A First Time Visitors Guide to London: Where to Visit, Eat, Sleep, and Shop
Explore this first time visitors guide to London, where you’ll find out where to stay, what to eat, what to do, and where to shop in one of the world’s most incredible cities.
Visiting a new city, especially one that’s also out of the country, can be intimidating.
Not only are you researching how to spend your time, but you’re also worried about where the safest places to stay are, how to save money on your overall budget, and how to ensure you see all of the high points.
I’ve been to London half a dozen times, including a study abroad program during college, and another month long stay as an adult.
It’s one of my favorite places in the world, and I’m here to share all of my tips and tricks to having the best first visit ever.
Below, you’ll find general safety information, tips on specific hotels that I’ve stayed in, your must-do attractions, and London-specific foods you have to try.
In short, I’ve done all of the planning for you! All you have to do is book that flight and your hotel rooms.
This post contains affiliates. If you purchase through the links below, I will receive a commission at no charge to you.
Why London is Worth a Visit
Of all of the cities that I've visited, London remains my absolute favorite.
Why?
It's a combination of the deeply layered history, the vibrant and distinct neighborhoods, and the dozens of iconic sites.
I've had the chance to visit multiple times, and I find something new to discover--and love--about the city every time I go.
London was the first city I visited on my first trip to Europe. In fact, my parents offered me a trip to London or a little car to take to college. I picked the trip, and have zero regrets.
The city was also my home away from home during my London study abroad program in college. It was where I realized the depth of my British literature obsession...which would ultimately lead me to get my graduate degree in English.
Yes, the weather can be moody (to put it nicely) and you'll never be fully dressed without an umbrella in your bag, but if you can look past that, London can be one of the most phenomenal trips of your life.
In this post, I'm going to share what you need to know for your first trip to London. It's by no means a comprehensive list of things to see or do in the city, as that would be nearly impossible on just one trip (or even 10!).
What I've offered below should give you an overlook into this fascinating place on your first trip to London and, hopefully, whet your appetite to come back and explore even more deeply.
Getting to London
The first of your major decision is which of the London airports to fly into—and then how to get from those airports to the city.
In this section, I’ll layout all of your options, including pros and cons of each.
London Airports
There are 3 main airports that service the London area:
Heathrow Airport
Gatwick Airport, and
London Stansted Airport
Heathrow and Gatwick are the biggest, and they are the most likely ones that you’ll fly into for your London trip. There are multiple flights into both of these airports daily from major cities in the U.S., and we’ve found some bargain flights from New York and Atlanta to both Heathrow and Gatwick.
Check the pricing on both to see where the best deal is for the time period of your trip.
London Stansted is the smallest, but you can occasionally find a great deal from your home airport here. Definitely don’t count it out.
Search for great flight deals here:
Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is located about 15 miles west of London city center, and it is super easy to get to the city from the airport. Heathrow is the biggest airport serving London, which means you’re more likely to find a flight into this airport, but it’s also more difficult to navigate.
Not only do you have the Heathrow Express, but the London Tube system also connects directly to the airport.
The Heathrow Express train is quicker, but it’s also more expensive than taking the Tube into London from the airport.
I’ve done both, and the Heathrow Express train is nicer in terms of seat size, cleanliness, and promptness. If you’re on very tight schedule while in London, pay the extra money and do this instead of the Tube connection.
The Heatrow Express takes about 15 minutes to get from the airport to London’s Paddington Station.
Paddington Station is well positioned in the western Zone 1 of London’s Tube system, which makes it easy to get where you need to go in London. Paddington Station has both Tube, bus, and light rail access; the Tube lines that service Paddington Station are Bakerloo (brown), Circle (yellow), District (green), and Hammersmith and City (pink).
Alternatively, you can hop onto the Tube from inside Heathrow. The Picadilly line (dark blue) runs directly from Heathrow into the city, stopping a major interchanges in Zone 1 like South Kensington, Green Park, Picadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Holborn, and King’s Cross-St. Pancras.
The Tube does take longer since it makes multiple stops, but it’s also less than half the price of the Heathrow Express.
Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick is the 2nd largest airport in this area, and it’s located about 30 miles south of the city.
You have a similar decision to make here as you do at Heathrow, as Gatwick offers up both the Gatwick Express into the city and public transportation.
The Gatwick Express is a light rail option that takes about 30 minutes and delivers passengers to Victoria Station. Victoria Station is located on multiple Tube lines to help you get to your final destination in the city: the Circle (yellow), District (green), and Victoria (light blue) lines.
Gatwick isn’t connected to the Tube line directly, which is a con for me. However, the National Express bus system does run regularly from outside of the airport to Victoria Station. The bus from Gatwick to Victoria station in London takes about an hour and a half.
London Stansted Airport (STN)
If you’re arriving in London from elsewhere in Europe on a low-cost carrier like RyanAir, this airport is where you’ll be.
However, you might luck up and find a great price from your U.S. airport to Stansted as the airport serves the U.S. and 159 other countries.
Stansted is the furthest out of the three major London airports, and it is located 40 miles northeast of London.
You’ll have a longer commute with both of the following options, but you again have both an express and general public transportation option from Stansted.
The Stansted Express takes about 45 minutes and has no stops. You’ll ride a light rail train from the airport into the northeastern Zone 1 in London, terminating at Liverpool Street Station. From here, you can jump onto the Tube via the Central (red), Hammersmith and City (pink), Central (yellow), and Metropolitan (maroon) lines.
The public transportation from Stansted into London is the most complicated of the 3 major airports. For this reason, I’d recommend the slightly pricier Stansted Express over public transportation.
However, if you’re set on taking public transportation, you’ll need to get a bus from Stansted to Tottenham Hale Station on the Victoria Line in Zone 3.
The Victoria Line will take you to multiple major intersections within central London including King’s Cross-St. Pancras, Oxford Circus, Green Park, and Victoria stations.
Do I need a rental car in London?
Unless you have a really compelling reason, I would not recommend renting a car for the express purpose of driving into London, especially on your first trip here.
Not only does driving in London add a lot of extra time into your itinerary, you then face the challenge of navigating streets in the city that haven’t changed much since the era of the horse and buggy. Parking is difficult and often sparse, and you’re driving in the wrong side of the car on the wrong side of the road.
While I’ve driven rental cars throughout the UK, you don’t need one if you’re just visiting London and then going home. The public transportation around London is safe, relatively cheap, and MUCH easier to manage than a rental car.
If you’re tacking London onto a longer UK trip where you do need a car, wait to pick up the rental car until your time in London is over.
Best Places to Stay in London
You could probably stay in a different London hotel every night of your life and not have too many repeats as there are a ridiculous number of offerings in the city centre and beyond.
While I can't speak to every accommodation option in London, here are a few that I have personal experience with and can wholeheartedly recommend for your first trip to London:
Avni Kensington
In our hotel room at Avni Kensington before we took in a West End show
The Avni Kensington is located close to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and Kensington Palace.
It's a five minute walk to Gloucester Road Tube station and is well situated close to other hotels, restaurants, and pubs.
The hotel sits inside several refurbished rowhouses; while the hotel is basic and the rooms are small compared to American standards, the place is very clean and comes with a continental breakfast.
It's not the most glamorous of hotels, but it is in a fantastic location in the heart of one of London's nicest neighborhoods.
My husband and I stayed here while we were on his first trip to London. If you’re interested in staying in upscale Kensington, but don’t have the corresponding budget, this hotel is a great choice.
The rooms are plain without much decoration, but they are clean and quiet.
Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury
Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury is a great choice for budget travelers who still want to be near transportation.
Located just a few blocks from both the Euston and Kings Cross train stations, this Holiday Inn is also an easy walk to the British Museum.
It's not the prettiest building, but it is clean and well-situated (it's practically on top of the Russell Square Tube stop).
All guests get to eat off of the breakfast buffet, and there's an onsite bar and restaurant.
The rooms can be quite tight if you're traveling with more than 2 adults--I stayed here with my parents and sister, and once the fold out bed was in position, we didn't have much room to walk around. Honestly, though, European hotel rooms are tiny compared to what we’re used to in the U.S., so this room is in line with that standard.
That being said, if you're looking for a clean place to sleep, and not a resort to lounge around in all day, this is a solid choice.
Sheraton Grand Park Lane
PIN ME!
Sheraton Grand Park Lane really couldn't be better located. It's in the heart of the city, and many major attractions can be reached with little effort on foot.
Buckingham Palace is a quick five walk through Green Park, Piccadilly Circus is less than 15 minutes away, and the Parliament building is just under a mile from the hotel.
The hotel was built in the 1920s, and has a fantastic Art Deco feel to it. The Palm Court is a light, airy spot for cocktails or afternoon tea.
It is an older hotel, but it's undergoing refurbishment, so look for a facelift in the rooms.
The bathrooms and bedrooms are some of the biggest that I've seen in Europe: the space and the location are well worth the price.
I stayed here with the family that I worked for as a private tutor when they were in London for a month-long trip. We had a huge suite of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, and I really got to know the hotel well since we stayed there for so long.
Best Areas to Stay in for First Timers
If my recommended hotels above don't suit your fancy, I'd suggest staying in the city centre so you have access to all of the major tourism sites via Zone 1 of the Tube and the bus system.
Everyone in London has their own favorite areas, but there are some areas which are consistently safer, closer to major attractions, and close to Tube stops.
If you’re visiting London for the first time, and you want to stay in the heart of everything, here are the best areas to look for a hotel:
Chelsea
Tube Station(s): Sloane Square
This is one of the most upscale sections of London, and it is located in the lower southwest of the city cetner.
Sloane Square is at one end of King’s Road, which is a great place for people watching. The Tube station for this area is also located in Sloane Square.
If you’re in London for upscale shopping, this is the place to focus your time. There are some big names here, including Clinique, La Mer, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, rag & bone, and LK Bennett.
If your budget is on the smaller side, there are plenty of normal shops here, too, including Lush, Pret a Manger, and Jigsaw.
The Chelsea Physic Garden is a highlight in this area, where you can learn about the plants that were used for centuries in medicine and are still grown here.
Chelsea borders the Thames, and it’s a great place to walk along for some fresh air.
Near the Albert Bridge, you’ll find the free Chelsea Embankment Gardens, which is an excellent picnicking spot.
I lived in Chelsea on Manresa Road while I studied abroad, so this area holds a special place in my. heart.
I always felt safe here, even walking at night. I will note that there is the World’s End housing estate on the western end of King’s Road towards Earl’s Court, but it’s highly unlikely that anyone here will bother you if you’re simply walking to and from your hotel.
South Kensington
Tube Station(s): South Kensington, Gloucester Road, and Knightsbridge
The posh rowhouses in South Kensington are some of the most iconic London architecture.
These seemingly endless white townhouses cover both sides of many of the road in South Kensington, and make for a beautiful afternoon walk.
South Kensington border Chelsea, with Chelsea sitting to the south between the Thames and South Kensington.
If you’re into museums, South Kensington is where you need to be!
The Natural History Museum is packed with dinosaur bones, biological artifacts, and so much more. I’ve spent hours walking around in here and still haven’t seen everything.
The incredible Victoria and Albert Museum (often referred to as the V&A) is filled with textiles, pottery, historic outfits, and sculptures.
While studying abroad, I often walked from my dorm in Chelsea to the South Kensington Tube station which was closer than the Sloane Square station.
This area is also super safe, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here as a solo female traveler or with my kids.
Covent Garden
Tube Stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Tottenham Court Road
My husband at the Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden has such a fun vibe, thanks to the West End, daily markets, and Leicester Square. Located at the very center of London’s Zone 1, you can’t get much more centrally located than Covent Gardens.
Within just a few minutes’ walk, you can stand in line at the TKTS booth for discounted play tickets, wander into the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and watch daily busking in Covent Garden outside St. Paul’s Church.
The Seven Dials area of Covent Garden is packed with quirky coffee shops, hotels, boutiques, and more.
This is also where you’ll find the Seven Dials market, which has an amazing food court, and multiple levels of shopping.
While Leicester Square can get a little dicey in the wee hours, Covent Garden, in general, is safe and a great place to base your first trip to London.
Bloomsbury
Tube Stations: Russell Square, Goodge Street, Euston Square, and Holborn
This part of London is where Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, and the other members of the Bloomsbury Group made literary history in the 1920s. Today, it’s a thriving part of northern Zone 1 with easy access to the rest of central London.
Today, it’s where the University of London calls home, and it’s where you’ll find the British Museum.
I went to school at the IES London campus in Bloomsbury and loved this part of London. You can have a picnic on one of the benches in Russell Square or duck into the British Museum for afternoon tea.
While you’re at the museum, explore the many floors packed full of antiquities including relics from ancient Greece, Egypt, and Italy.
The Foundlings Museum is a free museum filled with arts and sculpture. The museum was once a home for orphans, which is where it get its name.
Best Things to Eat in London
Historically, London hasn't been known for its cuisine, but that heritage has quickly been turned on its heels in the last few decades.
Today, you can find just about any type of food at any hour of the day--whether its street food at one of the markets or a 5-star restaurant, London's got it.
On your first time visit to London, you can't leave until you've had:
Afternoon tea
Not to be confused with high tea (which, even though it sounds fancier, is actually a traditionally working class meal), afternoon tea is an exquisitely perfect excuse to don your best frock and eat dainty sandwiches while harp music plays.
There's no end to the number of spots serving afternoon tea in London these days, so pick one and revel in the cucumber sandwiches, neat dishes of sugar cubes, and tiny petit fours.
This list compiles one of the most eclectic and diverse afternoon tea options I've seen lately, and I need to try a few of them out myself.
Many museums and attractions have their own tea offerings; the British Museum has a particularly good one.
Click to hear about what to expect at afternoon tea in the British Museum
Book your afternoon tea at the British Museum here!
I went to school just around the corner from the Museum, and high tea was something I would treat myself to occasionally.
It was also the place that I brought my husband back to on his first trip to London.
The afternoon tea here is traditional with your choice of hot tea, and a 3-tiered tray filled with finger sandwiches, bite-sized desserts, and tarts.
>> For a complete look at the experience, check out my British Museum Afternoon Tea review here. <<
Check availability of the afternoon tea here:
Cornish pasties
These flaky handheld pastries hail from the county of Cornwall, but you don't have to go nearly that far to find one in London.
You can get one stuffed with traditional ingredients like meat, potatoes, and carrots, or you can try a more modern take with cheese, chicken, and broccoli.
They're cheap, they're tasty, and they're easy to take away.
Street food
If you don't go to one of London's markets during your visit, you are missing out.
Wander Portobello Road Market each Saturday, and try one of the massive, freshly made doughnuts straight out of the vat.
Go shopping in Spitalfields Market and munch on a bagel, pizza, or falafel.
It's not the most glamorous food, but it is delicious.
Fish and chips
Can it get any more British than fish and chips? I think not.
While most places have done away with serving them on newspaper, there are plenty of variations on this classic dish.
Don't go home until you've tried a few versions and found your favorite.
Prawn Sandwiches
If you're on the run around town and want something quick, you're also likely to come across a variety of quick dishes with prawns in them (prawn sandwiches, prawn salad, etc., all of which are a no-go for me since I have a shellfish allergy),
Indian Takeaway
Did you know that the most popular dish in England is Chicken Tikka Malsala?
The fact that so many people opt for a British take on an Indian dish goes to show how multi-cultural London is.
Because of the city’s love of Indian food, you’ll find many Indian take-away options.
Definitely try the chicken tikka masala or a curry.
If you’re worried about the spice level, let the person know as you’re ordering, and they can adjust the spiciness to something that is managable to a first timer.
Jacket potatoes
These are basically a baked potato topped with things like cheese and bacon, or broccoli and cheddar.
They come in a bunch of different options with a basic version with butter and cheese, and more intricate versions with inventive toppings.
You can find these across the city, so try a few to see which you prefer. They’re also really cheap, making them perfect for the traveler on a budget.
NOTE: If you want self-catering options for a picnic in Hyde Park or one of the squares, Marks + Spencers and Waitrose have a great selection of premade salads, pastas, and veggies.
What to Do on Your London Itinerary
Seeing as how many people have written complete guidebooks on this topic, I'll boil down what you absolutely need to see on your first time visiting London. This is the stuff that, if you don't go see, people back home will wonder if you actually went to London or if you're just making it up.
You can do these individually, or you can jump onto a walking or bus tour if you’d like to do several at a time.
There’s no wrong way to experience these sights, so do what makes the most sense for your vacation time period, budget, and interests.
Parliament and Big Ben
If there's one thing to put on your London itinerary, it's this iconic building on the banks of the River Thames. Hop on a tour of Parliament (Saturdays year round and most weekdays if Parliament isn't in session), then pose for an iconic picture with the tower.
Big Ben actually refers to the bell inside the tower (which is called Elizabeth Tower), but colloquially, both the bell and the tower are called Big Ben.
Westminster Abbey
You probably know it as the wedding location of William and Kate, but this Gothic structure has so much more to offer than royal nuptials.
Take a self-guided audio tour or a verger guided tour to see the coronation chair of King Edward I, the Stone of Scone, Poet's Corner (where Ben Jonson and Geoffrey Chaucer are buried), and more than 20 royal burial plots.
It's a working church, but it's also a fascinating walk through 700 years of English history.
Buckingham Palace
If you're visiting during the summer, when the palace is open for visitors, take the time to go in.
If you're visiting other times of the year, take a picture of the exterior and keep moving.
Unless you are willing to devote 2+ hours of your precious sightseeing time for a good spot to see the Changing of the Guard (or, you know someone who knows someone who will let you see it from inside the gates), I'd skip this pretty uneventful ceremony.
If you really want to see the ceremony, I’d suggest hopping on a guided tour of the Changing of the Guard. Not only do these tours provide you with important context on what you’re seeing and what the different elements of the ceremony mean, you’ll also get a great viewing spot.
Harrod's
This massive department store in Knightsbridge is worth a few hours of your time because there's so much to see inside.
Come hungry and head straight to the food hall; find a seat to try some of the offerings, or grab a few things to have a picnic in nearby Hyde Park.
If you want even more high end shopping, wander down Brompton Road or Sloane Street, and bring the platinum card.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Designed by famed architect Christopher Wren, this massive cathedral was one of the cornerstone buildings for the new and improved London post-1666 fire.
Until about 40 years ago, it was also the tallest building in London, and it was a major target during the Blitz (you can still see the scars on the walls from the extensive bombing).
Today, it's famed for its intricate detailing, views from its dome, and the Whispering Gallery.
The Tower of London
William the Conqueror built it.
Anne Boleyn died here.
The Crown Jewels are still held here.
No matter which part of England's history interests you the most, you'll find some tie in this fortress.
Be sure to visit the White Tower to see Henry VIII's massive armor, imagine the prisoners' fear as you trace the graffiti in the Beauchamp tower, and marvel at the sparkly diamonds in the Queen's personal collection.
The Tower of London is a huge site that can feel overwhelming on your first visit. Taking a guided tour with one of the Beefeater guides comes recommended as they will share important historical information with you as you get to see the Crown Jewels, the prisoners’ chambers, and so much more.
British Museum
With antiquities spanning from Mesopotamia to Ancient Greece to Ancient Egypt, there's something here for every history buff.
The museum is massive and you can't see everything in one visit, so pace yourself.
I went to school just around the corner while I was studying abroad in London, so I visited often and still didn't see everything.
The mummies and Ancient Egyptian artifacts are popular, as is the room with the Elgin marbles.
Honestly, there is SO much to see here that I don’t know if I’d do a guided tour on my first visit.
Instead, I’d recommend downloading a self-guided tour of the British Museum that will allow you to wander through based on your interests. You certainly won’t see everything, but you can hit the highlights this way.
London Eye
Me (in the pink) with 2 friends from my study abroad program
What's not to love about a gigantic Ferris wheel?
The pods hold about 30 people each and take half an hour to make the full rotation.
It's a great way to see London from a new perspective.
While it is a pricey experience, I think it’s well worth it as you’ll be able to see the Thames, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and so much more on a clear day.
It’s unlike any of the other sightseeing attractions in central London, and it makes for some excellent photos as you travel around the full rotation.
One of the markets
The author with a huge fresh doughnut at the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill
These are such a good way to get a feel for the city, so add one (or more!) into your London itinerary.
Portobello Road, Brick Lane, Camden, Petticoat Lane, and Spitalfields are all excellent choices.
Bring cash, come hungry, and see if you can find the perfect souvenir.
Trafalgar Square
Me in front of the fountain in Trafalgar Square
This is another iconic spot in London, but there's not much here to do other than a fountain and some stone lions.
It’s still an excellent place for a photo or two, so stop by on your way to Buckingham Palace, Covent Garden, or Leicester Square.
If you’re traveling between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, you’ll pass by here, so there’s no excuse not to stop for a moment.
There are benches here, too, which makes it a great place to soak up some sun and enjoy a sandwich or coffee.
There is a great cafe across the street in the crypt at St. Martins-in-the-Fields church if you want something delicious and hot to eat while you people watch.
The National Gallery is just off the square, and it comes highly recommended if you have extra time.
What to Know before You Visit London
You’re now ready to book your flight, pick an airport, get into London’s city center, select a hotel, and plan your meals.
But we’re not quite done yet!
There are a few more general things that you need to know before you set out to explore the city.
These were all things that I learned the hard way, so learn from my mistakes.
The pronunciation isn't always what you think.
We might be sharing the same language, but British English and American English sometimes feel like completely different things.
The Thames River is pronounced as "Tims" and, despite what the name looks like, Thames doesn't rhyme with James.
Leicester in Leicester Square is "Lester," not Lie-chester. You’ll quickly figure out who has spent time in London just by listening to this one pronunciation.
Likewise, Greenwich (where the Cutty Sark ship and the International Date Line are located) is pronounced “Gren-ich,” not “Green-witch.” Weird, I know, but I don’t make the rules.
When they say "Mind the Gap" in the subway stations, you should listen.
You will see signs with this phrase everywhere in the Tube—it’s so ubiquitous that Transport for London even sells shirts, cups, and stickers with the phrase.
But there’s more to it than a funny byline. Some of the platforms can be more than a foot away from the subway carriage!
This odd gap comes from a couple of things: the less than precise original engineering in the oldest stations, and the ever changing size and layout of the subway trains.
If you don’t mind that gap, you run the risk of falling down between the subway car and the platform, which could be deadly.
Always watch your step carefully when boarding any Tube train, but especially when you’re in the older lines like the Circle and District.
Spring for the Oyster card while you're there.
Buy one of these cards for your travels around London for an easy experience.
You can use this card on the London busses, the Tube, or the Overground train lines, and you can top-up as your funds run low.
Using an Oyster card is also cheaper than buying individual tickets since you're guaranteed to get the best rate on each trip.
Just tap the card as you enter the bus or station, and then again as you depart to ensure that you’re getting that best rate.
You can check the balance on your card online, through the Oyster app, or by visiting the TfL (Transport for London) office at any underground station.
Know that everything you need in London will likely be in Zone 1.
Don't bother upgrading to a more expensive Tube ticket that includes multiple zones since everything you're going to see will be in the city centre.
Better yet, just spring for the Oyster card and make everything simple.
In any case, all of the must-see items I’ve shared above are in that Zone 1. While London is a big city, all of the sites are pretty close together, and nothing in Zone 1 is more than an hour away from any given point. (More realistically, you’re usually just 20 or so minutes from your next attraction!)
Book one of my recommended hotels above, and you’re already in Zone 1, ready to sightsee.
Hop-on, hop-off bus tours vs. London’s double decker city buses
I go back and forth on which of these options to recommend to people.
The double decker city buses are much cheaper than a hop-on, hop-off bus tour, but the hop-on, hop-off bus tours are packed with excellent information for the first time visitor.
Plus, the tour buses are great to help you get around as you’re getting a grasp on the overall layout of the city.
I’ve done these buses in multiple cities, including in London and with our kids in New Orleans, and I’ve always enjoyed the convenience and commentary.
If you plan to book the hop-on, hop-off bus tour for a day or two of your London vacation, I highly recommend City Sightseeing UK. I’ve taken this bus tour: the guides are great, and there are stops around London at the most popular attractions.
Check availability for your travel dates:
If you’re on a budget or just want to go the DIY route when it comes to bus sightseeing, here are 3 great local routes on the public bus system. I'm partial to the 11 (or the 211) since I used to take it all of the time when I lived there!
For the best views on the public buses, sit on the upper deck at the huge windows up front. Just don’t be afraid to move down next to the driver if anyone up there makes you uncomfortable (unlikely, but good to know just in case).
This is also the most touristy spot on the bus, but I'm okay with the eye rolls from locals since the view is what I flew all the way over there for.
You can easily use London as a hub during your vacation.
There are several easy day trips from London that you might want to add onto your trip including:
Blenheim Palace,
Bath,
Cambridge University, and
Windsor Castle.
Whew! I know that was a lot, but I also hope that you’re feeling much more confident in your first trip to London.
Keep in mind that London is an incredible city with far more to do than I could ever include in a single first time visitors guide.
If you want to venture off the “normal” first timers path and do something that you come across, please do—there’s really no wrong way to experience London.
And, if you've got questions, email me at hello@cosmosmariners.com! I'm always happy to help.
Have you visited London? What was your favorite thing to see or do?
