LONDON TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 40+ Must-Knows Before Visiting London + What NOT to Do!

Hey everyone! I hope you enjoy this week's video all about London. As usual, feel free to comment if you have more tips to add and check out the written version for more tips: happytowander.com/london-travel-tips/

I don't know why I watched this entire video. Because I live in central London. But it was great. And please don't stand on the left. Ever.

Top tip from a Londoner - use the river on an Uber boat, they are huge and open at the back or have an airline like interior with a bar - look at routes and they go touch close to Big Ben and the Eye - you can do a long route to say Battersea Power Station from Embankment - excellent sights and lots to do around Battersea including a vast park - Battersea Park - just tap in and out and it is cheap

I know London quite well, but you did an EXCELLENT job of advising new tourists all the how to’s and what not to do during their stay. BRAVO 🎉…………🤗🇨🇦

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned it in the comments. You forgot to mention the best way to get into London from Heathrow is to use the new Elizabeth line. It also has Air con

Even though you call this essentially an episode for 'first time' travelers, there is a lot here for even seasoned visitors to London like myself, to enjoy and learn from. Exceptional video once again. Keep up the fantastic job. I really enjoyed it.

My tip for a first timer - the hop on hop off bus is great for getting in what I call 'the calendar tour'. If you buy a calendar from London, there will be the standard 12 things ... and you will see all of them on the HoHo Bus tour and then you can say they're done. Often the two day ticket comes with the river cruise/one way trip to Greenwich, take advantage of that. Mostly though, don't go on someone else's holiday. I found London Eye to be a waste because, like she says, there are tons of free lookout points ... but if the Eye is something on your bucket list - then you MUST do it! It's not that it's "not good", there are just others. My best 'secret' for a day-out of London is Hampton Court Palace. From the minute you get out of the train station - it's just BEAUTIFUL looking across and seeing it! Also - while it's very expensive and a bit more crowded, London is so beautiful at Christmas time!!

The video titled "London Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Go" by Happy to Wander provides a comprehensive guide for first-time visitors to London. Here are the key points covered in the video: 1. Best Time to Visit: Avoid peak season (July and August) due to crowds and uncomfortable heat, especially in the Tube system. 2. Length of Stay: A minimum of four days is recommended to experience London without feeling rushed. 3. Arriving in London: London has six airports. For those arriving at Heathrow, using the Tube is more cost-effective than the Heathrow Express, especially if your hotel isn’t near Paddington Station. 4. Choosing Hotels: Comfort and proximity to a Tube station are more important than being close to specific attractions. Focus on hotels in Zone 1 and Zone 2 for convenience. 5. Hotel Amenities: Many hotels in London are in older buildings, so check for amenities like elevators and air conditioning. 6. SIM Cards and Data Plans: Essential for navigation and internet access, as many places use QR codes for menus. Affordable SIM cards are available at airport vending machines. 7. Travel-Friendly Credit Card: London is increasingly cashless, so ensure you have a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. 8. Getting Around: Public transport is efficient; avoid renting a car. Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for the Tube. Buses are a cheaper option and offer scenic views, but can be less punctual. 9. Tube Tips: Avoid rush hour, keep your ticket or card handy, and download your journey beforehand due to lack of cell service in stations. Stand on the right side of escalators. 10. London Attractions: Don’t overload your itinerary. Plan by neighborhood to save time. Many attractions are free, and for paid attractions, consider a London Pass if it’s cost-effective. Book in advance, especially for popular sites. 11. Food and Drink: Try a variety of British foods beyond fish and chips, like meat pies and sticky toffee pudding. Explore London's international cuisine at food markets. Understand pub etiquette, including ordering at the bar and tipping practices. 12. Safety Tips: Be cautious when crossing streets and keep your phone secure to avoid snatch thefts. 13. Pronunciation of Place Names: Learn the correct pronunciation of commonly mispronounced names like Thames, Leicester Square, and Greenwich. 14. Respect Local Culture: Be mindful and respectful of residents, avoiding loud and disruptive behavior in residential areas.

Another awesome informative video, but I always listen at .75 speed on YouTube to be able to fully digest all your great tips!

This is one of the best travel videos I've ever seen. I feel like I got so much information in such a short amount of time. You didn't belabor any points, and now, I know exactly how to start planning my London journey. Thanks!

The London Eye is totally worth it, I did it for the sake of doing it because its a London staple, and I felt an appreciation for the experience that I did not expect to feel :)

This has to be the clearest and best travel tips vid I’ve seen in a long time. Nice job and thanks for the awesome tips!

Your tips in this video were AMAZING. I have been to London multiple times and am planning another trip next year. I couldn't agree more with your tips and I thought your layout and the logical order of things was really helpful! I never comment on YouTube videos, but I just had to say how great this was. I plan to check out your other videos! Thank you.

It’s so good to see your videos before I travel to London.. so informative and practical tips. Thank you!

Super informative. One of the best London travel videos. Thank you

Thank you for making this video. It's so informative. 🎉

Thank you so much for this video!❤ I 've been to London before, a long time ago, though, so this is gold!!! ✨️✨️✨️

Super practical and actionable tips and hacks. Thanks @HappytoWonder!

The Elizabeth Line is a good and less expensive alternative to the Heathrow Express. It's comfortable, clean, less congested than the Tube, and it takes you into central London to your hotel.

Thank you for giving so much interesting information in such a short video. I thoroughly enjoyed it!