There may also be a fee associated with processing your passport materials. Processing fees can vary from place to place, so be sure to inquire with the issuing agency when you go in to apply. If you already have a passport and you just need to renew it, see if it’s possible to submit your renewal forms by mail. That way, you can save yourself a trip. [2] X Research source
Depending on where you’re from, you may not need a Visa to travel to London. For example, Swiss nationals and citizens of EEA (European Economic Area) countries can come and go throughout the UK as they please. [4] X Research source Travel laws change constantly, so make sure you’re getting your Visa-related information from an up-to-date source.
Flights to London tend to fill up quickly, so book your tickets as far in advance as possible.
A standard one-year Railcard costs an average of £20-30. Your Railcard purchase entitles you to unlimited number of trips. If you’re a senior citizen, disabled person, or traveler between the ages of 16-25, you may also be eligible for additional discounts. [8] X Research source While not a necessity, a Railcard has the potential to save you quite a bit of money, especially if you’ll be moving around a lot during your time in the UK.
DFDS Seaways, P&O, and Brittany Ferries are a few of the more well-known services that run day-and-night trips to London-adjacent seaports from nearby areas. A ferry ride can be a unique and interesting way to make your way into the UK capital if you’re not in any particular hurry.
Take some time to read a little bit about the different parts of London and reserve a room somewhere that suits your tastes, budget, and expectations for you trip. Look for a place with easy access to the London Underground subway system if you think you’ll be shuttling back and forth frequently during your stay. [11] X Research source
Even with elevated metropolitan pricing, most Airbnbs will still be offering a lower nightly rate than an ordinary hotel chain. [13] X Research source Another advantage of staying at an Airbnb is that it gives you the opportunity to see how the locals live for a few days. You’ll have your choice of a house, flat, or single-person room, or even something more quaint, such as a cottage.
Pick up a paper map on your way in or refer to one of the many oversized maps posted at the station or inside the train cars themselves to determine where you’re going and when you need to get off. [15] X Research source Keep in mind that different lines have different hours of operation. Always check the schedule of the line you’ll be riding before you set out to avoid missing an appointment or getting stranded.
Pick up a paper map on your way in or refer to one of the many oversized maps posted at the station or inside the train cars themselves to determine where you’re going and when you need to get off. [15] X Research source Keep in mind that different lines have different hours of operation. Always check the schedule of the line you’ll be riding before you set out to avoid missing an appointment or getting stranded.
If you already have an Oyster card, you can take a bus anywhere you want to go within the city limits for a fixed rate of £1. 50. [17] X Research source Many London bus routes operate 24 hours a day, which means that unlike with the Tube, there’s no chance of being left behind due to poor planning or timing.
London cab drivers only accept payment in the form of cash or credit or debit card. This means Oyster cards are a no-go, unfortunately. It’s customary for black cab passengers to tip their drivers by rounding up to the nearest pound. You’re free to leave more if you thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Don’t forget to bring your camera! It’s customary for first-time visitors to snap a photo of Big Ben upon arriving at Westminster. [20] X Research source
The Abbey opens to visitors at 9:30am Monday through Saturday. Make sure you get there early to grab a spot in line. If you happen to be exploring Buckingham Palace at around 10:45am, you may even be treated to a glimpse of the elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony. [23] X Research source
Right next door to the Globe Theater is the Tate Modern art gallery, where you can feast your eyes on original works by artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, and Andy Warhol. [25] X Research source Paying a visit to the Globe Theater or Tate Modern will also afford you the chance to cross the Millennium Bridge that spans the Thames River and look out over the busy waterways there.
If you find yourself getting hungry while you’re in the area and need to recharge, ask a few of the locals for recommendations for places to eat and drink.
Make it a point to pass by each of the magnificent bronze statues in the four corners of Trafalgar Square, and have a seat by the large fountain in the middle if you’re feeling tired.
As of 2019, admission for the Tower of London costs £22. 70 and £10. 75 for children. You may be able to save on much or all of this fee using your London Pass. [29] X Research source Keep an eye out for the seven black ravens that inhabit the courtyard of the Tower of London. These curious birds are kept as an omen of protection for the Tower and Crown. If you want to plan a trip to London, consider the things for which you want to visit it. It could be history, shopping, food, art, or all of them. Determine how you would like to experience London. For example, would you like it to be a guided tour or a river cruise. Decide on your budget and call your travel agent to arrange a trip for you.
