Things to Know
From April 2, 2025, it is mandatory for European Union citizens to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to the United Kingdom. For more information and to apply, we recommend visiting the official UK government website.
The time it takes to visit major attractions is often subjective and can be difficult to recommend. Therefore, we suggest adapting the itinerary to suit your preferences: you may skip some stops and spend more time at the places that interest you. If you have extra time, you can dedicate one or more days to exploring the main attractions. We recommend that you watch the full introductory video, which will show you how to make the best use of our platform.
Important! You’ll need internet access to use our itineraries. We also recommend downloading the Google Maps app to fully benefit from our services.
Like in any major city, be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Never leave bags or valuables unattended or in easily accessible pockets.
Remember, in the UK they drive on the left! Always look both ways before crossing the street and be especially mindful of cyclists. Central London is generally safe in the evenings, but it's always wise to avoid quiet, poorly lit areas. After dark it is advisable to opt for public transport or taxis.
The emergency number is 999.
​Many restaurants close the kitchen relatively early, around 9:30-10:00 PM (even earlier during the week). We recommend making reservations, especially on weekends, to avoid inconvenience or disappointment.
Bars that mainly serve alcohol and tend to open in the evening usually do not allow minors to enter. Additionally, strict rules apply, and serving drinks after closing time is illegal.
Cash or card? Many businesses no longer accept cash in London. Make sure your card is enabled for international transactions, including foreign currencies, and contactless payments. This will be very convenient for using public transport, as you will be charged a daily fare, and you won’t need to worry about tickets or passes.
Tipping in London is generally appreciated. However, most restaurants and bars with table service automatically add service charge (typically 12.5%) to the bill. While adding a little extra to show your appreciation is always a nice gesture, it’s not expected when service charge is already applied.
Before your trip, we recommend checking the official website to see if there are any planned transportation strikes or line closures.
Public transport is the most practical way to get around London. If your contactless debit, credit or prepaid card is enabled, you won’t need to worry about buying tickets or passes. However, each traveler needs a card. Two travelers may be able use the same card if it is loaded into a phone wallet (one traveler uses the physical card, the other uses the phone) but we recommend verifying this information with both your card issuer and the staff at the metro stations. Children and minors benefit from discounts or can travel for free. For more information on discounts, visit the official website.
Make sure to tap your card on the yellow readers, at both the entrance and exit, or you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
Please note: Some stations don’t have barriers. If you find yourself in one of these, make sure to tap your card before entering and exiting to register your journey.
Buses
Bus fares are flat-rate, no matter the trip’s duration. Therefore, there’s no need to tap your card when getting off, only do it when boarding. Sometimes there are road diversions, which are usually announced on board. In case of a diversion, ask the driver for the closest stop to your destination.
On December 25th public transport services are unavailable in London. Your only options are walking, cycling, or private taxis.
In our itineraries, you’ll find numerous recommendations for restaurants, bars, cafés, markets, and more. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable lunch, you may consider supermarket chains: most, especially in central London, offer “meal deals,” which allow you to buy a sandwich or salad, a snack, and a drink for just a few pounds.
At Umbrella Itineraries, we consider ourselves seasoned travelers and always prioritize comfort over style (unless you’re attending a specific event). Travel comfortably and bring only the essentials! That said, some items are a must.
Let’s start with shoes: choose comfortable ones! You’ll be walking a lot, so make sure your shoes are comfortable and ideally waterproof.
In London, a waterproof windbreaker is far more valuable than an umbrella, all year round. Rain is frequent, but rarely heavy (ever heard of London drizzle?). However, the wind can be annoying, so we recommend opting for waterproof shoes and a waterproof jacket, instead of the hassle of carrying an umbrella.
A warm sweater is a must from late summer until early spring. In the winter months, extra layers are advisable, and gloves, a hat, and a scarf are recommended.
In any case, we recommend that you always check the weather reports before departure and make sure to pack your luggage accordingly.
Avoid DIY information when it comes to roaming charges. Make sure your operator confirms that your data works in the country you're traveling to, preferably without extra charges. Verify that you’ll have access to 4G or 5G networks and don’t forget to activate roaming on your phone settings.
Important! You will need the internet to access our itineraries and use Google Maps.
London is served by multiple airports, all well connected to the city center by coach and train services. If you book your tickets in advance through the official sites we’ve listed below, they are often cheaper.
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Be sure to arrive at the airport well in advance—at least two to three hours before your flight, depending on the airport, your destination and your luggage. It’s better to waste an hour at the airport than miss your flight.
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Coaches are significantly cheaper than some trains, especially when booked in advance. However, be mindful of the timings! During peak hours, traffic may extend the trip duration. Occasionally, there may be road closures, causing delays. In these cases, transport companies will decline any responsibility.
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Make sure you book a reliable transport option for your return to the airport. Always check with the service provider in advance.
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National Express (coach services)​
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Heathrow Express (Heathrow can also be reached by underground)​