FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about London, whether you’re planning a trip or just curious about the city, we’ve got you covered. Our frequently asked questions are here to help you find the answers you need.

How do I save Love and London guides to my phone or laptop?

To easily access your Love and London guides and ensure you can always refer to them in the future, download your files to one or more of your devices. It’s very straightforward, but if you are unsure how to do that, follow these steps.

Get in touch with us if you need us to reset your download attempts, as each guide can only be downloaded five times by default.

How do I choose which Casual Tourist Guide to purchase?

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! You can use this map to understand the London areas before or after you book your stay. Then, once you have decided on which area to book your hotel room in, or if you’d like to explore a particular area more in depth, you can decide on which Casual Tourist Guide you’d like to purchase.

What is the difference between the Casual Tourist Guides and the Itineraries?

Our itineraries include lots of the major attractions and also give you a designated route to follow, which includes both attractions and more local bits.

By contrast, The Casual Tourist Guides are strictly hidden gems: underrated museums, gin-making experiences, locally-loved restaurants, interesting historical elements that people often miss, and cool underground cocktail bars. Think super cool and local, to the point that we have even had many Londoners buy these guides to help them better explore the city. There isn’t a daily route included in our Casual Tourist Guides like you get with our itineraries.

Do the Casual Tourist Guides include the tourist landmarks?

The Casual Tourist Guides only include hidden gems; think underrated museums, locally-loved restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, and other unique activities and tour experiences for one to experience the city like a true Londoner.

What is the difference between the Basic and Bonus Packages for the London Itineraries?

The Basic Package includes the itinerary, the digital map, a printable checklist and a 10% donation to charity.

The Bonus Package includes everything mentioned above, plus the London Spending Guide and London Packing Guide, saving you some money compared to purchasing separately.

Should I buy a London Pass?

Do you intend to visit several popular tourist spots during your stay in London? If so, the London Pass could potentially save you some money. However, that’s not always the case and it may end up costing you more. Read our article telling you how you can determine if the London Pass is a suitable choice for your specific travel needs.

Our Itineraries come equipped with a London Pass Guide, highlighting each attraction included in the pass that we’ve also included in your itinerary of choice. The London Pass Guide will show you how you could save anywhere from £40 to £148 using the London Pass with your itinerary.

What’s the weather going to be like when I’m in London?

While we appreciate you thinking we’re powerful enough to predict weather, we cannot, especially the varying British weather, but we can make that easier for you. Our London Packing Guide includes a London Weather Guide plus printable packing lists for each season to help you choose what to bring with you.

What should I pack for my trip to London?

Since we get this question a lot, we created our London Packing Guide. It has everything you need to know about what to pack for your visit, based on the weather and season. And if you want to save some money, you can purchase one of our bonus packages of itineraries to help you plan your trip.

Is London culturally and socially diverse?

London is widely recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities globally. Its reputation for ethnic diversity originates from its role as a melting pot where individuals from various cultures, ethnicities, religions, races, and backgrounds coexist harmoniously. You can listen to nearly 200 languages spoken on every street and in every neighbourhood across the city. For many Londoners, the appeal of London lies in the endless cultural influences and the vibrant individuals who have made this city their home.

I’m Black and will be heading to London, do you have any advice?

Yes. Ashlee Moyo wrote this great guide about what to know before travelling to London when you’re Black.

How do I pre-book a taxi from/to the airport or to anywhere around London?

We recommend using Welcome Pickups, especially for airport transfers. They offer pre-booked taxis in London, around the UK and in many other cities around the world.

What’s the tipping etiquette in London?

Knowing how and when to tip in London can be a little confusing, as tipping culture varies across the world, but this article will help you figure out what you need to do when tipping in London. We’ll talk about tipping in restaurants, at bars and pubs, when taking taxis, and at London hotels.

Watch our video about tipping London:

What’s the best way to get pounds (£) for my trip?

The video below tells you everything you need to know about getting cash and spending your money in London.

Is it common to use cash for payment in London?

London is very much a cashless city these days, but you might want to carry some cash just in case. There are a few shops and cafes that prefer cash payments over card or contactless payments.

Is contactless payment common in London?

Contactless payment is incredibly popular in London, and is currently the most common method of payment throughout the city. In addition to being able to use your contactless card for purchases at almost all retail locations, you can also use it to pay for public transport. This is a very convenient option for both locals and visitors alike, as it saves time and eliminates the need to carry cash or buy an Oyster card. If you don’t have a physical contactless card, you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay to make payments without ever having to pull out your wallet.

The hotel check-in opens at 3 pm, but I will be arriving at 10 am. I would like to find somewhere safe and reliable to store my luggage and explore London. Are there any luggage storage facilities around the city?

Yes, most hotels will hold your luggage before or after your check-in time. However, there are also countless reliable and safe luggage storage facilities available throughout the city for a small fee. If you want to avoid traveling to your hotel only to drop off your luggage, have a read of our guide to luggage storage around London.

Can I purchase a local UK sim before arriving in London?

Yes, you can. We recommend using GiffGaff as your local UK SIM. They offer free sign-up, and you can choose the package that best suits your needs. Additionally, there are no contracts required, and they ship their SIM cards worldwide.

Do you have any monthly breakdowns of activities happening in London, so that I can plan my trip accordingly?

Yup! There are activities happening in London during every season and throughout the year, which are worth visiting and experiencing. Have a look at our monthly guides for what to do in London:

Spring: March, April, May

Summer: June, July, August

Fall: September, October, November

Winter: December, January, February

What do you recommend to do while we’re in London?

Our London itineraries are a great start for anyone visiting for the first time, but if you have visited a few times and would like to visit some less-known spots then check our Casual Tourist Guides to London. And of course, there’s tons of info on our website and Youtube channel.

Do you know someone who can take some nice photos of me in London?

We partner with Ewa, a professional photographer with many years of experience working with tourists. See more information on our London Photo Sessions page.

Which West End shows do you recommend?

We love The Lion King, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, and our favourite is The Book of Mormon.

Where can I find and buy tickets for theatre shows?

London’s world-famous West End has amazing plays and musicals with top-notch talent. In the video below we explain how you book London theatre tickets, how to find which shows to go see, and some smaller lesser-known theatres with incredible performances you can’t miss.

You can buy tickets online from Official London Theatre or for TodayTix. The TKTS booth in Leicester Square and TodayTix are both great for day-of theatre tickets, often highly discounted.

Can I hire Jess as a tour guide?

We’re afraid not, but the closest thing to it is to get our London Itineraries which include all of her top recommendations.

If I send you my itinerary, can you look at it and give me some feedback?

We’re afraid not, but that’s why we made the London Itineraries.

The itineraries include lots of the major attractions alongside some local spots and hidden gems. You’ll find everything from sights, points of interest, activities, tours, coffee shops, some great spots to do some shopping, restaurants and street food markets, pubs and bars. The itineraries also include a London Pass Guide and a robust digital map with a designated route to follow which includes all the spots mentioned in the itinerary.

If you are wanting to explore some of the best hidden gems of the city, we’d suggest you look into our Casual Tourist Guides. These include suggestions that are unique and often severely underrated; from unknown museums, to gin-making experiences, to locally-loved restaurants.

Do you have any tips for parents who are travelling to London with children?

Love and London creates content primarily for adults, but we also have some resources for families, see the following questions for more info…

Can you suggest any tours that are kid-friendly?

We’ve compiled this list of the top kid-friendly London tours.

Are there any activities that both kids and adults can enjoy?

From hopping on a vintage bike for a hipster tour of London’s iconic landmarks to stocking up on monster supplies, here’s our rundown of unique things to do with kids in London.

Do kids have to pay for public transportation in London? If so, then how?

In this article, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about paying for kids on London’s public transport system. However, it’s worth noting that this article only covers London transport and not trains outside the city.

Do you have any recommendations for child–friendly hotels in London?

Check out this list of London’s most child-friendly hotels.

Can I take my children to a pub in London?

It’s very common for parents to take their kids (and dogs!) to pubs in the UK. Some pubs even have a kids’ menu. Pubs are usually a family affair until 8 PM, before they become more of a night-out scene. Also keep in mind that pubs in central London tend to be less child-friendly while if you go to more local neighbourhoods like Notting Hill, they’re much more widely accepted.

London has some of the most gorgeous pubs worth visiting, and there are a some important things to know before visiting a pub, as explained in our London pub guide.

Is [area] safe to stay in?

We don’t comment on safety because it means something different for everyone. However, the areas we’ve recommended in our articles and videos most tourists will feel comfortable in.

Which area do you recommend that I stay in London?

We recommend searching for accommodations within Zones 1 and 2 of London*, as they are closer to the main landmarks and commuting will be easier.

(*London zones are a geographical system used by Transport for London (TfL) to determine the distance of a tube journey and what fee to charge. The system consists of nine concentric zones, with Zone 1 being the epicentre of it and Zone 9 being the outermost zone. Londoners adopt this system to describe the area where they live.)

Zone 1 is the main city center, and Zone 2 is the immediate area surrounding it, which is still pretty central. If you’re on a budget, you could even book your stay in Zone 3, which is a bit further out and tends to be cheaper, but commuting will cost you slightly more. Check out this map to understand London’s zones.

We have plenty of articles to help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit to London, whether you want a hotel with a rooftop bar, adjoining rooms, or incredible views.

I still need to book my accommodation, but I’m afraid that I won’t pick wisely. Do you have some advice on mistakes I should look out for?

Many visitors wait until the last minute, hoping to find hotel deals. However, this approach can be risky. Here’s our guide on how to avoid common mistakes when booking hotels in London.

I’m travelling with my teenage children. Do you have any hotel recommendations that offer adjoining rooms?

Yes we do! When you’re travelling in a group, with your family or with someone you might need to care for, you’ll require more space than just one single hotel room, which is where adjoining rooms come in handy. Here are our recommendations for the same.

I am traveling to London for a short period and have been considering staying at an apart-hotel. Do you have any recommendations?

Whether you’re in London for study, business, pleasure or because you need longer-term temporary accommodation in-between moving houses, there are plenty of options for choosing aparthotels in London for longer stays. From a Dalston hotel with its very own microbrewery to carbon-neutral stays in the heart of Hammersmith and Chiswick, here’s our list of our favourite apart-hotels around London.

I’m looking to book a hotel in or around central London. Do you have any suggestions for me?

That’s one of the best areas to get an accommodation as it is very close to many of the infamous London attractions. When it comes to cool hotels in central London to book a room in, you won’t be short of excellent options to choose from. The city is home to plenty of hotels that all bring something totally unique to the city; from the ship-inspired Sea Containers to the 18th-century Hazlitt’s Hotel, there’s a style of accommodation to suit every type of traveller. Here are our recommendations for great central London hotels.

I’m looking to book a hotel room in or around south London. Do you have any suggestions for me?

A lot of the stays south of the river happen to be in pubs, this really is the best way to see the authentic side of the city. There are a handful of south London hotels that are definitely deserving of a spot on this list. From rooms inspired by the Mojave desert to quaint, neighbourhood pubs with only seven rooms, here are our picks for cool hotels in south London to book a room in.

I’m looking to book a hotel room in or around north London. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Staying in north London will give you an opportunity to explore the city’s scenic and eccentric food culture; there’s something to suit every type of traveller. We’ve hand-picked seven hotels that we think offer something a little different in some of the best locations in the city. Here are our top recommendations.

I’m looking to book a hotel room in or around west London. Do you have any suggestions for me?

If you’re looking for a cool hotel in west London to book a room in, this article will help whittle it down so that you can pick somewhere that ticks all of your boxes.From staying on a barge in the heart of Paddington to a Victorian townhouse moments from Portobello Road Market, there’s something for everyone in west London.

I’m looking to book a hotel room in or around East London. Do you have any suggestions for me?

You might have read on the internet or heard from us that east London is an interesting and diverse area to explore. From trendy and not-so-secret-anyone Shoreditch to leafy Victoria Park, you could easily spend a few days *just* in the eastern part of the city. To make that exploration easier, book into one of these hotels in east London so you’re never far from the action.

Which Airbnbs do you recommend in London?

We actually don’t recommend Airbnb in London, for a few reasons, which you can read about here. Instead try these 18 apart-hotels which are much better alternatives to Airbnb.

I’m looking for luxurious hotels in London. Do you have suggestions that are worth splurging?

Check out our top recommendations for luxurious hotels in London, and if you’re looking for a room with fantastic views then check these out.

I’m travelling to London for New Years Eve. Do you have any recommendations for hotels?

Here are our top suggestions for London hotels to book for New Years Eve. Book your rooms early as they are always in high demand during this time of the year.

I’m visiting London during the Christmas season. Do you have some hotel recommendations that have the best Christmas vibes?

There’s something truly magical about London during the festive season, from twinkly installations illuminating the streets, to mulled wine being served in every pub and bar, and pigs in blankets appearing on menus. A stay in London is unbeatable, celebrate in style at one of these top hotels in London for Christmas vibes.

Are there any hotels in the city that have rooftop bars?

Here are our top favourites, but remember to check with the hotel if the rooftop will be open when you’re in town.

Is it better to book a hostel or a hotel if you are travelling to London on a budget?

Exploring a new city can be exciting, but finding affordable accommodation can be challenging. While staying in a hostel can be a cost-effective way to meet fellow travellers, some prefer the privacy and security of a hotel room.

We’ve compiled a list of hostels for budget-conscious travellers who are open to sharing their space and making new friends in London. Or, alternatively, for those seeking a hotel room of their own and don’t mind spending more, we have got you covered with our recommendations for budget-friendly hotels.

If you are in search of other types of accommodations, take a look at our other articles and recommendations to find the perfect accommodation in London.

Do you have any tips for getting deals on accommodation?

Yes. Sign up to our community hotel booking platform and you’ll find discounts of up to 70% off what you’d pay on other sites. No kidding. See for yourself here.

What are your recommendations for where to eat in London?

Because there are thousands of restaurants in London, and everyone’s situations and tastes are different, we’ve put all of our top local-approved food recommendations in our London itineraries. You can also find some recommendations in our Food + Drinks section.

Do you have some vegan food recommendations?

London is very versatile when it comes to plant-based food. There are a couple of delicious vegan restaurants worth visiting around the city. Here are some top recommendations for vegan restaurants.

Also, we earmark all vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free-friendly recommendations in our itineraries and Casual Tourist Guides.

Do you have some vegetarian food recommendations?

Here’s our rundown of delicious vegetarian-friendly restaurants.

Also, we earmark all vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free-friendly places on our itineraries and Casual Tourist Guides.

Do you have gluten-free food recommendations?

Coeliacs and gluten-free diners rejoice; if you’re heading to London and are on a quest to find restaurants sin gluten, you’ve come to the right place.
Heaps of places in the city cater to those following a diet without gluten, from high-end Michelin-star restaurants to casual takeaway fried chicken joints. Here’s our guide to great gluten-free-friendly restaurants in London.

Gluten-Free restaurants and cafes have even been earmarked on our itineraries and Casual Tourist Guides.

I’d love to try a pub while in London, is there any etiquette to it?

Pubs are a big part of our culture over here, which means that even kids and dogs get to be part of it as well. You should definitely try one out when you are in London, even if you aren’t a fan of drinking. We explain everything you need to know before heading to the pub in this article and in the video below.

What are the best food tours in London?

We think a food tour is a great way to try lots of different London dishes at a time while learning the history behind them. Here’s our guide to the top London tours for food lovers.

Do you have some budget friendly food recommendations?

Even though London is a fairly expensive city, there are plenty of cheap eats to try out that are also really good. But the key is, you HAVE to know where to go to find these affordable dishes. Here are some of the best cheap eats around London, so you can eat well without busting your bank account too hard.

Which afternoon teas do you recommend?

There are so many options for you to try. We’ve got a few suggestions for some unique and quirky afternoon teas and a video comparing the top 3 afternoon teas in London, watch it below. For our absolute faves, you’ll find them in our Itineraries and Casual Tourist Guides.

Do you have any unique suggestions for a sweet tooth visiting London?

Here are some of the yummiest and most unique sweet treats to try in London.

Do you have any monthly breakdowns of activities happening in London, so that I can plan my trip accordingly?

Yup! There are activities happening in London during every season and throughout the year, which are worth visiting and experiencing. Have a look at our monthly guides for what to do in London:

Spring: March, April, May

Summer: June, July, August

Fall: September, October, November

Winter: December, January, February

Where should I go shopping in London?

Here’s a list of some of the city’s most famous and unique shops, or watch the video below, especially if you are a thrift shopper. Furthermore, our itineraries and casual tourist guides include a complete section of our favourite shopping spots in London.

Which London tours do you recommend?

We get this question a lot, and it obviously varies depending on your tastes and budget, here are our favourites:

Do you have any recommendations for wheelchair accessible things to do in London?

Many places around the city work to ensure they are accessible to as many people as possible, including those using a wheelchair. From ancient thermal baths and contemporary art galleries to niche museums and architectural landmarks, London is full to the brim with experiences and activities, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience them. Here’s our guide to fun things to do in London that are wheelchair accessible.

Do you have any tour or activity recommendations for film/TV show fans?

London is the home to many known TV series and loved films. Here are some of our own favorite tours for film and TV fans.

Are there any hidden gem museums that you’d recommend visiting?

Absolutely! There are museums across the city which are unique and underrated, but worth the experience. Here are some unique museums we think are worth a visit.

What can I do in London in the evening/at night?

London is ticking 24 hours a day, and no matter what time it is, there’s always something happening to keep you busy and entertained. From sleeping over at The Natural History Museum to intimate concerts in weird and wonderful places to stargazing on Hampstead Heath, here’s our lowdown of the top things to do in London at night.

What activities can visually impaired travellers enjoy in London?

London is chock-full of incredible museums and experiences that everybody should have the opportunity to experience. From the world-famous British Museum to the artsy Leighton House, there are many places that are working to ensure that they are accessible to as many people as possible, including those with visual impairments. Here are our recommendations for top places to go in London for visually impaired travellers.

Are there any tours or activities that you’d suggest to a music lover?

From much-loved venues and iconic gigs to former homes of iconic musicians, London hums with the memories of some of the most famous musicians ever. Here’s our guide to London tours for music lovers that you need to have on your bucket list.

What kinds of public transportation is available in London?

London offers you with several options when it comes to public transportation. From the infamous red London bus to an Uber boat, you have a lot of options to choose from. Here’s what you need to know about the various public transportation systems in London.

How can I get from the airport to the center of London?

There are a total of five airports that London has (Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport, London Luton Airport, and London City Airport), and they are connected to the city centre via multiple transportation alternatives. Here is how you can travel seamlessly from the airport to the city centre.

How do I pay for public transport in London?

There are three main ways you can pay for transport in the city: Oyster card, debit or credit card and Apple or Google Pay; in this article, we break each one down for you.

It’s also worth noting that everyone over 11 needs to have their own payment method, otherwise, you might get charged more than you should.

Do children have to pay for public transportation in London? If so, then how?

Many people ask us about how to pay for children on public transport in London. Although it’s actually pretty straightforward, the process differs depending on the child’s age. Therefore, we’ve broken down some of the most commonly asked questions to ensure that your next trip with kids in the city is as seamless as possible. Have a read of our guide on how to pay for kids on London’s public transportation.

How do I travel from London to other parts of the UK?

This article covers the various ways you can travel around the UK, from taking the train cross-country, to renting a car, to organising a guided tour.

Do you have any advice for travelling on the London Underground?

Visiting London for the first time and want to use public transport? Watch the video below for all you need to know about travelling on the London Underground, or as Londoners call it, the Tube. We take you through step-by-step how you work out a journey on public transport and how to then navigate the London Underground.

How do I pre-book a taxi from/to the airport or to anywhere around London?

We recommend using Welcome Pickups, especially for airport transfers. They offer pre-booked taxis in London, around the UK and in many other cities around the world.

Do you recommend a day trip to [city]?

Our rule of thumb is that there’s so much to do and see in London (if you don’t stick to only the most touristy bits and you use our itineraries) then you’ll have plenty to see if you’re here for less than a week. However, if you’re in London for over a week, then you might consider a day trip.

There are lots of companies who run day trip tours on buses out of London, and it’s very easy to get to some other major cities on the train if you’d rather just do it on your own. If you want to plan a day trip or two, read How To Travel From London To Other Parts Of The UK and our recommendations for where to take day trips to from London.

I’ll be travelling to Edinburgh on my trip. Do you offer a guide or itinerary?

Although we primarily focus on London, we create guides for different cities when the opportunity arises. If you’re off to Edinburgh, watch our video showing you: How to Spend 48 Hours in Edinburgh.

I’ll be travelling to Paris on my trip. Do you offer a guide or itinerary?

If you’re planning a trip to Paris, we highly recommend checking out our YouTube playlist here, which includes videos such as how to spend 48 hours in Paris. We also have a video that covers traveling on the Eurostar from London to Paris. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get to Paris from London.

Do you have tips for living in/moving to London?

Have a look at our Moving to London Virtual Event Recording where Jess answered our community’s (many) questions about moving to London.

And if you need more tips, then have a watch of our Living in London YouTube playlist.

How are you able to live and work in the UK? What are the immigration laws like? How can I get a job there?

We are unable to assist with immigration-related questions. For assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer.

Is London culturally and socially diverse?

I’m Black and will be moving to London, do you have any advice?

Yes. Ashlee Moyo wrote this great guide about what to know before travelling to London when you’re Black.