15 London Burning Questions Answered for First Time Visitors

Planning your first trip to London and stuck with questions you can’t seem to find clear answers to? You’re in the right place!😊 As someone who’s obsessed with London and visited 6 (and counting) times – I’m ready to answer all your London burning questions.

I am also working on a complete London guide for first time visitors that will dive into London and everything to know before visiting, but in the meantime – this article will help you with the most frequently asked questions.

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊

London Travel FAQs: Your Biggest Questions Answered

What should I know before going to London?

I am currently working on a complete guide for London first time visitors, so make sure to stay tuned! This guide will include everything I wish I knew and have learned with my visits, must-visits, where to stay, travel tips, and beyond.

In the meantime, I do want to share something that is crucial to know: London isn’t just a single city center—it’s part of Greater London, a large metropolitan area of 32 boroughs (including the City of London itself).

I share this because it’s easy for first time visitors to assume they will be entering a large city, like Rome, where they can easily tackle all the best things to do and see.

In reality, many of London’s main attractions are in different boroughs, which brings me to one of my most crucial London travel tips: plan your itinerary borough by borough! For example, do all the best things in Southwark, and then move to the City of London.

If you try to simply go from one London attraction to the next, you will do lots of back and forth, waste time, and possibly drive yourself crazy.😅

What should I see for my first time in London?

As mentioned above, the best things to do in London and must-visits for first time visitors are scattered around different boroughs.

In my upcoming complete London for 1st Timers guide I will share all the details. In the meantime, here is a list of places you should visit your first time in London:

How many days in London is enough?

Whether you’ve been to Tokyo or plan to in the future, I can easily say that London is almost, or just as, immense. London is not just a city – it is also a metropolitan area named Greater London, an area that includes the City of London and 31 other boroughs.🤯

In other words, London could be its own mini country and there are never enough days to see it all. However, a 4 or 5 day trip is a great amount to see and enjoy the highlights of London and some of its hidden gems and local favorites.

If you are limited to 3 days, you’ll have enough time to see the city’s main icons such as the Palace of Westminster (home to Big Ben), the Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and more.

What is the cheapest month to visit London?

The cheapest months to visit London are usually January and February, as they are the coldest winter months.

Two months that are off-season that I personally love are March and November. March is a transition – part winter, part spring. While there’s the risk for rainy days, a sunny day in March feels so great.

November, besides the WTM crowds, is also a less touristy month to visit – especially early November. What’s nice about this month is that London is already full of Christmas and winter holiday decorations and vibes.

In late November and early December, tourism begins to peak as everyone visits for the lights.

What’s the Weather like in London?

No matter the time of the year you’re visiting, there is only one word that can truly describe the weather in London: unstable – or, unpredictable.

This is why it’s strongly recommended to always dress with layers, to help you protect yourself in the chance of any sudden change.

And most importantly, never leave without a small, packable umbrella.😅

Is London really that expensive?

I wish I could sugarcoat this, but yes… London is a very expensive city. Out of all my travels, this is the one city that my wallet and I disagree on – I love it, but my bank account? Not so much.😂

Prices are similar to U.S. prices, but the painful part (for Americans) is the pound-to-dollar exchange rate.

While you think you’re eating an affordable, a £15 meal might actually cost around $20 USD, depending on exchange rates.😅 If you come from a European country, the conversion rate is much more forgiving.

How do you get around London as a tourist?

There are several ways to get around London, and the most popular methods are the tube (metro), buses, and tour buses. In general, the best way to get around London is the tube (Underground).

The Tube: London’s Underground is fast, reliable, and usually the quickest way to cover long distances. Most attractions are near a station, and trains run from about 5 a.m. to midnight (with the Night Tube running on Fridays and Saturdays on select lines).

Buses: Double-decker red buses (city icons) are slower than the Tube, but they’re cheaper and a great way to sightsee while you ride.

🚌 I highly recommend trying to get the front seats on the second floor – it will feel like you’re on a rocket ship ride.😂

Walking: Central London is very walkable, especially areas like Westminster, Southwark, and Covent Garden. If weather permits, I strongly recommend walking as much as you can to really sightsee and take in London’s beauty.

River Bus: London also has Thames Clippers, a commuter boat service on the river. It’s not just practical—it’s a fun way to see the skyline from the water.

Taxis & Ubers: Black cabs are iconic, but they’re quite pricey. Ride-shares like Uber are widely available and often cheaper.

Pro Tip: Avoid buying single tickets—they’re more expensive than Oyster Card (prepaid) or contactless payments.

What are the dos, don’ts in visiting London?

In London there aren’t too many strict dos and don’ts but there is one thing that Londoners feel strongly about – and rightfully so: stand on the right side of the escalator, walk on the left side.

This is the golden rule of the London Underground, and you will see it written around various stations. If you don’t remember this, or follow the crowds, you can trust that a local will be mad at you and let you know.😅

A crucial “do” when in London – if you come from a country where you drive on the right side of the road – is to always look right before crossing the street! This is really important for your safety, and thankfully London streets tend to have “Look Left” or “Look Right” reminders painted on the pavement.

How can I avoid dressing like a tourist in London?

London is a very international city with people wearing all sorts of fashion styles. My personal favorite to admire? London’s street style and street wear – it’s some of the coolest you will see!

For those who have asked, yes – you can absolutely wear jeans in London! My only tip, in the chance you’re visiting during rainy days, is to bring a pair of pants because wet jeans are no fun: they get extra heavy and take years to dry.😅

Getting back to the question, “how to not dress like a tourist”, it’s quite hard to stand out as a tourist because of how international London is. In general, people here lean into business casual clothes, or street wear.

The best way to dress for London, no matter your preferred style, is with layers and comfortable. This will help with the unpredictable weather of the city, and help you on your 15,000+ step days.

Are museums free in London?

Something really neat about London is that it has over 25 free museums to visit, including some of the best and most popular in the city: the British Museum, National Gallery, Science Museum, and Tate Modern.

Is it safe to visit London now?

For the most part, London is a safe city – especially in the more central and touristy areas.

One thing to be very cautious about is pickpockets and being very mindful about when and where you are using your phone. There have been several cases of people on bikes or electric scooters snagging phones out of people’s hands.

Is London friendly to tourists?

The answer to this question may vary by personal experiences, but based on my visits and those of friends, London is generally very welcoming to tourists.

With London being such an international city, locals are usually polite and willing to help. At the end of the day, it is a very large city where most people are in a rush – so don’t expect locals to be as open to small talk.

Just remember: stand on the right of escalators, or locals will not be as friendly.😂

Do I need cash in London?

While it’s always wise to have some cash on hand, London is practically cashless. Nowadays, most places accept credit cards and platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

The only time you might need cash is for a small market or if you’re tipping in a taxi.

Is it rude not to tip in London?

This one is a tricky answer, but let’s start off with: No, it is not rude to not tip – but it is appreciated.

Many restaurants add a 12.5% service charge. If it’s already on your bill, there’s no need to tip extra unless service was outstanding. If there’s no service charge, leaving around 10–15% is appreciated but not mandatory.

Here are more “tipping culture” insights from Visit London.

Is London Underground safe for tourists?

London Underground is safe for tourists, and honestly a must-do when visiting the city. One because it’s a great way to travel around the city, but also because the tube is simply iconic.

My only tip, as for any public transportation in general, is to always keep all your belongings close to you and in safe places – just in case there are pickpockets lurking around.

Furthermore, many of the tubes and stations are monitored by CCTV – even certain TFL employees wear body CCTV cameras.

Planning to explore more of the UK while you’re here?

• 11 Best Things to Do in Southwark, London
• 19 Iconic Things to Do in Westminster, London
• Best Gluten Free Restaurants in London
• London in November | Everything You Need to Know
• WTM London as a Travel Blogger | Everything You Need to Know
• One Day in Edinburgh | How to Make the Most of Your 24 Hours
• 2 Days in Edinburgh: The Ultimate Itinerary For New Visitors
• Climbing Arthur’s Seat: Everything You Need to Know
• The 13 Best Gluten Free Restaurants in Edinburgh
• Where to Eat the Best Gluten Free Haggis in Edinburgh

📍 More UK and London content coming soon!

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I have to ask…

What are you most excited to see or experience in London? Have any other questions you want to ask? Let me know in the comments!☺️👇

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