London Travel Guide
London really does give you the best of both worlds. On one side, you’ve got the history—standing in front of Buckingham Palace, crossing Tower Bridge, or finally seeing Big Ben in real life (spoiler: it’s even better than the postcards). On the other, you’ve got the quirky markets, buzzing food stalls, and hidden little corners that give the city its charm. It’s that mix of iconic sights and everyday surprises that makes London so addictive.
Getting around London
If there’s one thing you’ll quickly learn in London, it’s that the Tube is your best friend. At first glance, the map looks like rainbow-colored spaghetti, but once you hop on, it’s surprisingly easy. Trains come every couple of minutes, and they’ll get you almost anywhere you need to go—often way faster than a taxi stuck in traffic. Just tap your card (or an Oyster card) and you’re good to go.
Where to get an Oyster card? Easy. You can grab one at pretty much any Tube station from a machine or counter, at big rail stations, or even at Heathrow when you land. Loads of corner shops (look for the blue Oyster sign) sell them too. It costs £5 for the card itself, then you just top it up with credit. Think of it as your golden ticket to zipping around London stress-free.
Buses are another fun option—they’re slower, but if you score a seat on the top deck of a double-decker, it’s like a sightseeing tour for the price of a coffee. Walking is also underrated here; sometimes it’s quicker than squeezing onto a packed train, and you stumble across little corners of the city you’d miss otherwise.
Basically, mix and match: Tube for speed, bus for views, and walking when you want to soak up the city vibe. Oh, and pro tip: always stand on the right side of the escalator unless you fancy getting death stares from impatient London commuters.
Travel Costs in London (and the Currency Reality Check)
Navigating the cost of London can feel like a puzzle—my Aussie dollar sure wasn’t doing me many favours—but travelers armed with USD might find things a little easier.
Exchange Rates Right Now (August 2025):
1 AUD ≈ £0.48
1 USD ≈ £0.74
So if you’re paying in USD, your money goes further than mine did with AUD, which felt a bit flimsy against the pound.
What That Means for Costs in London:
A daily mid-range budget of about £214 translates to roughly $289 USD or $445 AUD. Not exactly pocket change, but enough to cover food, transport, and a comfortable stay without living too frugally.
At the end of the day, though, it’s worth every penny. Just be sure to peek at restaurant menus beforehand to make sure the meal fits your budget—it’s easy to get carried away when everything looks tempting. And while you’re at it, it’s definitely worth looking into all the amazing free things to do in London—like wandering museums, relaxing in parks, or checking out the street performers along the South Bank.
Top 5 things to do and see
London is packed with things to see and do, but these were my absolute highlights—the ones that made me stop, smile, and think “yep, this is why I came here.”
1. Tower of London and Tower Bridge
The Tower of London is like a living history book—once a royal palace, later a prison, and now home to the Crown Jewels. You can literally walk the same grounds where kings, queens, and some very unlucky prisoners once stood. Right next door is Tower Bridge, one of the most photographed spots in London. .
2. Big Ben
Big Ben is one of those landmarks that’s even better in real life than in the pictures. The detail on the Elizabeth Tower is incredible, and it really does feel like the heart of London when you’re standing there. Even though it’s technically the bell inside that’s called Big Ben, everyone just calls the whole thing that—and honestly, it’s hard not to.
3. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is everything you’d expect from the royal family’s home—grand, elegant, and buzzing with tourists snapping photos at the gates. But the real magic is the Changing of the Guard. The soldiers in their iconic red uniforms and bearskin hats march with such precision, it’s like a royal performance. It usually happens at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (and daily in summer), so make sure to time your visit right. Get there early if you want a good spot because it gets crowded quickly—and trust me, it’s worth the wait.
4. Kensington Palace
Nestled in the heart of Kensington Gardens, this palace has been home to royalty for centuries. Today, it still houses members of the royal family and has gorgeous exhibitions inside. The surrounding gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and it feels less hectic than Buckingham, giving you space to take it all in.
5. Camden Market
If you want the opposite of royal tradition, Camden is the place. It’s quirky, colourful, and full of personality. The market stalls sell everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewellery, and the food stalls will have you drooling. I could’ve spent hours wandering around, people-watching, and eating way too many street food samples.
Other Things to Do and See in London
While my top 5 were the real standouts, London is overflowing with sights and experiences. If you’ve got the time, here are some more spots that deserve a spot on your list:
1. Borough Market – foodie heaven with endless stalls (go hungry).
2. The London Eye – giant Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the city.
3.Hyde Park – the perfect green escape for a picnic or a lazy afternoon stroll.
4.Harry Potter Studio Tour – a must for Potterheads; the sets are incredible.
5.Portobello Road Market – antiques, vintage fashion, and colorful Notting Hill vibes.
6.The British Museum – free entry and packed with treasures from all over the world.
7.Westminster Abbey – steeped in royal history and stunning architecture.
8.St Paul’s Cathedral – climb the dome for one of the best views in London.
9. Trafalgar Square – lively square with fountains, statues, and the National Gallery nearby.
10.The Paddington Store – a must-visit for fans of the bear in the blue coat (and a fun stop if you’re after quirky London souvenirs).
London is one of those places that just stays with you. I loved the mix of history and quirk—the palaces and landmarks on one side, the buzzing markets and hidden corners on the other. I went in May/June and the weather was actually great—not cold, not super hot—so exploring the city was easy. Sure, my Aussie dollar didn’t go far, but honestly, it was worth every penny. It’s the kind of city that makes you want to come back and discover even more.
