Big Ben and London Skyline — Photo by Marcin Nowak on Unsplash

Are you planning a trip to London? Congratulations! You're about to visit one of the world's most exciting and vibrant cities. But before you start packing your bags, you should know a few things about London – from weather to culture and everything in between. Here's what you need to know before visiting London for the first time:

What Attractions are Worth Your Time and Money?

High Tea

Pour yourself a cup of tea at a traditional English Afternoon Tea service. I enjoyed a delightful tea service at the vegan-friendly LINNEAN. The experience runs about $65 per person, but it's well worth it! Like most high tea experiences, you will enjoy an array of delicious finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, and of course, unlimited tea.

Grab Lunch at the Borough Market

I'm a sucker for any good food market, and the Borough Market didn't disappoint! You can find fresh produce, seafood, cheese, and a wide variety of prepared lunches. With hundreds of vendors to choose from, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, the vibe is just, well, fun!

The Tower Of London

A visit to the Tower of London is a must for anyone heading to the city. It's home to historical artifacts from kings and queens throughout England's history, and you can experience it all with a guided tour. It may *sound* boring, but I promise it's entertaining for everyone. I first visited the Towner of London when I was 18, and I still consider it one of the coolest places I've ever visited.

See a West End Show

Going to London and not seeing a production is like going to New York City and not seeing a Broadway musical. You just have to do it. With dozens of theaters throughout the city, you can find something for everyone—from plays to musicals and even stand-up comedy shows. Book your tickets in advance or try your luck at the same-day box office!

London Double Decker Bus — Photo by Ashleigh Joy Photography on Unsplash

Take a Walking Tour

I'm a sucker for a good walking tour, and there are many great ones in London, from free tours to paid experiences. A great way to explore the city and get an insider's look at some of its most iconic sites.

Explore Shopping on Oxford Street

If you love shopping, Oxford Street is a must-see! It's almost two miles long with over 300 stores, from designer boutiques to high street favorites. You'll find everything from department stores like Selfridges to vintage shops and quirky eateries.

Visit a Pub

No trip to London would be complete without attending a pub! Whether it's for a pint or a spot of lunch, there are many pubs offering traditional English fare and extensive beer selections. I can't tell you how many American holidays I've now spent in British and Irish pubs across the globe.

Visit the British Museum

Really I am just including this so you'll go look at the stolen marbles from Greece and hopefully be as upset about the British stealing everything from everyone as I am.

Practical Tips to Know Before Visiting London

The UK is No Longer Part of the Schengen Area

This can be both good and bad news. The good is you can stay in the UK for up to six months. In contrast, you can only be in Schengen for three. So, if you need to reset your Schengen visa a bit, adding some days in the UK on your European tour can help you from overstaying your tourist visa. The bad news? It just makes travel more of a pain because you have to go through border control when leaving the UK. Whereas when traveling between Schengen countries, you do not.

London Underground — Photo by Marc Kleen on Unsplash

Transportation Tips

London has a comprehensive public transit network that includes buses, trains, and the Underground (the Tube). You can use an Oyster Card to purchase fares and get discounts when using more than one form of transportation. Additionally, you can use apps like City Mapper or Google Maps to help plan your route.

Money Matters

The official currency is the British Pound (GBP). You can find many ATMs throughout the city to get cash. Credit cards are also widely accepted in most places, and you may even be able to use your card for transportation fares.

Weather

London experiences a cold winter from December through February, but the weather generally stays mild the rest of the year. You may want to bring layers for changing temperatures, as well as an umbrella or raincoat in case of showers.

Look Out For Pickpockets

London is generally a safe city, but you need to keep an eye out for pickpockets and scammers like anywhere else in the world. Always keep your bag close to you, don't leave valuables unattended, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

London Telephone Box — Photo by Jack Finnigan on Unsplash

Stay Connected

London is known for its expensive mobile plans, but there are ways to stay connected without breaking the bank. You can purchase a local SIM card or use your phone's hotspot to access free Wi-Fi in cafes, hotels, and restaurants. Additionally, you may want to look into getting an international roaming plan before traveling so you can stay connected on the go.

Remember, They Drive On the Other Side

Luckily, they know they are unique, so they add some helpful signs to remind you to look the *other* way before crossing the street.

Bring an Adapter

The UK uses different plugs than the US and EU, so you'll want to make sure you have an adapter before heading to London. Additionally, many hotels will offer adapters for rent if you don't have one of your own.

London is an incredible destination for new travelers and will never bore an experienced one. From world-renowned attractions to bustling pubs and shops, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. Be sure to keep these practical tips in mind before visiting London so you can get the most out of your trip. With a little preparation, you'll be ready to explore all that London has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime!

What to Know Before Visiting London