22 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting London

These 22 tips to know before visiting London are what I wish I knew before my trip to London.
Hopefully these travel tips will help you from making some of my mistakes when traveling through London!
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DISCLAIMER: I only express my opinion based on my experience. Your experience may be different. These videos are for educational and inspirational purposes only. Links above may include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partnering websites. This video is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.

[@camdendavid]

If you want a weekly travel tip and an update from where I am, feel free to follow my newsletter: bit.ly/TheTuesdayTravelTip

[@zupermaus9276]

word of advice -DON'T get an exorbitant taxi from any of the airports, they will cost you $100 or more, and take absolute hours with the traffic. Get a train or tube and its 1.25 hrs at the most, or 30 mins, a fraction the cost. All trains from the airports will have been designed to have ample room for luggage, the tube not so much (but doable, plenty of people will be doing it too, and you'll be the first stop). Literally London is the world's biggest air hub (160 million fly into its 6 international airports p/a) and no one gets the taxi.

[@camdendavid]

Great advice here. Hoping tourists will take note -- I think the train intimidates many tourists (especially after a long international flight). Thanks again!

[@code-on-Trip-app]

That's true, and British Railways has a purchase discount recently, which is especially suitable for tourists.

[@reneerobertlancaster8714]

Family traveling from the US. We landed at Heathrow and took the public transit to Paddington station for 15 pounds each. Enjoyed the trip into the city which took just under 30 min on the new Elizabeth Line. No reason to pay more for traveling into/ out of the city. We then took the train to Ely, rented a 58 foot narrowboat and cruised the waterways around Cambridge for a week! There are so many ways to see the UK but I highly recommend!

[@camdendavid]

So glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing your experience :)

[@gerin5297]

How was it taking the Elizabeth line with all your bags? I'm solo travelling in a few weeks and I'm gonna do exactly that but I'm wondering if my bags are gonna be in the way for other passengers

[@alexwhb122]

Love the content man! Super aprecate all the advice! This is by far the most down to earth non touristy video I've seen on London so far.

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate that!

[@zupermaus9276]

Richmond is actually in London (zone 4 out of 9), but is surrounded by some of the world's largest urban parks which many people think is the countryside (Richmond Park alone is about 3x the size of Central Park in NYC).

[@camdendavid]

Appreciate you sharing this -- Beautiful area!!

[@ems9097]

Hi Camden, thank you for the wonderful video! Some really handy tips. Is L'Assaggino where you got the Ted lasso biscuits? Huge fan of the show and planning to go to Richmond to see some sites

[@camdendavid]

Glad to hear it was helpful! Yes, L'Assaggino is where we found the biscuits :) Keep in mind that you don't have to plan a full meal there (they sell the biscuits to go). Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[@jenn1252]

i`m a londoner and i`m surprised you found it hard to find good healthy food, there`s so many amazing restaurants in places like : islington, chelsea, battersea , clapham etc, plus all the beautiful old pubs with the delicious sunday roasts...

[@camdendavid]

I must have been doing something wrong - thanks for the recommendations! Looking forward to checking those out 😃

[@firstnamelastname9631]

As a londoner and usual traveller I have to agree that the worst and most expensive food in my travels is in London. Yes, you can find excellent food but is not common and will cost you much, much more than in other mayor city.

[@jenn1252]

@@firstnamelastname9631you obviously weren’t going to the right places 🤣

[@CambodiaLifeTV]

Great job

[@camdendavid]

Appreciate the support!

[@DisabledAtDisney]

Interesting watching these tips as someone who lives very near London

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for watching!

[@john_smith1471]

@4:57: Richmond is nice, but rather than the underground I use fast trains from Waterloo station, frequent service, journey times from 16mins to 28mins.

[@camdendavid]

Great tip! Thanks 😄

[@kchoog]

So gonna geek out in Richmond

[@camdendavid]

Such a cool spot!

[@theecarking]

Heading out of town to get a more UK experience is a good type. I'll be heading to Bristol to check out some Banksy art and then a jazz festival over in Cheltenham.

[@camdendavid]

Hope you have a great time :)

[@theecarking]

@@camdendavid Lol, I meant a good *idea, not good "type." But thank you! First time overseas. Definitely wanted to explore beyond just central London.

[@lizzisworld7667]

There is no Wi-Fi system in London really. Some restaurants and cafes have it but 5g on your phone is a really good connection. Of course check with your supplier on costs outside your host country

[@juliethramosrivera]

Hey, just a quick question since my native language is not English and sometimes for me is better safe than sorry lol. In min 2:44 about the contactless... My flight arrives late night and to LGW Airport, I'm planning to get the Express Train. Should I buy an Oyster card or what you've mentioned means that I don't necessarily need to buy a ticket/transporte card? ...Could I just get into the tube/train and pay with my wallet saved credit card? Thank you for all these videos. You're making my life easier !

[@camdendavid]

Of course! Always great to double check and happy you've found the videos helpful! You should be able to use your credit card/wallet saved to your phone (or any other tap to pay). No need for the Oyster card :) I appreciate your support and hope you have a great trip!

[@code-on-Trip-app]

It's not cost-effective for tourists to apply for oyster cards. Just buy discounted train tickets directly.

[@vesnafalak8241]

Amazing tips, I am just about to visit London for the first time and I found this super useful!! I just have a question regarding public restrooms 😅 What if I feel the sudden need to go, is there any system for that?? Thanks.

[@camdendavid]

Good question! There weren't a ton of options but there's almost always a hotel nearby (should have a restroom in the lobby). But maybe some of the locals seeing this have a better option :) Hope you have a great time!

[@batman51]

All eating places including pubs should have toilets (you are unlikely to find the word "restroom" or "bathroom") but they would prefer you to buy something as well. Large stores will also have toilets and public facilities are scattered about the town centre usually near tourist spots.

[@lovealwaysjasmine]

Great video! I was planing on adding an international plan to my Verizon phone. Will that work or do I need an eSIM

[@camdendavid]

Adding the international plan should work just fine. But it can get pricey depending on how long you're staying. Probably best to ask Verizon what the charge would be for the entire trip and compare that to the eSIM. Hope that helps!

[@kitchen-sink.4090]

Betty Gable!

[@Listenerandlearner870]

Love and London will teach you something.

[@camdendavid]

I will try haha

[@carollewis3912]

I've got an adapter like that and I got it at Amazon. London is Europe but charging and the money are different.

[@camdendavid]

100%

[@nickdadon]

Heathrow is EASY and cheap to get to the city centre, Direct tube line, less than a fiver.. And Richmond is in London (One of the boroughs)

[@josephnguyen4548]

I just came back home from a trip to London. I went to the borough market at 2 pm and it was so crowded that I could barely move. I didn’t enjoy it because I felt like I was just stuck in the crowds for like an hour straight.Probably would be best to visit it like super early

[@camdendavid]

Sorry to hear that. Felt that way when I was there as well. I'd agree on the earlier the better!

[@freddiemac1438]

So many things I disagree with on your video - especially the food- I’m a Londoner but I appreciate your perspective

[@camdendavid]

I definitely have a skewed perspective after only spending a month there. I appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective and I’m looking forward to finding that good food during my next visit!

[@Squeaks74]

A tip for all would-be travellers. If you are really struggling to find good food in London (?) then you can always rely on Pret a Manger for good sandwiches and other lunch type foods and Leon for more substantial meal types. Both have branches all over the city. They offer good value and some healthier options also. If you get really stuck you could do a lot worse than taking advantage of the various "meal deals" that supermarkets such as Tesco and Sainsbury's offer.

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this!

[@camdendavid]

If you want a weekly travel tip and an update from where I am, feel free to follow my newsletter: bit.ly/TheTuesdayTravelTip

[@BeckyPoleninja]

Richmond d is a Borough of London, that River was the Thames. Good food is everywhere

[@camdendavid]

Any food recommendation spots?

[@BeckyPoleninja]

@@camdendavid well 26 Grains and Barbary at Neals Yard , hi a Tow , Brick Lane,, Covent Garden, Dishoom, Good Life Eatery Marylebone, Pure in Beak Street, Itadaki Zen nr Kings Cross,Tendrils, Mallow nr Borough Market, Beany Green Broadgate, Honi Poke Soho , just to start. Best open Vegan sandwich was in Kingston. Richmond and has some good stuff too

[@camdendavid]

@@BeckyPoleninja thanks!

[@juddRiley]

The food was good everywhere we went!! And we did not spend any more money than in the USA

[@andrewrobinson3545]

Perfect we’re doing london then going up to Edinburgh. Then Ireland.

[@camdendavid]

Hope you have a great time!

[@Code_TRIP777B_]

You can try TRIP. I used to buy uk rail tickets on TRIP where I can get a huge discount❤

[@patfernandes7741]

Always interested in travellers POV of London. Taxis are really expensive in London. All the airports have express trains into Central London. (Heathrow also connected by the Tube). - Get into central by train and get a cab from there if you must. Richmond IS London and that little river is the Thames - London is a massive city with all types of experiences to be had but England is small enough to hop on a train for as little as 90mins to visit places like Cambridge, Oxford, Brighton, Cotswolds etc. As for the food.....where the hell have you been eating?? Might have been true in 1970s but there is a tremendous and thriving foodie seen in London, from traditional to modern British and pretty much any global cuisine you care to think of......and Edinburgh is in Scotland (different country).

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for sharing this :) Maybe I was spending too much time eating in the downtown area? Where would you recommend?

[@patfernandes7741]

@@camdendavid London is absolutely brimful of great places to eat. I wouldn't know where to start - budget, neighborhood, cuisine? - we have to be one of the most diverse cities in the world and benefit tremendously from all that brings food wise. Lots of fabulous London foodie influencer on the socials. I feel so sad for you that you didn't eat well when you were here. Come back and have another go☺️

[@camdendavid]

@@patfernandes7741 Looking forward to it :)

[@pentium212]

Edinburgh is beautiful but there are great cities nearer to London worth visiting too: Cambridge, Lincoln, Oxford, York, Durham, Newcastle….

[@camdendavid]

100% agree!

[@davidbrims5825]

The best thing about London, you can visit Edinburgh ! 😀

[@code-on-Trip-app]

Yes, but these places are a little far away, so you need to take the train. Friends who want to go can take advantage of the recent discount.

[@andybaker2456]

A language tip. One of the words you used to describe Camden Market was "spunky". It's probably best to avoid using that word here in the UK. It has a TOTALLY different meaning! 😂

[@camdendavid]

Ah! Thanks for the heads up

[@kevansxi90]

I'm Mr. Pink when it comes to tipping - if you earned it you get it. I hate when it's auto-added.

[@DisabledAtDisney]

If in the city head to places like Starbucks or McDonald’s for reliable and free wifi!

[@camdendavid]

Tried that (at multiple locations). WiFi was under 1.5 mbps

[@septembersage6438]

1. if u get the train or coach from the airports it's easily £10-£15 or less, only 50 if u get a taxi or uber. And it's like £5 if u get the picadilly line from heathrow 2. as a broke student londoner I always ask them to take off the service charge & they do no hassle. It's very normal for me & my friends and people my age to ask to take off service charge, they get it 3. Richmond is definitely in london just not in greater london(London goes on for about 10km out of greater london). I wouldn't even call Richmond the outskirts but tourists should still defo explore outside of greater london. 4. I find healthy food everywhere here easily, your point about not being able to find healthy food confused me. 4. nice vid- interesting perspective

[@camdendavid]

1. 100% true -- Probably the best option for solo travelers, backpackers, or folks traveling with a smaller bag. But might not be suitable for families traveling with multiple people and lots of bags. I imagine many folks will opt for the convenience of an Uber/taxi after a long international flight. But great point for folks who are up for a bit more adventure 2. Great to know! Thanks for sharing that :) 3. Didn't realize just how big great London is haha. I should have specified to get out of the center of the city. Thanks for the correction there 4. Glad to hear that! I definitely struggled but spent the month based around Tower Bridge. Maybe that was the problem? Any recommendations on your favorite healthy food spots? Really appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective :)

[@Code_TRIP777B_]

It's always good to look out for deals that can make travel more affordable! And recently I heard about that there is a huge discount with the code on TRIP

[@paullewis2413]

Richmond is actually a borough of London. However of course it’s very different from the centre and is my favourite for the river walks, green spaces, excellent transport hub. There are a few very good individual restaurants as well as the usual chain offerings. As an American you found good food hard to find? Are you serious? 😂😂

[@geoffreyevans6133]

When I , a USA citizen, stayed in Richmond two years ago there were lots of good food available. Great supermarkets, restaurants…

[@camdendavid]

Definitely a special place and soooo different from the city centre! I really did struggle to find good food haha. I'll be the first to admit that food in the US is some of the worst in the world. Seems like there's great food options in both spots IF you have lots of cash to spend. But I think the average tourist will struggle to find quality food and will instead fall for some of the tourist traps. Would love some recommendations on good food spots if you've got them! Thanks for sharing your perspective :)

[@paullewis2413]

@@camdendavid Recommending a restaurant is of course dependent on the type of food that you enjoy most and cost. In Richmond where you very sensibly took the time to visit I would say Chez Lindsay (French, expensive) Piccolo Vicolo (Italian not expensive). The White Swan Pub. (Good British pub type food, not expensive) and in nearby Sheen, you can get a 33 bus, takes 10/15 minutes, Grilandia (Lebanese, not expensive). If you’re missing some U.S. diner type food there’s also 5 minutes walk away from there Pickle & Rye (U.S. type, not expensive) owned by Americans and very popular. Just a few recommendations in my area if you’re ever back this way.

[@camdendavid]

@@paullewis2413 thanks for this! Can't wait to return and try out those places

[@DisabledAtDisney]

Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted, Luton, all these places have London in the name but aren’t in London. I always wonder how many people fly in expecting to arrive in actual London

[@jlaurence3519]

Google says "Heathrow falls entirely within the boundaries of the London Borough of Hillingdon". I think you're getting confused with Central London or the City of London.

[@samlion2970]

hi, how about the Elizabethan line to Paddington?

[@camdendavid]

Sorry! Not fully understanding the question. Would you mind elaborating?

[@hankli314]

Hi, you mentioned that transport was difficult. How about the Elizabethen from Heathrow to paddington?

[@jayquinn7651]

The Elizabeth line on the underground is quick from Heathrow. They also have the Heathrow express at Paddington station in the city center. It’s a 15 minute train ride. Debunks the theory that all 3 of those airports are the same scenario

[@a.humphries8678]

I just took this yesterday. I've never taken public transport and I did it by myself. It was easy to find at the airport, easy to pay, not crowded, and very clear about what stop you were at. It gave me so much confidence to zip around london on public transport!

[@vanburger]

Unbelievable.....London has some of the best foods in the world. And it's everywhere but not in the tourist hotspots. So when I hear that someone had a bad food experience I know where they hung out. Go off the beaten track don't get fish and chips in a pub with a view of big Ben. and if you are a tourist be aware that the best foods are found in some of the outer neighbourhoods. Or in the countryside. The food around the tourist traps are for tourists only just like any city in the world.

[@camdendavid]

Any specific spots you'd recommend?

[@code-on-Trip-app]

Another tip is to see if there is a recent 5% discount on the railway before traveling.

[@code-on-trainpal]

i found 5%off on trainpal

[@unusefulmadness]

Also I hate to break it to you but Richmond is in London. But it is very beautiful. Loads of bits of london feel different from the centre. Greenwich and Hampstead are similar too

[@camdendavid]

Whoa… Crazy to think about the size of London! Most tourists would consider that to be well outside of London (or at least the city of London) but I appreciate the correction :) And thanks for the tips on Greenwich and Hampstead!

[@BonifiedB-in2jp]

I refuse to eat healthy on vacation😂 gonna check out Fish Wings and Tings in Brixton

[@camdendavid]

Can't fault that approach haha

[@pipercharms7374]

I disagree about the food, I remember these two restaurants near the British museum which were absolutely delicious. One was called the Happy Lamb, a delicious hot pot restaurant and another was this delicious Chinese restaurant which I unfortunately don’t remember the name of. London is absolutely ginormous, so it’s strange to me you had a hard time with the food, there are too many options for London food to be bad in my opinion! You may think well this Chinese restaurant I eat in was bad? But what about all these other hundred of Chinese restaurants or Indian or a normal pub? There’s just so much variety. I recommend using trip advisor to find the best places to eat, don’t just go to a random place! See if it has rating of 4 or 5 first! That’s how you go to the better places :) I’ve never been to a disappointing place in London, while using Trip Adviser :)

[@user-zzyachieve]

Thank you for sharing! I'm going on a trip, too! By the way I found it possible to use code on trainpal to get a discount on the purchase of tickets, which saved my budget lol!🎉

[@thomasluedecke859]

We will be landing at LCY Airport . easiest and fastest way to get to London City

[@camdendavid]

I haven't used LCY but hoping a local will see this and help :)

[@brainwavemastery6223]

@@camdendavid I'm a local, no help is needed, it's on the edge of Zones 2/3 i.e. minutes from the centre of London

[@LondonLocal]

All fair points but i have to disagree on the food… but that’s fine, respect your pov 👍🇬🇧

[@camdendavid]

Appreciate you sharing your perspective as well! Any recommendations on some spots I should eat next time?

[@BethVonBlack]

@@camdendavid Dishoom is a fantastic restaurant.

[@camdendavid]

What's your favorite food spot in London?

[@Mauriceverbeke]

I don’t know i’ve never been

[@unusefulmadness]

Brixton village is amazing for a variety of food. There’s hella fancier resturants if that’s your vibe and I’d highly recommend checking out at least one if you can. Places a bit out of the centre are cheaper like Peckham, brixton etc, deptford, hackney etc but there’s literally great finds everywhere

[@camdendavid]

@@unusefulmadness Thanks for the recommendations!

[@annawong5027]

Chinatown has brilliant dim sum and roast meat plates, try Four Seasons, Lido and Golden Pheonix. Also famous Malaysian place called Rasa Sayang. Try Green Lanes or Angel for amazing Turkish food (Italian and Japanese great in Angel too) and Shoreditch/Old Street for fantastic Vietnamese restaurants. Brick Lane/Aldgate are definitely good spots for Indian cuisine. Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane are fab foodie markets! Less touristy and cheaper than Borough etc

[@NicoleLee14147]

I have to say that London is a place that everyone must visit in their lifetime. The rich cultural heritage, diverse society and scenic views are all worth knowing about! For tourist and person who live here, the travel fee is really insane… I have been there like 5 years and I really recommend the app I found that has discount on every journey! Tell me if u need it, I'll share!

[@camdendavid]

Would agree with you :)

[@code-on-trainpal]

I heard from my friend that there are discounts on trainpal.

[@rpacho510]

Can we use a debit card out there?

[@camdendavid]

Yes. I should have clarified that (I use debit/credit card interchangeably). Both will work just fine

[@firstnamelastname9631]

only on Tuesdays

[@ytrogergt]

Gatwick to London costs £9.99 (Oyster card).

[@camdendavid]

Great option - thanks for the tip!

[@cberry6751]

Take the train into London!!! A taxi or Uber will cost $75-$100 just to get to central London. Don’t bother! The train is clean, modern and FAST!! It’s a delight & of course, safe…loads of other tourists.

[@code-on-trainpal]

Taking the train into London is not only cost-effective but also convenient and enjoyable. And I found it has a discount when buying the railcard with a code. On trainpal, my friend told me this, really nice.

[@user-zzyachieve]

I can't agree more! It is helpful for tourists ~ By the way, I found that I can get a discount on tickets with code on trainpal ~🎉

[@alexc4638]

You do know that credit card compagny charge u for using your card aboard, so bad advice to recommand using your card everywhere, u should recommand that people see what there credit card charge befor choosing to using money or credit

[@camdendavid]

Meant to say Debit/Credit but many credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees these days. But you’re right - it’s important to make sure you have a card that doesn’t get charged those fees

[@alexc4638]

It would be more prudent since charge seems ro vary from where you are from, in canada most do charge an additional fee

[@chriswright4677]

Bucking Ham.

[@krcn00b]

no cell in tube was most shocking

[@user-rl3qv7hu3f]

Chema 1920 quelque chose qui cloche Sol Sol

[@MafiaDiesel]

Is Will Forte your dad?

[@camdendavid]

Not that I'm aware of haha

[@hugostiglitz6914]

I spent my year between Berlin and Frankfurt and London and Dublin. Don't know where you get this idea that you can't get good food in London, there's literally thousands of all nationality of restaurant in London. If your idea of great food is a bagel shop then you're probably lost from the start.

[@camdendavid]

I ate out at least twice a day and really felt like the quality was lacking compared to most other cities. Seemed like all the quality stuff was super expensive but I could have been looking in the wrong places. Any spots you'd recommend for my next visit?

[@hugostiglitz6914]

@@camdendavid That's probably where you're going wrong, you shouldn't be eating out twice a day. You'd be better off most of the time going to a quality supermarket and picking out what you like and making your food from there. I don't know what you like so I don't know what to actually suggest, but I would suggest that if you're going out anywhere pick a nationality. And go from there. You can have Indian Chinese, Thai, Mongolian Vietnamese, the list is endless. That way you can pick a quality place three or four times a week instead of twice a day in cheap places.

[@user-rl3qv7hu3f]

Parfun complot sous aisselle quelque chose qui cloche Sol Sol

[@user-rl3qv7hu3f]

Sol Sol

[@BethVonBlack]

An American having the gall to say he couldn't find 'good food' in London. Mate, you didn't try hard enough (aka it's really not hard to find decent food) unless you're the "bagel is good food" type of course!!!! lmao.

[@camdendavid]

What did the poor bagel ever do to you haha? But in all seriousness, I really did struggle to find a healthy and flavorful meal in London. Probably my fault and maybe it has to do with the area I was in. Maybe I perceived it to be bad value for money with everything being so expensive. I really did try and I eventually found some haha. But I had to try sooo much harder compared to all the other countries I've lived in. I'll try harder next time :) Any recommendations?

[@jason-pacini]

This guy has 7000 followers and he moves to a new country every month?!

[@camdendavid]

Too high or too low haha?

[@willengram7091]

It’s funny to see Londoners get defensive about the food because of course they would if they haven’t had anything better.

[@camdendavid]

Hahahha

[@BethVonBlack]

As Brits, we leave our country, as opposed to most 'Muricans; we're defensive because we KNOW we have good food. (A bagel is not it!!)

[@roadgent7921]

​@@camdendavid The fact you bigged up Bagels says it all 😮

[@cliffnoonan440]

Good food in London? Impossible

[@camdendavid]

Unless you've got tons of cash to blow haha

[@emperorpalpatine4681]

Terrible advice on the first post with the airports

[@camdendavid]

Love your username hahah 😂 What would you say is the ideal for the airports?

[@sarahpalmisano9080]

The tube tap to pay = game changer 🫡