When the time comes to plan a trip, whatever the destination, advice is always good to take in order to leave better prepared.
Obviously, we want to know what are the best things to do to make the most of our stay, in this case, in the British capital. It’s even more important if it’s your first trip to London because you probably don’t want to miss anything and that’s normal!
That’s why in this guide to visit London we give you our best advice; those that you absolutely must have in mind… Hoping that they will help you to spend unforgettable moments !
30 tips for visiting London
1. How many days do I need to visit London?
This is one of the most difficult questions. London is a huge city and to know all its corners you will not have to count in days but rather in weeks. Of course, if you only want to see the most important things, a few days will suffice. Personally, we recommend a period of 3 to 5 days depending on your program to get to know the city well.
If you are interested, you can consult our articles to visit the city in 1 day , 2 days , 3 days , 4 days or 5 days .
2. Necessary documents
Although this may change in the coming months, for the moment the situation remains the same and if you are a citizen of France or of a member country of the European Union then you only need an identity document valid (identity card or passport. Please note that the driving license is not considered a valid identity document).
For greater security, we nevertheless advise you to travel with your passport. Indeed, Brexit can change things at any time and it would be a shame to plan your stay for months and not be able to leave two weeks before.
In addition, it is always good to know how to contact the French Embassy in the United Kingdom or the Consulate in London in the event of a problem.
People who are not citizens of an EU member country will have to apply for a visa in addition to a passport to be able to enter British territory.
3. Electrical outlets
A basic tip but it’s what people think the least when leaving: You will need an adapter to be able to plug in your electrical appliances.
English sockets are different from French sockets . They are type G, that is to say with three flat branches. On the other hand the voltage is the same as in France and you can connect your devices without worries using an adapter .
Although you can easily find adapters in London, it is recommended to buy yours before you leave and thus be ready directly if you run out of battery on your phone, for example.
4. Find out about the different airports
It is best to find out about the different ways to get to central London from each airport to be able to make the best choice.
We leave you here our article on London airports which will surely be useful for you to prepare your trip.
5. Where to change your euros?
Surely the most important tip. If you preferred not to exchange money before leaving then do not do so when you arrive at the airport. The commissions are very high and the best solution is to wait until you arrive in central London to find an exchange office .
If, however, you need money to get from the airport to the city center , change only the bare minimum and wait until you are in London to do the bulk of your transaction. In any case, you always have the option of using your bank card , which is the most practical for us.
6. Getting around London
Being familiar with London’s transport network is also one of the best tips we can give you. It’s a great way to save time and enjoy your stay in London.
Transport For London (TFL) has one of the most efficient networks in the world. You can choose to take the metro, bus, DLR, train and even the boat . However, we recommend that you travel as much as possible on foot to be able to discover all the secrets that the city has to offer. If walking is not your cup of tea, the metro and the bus are two good options.
You can view the London Underground map and download it so you can take it with you anywhere. Also remember that the city has transport cards like the Oyster Card .
7. Housing
This is another question we are asked frequently. Accommodation in London is generally quite expensive but that does not prevent you from finding some good deals. There are more recommended areas than others for accommodation and in each of them you have various options .
We also advise you not to go on an adventure and to book your accommodation before boarding the plane . Yes, London is a big city, there are many options there, but you could end up on the streets if you don’t take this precaution.
