London Travel Tips: Answers to the 11 Questions I Get Asked Most (Copy)
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Hi, I’m An — the person behind every photo and story you’ll find here.
When I’m not blogging, I work as a private tour guide.
Below, you’ll find answers to the 11 questions I get asked most often by tourists.
To inquire about my availability for bespoke private walks, please contact me at:
contact@walkmeblog.com
+44 7742098448
or reach out via my social media channels.
See what people are saying in the reviews!
11 Questions About London Answered
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase.
1. Where to Stay in London for Easy Access to Attractions?
Most tourists stay within Zones 1–2, where the majority of attractions are located, but anywhere near a Tube station is generally a good choice.
Use this London Tube map, with zones marked in white and grey in the background, to help you plan your trip.
You can also choose to stay a bit further out, where accommodation may be cheaper—but keep in mind the extra travel time and costs involved.
Simply type ‘hotels near [station name]’ into Google Maps. You’ll get a list of nearby hotels along with average nightly prices (and you can adjust the dates). By clicking on the hotel name, you can preview hundreds of recent guest reviews as well.
If you’re searching for a basic, reliable solution, check networks like Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn offers mid-range accommodations with essential amenities, such as comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and convenient locations.
If you prefer private accommodations, make sure to choose one with plenty of good reviews, as horror stories of last-minute cancellations do happen.
2. How to Get Cheap Internet in London?
There are countless restaurants and coffee places offering free Wi-Fi to customers, but having nonstop and easy access to data is a lifesaver.
There are many options available on the market, so it’s always best to do your own research.
However, this is the option I personally use when I travel and also recommend to my clients: Holafly.
Holafly offers eSIMs that provide reliable and affordable internet access in over 250 destinations. You pay a fixed daily fee and enjoy unlimited data (no roaming charges and easy installation).
Use this link to get a 5% discount on your Holafly purchases*.
*Remember to check if your device is eSIM-compatible—you can do it here.
3. Where to Buy London Eye Tickets Online?
Answer: London Eye Official Website
4. Where to Buy Madame Tussauds Tickets Online?
Answer: Madame Tussauds Official Website
5. Where to Buy Harry Potter Studio Tour Tickets Online?
Answer: Warner Bros Studio Tour Official Website
(More expensive) alternative: Get Your Guide Harry Potter Tours
6. Which Musicals Are Worth Seeing in London?
If you’re new to London’s West End, here are some shows that are always a hit with audiences — a perfect starting point for your London musical adventure.
7. Where to Leave Your Luggage in London
Time flies in London, and you don’t want to waste it going back and forth to your hotel just to pick up your luggage on your flight day.
Did you know there are hundreds of conveniently located places in London where you can safely leave your suitcases for just a few pounds per bag for the entire day?
You can find them using websites like STASHER.
8. Should I bring cash, or can I pay with a card everywhere in London?
London is almost completely cashless, so you can easily pay for almost everything with a contactless debit or credit card, or with Apple Pay / Google Pay.
From coffee shops and museums to public transport and street food markets – cards are accepted practically everywhere.
However, it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash (£10–£20) for tips, or rare situations where cards might not work (like some small independent stalls).
9. What is the best time to visit London?
London has a lot of to offer all year round, and you can explore over 25 of my free self-guided walks while discovering the city at your own pace.
For the best deals on hotels and flights, consider visiting in January or February, when the city is quieter and the crowds are smaller.
The busiest and most expensive times are summer—which often has the best weather, though that’s not guaranteed—and late November through December, when it can be cold and rainy but you get to experience London’s stunning Christmas lights and spectacular shop decorations.
10. Which famous London museums should I see?
London’s largest and most famous museums are listed below.
Click on their names to discover must-see highlights and find out how to book free tickets.
11. How to Pay for Public Transport in London
The easiest and cheapest way to pay for public transport in London if you’re over 16 is by using a contactless bank card or your phone with Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Note: each person needs their own card or device – you can’t use one card to pay for multiple people.
On the Tube and trains, simply tap your card or phone on the yellow reader at the start and end of your journey.
On red double-decker buses, you only tap once when you board (the reader is next to the driver). It works just like contactless payment in a shop.
The system automatically calculates the cheapest fare, and thanks to a daily cap, you won’t pay more than a set amount per day depending on the zones you travel in.
If you only have one card and need to pay for more than one person, you have two alternatives:
Buy an Oyster card (available at all Tube stations from the machines),
Or buy paper tickets – although this option is usually the least cost-effective and best avoided.
You should also know:
👶 Children under 11 travel for free – they just go through the wide gates with a parent or guardian.
👦👧 For children aged 11–15, you can buy an Oyster card and ask staff at a Tube station to apply the Young Visitor Discount. This option is worth it mainly for stays of several days, as the card itself costs money. For short visits, it’s usually easier to pay as an adult.
👉 For more details and up-to-date fares, check this link.
Maps tell the route, I tell the stories!
Discover Oxford, London, or Cambridge with An on a private, tailor-made tour.
To inquire about my availability for bespoke private walks, please contact me at:
contact@walkmeblog.com
+44 7742098448
or reach out via my social media channels.contact@walkmeblog.com
