How to plan a trip to London?

London, with its history, culture and modernity, is a city that captivates all visitors. From historic Big Ben to the modern London Eye, the British capital is packed with iconic sights not to be missed. There’s so much to see that sometimes it can be overwhelming not knowing where to start. That’s why we’ve written this post to help you plan your trip to London.

When it comes to organising your trip, you’ll have questions such as where to stay, what are the must-sees, how to get there, among many others. In this post you can read many travel tips based on our own experiences that will help you get the most out of your next holiday.

1. Prepare your travel documents for London

To travel to England from another EU country you will only need your passport as, after Brexit, your ID card is no longer valid to enter the UK. You will be able to stay in the country for up to 180 days, but remember that your passport must be in order.

Although the European Health Insurance Card still works after Brexit, cover may be limited, so it’s often recommended that you take out additional travel insurance. And if you plan to drive in the UK, you should know that your European driving licence is still valid, so you should be able to use it.

In addition to EU countries, several Commonwealth countries are exempt from visa requirements, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, the United States, and Uruguay.

All other countries must apply for a tourist visa through their country’s embassy or online. It is valid for 180 days and must be applied for at least 3 months in advance. It costs £115. The application process includes completing an online application form, submitting specific documents such as a valid passport, financial proof, accommodation or a letter of invitation, travel itinerary and travel insurance.

When you travel you should always be documented, and it is often recommended that you carry a copy of your documents just in case. We carry a copy of our travel documents in the Passporter App in case we need it and to have it always at hand.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to London

London is such a tourist-friendly city that any time of year is a good time to visit. However, you should bear in mind that every season has its advantages and disadvantages.

If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy moderate prices, spring and autumn are ideal. Just bear in mind that Easter is a very busy time and prices will rise.

Summer is the peak season in London. The weather is generally warm and pleasant, making it a popular time for tourists. There is also a wide range of outdoor events, such as music festivals, sporting events and theatre performances. If you’re travelling at this time of year, it’s advisable to look in advance so you can choose accommodation and find cheaper options.

On the other hand, winter in London is cold and can be quite wet, but the city is transformed by festive lights and Christmas markets, creating a very special atmosphere. Flight and accommodation prices can be lower (except at Christmas and New Year), and although some days can be quite grey, there are plenty of activities and attractions on offer, such as museums, galleries and theatres.

3. Find out how to get to London

Getting to London, one of the world’s most iconic and cosmopolitan capitals, is relatively easy thanks to its extensive network of global connections. Although it’s an island, you might be surprised to learn that you can also get there by road – here’s how.

• Car: Travelling to London by car is an option, especially from nearby cities or countries on the European mainland. The Eurotunnel crosses the English Channel from Calais in France. It takes 35 minutes to cross the tunnel, and a further 3 hours to get to London. The cost ranges from €30 to €100. If you’re only travelling to London, there are cheaper and quicker options such as flying, as parking in the city is not easy.
• Train: The Eurostar train connects London with several European cities, such as Paris and Brussels, directly to St Pancras International station. Depending on where you’re travelling from, the price can vary, but expect it to cost upwards of €100. The good news is, they’re high-speed trains. From Paris to London it takes just 2 hours to get there.
• Bus: Companies such as National Express and Megabus offer services from different parts of the UK and some European cities at competitive prices. It’s a cheap option, but also the slowest.
• Flight: London is accessible via its five main airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City. British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate daily flights at very competitive prices. If you’re travelling for just a few days, it’s definitely the best option.

On landing at any of London’s airports, you have several options for getting to the centre:

• Heathrow: the Heathrow Express is the quickest way, getting you to Paddington in 15 minutes. Tickets cost £22. Underground (Piccadilly Line) and buses are also available, costing between £1.5 and £10.
• Gatwick: The Gatwick Express gets you to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. It costs £19.90. You can also opt for bus services.
• Stansted, Luton and City: all offer train and bus services into the centre. Stansted Express arrives at Liverpool Street, while Thameslink connects Luton with several central stations.

Once in the city, London’s public transport is efficient and extensive. There are tube, bus and cycle hire services. You can buy an Oyster Card or use a contactless card to pay for your journeys.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations to enjoy London

There’s so much to choose from in London that it can be hard to decide where to stay. The main tourist attractions are spread out across the city, so it doesn’t really matter where you stay, as you’ll need to take public transport at some point.

Our advice here, and always, is to look well in advance. You’ll see that London is not a cheap city, so the more choice you have the better. And if you don’t know where to start looking for accommodation, here’s a list of the best neighbourhoods to stay in London:

• Soho: ideal for those looking to experience the nightlife and be close to theatres and restaurants. It’s expensive, but its central location justifies the price.
• Westminster: offers easy access to major tourist sites. A bit pricey, but perfect for first time visitors.
• Covent Garden: a charming and central neighbourhood, ideal for sightseeing. Prices can be high, reflecting its popularity and location.
• Shoreditch: perfect if you’re looking for a more alternative, artsy vibe. Prices vary, but are generally good value for money.
• Notting Hill: quaint and quiet, with easy access to the centre. Variety of prices, though tends to be expensive.
• Paddington and Bayswater: convenient for their proximity to Hyde Park and good transport links. Medium price range, offering good value for money.

With the Passporter App you can start comparing accommodation and manage your bookings through Booking today. It’s the best way to keep all your information organised.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in London

You’ll need at least 4-5 days just to get the gist of London. In these days you can visit the main sights, enjoy some of London’s famous museums and parks, and experience local life at a leisurely pace. However, if you really want to get to know the city, you should stay at least a week to experience the nightlife, teatime and explore all the neighbourhoods.

In this post you can read more in detail about the main points of interest in London: Things to do in London England, and here are the must-sees so you can start creating your itinerary easily with the Passporter App:

• Buckingham Palace: the official residence of the British monarchy in London, famous for the Changing of the Guard. The approximate entrance fee is £30.
• The London Eye: a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the city. Tickets from £27.50 if purchased online. There is usually quite a long queue.
• The Tower of London: historic fortress and home to the Crown Jewels. General admission for £29.90 when purchased online.
• Tower Bridge: London icon and Victorian engineering masterpiece. Inside there are exhibitions which you can see for a £10.60 entrance fee.
• Parliament and Big Ben: an iconic symbol of the city. Tours of Parliament are available from £26.50.
• Westminster Abbey: a Gothic church with centuries of royal and political history. Entry for £24.
• British Museum: collections spanning thousands of years of human history. Although admission is free, some exhibits may be chargeable.
• National Gallery: houses a vast collection of European paintings. Admission is free.
• Camden Market: market known for its food, clothing and art pieces.
• Covent Garden: an area famous for its shops, restaurants, and street entertainment.

6. Where and what to eat in London?

London’s cuisine perfectly reflects its multicultural society. You’ll find all kinds of restaurants, including fast food, international cuisine and upscale options as well as traditional English pubs where you can enjoy a pie and a pint.

During our stay we were surprised by a couple of things. On the one hand, you will see that junk food is widespread and that it is normal to see people eating in the street. This probably leads us to the second aspect, the smell. We were struck by the curious smell of the streets, fried food, which will make you hungry at all hours.

And speaking of being hungry, here are the 5 most typical dishes in London and English gastronomy:

• Fish and Chips: the iconic British dish of battered fish and chips. You can try it in restaurants as well as in street stalls.
• Sunday Roast: roast beef served with gravy, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding.
• Full English Breakfast: hearty breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon, bacon, beans and more.
• Pie and Mash: meat pie served with mashed potato and gravy.
• Bangers and Mash: sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy.

When it comes to drinks, tea is an essential part of British culture. It’s often referred to as 4 o’clock tea, but in many places, the coffee shops will have closed by 4 o’clock. This tradition is a perfect excuse to get together with friends and chat over tea with sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and jam.

7. Organise a trip with friends to London

Sharing a trip with friends to London is a unique and exciting experience that will allow you to explore new places in good company. It is also an advantage on a financial level as it can make the trip more affordable by sharing accommodation, transport and meal costs. And in case of any inconvenience, you can always count on each other’s support.

However, coordinating with several people when travelling can also be a challenge as everyone may have different interests and expectations about the trip. That’s why we encourage you to organise your trip with friends with the help of Passporter. With their App you can all add your preferences to the itinerary and share your experiences through photos of the trip. In this post you can read more about the advantages and disadvantages of travelling with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to London

• The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (£).
• It is advisable to carry some cash, although most shops accept card payments.
• Waking up early will allow you to enjoy iconic sights such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge with fewer people.
• The UK uses plug type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• If you are travelling from the European Union, you will need a passport to enter the country; a national ID card is no longer sufficient.
• The official language is English.
• Water in the UK is safe to drink, so you can refill your water bottle to reduce plastic use.
• London is a relatively safe city, but as in any big city, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance to get better prices, especially during peak tourist season.
• Find out about events or festivals during your visit.
• Remember that in the UK you drive on the left, unlike in the rest of Europe.
• Be prepared for the UK’s changeable weather by always carrying an umbrella or mackintosh, even on sunny days.
• Using apps such as Passporter to plan your trip to the UK is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to London?

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to London.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to London