Discover the best things to do in London

London in Spring: 

London in Summer:

London in Autumn

London in Winter

Wi-Fi and SIM Card

• Among the different types of SIM cards offered in London, PAYG (pay-as-you-go) and prepaid options are arguably the best for tourists.
• If you don’t see yourself using a significant amount of data on your phone, you can opt for a low-cost prepaid plan and use the public Wi-Fi for your internet needs.
• If you plan to visit other European countries, try purchasing a prepaid plan offered by an operator that provides free or discounted EU roaming.
• Expect each SIM to have vastly different network speeds in different parts of the city. For the highest coverage, choose EE or O2.

Daily Budget

1. Average: The average daily costs of exploring London are around £149 per day. 
2. Budget: For those looking to experience London while on a tight budget can bring their expenditure down to £56 per day.
3. Luxury: If budget isn’t a concern and you can afford to splurge while exploring London, you can expect to spend around £423 per day.

Visa

• You will need to apply online for a Standard Visitor visa, after which you will have to attend an appointment wherein you prove your eligibility and furnish the required documents.
• It is good to check whether you need a Standard Visitor visa at all, as some countries are exempt from the visa requirement, provided their stay in the UK is limited to six months. 

Public Transportation in London

• If you’re planning to take public transport at any point of your stay, it is extremely important for you to purchase a Visitor Oyster Card. This will make your travel cheaper and more seamless, as buses in London don’t typically accept cash payments.
• You can choose to take the bus as your preferred form of public transport because while it’s slower, it allows you to take in the sights around you - making the best of your time spent traveling!
• There’s plenty of options for airport transfers in London or attractions transfers in London that make your time there hassle-free while not draining your wallet. 
• Don’t miss out on using the Tube at least once during your stay (it’s a must have London experience)

Things to know:

• Driving: If you’re planning to rent a car and drive around in London, you should be prepared for the fact that Londoners drive on the left side of the road.
• Tipping: Tipping after a meal is optional in London, and if your cheque already has a 10% service charge added to it, it is not necessary to tip in addition to that.
• There’s tons of handy apps like City Mapper and the Tube app which can help you navigate the confusing network of public transport with ease.

Budgeting tips to know:

• Eat street food: Not only is the street food in London cheap, but it is also delicious - even more so than restaurants, some might argue. To imbibe the local flavor of the city and stick to your budget, try to seek out as many of these local eateries as possible. 
• Free attractions: Not all of London’s attractions need you to pay an entry fee to visit. There are many historically important attractions you can head to without spending a single dime.
• If you’re planning to head to a lot of London’s most popular attractions like the Tower of London and the Shard, invest in city passes in London- it gives you free access to over 90 attractions AND the city’s public transport!

Local festivals to know:

• Notting Hill Carnival: A time of colorful celebration by the West Indian population in London, the Notting Hill carnival takes place every August. This festival is known for its loud and glorious merrymaking, in addition to the awe-inspiring floats and costumes donned on by the people. Caribbean food and dance, of course, is a notable part of the celebration.
• Bonfire Night: The famous Gunpowder Plot, on the fifth of November, was an event that’s hugely significant for London’s history. Marking the day of the failed attack by Guy Fawkes, the Bonfire Night is a celebration that sees a massive number of fireworks - and, of course, bonfires.
• Christmas: The holiday season at the end of the year is one of the most important times for London, as the city is decked out in gorgeous displays of Christmas lights, carolers, giant Christmas trees, and ice skating rinks. Visitors in London during Christmas can head to London’s popular attractions to take in the festive spirit and explore London’s Christmas markets.