London Travel Tips: 10 Things to Know Before You Go

10 things you must know before you travel to London in the United Kingdom. First, the City of “London” is technically a one square mile area, with only 7,400 residents. But the larger london has 8.6 Million Residents in 32 boroughs. Big Ben refers to the bell, not the tower. The tower is called “Elizabeth Tower”
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The country is called the “United Kingdom” -- England is a part of the UK. Great Britain is an old name when it used to be called “United Kingdom of Great Britain”
2 - When to go:
Low season is between January and February with average daily highs around 8C or 46F
Shoulder season is between mid-September and November and then again in March and April.
Shoulder Season. Mild weather, light jacket.
Cheapest hotels are Jan-March, but often with wind and constant rain
Summer prepare for thunderstorms and crowds. But probably the best time to go. Average highs are 24C/75F. The “city” can make it hot and humid in the summer.
3 - Money: Great British Pound, aka pound sterling, aka quid
1 GBP is $1.30 or 1.12 EUR
A pound is composed of 100 pence, referred to as “pee”
A five pound note is a fiver(smallest note), and 10 is a tenner
Credit cards are generally accepted, but may require “chip and pin”
ATMS are plentiful
VAT is about 20% -- and yes, they have a tax back scheme
4 - Getting in: 6 airports serve London
Main airports, Heathrow and Gatwick
Ryan Air and Easy Jet fly in to Stansted (it’s about an hour out)
Due to London's huge global city status it is the most served destination in the world when it comes to flights. But some connections may be between airports. DONT DO IT!
Heathrow is home to British Airways that operates 40 percent of flights.
From Heathrow the fastest way in to the city is the Heathrow Express -- it takes 15 minutes in to the city at Paddington Station, and leaves every 15 minutes. Station at Terminal 4, and another for Terms 1,2,3. It costs 22 GBP. Star Alliance Gold gets free Business/First upgrade.
Also can take the Tube, on the Piccadilly line. It’ll take an hour.
Gatwick is London's 2nd airport and is the world's busiest single runway airport
From Gatwick the fastest way is the Gatwick Express, it takes 30 minutes in to London Victoria Station. Also every 15 minutes.
No tube at Gatwick.
A taxi will cost you about 55-65 GBP from Heathrow
Rail fares to London vary enormously from very cheap to prohibitively expensive - the golden rules are to book Advance tickets for a particular train time, don't travel into the city on Friday afternoons and Sundays, and avoid buying tickets on the day of travel.
London has one international high speed rail route (operated by Eurostar ) rom Paris (2h 15min) and Brussels (1h 50 min) diving under the sea for 35 km (22 mi) via the Channel Tunnel to come out in England. It terminates at St. Pancras International Station.
Whatever you do.. don't drive!
5 - Getting Around: It’s all about the tube, officially known as the London Underground
Buy an oyster card
Daily cap, or buy a 7-day card
You use the Oyster Card for busses too
Take the double decker busses, tap when you get on. Don’t tap off.
Peak times are Monday to Friday between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 16:00 and 19:00.
off-peak rate is much cheaper.
Download the Citymapper app to help with navigation
London Black Taxis are world famous
Uber is also an option, though black cabs can be faster, they use bus lanes
Santandar Bicycles -- first 30 minutes are 2 GBP, every next 30 mins is free if you return it.
The best way to get around is your feet though! Central london is quite compact
Make sure to pay attention to the “look left/look right” signs before crossing the street
6 - Food:
7 - Tipping: Restaurants: Standard is 12.5%, 15% for good service. No tip of there is a service charge
Cabs -- round up.. Or 10%.
No tip in bars and pubs for drinks, unless you order food.
Doormen, bellhops a pound.
8 - Language: It’s english, but it’s British English.
9 - Shopping:
10 - Museums:
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You might enjoy watching some of these other videos from London:
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[@YellowProductions]

✅ Get up to 40% off hotels in London by signing up here: plannin.com/en/search?googleResult=ChIJdd4hrwug2EcRmSrV3Vo6llI&refId=YellowProductions ✅ Watch more videos from my London series in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLOVadUHX1B-IWv6mDl5spifI_ZTA4QU4G

[@stefan2005stefan]

Its 32 boroughs not 33 as you said . im gonna let you off this time

[@billsamuls7620]

SPOT ON

[@rahullamani3740]

Hg

[@charliesewell7418]

I have no clue why I’m watching this. I LIVE HERE!!! 😂

[@sarpreetsingh9730]

😂same

[@garymagee7595]

ME TOO🤔

[@cyrusochsenfeld496]

same

[@White_mrgaimingYTRoblox]

Same

[@cristinaayala5307]

🤣

[@askjt8090]

There is absolutely no need to tip anyone. Unlike the US, waiters, bar workers, etc. don’t expect you to tip them - in fact the majority of workers will have the impression that tips should only be given for exceptional service. It might feel odd as an American or otherwise to not give tips, but trust me as a Londoner, we do not expect a tip :)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the tip on tipping! :)

[@usernametentwo]

Not true? Whenever I go out, we always leave tips. I think it just depends on the person

[@askjt8090]

Hey man, make love, not war! That’s your personal choice. My point stated that there was no expectation from staff in any restaurant

[@cijmo]

Kind of. They do expect a tip when they hear an American (I'm Canadian but to them we sound the same) accent. They know we're used to tipping so they expect it.

[@s1050]

I like to tip if the service was good. Bit of a dick move to not tip

[@nikfrankis3584]

I'm from London and everything in this is accurate. I love the way you say tube (toooobe).

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Nik!

[@flamingpieherman9822]

I love going in March, October and november...absolutely love that time of year.

[@bp4896]

As a Brit I can say you did an excellent job of covering London. Cheers 👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks B P!!!! :)

[@andypoopoo16]

I really enjoy the way you present your little travel guides. Short, to the point, quirky and fun. Well done

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Andrew!

[@janetbray2055]

Pickpockets are a real problem in London, especially on the tube. Make use of the River Bus (run by London Transport). It goes past most major sights all the way to Greenwich. Safer, less crowded and more scenic plus fresh air.

[@scotnick59]

Reminds me of Oliver Twist and Fagin!

[@MellissaWilliamsjewellerylover]

You don't need an Oyster card any more you can just use your debit card to tap in and tap out of the underground but if you are not from the UK you may get charged a currency conversion fee

[@fadillazennifa3977]

This video brought me to the nostalgic moment when I went to London last year. Good video

[@TheDandelionblush]

As a Londoner i’d recommend end of August or beginning or September, it’s less busy but we always seem to have good weather in September

[@danieldravot341]

Or even May, before schools let out in the US and Europe. January and February, however, can be dreary . . .

[@danieldravot341]

@@Maria-oo1yk, by March or April the winter gloom is usually gone. You might get some rain, but the sun is coming out more and temperatures are on the rise, so you're still ahead of the really busy tourist months.

[@danieldravot341]

@@Maria-oo1yk, to be honest, once you’re past January and February there’s really no bad time to be in London. Some months may be cooler or rainier, but in as much as it’s the greatest destination in the English-speaking world, it’s tough to go too far wrong. Do your research in advance, and seek out the places that appeal to your own tastes. If you collect coins or stamps, they’ve got those. If you’re a clothes shopper, there are the markets and the shops. Food? It’d take years to put a dent into London’s restaurant choices. There are a few mandatory stops: Changing of the Guard at Buck House, the Tower, a twirl on the London Eye, and an evening at the theatre. But you must seek out those there who share your interests. They will make the trip special. Me? I cannot go without a dawn visit to the Portobello Road antiques fair on a Saturday, and I’m dying to eat my way through Borough Market.

[@kaydakennedy]

How do you feel about November?

[@leemehan]

My first time going to London next summer and I would love to have any tips on where to stay and stuff if u could. I would greatly appreciate it. I watch videos on KZbin, but there is so much info and hard to get the details I want out of it. Love to hear from yah! Thanks!

[@AnneMB955]

Love how your vids are always so useful and practical. Love that you added ‘use your feet’, we can find hidden gems when we walk everywhere. Cheers from Australia.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Anne! Cheers!

[@elephantminds6855]

Useful and FUN for our students, thank you!

[@funtastick6377]

This video brings back memories. Great job!

[@ananyaamrit9322]

Thank s for the video,planning to go in December

[@kirannangare2600]

Thanks brother for giving good Information for london

[@luisjimenez9555]

Very helpful video. I'm planning a trip to London in April and will be my first time in Great Britain. Thanks for all the details, now I have a better idea what to do and what to expect.

[@JDRS77]

Great tips dude! Thanks!!

[@raptorche1]

Thanks for your all videos !

[@flavioluizhigino3866]

Thanks for the video... Im going to London next month... I really loved your advices.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Flavio! Enjoy London!

[@manalelsehrawi4760]

Chris, you are a life saver! Thank you for the info!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Manal!

[@EvDanilov]

Thanks for the video!

[@ozpom4556]

Such a feel good travel guide of London! We live here but just had to watch, always enjoy your videos!

[@Sonny0276]

Great Video. Thank you for posting.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sonny!

[@jzmynj9521]

This video was extremely helpful.... thank you

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@TouristWeek]

beautiful images, an idea for a next holiday

[@EdmundAcuto]

As a Londoner who has lived for a very long time in Western Canada must admit you do a great job for an American.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Ian :)

[@Galves99]

Wow! I love it this video! Thanks for the good job!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Gabriel!

[@manuel8255]

I'm going to London in May. The video was very informative and helpful. I can't wait! Thanks.

[@georgefloydtoys3092]

same

[@islandgirl3330]

I am here now. You could not be more informative. Thanks for your video.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks islandgirl!

[@kaydakennedy]

Very helpful thank you for this

[@JujuJus2017]

This video and a few of your others helped us soooo much... Thank you so much for the info..Camden Market was the best!

[@CL4KFL]

Yay, will be there in a "few" days.

[@brittanysupachana6876]

I will be watching more of your videos from now on as I am visiting London and Ireland in September of 2020.

[@joakimpaulino274]

Brittany Supachana I’m visiting in July 2020😊. Guys which hotel can you suggest within the Central London? I am planning to go to big ben, Buckingham palace, bath, Stonehenge and few other tourist spots.

[@scottman895]

Great tips! I remember using the Heathrow Express when I was flying back home out of Heathrow a few years ago, and it was very convenient to get to from the hotel I was staying at.

[@YellowProductions]

15 mins to the city is pretty fantastic!

[@andybaker2456]

You will find that locals tend to avoid the Heathrow Express though, just because it's so expensive. It's so much cheaper to use the Tube, and depending on the start/end point of your journey, can also be quicker. As you will know (as you have used it), the Heathrow Express arrives at Paddington station, and unless you happen to be staying in that area, you will still need to get from Paddington to wherever your final destination happens to be, which could involve using the Tube, or taking a taxi. But if you're staying close to Paddington and don't mind the additional expense, go for it!

[@scottman895]

I definitely agree with that. My hotel was about a 5-10 minute walk from Paddington Station, so that is likely why I chose the Heathrow Express option when going to the airport. When I got into London, I came in from King's Cross (and took the Tube to Paddington) since I took a train from York.

[@PostcardAndAPint]

Loved this great vid. We checked out London last week, it felt pretty quiet for August. The tube was soooo quiet. Good work

[@mrshahsaibdubai632]

thanks appreciated today I m going to London thanks for information

[@decutta404]

Thanks for the info👍

[@NailaRose]

thanks a lot for all this usefull information about London needed it for my next trip ;)

[@YellowProductions]

I hope you enjoy London Nalia!

[@LifeTrendsTV730]

Hi, thanks for this video, I saw it before I went to London. This place is really beautiful. I was there in November and it was nice cold weather, as an Asian I appreciate cold weather. This video is so informative and helpful.

[@Kay-pb8tm]

Great Tips ! Travelling this September ! Glad I found your vids... thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Kay!

[@MyMikeMike]

Service Charge in restaurants will either be 'Compulsory' or 'Optional'. If the latter, you can ask them to remove it and leave a cash tip for the server. Some restaurants do not pass this on to the server or will take a percentage of the charge. As a Londoner, I always pay cash tips as I know its going to the intended person.

[@sahilsambyal4968]

As a Londoner I will advice better to take Piccadily line from Heathrow rather than Heathrow express to save money. Also avoid London black cabs.. they are expensive but if you dont have an uber app, then black cab is better than pre-paid taxi service.. One more thing... Beware of SANTANDER BICYCLES... By their advert, you will think that they charge 2 pounds for the fist hour and then another 2 pounds for every extra 30 min. riding.. NO... Actually its 2 pounds per 30 min. right from the time you pull the bike out of the dock.. And one last thing.. TIP is not mandatory or necessary.. if you feel like you can but its not an obligation and no waiting staff will ever push or gesture you for a tip. I love London.. :-)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the extra tips Sahil!

[@Danny-kf4ky]

You say the London black cab is expensive but there is a fixed fare calculated by a meter, so if you are on your own it can be expensive but four or five sharing works out cheaper than a bus fare!

[@songs4christ]

Great info thanks 🙏🏻

[@ethanmn]

Loved the video!!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Scribbles!

[@andreihrusca]

Wow that was amazing. Ive watched a few of these videos and yours is by far the best one. Fantastic job

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks freeleech!

[@kathymounts7573]

Very informative, but I was laughing at how many times he said London in the video LOL. Thank you for providing us with the great info!

[@YellowProductions]

It IS a video on London after all :)

[@sanagalap]

Clearly explained well done.we're planning to visit London in 2 weeks time.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Rhamil! Enjoy London!

[@julietadiazdevivar7092]

Great video, thank you so much! :)

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Julieta!

[@s1050]

As a Londoner, I think you did a great job on this dude 👍

[@scrappinnwrappin]

Great info, thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Cheri!

[@user-jm2dl3jx5k]

nice video. good tips. tnx a lot

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks!

[@zuzanab.8822]

I'm going to London next week and I find your videos super interesting and useful (I visited London couple of years ago already and I wish I had seen them back then), so thank you very much, Chris! :)

[@YellowProductions]

Cheers Zuzana!

[@harveysp5899]

the cars are right handed. thank you!

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Excellent trip to London friend

[@amazonsales7635]

such good details...thank you.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Amazon! :)

[@jessicalist7916]

We had been there many times, however it’s still fun to watch your video 🥰

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome Jessica!

[@vegardkirkevold879]

Thank you!

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure Vegard!

[@RT-vt1fd]

Very informative....I'm traveling to London this spring so i made sure to subscribe to check out all your videos!!!

[@YellowProductions]

Awesome R T!

[@virendraSingh-je3sx]

I am sure your guidance will make my visit to London a very learning experience.

[@YellowProductions]

Hope so!

[@dantheman8279]

Really good info!

[@joelp3488]

This video was very cheeky. Cheers mate

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Joel!

[@crqdea6654]

THANK YOU

[@naroao6820]

Wow this is beautiful ❤️❤️ I love you London 💖💖💖 God bless you,,

[@sebastianstawiarski8306]

Good tips !

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Sebastian!

[@mariaterezadosanjosferreir4703]

I adored walking in London

[@kaieteurjohn8133]

Don't use the Heathrow Express. Too expensive. Piccadilly Line takes you into central London stopping at localstations. £6.00+ or buy an oyster card. Much cheaper, and also the TFL train which goes into Paddington, still much cheaper than Heathrow Express, maybe about 5-10mins. longer. If there is a service charge in restaurants and you were not impressed with the service then your not obliged to pay this charge, ask them to remove it, at your peril.

[@vehbibajraktari1]

thnx for this

[@lorettabertoli3736]

I will be in London next month and I usually fly Ryanair so Stansted. This time, I will have the small "luxury" of a British Airways flight which means Heathrow...totally planning to use the tube , the hotel me and my cousin booked is close to a stop on the Piccadilly line, so good point Daniel!

[@edglover8853]

True, any airport loves to rip off jetlagged foreigners

[@cijmo]

Never heard of the TFL to Paddington. It's just with Oyster card then? Thanks for the tip!

[@57bananaman]

@@cijmo ,, The TFL to Paddington currently runs every half hour and uses the same tracks as The Heathrow Express. It's much cheaper than The Heathrow Express and you can use an Oyster Card but it is still more expensive than The Piccadilly Line (Underground/Tube). This is the timetable … content.tfl.gov.uk/paddington-heathrow-19-may-14-december-2019.pdf The TFL service will (eventually) form part of the new Crossrail/Elizabeth-Line railway which is currently about to open. The thing to realise is that Paddington is right on the North West edge of Central London, so if your eventual destination isn't convenient for Paddington it makes little sense to get either The Heathrow Express or TFL as The Piccadilly Line will possibly be quicker and most definitely will be cheaper. When Crossrail/Elizabeth Line fully opens there will be direct trains from Heathrow to Paddington Station and through Central London to Liverpool Street and beyond.

[@OneManOneCamera]

I visited London a lifetime ago during the pre-internet days. I was meeting some other people on holiday from the States and the plan... "Let's meet at the American Express Office, near the Knightsbridge Tube Station on June 10th at 2pm." Those days were wild with no communication as everyone was travelling. Exciting, and sometimes nerve racking times.

[@changamuda7844]

*Oh my! That's right..I can't even imagine that!*

[@bushyconn]

Great video with lots of good information BUT one very important thing you forgot, especially for US citizens, id that most, if not all, prices include taxes, what you see is what you pay!!

[@YellowProductions]

Good point! Thanks for the addition!

[@danieldravot341]

The tax back scheme is only on higher priced goods and the paperwork is provided by the shop. For example, if you buy jewelry or a watch the shop will give you the forms, you fill them out and you mail them AS YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY. The VAT will be credited back to your credit card in a few weeks.

[@gmork13]

At last, a travel channel with a guy who is not annoying and just eating.

[@YellowProductions]

Hah! Thanks gmork!

[@shalereti]

This is so helpful, I'm going to London in 3 months ALL THE WAY from New Zealand lol thanks man 🤙

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Shale! Enjoy your trip!

[@WolfGratz]

Very good - I would have added a rec for live theatre and added a small warning that queueing in line is not a voluntary activity. The other thing is that many Londoners tend to be helpful, tolerant and polite but not necessarily friendly. They tend to be busy going about their business. People are often friendlier, or nosier, up north.

[@StephenOshea]

very informative video great

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Stephen

[@thenolans7146]

Very informative 👍👍👍👍👍

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Art!

[@ICONICPARIS]

Thank you

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Pierre!

[@5hanesBoard]

As a Brit, I would say this is the most accurate overview of London by an American that I have seen.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Shane!

[@YANGKONLEE]

Great !Useful info thanks from Seoul South Korea.Subscribed!!

[@YellowProductions]

Welcome Titiki Lee!

[@user-zg9kt2dn2w]

Wow!

[@divyaamla8181]

Very informative

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Divya!

[@Jollvardscoots]

"The language is english, but it's british english." That is just brilliant

[@markjohnson8276]

I wonder where the English language comes from lol?

[@CrossedSabresCOD]

There is meta irony in this post.

[@user-zg9kt2dn2w]

Yeah!

[@absuthy6505]

This really annoyed me 😂

[@johnmunro4952]

@@martin2466 you realise that London was founded by the Romans right? That it's ALWAYS been a city of immigrants. That as a conduit to the empire that it's always been a magnet to the rest of the world. And that it's the number one tourist destination in the UK.

[@thishaah8592]

Thank youu ✨

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure!

[@jianht]

planning to go to London next May 2020 Thanks for great infors

[@YellowProductions]

My pleasure jianht!

[@furdiebant]

There are two Westfields - go to the one in the Bush, the one in Stratford is very crowded

[@MrStarfire11]

also just go to shepherds bush in general, its full of culture and good music venues. some drugs....but hey ho thats the culture right

[@CKevni]

Love this channel!!

[@Paula_thebestofthestory]

Thank you Mr. TOUR Tipper! U r fantastic at giving us much information....AND VERY Important info! I enjoyed ur video and will watch others made by Yellow Productions...THANK YOU!Dorothy in Tampa Bay Florida USA

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Dorothy!

[@mentalwillie3052]

Get the tube from Heathrow for around £5. If you buy an oyster card you put a £5 deposit. Make sure you cash it in when your finished. You can use your own card (it will max out at the unlimited day travel amount around £9)

[@arunapatel2834]

Nice information

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Aruna!

[@merscis]

British English.....Hahahaha.....Love it!! Thanks for this vid! Appreciate it xx

[@sandrabond1]

Thanks so much for the tips! It’ll come in handy for my visit next year:).

[@BeccaL2016]

Going to London in 10 days first time, excited!

[@anjanibhonsle4555]

Hi My Name Is Sunil And i Am From India-Goa I Have My Own Travel Company Which Is Blue Ocean Tours and Travel In Our Goa i Am Giving Adventure Tours In North Goa And South Goa i Am Giving Boat Tours As well As Other Special Tours 🙂

[@anjanibhonsle4555]

The Name OF The Tours Are:(1)Grand Island With Snorkeling,(2) Dolphin Tour,(3) Crocodile Tour,(4) Fishing Tour,(5)Dudh Sagar Water Fall (6) Spice Plantation Tour (7) Flea Market Very Famous In North Goa And Good Fore Shopping.This Are Our Goan Tours 🙂

[@triciabyrne7761]

Wish you had covered getting into London by tube from Brit Air's terminal 5 from Heathrow.

[@MrChadwicj]

Very accurate video

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks John!

[@daviddaviscrawford3669]

You! Las Vegas guy awesome

[@brian9731]

Don't catch the Heathrow or Gatwick Express services. Much better to use the Heathrow Connect service or any train heading North from Gatwick into London - way cheaper but a little slower.

[@gashawakareem9402]

Brian Freeman What will be the best way to go from Heathrow to Oxford university ?

[@oc2phish07]

Great video. Just one minor thing to note: There are TWO Westfield Shopping Centres (Malls). The BIG one is at Stratford which is at the Eastern end of the Jubilee Tube Line. There is a smaller one in White City in West London served by a couple of different Tube Lines.

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@sahilsambyal4968]

Update: White City one is now the biggest in Europe after they open their phase 2 with John Lewis, etc

[@zoedeterding9147]

Indeed. Westfield is a chain of shopping centres.

[@lovetheliv]

we say thanks aswell!

[@normandea]

Thanks for the great info. On my bucket list!

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Norman!

[@marcduchamp5512]

One downside to the market street food is that they give you too much and up charge you a bit more, therefore it is better to buy one and share among two to three so you can eat more variety of stuffs along the way

[@nicholasfry7492]

Great video! Believe it’s pronounced the Chube though. Cheers mate 🍻

[@YellowProductions]

Thanks Nicholas

[@keem7910]

Will going in January 2022 I think I’ll be fine out there.