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20 Must Know London Tips for your First Visit!

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Are you planning your first visit to London? It’s a vibrant and unique city with a lot of history and culture. To make sure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, here are 20 must know London tips! These tips will help you make the most of your time in London which is what we all want when we travel to a new locale! So, read on for the 20 must know tips for your first visit to London.

20 Must Know London Tips
London, England

London is a spectacular city, with every possible scenario, restaurant, shopping, and activity you can imagine. Plus, you feel welcomed and not out of place, no matter where you’re from.

The history and the architecture, the parks and the river; even when it is raining, makes you want to just be outside and enjoy the sites.

Maybe that is why London is such a melting pot?

Make sure to save these ‘20 Tips to Know Before Visiting London for the First Time!’

20 Tips:

  1. Purchase a UK SIM card for your phone and there is free WiFi all over the city.
  2. Always carry an umbrella because you never know when it will rain.
  3. Comfortable shoes are a must as there is a lot of walking and this will generally get you around quicker than waiting for the tube.
  4. Wear what you want because there will be a neighborhood where you fit in perfectly. Black is a standard as well as you won’t ever go wrong with smart casual.
  5. Carry a lightweight scarf or shawl with you and layers are a necessity.
  6. There are quite a few museums that are free.
  7. Tipping in bars and pubs are not required. However, restaurants may add-on a service charge so you need to ask when you first get there, to avoid double tipping. Most hotels will include a service charge and a 10-15% tip for taxi drivers is customary.
  8. Save money by getting snacks for your day trips at the grocery store.
  9. Be vigilant as pick-pocketing is very real.
  10. Bring an adapter for the United Kingdom for your American chargers.
  11. Carry a zip-able backpack / day-pack while wandering around the city.
  12. Travel throughout Europe is relatively inexpensive.
  13. Dryers in homes are rare.
  14. Plugs have on/off switches.
  15. Eggs will not be found in the refrigerator aisle and fresh foods have a shorter shelf life.
  16. Make sure to research where your local resources are close to home; supermarket, tube entrance, etc.
  17. Learn how to walk really fast, because apparently everyone in London does.
  18. Talk about half as loud as you’re used to and don’t feel the need to share your life story when you first meet someone.
  19. The food scene is incredible and steer-clear of overprices chains in touristy areas.
  20. Keep your politics private, especially if you are a Conservative.

I hope you enjoyed these 20 Must Know London Tips!

Have you been to London? What tips would you like to add?

If you a solo traveler, make sure you check out my post on ‘How to: Solo Traveler Safety‘ for some of the tips I always abide by when traveling solo!

 



44 responses to “20 Must Know London Tips for your First Visit!”

  1. Thank you for this post! In a time when traveling seems like playing a game of try your luck I really appreciated this little moment of peace reading it and feeling like I got a glimpse of what it would be like to travel to London.

    1. I am so glad you liked the article! I know what you mean by a “try your luck” when traveling. That is why I try to give knowledge that I love because that way I know other’s will love it!

  2. It’s been on my bucket list to go to London and this post was refreshing and informative in understanding what is needed to go there. Can’t wait!

    1. Yes, London is incredible!

  3. My daughter is desperate to visit London. This is very useful, thank you xx

    1. Oh you should definitely take her!

  4. poofbeegoneblog Avatar
    poofbeegoneblog

    London is definitely on the bucket list and one can never have too many travel tips.

  5. themilitarytraveler Avatar
    themilitarytraveler

    I am so looking forward to getting to travel again and London is high on my list. Thanks for all the tips.

    1. Me too and you’re welcome!

  6. I really did enjoy reading the interesting items on the list. The sim card and plug switch ones are very helpful. Where do we find eggs if not in the refrigerated section? haha.

    1. I know and London isn’t the only place that doesn’t refrigerate the eggs – Indonesia and Nigeria don’t either. Now that I think about it, maybe the US is really the minority on this!

  7. And bring ugg boots… even in summer 😀 It’s always cold!!

    1. OHHHH, thank you for that!

  8. These are great tips! I visited London last year for the first time. Comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella are a must! Also, having an adaptor is so important. Thank you for sharing!

    1. Right, those things are definitely important! You’re welcome!

  9. Golden Undertones Avatar
    Golden Undertones

    Literally a dream place for me! I haven’t been yet, but these pictures are making me want to go ASAP! I will be saving this for when I go! Your list of 20 things are very helpful, thank you!

    1. You’re welcome and glad I was helpful! It is definitely a place to see!

  10. Golden Undertones Avatar
    Golden Undertones

    This post is super helpful! I have never been to London before so these tips will really help me! Thank you 🙂

    1. You should definitely go and you’re welcome!

  11. Sarah Camp | In Search of Sarah Avatar
    Sarah Camp | In Search of Sarah

    I love London so much!!! I’ve been coming for over 30 years (as I have family there) and even thought we *KNOW* it rains ALL THE TIME haha, we didn’t bring an umbrella on our most recent trip and I ended up buying on from the IWM. I remember the first time I saw eggs in the cupboard too and I freaked out haha. Can’t wait to come back!

    1. HAHAHA, love it! Yes, it seems a lot of places don’t keep them in the fridge like in the US; I wonder why? Yes, I need to get a new small carry umbrella as I left my last one in a taxi in Lisbon!

  12. London’s my favourite. Love yoour tips and information.

    1. Thank you! Isn’t it great?!

  13. Love London. Thanks for sharing you insights.

  14. I feel like London can be quite overwhelming for people travelling there for the first time. So this article is really helpful for people!

    1. It can be and it was a bit for me the first time I went. Just remember, it’s a fast paced city but you just need to see it on your own terms. Be vigilant, comfortable, and bring an umbrella!

  15. These are all great tips! That’s definitely good to know about the eggs/fresh produce and the rain!

    1. Right?! Tips like this are super useful!

  16. So beautiful! This post just reminds me of how badly I want to travel there!

  17. Wow. This was some really good info. My son asked to visit London just yesterday. We’ll be using these tips as we start to plan.

    1. Yay! Can’t wait to hear about your trip!

  18. I’ve always wanted to visit London! It is certainly on my bucket list.

    1. That’s awesome! Check it off soon!

  19. Oh my gosh , I’ve always wanted to visit London and these suggestions and advice just makes me want to go there more! Thank you so much for sharing!

    1. You’re welcome and you definitely should!

  20. Tesco is the place to go for snacks! I always packed snacks on day trips while I was studying abroad in Oxford, and Tesco has some of the best snacks for the best prices!

  21. Tesco is the place to go for snacks! I always packed snacks on day trips while I was studying abroad in Oxford, and Tesco has some of the best snacks for the best prices!

    1. Ohhhh, thank you for that! Tesco it is!

  22. I Love the bullet point of tips. It is a good reminder to carry layers, check out free museums, and no need to tip at restaurants. Also – generally good to avoid discussing politics. Great post!

    1. Thank you and yes, you’re correct on the politics – especially during these trying times!

  23. You forgot about the stab vest, wear one, even in the shower! The danger is real!

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About Me

Jaclyn is a travel blogger, UGC creator, and digital story teller. She is a solo luxury traveler, experience lover with a wanderlust soul, who is passionate about sharing her love of life with her global audience across her platforms. She loves to inspire others to see the opulent road traveled solo while empowering them to live their best lives.

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