London, one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cities, has long been a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. With its rich history, iconic landmarks, and endless cultural offerings it’s no surprise that millions of visitors flock to the city each year.
But for your first time visit to London, navigating this bustling metropolis can be daunting.
That’s why I’ve created this guide filled with tips to make your first trip to London a success.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a culture vulture, London has something for everyone. So let’s dive in and discover everything London has to offer!
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Planning Your Trip to London
Before you even step foot in London, these are a few things you’ll want to consider to ensure that your trip runs smoothly.
First, you’ll need to decide when to visit. While London is a year-round destination, the city is very crowded during the summer months when the weather is perfect and school is out.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds consider visiting during the off-season which is during spring and autumn. During this time, the weather is cooler and the crowds are less dense.
Next, is choosing where to stay. London is a massive city, so it’s important to choose a neighborhood that is convenient for you and fits within your budget.
Consider these areas:
- Kings Cross is a bustling area with great connecting transportation lines to the rest of the city.
- Bloomsbury is known for the British Museum. It’s also charming, historic, and within walking distance of other main attractions.
- Southwark is located just south of the Thames with easy access to the city’s famous theatre district, The West End.
- Paddington is in West London with easy access to Heathrow Airport.
- Marylebone is just north of Oxford Street. It’s chic and upscale with a variety of boutique shops and restaurants.
Getting Around London
London has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world, making it easy to get around quickly and affordably.
The famous London Underground, more commonly known as the Tube, is actually the oldest underground railway system in the world. It opened on January 10, 1863, with steam engines.
Today, the Tube has 11 lines that cover 402km with 272 stations.
And let’s not forget about those iconic red double-decker buses. London has over 19,000 bus stops and about 700 routes.
You’ll never be too far away from a bus or Tube station.
To use the London public transportation network you’ll need an Oyster Card, which is a reloadable contactless card that you can buy at any of the Tube stations or at the airport. Tube fares are based on the beginning and end point which is determined by which zones you are traveling through. Bus fares are the same price anywhere in the city, £1.75. If you are using the transportation system a lot, the Oyster card does have a daily cap which is one of the benefits of using it.
Another option is to just use your own contactless credit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay. If your card doesn’t incur foreign transaction fees, this could be more beneficial if you’re only staying in London for a few days.
Staying Safe in London
When traveling solo as a female in London, safety should always be a top priority. While London is generally a safe city, there are some precautions you can take to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
One important thing that you can do is always stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Don’t walk with headphones on so you can hear what is happening around you. Stick to well-lit and busy areas.
Keep your valuables out of sight and avoid carrying a lot of cash with you.
Experiencing London Culture
The historic city is steeped in rich culture and amazing architecture with an incredible selection of museums (some of which are free), theatres, and historic landmarks.
Museums
London is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums, offering visitors a chance to explore art, history, and science. The best part is that all of these museums are free. There may be some special exhibitions that require a fee, but general admission doesn’t cost anything.
- The British Museum is one of the oldest in the world and houses a lot of different archeology finds from around the world. The selection covers 2 million years of human history.
- The Natural History Museum showcases a collection of dinosaur skeletons, fossils, and gems.
- The Tate Modern showcases a diverse collection of international contemporary art.
- The National Gallery is another art museum that focuses on paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900. There are over 2,300 paintings in the collection.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum is the world’s largest collection of decorative arts and design.
- The Science Museum is an interactive museum of the history of science, technology, engineering, and medicine.
- The Museum of London covers the history of the city dating back to prehistoric times.
- The Imperial War Museum explores the history of modern warfare and conflict through personal stories from those that lived and fought through war.
Theatre
London’s West End is a world-famous destination for theatre lovers. With shows every night, it can be hard to choose which one to see.
And I’ll let you in on a way to get discounted tickets to shows.
First, download the app called Today Tix. Every day at 10 am they release unsold tickets to shows that evening at a discount. I was able to get tickets to see Bonnie and Clyde for £25!
And while shows constantly change and have different run times, there are a few classics that have been consistent in the West End.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Wicked
- Matilda
- The Phantom of the Opera
- The Lion King
- The Book of Mormon
- Mamma Mia!
- Les Misérables
If you’re a real theatre buff, also check out Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre where you can tour the famous wooden “O” and see shows like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Macbeth.
History
Since it’s your first time visit to London, you can’t miss out on all the top sites. Be sure to pay a visit to these iconic attractions.
- Tower of London: A historic castle and former royal palace that served as a prison and place of execution.
- Westminster Abbey: A Gothic church where British monarchs have been crowned and buried since the 11th century. It’s also the burial place of famous scientists such as Issac Newton and Charles Darwin.
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the UK.
- Tower Bridge: A combined bascule and suspension bridge that spans over the River Thames.
- Big Ben: The famous clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.
London Markets
London is known for its diverse range of markets that offer visitors a unique shopping and cultural experience. I loved walking around and checking out all the local vendors. There’s so much food that you’ll never be able to try them all in one day!
Here are some of the top markets to explore during your first time visit to London:
- Camden Market: Located in the trendy neighborhood of Camden Town, this market is known for its alternative fashion and handmade crafts. If punk rock clothing, vintage vinyl records, and eclectic jewelry is your thing, this market is a must for you.
- Portobello Road Market: Situated in the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill, this market is famous for its colorful stalls selling antiques and vintage clothing. You’ll also find a variety of food options, bakeries and cafes.
- Borough Market: This historic market near London Bridge is a foodie’s paradise, offering artisanal cheeses, meats, baked goods, and fresh produce. You’ll be able to sample international cuisine from French cheeses to Spanish paella.
- Columbia Road Flower Market: This vibrant flower market takes place every Sunday in East London, with flower and plant sellers lining the streets. You’ll be able to find a wide variety of plants, from exotic orchids to colorful tulips and roses.
- Brick Lane Market: Located in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood, this market is a melting pot of cultures and styles. You’ll find vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and more international cuisine.
Foodie Central
With the city’s diverse and exciting food scene, there are options to satisfy any palate.
If you’re looking for authentic Chinese cuisine, head over to Chinatown, which is located in the heart of the West End. You’ll have your pick of restaurants selling dim sum, and noodle soup.
For something more unique, check out Covent Garden where you’ll find Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials Market. Neal’s Yard is in a small courtyard full of several independent cafes and restaurants serving healthy and delicious food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Seven Dials Market is a covered dining hall where you’ll find a variety of vendors from a conveyer belt cheese restaurant to craft beer and steamed buns.
If you want everything you can think of in one place, Soho is your spot. It’s full of the city’s best restaurants, cafes, pubs, and innovative fusion cuisine.
Here are some of my personal recommendations:
- Attendant: This is a cafe that used to be an old men’s underground toilet. It’s completely renovated and you can still see the old urinals. There are a few locations throughout the city so you can find one that’s closest to you. The funny thing is, there is no toilet anymore for customers.
- 10 Cases: If you’re a wine lover like me, then you’ll love this wine bar. They only order 10 cases of each wine, hence the name, so there’s always something new to try.
- Barrafina: Try out this tapas bar with an open kitchen. You can sit at the high-top bar and watch the chefs create all the dishes.
- Fortnum and Mason: You can’t leave London without tasting the tea. This famous tea store also has a restaurant and serves afternoon tea in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, which was opened in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth herself.
Final Thoughts for Your First Time Visit to London
London is a vibrant city with so much to offer for first time visitors. From exploring the city’s historical landmarks and museums to enjoying delicious food and unique shopping experiences, there is something for everyone.
To make the most of your trip to London, be sure to plan ahead and take advantage of the city’s public transportation system. With a little preparation and a sense of adventure, you’ll have a memorable trip exploring this incredible city.