A Guide to London for Americans- Visiting for a First Time

Welcome to the Guide to London!

Planning your first trip to London? Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to exploring abroad, this guide to London is designed to help you get the most out of your visit. 

Drawing on years of experience living in London as an American, I’ve put together practical advice and recommendations to ensure your time here is well spent. And you don’t get too intimidated by all London offers!

Since moving from Florida to London in 2013, I’ve been exploring and writing about London’s neighbourhoods, trying its restaurants and navigating its culture. With a London-born husband and his extended family who’ve lived here for generations, I’ve gained a unique perspective on what works in London. 

This guide to London is designed to introduce you to the first steps of trip planning. Whether you’re looking for the must-see attractions, insider tips on the best places to eat or advice on navigating London’s transport system, you’ll find it here.

If you’re looking for even more detailed suggestions, download my free 15-page Insider’s Guide to London’s Hidden Gems. You’lll also get my weekly emails that have the latest news and updates on what’s happening here! To receive it- click on the Send Me London News button below.

These are the Guide categories which are regularly updated: (Last on August 2024)

• Advice and Culture
• Attractions, Events, Things to Do
• Food and Restaurants
• Afternoon Teas and Pubs
• Hotels
• Shopping
• Day Trips

Advice and Culture:

Understanding a bit about London’s culture can significantly enhance your experience. The city’s pace is brisk, but people are generally polite and you’ll find that queuing (lining up) is almost a national pastime. 

Here’s a video I made about British Culture that has over 500k+ views.

@sunny_in_london

British Culture Explained by an American Living in London | US vs UK Culture #britishculture #americaninlondon #londonlife #usvsuk #ukvsusa

♬ Walking Around – Instrumental Version – Eldar Kedem

Londoners value personal space and can be reserved, especially on public transport. It’s common for people to keep to themselves on the Tube, often absorbed in their phone or what’s playing on their ear buds. However, you’ll see at pubs in the evening that they’re more friendly with each other.

In terms of getting around yourself, London’s postcodes aren’t just for mailing addresses—they also help you understand where you are in relation to the City of London. This is where St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument and the Tower of London are located.

You can look into the history of this system but the basics are- the historic financial district is the ‘City of London.’ It’s home to the Stock Exchange & Bank of England. There is no downtown! So, if you use that term, Londoners won’t be clear on the area to which you are referring.

However- the post codes kind of work around the City area. So- WC1 is like ‘West of the City 1’ . EC1 is East of the City 1, SW is south west of the city. 

Therefore, understanding this can help you get your bearings and plan your daily routes more effectively.

Christmas is a major celebration in London, with festivities kicking off as early as the second week of November and until the first week of January. London becomes particularly colourful, with lights, markets and events.

It also gets crowded, especially on weekends and after mid-December when school holidays start. It’s important to note that public transport doesn’t operate on Christmas Day and even finding an open pub that day can be difficult near a hotel in Central London.

For a specific list of what’s happening at Christmas- you MUST go to the Visiting London at Christmas article. It shares timelines for all the activities you won’t want to miss!

Tipping is another aspect of local culture that’s straightforward. In restaurants, check if a service charge is already included. If not, leaving a 10-15% tip is customary. When using taxis, rounding up to the nearest pound is a polite gesture.

Navigating London is fairly simple, thanks to the extensive public transport network. The Tube is the fastest way to get around, but iconic London buses offer a scenic view of the city. Also, Uber is common and widely available. 

Just be aware of potential Tube and train strikes, which are announced in advance and can affect your travel plans.

These are some additional articles on Sunny in London which will be helpful:

• NFL in London: An American Expat’s Game Plan for Your Trip
• 10 Things to Do in Hyde Park
• Christmas Celebration Differences between the UK and USA
• Differences between British and American Schools

Attractions, Events, Things to Do:

London offers countless attractions, but one thing is essential: book ahead. Popular spots like the British Museum, the Tower of London and the London Eye often require advance tickets, particularly during peak tourist seasons. So, avoid disappointment by making sure to get those taken care of before you arrive.

To help you stay in the loop, I publish monthly articles that highlight the best things to do in London that month.

Some unique events I recommend include candlelight concerts, which offer an iconic atmosphere for enjoying music. 

Next events that I recommend to save time and see the best of London are a Private Tour of the Tower of London with a Beefeater and an Afternoon Tea River Cruise. Each month I receive discount codes for attractions and have the current ones below.

To make the most of your time, plan your activities by location. For instance, you could explore the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market and View from the Shard all in one day since they are close to each other. If you are buying a London Pass, I only recommend using it for one day and having a highly planned itinerary.

Or you can start at the Tower of London and stay north of the Thames all day by visiting attractions around Leadenhall Market in the afternoon.

It’s best to plan your activities by neighbourhood. Here are some examples of ones that I suggest would make a great day out in London.

These are some additional articles on Sunny in London you might big helpful:

• Climb the O2
• Eating London Food Tour and Soho Food Tour
• Kew Gardens
• London Pass
• London Transport Museum
• Lord’s Cricket Ground Tour
• Ride the Slide!– the ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide and video
• Royal Albert Hall Tour
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• ThamesJet Speedboat Tour on River Thames
• Winter Wonderland

Food and Restaurants:

London’s food scene is diverse and offers much more than the tired stereotypes suggest. Some of the top foods I suggest you true in London are: fish and chips, bangers and mash, beef wellington, sausage rolls, cottage pie, sticky toffee pudding and Eton Mess.

You’ll find everything from traditional British dishes to international cuisine. While there are tourist traps to avoid, my free downloadable guide has ‘foodie streets’ in popular neighbourhoods that will steer you toward tons of culinary options.

If you’re in a hurry, popular chains like Pret, Greggs and Nando’s offer good-quality fast food. And if you’re a fan of burgers, you won’t be disappointed—London has plenty of spots that rival those back in the US. And yes, there are many Five Guys and Shake Shacks here too!

Afternoon Teas and Pubs:

Afternoon tea is a classic London experience. Contrary to what you might think, there’s no definitive ‘best’ place for it. Many 4 and 5-star hotels offer excellent options. As I mention above, there’s even an afternoon tea cruise on the River Thames that combines sightseeing with this British tradition. One that’s really topping the charts right now is the Taylor Swift Inspired Afternoon Tea Bus!

Pub culture is an integral part of London life. Pubs are lively spots where people come together to relax after a day’s work. If you’re looking to try some traditional pub food, go for the fish and chips or a hearty pie. I recommend Young’s, Fullers or Thomas Cubitt pubs in London for their food. Not all pub food is equal.

I regularly review London pubs on my social media channels, so follow me on TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for up-to-date recommendations.

These are examples of restaurant and pub reviews where you’ll find exceptional food in London:

• The Orange Pub– Belgravia
• Galvin Bar & Bistrot
• Jeru London– Mayfair
• The Old Bull and Bush
• Gura Gura– Covent Garden
• M Restaurant– Canary Wharf

Two of my favourite afternoon teas are Fortnum and Mason and The Playboy Club. I’m not sure they do the second one anymore, but it’s the only one Mr Sunny ever was excited about attending with me!

Hotels:

Finding the right hotel in London can make all the difference in your trip. I recommend booking a hotel that’s near the attractions and neighbourhoods you’re most interested in exploring. 

This will save you time and make it easier to fit more into your schedule. I give an extensive list in my downloadable guide. But, some initial suggestions of great neighbourhoods for visiting London are: Westminster, Covent Garden, Tower Bridge and London Bridge. 

If you want something really unique and very British- spend the night in a pub! Mr Sunny and I stayed at the Bedford Arms near the Harry Potter Studio Tour London . We can’t say enough about how fantastic it was and it’s dog-friendly too!

Examples of hotels I’ve reviewed are:

• Covent Garden Hotel
• Georgian House Bed and Breakfast
• Ham Yard Hotel
• One Aldwych
• St. Ermin’s Hotel
• Macdonalds Windsor Hotel
• St Christopher Wren Hotel– Windsor

Shopping:

London has everything from luxury boutiques to unique markets. Regent Street and Bond Street are home to some of the world’s most prestigious brands, making them perfect for those looking to indulge in high-end fashion. 

Covent Garden, on the other hand, offers a mix of well-known shops and independent boutiques, all set against a backdrop of street performers and historic architecture.

Camden Market is another popular spot, famous for its alternative culture. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of stalls offering everything from gothic fashion to quirky home décor, along with a variety of international street food options. For something more offbeat, Spitalfields Market in the East End is a treasure trove of vintage finds, handmade crafts and unique fashion pieces.

One important thing to note: since Brexit, there are no longer VAT refunds available for tourists. This means you won’t be able to claim back the tax on your purchases when you leave the UK, so be sure to factor this into your shopping budget.

Department stores are another highlight of London’s shopping scene. Harrods in Knightsbridge is an iconic destination, known for its luxury goods and extravagant window displays. However, it’s not the top one I suggest to visit.

Liberty, housed in a striking Tudor-style building in the West End, offers a curated selection of fashion, beauty, and homeware. If you’re after a more modern shopping experience, Selfridges on Oxford Street is a must-visit, with its blend of high-end brands and cutting-edge design. And, every food lover MUST visit Fortnum and Mason.

Day Trips:

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to see more of what England has to offer. Windsor, with its famous castle, is just a short train ride from London and offers a glimpse of the English countryside. And, many Americans seek a trip to Stonehenge.

While the Harry Potter Studio Tour London is classified as Greater London, I always advise visitors to consider it a day trip. It’s quite the adventure getting there!

Although technically still in London, Greenwich feels like a peaceful retreat with its vast parks, maritime history and views from the Royal Observatory.

For more day trip ideas, I’ve compiled a list of recommended destinations in my free guide. These trips are a great way to experience a different side of England without straying too far from the city.

Some reviews that may be of interest to you are:

• Harry Potter Studio Tour London
• How to Get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour
• Hogwarts in the Snow
• Harry Potter Bus Tour Around London
• Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip
• Day Trip to Essex– Wine tours

Guide to London Questions and Suggestions

What are your top concerns as you plan your trip to London? If you’ve already visited, what advice would you give to first-time travellers? Share your thoughts in the comments and help others make the most of their London experience.