Landing in London? It's thrilling, sure, but honestly, it can feel like a lot all at once. Having a simple checklist on hand really helps you get your bearings and squeeze more out of those first 24 hours.
From figuring out the maze that is public transport to hunting down something decent to eat, those first steps can shape your whole trip. You want to get off on the right foot, right?
It helps to know the basics: how to pay for stuff, how to get around, and which sights you can actually walk to. If you want a bit more guidance, this first-timer’s guide to arriving in London is a solid starting point.
Arrival Essentials at London Airports
Touching down in London, you'll need to get through the usual airport hurdles before you can really start exploring. Clearing entry checks, grabbing your bags, and sorting out your phone or Wi-Fi early just makes everything easier.
Passport Control and Visa Requirements
First up: passport control. Some folks can breeze through without a visa, but others need to have theirs sorted before even boarding the plane.
Have your passport handy, and if you need a visa, make sure you’ve got all your paperwork—hotel address, return flight, whatever they ask for.
There are different lines for UK/EU/EEA citizens and everyone else. If you’ve got a biometric passport, you might get to use the speedy eGates—though not everyone is eligible, and kids under 12 can’t use them.
Baggage Collection and Customs
Once you’re through passport checks, follow the signs to baggage reclaim. Screens will list your flight’s carousel—don’t just guess.
Grab your bags (hopefully all there) and make sure they’re labeled with your info. Next up: customs. There are three lanes:
- Green: Nothing to declare
- Red: Got goods or cash over the limit, or anything not allowed
- Blue: If you arrived from another EU country
Be aware of current UK customs rules—they can be strict. If you have something to declare, just use the red lane and save yourself hassle.
Getting SIM Cards & Accessing Wi-Fi
Staying online is pretty easy at London airports. SIM cards from major UK networks are sold in arrivals halls, vending machines, and airport shops—just bring your passport for registration.
Expect to pay around £10–£30 for a SIM with data and calls. Public Wi-Fi is free at Heathrow and most big airports; look for “Heathrow Wi-Fi” or “Gatwick Free WiFi” and follow the prompts.
Wi-Fi sometimes has a time cap, so if you need all-day access, a UK SIM is the way to go. Got an eSIM-compatible phone? You can even sort it before you fly, which is handy for short trips.
Immediate Transportation in London
Getting into London fast means picking the right way to pay for transport and knowing your airport transfer options. The city’s huge, but you don’t want to waste time (or money) getting lost straight out of the gate.
Choosing Between Oyster Cards and Contactless Cards
Londoners and visitors use either an Oyster card or a contactless payment card to get around on the Tube, buses, and more. No need for paper tickets anymore.
Oyster cards are reloadable plastic cards you can pick up at stations or shops. Contactless means just using your debit or credit card (or even Apple Pay) to tap in and out.
If you’ve got a compatible card, contactless is usually the least hassle—no topping up, no extra steps. Fares are capped daily and weekly, so you won’t get stung by surprise costs.
Oyster is still a decent choice for folks without a UK-issued card or anyone who likes to keep an eye on spending. For a bit more detail, check out this public transport guide.
|
Feature |
Oyster Card |
Contactless Card |
|---|---|---|
|
Where to get |
Stations, shops |
Already in wallet |
|
Top-up needed |
Yes |
No |
|
Capping |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Tourists |
Good |
Easier if eligible |
Navigating Airport Transfers
London’s airports—Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City—each have their quirks. The quickest way to central London depends on where you land.
Heathrow? The Piccadilly line is cheap and easy, but the Heathrow Express is much faster (15 minutes to Paddington, but pricier). Gatwick has the Gatwick Express to Victoria, with regular trains running too.
Stansted and Luton both have direct trains into the city, while London City is on the DLR. Black cabs and Uber are always an option, but they’ll cost you.
Booking express train tickets in advance can save a few quid. Double-check if your payment card works for airport trains—sometimes you’ll need a separate ticket. For more on airport transfers and safety, see Travel With Us UK’s London guide.
First-Day Accommodations and Settling In
Once you arrive at your hotel or flat, there are a few things to tick off. Check-in often means showing a passport or photo ID, and sometimes a credit card for extras or deposits.
Check-In Procedures and Hotel Etiquette
Some places offer online or self-check-in, which is a lifesaver if you’re tired. If you’re early, you might have to wait for your room, but most hotels will store your bags for you.
Be nice to staff and pay attention to posted check-in/out times. London hotels are usually strict about noise and expect guests to respect property and other visitors.
If you use common areas, tidy up after yourself. Tipping isn’t a big deal, but rounding up the bill or leaving a little extra for great service is always appreciated.
Secure Your Valuables and Important Documents
Keep your passport, cards, and cash close—use a money belt or travel pouch, especially in transit. Once you’re in your room, use the safe or a lockbox if there’s one.
Don’t leave electronics or valuables out in plain sight. If the room doesn’t have a safe, lock things in your suitcase or carry them with you. Snapping photos or making copies of your key documents can save you a headache if something goes missing.
For more practical tips, check out this checklist for new arrivals.
Quick Health and Comfort Strategies
Staying healthy and comfortable after a long flight isn’t always easy. A few simple habits can help you shake off jet lag and get used to your new surroundings.
Jet-Lag Crash Plan for Fast Recovery
Jet lag hits hard, especially after a long-haul flight. Try to sync up with London’s time zone as soon as you can—either stay awake or sleep based on local time, even if it feels weird.
Light meals and lots of water help. Sunlight in the morning and skipping caffeine late in the day can reset your body clock. Even a short walk outside does wonders.
If you can’t sleep, a quick nap (20-30 minutes) is okay, but don’t overdo it or you’ll just drag out the adjustment. Make your room dark at night and cut back on screens before bed. More tips can be found on the Quick Health Checker.
Essential First-Aid and Pharmacy Tips
It’s smart to know where the nearest pharmacy is and have a basic first-aid kit. Pharmacies (“chemists” here) sell over-the-counter meds, plasters, and allergy pills.
Bring a small kit with plasters, wipes, and any personal meds. Don’t be shy about asking the pharmacist for help—they’re usually happy to suggest products or tell you when to see a doctor.
Pharmacies can help with minor stuff, and some offer flu shots or travel health advice. Save the NHS 111 number for medical advice, just in case. If you want a longer checklist, check the self-care and health support guide.
Connecting with Everyday London
Getting the hang of London life means picking up on local habits, social rules, and the basics of eating out or shopping. Paying attention to these small things makes settling in a lot smoother—and honestly, more fun.
Basic Local Etiquette and Customs
Londoners really do value politeness. “Please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” aren’t just nice—they’re expected, whether you’re grabbing a coffee or squeezing onto the Tube.
On escalators, stand to the right and let folks in a hurry pass on the left. Cutting in line (or “jumping the queue”) is a quick way to get dirty looks at bus stops and shops.
Personal space matters here, especially on public transport. Eye contact is fine in conversation, but staring? Not so much.
People often chat about the weather to break the ice. Tipping isn’t mandatory everywhere, but rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is pretty standard.
The city’s a real mix of cultures and backgrounds. Respecting different accents, customs, and styles will help you blend in, or at least not stand out for the wrong reasons.
Smoking indoors is banned in most places. Using your phone in a cinema or theater? Best to avoid it—people get annoyed quickly.
Exploring Food, Shopping, and Services
London’s food scene is honestly wild—there’s something for every taste. Maybe try a Full English at a local café, or wander through Soho for international eats.
Food markets like Borough Market are perfect for quick bites. You’ll find veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options almost everywhere. If you’re eyeing a popular spot, booking ahead is usually a good move.
Shops stick to fixed prices, so don’t bother haggling unless you’re at a street market. Supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s are everywhere, and most shops open around 9 AM and close by 6 PM, though some stay open later in busy areas.
Contactless and card payments? Pretty much the norm now.
Pharmacies (or “chemist’s” as they call them) are easy to spot for basics. Post offices come in handy for mailing stuff or topping up your travel card.
Most bigger shops and cafés have free Wi-Fi, so it’s easy to stay connected while you’re figuring things out. For more practical tips, check this one-day London guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see attractions for someone’s first day in London?
The big hitters: Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. A walk along the Thames gives you views of the London Eye and Tower Bridge.
The British Museum is free and honestly worth a look, even if you’re not a history buff.
Which area is recommended for newcomers to stay in when visiting London?
Central areas like Covent Garden, Soho, or Westminster make it easy to get around and see the sights. If you’re on a budget, staying a bit further out can save cash—just check travel times on the London Tube map.
How can one best utilize their first 24 hours after arriving in London?
If you’ve got the energy, a short walking tour covers a lot. Feeling jetlagged? Maybe just relax in Hyde Park or St James’s Park.
Booking tickets for big attractions ahead of time can save you from standing in line forever.
What are some unique, non-touristy activities to do within the first day in London?
Try wandering through Notting Hill or Shoreditch for a less touristy vibe. Taking a Thames Clipper riverboat is a chill way to see the city from the water.
Small museums like the Sir John Soane’s Museum or a local market can make you feel more like a local than a visitor.
What tips should newcomers know before spending their first day in London?
Oyster Cards or contactless payments make public transport a breeze. If you can, avoid rush hour—trains get seriously packed.
It’s smart to plan lunch before noon or after 1:30, unless you love waiting for a table. And, honestly, just enjoy exploring—the city’s full of surprises.
Is cash preferred for transactions, and if so, how much should one carry for their initial days in London?
Most places in London take credit and debit cards, even for tiny purchases. Honestly, you can get by without much cash.
Still, it’s smart to have maybe £20–£40 on hand, just in case you stumble into a shop or café that only takes cash. ATMs are everywhere, so if you ever need more, it’s not a hassle.