London is one of the world's most exciting and diverse cities, and for good reason. It has everything you could want in a city, from world-renowned museums and landmarks to some of the best shopping and dining experiences you can find. Today we want to share some tips for those of you who are planning to visit.

Getting from the Airport

One of the first things to consider is how you will get to central London from the airport. We recommend using either the Heathrow Express or the Underground Elizabeth Line to get to Paddington Station or stay on  Elizabeth Line to get even further into central London,, as they are both faster and cheaper than a taxi. Once you arrive, it's a good idea to try and check into your hotel as soon as possible to help combat any jet lag. We have an upcoming episode on Jet Lag so be sure to follow the podcast here or on Apple, Google, or Spotify for all the information but we do recommend this app for eliminating jet lag and what to do on your arrival day.

If you're staying in the vicinity of Paddington, you can take a cab to your hotel. It's also a good idea not to plan too much on your first day, as you'll likely be tired from the travel. Instead, consider taking a hop on/hop off bus tour to get a lay of the land and see some of the major sights.

Hotels

Both London Marriott Hotel Marble Arch and Sheraton Grand London Park Lane are excellent choices for accommodations in the vicinity of Paddington Station. The Marriott Marble Arch is conveniently located just a few minutes' walk from Paddington Station, and offers comfortable rooms and excellent service (and air conditioning). We stayed here on our last visit and really enjoyed dinner and the breakfast at The Pickled Hen.  The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane is situated in a prime location near Buckingham Palace and the Green Park Underground Station, making it a great choice for sightseeing.

We also like the Doubletree Tower of London.  Located in the City of London (the others are actually in Westminster) It's a little further from the station but super closer to the Tower, Tower Bridge, Shard, St Pauls, and very close to the Tower Hill Underground Station and Fenchurch Street Train Station.

Our List of the must-see sights on your first trip to London include 

• consider hop on/off to get a lay of the land
• see Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard - Here's some helpful tips:

  • The ceremony takes place every day during the summer months (April to July) and on alternate days during the winter months (August to March), subject to weather conditions and other events.

  • The ceremony usually starts at 11:00 am and lasts for about 45 minutes. However, it's a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot, especially during the summer months when it can get quite crowded.

• Visit the parks as you walk around - we like Hyde Park, Kensington Park, Green Park, and St James Park
• Westminster Abbey - attending Evensong, which is free (but you can't see the rest of the Abbey), was a highlight for me
• Houses of Parliament
• Big Ben
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• British Museum (free)
• Piccadilly Circus
• Trafalgar Square
• London Eye at Sunset
• Start testing the use of Underground 
• See a show - can book online or use a TKTS for last minute bookings. 

The London City Pass by Go City, it is a great option for those looking to see multiple attractions in London. The pass offers access to over 20 top attractions in the city, including the Tower of London, the London Eye, and the Westminster Abbey, all for one discounted price. It's definitely worth considering if you're planning to see several of the attractions on the list. We purchased this (and the Oyster option for riding the Underground) on our first trip in 2013 and let’s just say, we definitely got our money’s worth.

Eating in London

When it comes to dining, there are plenty of options to suit all budgets and tastes. We recommend booking a table in advance, especially if you're looking to try a Michelin-starred restaurant. Some of our favorite spots include Drummond for Indian food and Chinatown for Chinese food (both near Piccadilly and open late). For a quintessential British experience, try fish and chips at a local pub.

When visiting London, one of the must-do activities is experiencing afternoon tea. And there are plenty of places to choose from, with options to fit any budget. Here are a few places to consider:

1. Twinings Tea Shop - This tea shop, located in the City of London, has been in business since 1706 and is a great option for a more affordable afternoon tea experience (at the Palm Court inside the Sheraton Park Lane Hotel near Green Park - we stayed here in 2013 but it looks like they have enjoyed a refresh since then) . Enjoy tea with scones and other pastries in their cozy tea room.
2. Fortnum and Mason - This luxury department store in Piccadilly is known for its high-end tea experiences, with prices starting at around £60 per person. Indulge in delicate sandwiches, scones, pastries, and of course, a variety of teas. I enjoyed a special one here in 2022 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
3. The Ritz Carlton - The Ritz is a famous and elegant hotel in London that offers a luxurious afternoon tea experience in its beautiful Palm Court. Prices start at around £70 per person, and you can expect to be served a variety of teas, sandwiches, scones, and pastries. This one is on Melissa's bucket list. 

No matter where you choose to have afternoon tea, it is a quintessentially British experience that you won't want to miss while in London. Just be sure to make a reservation in advance, as these places can book up quickly!

If you've already seen the major sights and are looking for something different on your second or third visit to London (but they can be done on a 1st visit too), consider 

• Royal Mews
• Kensington Palace
• Greenwich Park combined with taxi down Thames (Prime Meridian)
• Portrait Gallery (free)
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Shakespeare Globe Theater
• Start to venture out
•   Day trip to Windsor
•   Hampton Court Palace
•   Kew Gardens
• London Zoo
• Savage Garden Rooftop (Tower Doubletree)
• Burrow Market
• Covent Garden (shopping and dining)

Getting Around

Getting around London is easy thanks to the extensive public transportation system. We highly recommend that you try your hand at taking the Underground aka the Tube.  It's an inexpensive and fast way to get around the city. For us, a trip to London wouldn't be complete without using the Underground to get around.  Download the Transport for London Go App to help with directions. We recommend using your phone, wallet, and credit card to pay for the Underground, trains, and buses. Taxis can be expensive and take longer due to traffic, but they do take cards now. You could also consider using Uber or Bolt to get around.

Other Recommended Tours - as mentioned in several episodes we have booked lots of tours through Viator in several destinations around the world including Italy, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and have used them to book cruise excursions.  We have partnered with Viator to bring you the following links.  If you book using these links we may receive a small commission that helps us to provide you with this travel content.  

Inside London 

Harry Potter fans might enjoy the Harry Potter London Tour.  We saw some people on this tour in Leadenhall Market, the location of the Leaky Cauldron in the first movie.

Outside London

We are planning another episode for outside London but some of our favorite places are listed below.  We have either taken the train or had a car and explored them on our own but I've know lots of people to take them as day trips as a part of a tour to make logistics easier. Some of these tours combine more than one of these locations. 

Windsor

Stonehenge

The Cotswolds

Bath

Because of our latest travel experience missing a connecting flight at Heathrow, we through it would be helpful to share some tips here.

Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for international travel. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are traveling through Heathrow:

1. Size and Terminals - Heathrow feels like  is about 10 times larger than Hartsfield in Atlanta and has 5 terminals. Make sure to check which terminal you are arriving at or departing from, as they are not all connected.
2. Security and Immigration - All terminals have security and immigration, so be prepared to go through these processes before boarding your flight. Allow extra time for this, especially during peak travel periods.
3. Connecting Flights - If you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, make sure to allow at least 3 hours between flights, as you may need to change terminals and go through security again.
4. Arrival Time - Plan to arrive at least 2.5 hours ahead of your departure time, as this will give you enough time to check in, drop off your luggage, and go through security and immigration.
5. Food and Drink - While there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants in Heathrow, they can be quite expensive. It's a good idea to eat before you go or bring some snacks with you.
6. Liquids and Electronics - Be aware of the restrictions on carrying liquids and electronics through security, as these items can slow down the process.
7. Patience - As with any busy airport, it's important to bring your patience and be prepared for potential delays or long lines.

Finally, it's worth noting that London Stansted Airport is actually located about 35 miles northeast of London, so make sure to plan accordingly if you are flying into or out of this airport.

Money

We recommend using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee and using it in the local currency. You may want to carry a small amount of GBP as well, just in case. Tipping is not as common in London, but leaving some cash or coins for beer money is always appreciated.

Packing

Lastly, everyone wants to know, what do I pack? 

Pro tip: Do not overpack. Even if you are taking a cab or an uber/bolt, they tend to be small and you’ll have to get your luggage in and out.  You may also have to take a few stairs to get in and out of the station as well so be sure you can handle your luggage easily.  I took a suitcase that is actually an US approved carry on size and a backpack.  I had a crossbody that would fit inside my backpack as well. We were in Europe for 10 days so it is possible.  Plan to take darker colors and wear clothes more than once. 

Click here for more packing tips and our Ultimate London Packing list.

​London is an amazing city that offers something for everyone. Whether it's your first or tenth visit, there's always something new to discover. Just remember to pack your patience and enjoy everything that this incredible city has to offer!

Don't forget to Listen to our Podcast Episode 5, where we talk about all things London!  Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts so you don't miss a destination or a travel tip!