First Time in London Details + Trip Planning Spreadsheet
All the things that I really needed to know my first time in London, along with all of our very favorite things while there! Transportation, food, tours, money, shows, sights, plus a free planning spreadsheet that will make it so much easier to plan your trip.
My daughter and I got back a few weeks ago from the most wonderful trip to London and Paris. It was the first time for both of us, and we absolutely loved it. If you’re headed to London for the first time (or even a second or third), this post is a culmination of what I learned, what I was glad to know, and what I wish I would have known before we left. Transportation, food, money, what to see, tours…it’s all here!
In London we had the time of our lives, and soaked up every single minute. Before I left, I did mounds of research, but it honestly felt a bit overwhelming. There is so much out there! That’s not a bad thing, but it can feel like a lot, and hard to focus in on what really matters the most–or even what to ask. There are some things we stumbled upon by accident, and so happy we did. And we are still dreaming about our favorite gelato.
You’ll find in this post our 7-day itinerary, all of our favorites, and the things that we really needed to know during our trip.
Table of contents
Affiliate links are included for your convenience. Please see my full disclosure.
Transportation
My biggest questions before I left revolved around how we would be getting from place to place. We had booked tours out of the city of London, and I needed to make sure I could get there and back to our hotel with little to no problems, as well as all of our other planned adventures. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. We used the tube and national rail most of the time, and they got us everywhere we needed to go during our trip.
London Underground: The Tube
Our first time using the tube was when we arrived at Heathrow and needed to get to our hotel in London. I was familiar with the NYC subway, but wasn’t sure how it would compare, even after reading as much as I could find. I was pleasantly surprised to find how easy it is!!
What I love best is that you don’t need to buy any kind of card ahead of time, or use one when you are there. All you need is your phone or contactless credit card! If you have Apple pay set up, all you need to do is scan your phone when you go through the turnstyle. Or, you can just hold up your card to scan. Just remember to scan it again on the way out!! If you don’t, you can end up paying more. That’s it. Super easy.
NEED TO KNOW: You need a separate card or phone per person. I gave my daughter a card to use to scan in and out, which ended up easier than setting up her phone. However, if you are traveling with children, you’ll need to do things just a bit differently–if you don’t want to hand them all their own credit card! 11 and under ride free on the tube with a paying adult (up to 4 kids), but with 12+ getting a visiting oyster card will likely be the easiest. You can buy them ahead of time online, or at the airport when you arrive.
We also found it very smooth and easy to navigate where we needed to go. I highly recommend using the app Citymapper–it will give you the route you need to take, all the stations, how long, etc. One major benefit is that you can plan your routes ahead of time, then save them, so that they are available offline. This is especially helpful in the underground. Most of the time we had pretty good service, but it wasn’t guaranteed. And depending on your phone provider and plan, you may not always be able to count on it.
The signage is very good inside the stations, with very clear markings and maps. Even for a first timer! You will hear “mind the gap” at least 100 times during the day–it was one of favorite things, actually. If you miss a train, they usually come fairly often, depending on the station and time of day. We usually did most of our planning at night in the hotel, to get a feel for where we were going or wanted to go, and that worked well.
National Rail
National Rail is the country’s train system, and it’s nice if you’re going from city to city within the country. We took it when we went to the Harry Potter Studios outside of London, and also on our trip to the Cotswolds.
It’s also easy to use, but at first I didn’t realize the differences between all the modes of transportation. The rail is above ground, has different ticketing, and is more expensive than the underground.
London Overground
Honestly, after hours of reading and seven days in London, I’m still not completely sure of the differences between the overground and national rail. (Many people don’t, so I didn’t feel too bad!) I stressed about it a lot before we left, but I didn’t really need to. What I discovered is that if I put in the address into the Citymapper app, it would give the the different route options, and I could compare costs and timing to make my decision.
For example, to get to the Harry Potter Studios from London, you can take the tube to Euston, then get off and take the rail or overground to Watford Junction–the closest station to the studio. (A studio shuttle bus takes you from there to the studio.)
Must-see places for a first time to London
There’s so much to see and do in London, you’re probably not going to feel like you have enough time to do it all. But you can see quite a lot! When I travel I like seeing getting out and seeing more how people live and experience life, beyond the touristy areas. For a first time to London though, I wanted to make sure I saw so many of the places I’ve read about right there in the city. We did take a day trip, which I highly recommend–it lets you see more of the country without needing to rent a car or spending more days traveling.
I also am a huge fan of tours–I’ll fill you in on my favorites, and which things I felt like were the best for tours, or doing on your own.
Borough Market
Hands down this was one of our favorite places. Definitely busy, it had such a great vibe and energy. The hustle and bustle, incredible food, fresh produce and seafood–it was a highlight. And we had to go more than once!
Both times we went it was quite busy–a lot of people–but the lines went fairly quickly as we waited for food. There aren’t many places to sit, but it was easy to walk and eat with most things we bought. We are STILL dreaming about the Chicken Shawarma and Mint Basil Lemonade we had!
Another must stop is to get chocolate strawberries. I’ll admit to going through that line more than once! The dreamiest strawberries, covered in the most decadent chocolate–it’s divine. The line might look long, but they’ve got the process down to a science, and it moves very quickly.
Favorite London tours and sites
Since it was our first time in London, and I wanted to maximize our time frame, I decided to see many of the sites via a tour. It was one of the best decisions I made. The benefits of a tour is that you get a lot of really great information from someone who knows the area and history–we got so much more out of it than we would have on our own. We made a list of the places we definitely wanted to see, and then chose tours that allowed that.
On our list: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Hyde Park, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, National Gallery, and Changing of the Guard.
I’d suggest booking the tours as soon as you know you’re going to London, especially if you have more than 2 people in your group. I was able to get into most of the tours on my list about 4 months in advance, and I even did a few
Hands down one of our favorites was the London Bike Tour — it was the best day! We could cover a lot more area on bikes as opposed to walking, and it was just so much fun. It was easy to find the tour office, and after getting fitted on bikes, we were on our way. We stopped by many of the main site and rode through gorgeous parks. Our tour guide was fantastic. She had a degree in history and political science, and explained everything so well. With a stop for lunch on the water (fish and chips, yum!), it was the best day. I highly recommend!
Our bike tour was perfect because we didn’t have time to go and take individual tours of all of these sites, but wanted to see them all. Then we took separate tours of the places we really wanted to see more in-depth.
The Churchill War Rooms were at the top of our list. My daughter and I are both WWII history buffs, and while we had biked by the war rooms, we knew we wanted to see them inside as well. SO glad we did!
There are several other options for London tours that combine sites–London in a Day tour is a great option for a walking tour, along with other London tours for many sites in the city.
To add a little excitement into our trip, we took a Jack the Ripper walking tour one night around the East End. It was SO fun!! Our tour guide was so knowledgable and funny too–it was one of the best nights. We used London Walks, which is a highly rated tour site, and the price is £15. They offer quite a few tours, and they’re definitely worth looking into when planning your trip.
Brick Lane is a famous and vibrant area that’s brimming with vintage shops, colorful art, and interesting restaurants and street food. It’s home to Brick Lane Vintage Market, and we browsed for a long time! You’ll love walking up and down the streets, popping into shops, and trying different foods.
Harry Potter Studio Tour
If you or anyone in your group is a Harry Potter fan, this is a must-stop! Getting there was something I was bit nervous about, because it’s out of the city, and even after reading so many directions ahead of time, I still felt a bit unsure about all the transportation lingo. However, I’m here to tell you that it really is easier than you think, and it went seamlessly.
To get there, take the tube from your location to the London Euston train station. From there you’ll take the train to the Watford Junction station. (Oyster cards are valid between the two.) The tour provides a shuttle from there to the studio and back that runs about every 15 minutes–just be sure to check the times when planning your trip. Give yourself plenty of time, just in case. There are things to look at in case you get there early!
TIP: Schedule AS SOON as you know you’re going! 6-8 weeks really at the minimum to get a date, but even more in advance if it’s possible. Dates book up quickly, and no tickets are held back for same day sales. Harry Potter Studio Tour Ticket FAQ
We also booked afternoon tea, which was SO fun! They offer gluten-free options as well, and everything was really good.
Day Trip: Cotswolds
We knew we wanted to take a day trip or two out of London, to balance out seeing the city, but also the country. The Cotswolds were at the top of our list–they feel like the epitome of the English countryside. If we were renting a car during our visit, I would have considered driving on my own. But we didn’t have a car, and to get from town to town is not possible on the train or other transportation. An Uber or Lyft would have been very expensive. So I booked a Cotswolds day tour, and it was an absolute highlight of our trip. I pretty much want to move there now. If you can manage to spend even a day outside of the city, I highly recommend it–there is so much more to see, and it’s so different than all the hustle and bustle.
It was a bus tour–a small group / bus — there were only about 12 of us. We met at the bus company, which was easy to find, even for novices like ourselves! We visited several towns in the Cotswolds, and we loved the insights and information our guide shared. We never would have learned so much doing it on our own. (There are several Cotswolds tour options, depending on what you’re looking for.)
We went from town to town, and visited Burford, Bibury (Arlington Row), Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. They were all my favorites for different reasons! We honestly didn’t want to leave. The stunning historical architecture, charming and quaint villages, kind people, interesting things to see, darling shops, and delicious food are a winning combination.
Plays & Shows
Wicked
We saw two shows while in London. My daughter really wanted to see Wicked, and since it’s one of my favorites, I was looking forward to seeing it in London’s West End Apollo Victoria Theater. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve seen it once or more, it’s definitely worth seeing here! It’s a show that’s just as fantastic as many times as you see it. I bought tickets as soon as I knew we were going, so I could get the best seats at the best price. But I did notice that if you can go during the week, or for a matinee, seats were available a couple of weeks out and even closer. So if you are on a last minute trip, it’s definitely still something to check out!
Agatha Christie’s THE Mousetrap
Did you know that The Mousetrap is the world’s longest running play? For more than 70 years, it’s been entertaining audiences with the classic whodunit storyline–can you crack the case before it’s revealed in the end? It was so delightful; we absolutely loved it, and highly recommend! Tickets are pretty reasonable, but snatch them up when you know you’re going to be there.
Right around the corner from the theater is the BEST gelato, and it was the perfect end to the day. You must try Anita Gelato it if you’re there!
Where to stay in London the first time
We stayed in Tower Suites by Blue Orchid, and LOVED it. The view is unbeatable—it’s directly across the street from Tower of London and Tower Bridge. They have many amenities, on site, including a spa and restaurant. It’s within walking distance to Borough Market, Brick Lane, and several sites. Best of all, it’s a 4 minute walk from the Tower Hill Station, and 3 minutes from Aldgate Station, which was incredibly convenient when taking the tube and getting around the city. It felt safe, was well lit, and great location. I’d definitely stay there again–so whether it’s your first time, third, or tenth, it’s a really great option.
What to wear
I think I stressed over what to wear (clothes and shoes) more than just about anything else. Comfort, weather changes, different activities, safety–they all played a part in my indecision. But once I was there, I had a better sense of what worked and didn’t. We went in late March through mid-April, so I’ll share what worked for us during that season. However, a few things will be applicable regardless what time of year you go.
TIP: I have many of my favorite travel products linked in my Amazon storefront, so they’re easy to find! Also find favorite travel clothing items too!
Comfy walking shoes
I can’t stress this one enough! Your shoes are one of the most important things you bring during your trip. There is a lot of walking and being on your feet, and I’ve found if your feet are hurting, the whole experience can be tainted. There are lots of good suggestions out there for footwear, and many different choices based on your personal preferences. I’ll share what I brought–for comfort, versatility, and style.
Sneakers – I wanted a pair of shoes that were cute, could be worn with just about everything, and would be really comfortable. I narrowed it down to white sneakers, and then went on the hunt. I ended up with Cariuma leather sneakers, and I absolutely LOVE them. With 5 stars and over 600 reviews, I thought I’d take the chance. They’re like walking on a pillow, but totally fashionable and versatile. I never got a blister, or felt uncomfortable wearing these in every activity from walking to biking. They go with jeans, shorts, skirts, and dresses. Once home, I continue to wear them with everything, and they’ll last a long time. SO happy with my choice!
I also brought a backup, second pair of sneakers, just in case anything happened to the first ones. I love my New Balance 327 sneakers, and wore them to travel in, as well as once we arrived. Also very comfortable and cute!
TIP: Make sure you’ve worn any new shoes you purchase for your trip ahead of time, if the shoe warrants it. It will help prevent blisters from forming, and having stiff shoes that can be uncomfortable in the beginning.
We dressed up when we went to shows and a nicer dinner, but as I was trying to save space in my luggage, I opted for pointed toe flat mules in black and nude. They were comfy enough for dinner and a show, and I didn’t have to worry about heels. I would have packed wedge sandals too, except I was saving on space.
Clothing
This will really depend on the season you travel in, but for spring, it meant jeans or pants, longer skirts for warmer days, a rain jacket, and sweaters and cardigans for layering. I went for comfy linen pants, my favorite jeans, and long flowy skirts for higher temps. My go-to outfit was a pair of jeans or linen pants (linen when it was hot!), tee, and cardigan or sweater. I packed a rain jacket if there was rain forecasted. The weather in both London and Paris fluctuated throughout the two weeks we were there, so I was glad to have options.
Luggage
Usually I like traveling with a carry on only, but since we would be gone for two weeks, that wasn’t going to be enough. I checked one larger suitcase, then took an awesome travel backpack that packs like a suitcase. It is my FAVORITE–totally a game changer. Since it packs like a suitcase, I can fit so much more in it–and then easily wear it on my back for a hands-free airport and travel experience. Since then, I’ve taken it on every trip I’ve been on! Perfect for weekend trips as well. And don’t forget packing cubes!! They are literally the best thing ever that will save you so much space–worth every penny.
Travel Accessories
These are a few things that I found super useful, and so glad I had with me.
Purse – This is another one I debated about forever! In the end, I used a cute black sling backpack that was small enough and big enough at the same time. It fit my wallet (RFID blocker), phone, small sunscreen, hand sanitizer, small water bottle, and mini umbrella if needed. I considered using my Lululemon pouch bag, but it was just small enough that it couldn’t fit enough.
Universal adapter – I brought one that would work for both countries we went to (150 countries), and had 4 ports for plugging in phones and electronics. My curling wand, hair dryer, and all electronics worked great. Just as an FYI–if you have a Dyson Air Wrap, it will not work in Europe, even with an adapter. You’ll need to bring something in its place.
Mini umbrella – The weather can be unpredictable, and having a small umbrella was a lifesaver.
Travel Laundry Soap – When you don’t have access to a washing machine, or you’re trying to travel lighter, this is a small and handy kit to tuck in your luggage. Even comes with a sink stopper!
Travel bottles for toiletries – I love these! Leak proof, cute colors, clear bag, and labels!
Travel Planning & Itinerary Spreadsheet
Download the excel planning spreadsheet, or upload to google sheets for online access. I kept our itinerary on there, so you can see how we planned it out. There’s room for hotel info, dates, and slots for morning, afternoon, and evening planning. Add another section for more weeks if needed, and additional info in the cells below for easy reference. Food, shopping, links–anything you need to save and access while planning and traveling.
More travel ideas
We had such a wonderful time, and absolutely loved our time in London. From there we took the train to Paris for another week, and I’ll have that posted soon. And…we can’t wait to go back! Please let me know if you have any questions–I’d love to help if I can.
Find me on Instagram and Facebook for lots of ideas and inspiration!
XX, Kierste
