My London Travel Tips
A view of Tower Bridge and my old ‘hood Shad Thames there on the right.
Did you know I lived in London for over 10 years? I would have never left had it not been for mom’s Parkinson’s Disease. I love London so much and you will too!! London is one of the easiest cities in the world to visit. The language is the same, the transportation system is excellent, and most things work exactly the way they should.
But it’s also a city with its own habits, rhythms, and quirks. Over the years I’ve watched plenty of visitors get tripped up by things like the Tube, British beer, Indian food, and even something as simple as ordering potato chips.
So if London is on your radar, here are a few practical tips that will make your visit much smoother.
It’s the “Loo,” Not the Bathroom
If you ask for the bathroom in London, people will understand you. But locals almost always say “the loo.”
You’ll also see signs for “toilets” or “ladies” and “gents.”
Public restrooms aren’t quite as common as in the United States, but museums, department stores, restaurants, and large bookstores are usually reliable places to find one when you need it.
London Is Almost Completely Cashless
One thing that surprises many visitors is how little cash you need in London.
In most places you simply tap your credit card or phone. Restaurants, pubs, taxis, museums, market stalls, and small shops all accept contactless payment. Even the public transportation system works this way.
You can arrive in London, tap your credit card on the Underground gates, and the system will automatically calculate your fare. No transit card, no tickets, no machines. Just tap in when you enter and tap out when you leave. It’s one of the most frictionless transit systems in the world.
Download the Citymapper App
Google Maps works well in London, but locals often rely on a different app called Citymapper.
Citymapper is excellent at showing multiple ways to get around the city in real time. Sometimes it will suggest the Tube, but other times it will recommend a bus, a short walk, or a combination of both.
What surprises many visitors is that the Underground is not always the fastest option.
Because Tube stations can involve long corridors, escalators, and transfers, a bus ride can sometimes get you closer to your destination with far less effort. And of course, when you’re on the bus you actually get to see the city instead of traveling through tunnels.
If you can grab a seat on the top level of a double-decker bus, you’ve basically created your own sightseeing tour.
Covent Garden Station Is a Bit of a Trap
Covent Garden is one of the most popular areas in London, and naturally visitors assume they should get off at Covent Garden station.
The problem is that this particular station has only elevators and no escalators. During busy periods the elevator line can get extremely long.
What many people don’t realize is that several other stations are just a short walk away. Leicester Square is only a few minutes on foot, and Charing Cross, Holborn, and Tottenham Court Road are also nearby.
Using one of those stations instead can save you quite a bit of time.
Beer Is Served Differently in Britain
Ordering beer in London can be a bit of an adjustment for Americans. First, the temperature. Many traditional British ales are served cool rather than ice cold. That’s intentional, because the slightly warmer temperature allows the flavors to come through more clearly. Second, the size. You’ll usually order either a pint or a half pint, and half pints are extremely common if you want to try a few different beers. The other difference is how you order. In most pubs you go directly to the bar, order your drinks, and pay there. Then you take your drinks back to your table. It’s also normal when you’re with friends to buy drinks in rounds, with each person taking a turn.
Indian Food Is Essential London Eating
If you leave London without eating Indian food, you’ve missed one of the city’s great culinary traditions.
Because of Britain’s historical connection to India, London developed an extraordinary Indian restaurant scene. You’ll find everything from neighborhood curry houses to refined Michelin-starred restaurants. Dishes like chicken tikka masala and butter chicken are so deeply embedded in British culture that many people consider them part of the national cuisine. In other words, while Paris might be about bistros and croissants, London is absolutely a place where you should make time for a proper Indian dinner.
Pret A Manger Is London’s Grab-and-Go Lifeline
When you’re walking around central London you’ll quickly notice a chain called Pret A Manger on what feels like every other corner. Pret is one of the city’s most reliable options for a quick breakfast or lunch. They specialize in fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, coffee, and pastries, and it’s the kind of place many Londoners stop during the workday. For travelers it’s perfect when you want something quick, inexpensive by London standards, and surprisingly good.
How to Eat Potato Chips the British Way
In Britain, “chips” are what Americans would call French fries. What Americans call potato chips are known as “crisps.”
And the flavors can be… creative. Salt and vinegar is extremely popular, but you’ll also see options like prawn cocktail, roast chicken, and pickled onion. A very British habit is to put crisps directly inside a sandwich for extra crunch. It sounds odd if you’ve never tried it, but it’s surprisingly good.
The Brits also have a very particular way of opening a bag of crisps to share at the pub. Try to ask someone to demonstrate this for you.
Go Early to Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the best food markets in Europe. It’s also extremely popular.
By late morning the place can become shoulder-to-shoulder with visitors trying to sample everything from cheese to pastries to street food. The best strategy is to arrive early, ideally shortly after the market opens. You’ll have space to browse, shorter lines, and a much more pleasant experience overall.
Pub Culture Is a Big Part of London Life
Pubs are one of the best places to experience everyday London. Many have been operating for hundreds of years and are woven into the fabric of the city. They’re not just places to drink — they’re social spaces where people gather with friends, meet after work, and spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon. Sunday roast at a pub, in particular, is one of the classic London experiences. Roast beef or chicken, crispy potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding served with gravy is about as traditional as it gets.
Taking a Black Cab is a Classic London Experience
And they take cards! This is worth knowing because visitors still hesitate, assuming they need cash. TfL requires licensed black cabs to accept card and contactless payments, and Visit London says black cabs accept credit and debit cards without a surcharge. So if you’re tired, caught in the rain, dressed for dinner, or just done with public transport, take the cab.
A 12.5% Service Charge is Very Common in London Restaurants
A lot of visitors either miss this entirely or double-tip because they don’t read the bill. A standard 12.5% service charge is extremely common in London, though some places have pushed higher, and industry commentary notes that service charge is generally presented as discretionary. So before you add extra gratuity out of American habit, look at the check carefully.
The Biggest London Mistake
Trying to do too much.
London is enormous and incredibly layered. Each neighborhood has its own personality, and some of the best experiences happen when you slow down and explore. Spend time wandering streets in Notting Hill, browsing shops in Covent Garden, sitting in a pub in Soho, or walking through Hyde Park.
Leave room for the unexpected moments. London rewards curiosity.
If you'd like help planning a London trip — from the right neighborhood to stay in to private guides and unique experiences — I'm always happy to help.
Sometimes the difference between a good London trip and a great one is simply knowing where the locals go.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
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