LONDON TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 40+ Must-Knows Before Visiting London + What NOT to Do!
Discover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of London with this essential guide for first-time visitors. From historic cathedrals and royal palaces to bustling markets and vibrant entertainment districts, uncover the best of England's capital and learn insider tips to navigate the city like a local.
St Paul's Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral is a paid attraction included in the London Pass.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a paid attraction included in the London Pass.
Paddington Station
Paddington Station is mentioned in the context of the Heathrow Express, with advice given against using it unless the hotel is very close to the station.
London Eye
The London Eye is mentioned as a place where hotels are located close to, but it is advised to pick hotels based on comfort and proximity to a tube station instead.
Big Ben
Big Ben is mentioned as a place where hotels are located close to, but it is advised to pick hotels based on comfort and proximity to a tube station instead.
Harry Potter Studios Tour
The London Harry Potter Studios Tour is a popular attraction that can book up two months in advance, so it's important to book as soon as possible.
Mithraeum
The Mithraeum is a free thing to do in London, but needs to be booked up to four months in advance.
Barbican Conservatory
Tickets for the Barbican Conservatory are released for the next week on Thursdays at 10 A.M, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Tower of London
At the Tower of London you can watch the Ceremony of the Keys, where the Beefeaters lock up the Tower of London for the day, tickets need to be booked in advance on the first working day of the month at noon, for the next month and it costs five pounds.
Sky Garden
Sky Garden is one of the author's favorite viewpoints in London, it is free but tickets do go super quickly, usually tickets are released every Monday up to a week in advance, you can also book a breakfast ticket which costs £8.50 so it's not free but that does include a hot drink and a pastry and you get to see Sky Garden before it opens to the general public.
West End
To catch a show on the West End, download an app called Today Tix, and in advance of the trip, enter different ticket lotteries.
Leicester Square
Check out the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for day of discounted tickets for West End shows.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a famous food market in London that gets very, very crowded.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is one of London's incredible international cuisine food markets.
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market is one of London's incredible international cuisine food markets.
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market is one of London's incredible international cuisine food markets.
Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market is a smaller but very fun food market in London.