10 Things to know BEFORE You Go To London - HELPFUL TRAVEL TIPS FOR VISITING LONDON AS A TOURIST
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- As many of you know, I’ve spent a year of my life in the UK - and the vast majority of that time was spent in the city of London. I LOVEEEE it there!
Since I keep going back again and again, today I thought I’d share some must-know tips for travelers visiting London!
Whether you’re a total London newbie - or you’ve visited before - these tips will be helpful to every foreign tourist.
As always, if you have any ADDITIONAL tips for visiting London, feel free to add them in the comments below!
Cheers, and happy travels!
-Eliz
Means To Travel Founder
#MeansToTravel
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Transit App (iphone): apps.apple.com/app/apple-stor...
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Tower of London: www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
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◆ Related Videos:
London Travel Vlog ◆ Touring Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Skygarden, St. Paul's, & Riding The Tube | bit.ly/LondonTravelVlogOct2020
Exploring Greenwich, London ◆ Uk Travel Vlog ◆ Cutty Sark, Greenwich Park, Greenwich Market & More | bit.ly/Greenwich2020TravelVlog
How To Spend A Long Layover In London ◆ Flying From Chicago To Paris ◆ Derek's Epic Travel Day Vlog! | bit.ly/LondonLongLayoverVlog
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Hi! I’m Eliz, short for Elizabeth, and I am a travel and lifestyle vlogger sharing knowledge and inspiration that I’ve gained through years of frequent travel. Follow along to experience more meaningful travel, and find the means to get there!
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Filmed & Edited by Eliz Armstrong Zacarias at Means To Travel LLC
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#travel #visitlondon #london #londontravel #traveltips
Be sure to hit the like button! We're so grateful for your likes, subscriptions, superthanks, and shares! 👍🙏
Do you have any additional tips for folks who are planning to visit London? Feel free to share them in a comment below!!! 😀👇
When I lived in London 20 years ago it took me longer than it should have done to figure out that the best transit system certainly in the city center is your own two legs! I found that out in a pretty embarrassing way (choosing to take the Tube from Oxford Circus - so, walking in the wrong direction to get to that station - to Tottenham Court Road, which is literally a stone's throw west up the road!).
You're never more than a couple of miles away from anywhere you need to be in London. So walk!
Walking is definitely something to consider if you're abled, but if you're trying to fit a lot into your itinerary each day, I think it's good to save yourself some time by taking public transit between places if they're not right by each other. Especially on those notorious rainy days! 😀
The only slight disagreement I have with you is on the water in restaurants topic. If a server asks if you want still or sparkling, I would say the still water they are referring to is never tapwater. It is always bottled. If what you really want is free water, you should ask for tap water. And don't be afraid to ask for "a jug of tapwater" . Virtually all pubs and even nicer restaurants will bring that to your table. For someone who drinks a lot of water like me, it's better than expecting someone to refill your glass four times 😂 Great video, Eliz!
Yes, sorry I totally agree with you! Ooops if that didn't come across correctly in the video! I was trying to say that there are three different types of water. Still: tap or mineral. And then sparkling. And yes, the tap water is the only free option. Thanks Dara for helping me clarify for folks!!!
@@MeansToTravel you gave great advice! Very first time I traveled internationally I was startled by the question regarding still versus sparkling water. We just don't talk about "still" water in the states! And it is something you need to know in every country! Good to learn how to say it in other languages 😉
Agreed! People love to charge for water in Europe. Hate when I’ve been places (I’m looking at you Belgium) and they said they don’t serve tap water!
@@mr.meanstotravel Derek, I agree 1000%! I even had a condescending waiter in Austria explain it to me like I was a child "you can't get water for free in this restaurant"... when I asked for tapwater they said do you want 500 mL or a liter because they charge by volume 🙄
@@MagentaOtterTravels That's a great point! Yes, always good to learn how to order still (or even tap water) in other countries! I personally don't drink anything carbonated, so it becomes a really important vocab word. 😀
Agree... I always tell people to visit The Tower on their first trip to London. The Beefeaters are AWESOME!
It's the best! Even though I've been to The Tower several times, I always like to go back. But it definitely pays to arrive when it first opens!
@@MeansToTravel yes, you gave the perfect advice. Plan ahead and book early in the day!
@@MagentaOtterTravels glad to hear you agree! 😆
THANKS FOR THE TIPS
No problem, anytime! Glad you liked the video! 😀
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for this kind comment! 😀
Great tips, something that I tell people is to think about what they're interested in rather than just checking off someone else's 'must see' list. Number 1 thing on Trip Advisor might not be something you're really in to, London really does have something for everyone. I give the example of some people who absolutely LOVE the Natural History Museum and it's a 'must see', I've tried but I have zero interest in natural history and while I appreciate the beauty of the building, the exhibits there bore me to tears! Going there with others, I'm the bored child who drags their feet going from room to room! But I love the Imperial War Museum, which seems to be on no-one's 'must see' list, I think it's great and that's because I'm interested in modern history. Friends of mine on a trip to London went to the mecca of cricket (the sport not the insect!) Lords and did a tour of the grounds and the museum, for them it was the highlight of their trip to London being that they're cricket tragics, but for Americans I imagine it's not on their 'must see' lists!
This is SUCH an important point! Thank you for bringing this up!!! Yes, there are soooo many things to see in London that it's important to prioritize what interests you.
Even though I love the Tower of London, I'm sure others wouldn't be as interested! Similarly, some people might like the fountains at Trafalgar Square, but the crowds aren't really my thing. It's GREAT that there are so many fun things to choose from in London, that a traveler can truly optimize their trip based on what sounds the most fun!
Excellent tips and great filming location.
Thanks so much Mark! Yes, this filming spot was Wolters World-level good! 😀
@@MeansToTravel I can't tell you how many times I filmed there
@@woltersworld Oh my gosh too funny! I just realized we both chose to film in the exact same place!!! Okay I'm embarrassed since I went second. But gotta love a good backdrop and uncrowded park! 😆☺
Heading to London mid September and really appreciated your tips. Thank You
So glad to hear! I hope you have a fun trip! 😀🇬🇧
Very Useful tips. Thank you very much
So glad you found the video to be helpful! Hope you enjoy your visit to London! Are you going soon?
Love your tips!!!! Thank you so much!
So glad you found them helpful! Thanks for watching and hope you enjoy your visit to London! 😀🙌🏻
Such great tips!! I adore London and I'm aching to return (my FB memories this past week have been filled with our trip from last year). Amazing city.
I agree wholeheartedly! 💙💙💙
Good video, thank you for sharing
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! 😀
Hey, Eliz! The switch on the outlet is something I've heard of before, but wasn't even invented when I lived in London in 1984-85. Your list is a good one!
Hey hey! Thank you, so glad you liked the video! 😄
Love all the old photos from your "London scrapbook"! And it was fun to hear your backstory. I didn't realize you had studied in London!🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧
I did! Haha more back story: I spent the second semester of my junior year of college at City University in London! Since I was a business marketing and international business double-major, I also interned at Stella McCartney's PR office during that semester. And I lived really close to Kensington Palace! This is why I often have my Notting Hill Gate W.11. metal sign in the back of the videos that I film in my office...since that was the closest tube stop to my flat!
@@MeansToTravel how fun! What an amazing internship!
Thank you so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed the old photos and my backstory. Yes, studying in London was such a memorable experience for me. It's a city that holds a special place in my heart. 🇺🇸❤🇬🇧
New subscriber can't wait to see more of your videos! Will will incorporate your tips for our channel. Thanks!
Welcome!!! Thanks for subscribing and tagging along! Really glad to hear you liked the video 😀
Harriet and I have been to London many times. Having relatives that live in Cambridge , UK . WE frequent often. A great city. Your video was spot on with helpful tips. We might note that perhaps
in your next video you could explain how street names and nos. and addresses work in London. Hope you guys Love you dearly ❤❤❤ Harriet, Jim and Yuki Richmond. Va.
Haha, is there a proper system for street names and numbers??? Joking!! Sort of. 😉 I learned in my British Culture class at City University (which was a requirement when I studied abroad), that streets in London are often windy and short because many either 1) used to be cow paths or 2) were just created to connect existing houses together. That said, I'll research it more in-depth to validate that historical tidbit learned over ten years ago, and consider speaking to it in another video when I visit London next!
I know I can use my contactless credit card but I still use my Oyster too. I love taking it back and discovering there is still money on it. 🎉
Haha yes it’s like a little gift to yourself from your past self! 😉
the switch in electric outlet is a MUST have, without that it is danger when plug into the outlet, if you slow the electric could come before completely connected, may caused fire.
It should always turn off the switch when not using else some the electrical device may still consuming some power (wasted) or troublesome for unplug when evetimes after used.
Is that only a UK issue? We don't have any switches for electric outlets in the US, but maybe the issue stems from how strong your voltage is?
@@MeansToTravel may correct also for US is 120 voltage. I hear sound and saw a little fire when connected to socket without switch at Thailand and it is 220 voltage. Anyhow some electronic devices does not have option to turn off power completely which have unplug it from socket. I think UK socket style is better and feel more safe.
Great advice. I dislike the Northern Line as it makes me feel claustrophobic. It has the deepest underground tunnel and is known as a deep tube. 😊✨✨
I agree, it's not the most pleasant line, that's for sure! Takes soooo long to get down into that tunnel.
It's indoor air pollution which makes you sick in the tube. The government and the company of the tube which you pay to should clean the air of the tube for your health.
We were also using our oyster cards year after year, but I decided on my last trip to London it was easier just use my credit card now. Then I didn't have to worry about topping up an oyster card or having an oyster card leftover with extra money at the end of my trip...
Yeah we've started switching over, too. It's so easy! The only call-out would be if you have a credit card that doesn't have zero foreign transaction fees...then that wouldn't be the right choice.
@@MeansToTravel good reminder! It's always so important to make sure your credit card does not. One thing I appreciate about traveling in Britain is that I can use my credit card almost all the time. I was shocked how Germany and Austria still expect you to pay cash at so many places! Really inconvenient in this day and age...
Hello , my family and I will be in London for 2 days only, coming from LHR which is the closest area for visiting? I was thinking Westminster and we can see Buckingham and Big Ben. Thanks
@@CF-lc7kp sounds like a good plan!
Hi Norme! I've been to London many times and I'll be there in afew days, but your video has been very interesting to me. Just one question: do you really need cash for public toilets? I was thinking of just using my cards everywhere!
Probably depends on which toilets you use! That said, you'll definitely want a card with no foreign transaction fees!
Fun Fact if you need you go to the toilet go into a pub or department store and use their toilet it's free
Yes! I think we mentioned that as a tip in our Bath, England vlog a long time ago. I'd say department stores and hotels are usually a little easier than pubs.
I need some help! I’m planning a trip to London for my twin daughter's 16th birthday and I'm completely clueless as to where to start. what airport to fly into, where to stay, and most importantly what to do while in London. do you have something like a travel guide for 1st-time travelers?
Sounds like such a fun trip!!! Your twins will love it! Personally, I tend to stay in Islington because that neighborhood is well connected to the Tube, has several affordable mid-range hotels, and has good local restaurants and supermarkets.
If you're coming from the US, my guess is that you will fly into London Heathrow airport. In terms of what to do, there are so many choices depending on your interests. My personal favorite "big attraction" is the Tower of London. On my first visit to London when I was a teenager, I remember really enjoying a High Tea at one of the nicer hotels in Westminster. Some other fun things to do are to go to Covent Garden and take a Thames River cruise. Lastly, I recommend checking out walking tours that sound interesting to you guys on walks.com (I've done the Harry Potter one with my family and had a fun time). Enjoy!!
You seem to like the tower of London have you ever seen the ceremony of the keys cost about a fiver
I don't think I have, since I always try to go first thing when it opens! I guess I'll have to go when it closes on my next visit to see it!
@@MeansToTravel book on line before you go
the audio is a bit wonky
Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Do you mind giving more details about what you are hearing that's wonky? I'd love to learn what's going on so I can correct it for future videos, since I can't hear anything off on my end. I actually filmed two more videos in this spot on this day! Thanks in advance!
Why don't you keep your American loveliness full time in the UK.
Awww thanks! I really wish it was possible! Maybe you can convince someone to give us residency. 😀
Those pound and 2 pound coins really weigh down your wallet though! Lol
Totally agree!!! And Derek always hands me his to carry, too! So I have even more haha!
@@MeansToTravel I feel your pain! The burden we carry as the one who has a handbag when our husbands are just walking around with stuff in their pockets and no bag😆
@@MagentaOtterTravels Haha yes! Towards the end of some trips, I've started insisting we spend our spare change in order to lighten my load 🤣
Oyster?! Why? Just do a tap and go on your debit card or credit card. Oyster is so last century.
Hi Andrew - so, I did indeed mention that option in the footnotes throughout the oyster card section of this video and also showed b-roll of the contactless signage in the tube. But to answer your question, the reason why some tourists wouldn’t do contactless is 1) their credit cards have foreign transaction fees, 2) they don’t have contactless, and 3) they are traveling from countries where credit cards aren’t widely used. Also if you’re traveling with teens who don’t have credit cards. When I was traveling with my cousin in London while filming this, she was a 19yo college student who didn’t have a contactless no fee card. Hope that makes sense! Thanks for watching!