London is big, bold, and packed with bucket-list moments. From royal pomp at Buckingham Palace to the ancient secrets of the Tower of London, you simply can’t do it all without a strategic plan. This guide will show you precisely how to visit London the right way, with expert tips on timing, transportation, and crucial booking advice that prevents you from wasting valuable time in queues.
We are The Tour Guy, and we’ve helped thousands of travelers get to know London. This is your ultimate cheat sheet for planning a London trip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a London Trip
We’ve mapped out the best steps to plan a trip to London. Follow along exactly, or click on a link to jump to the step you’d like local advice on.
The first step in planning your London trip is deciding when to visit. Each season brings its own character and should be planned around accordingly.
Spring (Late March–May): Mild weather, longer days, and colorful blooms in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Spring also brings fewer crowds than summer, making it one of the best times for first-timers.
Summer (June–September): Peak season for both prices and people. Expect long lines at major attractions, but also open-air festivals, rooftop bars, and lively neighborhoods. Pre-book skip-the-line tickets for sights like the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey to avoid wasting time in queues.
Fall (October–November): Cooler weather, beautiful autumn colors in the parks, and fewer tourists. It’s also the start of theater season in the West End and a great time for foodies to enjoy seasonal British dishes.
Winter (December–February): Festive lights, Christmas markets, and quieter museums. January and February bring lower prices, though you’ll want a good coat and umbrella. London feels especially cozy when you duck into a pub after sightseeing.
TRAVEL TIP: London’s weather is famously unpredictable. Always pack layers and a light rain jacket, no matter the season.
Step 2: Decide How Long to Stay in London
How long you stay in London depends on your pace and priorities. Use these timeframes and itineraries as a starting point:
London is full of attractions, but you don’t need to do everything. Focus on a few big-ticket sights each day, then leave time to wander neighborhoods and enjoy the city’s rhythm.
Westminster Abbey: A Gothic masterpiece where kings and queens are crowned. Visiting on a Westminster Abbey Tour ensures you don’t miss hidden details. For DIY planners, check out our guide on How to Visit Westminster Abbey.
Buckingham Palace: The royal residence and backdrop to the Changing of the Guard. Pair a Buckingham Palace tour with a visit to St. James’s Park for iconic London views, and be sure to check out our guide on How to Visit Buckingham Palace.
Fun Things to Do in London
Afternoon Tea: Eat your way through three delicious tiers of small scones, sandwiches, and desserts. It’s a quintessential British experience. Join one of our London Food Tours or enjoy a Kensington Gardens Tour with High Tea.
Day Trip to Stonehenge: The mysterious stone circle is a bucket-list site. Book an Exclusive Inner Circle Tour to walk among the stones—a view not available to the general public. Or read How to Visit Stonehenge.
London is walkable, but you need to start in the right place. Don’t pick a hotel just because it is cheap—you will waste money on transit and miss the city’s electric evening energy. For insider tips and top hotel picks, see our guidebook articles on Where to Stay in London.
Here are our top recommended neighborhoods, depending on your trip’s focus:
Westminster: Best for first-timers who want to walk to Big Ben, the Abbey, and the Thames. This is the luxury base and the historic core, though it can be quieter at night.
South Kensington: Best for families and museum lovers. It has a classy, residential feel and is home to the V&A and Natural History Museum.
Covent Garden: Best for theatre, dining, and lively nights—central, energetic, and close to London’s best stage shows.
Tower Hill: Best for history buffs who want the Tower of London and the riverside at their doorstep, offering more budget-friendly options and easy Tube access.
London’s food scene is one of the best in Europe, but only if you know where to go and what to eat. Plan a mix of pub classics, street food, and fine dining.
Must-Try London Foods:
Fish and Chips: Crispy, golden, and best enjoyed with malt vinegar in a traditional pub.
Sunday Roast: A hearty weekend tradition with roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy.
Curry: London’s unofficial national dish, best found on Brick Lane or with a guide on a food tour.
The last step to plan a trip to London is the practical stuff. Grab a pint and knock these out in 15 minutes:
Get Your ETA: All non-UK travelers need to apply for this before landing, but it’s easy. Just head to the UK ETA website or download the official ETA app.
Airport Transfers: From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express (15 min, £25) is the fastest. The Elizabeth line (27 min, £12.80) is the best value, and taxis take 1 hour (£45–£70).
Getting Around: Tap in/out with your contactless card or phone on the Tube and buses—no need to pre-load a travel card for most visitors. Use Google/Apple Maps for routes.
eSIM: Buy an eSIM (like yesim) in advance so you land with data already working. You’ll avoid expensive roaming charges and always have your maps.
Packing: Layers, comfy shoes, and a compact umbrella are must–haves. London weather likes to keep you guessing.
Final London Travel Tips
Want to truly enjoy London and avoid looking like a lost tourist? Keep these under-the-radar London travel tips in your back pocket.
Stand on the right side of escalators in the Tube. Locals will rush past on the left.
Many pubs close earlier than you’d expect, often around 11 pm.
Carry a contactless card or phone wallet. Cash is becoming less common.
Free museums (like the British Museum and National Gallery) are amazing, but plan for early visits to beat crowds.
Where to Go Before or After Visiting London
London is a great hub for exploring the rest of Europe via flight or the Eurostar train.
Paris: Connected by the Eurostar train, making it one of the easiest and most convenient add-ons. Combine royal history with Parisian romance.
Barcelona: A short flight away. Famous for Gaudí’s architecture, beaches, and energetic food scene.
Rome & Venice: Italy’s ancient capital and the floating city are a must-see. You can find cheap flights from London to either city.
Final Thoughts
London comes alive when you slow down, explore a historic pub, and allow its centuries of history to wash over you. Use this guide to lay the perfect foundation, and then let the city’s royal and cultural energy surprise you.
Ready to start booking? Check out our most popular, expertly guided tours:
YouTube and Podcast Resources
Articles aren’t the only way we share London travel insights. We also create YouTube videos and podcasts that bring destinations to life. Tune in for tips, stories, and practical advice to help you plan your trip!
The Best Things to See in London in 2025 (Travel Guide)
London According to Locals: Bars, Restaurants, Things to do
