London Travel Tips

London’s rainy reputation is well-known, but the weather isn’t this iconic city’s main attraction. Equally popular with history buffs and urban enthusiasts, London is breathtaking in so many ways. It is possible here to eat in some of the world’s finest restaurants, to see tangible evidence of the city’s Roman beginnings, to watch world-class theatrical productions, and to experience multiple cultures in a single day. I’ve spent a lot of time in this fascinating city — my go-to is British Airways — and I hope the London travel tips I share here will inspire you to see it for yourself.

The Best Travel Tips for London

London is a remarkably easy city to navigate, and the locals tend to be friendly and helpful. Of course, my number one best travel tip for London is to plan ahead and learn a bit about it before you go. Look into:

Pre-Paid Discount Ticket Packages

The London Pass and London Explorer Pass are two of my favorite pre-paid discount ticket packages for London tourists. Which one is best for you will depend on what you want to see and how long you’re staying in London.

Where the Tourists Go

When it comes to things to do in London, don’t shy away from the major tourist attractions.  Buckingham Palace, with its highly trained and remarkably dressed Queen’s Guard, is worth visiting at least once. Ditto for the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, and Kensington Palace.

Day Trips from London

London’s urban vibe quickly gives way to rolling hillsides and vast castles once you’ve hopped on a train or into a car. If you think you’ll need a break from the crowds, then look into the many day trips from London, which include not only Stonehenge and Cambridge University, but also beautiful beaches and Roman baths.

The Rules of the Road

Don’t forget that people in England drive on the left side of the road. While you may not be getting behind the wheel, it’s important to remember when you’re crossing the street. Some corners are labeled with signs telling pedestrians to look left or look right, but not all.

Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tours

One of the best ways to get acquainted with London is to take a bus tour that lets you move between London neighborhoods and sights at your own pace. Some of these tours even come with a bonus Thames cruise or walking tour.

London Weather

It does get chilly in London, and it drizzles quite a bit. One of the most practical London travel tips is to bring a folding raincoat (or buy one when you arrive). Some hotels have umbrellas on hand for guests to borrow, but they can be a little on the large side.

Tips For Traveling To London With Kids

For such a cosmopolitan city, London is surprisingly child-friendly. There are lots of educational and fun things to do in London, along with parks, landmarks, tourist attractions, and museums with free admission. The British Museum stands out, though there are plenty of smaller museums worth a visit around the city.

You can prepare your kids for your London visit by reading picture books like Paddington the Bear or rewatching classics like Mary Poppins or Harry Potter. We planned a London Harry Potter vacation, and if you want to make your upcoming trip engaging for your kids by going all in on Potter, check out what we included in our special itinerary. Don’t miss Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station, where kids can take a photo with a luggage cart halfway through the barrier.

The Best Hotels In London

London has more than 100,000 hotel rooms — some of which are more comfortable than others. Accommodations run the gamut from gritty to luxe, so do some digging before booking a hotel. Alternately, book with a brand you trust. We like to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square because we know we will have a wonderful experience and that the concierge will take care of us.

When you’re ready to book a hotel in London, keep in mind that I have access to exclusive VIP amenities at nearly 30 London luxury hotels as an Independent Affiliate of Cadence® Travel. These include extras like complimentary breakfasts, room upgrades, spa credits, and more.

Where and What to Eat in London

I love fish and chips, but you should know that there’s more to dining in London. One of the London travel tips I share with my friends and family is to try something new each day. There are the traditional old London dishes like ‘pie, mash and liquor’ (where liquor is a savory sauce) and steak and kidney pie, along with the classic Sunday roast. British people are also crazy about curries, and you’ll find some of the best curries in London around Brick Lane.

What are your favorite things to do and things to eat in London?