Visiting London for the first time

You can’t leave London without ticking off some of its most unique and traditional experiences. A must-do in London for the first time is a visit to a royal palace or historical landmark – follow in the footsteps of the royal family at Windsor Castle or trace 1,000 years of history at the Tower of London. Then, treat your taste buds to some traditional food and drink... Sit down to a quintessential afternoon team brimming with dainty sandwiches, warm scones fresh from the oven (with jam and clotted cream, of course) and pretty cakes, all washed down with a cup of tea. Or experience British food staples such as fish and chips, Sunday roasts, or a pint of beer in a cosy local pub.

Do you have your travel already booked for a specific date, or are you not sure when to visit? It’s time to find out what’s on when! Look at our curated guides for the highlights of each weekend, month and season, packed full of top tips from our experts on events, new shows and seasonal activities. If you are visiting during the school holidays, make the most of kids’ activities at top attractions – just make sure to book family attractions and experiences in advance, as these can be popular at these times. Take in the laid-back summer vibes at outdoor events such as music festivals and the Notting Hill Carnival from May to September or, visit in January to April or September to October for quieter times and events such as the Lunar New Year and Chelsea Flower Show. To see London at its most magical, visit during the build-up to Christmas, from early November to late December, when Christmas lights decorate the city and the New Year’s Eve Fireworks spectacularly usher in the new year.

Are you going to London for the first time? Delve into our informational guides to find tips for travelling to London for the first time, from visa information to UK Customs and British money. Make sure to plan well in advance to make your journey to London as quick and easy as possible, whether you take the plane, train or other means of transport. Once in the city, learn how to get around by using handy maps and apps, and discover how to save money while visiting London. Don’t miss our tips on other essentials, from where to stay, to how much to tip and where to hook up to wifi.

London may seem vast and buzzing with energy, but getting around is a breeze thanks to its well-connected Tube system. With 11 Underground lines, it’s quick and easy to travel from one side of the city to the other. Many first-time visitors prefer exploring central London on foot, taking in top spots such as Covent Garden, Westminster and Soho. If you want to combine sightseeing with travel, hop on one of the city’s iconic double-decker buses – a fun way to explore while soaking in the views of London's landmarks. For hassle-free travel, get an Oyster card to access the Tube, buses and trains – if you’re not a UK resident, save time by buying a Visitor Oyster card to be delivered to your home before you travel. Learn how to stay safe in London while travelling around – while London is generally a safe city, as with any big city, pay attention to your surroundings, plan your route in advance and don’t leave bags unattended.

There is so much to do in London it can be overwhelming at first glance, so we are here to help you decide on those must-dos for your first trip. Our top tips on things to do in London for first-time visitors cover all manner of experiences across the city, whether taking to the water to see some of London's most iconic landmarks on a river cruise or exploring the city on foot while discovering fun facts about London's history on a themed walking tour. It is also a great place for families: save the budget with free-to-enter museums, treat the little ones to their first show, or let them immerse themselves in the worlds of Harry Potter, Paddington and many more much-loved characters. You will not be able to tick everything off your list, but once you've made your first visit, you'll be sure to want to return…