London is a great city and a wonderful city to visit. Here are some tips to make your first visit just that little bit easier.

1. There are loads of free attractions. Don’t automatically assume you have to spend big money to have a fun and interesting time in this city. There are plenty of free world class museums, stunning free parks and gardens and wonderful free lookouts to catch a stunning view over the city.
2. Take precautions as you would in any big city. Zip your bag up, watch your belongings and most importantly, be aware of phone theft in London. The most common method of theft is via e-scooter or e-bike. Do not hold your phone when you are standing by a road. It’s very easy for a thief to whiz by and snatch it out of your hand. Stand by a wall to use your phone. The other method of phone theft is by distraction and sleight of hand. Do not place your phone on the table when at a cafe particularly outdoors. With adequate caution, you and your phone will be absolutely fine.
3. It is quite safe in London. Despite the warning about phone theft, it is pretty safe in London. e.g. for women to walk home at night.
4. Do not buy a paper ticket for the tube. Use your contactless bank card instead. The cost of single paper tickets are exorbitant!
5. There is no need to bring cash to London. Many businesses do not accept cash and it is extremely rare to be in a situation that you need to pay in cash.
6. Use the TodayTix app to purchase theatre tickets. There are all kinds of theatre ticket re-sellers located in Leicester square but the simplest way for visitors is to use TodayTix. Tickets to the vast majority of shows can be purchased on the app. The only show which is not on the app that is worth a special mention is Operation Mincemeat. This very British musical is excellent and worth seeing if you can get a seat!
7. The two big touristy markets, Borough Market and Portobello Market can get extremely busy. It’s worth adjusting your visiting time to try to minimize the peak periods. When at Borough Market, it’s free to pop in for a look at Southwark Cathedral. There are some free toilets there and the cathedral is worth a look. Some other markets that are worth checking out as an alternative are Broadway Markets, Old Spitalfields Markets and Columbia Street Flower Markets. Columbia Street Flower Market can also get extremely busy so go early to beat the crowds.
8. The bus is a great option if you have time flexibility. Buses in London can sometimes be unreliable but if you have time to spare, it’s cheaper than the tube. Looking out of the window as you pass many of London’s historic buildings is a real treat. Hold on tight when going up and down the stairs to the top floor. It’s very easy to take a tumble.
9. Citymapper is the app that most Londoners use to navigate the city. Google maps is also OK.
10. The vast majority of restaurants will automatically add a service charge on your bill. This is usually discretionary. This will range from 10 to 15%. Remember to budget for this. If you feel the service was bad or you’d rather not pay it, just ask for it to be removed.
11. London is a super casual city. There is no need to bring lots of fancy clothes for going to the theatre or to restaurants. You will walk a lot visiting London so bring your comfiest sneakers!! You will see almost no one wearing heels in this city. Most people wear sneakers and very casual clothing.
12. The supermarket sandwich combo is the best for a cheap meal. In most supermarket chains, you can get a drink, a main e.g. a sandwich and a snack for less than £5. This is the way to go if you are looking for something quick and affordable. It is also an insight into English culture and their love for sandwiches! There are so many flavours! Try the coronation chicken or the ploughmans for some local flavour!
13. Stand on the right when on the escalators for the Tube. This allows people in a hurry to use the left side.
14. Try the local Wetherspoons if you want some cheap drinks or the toilet. Wetherspoons is a chain of pubs. Usually, the pub will be in an interesting historic building and the prices for drinks are much cheaper than in other pubs. You can even get a coffee, tea or hot chocolate with unlimited refills for less than £1.55. You should however steer clear of the food at a Wetherspoons if you want a nicer meal. The meals are cheap but they are also a little hit and miss.
15. For restaurant discounts, try TheFork app or Neotaste. London is an expensive city and it’s nice to have a few ways to eat out for less.

Hope these are helpful. For some hidden gems around London, check out my other blog post.