London tips for first-time visitors: Essential advice to navigate the city like a local

When you’re visiting London, the bustling capital of England known for its history, diverse culture, and world-class attractions. Also known as the Big Smoke, it’s a city that rewards smart planning over rushing from one landmark to the next. Most first-timers show up expecting Buckingham Palace, the Tube, and fish and chips—and they get all of that. But what they don’t expect are the quiet courtyards, £3 vegan lunches, and how easy it is to miss the best stuff if you don’t know where to look.

London transport, the integrated system of buses, Tube, DLR, and Overground that moves millions daily is the backbone of your trip. You don’t need a London Pass to save money—you just need to understand how Oyster cards work and when to claim refunds for overcharges. Step-free stations exist, but not everywhere, so knowing which ones have working lifts saves hours. And the DLR? It’s driverless, cheap, and connects you to areas tourists skip—like Canary Wharf and the O2. Skip the taxis unless you’re heading somewhere far out. Most of London is walkable, and walking lets you find the real gems: a hidden mural in Shoreditch, a bakery with the flakiest croissant in Peckham, or a pub with live jazz that doesn’t charge a cover.

London attractions, the mix of world-famous museums, ancient ruins, and modern landmarks that draw millions each year are mostly free. The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, and the V&A don’t charge entry. Westminster Abbey and Harrods do, but you can admire their exteriors and still get the vibe. Roman ruins? They’re under a car park in the City. The real magic isn’t in the big signs—it’s in the little things: the smell of fresh dim sum in Chinatown, the sound of a street musician playing ABBA in Covent Garden, or the way the light hits the Thames at sunset. You don’t need to see everything. You just need to see enough to feel it.

And then there’s London food, a wild mix of global flavors, from budget street eats to Michelin-starred hotel bars. You can eat vegan for under £5, get a donut that tastes like heaven without dairy, or grab a £2.50 dumpling that beats anything in your hometown. The best meals aren’t in guidebooks—they’re in alleyways, market stalls, and places where locals queue. Skip the tourist traps near Trafalgar Square. Walk a few blocks. You’ll find better food, cheaper prices, and fewer people.

Don’t overthink it. London doesn’t ask you to be a history buff or a fashion expert. It just asks you to be curious. Whether you’re riding the Tube, hunting for hidden bars, or eating your first vegan pastry, the city rewards people who move slow, pay attention, and say yes to the unexpected. Below, you’ll find real advice from people who live here—not the glossy brochures, but the messy, practical, sometimes awkward truths that make your trip actually memorable.