30 things you NEED to know before visiting London (2024) ad

First time heading to London? We're here to tell you EVERYTHING you need to know before touching down in the UK. From the different sockets, to currency issues, to how to take London transport, Eliza (they/them) explains it all. They've lived in London their whole life so they KNOW their stuff and what London tourists often don't think about or forget.

Mentioned in the video:

Chapters:
Intro - 00:00
PAM - 00:13
Currency - 00:25
Plug sockets - 00:38
Driving - 00:53
Crossing the street - 01:15
Pubs - 01:54
Money - 02:40
Sim Local - 03:28
Transport tips - 04:34
Staying in London - 07:05
Tours - 07:54
What to wear - 08:03
Weather - 08:14
Walking - 09:01
We're friendly! - 09:14

♥️ MORE LONDON HELP ♥️ (some links are affiliated and help us keep producing these videos)

About Love and London:
This channel is a London travel guide for anyone visiting the city that wants to experience it like you live here. Beyond talking about the usual London attractions, our founder Jessica Dante and our team show you some of the cooler things to do in London, that most travel guides don't mention. Watch our videos and you'll feel like you've got a Londoner friend telling you the best kept secrets in the city.

[charlesbrenan]

E-sim definitely recommended. Speaking as a Londoner, who used one in South Korea, it was incredibly useful being able to use the metro and local map apps etc. The same principle will apply if you're visiting London (and the rest of the UK) from abroad. 👍😊

[heatherdorsey]

This is one of the best videos for those prepping to travel to London!

[caseh]

Native born Londoner here; we do not always tip. There is usually a “service charge” added on to the bill, but this is completely optional, so if you say “I don’t want to pay the service charge”, it is not as frowned upon as if you did not tip in USA. Hospitality staff have the same mimumim wage as everyone else, unlike in the US.

[maobfh]

I’m with you on Airbnb. Used to use them but as housing was tightening up, an airbnb host (who was much less than forthcoming on his listing) was telling me he had just bought 15 houses in the neighborhood. Shameful. Gotta be greedy. I quit Airbnb because of that.

[yoselinerobles]

Aww your chihuahua is so cute! Hi, Pam! 🐶 Great and helpful video!

[nzcatus]

Thanks Eliza, this was really helpful! We are from New Zealand and coming to visit for the first time in September.👍

[kfedfan]

Love your shirt Eliza. Disabled people are not all inspirational just by living, disabled people live by just like all other people. 🙏🏻

[d.c.]

I was just in London and, this time, took busses more than the Underground; cool to see more of the city.
Agree on wearing layers!
And so much good food, OMG.
Your videos helped immensely. 💞

[CUFC]

Hello Pam, doggie tail wags from my two rescue Chihuahuas Jasper (a teacup Chihuahua) and Muffin, they are 11 years old.

[dirtywaterpj_dj]

Children being allowed in pubs in the evening might be true in tourist areas but most pubs elsewhere usually don’t allow kids after 7pm. Anyway, parents ought not be drunk while in charge of children and a lot of drinkers want to drink in a pub, not in a crêche.

[sboyce]

Coming from the Caribbean, I love your videos, they are so helpful. Thank you

[sherikennedy]

brilliant! thank you. will be visiting london pre cruise in december. staying right at the hilton airport for central access. will use the public transport. will scour your other videos. new fan here....

[itsjohndell]

If you don't like the weather in London, wait a minute. It will change...

[michaelpierce]

I'm a local Londoner live right near Croydon yh south is so underrated

[thintintwister]

I just love your helpful and fun videos, all done with such professionalism.

[EugeneTChu]

I visited in November 2022 and July 2023. It was a great experience. One topic for future video is food. While I am not picky, some may have allergies or religious restrictions. There are numerous restaurants that respect them, but one may need to research ahead of time.

[Cupcakiiiii]

So I just moved to London and my tipp is: do not pay your single ride ticket for the tube with cash! It will cost about three times as much as if you paid contactless.

[benniemartins_]

I’m surprised about the tipping. Since when has that been introduced? I used to live in the UK and never heard of tipping cabs or restaurants or cafes.

[FalcomScott]

I appreciate your tips and advice all about London, England here! It's really helpful & I've been checking out tips for a while just studying everything even the Neighborhood's like Notting Hill, Marylebone, & others. Thanks for sharing for over the years Love & London! ❤💂‍♂🏴ɢʙ

[itsenkaybee]

Quick thing; while most of the TfL bikes are normal (manual? I dunno), more and more are becoming electric :) I think they charge a little more than the normal ones though