25 Useful Things to Know Before Visiting London

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Introduction

If you are planning on visiting London I’ve got 25 things to know before visiting London including places to visit for free, what and where to eat. Where to stay and so much more. This is solo, family and couple friendly so save this helpful guide for later.

Well, as someone who was born and raised here, I can tell you visiting London is one of the most incredible cities in the world, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. There are some unwritten rules that many first-time visitors don’t understand: queuing for tubes and buses, apologising for everything (yes, we Brits are obsessed with the word “sorry”), and knowing the best places to eat without getting ripped off. Do not worry I’ve got you. I’ve put together 25 things you need to know before visiting London, and these are the exact London travel tips I’d give to friends and family.

Visiting London is one of those cities that everyone dreams of visiting at least once. I know as someone born here I take it for granted. The iconic red buses, old-school phone booths, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, West End shows, and the unpredictable weather (where you can get five seasons in one day lol). London is truly a destination you just have to experience at least a couple of times in your life.

Now that I live abroad, I visit London more as a tourist than a local now, and I actually see it in a new light. I spot the scams, the tourist traps, and the hidden gems so much more. And I know which markets are worth it, which streets have the prettiest architecture, and how to save a little money in what is, let’s be honest, a very expensive city.

So, if you’re planning your first trip or just visiting London again, but want to explore smarter here 25 things know before visiting London. This helpful guide for things to do in London will save you time, money, and maybe even your phone from a sneaky pickpocket.

25 Things to Know Before Visiting London

1. Transport in London

MBV Tip: Wear comfortable shoes because you will walk a lot more than you think. London is super easy to walk so get your 10,000 steps in.

London has one of the most extensive (and expensive) public transport systems in the world, and here’s a fun fact: the London Underground (Tube) was the first urban underground railway in the world. It opened in 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon. Now, with the new Elizabeth Line, zipping across the city has never been easier. I am a Elizabeth Line die hard fan LMAO!

Here’s how to do London transport like a pro:

• Use contactless payment – Tap in and out with your debit/credit card, phone, or use Apple Watch.
• Get an Oyster card – You can buy one at airports, train stations, or some corner shops.
• Daily and weekly caps apply – You’ll never pay more than a certain amount per day.
• Register your card – If you want to track your journeys or claim refunds, register online.

Buses:

• It is worth noting that London buses do not accept cash, so you need an Oyster card or contactless payments to get on. Bus drivers will usually turn you away if you bring cash.
• Sit on the top deck for the best views it’s the cheapest sightseeing tour you’ll ever get!
• New: Keep an eye out for the Superloop (SL) buses. This is a newer network of express orbital routes connecting outer London (Greenwich, Ilford, Romford, and more are being added through 2026/2027). They skip most stops, so they’re faster if your route happens to line up with one.

Uber Boats & Cable Cars:

• Try the Thames Clippers (Uber Boats) for a scenic view of the river. It’s a little pricey but worth it.
• Head to the Emirates Air Line Cable Car in East London for affordable city views.

Walking & Black Cabs:

• Walking is often quicker than taking the Tube in central London. Getting a car doesn’t make any sense to be honest with you.
• Black cabs are iconic, but Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are usually cheaper.

2. A Guide for Getting the Tube/Transport

Now you know the different forms of transport. I think you may need a mini guide for transportation in London. If there 25 things to know before visiting London it’s definitely knowing how to get the tube!

London gets very busy during the day. It’s worth noting that it gets very busy between 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m, and it’s a little more pricey to travel these times as it’s considered peak time, which means you will pay more. If you can, travel around these times. And if you do travel around these times don’t be surprised to see people queuing for their early morning commutes to work during the weekday.

I would also advise that if you are getting the tube that you let people get off the train before you get on please. You can honestly tell when someone is not from London and they barge straight on to the train. Also tubes come frequently, you honestly don’t need to run and push through, holding doors to get on a tube, it’s dangerous, leads to delays and it can hold others up!

With everything despite London having one of the most expensive and best transport systems in the world. There are many delays, suspended lines and will need to know this before you plan your journey. i would highly recommend checking the transport status TfL Live Status. And you can download a map of the tube here.

2.Eating Out in London

London’s food scene is wild and it’s one of the things to do in London. EAT! Every week, there’s a new restaurant trending on TikTok or Instagram. I honestly struggle to keep up. The city is multicultural, so you can find authentic dishes from almost every corner of the world. To secure a reservations I would highly advise you to book months in advance, especially for dinner in central London.

Here are a few of my fave restaurant picks:

• Duck & Waffle – Stunning views, open 24/7. Get duck and waffle litreally.
• Roti King – Affordable and authentic Malaysian and Singaporean food.
• Tattu London – High-end, stunning interiors, perfect for a night out.
• Enish – For my Nigerian food lovers I have got you. Head here for proper Nigerian food.
• Flat Iron – Again, affordable a steakhouse chain that’s worth the queue. Or book early.
• Dirty Bones – Comfort food done right.
• Tiffany’s at Harrods – Perfect for afternoon tea
• The Ivy Asia – good for Pan-asian food.

Chinatown Gems:

• Dumplings Legend for handmade dumplings
• Four Seasons for the tastiest roast duck

Must try dishes when visiting London:

Another of the many things to know before visiting London is that there is aray of dishes that you must try.

• A Roast Dinner is important. It’s a British tradition. Head to a pub for roast chicken, Yorkshire pudding, and all the trimmings.
• Fish and chips is another important one. And if you want to do it like a real British person get yourself some curry sauce of mushy pease. Oh and a battered mars bar!
• A English Breakfast. One of my faves, get yourselves two sausages, bacon, fried egg (sunny side up), hash browns, black pudding, fried tomatoes, and a slice of toast with proper butter.
• Afternoon tea on a river cruise for something unique. You can book via here.

Brunch & Afternoon Tea:

• Tiffany’s at Harrods – Treat yourself to afternoon tea in style.
• Sketch London – Insta-worthy pink interiors.
• Ole & Steen – A great Danish bakery for coffee and pastries.
• Black-owned brunch spots like The Breakfast Club and Drunch are worth visiting.

Markets are your friend for affordable eats head out to:

You can’t come and say you were visiting London and not go to one of the following

• Borough Market
• Camden Market
• Portobello Road and,
• Greenwich Market are my top picks

3. Download the Citymapper App

Google Maps works (and if you don’t have it please get it), but Citymapper is a Londoner’s best friend. It shows the fastest routes across Tube, bus, train, and even walking options with live delays. You will want to use it for shopping in Oxford Circus, Covent Garden and navigating big malls like Westfield Stratford and White City.

4. Walk Whenever You Can

When you are visiting London you with think it looks huge, but central areas are surprisingly walkable. Places I love to walk to and from:

• Covent Garden → Leicester Square (10 mins)
• Trafalgar Square → Big Ben → London Eye → Buckingham Palace (15 -20 mins)
• Trafalgar Square → Chinatown (I listed a couple of my fave restaurants in section 3) (20 mins)
• Southbank → London Bridge → Borough Market → Tower Bridge (25–30 mins)

Whatever you do please don’t just stop in the middle of the pavement while walking in Central London! Londoners walk fast. If you need to check Google Maps, step to the side unless you want to get an annoyed “tut” from a local. Trust me it happens. Just apologies and move out the way quickly. Many Londoners are happy to help you find where you are going so just ask.

5. Crime in London – Watch Out for Pickpockets

Like many cities, the crime rates are increasing daily! I’ve seen and heard it all. Phone snatching in tourist areas. Car theft, and I’m even hearing now about the powder being thrown in faces. London has a new headlines daily and for someone not always here it’s worth knowing.

• Tourist areas like Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Camden Market are hotspots for stealing phones at the moment.
• You may also find phone snatching at bus stops and underground so be mindful of your areas, keep your bag in front of you and zipped up.
• There are also a fair amount beggars and homeless people in the streets. If I’m asked for anything I usually just buy someone a sandwich instead of giving cash.

Visiting London is generally deemed ‘safe’ but just keep a watch out and be alert when at bus stops and on the Tube, especially at night.

6. Hotels To Stay

I’ve stayed in a fair amount of hotels in London for friends weddings, birthdays, Spa treatments etc. Hotels are very expensive in London, especially if you’re staying in Zone 1. I would recommend the following stays for all budgets:

• Park Plaza Victoria – Central, great service.
• The Ned – For a luxury city stay.
• CitizenM Bankside – Stylish and affordable-ish.
• The Standard, King’s Cross – Trendy and well-located.
• Premier Inn Hub – Budget but central.

Again with most things to do in London, it is certainly worth booking hotels early as they are likely to get booked up quickly with festivals and holiday seasons. You can book more hotels here.

A map of central hotels in London

7. Weather

Oh British weather. Where does one begin. It is very unpredictable. One minute it’s sunshine, the next it’s a downpour. It can even snow all in the same day when visiting London you have to come prepapred.

If theres one way to spark up a conversation with a fellow Brit is to talk about the weather. They will talk about it until your ears fall off. I would highly recommend

• Bringing a coat even during the summer, and packing layers for any wether change.
• Packing a compat umbrella.
• Checking the weather forecast via your Iphone or BBC weather forcast.

We’ve had a good summer this year, but there has been a fair amount of showers and it can be fairly cold in the morning so bring different clothings for different weathers – just to be safe. And here is a free packing checklist just for you.

8. London is Pricey Actually It’s Expensive

Over the years visiting London has got more and more expensive. Every time I come back for a few days I’m shocked with the pricey’s I see. My mum often rants on about how the prices of food items have changed since she came to London too, which is over a few decades now!

London is a very expensive city so do prepare for this. I’ve given a few affordablish hotels, places to eat and I will give some free places to visit below, but things range from around:

• Cocktails: £15-25
• Casual meal: £12-20
• Dinner: £40-100+
• Hotels: £150-£300+ per night

You can save money with pre-theatre menus, lunch specials, and food markets, if you are coming for a more budget friendly trip to London.

9. Book Everything in Advance

When you are visiting London you have to book in advance. West End shows, to restaurants, shopping you will want to go and see in London, please book early. If you do book the theatre you have to book early. I can’t stress this enough. You can use websites like Groupon or Lastminute.com to secure bargains. I’m lover of going to the theatre, I have seen Lion King, Blood Brothers, Cinderella and more.

There are also a number of limited shows at the Old Vic so worth having a look. I mentioned booking to restaurant’s earlier as you’ll need reservations. Walk-ins are tough at popular spots, especially on weekends.

10. Free Things to Do in London (MBV’s Local’s Picks)

I would say that one of the best things about London is that you don’t technically always need lots of money to have a proper day out. There are so many free things to do in London, and most tourists don’t even realise half of them exist.

Free Museums (donations optional, not compulsory):

• British Museum
• Tate Modern
• National Gallery
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum

Free Views:

Sky Garden – Book a free ticket online for a panoramic view of the city from 35 floors up. It’s my favourite budget-friendly alternative to The Shard. Get there on time or they may not let you in I have experienced this myself.

Free Wandering:

• Notting Hill – Go see the colourful houses, and if you’re here in August, the Carnival is free too
• Columbia Road Flower Market – Sundays only, gorgeous even if you’re not buying
• Southbank at night – I mentioned earlier the best things to do in London is walk. You can go walk from Waterloo past the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, and along the river to Tower Bridge
• 10 Adam Street – My little secret spot near the Strand with a door that looks almost identical to the real 10 Downing Street. Perfect free photo op

Free Green Spaces:

There are so many free parks like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, St James’s Park, Richmond Park (go spot the deer). All free, all gorgeous, all perfect for a picnic with snacks from Tesco or M&S.

MBV Tip: Go early, especially in summer or half-term, or these spots get packed with families fast.

This barely scratches the surface though, I’ve got a full guide of free things to do in London coming soon with way more hidden gems, so keep an eye out for that one.

11. Consider Day Trips from London

One thing I have loved about living in London and visiting in London when I’m out at Post is the ease and breeze of getting to other cities like Bath, Swindon (where I grew up), Reading and even much further around Europe. Some suggestions of days trips you can take:

• Bath – Roman Baths and charming streets which you can read here.
• Oxford or Cambridge – Famous university towns and truly stunning and close to my hometown Swindon.
• Brighton – Seaside and cute lanes you can read more about my day trip here. Or even the famous Stonehenge.
• Ascot – Royal vibes, if you time it right you can steal a day to Ascot and join the Ascots Races. You don’t actually have to go to the Royal Ascots, but if you do it would be perfect.
• Paris/Brussels/Amsterdam – Yes, the Eurostar can make this happen, but again book early and if you are living on the edge you can also use Eurostar snap, which gives you affordable tickets to some European cities.

12. Explore London’s Food Markets

I mentioned a few of these already but you honestly have to go to a few of these markets in London:

• Borough Market – Foodies’ paradise I absolutely love it here, but again can be pricey
• Portobello Road – Antiques & street eats from all around the world
• Camden Market – Street food & alternative vibes
• Spitalfields Market – Trendy stalls
• Greenwich Market – Food and crafts and much more.
• Columbia Road – For flower lovers on Sundays, I use to go here after church every week and get some flowers for the week.
• Black Food Market – Celebrating Black owned food restaurants, businesses and more.

13. Parks in London

There are a number of green spaces and parks to explore when visiting London. You can go out for a picnic get some bites from a nearby Tesco’s or Marks and Spencer’s (M&S). Here are some London parks:

• Hyde Park – Perfect for a picnic or boat ride
• Kensington Gardens – Royal history and peaceful walks
• St James’s Park – Ducks, pelicans, and palace views
• Regent’s Park – Beautiful gardens & London Zoo
• Richmond Park – Spot wild deer
• Danson Park – stunning views and great location for children.
• Greenwich Park – Amazing views of Canary Wharf
• Green Park – Small but central near Buckingham Palace.

14. Visit Iconic Sights Early or Late

Theres is a lot of history in London so it’s important to see the Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. Go in the morning when it is less crowded or around sunset as its actually stunning during the summer. Plus, your photos will be better.

One of my favourite things to do in London is walk. It’s such an easy city to go walking you can go walk along Southbank at night. Start from Waterloo Station and stroll past the London Eye, Royal Festival Hall, and along the river toward Tower Bridge. Sometimes there is a food festival at Royal Festival Hall and theres lots of food restaurants to eat from.

16. Shopping in London

While I’ve coming back in London, I have seen that more and more stores, supermarkets now have self-service checkouts in London. If you are looking to shop in London here are a few good places to look at from shopping in flagship stores to going to the supermarket for food.

• Oxford Street & Regent Street – High street & flagship stores
• Covent Garden – Boutiques and market vibes
• Westfield Stratford & White City – Huge malls. They are both very close to the tube stations and easy to navigate and also have lots of restaurants in.
• Harrods & Selfridges – Luxury browsing
• M&S, Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco – For budget-friendly snacks if self-catering or just want to buy water while out and about.

17. Brits Queue for Everything – Please Do Not Cut the Queue

Queuing is basically law in the UK. Whether it’s for a bus or a Pret coffee, join the queue. Another secret, cutting in line is a crime against humanity here. Please don’t do it. I feel like I’ve spoken about queuing and awful lot here today! And if you bump into someone you’ll probably still say sorry. It’s a national pastime around here.

18. Finding Public Toilets

Public toilets can be tricky. I would highly recommend going to toilet in restaurants and in your hotel, Airbnb. Public toilets usually require you to be near a big tube station like Kings Cross, Waterloo and Victoria and some still require payment. And they are not always the cleanest because they are public.

19. Stay Connected with Airalo

Wi-Fi is decent in most places when visiting London. Underground, on tubes, restaurants and public builds there is usually access to Wi-Fi. However, I would highly recommend using Airalo eSIM to avoid roaming charges and stay online for maps.

20. Clubs Close Early

London nightlife isn’t like Berlin or New York anymore. Many clubs close at 2–3 a.m. Although some like Fabric and Ministry of Sound go later. I used to go out a lot in Mayfair clubs during my undergrad days clubs like Maddox Mayfair, Cirque le Soir and Cuckoo Club. Please be safe and plan your route home before you go out on a night out.

21. Get A London Day Pass

There is so many things to do in London you will want to get a London Day Pass. It gives you access to explore some the key city attractions while saving money. You will see places like Tower of London, Hop-on Hop-off bus, and London Zoo, which are also very family friendly. You can book your London Day Pass here.

22. Famous Brunch Spots You Must Go

You can’t come and say you are visiting London and not see a few of brunch/cafe spots in London. brunch is where I think my friends lose all their money and wonder how i’m able to travel so much hehe. Anyways you can head to:

• Ole & Steen – Great pastries
• The Breakfast Club – Classic & quirky
• Drunch – Black-owned and vibey

And as I mentioned please book in advance, you can find lots of brunch spots on TikTok and Instagram also.

23. Venture Outside Zone 1

Theres a lot to see and do outside of zone 1. You can head out to Notting Hill Gate with the pretty colouful buildings, and if you’re here in August you can enjoy the carnival! You can also explore Greenwich, and Hampstead Heath which are also gorgeous and quieter than Soho or Westminster

I would also recommend book tours for London through sites like GetYourGuide and Viator.

24. There’s a replica of 10 Downing Street So Get a Selfie

Most people know that the official home of the British Prime Minister is 10 Downing Street. I’ve been to the real No. 10 Downing Street on many occasions for work. The closest people ever get to the famous black door is from behind the security gates as it is highly guarded.

But here’s a little London secret just between me and you: there’s a lookalike door just a few minutes’ walk away where you can take your perfect photo without the stress. You may have to queue lol! if you Google Map 10 Adam Street, just off the Strand, you’ll find a door that looks almost identical to the real thing.

25. The Best Time to Visit London

I would say anytime is a good time to come to London. For me I would come during the summer days because you have longer days which is brilliant for festivals, rooftop bars, and tours around the city. To be honest, this is my favourite season for walking tours and riverside strolls, but I know that it’s also the busiest for tourists. I would also suggest winter. Although the days are shorter, it’s when the Christmas lights come out and there is also Winter Wonderland, Christmas markets and just fun of the festive period is great to be around.

• Summer (June to August): Long days, warm weather, and the best time for outdoor festivals, rooftop bars, and day trips. This is my favourite season for walking tours and riverside strolls, but it’s also the busiest for tourists.
• Autumn (September to October): Crisp weather, golden parks, and fewer crowds. Perfect if you love photography and cozy café vibes.
• Winter (November to January): Magical Christmas lights and markets, ice skating rinks, and a festive vibe. I love coming home around this time just for the lights and mulled wine, but pack warm layers!
• Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms in Greenwich and Kew Gardens, mild temperatures, and the city waking up after winter.

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Conclusion on Things to Do in London

And there you have it a full on packed travel guide with 25 things to know before visiting London. Despite never writing about it (we never think the places we live in our touristy worthy lol), I actually love London, it’s my first home and has so much going for it. Every time I return to London now, I’m reminded that this city is like a living, breathing storybook. Even after spending most of my life here, I still find new corners to explore and little surprises that make me fall in love all over again.

Visiting London isn’t just about the obvious landmarks. Yes, you’ll see Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge, but the real magic is in those small, unexpected moments. It’s in stumbling across a hidden courtyard like Neal’s Yard, hearing a street musician’s saxophone echo under the arches of Southbank, or spotting deer in Richmond Park on a quiet afternoon.

It’s also in the rhythm of the city. One minute, you’re sipping tea in a cozy café in Hampstead; the next, you’re crossing Millennium Bridge with the skyline glowing at sunset. London is a place where you can dress up for a West End show one night solo and eat street food from five different countries the next day. It’s a city that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.

If you give yourself permission to wander, you’ll always find something new: a quirky bookshop, a colourful mews street, or a pub that feels like it’s been waiting for you for 200 years. And when your feet are tired, you can sit by the Thames, watch the city lights dance on the water, and know you’ve experienced a little piece of its soul.

So, whether you’re here for history, food, culture, shopping, or just the adventure of it all, London has something for you. Use these 25 London travel tips from a local (and a few extra MBV secrets) to make your trip easier, safer, and way more fun. Let yourself experience the chaos, the charm, and the little surprises, because that’s what visiting London is really about.

I always say, visiting London is a must because it’s a city that keeps on giving. And will never stop giving. Even if you think you’ve seen it all, it will always have another hidden gem, another story, and another memory waiting for you.

Speak soon,

MBV x