Visiting London for the first time? Welcome!
London is exciting, historic and wonderfully walkable — but a few simple tips can make your first visit much easier. Here are 10 things worth knowing before you arrive.
1.Oyster or contactless?
For most visitors, contactless payment is one of the easiest ways to travel around London. You can use a contactless bank card or compatible phone or watch, while an Oyster card is another option.
Remember to use the same card or device when touching in and out. On buses, you only touch in.
If you're visiting from overseas, check whether your bank charges foreign transaction or currency-conversion fees.
2.Learn the basics of London's transport
The Tube, buses, Elizabeth line, DLR and trains make getting around London relatively easy.
But don't take the Tube everywhere! Some famous sights are surprisingly close together, and walking between them lets you discover streets, buildings and little details you would otherwise miss.
Our tip: combine public transport with walking.
3.Be ready for London weather
London weather can be unpredictable — even in summer!
Bring comfortable shoes and a light waterproof jacket or small umbrella. On sunny days, sunglasses, sunscreen and a water bottle are useful; in colder months, dress in layers.
Always check the forecast before leaving your hotel.
And don't worry if it rains — a little London rain is part of the experience!
4.Tipping isn't always expected
Tipping is generally optional in the UK.
In restaurants, check whether a service charge has already been included. If it hasn't, around 10–15% is a common guideline for good service.
At traditional pubs, tipping when ordering drinks at the bar isn't normally expected.
And if you enjoy a walking tour, a tip for your guide is always a lovely way to say thank you.
5.Bring comfortable shoes!
London is a walking city — and you'll probably walk much more than you expect.
Places that look close together on a map can involve a surprisingly long walk, especially when you're sightseeing all day.
So our advice is simple: comfort over fashion. Your feet will thank you later.
6.Know your pub etiquette
Traditional British pubs are part of the London experience.
At many pubs, you order your drinks at the bar rather than waiting for table service. Simply tell the bartender what you'd like.
You don't normally need to tip when ordering drinks at the bar, and pubs usually offer plenty of non-alcoholic options too.
7.Sundays can be different
Sunday is a great day to explore London, but some shops, attractions and businesses have different or shorter opening hours.
If there's somewhere specific you want to visit, check its opening hours beforehand.
Sunday is also perfect for walking tours, parks, museums, markets and a relaxed pub lunch.
8.Remember: we drive on the left!
If you're visiting from a country where traffic drives on the right, London's roads can take some getting used to.
Look both ways before crossing, even when the road looks quiet, and use pedestrian crossings where possible.
Be particularly aware of buses, black cabs, cyclists and turning vehicles.
Take your time — there's no prize for crossing the road fastest!
9.What should you bring?
For a day exploring London, keep your bag light. We recommend:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small umbrella or waterproof jacket
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Phone and portable charger
- Contactless card or payment device
- An extra layer
And don't forget your curiosity
London is full of fascinating details that are easy to miss.