In a nutshell
- London is one of the most exciting cities in Europe – diverse, vibrant, and full of attractions you won’t easily find anywhere else.
- To visit London, you’ll need a passport and an ETA to enter. Payment is in British pounds, usually easy by card or smartphone.
- Due to high demand, you should book tickets for popular attractions online in advance. It’s also worth taking a look at the London city passes.
- We’ve been traveling to London regularly for many years and in this article we share all our most important travel tips, experiences, and personal recommendations with you. That way you can plan and enjoy your trip stress-free.
London Travel Tips at a Glance
- Best time to visit: May through September
- Length of stay: ideally 3 to 7 days
- Documents: passport and ETA
- Currency: pound sterling (payments mostly by credit card)
- Getting around: Tube (our recommendation), bus, and taxi/Uber
- Costs: flights from €50, hotels from €100, plus an additional €90–200 per day depending on your budget and preferences
- Safety: safe destination, including for women traveling alone
- Clothing: regular clothes; comfortable shoes are a must
- Attractions: Big Ben, Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, The Shard, West End Musicals, and much more.
Find more info on London’s highlights here:
Best Time to Visit London
London is worth a visit any time of year. That said, the months of May through September are the most pleasant, when it’s a bit warmer and you can do a lot outdoors.
In summer, temperatures usually range between 64 and 82°F. Perfect for walks along the Thames, time in the parks, or rooftop bars. However, this is also peak season, which means the attractions get more crowded.
If you prefer a quieter experience, travel in spring (April/May) or fall (September/October). The weather is often still mild, and the city feels more relaxed overall.
In winter, it gets cool, wet, and dark early. On the upside, London is beautifully decorated around Christmas.
Read more here about the best time to visit London
Costs for a London City Trip
London is definitely one of the more expensive city-trip destinations in Europe. Accommodation and sightseeing in particular can drive up your budget quickly. That said, a trip is very manageable if you cleverly mix paid and free experiences.
How much money per day in London?
How much you should budget per day depends on what you have planned in London. As a rough guide, you can use the following benchmarks:
- Budget: approx. €90–120 per person per day
- Mid-range: approx. €120–170 per person per day
- Comfort: approx. €170–200+ per person per day
This includes food, transportation, sightseeing, and a little shopping. Accommodation is intentionally not included here, as it varies greatly depending on location and standard and is often the biggest expense.
What does a short London trip cost in total?
For a typical city trip of 3 to 4 days, you can roughly expect the following total costs per person:
- Budget: approx. €600–800
- Mid-range: approx. €800–1,200
- Comfort: from approx. €1,200
These ranges refer to the costs for a three- to four-day city trip to London per person and include accommodation and daily budget. Flights are not included.
For flights, you should budget an additional roughly €50 to €250 per person, depending on which airport you fly into and when you book. Flights to Stansted are generally cheaper than to Heathrow, for example.
Read our money-saving tips for London here:
Packing List for London
For a city trip to London, you basically don’t need anything special. It’s the classic packing list for city breaks. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and can get around easily on foot.
Make sure to pack:
- comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking in London
- a small umbrella or a lightweight hooded rain jacket – British weather is unpredictable
- a secure small bag/backpack – pickpockets are especially active on the Tube
When it comes to clothing, you should clearly dress for the season, but ideally always go with a layered look. This is our top tip for city trips in general, because it lets you adapt flexibly to changing temperatures.
A capsule wardrobe is also really practical. Pack fewer pieces that mix and match well rather than lots of individual outfits.
Find more tips here:
Entry Requirements for London
Since Brexit, there are a few important changes to entry requirements that you absolutely need to know before your trip. Especially for travelers from Germany or other EU countries, it’s important to stay on top of the current rules.
To enter Great Britain, you need:
- Passport: required for all travelers from Germany and the EU; a national ID card is no longer sufficient
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation): an electronic travel authorization that must be applied for online in advance
At the border itself, you’ll typically go through the standard passport control at the airport or train station. Your passport will be checked, and you may be asked briefly about your purpose of travel or the length of your stay. This is usually quick, but may take a little longer depending on how busy it is.
Applying for the ETA for London
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital entry authorization for Great Britain that you must apply for online before your trip. You won’t be allowed in without it.
You can apply for the ETA online or through the official app. You’ll need your passport and a credit card for the fee. During the process, you’ll also need to be able to take a photo of yourself with your phone.
The application currently costs £20 (as of April 2026).
Apply for the ETA for London online
In most cases the application only takes a few minutes, though in individual cases it may take a bit longer. We therefore recommend submitting your application at least one week before your trip.
The ETA is then digitally linked to your passport, so you don’t need to print it out or show it. It is generally valid for several years and can be used for multiple short stays.
Getting to London
London is very well connected and can be reached from Germany in several ways. Depending on how fast, comfortable, or flexible you want your journey to be, you can choose between flying, taking the train, or driving and taking a ferry.
Getting to London by plane
The fastest option is to fly to London. From Germany, the flight takes only about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on your departure city.
London has several airports, located at varying distances from the center.
- Heathrow: closest to the city center, very well connected
- Gatwick: south of London
- Stansted: farther out, often served by budget airlines
- London City Airport: very central, but fewer connections
- Luton: also budget-friendly and farther out
Pros: fast, many connections, often cheap fares
Cons: transfers from the airport can take time
How do you get into the city center?
By express train, regional train, bus, or taxi/Uber, the journey takes roughly 20 to 90 minutes depending on the airport.
Book flights to London on Skyscanner
Also read:
Extra tip: If you ever experience a flight delay, our article Compensation for Flight Delays gives you tips on how to get your money back.
Getting to London by train
The Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel is a very comfortable way to get to London. Trains depart from Paris, Brussels, and, with a connection, from Germany as well.
Travel times are approximately 2 to 6 hours, depending on your starting point.
You arrive at St Pancras International station, which is very centrally located in London and directly connected to the Underground network.
Pros: very comfortable, no airport security, arrival in the city center
Cons: often more expensive than budget flights, less flexible schedules
Getting to London by car & ferry
A less common but possible option is traveling by car. You can either drive through the Channel Tunnel (Calais – Folkestone) or take a ferry across the English Channel from Calais to Dover.
Book a ferry to Dover at direct ferries
This only makes sense, though, if you plan to explore more of England than just London.
A car is pretty impractical in London itself. Traffic is heavy, and parking is expensive and complicated. As a rule, you should leave the car outside the city or in a parking garage and get around town on the Tube.
Hotels in London
In London, you’ll find accommodation to suit every budget — from hostels and classic hotels to luxurious 5-star properties. The bigger challenge is location rather than selection, because the more central you stay, the more expensive it gets.
We’ve put together our best tips and recommendations in separate articles:
Getting Around London
Getting around London is super easy and is one of the city’s greatest strengths. The public transportation network is extremely well developed and gets you anywhere quickly. At the same time, London is also a fantastic city to explore on foot.
The Tube in London
The London Underground, known as the “Tube,” is the fastest and most important mode of transportation in the city. It gets you everywhere and saves a lot of time, especially on longer journeys.
Payment is completely straightforward via the Oyster Card or the so-called tap-in-tap-out system.
The Oyster Card is a reloadable travel card that you can buy and top up with credit. With the tap-in-tap-out system, you use your credit card or phone and tap it against the reader when you enter and exit. We personally love this system because it’s incredibly simple.
Prices are calculated automatically and are capped, so you never pay more than a set daily maximum.
Read all about the Oyster Card and the tap system here:
Buses in London
Buses are a great alternative to the Tube, especially for shorter distances or when you want to see a bit more of the city along the way. The famous red double-deckers in particular are a little experience in themselves.
Payment works the same as on the Tube — tap in with your card or phone, or use the Oyster Card. Buses are often cheaper than the Underground, but may take longer depending on traffic.
Up for a sightseeing ride?
Taxi, Uber & Uber Boat in London
Besides the classic black taxis (Black Cabs), you can also use Uber very conveniently in London. Both work reliably and are especially handy when you’re out late at night or just don’t feel like walking anymore.
That said, taxis and Uber are significantly more expensive than public transit. We once splurged on an Uber after a party in London. Otherwise, we’d generally advise against it from a budget perspective.
One special alternative, though, is the Uber Boat on the Thames. This is a kind of scheduled river bus service that connects various stops along the river. It’s not a conventional mode of transportation, but it’s a great way to see London from a different angle — essentially transport and sightseeing rolled into one.
Exploring London on foot
London is wonderful to explore on foot — and that’s exactly what we recommend. Many of the attractions aren’t as far apart as you might think, and it’s often while wandering through the different neighborhoods that you stumble upon the most beautiful corners.
We ourselves are always out walking a ton, and even after many trips to London we keep discovering new spots.
One important note though: Always pay attention to traffic and remember that cars drive on the left, especially when crossing the street.
And don’t underestimate the distances. Even if things look close on the map, London is huge. Even we sometimes still misjudge the distances.
One example: we once walked nearly 10 kilometers from the East End to the O2 Arena — after a full day of sightseeing. That was a pretty wild move and really pushed us to our limits.
The takeaway: walking is great, but you should know your own limits. The good news is that in London there’s always a Tube station, a bus stop, or a taxi nearby. You’re never stranded.
Is a rental car worth it in London?
Short answer: no. A rental car is absolutely not worth it in London.
Traffic is heavy, there are constant jams, and parking is expensive and hard to find.
A car only really makes sense if you’re planning a road trip around England. Even then, we’d recommend leaving the car parked during your time in London and exploring the city at your leisure on the Tube.
Tickets & Passes for London Attractions
London has an incredible number of attractions to offer. Every type of sightseer will find multiple highlights here.
But even though there are some free activities, many of the most famous attractions in London require a ticket.
For popular sights like the Tower of London, the London Eye, or The Shard, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. This often saves not just money, but a whole lot of time and hassle as well.
We’ve put together a detailed separate article on how to get tickets for the top attractions as easily and cheaply as possible:
City passes for London
If you want to visit several attractions, it’s also worth taking a look at the various city passes for London. These include:
With these passes, you can visit multiple attractions in one bundle — depending on which you choose — and save money in the process.
Our favorites are the London Pass for power sightseeing and the London Explorer Pass from Go City for a more relaxed experience with a more flexible selection.
Use the code GO22PLACESCITY05 to get 5% off both passes right now.
Compare all the passes side by side here:
Food & Drink in London
London is a true paradise for foodies. The city is extremely international in character, which is reflected in its food scene as well. You’ll find absolutely everything here — from classic British fare to street food from around the world.
Typical dishes in London
Even though London is very international when it comes to food, there are a few classic dishes you absolutely have to try. These include fish and chips, a full English breakfast, and a traditional Sunday roast.
You’ll find most of these dishes in pubs or classic restaurants.
Street food & markets
If you’re looking for something more affordable or just want some variety, you should definitely check out the many street food markets. You’ll find everything from burgers to Asian cuisine to quirky food trends.
Some of our personal favorites include Camden Market, Borough Market, and the slightly more laid-back Maltby Street Market, which is especially lovely on weekends.
Pub hours & kitchen hours
One small difference from Germany: in England, many pubs and kitchens have different opening hours than you might be used to.
Pubs often close earlier than expected, sometimes as early as 11 p.m. Kitchens in many restaurants also close early, sometimes in the early evening. It’s worth not leaving dinner too late or checking opening hours in advance.
Can you drink tap water in London?
Yes, the tap water in London is perfectly safe to drink. The quality is good, though it can sometimes taste a little unusual due to the high lime content.
In restaurants, you can ask for “tap water”. It’s free of charge. Sometimes it will be brought to your table without you even having to ask.
Tech Tips for London
There are also a few technical things you should know before your trip to London, especially when it comes to power outlets and mobile internet.
Power outlets & adapters
Great Britain uses different power outlets than Germany (Type G). So you’ll need an adapter to charge your devices.
It’s best to get a suitable power outlet adapter for London before your trip. Some hotels do sometimes provide adapters, but don’t count on it.
More info on power outlets worldwide
eSIM, roaming & internet
Since Brexit, EU roaming no longer applies automatically in Great Britain. Depending on your carrier, you may still be able to use your data, but often only with restrictions or at an extra charge. You’ll need to check with your carrier.
If you need an eSIM, we recommend Saily. You can easily purchase the eSIM online before your trip and activate it directly on your phone — no physical SIM card needed.
Get an eSIM for London with Saily
Good to know: Even with a good German carrier, we’ve repeatedly had poor reception in central London in recent years. Mobile internet in the City in particular can be surprisingly slow or unreliable. An eSIM can help you get around this.
Google Maps lists for London
For our trip planning, we love using Google Maps and have created our own lists with our favorite spots in London. You can save them here super easily:
That way you have all the important spots right at your fingertips and can use them offline.
Do's & Don'ts in London
Finally, a few important etiquette tips to help you find your footing in London quickly and avoid typical rookie mistakes.
- Safety: London is generally a very safe city. As with any major city, however, you should keep an eye on your belongings, especially on the Tube and at busy tourist spots. The central areas are usually fine at night, but you should avoid more out-of-the-way neighborhoods.
- Paying in London: Almost everywhere accepts card or smartphone payments. You basically don’t need cash. Contactless payment is the norm and is often even faster than anything else.
- Tipping: Tipping in London is not the obligation it is in, say, the US. Some restaurants automatically add a service charge (usually around 10–15%) to the bill. You can generally just pay this as-is. If no service charge is included, around 10% is customary but not mandatory. In bars or pubs, on the other hand, tipping is generally not expected.
- Stand on the right on escalators: This is truly sacred in London. Stand on the right, walk on the left. Do otherwise and you’ll get irritated looks fast.
- Queuing: Lining up is part of British culture. Cutting in line is an absolute no-go and will be noticed immediately.
- Friendly small talk: A “Good Morning,” “Sorry,” or “Thank you” is simply part of the deal. Londoners may be in a hurry, but they’re polite and expect the same from you.
