Tips for visitors travelling to London from abroad

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Travel Tips

London is considered one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, attracting thousands of first time visitors every year. Whether you want to experience the vibrant markets and street food or visit some of the most historic attractions in the country, there’s plenty for you to do in the city.

London is a tourist city so, if you’re travelling from abroad, you don’t need to worry about standing out. Read through these 10 quick tips before you arrive and you’ll be well prepared to make the most of your trip.

travel card

Pre-purchase your travel card

Firstly, you might be tempted to hire a car – don’t! London is an extremely busy city and the public transport system will get you to places much faster. The Park Grand London Paddington is right by the Tube station for convenience. You can pre-order a travel card and simply tap to go through the barriers or pay. It speeds things up and saves you money.

Check the weather

It might be a running joke that the Brits always talk about the weather but it’s not without reason. London weather is often unpredictable, so it’s worth checking out the forecast before you leave and always pack an extra layer or two so you’re prepared for sun and rain.

Stay in the centre

You don’t want to waste time travelling between attractions. Staying in Zone 1 will mean you’re better able to fit in all the sights you want to see. Hotels in Paddington London, for example, are surrounded by top attractions and very close to the Underground network.

Museums and galleries are free

When you’re planning your itinerary, you might be surprised at how many of the attractions cost nothing, freeing up your money to spend on other areas, although you can make donations.

travelling tips

Plan your attractions

London is a big city with attractions scattered throughout. Plan your days to make sure you’re not wasting time going backwards and forwards.

Bring an adaptor

The UK uses a 3-pin socket that isn’t used in many other countries. Make sure you pack an adaptor as it’ll cost you more to purchase one once you’ve arrived.

Sample food at markets

London has become famous for its street food culture, so don’t pass up an opportunity to sample delights from the markets when you’re on the go.

You don’t need to tip

Tipping in London is appreciated but it’s not essential. In the UK, tipping is usually given when you’ve received great customer service.

Head off the tourist tracks

While there are lots of tourist places to head, try seeing London from a new perspective. There are plenty of unique areas to explore, such as Brixton or Kensington, and you’ll find hidden gems when you enter local spots.

Check prices before you leave

If you have attractions in mind, it’s worth checking the prices before you depart. Some destinations will offer discounted prices when you book in advance but others, including West End shows, can be cheaper to purchase once you’ve arrived in London.