10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting London
Practical lessons, insights, and travel tips I wish I had before setting foot in the UK’s capital.
The view of the Great Clock of Westminster from the River Thames
I just got back from my first trip to London and while the city absolutely lived up to the hype, I’ll be honest -- I was caught a little off guard. For almost 40 years, my perception of the United Kingdom was shaped entirely by movies, media, and secondhand stories.
The food. The people. The weather. The lifestyle. I thought I knew what to expect. But the truth is, nothing compares to actually setting foot on British soil.
London surprised me in the best ways possible. It's dynamic, diverse, and more approachable than I ever imagined. And like all great travel experiences, it challenged some assumptions I didn’t even realize I had.
So if you’re heading to London for the first time, especially if you’re coming from the U.S., I’ve put together a list of practical tips and small insights I wish someone had shared with me. From currency exchange to cultural norms, here’s how to make the most of your visit to this unforgettable city.
1. Convert Your Cash Before You Go
When you first land in London Heathrow, you will certainly see a foreign currency exchange booth. Unfortunately, by the time you see this, you have already made your first mistake. Covert your cash before you leave home.
Before leaving for the UK, convert your U.S. dollars to British pounds through your bank. You’ll often get a better exchange rate this way compared to converting money at airports or currency exchange kiosks once you arrive. These spots often charge hidden fees or offer unfavorable rates.
Tip: Ask your bank for small denominations so you have cash ready for tips, small purchases, or places that don’t accept card. Do it a few business days before you leave so they have time to order the cash for the coversion.
2. Don’t Rent a Car in London (Trust Me!)
Local busses and trains are easily accessible and run often in London. Don’t bother renting a car.
If you plan to explore the countryside or smaller towns later in your trip, rent a car but if you're staying in the city, use public transit. Even if you’re a confident driver familiar with narrow roads, traffic congestion zones, and driving on the left-hand side, skip the rental. London’s streets, especially in older neighborhoods, can be extremely tight, confusing, and fast-paced. Even Uber drivers have a tough time navigating the roads and commonly get diverted due to street closures and blockages.
Many places in London are walkable, if you have the time. The network of trains, subways, buses, and river ferries is vast, affordable, and efficient. It’s designed for locals and tourists alike.
3. Leave Central London
Greenwich is a beautiful, historic town on the east side of London that offers many activities if you are looking to get away from Central London.
Central London is iconic, but there’s so much more just a short train ride away — from charming towns to international cities. The mass transit and localized nature of Great Britain makes it a great for day trips. As a whole, Europe is much more accessible than the United States so consider these quick trips, if you have some extra time:
Greenwich is a historic district just across the River Thames with parks, museums, and great views. Take some time to visit the Royal Observatory, home of the Greenwich Mean Time and Prime Meridian. Spend some time in the National Maritime Museum. You can even spend some time in Greenwich Park.
Paris, France is right across the English channel and easily accessible via the Eurostar train. You can visit two major European cities in one trip. Just make sure you book Eurostar tickets early to get the best fares, especially if you like traveling in first class.
The Eurostar train also gives you quick access to the city of Brussels, Belgium (2 hours) and Amsterdam, Netherlands (4 hours), although you will need to be strategic when it comes to the latter.
4. Be Selective With Bus Tours
London bus tours are a great way to see the city of London.
Double-decker bus tours are a classic tourist activity, but not all are equal. The tours are set up by private companies and some offer only pre-recorded audio instead of live narration. I personally found companies like Tootbus underwhelming for just that reason.
If you can find a company with great reviews and live guides, then a bus tour is absolutely worth it.
Tip: Don't be afraid to take the tour at night and sit on the top deck. A lit up London is absolutely stunning in the evening.
5. Take the River Thames Boat Tour
The iconic Eye of London is visible from the river Thames. You can get an up-close view from a boat tour.
I didn't expect a commuter boat to be one of the highlights of my trip but the narration and views along the River Thames made it unforgettable. While technically just a transit route, many of the boat operators give informal commentary, pointing out landmarks as you cruise down the river.
It’s often cheaper than bus tours and offers a completely different perspective of the city. If you are lucky, you will get to see the London Tower bridge rise to let taller vessels pass.
6. Bring a Travel Umbrella
English weather changes fast. One minute you'll have sunshine and the next you'll have drizzle -- the locals will quickly point out it's not rain. So it’s wise to pack a compact umbrella, raincoat and maybe even some waterproof shoes.
You can rent umbrellas in some areas, but buying one (even from a local shop) is usually more cost-effective if you’re staying more than a day.
Don’t forget your rain protection when you come to England.
The rest of this list is going to be a bit more general advice for traveling overseas, with a focus on Europe. They hold true for London but are helpful to know if you are based in the United States.
7. Prepare for Jet Lag
We all know jet lag sucks but it is especially bad once you start shifting timezones greater than four hours. To help minimize the effects, I found the following actions to be extremely helpful:
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier each night leading up to your flight. It will make adjusting to the new time zone a little easier.
After a long flight where you could not sleep, I know a nap is tempting but don't do it. Stay awake until your typical bedtime to reset your biological clock.
To help with the previous bullet point, I suggest you try to book a flight that arrives after 12 PM local time. This will likely mean you are going to be catching a red-eye flight if you are on Eastern or Central standard zone but it will make having to stay away a little easier.
You are still going to feel a little off the next day but these three things should really give you a leg up when traveling to the east.
8. Bring the Right Power Adapter
I'm sure most peoople know this but UK power outlets differ from the U.S. and even much of Europe. To make sure you can charge your devices once you land, be sure to pack:
A UK-specific power adapter or a power adapter that accommodates UK power outlets
A high-capacity converter (if needed for laptops or camera gear).
A multi-port USB charger to power multiple devices at once
Also, double-check your devices’ voltage compatibility. Most modern electronics will be fine, but it’s worth verifying.
9. Use a Credit Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Make sure you either pay cash or with a card that has no transactions fees. Always pay in the local currency.
Not all credit cards are created equal abroad. Some cards will charge you extra fees when you make purchases outside of the United States. There is nothing more annoying than finding out you have to pay a fee on top of the conversion to U.S. dollars.
Before you leave, verify your card:
Doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
Supports contactless payment (widely accepted in the UK)
Pro Tip: If given the option to pay in U.S. Dollars or the British pounds (or whatever the local currency is), always choose British pounds. The conversions will hardly ever be in your favor.
Pro Tip: If you are an American Express card holder, bring an additional card that is either Mastercard or Visa, both of which are much more widely accepted.
10. Use a Secure Bag—And Wear It Smartly
The last thing I want to say is an important one when it comes to safety. And do not get the wrong idea, Europe is statistically much safer than large cities in the United States when it comes to violent crime.
Pickpocketing isn't rampant but it's opportunistic. A crossbody sling bag or a roll top backpack add peace of mind. If you are going to wear a backpack, I recommend wearing it on your front in crowded areas like the metro stations and busses.
Tip: Awareness is key. Look confident, stay alert, and avoid putting valuables in back pockets or open bags.
Explore my First Impressions of London and related travel stories from Europe.
