How many days do you need in London?

3 to 5 days is ideal for a first visit. You can see the major highlights in 3 days, but 5 days lets you explore at a relaxed pace and add a day trip.

Is London expensive to visit?

London can be expensive, but there are many ways to save. Free museums, market food, and off-peak travel all help. Budget around £100-150 per person per day including accommodation, food, transport, and 1-2 paid attractions.

Do I need to tip in London?

Tipping is not compulsory in London. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is standard if service charge is not already included. Tipping in pubs, taxis, or hotels is appreciated but not expected.

First Time Visiting London: The Complete 2026 Guide

Quick answer

the Tower of London is the sight to book first (from £37, rated 4.6 from 31,716 reviews), a Thames sightseeing cruise from £17 is the cheapest way to see the skyline, and a hop-on hop-off bus from £25 doubles as transport on day one.

Updated: 7 August 2026

Top pick

Best for your first booking

Tower of London

The one London sight to book before anything else. Rated 4.6 from 31,716 reviews, from £37.

Book nowFree cancellation • Instant confirmation

Best for seeing a lot for little

Thames River Cruise

Cheapest way to take in the skyline. Rated 4.5 from 24,875 reviews, from £17.

Book nowFree cancellation • Instant confirmation

Best for covering ground

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Sightseeing and transport on one all-day ticket. Rated 4.3 from 8,190 reviews, from £25.

Book nowFree cancellation • Instant confirmation

Quick Comparison: Which to Book

Quick verdict: The Tower of London is the sight to book first (from £37, rated 4.6 from 31,716 reviews), a Thames sightseeing cruise from £17 is the cheapest way to see the skyline, and a hop-on hop-off bus from £25 doubles as transport on day one.

These are the bookings that matter most on a first trip, ranked by what first-time visitors actually book.

Option	Best For	Price	Duration	Traveller rating	Book
Tower of London	The one London sight to book before anything else	From £37	2-3 hours	4.6 (31,716 reviews)	Book now →
Thames River Cruise	Cheapest way to take in the skyline	From £17	1-2 hours	4.5 (24,875 reviews)	Book now →
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus	Sightseeing and transport on one all-day ticket	From £25	Full day	4.3 (8,190 reviews)	Book now →

Prices and ratings are live GetYourGuide figures checked in August 2026. Most options include free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and all are mobile tickets.

When to Visit London

London is a year-round destination, but the best months for sightseeing are April to June and September to October. Summer (July and August) is peak tourist season with the longest days and warmest weather, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Winter offers lower prices and festive Christmas markets, though days are short and grey. Spring brings blooming parks and mild temperatures, making it arguably the sweet spot for first-time visitors.

Ready to Book? Top Picks for This Experience

Tower of London

4.6 (31.7k+)2-3 hoursFrom £37

Book Now

London Eye

4.6 (39.2k+)30 minutesFrom £25

Book Now

Where to Stay

For first-time visitors, staying in Zone 1 or Zone 2 puts you within easy reach of everything. South Kensington and Bloomsbury are excellent for museum-goers. Covent Garden and Soho are ideal for nightlife and theatre. Southwark (near Borough Market and the Tate Modern) offers great value with a central location. If budget is tight, look at hotels in Paddington, Kings Cross, or Earl's Court, all well-connected by Tube.

Getting Around London

Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment for the Tube, buses, and overground trains. The Tube is the fastest way to cover long distances, but walking is often quicker for short trips in central London. Bus route 11 is a budget sightseeing option, passing Trafalgar Square, Westminster, and Chelsea. Thames Clippers offer a scenic river commute. Avoid driving in central London, as congestion charges and parking costs make it impractical.

Ready to Book? Top Picks for This Experience

Tower of London

4.6 (31.7k+)2-3 hoursFrom £37

Book Now

Red open-top double-decker sightseeing bus in London

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

4.3 (8.1k+)Full dayFrom £25

Book Now

Top 10 Things to See

The Tower of London and Crown Jewels, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace (and the Changing of the Guard), the British Museum (free), St Paul's Cathedral, the South Bank walk (London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market), Hyde Park, the West End for a show, Camden Market, and a Thames river cruise. These ten experiences cover London's history, culture, food, and entertainment in a well-rounded first visit.

How to Save Money

Many of London's best museums are completely free, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum. Book attraction tickets online in advance for discounts. Eat at markets like Borough Market and Camden Market for affordable, quality food. Travel off-peak on the Tube (after 9:30am) for cheaper fares. Consider a London Pass if you plan to visit 4 or more paid attractions.

Ready to Book? Top Picks for This Experience

Tower of London

4.6 (31.7k+)2-3 hoursFrom £37

Book Now

Thames cruise boat passing Tower Bridge in London

Thames River Cruise

4.5 (24.8k+)1-2 hoursFrom £17

Book Now

Safety and Practical Tips

London is generally safe, but stay aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas and on the Tube. Stand on the right on escalators (this is taken very seriously). Tipping is not mandatory but 10-12.5% is standard in restaurants. The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins), so bring an adapter. Tap water is safe to drink everywhere. The emergency number is 999.

Recommended Tours

Selling Fast

Free cancellation

2-3 hours

Tower of London

Explore 1,000 years of history and see the Crown Jewels at this iconic London fortress.

London Eye

See London from 135m up with 360-degree panoramic views from the iconic observation wheel.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Explore London's top sights from an open-top bus, hopping on and off at your own pace.

Thames River Cruise

Cruise the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich past Tower Bridge and iconic landmarks.

Not sure which tour is right for you?

Browse all London tours and filter by type, price, and duration. Free cancellation on most.

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Frequently Asked Questions

More London Guides

Perfect 3-Day London Itinerary: What to See Each Day
Quick answer: book the Tower of London for day one (from £37, rated 4.6 from 31,716 reviews), Westminster Abbey for day two from £27, and the London Eye for day three from £25 because at 30 minutes it fits around a departure. Timed-entry slots are the constraint, so book those three before anything else.
Best London Tours for Seniors & Over 60s: Comfort-First Guide
Quick answer: a hop-on hop-off bus is the easiest way to see London without walking between sights (from £25), a Thames sightseeing cruise from £17 is seated throughout and the cheapest here, and Westminster Abbey from £27 is indoors and self-paced. Check each booking page for specific step-free and mobility details before you book.
Best Walking Tours in London 2026: From Free to Premium
A comprehensive guide to every type of walking tour in London, from free tip-based walks to premium private experiences.
Best Harry Potter Tours in London 2026: The Complete Guide
Quick answer: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the only official one and the one to book (from £85, rated 4.6 from 10,822 reviews), but it is a 7-9 hours day out in Watford. For something shorter in central London, Madame Tussauds from £24 is the cheaper stand-in.

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