Visiting London for the first time? Here’s what to expect
- ashleydunlap
- May 24
- 5 min read
I flew to London immediately after my program in Spain ended and was glad I visited when I did. I flew into Heathrow and just a week before my visit, there was an electrical fire! I was worried this would impact my trip but thankfully, it did not. There wasn’t too much in London that surprised me, just because my paternal grandma is from London and told me all about it and the British. However, not everyone has this luxury and therefore, I will start the list on what a first-timer should know before going to London.
The London Bridge isn’t what you think it is
Per my Walking Tour article, the group and I learned that the popular bridge in London is the TOWER BRIDGE, not the London Bridge! The whole story is explained in that article, but long story short, the boring bridge on the other side of the Tower Bridge is the London Bridge because of a purchase mistake. Just so you know, the big fancy bridge you walk across and tour, please tell people it’s the TOWER BRIDGE.
The Fish and Chips stereotype is true!
However, here they are much less greasy! The fries are thick and unsalted and the dish is served with peas. Whenever I have fish and chips in the U.S. they always make me want to vomit! But here, the fish is fresh from the ocean and the fries are freshly cooked. You can find fish and chips at any restaurant in London, but they will be cheaper at pubs.
If you’ve seen photos of red phone booths in London, they’re everywhere
However, the best one is right in front of the London Eye! It is in view of the ferris wheel and the Thames River, creating a nice photo op. The reason these are so popular in London is because they are a symbol of traditional British telephone kiosks. The creator of these phone booths also made them red because the color makes them easier to spot!
The people in London are very friendly and helpful
I’ve heard stereotypes that they are rude and self-absorbed, but I saw NONE of that in London! I actually had one moment at the Heathrow airport where I was clearly confused and trying to find the best and cheapest way to get to my hostel. A ticket agent actually walked up to me and asked if I was okay, and he showed me how to book metro tickets and everything. I don’t think I met one person who was unfriendly, and in addition, everyone here is educated about the city.
The Heathrow Airport is the only airport where you can take the metro into London
Everywhere else, you have to take a train. I only flew INTO London through Heathrow, but I flew OUT of Gatwick. The trains aren’t hard to find, though. All you have to do is go to your nearest train station and get a train ticket to the airport.
The London Tube is the best way to get around
Not just because it’s cheap, but because it’s quick! It is a bit complicated because there are soooo many lines and stops and that is why I would recommend getting the CITYMAPPER app before going to London. Granted, this app is useful in any big city, but it is the best way to know where you’re going in London. The app tells you exactly where you need to go, which lines to take, when to get off and where to transfer to, and everything else important! And all the metro stations in London are clean and not sketchy, at least during the day.
It is usually rainy and cloudy in London
That being said, bring an umbrella as I did. However, it was sunny when I went so I didn’t need it after all! But, I really think I just got lucky, as anyone from London has told me that it rains A LOT there.
You can visit the inside of Buckingham Palace, but have to book tickets no less than four months in advance
Since I only planned this trip two months in advance, I did not get to see the inside. However, a lot of people including myself are able to enjoy it from the outside. Obviously it is always crowded, and you have to pass many crowds to get to the front. However, you cannot cross while the marching band is playing and there are security guards on horses who will block the way. You guessed it, the marching band that performs there is the British military band with the red jackets and tall black caps! After seeing it on TV and in the news so many times, it was beyond surreal to see the performance in person.
The Paddington Bear statues are in multiple places in London
The most noteworthy statue is in Paddington train station, an entire train station dedicated to the bear! Here there is also a gift shop dedicated to Paddington Bear including a section on Paddington in Peru!
Londoners like to call the British Museum, “the world’s largest museum of stolen artifacts”
I also saw a meme of what the British Museum would look like if they gave all their artifacts back, and the museum was empty! Regardless, the British Museum was a great way to explore art from literally all regions of the world and all periods of history. It reminded me a lot of the Louvre, but much bigger. I saw pretty much everything except the art from medieval Japan upstairs, which was closed anyway. In the Aztec section, I saw a mask that looked exactly like my seventh grade history project!
The food markets are a great way to experience different meal options
The two most noteworthy ones are Leadenhall and Borough. Leadenhall has a plethora of different food options as well as a couple different accessory shops. For example, clothing stores, beauty salons, wine bars, and a flower shop. For food, an Argentinian restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurants, cheese shops, a pizza place, a burger place, etc… Leadenhall also has unique architecture with cobble walkways and a glass roof, establishing a Victorian look. The first Harry Potter movie was also partially filmed here!
Next, the Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. Here there is also an incredible range of food that includes various cheeses, artisan breads, meat stands, desserts, and all kinds of other fresh food. Prices here also aren’t too bad! I got a piece of challah bread for only one British pound!
You can visit Abbey Road, Abbey Road Studios, and a shop dedicated to the Beatles!
In addition, the Beatles are not the only musical artists to record at Abbey Road Studios. Pink Floyd and Adele had both recorded there, and there were also some Pink Floyd souvenirs aside from ones dedicated to the Beatles. Item of note, Abbey Road is not exempt from cars and traffic, so look both ways before you pose to recreate the album cover! Next to the Sherlock Holmes Museum is a gift shop with souvenirs ONLY dedicated to the Beatles. The only music played there is also by the Beatles as well! I made sure to get a present for my rock loving friend and my dad.
Other attractions in London I did not have time for:
-Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
-Jack the Ripper Museum
-The Shakespeare Globe
-London Zoo
-The Postal Museum
-Somerset House
-Harry Potter World
Questions about visiting London or travel in general? Feel free to contact me!
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