.jpg)
Richard Chambers, London Tour Guide, Shares Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to London
- richesquire
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
London can feel overwhelming on your first visit. It’s big, busy, historic, modern, and endlessly fascinating—all at once. I’m Richard Chambers, a professional London tour guide, and after years of showing visitors around this city, I’ve learned exactly what makes a first trip to London unforgettable (for the right reasons).
I've known London my whole life. My family history stretches back to at least the 1500's in the City, and for the last 10+ years I have been a Tour Guide here in one of the world's most fascinating cities.
My weekends and spare time are often spent finding hidden alleys, courts and bits of history and knowledge to add to my walking tours across London.
Here are my top tips to help you experience London like a local—without missing the highlights. I have also added links to some of my most popular and highly rated tours.
Start London on Foot (You’ll See More Than You Think)
London is best understood at street level. Walking connects the dots between landmarks and reveals the hidden stories that buses and tube tunnels miss.
London is actually made made up of two separate cities, the City of London which is the oldest part with origins going back to the Roman period 2000 years ago, and the "newer" City of Westminster taking it's name from Westminster Abbey which simply means "Church in the West" from the Saxon Germanic languages.
Each city has it's own administration and it's own Police Force.
Until the 1870's the cities were separated by a physical gate known as The Temple Bar or Temple Gate, but the gate became such a bottle neck for traffic it was removed, and now sits next to St Paul's Cathedral.
Famous landmarks like St Paul's Cathedral and The Tower of London are located in the City of London, while Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are located in the City of Westminster.
Many tourists to London move between the two cities via Tube or Taxi without understanding the difference and history of both cities, so I recommend taking a stroll around the old city. A guided walking tour is the perfect introduction—especially on day one. You’ll learn how London fits together, understand its long history, and gain confidence navigating the city.
Once you have seen the big attractions in the City of Westminster, then head out in to the older City of London
*My Tip*
Take a walk from Temple Station along Fleet Street, seek out the Inns of Court (the centre of English Law) and make a stop at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub, a Charles Dickens Favourite. The free museum at St Brides Church is a hidden gem, and takes you through 2000 years of history, and a view of Roman pavements.
See St Paul's Cathedral and then head to the areas around Bank, financial heart of London and the oldest part. Check out the hidden lanes in and around The George and Vulture Tavern. In these courts, Ebeneezer Scrooge had his Counting House in "A Christmas Carol" Make sure you see Leadenhall Market!
If you prefer to have an expert guide show you these areas with real history and stories then I offer two tours that fit the bill perfectly!
🗺️ Don’t Try to See Everything
London isn’t a checklist—it’s an experience. Instead of racing between attractions, choose areas to explore deeply: Westminster, the City of London, Soho, or South Bank.
A small-group tour helps you slow down, ask questions, and actually enjoy the city rather than rush through it.
Also think about what you like, what your personal interest are and focus on these areas.
If you are seeing London for the first time you will of course want to see the big sights, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace etc. Many visitors will also want to experience Changing of The Guard. While all these sights are easy to see yourself, why not take a tour that covers all these locations with an experienced guide, the buildings and their history are brought to life, and you will come away understanding why there is a changing of the guard and it's origins.
🚇 Master Public Transport (It’s Easier Than You Think)
Many people who live in large countries like the USA, Canada, Australia may understandably be wary of using public transport if not used to it.
The Tube (The London Underground) is fast and efficient, and buses offer a sightseeing bonus. Staff here are generally very friendly and happy to help tourists.
*Tip* When using the escalators at London Underground Stations, stand on the right, and keep the left hand side clear for those wanting to walk up or down the escalators.
Use contactless payment, any credit /debit card or phone payments to tap and go!
No need to buy paper tickets. You can literally arrive in London and head straight out with no ticket machine queues. Those travelling light or with moderate luggage arriving at Heathrow Airport can hop straight on the Elizabeth Line and be in Central London in around 30-35 mins. Taxi's can take 3/4 times as long and cost you more than ten times the amount!
Before I anger London's Cabbies (Taxi Drivers) let us remember that the London Black Cab is an icon. No trip to London is complete without a ride. Black Cabs are now available on apps, but you can simply flag them down in the street, (look for the yellow for hire light) safe in the knowledge, that your driver has gone through a vigorous selection process and passed a degree level course called "The Knowledge".
Uber is also extremely popular here, but give the traditional Cabbies in the Black Cabs a go first if you can!
Local tip: Google Maps works brilliantly in London for live transport updates.
A lot of my clients also love City Mapper.
☕ Avoid the Tourist Traps (Eat Where Londoners Do)
Some of London’s best food is found down side streets, in historic pubs, markets, and neighbourhood cafés. A knowledgeable local guide can point out places you’d never find on your own. Just because something is in a prime location with trendy decor doesn't mean the food is always great.
London is truly a great gastronomic city and you can find every cuisine imaginable here.
But of course people visiting London expect Fish & Chips or some Great Pies.
There are so many pubs offering great Fish and Chips, look out for Fuller's Pubs, they are owned and run by the famous brewery Fullers, I find them very consistent.
Other favourites include Sea Shell Lisson Grove. This was a place I visited loads and recommended to tourists when I worked at the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
I take my kids to Poppies and it's always great. The long established Golden Hind is a great central London option and a place I have been to many times.
Recently I have swapped to my new favourite Hobsons, but that is because they offer Gluten Free! (and are really good)
You have got to visit Borough Food Market, it's one of the most famous food markets in Europe, but it does get super busy!
London is especially great when it comes to Indian food, but for the real authentic stuff you need to head a little out of the main tourist spots and explore Brick Lane, Whitechapel, and for the really adventurous East Ham and Manor Park.
Having two half Indian children of my own, and being a lover of Indian and Pakistani food, my favourite that is easy for most tourist to reach is Tayyabs in Whitechapel, famous for its sizzling Tandoori Chops and BYOB dining.
However, personally I believe East Ham and Manor Park areas are the best overall areas, especially for South Indian food. My children's Indian Grandfather says it's the best Indian food outside India! These areas are not your typical London Tourist spots, and recommended for real Curry lovers and those wanting to branch out in to zone 3/4.
📸 Iconic Sights Are Better With Stories
Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge—these places are impressive, but their stories are what make them memorable. Who lived there? What changed history there? Why does it matter? What areas and neighbourhoods surround them?
If you are going to visit Buckingham Palace, then before or after take a stroll around Mayfair and St James areas. Here you will find upmarket London.
Tailors stores on Saville Row, Cigar Merchant's and Perfumers in St James.
These areas have links to The Royal Family, James Bond, MI5/MI6, Winston Churchill, WW2, The Beatles and many more fascinating stories to uncover.
How and why did these areas become the playground of Lord's, Lady's, Duke's and Duchesses? That’s where a guide makes all the difference!
⭐ Final Tip: Let London Surprise You
Some of the best moments happen between the landmarks. A hidden courtyard. A forgotten alley. A story you weren’t expecting.
That’s the London I love sharing.
Ready to explore London with confidence?
Join one of my friendly, small-group walking tours and discover the city through stories, history, and local insight.
Comments