If you’ve never been to London before, you’re missing out! London is one of the best places to visit in the UK, not to mention the capital. The great thing about London is that you can have a different experience each time you visit. You could even have a different experience each day you’re there. Here are some of the best London travel tips for first timers!
Get an Oyster Card
An Oyster card makes it so much easier to travel around London. Not only that, you’ll always get the cheapest fare for whatever it is you’re doing. You simply top up the card with cash and use it as you go along. The great thing about it is, it never expires either! There’s also the possibility you can have the money refunded to you if you don’t think you’ll use it again. It’s well worth getting an oyster card however long you’re planning on staying.
Make Sure You See a Show
London has a variety of shows you can see with a whole range of theatres to see them in. Each theatre is dedicated to the show it is showing, and is themed perfectly. It’s a wonderful experience. There are shows for couples, families, big kids at heart, and more. You could channel your inner child with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or enjoy a grown up classic like Les Mis, say the guys at Clondoncity.
Walk Sometimes
Getting the tube is all part of the London experience. However, you don’t need to get the tube everywhere. Make sure you walk sometimes and take in some of the sites along the way. Many things in London are surprisingly close together and well within walking distance.
Shop at Markets
Shopping at markets in London will definitely open your eyes, and you’ll spot some quirky souvenirs. Places like Camden market are the best place to go – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a whole different world!
Go to a Museum
So many of the museums in London are free, so you have no excuse not to go along and enjoy some culture on a budget. Even if you’re not into ‘art’ or whatever, there are so many other reasons to visit. It’s still interesting and at least you can say you’ve been! Makes a great date or an outing with family.
Buy a Pass to Save Money
If you want to experience a lot of what London has to offer, then you should buy a pass and save money. The passes will allow you access to as many of the top attractions as you like, and you’ll save a large percentage on the price of a single ticket. Just make sure you plan an itinerary beforehand so you know you’ll be able to fit everything in.
I hope you love these tips for London first timers and they help you to have the most amazing time! You’ll always have a great time in the big city, no matter what you decide to do!
We took our first family day trip to London this year…. the kids loved it! (of course a trip to Hamleys was necessary) and we have merlin passes so we managed to go on the London eye too. We’re hoping to go for a long weekend sometime this year so we can do madam taussauds and hopefully the british natural museum
Ohhh great! We are going soon on our way back from Norway. I really want to make it to the National History Museum as they are getting rid of the dino in the foyer 🙁 xx
Thanks for this – I’ve always avoided London but my cousin has recently moved there and invited us to stay. There are some great tips here and you have inspired me to see if there are any suitable shows on when we go later in the year.