For a first-time visit to London, start in the heart of Westminster to see iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Follow this with a walk along the Southbank for views of the Thames, visiting the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and taking a ride on the London Eye.
Must-do experiences in London for the first time include visiting Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, and seeing a show in London's West End such as The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera.
The best area to stay in London if it's your first time is Marylebone or Mayfair, or north of the city, near King's Cross. It's also suggested that Covent Garden and Soho are best for first-time visitors, but these areas can be very busy, expensive, and cater to tourists.
“There are clear and distinctive categories – 50% for needs, 30% for wants and 20% to put aside as savings.” If £1,500 comes into your account each month, this means £750 would go towards your 'needs' – rent, council tax, energy bill, food and transport to and from work.
When is the cheapest time to visit London? Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events.
Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Croydon top the danger list. East and South London face more crime, and tourist hubs like Westminster add risk too. Stay sharp and use safety tips to stay secure.
For a first-time London trip, focus on iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, seeing them via a hop-on hop-off bus or walking the Thames; explore world-class museums like the British Museum (many free!), catch a West End show, experience a pub meal, and get skyline views from The Shard or Sky Garden.
1. Oxford Street. Oxford Street is one of the busiest andbest shopping streets in London which is packed with over 300 retailers, flagship stores, and iconic British department stores such as John Lewis and Selfridges.
Five iconic sights in London include the historic Tower of London, the royal Buckingham Palace, the famous clock tower Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) with the Houses of Parliament, the panoramic London Eye, and the majestic Westminster Abbey, offering a mix of history, monarchy, and modern landmarks. Other popular options are the British Museum, Tower Bridge, and St Paul's Cathedral.
Dress like a local. Look, the iHeart London jumper you grabbed at Camden Market might be cute but it screams tourist. London is rarely wear workout clothes unless it adds you off to the gym. Just stick to jeans, T shirts, jumpers, and jackets and definitely layer up for the unpredictable weather.
To spend a day in London, focus on key areas like Westminster (Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey), the South Bank (London Eye, Borough Market), and the Tower of London/Tower Bridge, using walking and the Tube/Uber boat to connect iconic sights like Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Covent Garden for a mix of history, views, and culture, remembering to book major attractions in advance.
For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites. With so much to do and see check out this article on how you can make the most of your time in London!
