London for first-time visitors to london: a practical guide with 2026 prices

From the people who meet you in arrivals. Prices checked October 2026.

The one-page briefing

Entry: ETA (£20) or visa (£135) sorted before you fly. Money: tap a card everywhere; no need for cash. Transport: tap the same contactless card on Tube and bus (daily cap £8.90 Zones 1–2); taxis are pre-booked (us) or black cabs hailed on the street (metered, roughly double a pre-booked fixed fare after 20:00). Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if not added. Plugs: Type G. Weather: carry a layer and a small umbrella in every month.

Which airport, which terminal, what it costs

Heathrow (west, biggest), Gatwick (south), Stansted and Luton (north, budget airlines), London City (east, business). Fixed fares to central London: Heathrow from £85, Gatwick from £85, Stansted from £85, Luton from £85. Trains are cheaper for one person in daytime; a car wins for two or more, for luggage, and before 06:00 or after 23:00.

Five days, well spent

Day 1: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, the Eye. Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, St Paul’s. Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden, a West End show (TKTS for cheap seats). Day 4: Kensington museums (free), Hyde Park, Harrods. Day 5: Windsor or Greenwich. Every price is on our food & shopping guide and the area guides on each route page.

Mistakes to avoid

Changing money at the airport; buying an Oyster card when your bank card does it; booking a hotel in Zone 4 to save £30 then spending it on travel; queuing for the Tower at 10am (go at 15:00); unofficial “taxi” touts in arrivals – our driver has your name and our licence number on the board.

Next steps

Airport transfers · Food & shopping guide · All visitor guides. Get a fixed-price quote →