Travel Tips for London, United Kingdom

Cost: €€ (expensive)

Safety: 4/5 for solo female travellers

London, the capital city of the United Kingdom, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a multitude of experiences for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, shopping, or food, London has something for everyone.

I would recommend a visit for 2 or 3 days (a long weekend is more than perfect). I did feel generally safe walking around London, however I did not stay out late at night when on my own.

Planning a trip to the city can be a little bit overwhelming, but if you plan intelligently and follow these tips, you will most definitely enjoy your trip.

How to get there

London is easily accessible from Ireland, with six major airports serving the city. When planning your trip, consider which airport is closest to your accommodation.

You can fly to London directly from Dublin, Shannon, Knock and Cork. The flight durations range from about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.

Language, Currency & Weather

English is the main language in London and the currency is the British Pound, however I primarily used my visa debit card or Apple Pay.

The weather in London is similar to Ireland, however during summer it can be hot and humid, with temperatures about 23 degrees Celsius.

Public Transport

London has an extensive public transport network that includes buses, trains, trams and the London Underground (also known as the Tube).

All airports in London are well-connected to public transport, making it easy to travel to and from the city.

To pay for your transport, you can choose between contactless payment, an Oyster card, or a Visitor Oyster card. Getting an Oyster card is highly recommended, as it offers convenience and can be used on most train services.

Where To Stay

Accommodation in London is expensive so it can be hard to find something reasonable yet comfortable.

If you are looking for luxury I would recommend the Signature London, The J Marylebone in Westminster Borough or The Exhibitionist Hotel in Kensington and Chelsea.

If you are looking for something a bit cheaper, I would advise you to book Simply Rooms & Suites in Kensington, Hammersmith and Fulham or the Belvedere Hotel in Westminster Borough.

If you are on a budget, there are lots of hostels to choose from across London. In my opinion, it’s best to do your research before you visit and pick a place that best suits your needs and is the right location for you.

Where To Go & What To Do

There is so much to do and see in London, so it’s very hard to pick just a few activities!

When in the city, you should book the hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour on a double-decker bus or a walking tour. These are great ways to see the city, learn about the history and culture and gives you an idea on the areas you want to explore further.

My favourite activities and sights to visit in London were the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Covent Garden and Neal’s Yard, Brick Lane, Camden Market and Notting Hill.

If you like Harry Potter, you can book a Warner Bros studio tour, or a walking tour of the top spots.

For sports fans, it is possible to book tours of Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Fulham Football Club and Chelsea Football Club.

If you are a fan of The Beatles, you can book walking tours to see where the band recorded, lived, and socialised.

If you want to book day trips, you have the option of a tour to the Cotswolds as well as trips to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, the city of Bath, and the Roman Baths. 

What & Where To Eat

London is home to many different cultures and cuisines, so it depends on the food you enjoy.

I would recommend you book a food tour while you’re there, as the guides will lead the way to some of the most interesting places to eat.

In my opinion, whether you’re grabbing some lunch alone or you’re meeting friends in the evening, Café Deco in Bloomsbury is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, St. John in Clerkenwell is a great place for dining solo, and I really enjoyed my experience there.

Overall, I loved my time in London, and I hope you will too. Enjoy exploring!