Along with being the most populated city in the UK, London is also one of the most popular destination choices for travellers across the globe. Although with a countless array of attractions, historical sites, dining options and shops, it should come as little surprise as to why England’s capital is incredibly popular.

While the aforementioned points should fill you with excitement as a first time visitor, travelling to London can also be a daunting experience. Not only does it encompass a large area of land, but there is also an attraction to see and do at virtually every turn – to the point where it is overwhelming for even frequent visitors to the city. The London transport system is also an art you must master, however, in two weeks you’ll know the tube system like the back of your hand.

With all that said, here are some important tips to take into consideration before arriving in London.

Plan your activities in advance

Before the big venture to London, planning everything you want to do in advance is a great way to save money and time. For example, the London Pass – along with fast track entry, a bus tour and more – allows you entry to over 70 highly regarded attractions and can save you more than 120 (based on a three-day pass). Instead of purchasing your tickets on the day, buying tickets in advance from said attraction’s website will help save you money more often than not. You may also get to save time with queues.

It’s also important to book ahead if there are specific restaurants you want to eat at. After all, London is busy, and the last thing you want is to be dreaming of something like a Caribbean fine dining experience in the centre of the city only to find out that tables have already been booked out for weeks. So whether you want to experience the delights of Turkish cuisine at a restaurant like The Mantl in Knightsbridge or wish to sample Michelin star-rated delights in The Savoy Hotel, be sure to secure a table in advance to avoid disappointment!

Book accommodation beforehand

London can be quite a busy city, and not booking your hotels beforehand could lead to a loss of a lot of time and money and you scout around the city looking for a hotel to suit your needs in the location you want. To avoid such a case, consider booking hotels like The Mandeville Hotel Marylebone or similar ones, well in advance to ensure a pleasant stay. These hotels are generally located in prime locations like Marylebone which is an upscale and central area in London, located within the City of Westminster. This part of the city is known for its Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and cultural attractions like the Wallace Collection and Madame Tussauds, offering a blend of residential charm and urban sophistication. Having secured your stay in a prime location gives you the advantage of visiting top spots like the Buckingham palace, London Eye, Tower of London or the Wembley Stadium quite easily.

Learn how to use the London Underground

With various transport lines and countless stations, the London Underground can be intimidating for first-time visitors to the city. Yet, it is generally the most efficient and cost-effective way for exploring London. So before hitting London, have a little study of the Underground map and download the Citymapper app that will help navigate this (initially) confusing transport system. The Citymapper app will also provide you with information regarding tube delays, giving you the fastest route for travelling at that time.

Watch for the parakeets

When you think of British city birds, you probably think of fat, grey pigeons pecking at your feet. London, however, is home to a large flock of bright green parakeets. These cheeky birds might look fabulous, but they have a habit of stealing food and generally making a mess, so many businesses have turned to services providing pest control for birds to help keep them away. Whilst parakeets can be naughty, they’re well-loved by many Londoners, so head to Mitcham Common, Kensington Gardens or Lewisham Crematorium to catch a glimpse of them in the trees.

Try the local cuisine

The British are known for their unique food, and London is the best place to try it all. Whether you want to try an authentic fish and chips, a hot and spicy tikka masala or a delicious Victoria sponge, London has the best of them all. If you’re in the mood for something grilled or flame-cooked, consider visiting temper, which is known for its innovative approach to barbeque.

There are literally thousands of restaurants, cafes and street markets to head to, so do some research before choosing the first one you come across. Fancy a burger? Head to SMSH BN in Charing Cross for a fun and truly British take on the American staple. You can find something for everyone in London, so whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or a sweet tooth, you wont find it hard to enjoy the local options!

Getting parked

Although traversing the notorious London rush-hour with a car is not advised for your first visit, it might be necessary due to your situation. So with that in mind, you will need to find a place to park your vehicle. Unless you’re lucky enough to land a hotel that provides on-site parking, this means you will have to find a public alternative – and considering the premium for parking spaces, this could be expensive. So when searching for London parking, make sure that you spend some time finding the best option for your location/budget.

Taxis

Black cabs are the traditional taxis of London, but they aren’t the cheapest way of getting around. It’s recommended that you download Uber in preparation for your visit to London. During rush hour though opt for public transport as the traffic in London can make trips by car very time-consuming.

Budget accordingly

There’s no getting away from it: London is an expensive place to visit. Sure, there are plenty of free activities on offer and fast food outlets to get cheap food, but you will no doubt want to experience as much as possible when in the city – and that includes visiting those world-famous attractions, sampling the best food and unwinding at a trendy bar. As a result, budget everything in advance and ensure you have enough cash to cover everything you want to do when in London.