London—a city where 2,000 years of history sits comfortably alongside soaring modern skyscrapers. For first-time visitors, its sheer scale, complexity, and abundance of iconic sights can feel overwhelming.
Forget the stress! This guide provides a strategic, value-packed plan covering everything you need to know, from mastering the Tube to finding the best cheap eats near the landmarks. Get ready to experience London like a well-prepared local.
Part 1: Mastering Transport & Money (The Essential Prep)
London is a cash-light society, and public transport is your best friend. Leave the rental car behind—driving in central London is expensive and unnecessary.
The Golden Rule of Payment: Tap and Go
| Method | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Contactless Card / Phone Pay | Short-term visitors & international travellers | Automatic Capping! Tap the same card/device every time, and the system automatically caps your daily and weekly (Mon-Sun) spending, ensuring you always pay the cheapest possible fare. |
| Oyster Card | Visitors staying 7+ days or those needing child discounts | An electronic card you top up with credit. Also benefits from daily capping, but does not offer the weekly cap unless a weekly travelcard is loaded onto it. |
| Avoid! | Paper tickets | Always significantly more expensive than using contactless or Oyster Pay As You Go (PAYG). |
Pro Tip: Always “touch in” and “touch out” when using the Tube (Underground), Overground, and Rail networks to ensure you pay the correct fare and benefit from the cap. On buses and trams, you only need to touch in when you board.
Unspoken London Etiquette
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Escalator Rule: Always STAND ON THE RIGHT, WALK ON THE LEFT. The left is the fast lane for rushing commuters.
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The Queue: Joining the line (the queue) is a sacred social custom. Always wait your turn, even if the line looks informal.
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Transport Silence: Keep conversations and phone calls quiet on the Tube. Londoners highly value their personal space and quiet time during the commute.
Part 2: The Perfect 3-Day First-Timer Itinerary
Group your sightseeing geographically to save time and money on transport.
Day 1: Royal Power & Iconic Views (Westminster & The South Bank)
| Stop | Why You Visit | Insider Tip |
| Westminster Abbey | Where kings and queens have been crowned since 1066. Staggering history and architecture. | Book tickets in advance and arrive before opening to avoid the worst crowds. |
| Parliament & Big Ben | See the Houses of Parliament and the famous Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben is the bell inside). | Cross the Westminster Bridge and walk along the South Bank (The Queen’s Walk) for the absolute best photo view. |
| London Eye | Get a 30-minute rotation in a large pod for unbeatable panoramic views of the city. | Book Fast Track tickets online if you don’t mind the premium—it saves significant time in line. |
| Buckingham Palace | The London residence of the monarch. | Check the schedule for the Changing of the Guard ceremony (usually 11:00 AM on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun, but check official times). |
| Trafalgar Square | London’s massive public square, home to Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery. | Entry to the National Gallery is FREE. Spend an hour seeing masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Turner. |
Day 2: Medieval History & The City (Tower & Shoreditch)
| Stop | Why You Visit | Insider Tip |
| Tower of London | Explore the historic fortress, see the Crown Jewels, and hear tales of execution and intrigue from the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters). | Arrive right at opening (10:00 AM) and head straight for the Crown Jewels—the line gets long fast. |
| Tower Bridge | The iconic Gothic structure often confused with London Bridge (which is surprisingly plain). | Consider the Tower Bridge Experience to walk the high-level glass floor walkway for amazing views. |
| St. Paul’s Cathedral | Christopher Wren’s architectural masterpiece and the site of many famous events. | Climb the Whispering Gallery and the two outer domes for spectacular city views (this climb is strenuous!). |
| Sky Garden | London’s highest public garden, offering 360-degree aerial views. | Entry is FREE, but you MUST book a time slot weeks in advance via their website. |
| Shoreditch/Brick Lane | Explore the vibrant East End, famous for its street art, vintage shops, and diverse food. | Visit Brick Lane for some of the best budget Indian curry or a late-night Beigel Bake (open 24 hours). |
Day 3: Culture, Markets & Charm (Bloomsbury & Notting Hill)
| Stop | Why You Visit | Insider Tip |
| The British Museum | A world-class museum housing the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, and Egyptian mummies. | Entry is FREE! Plan your visit around 3-4 key galleries to avoid museum fatigue. |
| Borough Market | London’s oldest and most famous food market (operates Thurs–Sat, check specific dates). | Arrive hungry and graze! Grab a Chorizo Roll or a fresh Oyster for the ultimate market experience. |
| Covent Garden | The entertainment hub, known for its historic market hall, boutique shops, and famous street performers. | Look for the hidden, colourful courtyard of Neal’s Yard nearby for a great photo. |
| Notting Hill | Wander the streets famous for the movie, admiring the beautiful pastel-coloured houses and browsing Portobello Road Market (best for antiques on Saturday). | Grab a quick, quality sandwich or pastry from a local deli—it’s cheaper than eating on Portobello Road. |
Part 3: Budget Eats & Pub Etiquette
London can be expensive, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well.
Affordable Food Near Landmarks
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Near British Museum: Head to Charlotte Street or Bloomsbury for independent cafes and restaurants. Lantana Cafe (Australian) is a good choice for quality coffee and brunch.
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Near Westminster/Covent Garden: Grab lunch at a chain like Pret A Manger or Tesco/Sainsbury’s for quick, high-quality meal deals (sandwich, snack, drink for ~£5-£7). Shake Shack in Covent Garden Piazza is a fun, mid-range option.
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Best Budget Dinner: Pie & Mash (traditional East End fast food) or a classic pub meal (Fish & Chips, or Bangers and Mash).
The Pub Rules (Crucial Etiquette)
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No Table Service: For drinks, always order and pay at the bar. You do not wait for a server to come to your table.
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Rounds: If drinking with a group, the custom is to buy rounds (one person buys a drink for everyone, then the next person does, etc.).
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Tipping: Tipping is not required at the bar. In sit-down restaurants, check the bill—a service charge (usually 10-15%) is often already included. If not, tipping 10-15% is customary.