The Ultimate First Timer's Guide To London • Dallas Travel Blogger

Hello, London! Over the holidays, my friend, Natalie, and I planned a last minute getaway to London and Paris to enjoy the Christmas markets, do some shopping, celebrate the holidays, and more. It was the perfect girls getaway, and I am excited to share some of the highlights from our trip with you all!

Since we’ve both been to London numerous times (read more about my London Fashion Week experience here), we decided to take the 5AM train from Paris for a day trip to the city. If it’s your first time to London, I recommend at least a couple nights to see the most of the city – but if you’re looking to squeeze a day trip into your itinerary or enjoy an extended layover between flights, this is the perfect guide to a first timer’s trip to London!

To make the most of your day in London, it’s essential to prioritize your sightseeing destinations and plan your route efficiently. We decided to rent a private car to take us around the city to maximize our time. Highly recommend! If you’re looking for a more budget friendly option, I recommend booking a day pass on the Double Decker Sightseeing Buses. One pass will allow you to hop on and off the bus all day, plus you’ll get a tour of all of the must-see spots in London. I did this when I visited with Blair, and it’s such a fun and easy way to visit all of the must-see sights in one day!

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Top Sights in London:

British Museum: a renowned museum in London, showcasing a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world
Buckingham Palace: a must-visit landmark where visitors often admire the exterior and take photos while walking by
Hampton Court: a historic palace with sprawling gardens, most famously associated with King Henry VIII’s residence
Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens: expansive green spaces for leisure and relaxation in the heart of London
National Gallery: a world-class art gallery, boasting an exceptional collection of artworks from various periods and artists
St Paul’s Cathedral: an iconic religious landmark, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance
Tate Gallery: a prominent art museum, showcasing modern and contemporary art from renowned artists
Tower of London: a historic fortress that has served various purposes throughout history, including as a royal palace and prison
Victoria and Albert Museum: a prominent museum dedicated to art and design, housing extensive collections and exhibitions
Westminster Abbey: a majestic Gothic church, famous for its coronations, royal weddings, and as a burial site for notable figures
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: a replica of the Elizabethan-era theater, offering performances of William Shakespeare’s plays in an authentic setting

First Timer’s Guide:

Attractions: Explore some of the must-visit attractions in London, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the London Eye, and Big Ben.

Transportation: London has an extensive public transportation system, including the iconic red double-decker buses and the Underground (also known as the Tube). Get an Oyster card for convenient access to buses, trains, and the Tube.

Explore neighborhoods: London is composed of various charming neighborhoods, each with its own unique vibe. Don’t miss places like Notting Hill, Soho, or Chelsea for their distinct character.

Enjoy the parks: London has beautiful parks to relax in, such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park. Take a stroll, have a picnic, or even rent a paddleboat.

Try iconic food: Indulge in British cuisine by trying fish and chips, a traditional English breakfast, and afternoon tea. London also offers a diverse range of international cuisines.

Museums and galleries: Take advantage of London’s numerous world-class museums and galleries, many of which are free. The British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery are must-visits.

West End shows: Catch a musical or play in London’s renowned West End theater district. Book tickets in advance to secure the best seats.

Markets: Visit the vibrant markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road Market. They offer delicious street food, unique shopping, and a lively atmosphere.

Where To Eat and Drink:

Bob Bob Ricard – the original “Press for Champagne” button
Sketch – quirky and stylish – my personal favorite!
The Groucho Club – a chic members only club – If you are a member of a country club or social club, check to see if you have a reciprocal club (Park House Dallas is, and we loved visiting The Groucho Club!)
The Red Lion – ultimate Victorian pub built in 1826
The Ritz Carlton – iconic hotel with a traditional, luxurious tea service
Borough Market – an iconic food market in London
Fortnum & Mason – a department store established in 1707 with a beautiful tea salon
The Orangery at Kensington Palace – set in the Kensington Gardens, perfect for afternoon tea
The Savoy – historic hotel with a classic tea service

Where To Shop:

Oxford Street: One of the world’s most famous shopping streets, Oxford Street is home to numerous flagship stores, high street shops, and department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis.
Regent Street: Located just off Oxford Street, Regent Street offers a mix of high-end fashion retailers and iconic stores such as Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy store.
Knightsbridge: Known for luxury shopping, Knightsbridge is where you’ll find famous stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, which offer designer fashion, accessories, beauty products, and more.
Carnaby Street: Located in the trendy Soho neighborhood, Carnaby Street is a vibrant and eclectic shopping destination with a mix of independent boutiques, lifestyle stores, and British heritage brands.
Covent Garden: Covent Garden is a bustling area filled with a variety of shops, including unique fashion boutiques, beauty stores, handmade crafts, and vintage markets.
Westfield London: Situated in White City and one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, Westfield London offers a wide range of high street and luxury brands, as well as a diverse selection of dining and entertainment options.
Harrods: A luxurious department store renowned for its opulent offerings
Harvey Nichols: A trendy fashion destination showcasing high-end designer brands
Liberty London: A London staple known for its eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary products
Portobello Market: A vibrant and popular street market offering antiques, vintage clothing, and eclectic collectibles
Borough Market: A renowned food market offering a wide variety of fresh produce and artisanal food products
Camden Passage: A charming antique market filled with unique treasures
Bermondsey Market: A haven for antique and vintage enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of collectibles (only on Fridays)

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Where To Stay:

The Ritz London: Situated in the heart of Mayfair, this iconic hotel offers timeless luxury and exceptional service. Its lavish rooms and suites exude classical elegance and style, while its Michelin-starred dining and afternoon tea are revered experiences.
The Dorchester: A true symbol of luxury, this hotel in Park Lane combines timeless glamour with contemporary convenience. Featuring opulent rooms, spa facilities, and world-class dining, it’s a haven of indulgence and sophistication.
The Soho Hotel: Tucked away in the vibrant Soho district, this stylish boutique hotel boasts individually designed rooms and suites, chic interiors, a private cinema, and a captivating drawing room and library – an eclectic gem in the heart of London.
The Portobello Hotel: Nestled in Notting Hill, this quirky and characterful hotel features uniquely designed rooms brimming with bohemian charm. Its romantic and eclectic décor, complete with plush furnishings, offers a distinct and memorable stay.
The Exhibitionist Hotel: A haven for art enthusiasts, this boutique South Kensington hotel showcases a stunning collection of contemporary art and design. The stylish rooms, each featuring unique artwork, combine modern luxury with artistic flair. I stayed here during London Fashion Week and loved the eclectic design and walkability!
Chelsea Green: Set in the upscale Chelsea neighborhood, My Chelsea offers a blend of contemporary design and cozy comfort. The hotel’s vibrant atmosphere, wellness facilities, and beautifully designed rooms create an inviting and stylish retreat. Blair and I stayed here together, and we loved the boutique feel and location!
The Ampersand Hotel: Located in the cultural heart of South Kensington, The Ampersand Hotel is a boutique gem inspired by the area’s museums and landmarks. Its luxurious rooms, Mediterranean-themed restaurant, and elegant drawing rooms offer a sophisticated and inviting stay.

We hope these tips help you plan your first visit to London! This is one of our favorite cities to visit, and we know you will love it as much as we do!