15 Important Things to Know Before Visiting London (2019) | Love and London

If it's your first time visiting London, I'm going to tell you some important things to know before your London trip. Tips include info on tipping, how to get a deal on your coffee or tea, what "quid" means, how to pay for public transportation (no cash), and more helpful info for your first visit to London.

Other London Guide videos to watch (and that were mentioned):

About Love and London:
I'm Jess, I've lived in London for many years, and 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, I show you some of the cooler things to do in London, that most travel guides don't mention. Watch my videos and you'll feel like you've got a Londoner friend telling you the best kept secrets in the city.

[molly]

I will say as a bartender who also lives in London, tipping is never expected but it always really appreciated

[offthebeatenlife]

Some of the public toilets actually take contactless cards now. Alternatively just walk into any pub and you can go to the bathroom for free.

[patstiehm]

If you are a coffee lover, you should be prepared to drink coffee that is much stronger than you are used to in the United States or Canada. There is a coffee call "Americano" available all over Europe, including the UK. However, in spite of the name, it is not topical American coffer, so be forewarned.

[tbaby]

Jess! Greetings!
Tamara, from Austin Texas here.
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for these videos!

I appreciate how informative you are and the time you put towards helping all travelers travel accordingly and as stress free as possible. Great content!

[francismajor]

Been to London 3 times since I started watching your vids. Thank you for the great vids.

[gracie]

I'm going for to visit London for a month in December!!! So excited 🎉

[johnzee]

Hi Jess. Great video. How about one on best 24-hour stores; or places to buy last- minute emergency travel needs, like a lost phone charger, new shirt, personal care items, etc Thanx.

[konrad]

You can also pay for transit with Apple or Google pay.

[maggie]

Thank you again Jess for this updated video! 😊 your videos are super helpful! You made my mind at ease for traveling solo to London in September 😊👍🏻😊

[tomascostanzo]

Hi, Jess. I'm traveling to London next January and I gotta say that I find your videos really interesting. It's really good that you give this much of info. Precise information like this (which they don't teach at the English academy) is just great.

[doublenickelgal]

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful tips which helped my husband and I have the most amazing first trip to London. We had just 2-1/2 days to tour and packed in a lot. The Citymapper app recommendation was a solid help to using The Tube. We’re both in our early ‘60s and in decent shape. I didn’t want to be packed into a tour bus so your tips were a great help. My husband is still talking about the Borough Market. I’ve already shared your name to others. Can’t wait to come back.

[TripHacksDC]

Great update and congrats on the success of that original video!

[kgmuk]

For parking in London (this one probably for Brits) I highly recommend registering for Smart Parking at Westfield. Easy access to A40 when coming in, fairly central, tube nearby, automatic discounted payments and all the conveniences of the shopping centre.

[CelloOne]

We are heading over this fall, can't wait! I've learned so much from watching your videos, thanks again!

[tastebudtechnicians]

Thank you for this video! We are coming to London for Christmas for a family holiday, this video is very helpful x

[kgmuk]

If you're in a car and need the loo, especially outside of London, search Google maps for the nearest big supermarket: Tesco, Sainsbury's or Asda etc. Free to use and free parking. Motorways are obliged to provide services so they're ok too.

[kgmuk]

Oh and in cities for the loo try shopping centres, department stores or Marks and Spencer or chain pubs (small pubs can be funny towards non-customers)

[danielw]

The Tube map was designed by an electrical engineer which is why it has a logical layout, BUT bares no relation to distance/proximity to stations. eg Queensway and Bayswater stations, on 2 different lines, are less than 100 yards apart; but the map makes them appear miles apart; take a look on the map.

[honeydate]

The clean toilets at IMAX Waterloo (its a great place to have a Costa coffee too) are FREE

[lavayuki]

I live the UK but in the North West, but go to London at least 5-6 times per year for conferences, events, concerts etc. The thing about London is the tube at rush hour, it reminded me of my time in Tokyo and many places adding a 12.5% service charge automatically. I don't find this up North very often but notice its quite common in London. I do love London a lot, if it weren't for the cost of everything!