First time visit to London: Your essential questions answered

Planning your first trip to London? Wondering how many days to spend in the city? London is a sprawling metropolis rich with history, culture, and endless activities. For first-time visitors, some of the most common questions are: “How much time do I need?” and “Where should I stay?” This guide will help you answer some of your most pressing questions about your first-trip to London, so that you can make the most of your visit.

How Many Days Should You Spend in London?

For first-time visitors, 3 to 5 days is generally the perfect amount of time to explore London’s top attractions while still allowing some time to discover its hidden gems.

3 Days in London: A Balanced First Trip

Three days in London is an ideal duration for first-timers who want a well-rounded experience without feeling too rushed. You can visit iconic attractions and experience the essential London vibe at a fairly relaxed pace, and you will have time to also explore the museums and historical landmarks.

Don’t miss the iconic sights like the Changing of Guards at the Buckingham Palace. Explore the iconic Big Ben and London Eye, and spend some time walking along River Thames. Spend some time at the British Museum, and hit up some of the iconic markets if your itinerary fits.

5 Days in London: The Full Experience

While 3 days is sufficient to cover major highlights of London, consider spending an extra day or two for the full experience. If you have five days in London, you can dive deeper into the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions without rushing.

Not only can you cover more sights and explore more neighbourhoods, you will likely also be able to find time to catch a play or musical while you are there. There are also a few day trips out from London which you could consider, with Stonehenge and Bath being some of the most popular options for day trips.

Best Times to Visit London

London’s beauty shines all year, but spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are especially pleasant, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoiding peak tourist season (July and August) can help make your visit more comfortable and enhance the overall experience.

Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in London

If you want to be in the heart of London’s action, it is recommended to stay near the West End. It is a major tourist district, with easy access to a lot of shopping, restaurants, theatres, and nightlife in the area, making it easy for first-timers to get around.

Alternatively, if you wanted to be nearer the major landmarks and attractions, consider staying near the Southbank neighbourhood.

Of course, you can expect accommodation prices to be pricier in these areas. If budget is a major consideration for you, Paddington or Victoria are good alternatives. Though they are not exactly in central London, the transportation links there are quite well-connected and you will be able to move around rather easily.

Stay connected in London with a Nomad travel eSIM for UK

It is important that you stay connected on your first trip to London with a Nomad travel eSIM for UK. Whether it is to help you navigate, discover restaurants and attractions nearby, or simply to keep in touch with your friends and family, having a good internet connection on your trip is essential. Nomad's eSIMs give you access to affordable data eSIMs in over 190+ destinations worldwide — including London.

Choose from a variety of local, regional, and global data plans, buy and install your eSIM before you fly, and connect to a mobile network within minutes of arrival. Running out of data mid-trip? Simply purchase an add-on in the Nomad app.

If you will be also taking the chance to visit other countries in the region, Nomad also offers a regional eSIM for Europe, allowing you to stay connected seamlessly as you explore the region.