’s culture on a budget, there are plenty of free museums to take advantage of.
Street markets are highly popular, so consider visiting Borough or Camden Market at some point. Seven Dials Market is also a great one for a real mix of street food types.
If you’re looking for some evening entertainment, then the West End is where it’s at. You can buy directly from the theatres themselves, but if you want to secure some discounted, affordable tickets, head over to the TKTS in Leicester Square, or enter daily digital lotteries.
4. Essential London Survival Tips
To survive in the city, there are some essential London survival tips worth knowing about. Firstly, carry a compact umbrella and wear layered clothing during most times of the year as the weather isn’t always pleasant.
Tipping culture in the UK isn’t as regimented as it is in the US. You’ll usually have a 12.5% service charge that’s added to the bill in restaurants, so extra tipping isn’t necessary.
Always look left and right when crossing the road and look out for the ‘look right’, ‘look left’ road markings.
There’s plenty to take advantage of when you’re in this city. Balance iconic sightseeing with unstructured exploration to experience the true charm of London. Don’t forget the comfortable walking shoes, and book any paid activities in advance where you can.
