Visiting London is a bucket list experience for many Americans and making plans for any overseas trip can seem overwhelming. Just thinking about getting from the airport to your hotel in a foreign country can give even those most veteran travelers a bit of anxiety.
The good news is that when you take some time to make plans and do a bit of serious research – your first visit to London can go on without a hitch!
Though I’m a seasoned traveler and have been to many countries outside of the U.S. – I had never visited London (or the UK) before. So I took the same approach I’d give to anyone that asked me for travel advice.
Here are some of the things I discovered that will be helpful in planning your first visit to London and hopefully make your experience fun and memorable!
Influencers Are Probably Lying To You
I’m embarrassed that even yours truly was dumb enough to fall for the picture perfect Instagram photos and videos of London during the holidays. I know better! The streets were so clean and empty as beautiful lights twinkled above. What an amazing experience to soak in and savor! Also – what a complete load of crap!
Yes – London was beautifully decorated. But it was crowded. Some might say overcrowded. The perfect photos and videos you see on social media are likely taken at 6 in the morning or enhanced by photoshop to remove the throngs of tourists. Expect the worst when you see a perfect photo on social media.
Bottom line – it’s going to be busy in Central London any time of the year.
Study Up On Public Transportation
The UK has incredible pubic transportation and you are likely to use it a lot while you’re visiting London for the first time. You’re also likely to be stunned at how vast and expansive The Underground (aka: ‘the tube”) is. There’s an entire world of tunnels and trains below the city! It’s crazy!
The good news is that with a little bit of research you will have minimal problems navigating around. Start by watching a YouTube video on how to get from the airport into Central London. There are plenty of videos that will literally show you the entire pathway you’ll take from your plane, through immigration, baggage claim, and then on to your preferred mode of transportation.
Personally, I chose to use the Elizabeth Line train out of Heathrow and then later changed over to a traditional Underground train to get me closer to my lodging. The Elizabeth line is less crowded and goes faster, but it does cost more. (The extra $10 or $12 was totally worth it.)
There really is no reason to be using taxis or Ubers from the airport. The public trains are just that good and almost always quicker. And no, you don’t need to worry about booking tickets ahead of time. As long as you have a contactless credit card – you just tap the gate as you enter. (Don’t forget to tap again when you exit the stations or you’ll be charged more!)
Buses are also a great option for getting around. You can use an app like CityMapper or Google Maps to find the best routes. To pay for the bus, you simply use your contactless credit card as you get on the bus. (Unlike the trains, you don’t need to tap out of the bus as you exit.)
The Weather Will Probably Suck
I don’t say this to discourage you from visiting but London is known for clouds and rain. During my visit in December of 2024, it rained every single day except for one. Make sure you bring water proof tennis shoes and an umbrella that’s small enough to throw in your backpack for the day. The good news is that it’s unlikely to rain the entire day even if the forecast is calling for that.
You Don’t Have To Tip At Restaurants!
Unlike in the U.S. you aren’t expected to tip at restaurants. You’ll most likely notice a separate tax or fee automatically added to your bill. That’s not to say that you can’t tip but it’s seriously not expected.
You Won’t Know Which Side To Walk On
As drivers in London use opposite sides of the road, your logic would dictate that you also walk on the left side of the sidewalks. However, it seems that no one (including locals) has a clue where to walk. The busy sidewalks are often like mosh pits with people going every direction and no order.
One thing you should take note of though is that you better stand on the right side of escalators if you’re not actively moving. Locals are not afraid to give you a shove or make it clear that you’re holding them up by blocking the “passing” side.
Your AirBNB Probably Won’t Have A Dryer
I was shocked to learn that my AirBNB had a washing machine but not a dryer. Instead, there were radiators where you were expected to hang your clothes. I asked my host how long it would take me to wash a pair of my jeans – she responded “a couple of days”. Needless to say I didn’t wash any clothes during my visit. Some homes have a combo washer/dryer but they apparently aren’t very good.
Get Outside of London
There are a lot of popular attractions within London that you probably want to experience. Buckingham Palace, the Churchill War Rooms, and the British Museum to name a few. However, thanks to public transportation – a train ride can get you outside of London and into some cool neighborhoods for a more authentic UK experience.
For example, one of the spots I visited was Richmond. Richmond may be best known in America as where Ted Lasso lives! Yes, you can see some of the filming locations that you’ll recognize from the show. But you’ll also find charming alleys with shops and pubs; local parks; and have a chance to see some beautiful neighborhoods and homes.
Lastly… Remember To Mind The Gap!
You’re going to be amused by some of the signage and slang used in London. Instead of “watch your step” — you’re going to hear “mind the gap”. (And you’re going to hear it A LOT.)
Other subtle differences I noticed – “Exit” is “Way Out; “Restrooms” are “Toilets”; and “Yield” is “Give Way”. The good news is – the UK is a great place if you’re having your first overseas visit. The language is mostly seamless and you won’t have to stress about any language barriers.