Important things to know before visiting London (updated for 2023)
Vložit
- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
- Visiting London for the first time? These are the important things to know before visiting London, updated for 2023. Info and facts about London geography, public transportation, how to spend money in London, and more important tips and tricks you MUST know before you come to London this year.
Get our FREE London Trip Checklist: loveandlondon.com/london-trip...
We planned your London trip for you... no stress. Just grab one of our London itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com/collec...
Prefer to skip the touristy stuff and want to experience London like a local would? We've got the perfect thing. Get our Casual Tourist Guides: shop.loveandlondon.com/collec...
MORE LONDON TIPS to watch:
British dishes you MUST try when visiting London: • British dishes you MUS...
How to take the tube in London: • How to take The Tube i...
The ultimate guide to London theatre: • The ultimate guide to ...
5 major things London tourists ALWAYS overpay for: • 5 major things London ...
♥️ MORE LONDON HELP ♥️ (some links are affiliated and help us keep producing these videos)
📗 Free London 101 Guide for first-time London visitors: goo.gl/Eh3HP3
📱 3-Day London Itinerary and 6-Day London Itinerary: (PDF guide, digital map, and more included): shop.loveandlondon.com/collec...
📍 Travel guides for London with Londoner-loved hidden gems, divided by area (The Casual Tourist Guides): bit.ly/3bgeRoj
💸 London Spending Guide (includes budget calculator spreadsheet, hotel recommendations and more): bit.ly/3OduFqy
🏨 Our top London hotel and apart-hotel tips and recommendations: loveandlondon.com/category/lo...
🚕 Pre-book your airport taxi: www.book-online-transfers.com...
🚐 Book trains, coach buses and more around the UK and Europe via Omio: omio.sjv.io/c/1719972/409973/...
❓Visiting London FAQs: loveandlondon.com/faqs-from-l...
About Love and London:
I'm Jess, I've lived in London for many years, and this channel is a London travel guide for anyone visiting the city that wants to experience it like you live here. Beyond talking about the usual London attractions, myself and my team show you some of the cooler things to do in London, that most travel guides don't mention. Watch our videos and you'll feel like you've got a Londoner friend telling you the best kept secrets in the city.
As a born Londoner, that is a great guide to visiting London. One point about using public transport... when using the tube you should tap your card on the yellow reader at the start and again on completion of every journey. If using the bus, tap your card on yellow reader when getting on the bus but do not tap again on exit as you will pay twice.
You won't get charged again if it's within 60 mins on the bus ❤️
@@loveandlondon You are correct, my error. Not used the bus for a few years and forgot the changes.
thank u, that helps my dear
Thank you, is there a specific reason why you have to tap your card twice in the tube?
I'm London local anyway theirs no card reader at the back doors because front doors is getting on only unless bus is busy then u gonna have to
I've lived in London for a year and a half now and absolutely love it! At first I used the tube a lot for getting around but now I use the buses all the time as it's a great way of sightseeing/getting to know the city. Yes it can take longer but the extra time is spent admiring this beautiful city!
City mapper is great given the sometimes bewildering travel options around London. I guess the "get me home" function would be very useful if you set your hotel etc. as home
London is definitely an expensive city overall, but you can still visit pretty affordably. As our host mentioned, hostels are a great way to economize on lodging. They’re nicer than you’re probably imagining, and pretty much all of them offer single rooms or all-female dorms if that helps you feel better about safety.
If you’re planning day trips out of town (and I highly recommend it), plan those ahead and book your train tickets a month in advance; they’re way cheaper than buying the same day or getting a multi-day pass (though you do lose some spontaneity).
As for attractions, in the summer there’s always something going on in one of the city parks for free, or you can just hang out and people-watch.
- The big museums are free, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, both Tates, and the Victoria & Albert.
- For every paid vantage point like the Shard or the London Eye (another $35ish each), there’s another great spot that’s free like the Sky Garden or Greenwich Observatory.
- Same goes for day trips like Windsor Palace; the paid tours are cool, but if you’re watching your spending you can have a good time in the gardens and admiring the buildings. (Bath, a city with both Roman history and a Jane Austen aesthetic, has free tours by experienced local guides.)
- Hop-on, hop-off busses are a nice way to get a quick overview of the major sights, but the regular city busses are cheaper and travel a lot of the same routes.
- For a couple bucks you can download audio tours for popular walks and bus routes to explain the history of what you’re seeing.
(At the risk of undercutting my own message, if you can splurge on one thing I’d suggest experiences. That’s probably why you’re there in the first place.)
Another budget-extending option is to split your time with another city. London’s great, but it’s not indicative of England as a whole. Spending a few days somewhere like York or Liverpool will give you a broader look at England and it can be way cheaper.
Yes we def recommend booking actual tours over audio :) supports your guides and is more fun anyways!
@@loveandlondonFor sure, that’s what I was trying to say (poorly). Hostels and grocery-store picnics aren’t exactly luxurious, but if that saves me money for tour guides and theater tickets, I’ll take it.
Another excellent video for first-time visitors to London. I could watch this woman all day . . .
This channel was very helpful when I was planning our very first trip to London last June. The weather was perfect during our stay except for one day when it rained (which we are totally used to). It easily became my favorite city, and I’ll definitely go back!
We watched your older videos before going to London two weeks ago and you were spot on!!!
Just came back from London. Used a lot of your tips and they were advantageous to my trip overall. Great guide!
Thanks so much, and if you supported us with a purchase of one of our guides, we truly appreciate it!
Great video, Jess. As a someone who's grown up around London, worked and socialised here that's a practical, accurate insight and good advice to anyone visiting. 👍
Thank you for your videos. They have made my last few trips so much more enjoyable and hassle-free.
As a fellow Londoner, that's a splendid Back to Basics 101. Well done Luv 😉
Thanks for another great video! My wife and I will be in London in March. We can't wait!
LOVE your channel. Have not been able to travel since before the pandemic and i can't wait to return and use all of your fantastic information!!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Loved this video!!!!!!!! Thanks!
Outstanding intro & details, very well done Jess! 🏆
Been following your channel since I started to plan my trip, and suddenly it's next month. I can't believe time passes so fast, I'm so excited for my trip and already wondering when will be the next time going back. It's my first ever London trip, first time flying out of Asia~~ Thank you for all the tips, always helped. I'm relieved to hear most are cashless and I'd be fine with just my card, but I still had prepare a tiny amount of cash, you know, just in case.
Glad you're enjoying our content ! ❤️ Don't forget if you want an easy visit that maximises your time here grab one of our guides or itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com
Fabulous Videos!! So incredibly informative!!
Hi and thank you so much for all your valuable information regarding London… I enjoy your channel and seeing London through you!🙋♀️✌️💟
❤️❤️❤️
Visiting London next week! My first time , so excited & freaking out lil bit! Your videos are such a lifesaver! You are awesome🤩, god bless you! 🙏😇
I hope you have a beautiful trip and that your travels treat you well!!! London seems so amazing -- have fun mate!!!
Great information. Thank you.
Your videos are so great. Very very helpful. Thank you
Thank for Sharing...really appreciate it.☺️☺️☺️
Thank you for being a great resource for our upcoming trip. We’ll be there for 7 days starting 9/3 and staying at The Stafford as they seemed most centrally located to everything we anted to tour, almost the very center in either direction we wanted to visit. Beyond excited and armed with much of your useful information and guides.
Have a great time and thanks for supporting us with a purchase ❤️❤️
Great video as usual!
Arrived in London today and found your videos VERY helpful!!! And the Three Day Itinerary is amazing! So, so glad we purchased it. I wouldn’t want to do London without it!
We're so glad you're loving our 3-Day London Itinerary! Thank you so much for your purchase and your support!
We just came back from london! I totally fell i love with this city! And the ppl are so nice to! I watched a lot of your videos before we went and it really helpt us a lot! So thank you so much for making those videos. Cant wait to go back!
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Another great informative video, 👍🏴😃
Once again really useful tips for the tourist
My wife and I are coming to London (our first trip abroad) and your videos have been very helpful - thank you from Texas!!!
We're glad to hear it thankyou ❤️❤️❤️
Your shorts are adorable!! ❤ the belt detailing.
Aaaa I am coming next week 😍 to London from NewYork excited because I really want to see 👏
The traveller's guardian angel! :) Good to know. Useful info.
love the channel, greenwich and wandsworth is worth a trip and its true the city does change once you go over the river
Your videos are always informative
❤️❤️
Thaks, your guides helped alot in planing a one week trip to London. It was quite a unique experience.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for youre videos. It help a lott to me when i been in London in May this year. What a nice City. One of my favourite because of youre help with videos. Thanx a lot. Hi from Slovenia🥰
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for all the information. We are off to London (from New Zealand) next week. I've been twice before but it's great to get current information.
Absolutely. Sounds like you'll probably want to be having a trip this time around that hits the most special hidden gems. We help you do that with our Casual Tourist Guides: shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/casual-tourist-guides-to-london ❤️❤️
I’m going to LDN this week-end, this video is out at the right time 😉
I just came back from London. I always enjoy going there
You, your videos, and guides have been so helpful! Our London trip is coming up in September, and I feel so prepared. Thank you!!!
We're so glad to hear it ❤️ Don't forget if you want more help from us so you have an easy visit that maximises your time here grab one of our guides or itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com
As a 'Londoner' I can vouch for how accurate and we'll informed these vlogs are. Enjoy your trip here in September (a nice time to visit) 😊
@@MarkmanOTW Thank you so much! That’s really great to hear. I’ll be visiting from Texas where it is 100 °F or higher every day currently, and I’m looking forward to a break from the miserable heat and humidity!
@@lucyinthesky1991 Well, in September we often get nice weather, with some freshness esp. in the early morning and evening. Usually the temp is between 60-70F. Bring a light sweater, jacket + you might need a light waterproof/umbrella if there's rain. September can also be warm, so suncream and shades during the day are possible. Recommend comfortable sturdy shoes for the day (all the walking on pavement/cobble streets + hopping on and off buses/tube/trains) and smarter shoes to change into for the evening out (restaurants/bars/theare/concert etc) 😊
@@MarkmanOTW Between you and Jess, my packing list is set! Many thanks!
I'm moving to London in a few weeks can't wait
Great London Forever
As a Londoner, I disagree on Southend Airport - its a few minutes more than the train to Stansted and you are in the terminal in 60 secs, security will take 2 mins. Its very convenient if you are going to Stratford or Liverpool St - or the surrounding area. For some history - Southend used to be Londons 3rd Airport
Agreed. As a Southender originally I would thoroughly recommend Southend Airport. It has its own train station that will have you in Liverpool Street in 50 mins. Bearing in mind it's tiny and you can be through passport control, customs etc in about 15 minutes I bet you'd be in central London a lot sooner than flying in to any of the other airports. Southend has also been voted best airport in Britain on numerous occasions, probably because it's so easy to get in and out of.
Excellent video 😊 thanks
Thanks for watching !
Your guide is AWESOME, and you humor is too funny ...haha
I am new to your channel and I am loving it. It is very helpful.
Glad to hear it ❤️
Thank you so much for the tips. I have been watching your channel off and on for the last year. Planning our first time trip this October 🙂 I feel like I won't be completely lost😂
Haha no don't worry! If you're still struggling to plan your trip we have already done it for you! We made sure you'll make the most of your limited time while seeing the sights and hidden gems you would have otherwise missed. Have a look at our Itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com/products/3-day-london-itinerary
I think I may have seen you on the Tube with another friend during our exit from London on Sunday, August 6th. Your channel was the most helpful to us for our planning of London trip. Thank you so much! I didn't say hi because I wasn't quite sure if it was you or not. I would have said thank you for all your help. You do a world of good for all of us travelers. :)
Jess loves when people say hi ❤️❤️
@@loveandlondon Yeah, I wasn't sure if it was her and I didn't want to approach a stranger. :)
totally enjoyed your video. Even though I was in London with US Navy in 1968, so much has changed over the years & this does simplify a lot
things, especially transport.
❤️❤️
I cannot wait to go to London in September! Super excited
Amazing! Be sure to grab one of our itineraries to save yourself the confusion of trying to plan your own trip! shop.loveandlondon.com/collections/itineraries
I am traveling to London for the first time! I love these videos❤
We're glad to hear it ! Don't forget if you want an easy visit that maximises your time here grab one of our guides or itineraries: shop.loveandlondon.com
Great! 👍
Thanks for the tips, been great for my current trip in London….
❤️❤️❤️
absolutely helpful will be there this weekend from Toronto 👌🥰🇨🇦
Have a great time! Be sure to grab one of our itineraries before you arrive: shop.loveandlondon.com/
Thank you very much directly from Brazil. Very helpful!!
You're welcome!
very informative 🧐
Thanks for the info! You cleared up my confusion over the ride hailing apps. Our hotel had called for a cab last year and after we were on our way to Heathrow, the driver announced his price and only accepted cash. We were surprised and luckily we had the cash on us. I hope to avoid that scenario when we’re there in a few weeks.
The perfect video just before my trip to London, within 12 hours
Tysm for your videos. I have an upcoming trip and theyre def helping me fill my itinerary
Awesome! Don't forget we've already made your itinerary for you, we'll help you maximise your limited time while seeing some amazing sights and hidden gems: shop.loveandlondon.com/products/3-day-london-itinerary
Absolutely helpful video! I get a lot information from it~ By the way I found I can get discounts on trainpal when buying tickets!
London at summer time is wonderful 😎
Just booked my birthday trip to London in November so this came at the perfect time.
Perfect ❤️
Faultless information Jess, a great video to pack in so much information!
Only slight niggle, Uber isn’t always cheaper than a taxi. Take note if Uber are surge pricing. If it is a particular busy weekend a journey within town is often cheaper in a taxi.
Taxis also take 5 or 6 people and can take pushchairs and wheelchairs without the need to fold down.
I’m slightly biased but the roomy nature of the taxis can really help if you have a lot cases 🙌🏻
Best experience, try a bit of every travel option London has to offer!
Yes obviously surge pricing can vary ❤️
I love London and it's culture ❤🇬🇧🏴
When my wife and I visited London last November from Australia, we got a classic black taxi from Earls Court to our accommodation in West Kensington (We had very heavy suit cases and knew West Kensington only had stairs, unlike the ramps and lifts at Earl's Court) The cab driver was lovely. His name was Terry, and he was very informative and helpful, even though the taxi ride was only a few mintues and probablynot worth his time and effort. He even let me sit behind the wheel once we got to our apartment for a photo op 😊
Your videos helped me a lot when i flew to london 2 months ago 😊 i will definitely be back…will visit areas that i missed last time. Too many great places to visit w too little time 😅
Glad to hear it, thanks for watching ❤️❤️
I think your guides are brilliant! I live in the UK near Manchester, but as someone who doesn't visit London often, they are nonetheless very useful and informative, with the capital in many ways operating differently from the rest of the UK. For instance, your info about how to pay on the Tube and buses is especially helpful! It's also always fun to see the take of people from other countries on our nation, although I see you've been here probably long enough to have by now acquired the status of honorary Brit! Above all though, it's an absolute pleasure to view videos that have been skilfully and artistically produced, and which are also great fun to watch. Have you ever considered doing similar for other places around the UK? I often think there are many places very well worth a visit of which many U.S. (and other) tourists are unaware.
Thanks so much David! We stick to London because due to the cost of producing videos in the rest of the UK, and that less people visit other parts, it's not really worth it business-wise. But we're happy you're enjoying the videos !
So much richness, deep taste, rich details and diversity throughout the city. It's the strongest nation in the whole world.
I found it helpful to have some cash, especially small change. Since you have to pay to use the restroom, having 20p, etc. is needed because (unless I just got unlucky with Piccadilly Circus underground) I don't think they accept cashless options in tube stations.
It's rare but it's up to you ❤️
Thanks for your info. I've just booked for my second trip to London. I look forward to using the red double decker buses this time instead of Hop-on, Hop-off
Really love this place. My dream is to be in London.
Great vid! What you should do next is a “Moving to London” version of this vid for 2023/2024
Great video. And when you spoke the truth about AirBnb, I hit the subscribe button so damn fast.
Hey jess I have watched a lot of your videos and I just wanted to say (thank you) you explain things very will and you add the human factor it's like you have a insight to help others. I was hoping to see London for 2 months but my health has delayed my trip. I would like to say thank you for your effort in your work you give me courage to do the same. You have had it rough at times but you are still going keep it up girl you give me strength to do the same. When I get to London I would greatful to you and buy you a beer. Thank you and cheer. You have a great day !
Aw thanks so much we really appreciate your kind words and support! Jess gets so many kind invites for a drink so sadly she can't entertain them but the best way to support all of the free content we provide is by making a purchase in our shop: shop.loveandlondon.com we appreciate it ❤️❤️
Definitely want to carry a few pounds in loose change for restrooms as many are not free.
I will be visiting London for the first time in March 2024,thanks for your detailed information to help me on planning, greatly appreciated 😘😘
You're very welcome!
Your Cameraman and Video Editor need a raise 😛... that was a fantastic high-production-values video... fab lighting, really well cut together and fantastic inserts / switches / fades 🤓👍😀
*camerawoman ❤️
Thanks! Very helpful as always. I love to hear about how accommodating cities are becoming to dietary restrictions. I don't like cheese (I know) and find that I don't feel as bad asking for cheeseless things in cities that are more sensitive to people's diets. (Though I often have to explain it's not a restriction, just a preference, when I get the ice cream for dessert.)
Good luck London. Be ready.
Hello Jessie, I went to London for the very first time in June this year. I loved the city and enjoyed it very much thanks to your videos! ❤❤❤
For the tube section, I'd like to add that the lines are X (meaning they don't come and go to the same place each time they pass) for Google maps user first have a look at the platform number your supposed to go to and then look for the direction of the train, it will help you a lot!
For the dietary part, I was very surprised that the staff were always asking us first if we had any special kind of diet or any allergies, I'm lactose intolerant and was very happy about the inquiry!
hello where did you stay? do you mind sharing? thank you so much
@@ma5300 Hello, it was organized by my work and we stayed at : Holiday Inn Express London - Earl's Court, an IHG Hotel
It was a bit far from the center of London, but easy to access. The breakfast buffet was good, and the workers were Lovely!
Just back from London few days ago.
love you ❤
Southend airport is less then an hour to Liverpool Street. That’s only a fraction longer than from stansted. It’s an airport trying to find its feet after Covid so has all the facilities but is usually so quiet u will race thru security etc. :)
One thing I like to add about food... restaurants can be expensive but I tell ya', the grab and go sandwiches at Tesco and M&S are great! They're not just your average gas station sandwiches. I pretty much just live off those when I'm there. If it's nice weather, just grab one and sit in any of the parks.
I have been known to get the sandwich/crisps/soda deal for a quick lunch
Hmmmmm ..... Not sure us Londoners would agree
All supermarket sandwiches are good. If none nearby, the chain Pret a Manger is reliable (known as Pret) .
@@loveandlondon Doesn't really matter. Londoners disagree about a lot of things when I say it. I think they're friendly and helpful, they say they're dour and unapproachable. They say "don't come in winter it's too cold" ... I live in western Canada - they don't KNOW what cold is. So, it's different through a tourist's eyes and palate.
I really love your channel. You’re really helping to solidify my choice to eventually move there. Do you have advice for visiting during Christmas? I want to visit from Christmas through the New Years. Thank you!! 🎉
There will be a great vibe from Christmas to New Year.
It will be cold so bring warm clothes,and check about booking up,it does get busy
She has some other videos on her channel about visiting during Christmas!
@@kelseyneth556 THANK YOU 😀
Going on a month long trip covering UK in December 😁
@@manishdhameja027 Excellent warm clothing required
Wow so Peckam and Brixton is safe! Thanks for heads up!
Absolutely
@@loveandlondon great to know
Thanks Jess! I'm coming out for 2 1/2 weeks in October and can't wait. And you're right, every time I come to London I do a TON of walking. It's awesome. Just hope the rail strikes end soon.
It is already ended, i just back from London.
The underground strikes are over still got a few odd days on mainline rail strikes are still happening but mostly alls well
Don't stress about railstrikes!
Omg! I am staing in Southwark (I pronounced it south wark today, and the clerk at the hotel did not correct me🤣)next week. I am in the Paddington area this week. I now hear the tin, not ton sound at the end, too😂 Thanks for the video.
Haha it happens don't worry ❤️
Lots of place names in London are not pronounced the way they are spelled. 😊
LOVE❤
hi Jess! Thank you for your informative video! I was wondering - do you recommend watching the changing of the guards? Is it always at the same time? When should I arrive? TY :)
If that's your thing! does get quite crowded with tourists!
0:26 This is more targeted to my suburban US neighbors, but: in the weeks leading up to your trip, try to get some more walking in. As a visitor in a pedestrian-friendly city it’s entirely possible to put in 15,000 steps a day, and I’ve heard much higher. If you’re used to 3,000-5,000 steps a day like many of us, suddenly going to 15,000+ is going to be brutal. If you can, start a month out and increase your steps a bit each week so you’ll be better prepared.
(If you’re buying walking shoes for the trip, this preparatory walking is also a good opportunity to break the shoes in.)
Or don't cram too much in !
I love london it the best and I’m londoner
❤️❤️
I love London and You so much Dear Jess You are so great traveler for me.🥰😍🤗
Evening song is free to attend at Westminister Abbey.
Premier Inn/Premier Inn Hub are cheapest hotels in central & outskirts. Always near tube/bus.
As public transport is quite good, you could quite easily stay outside London, say a south coast resort like Brighton (easy from Gatwick Airport) and use the frequent train service up to London (55 minutes) to do the tourist stuff there . The added advantage is there is plenty of really nice stuff to see outside London too, and local public transport is pretty good. Advice would be NOT to hire a car if you want to visit London (big traffic and parking issues).
If you want to properly do London though, have to be in London.
Hey as a Londoner of 50 years of age always lived here, I’d disagree with your comment. Stansted and Southend are roughly the same distance from London and it’s a 40 minute train journey and sometimes less stressful than travelling from Luton. Flights are more limited to Southend from some destinations but I’d never rule out flying into Southend as sometimes flights are much cheaper.
London in summer is great as everyone is on holidays and schools are of .Ya
If you plan your trip right, staying in an area outside the city can really pay dividends. We stayed in Highgate, which added probably 20 minutes to most places we wanted to go... but once we left the apartment for the morning, we didn't go back until bed, so it's a total of 40 minutes extra in a ~12+ hour day. Plus, we found a few great neighborhood spots nearby, including the ONLY place we liked enough to go to twice (a breakfast cafe in walking distance).
That being said, I'm prepping for a layover trip (19hrs including sleep time) so I'm going to be much more central this time!
Highgate is not outside London! It's very much in London just not in the touristy central bit. It's a lovely part of the city ❤️
@@loveandlondon oh for sure! I should have said "outside the *center*" (or outside Zone 1) instead of "outside the *city*." We had several lovely evenings in Highgate and every night when we came back it felt like we were living like locals (or at least, locals on vacation). We'd stay there again in a heartbeat!
OMG I have never tipped in London! I didn't know it was a thing!
Yes!
Whats wrong with Southend? U just take a train from Liverpool Street or Stratford pretty similar to Stansted. It doesn’t take much longer to get there either (both are 45ish mins from central). I flew a couple of times out of Southend and agree there is not much there but it felt much more relaxing than Stansted, Gatwick or Heathrow. Prices can be much lower too! If you live in or visit East London it’s a much better option than Luton or Heathrow.
😂😂😂people pressed about Southend