9 essential London travel tips from a local

9 essential London travel tips from a local

Uncover the unique travel tips for London that only locals know — from the best street eats to the best parks.

No matter how often you visit London, there’s always something new to discover. It’s a city of endless opportunities.

On sunny days, we love escaping the busy streets for one of its green spaces. Primrose Hill and Greenwich offer amazing views, while Kew Gardens is like being transported to a jungle with its impressive plant collection.

Whether you love history or nature, London’s museums are a great way to spend a rainy day. Many are free to visit, and there’s so much to see.

Discover our favorite places to spend a day in the city and top London travel tips.

Look for deer in Richmond Park

There are over 3,000 parks and gardens to choose from if you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in London. Richmond is one of our favorite parks for long walks, cycling, or picnics. It’s London’s largest Royal Park, spanning 2,500 acres, and the best part is deer roam freely throughout it. Take the District Line on the Underground or Overground to Richmond station. It’s a short walk or bus ride from there. When you get hungry, the nearby Napoli on the Road was named Europe’s best pizzeria outside Italy.

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Always keep a lightweight jacket and an umbrella in your bag when visiting London to adapt to the changeable weather.

Prepare for every season

Always keep a lightweight jacket and an umbrella in your bag — trust us, it can go from sunny to rainy in minutes in the UK. On rainy days in London, we also love exploring the city’s impressive museums. Our favorite is the V&A Museum in South Kensington. It has an amazing art and design collection and a café where you can grab a coffee and admire the stunning architecture.

Discover London’s top rainy-day activities

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To travel like a local on London’s underground and DLR, stand on the right side of the escalator.

Use the Citymapper app to get around

While you can tick off many of London’s landmarks on foot, the Tube (the London Underground) is better for covering longer distances. Use an Oyster card or touch your payment card on the yellow disc on the gate to pay. To travel like a local in London, remember to stand on the right side of the escalator to allow others to pass on the left. And if it’s your first time in London, use Citymapper to find the quickest routes.

Discover London’s landmarks

Don’t miss Chelsea Flower Show

Visit the UK capital in May and you can see the work of the best gardeners and designers in the world at the Chelsea Flower Show, at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Chelsea area also comes alive as local stores and restaurants along the King’s Road adorn their windows with impressive floral installations. This is one of the most popular events of the year, so purchase your tickets in advance. Weekdays are quieter, but Tuesday and Wednesday are reserved for RHS members.

Swap Oxford Street for Portobello Road

Shopping on Oxford Street is hectic, no matter what day you go. Jump on the Tube to Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Road Market to find smaller crowds and more unique items. We love browsing the stalls in search of antiques and vintage vinyl records, fashion, and jewellery. For an even quieter experience, visit on weekdays, when there are fewer stalls and fewer people. Follow with a coffee at Granger & Co. before admiring Notting Hill’s iconic colorful houses on Lancaster Road or Elgin Crescent — some of London’s most Instagrammable places.

Explore London’s Notting Hill

Spend a day in Hampstead

For a panoramic view of the city, climb Parliament Hill, one of the highest and best viewpoints in London, in the southeast corner of Hampstead Heath. We love exploring the Heath’s vast green spaces and swimming in its three natural ponds during the summer — open to women, men, and mixed groups. Follow with a delicious and authentic crepe from the famous La Crêperie de Hampstead — a local favorite.

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photo: @unknownndestinationn

Borough Market is one of London's oldest and largest food markets.

Discover London’s tastiest street food

Travel up and down the city, and you’ll quickly fall in love with London’s food markets — it has some of the best in the world. The historic Borough Market has been in its current location next to London Bridge station since 1756. A former wholesale market, it’s now where you’ll find artisanal producers and street food vendors, including Kappacasein, known for its grilled cheese, and Richard Haward’s fresh oysters.

Camden Market is also worth visiting for delicious Venezuelan arepas (a bread-like snack made from corn flour) and halloumi fries. Go early to beat the crowds, especially at the weekend in London.

Book a street food tour in London

Stroll along the River Thames

Nothing beats a riverside walk for a moment of calm in the heart of the city. Our favorite stroll along the South Bank starts at the London Eye, passing iconic landmarks such as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, and the Millennium Bridge until you reach Tower Bridge. We love doing this at sunset and grabbing a bite to eat from the food stands near the Southbank Centre or at Borough Market.

Take sightseeing to new heights

22 Bishopsgate may be the second-highest building in the city, after The Shard, but it’s home to Europe’s highest free viewing platform. Fifty-eight floors up, Horizon 22 has 300-degree views of London you won’t want to miss, just a few minutes from Aldgate Underground station. For the best light, visit at sunset, but make your reservation beforehand. Just around the corner, on the 15th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, The Garden at 120 is a rooftop garden where you can also take in the views of Tower Bridge and The Gherkin (officially known as 30 St Mary Axe).

Discover more of London’s viewing platforms

FAQs

What is the best way to explore London?

While the Tube is fast, London’s buses offer a more scenic journey. Sit on the top deck of the number 11 for one of the best travel hacks for London — the route passes Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers also offers a riverboat service that doubles as a sightseeing tour, stopping at London landmarks, including Battersea Power Station and The O2, every 10-20 minutes.

What should I know before traveling to London?

London is one of the most visited cities in the world. If you want to avoid the crowds, don’t visit during the peak seasons — summer (June to August) and winter (December and January) — when the city is packed and reservations are harder to come by.

How many days in London is enough?

Three days in London provides a solid introduction to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Focus on iconic attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Plan your itinerary and book entrance tickets in advance to maximise your time, though.

What can you do in London that is free?

London is home to several world-class museums that offer free entry. The British Museum, with its vast collection of art and antiquities, and Tate Modern, featuring contemporary art from around the world, are must-visits. London’s parks, including Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, are perfect for leisurely walks and picnics.

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