London Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

London Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors (From a Mom Who’s Actually Been There)

Planning your first trip to London? This London travel guide for first-time visitors covers when to go, what to see, where to stay, and practical tips to plan a stress-free trip.

If you’re planning your first trip to London and feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. I felt the exact same way before we went. There’s so much to see, so much walking, so many decisions — and we went with our two boys… plus another entire family who decided to come along with us 😅.

So this isn’t a “perfect” London guide. It’s a real one. The kind I wish I had when I was planning our trip — with kids, schedules, opinions, snacks, and all.

Whether you’re going for a few days or a full week, this London travel guide for first-time visitors will help you plan a trip that actually feels doable and enjoyable.

Is London Worth Visiting for First-Time Travelers?

Honestly? Yes. A thousand times yes.

London is one of those cities that works really well for first-time travelers — even with kids. You get history, culture, food, parks, and iconic sights all packed into one place. One minute you’re looking at a royal palace, the next you’re grabbing fish and chips or riding a red double-decker bus.

And if English is your first language, that alone takes a lot of stress out of things. Ordering food, reading signs, asking for help — it all just feels easier.

Best Time to Visit London

From our experience (and from what I’d recommend now), the best time to visit London is late spring or early fall.

Spring (April–June): Nice weather, fewer crowds, and easier days of walking
Summer (July–August): Warm, busy, more expensive, and a lot of people
Fall (September–October): Still pleasant, a little calmer, great for sightseeing
Winter: Festive and cozy, but colder and darker earlier

If it’s your first time, spring or fall just feels more manageable — especially if you’re traveling with kids.

Look at this sky – we went on spring, still a little chill but open sky and nice to be outside.

How Many Days Do You Really Need in London?

For a first trip, I’d say 4–5 days is the sweet spot.

3 days: You can see the highlights, but it’s busy
5 days: Way more relaxed and enjoyable
7 days: Great if you want slower days or a day trip

Trying to cram London into 1–2 days is exhausting. Trust me — give yourself time. London is big, and everything takes longer than you think (especially with kids). 6 days for us was perfect!

Must-See London Landmarks (First-Timer Basics)

These are the spots everyone pictures when they think of London — and yes, they’re worth seeing:

Big Ben & Westminster Abbey – Classic, iconic, and right in the middle of everything

Buckingham Palace – Fun to see, especially if you catch the Changing of the Guard

Tower of London – Tons of history (and the Crown Jewels) – Kids were amazed at Jewels!!

Tower Bridge – Famous for its twin towers and opening bascules, Tower Bridge is free to walk across, while the Tower Bridge Exhibition offers glass-floor views and behind-the-scenes history. Yes, we walked over the glass! I was terrified but kids enjoyed a lot!

London Eye – Great views if you want to see it all at once – here is my kid trying to frame the Big Ben

The nice thing? Many of these are walkable from each other, especially around Westminster and the South Bank — which helps a lot when little legs get tired.

Getting Around London (Even With Kids)

London’s public transportation is honestly amazing.

The easiest ways to get around:

The Tube: Fast and efficient – I will come back here to give a full post on this! I became a professional!
Buses: Slower but scenic (and fun for kids)
Walking: You’ll walk more than you expect

You don’t need to buy tickets ahead of time. We just used a contactless credit card, and it worked everywhere. One less thing to think about.

Where to Stay in London (Quick Mom-Friendly Overview)

If it’s your first time, staying central makes everything easier.

Good areas to look at:

Westminster: Close to major landmarks
Covent Garden: Lively, walkable, lots of food
South Bank: Attractions and river views
Kensington: Quieter, near museums and parks
Financial District / near St. Paul’s Cathedral: This is where we stayed, very close to St. Paul’s, and oh boy… it was so nice. Super well located, easy to get everywhere, and surprisingly calm at night. It just worked really well for us, especially with kids.

Being close to the action saves time, energy, and a lot of complaining 😉.

Helpful London Travel Tips I’m Glad We Knew

Tipping isn’t a big thing: Rounding up or about 10%-15% is fine
Bring a plug adapter: The UK uses different outlets
Book popular attractions ahead: Especially in busy seasons – post to come!
Wear comfortable shoes: You will walk more than planned

London felt very safe overall, but like any big city, just stay aware in crowded areas.

Final Thoughts for First-Time Visitors

London is one of those cities that rewards a good planning — you can do a lot in one day. Also, some of our favorite moments were unplanned: wandering neighborhoods, sitting in parks, stopping for snacks when the kids needed a break.

Save this guide, use it as a starting point, and don’t stress about doing everything. You don’t need to see it all to have an amazing trip.

London Itineraries: 3 to 5 Days in London
Where to Stay in London: Best Areas & Hotels
London Travel Planning: Costs, Day Trips & Tips