Exploring London: A First Timer’s Guide
London is such an exciting city to visit, especially if it’s your first time! Around every corner, there’s an architectural landmark to appreciate, a pub that pours the perfect pint of Guinness, a gorgeous high street boutique, or a museum overflowing with old-world marvels. It’s a big and bustling place though, so you’ll need a little guidance on what’s hot and what’s not. This list of ultimate first-time experiences in London will help you get in all the sights and places that make London what it is.
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Travel In London
Travelling to and around London is a breeze thanks to the city’s excellent public transport system, abundance of car services and proximity to airports. Here’s everything you need to know about getting into and around London.
● The main airports in the city are London City, Gatwick, London Heathrow, Luton, Stansted, and Southend. Each of these has facilities that cater to those looking to catch a commercial flight or wishing to enquire about a private jet.
● The fastest way to get around the city is the London Underground, a subway system referred to as The Tube. It’ll get you all around the city and surrounding suburbs quickly and cost-effectively.
● There are the quintessentially English red double-decker buses, classic Black Cabs and, of course, you can use Uber in the city.
Classic English Fare
There are a few delicious meals and drinks that every first-time visitor to London just has to try. From fine dining to a classic pub experience, these are the foods and drinks you need to try in the city and where to try them.
1. The Full English Breakfast
Where to go: The Breakfast Club in Soho
There’s nothing in the world like a full English “fry up” for breakfast or brunch on a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning. Fried eggs, fried tomatoes, hash browns, baked beans, bacon, a pork banger and, if you’re brave enough, maybe even some blood pudding. Mmm, delish!
2. A Pint of Guinness
Where to go: The Harp in Covent Garden
Don’t tell anyone we told you about this place! It’s one of the best pubs in London and a great retreat from the rest of the tourists. Order your pint of Guinness (stout beer) and try to split the G (drink just enough to land the foam line of your drink in the middle of the G on your glass).
3. High Tea
Where to go: Theatre Royal in the West End
A classic, Regency-inspired high tea with all the frills and trimmings. Prepare to exercise your pinky (you’re supposed to hold it out when you drink tea) and nibble on course after course of tiny bite-sized sandwiches, cakes, and treats.
4. Fish and Chips
Where to go: Kennedy’s, multiple locations across the city
A sizzling, golden brown piece of fried cod, fat and chunky “fries” covered in salt, and a side of mushy peas all wrapped up in yesterday’s newspaper. What’s not to love?
5. Sunday Roast
Where to go: The Mall Tavern in Notting Hill
The British LOVE a roast, and London does the classic Sunday lunch like nowhere else. This cosy restaurant provides the works every weekend. It’s an unfussy but hearty and delicious meal made up of Yorkshire pudding, greens, carrots, cauliflower with cheese sauce, roast beef and/or chicken and, of course, roast potatoes.
Unmissable London Locations
Check out these London landmarks and locations for the memories and a few Instagram shots, too.
1. London’s Markets
Browse vintage clothing, food stalls, second-hand books, and so much more at Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch, Chinatown in Soho, or Camden Market in Camden Town.
2. Parks and Gardens
Take it easy with a stroll or a picnic in one of London’s many enormous parks and stunning botanical gardens. Regent’s Gate Park, where you can find Queen Mary’s Rose Garden; Hyde Park, where you can watch the swans on the dam; Kensington Gardens, which is breathtaking in autumn; Kew Gardens gorgeous hothouse; or Sky Garden, where you can see over Central London.
3. Neighbourhoods
Notting Hill, with its colourful houses, is just begging to be your next Instagram profile photo. There’s Shoreditch, if you’re looking for a place with great shopping and nightlife. Covent Garden offers a whimsical, old-timey feel. Soho is home to Carnaby Street for excellent shopping and a fun, exciting vibe.
4. Landmarks
There are a lot of these to explore so make sure you budget plenty of time to visit everything.
● See a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the South Bank.
● Take yourself to a West End musical at any of the almost 40 theatres in the area.
● Take a walk from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge to get a glimpse of these iconic locations.
● Regent Street, Oxford Street (oh, the shopping you’ll do!), and Trafalgar Square for more classic London vibes. These spots are particularly beautiful in the evenings over the Festive Season.
● Last, but not least, stop by Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben for more photo ops and to appreciate landmarks you’ve likely seen on TV for decades!
Your London Visit is All Planned
With this guide to exploring London, you’ll experience all the classic touristy moments with a few breaks of calm and relaxation in between. London is waiting to welcome you!
