I just traveled to London for the first time, and I see why the city is such a popular destination. London has beautiful architecture, interesting history, and lots of quaint and peaceful parks. There are countless districts surrounding London that are worth the visit, and the public transportation is super cheap making it easy to navigate your way around the city. If you are planning a trip to London for the first time, keep reading for a London Travel Guide including the top sights to see and travel tips.

Trip Length

I spent two full days and two nights in London, because my trip included several countries in Europe. Two days was enough time for us to visit all the sights, relax in a couple beautiful parks, and visit Notting Hill. The full list of activities can be found below. We stayed right in the city center at the St. Ermin’s Hotel though, so we were perfectly located for quick access to the sights and activities. If you don’t plan on getting in more than 10,000 steps each day during your stay or want to visit several districts outside of the city center, then you may want a couple extra days.

Transportation

Walking is the way to get around the city center if you are traveling on a budget. The sights are all within a good walking distance. There are taxis driving around everywhere, so this is an option but expect to pay a hefty price. I never took a taxi when in London.

The Underground in London is their metro system. It is also referred to as “the Tube”. The Tube is very clean, cheap, and efficient. I recommend using the Tube to get around. You can tap a contactless credit or debit card each time which makes it easy. For specific prices check out their website. We flew into London Heathrow Airport and were able to take the Tube from the airport straight to the city center. The Tube stations at London Heathrow Airport are in terminals 2/3, 4, and 5.

Red double-decker buses fill the city as well. You will see hop-on/hop-off tour buses where people spend around $30-$50 for a tour of the city. This is a fun way to learn about the city, but the public buses are red double-decker buses as well. The public buses only cost £1.75 per trip. Riding in a red double-decker is part of the London experience regardless! All of this to say, there are plenty of cheap transportation options in London making it an accessible and cheaper destination for tourists – we love to see it!

Sights and Activities in London

Now for the list of sights and activities that made up my itinerary! If a museum date sounds like a fun way to spend your time, London is the place for you. There are countless free museums to enjoy. Notting Hill was the one district I explored outside of the city. I recommend making it over to Notting Hill where you find all the colorful buildings and the huge Portobello Market. Check the website for the Portobello Market as the hours change by the season. Below is a quick list for you, so it does not include other beautiful districts outside of London as I only spent two days in the city.

• See Big Ben
• Find Buckingham Palace
• Watch the Changing of the Guard
• Shop in Convent Garden
• Food at Borough Market
• London Eye
• Take the classic red telephone booth picture
• Relax and have breakfast in Hyde Park
• Natural History Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Explore Notting Hill (Portobello Market and colorful buildings)

Beyond the itinerary provided, many people enjoy booking a fancy “tea time” experience. Also, the city hosts numerous big events, shows, and parties. For example, I considered going to Mama Mia! The Party which is a show where you are also served a four-course Greek meal. The city has endless opportunities for entertainment!

Conclusion

London is an accessible city to visit with plenty of activities to make a memorable trip. You can see all the top sights in London and get the London experience in just a couple days, but there are endless activities, shows, and experiences to arrange a longer trip as well. I hope you enjoy London as much as I did!

Cheers to exploring new cities and making connections around the world! To read my other blog posts, check out the destinations tab on my website. Thanks for stopping by!