Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £20–40 | £80–150 |
| Food | £15–25 | £35–60 |
| Transport | £8–12 | £15–25 |
| Activities | £0–15 | £20–50 |
| Drinks | £8–15 | £15–30 |
| Daily Total | £51–107 | £165–315 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Post-Brexit rules: EU citizens need a passport (not just ID card). US/Canadian/Australian citizens: 6 months visa-free
- Heathrow to central London: Elizabeth Line (30 min, £12.80) or Piccadilly Line (50 min, £5.50). Heathrow Express is £25 (overpriced)
- Stansted/Luton: National Express or Stansted Express to Liverpool Street/St Pancras. Gatwick: Thameslink to St Pancras (30 min, £12)
Health & Safety
- No special vaccinations required. Tap water is safe. NHS A&E for emergencies (free for all). GP visits require registration
- London is safe but watch for pickpockets on the tube (especially Central and Victoria lines), at markets, and in crowds
- Pharmacies (Boots, Superdrug) are everywhere. Boots on Tottenham Court Road is open until midnight
Getting Around
- The Tube is the fastest way around — 11 lines, runs 5am–midnight (24hrs on some lines Fri/Sat). Daily cap £8.10 (Zone 1–2)
- Use contactless bank card or Oyster — same price. Never buy paper single tickets (£6.70 each vs £2.80 contactless)
- Bus route 11 (Liverpool St–Chelsea) is the cheapest sightseeing tour in London. Thames Clipper boats are great on Oyster
Connectivity
- Free WiFi on the tube (between stations), in most cafés, and in public spaces. London has excellent 4G/5G coverage
- UK is NOT in the EU — EU roaming doesn't apply. Non-UK visitors: Three or giffgaff SIMs from £10 for 10GB
- Download Citymapper (the best London transport app), TfL Go for tube status, and Too Good to Go for cheap surplus meals
Money
- UK uses Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are free at most banks — avoid "independent" ATMs that charge £1.50–2.50 per withdrawal
- Contactless payment is ubiquitous — even market stalls and buskers take cards. Cash is rarely needed
- Tipping: 10–12.5% at restaurants (often auto-added as "service charge" — check your bill). Not expected at pubs or cafés
Packing Tips
- An umbrella or waterproof jacket at all times — London rain is frequent but rarely heavy. Layers are essential year-round
- Comfortable walking shoes — London rewards walkers. You'll cover 10–15km daily easily. Tube stations involve a lot of stairs
- Smart casual is fine everywhere. Trainers are accepted at most restaurants and bars. Some clubs have stricter dress codes
Cultural tips
Pub Culture
Pubs are London's living rooms. Order at the bar (no table service in traditional pubs). A pint is £5–7. Last orders at 11pm on weeknights, later on weekends. No tipping at pubs — ever.
Tube Etiquette
Stand on the right on escalators. Let people off before boarding. Don't make eye contact or talk to strangers. These aren't suggestions — they're unwritten laws that Londoners take very seriously.
Multiculturalism
London is one of the world's most diverse cities — 300+ languages spoken. Every cuisine on earth is represented. Embrace this — the best food in London is rarely British. Eat globally.
Weather Chat
Discussing the weather is a genuine social ritual. Complaining about it is bonding. Never say "it always rains in London" to a Londoner — they'll point out it rains less than Sydney, Rome, and New York.
Queueing
The British queue is sacred. Cutting in line is one of the worst social crimes. If you're unsure where a queue ends, ask "Is this the back of the queue?" Londoners will respect you for it.
Theatre & Culture
London's West End rivals Broadway. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells same-day tickets at 25–50% off. Fringe theatres (Almeida, Young Vic, Donmar) often have better shows than the West End at lower prices.
