Oyster Card

London buses have been cashless for years, so you’ll need either an Oyster card or a contactless payment method to get around. Most international bank cards now work perfectly, along with Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it easy to tap in and go without needing to buy anything in advance. If you’d rather keep things simple or avoid any bank charges, an Oyster card is still a solid backup and can be picked up at Underground stations.

If you want to see London from a different angle, the Thames Clippers (river buses) are well worth it. They run along the Thames and stop at many of the city’s biggest landmarks, from the Houses of Parliament to Tower Bridge. You can use Oyster or contactless for discounted fares, and it’s a great way to travel while taking in the views — part transport, part sightseeing.

Soccer (Football) stadium tours

If you’ve got time to explore beyond the usual sights, London’s football (soccer) scene is worth diving into — even if your loyalties lie elsewhere.

At Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal F.C., you can step behind the scenes with a full stadium tour. From the dressing rooms to the players’ tunnel and out to pitchside, it’s a proper look at how a Premier League club operates. If you want to go a level higher, the Legend Experience offers the chance to tour the ground with a former Arsenal player, complete with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

In West London, Stamford Bridge — home of Chelsea F.C. — offers one of the best all-round stadium experiences in the city. As the first London club to win the European Cup — and the only London club to have done it — Chelsea’s history is packed with major honours, including being current FIFA Club World Cup winners and one of the few clubs in world football to truly say they’ve won it all. From domestic titles to European trophies, every major honour available has found its way to Stamford Bridge.

The Chelsea FC Museum brings that history to life with iconic shirts, trophies, and moments from across the years, while the stadium tour takes you behind the scenes and out toward the pitch itself. Whether you’re a lifelong Blue or just taking in London’s football culture, it’s a standout experience.

And if you’re after something a bit different, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium delivers one of the most unique experiences in the city. The Dare Skywalk lets you climb onto the roof of the stadium, right up to the famous golden cockerel, with incredible views across London. It’s part stadium tour, part adrenaline rush — and definitely not your average day out.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing needn’t break the bank. Instead of going to attractions like Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon, pay a visit to London’s unrivalled collection of free museums and galleries. You can see the works of Da Vinci and Van Gogh at the National Gallery or the famous giant dinosaur skeletons at the Natural History Museum without paying a penny! It pays to be thrifty in other areas too; if you’re thinking about buying a ticket for the London Eye or ascending the Shard, then maybe pay a visit to the Sky Garden in Fenchurch Street instead, a free alternative with just as impressive views of the London skyline.

Bus or taxi?

London’s famous black cabs are part of the experience — spacious, reliable, and driven by some of the most knowledgeable drivers in the world — but they can be pricey. If you already use Uber in the US, the same app works seamlessly in London, making it an easy and often cheaper alternative.

Buses cover the entire city and can be a great way to see London as you travel, though journeys can be slower depending on traffic. If the weather’s on your side and you fancy something different, hiring a bike is a great option.

Santander Cycles — still often nicknamed “Boris Bikes” — are available across central London. You can pick one up from docking stations throughout the city, and for a small fee (currently £1.65 to unlock, including 30 minutes of riding), it’s a quick and flexible way to get around while seeing more of London along the way.

The subway

Known locally as the “Tube” (short for Underground), this is usually the fastest way to get around London — especially across longer distances.

A quick cultural tip: Londoners tend to keep to themselves on the Tube. It’s not unfriendly, it’s just the way things are. Don’t be surprised if people avoid eye contact — just follow suit, find your space, and you’ll fit right in.

That said, don’t always assume the Tube is the quickest option. In central London, stations can be very close together, and it’s often faster (and far more enjoyable) to walk instead of heading underground — especially if your journey involves changing lines.

If you can, try to avoid rush hour, typically around 7:30–9:30am and 4:30–6:30pm, when trains and platforms get extremely busy. If you’re travelling with luggage, it’s worth aiming for the front or back carriages, which can sometimes be a little less crowded.

When in doubt, follow the signs — London’s surprisingly good at pointing you in the right direction.

Drinking

Yes, it’s true — we drink a lot of tea. But when it comes to social life in London, the pub is where it really happens.

Going to the pub isn’t just a casual option; it’s a big part of everyday life — whether it’s after work, catching up with friends, or meeting new people. If you’re visiting, it’s one of the easiest ways to experience London like a local.

A couple of things to keep in mind. In most pubs, you’ll order and pay at the bar rather than at your table — just head up, place your order, and take your drinks back with you. Some pubs now offer table service through an app, so you might be able to order from your seat, but the bar is still the default.

And if you’re with a group of Brits, you might find yourselves taking turns to buy drinks in rounds. It’s a relaxed system, but a good one to follow — if someone gets you a drink, it’s always appreciated when you return the favour when your turn comes around.

When in doubt, just head to the bar, order a pint, and you’ll settle into it in no time.

Look both ways

Don’t forget — here in the UK, we drive on the left.

Even if you’re not planning to get behind the wheel, it’s something to keep in mind when crossing the road. It’s easy to look the wrong way out of habit, so take a second, check both directions, and you’ll be fine.

240 Volts

Yes, our plugs look a bit different — and the voltage is a bit higher too — so you’ll need a Type G adapter to get your devices up and running.

Most modern gadgets can handle it without any issues, but it’s always worth checking. Hairdryers, in particular, have a habit of not surviving the experience, so it’s usually easier to leave them at home or grab one once you’re here.

Rickshaws

They might look like fun, but cycle rickshaws (pedicabs) in central London are best approached with caution. Fares aren’t always clearly set in advance, and short trips can become surprisingly expensive, so most visitors are better off using the Tube, buses, or licensed taxis.

Take an umbrella

British weather is famously unpredictable — sunshine one minute, rain the next, sometimes both at once. If you don’t fancy walking around looking slightly bedraggled, it’s always a good idea to keep a brolly handy.

Stand on the right

On the London Underground, there’s one golden rule: stand on the right, walk on the left.

If you’re standing still, stick to the right-hand side of the escalator and leave the left clear. Londoners take this very seriously — and if you accidentally block the left, you’ll find out pretty quickly.

Tips

Tipping works a little differently in the UK compared to the US. In America, it’s expected and forms a big part of how staff are paid. In London, it’s more relaxed.

In many restaurants, you’ll see a service charge (usually around 10–12.5%) added to the bill. This should always be clearly stated on the menu, and it’s typically discretionary — meaning you can ask for it to be removed if needed.

You’re always welcome to leave a tip if you’d like, but it isn’t necessary or expected if a service charge has already been included in your bill. In most cases, that service charge covers it, so there’s no need to add anything extra unless you feel you’ve had particularly good service.

If no service charge is included, leaving a small tip is appreciated but not expected. In pubs and bars, tipping isn’t really part of the culture, so there’s no need to worry about it.

Steak

The Hippodrome Casino is the home of our New York Jets watch parties in London — but it’s also home to some seriously good food.

At the heart of it is Heliot Steak House, one of the standout steak restaurants in the city. Known for its award-winning USDA Prime steaks and consistently strong reviews, it’s built a reputation for quality that goes well beyond the casino setting.

Sourcing top-grade cuts from around the world — including the US, Argentina, the UK and Japan — Heliot takes its steak seriously. Fillet, sirloin, rib eye and bone-in cuts are all carefully aged for several weeks before being expertly prepared, delivering the kind of flavour and tenderness you’d expect from one of London’s top-rated steak spots.

And while it sits inside a casino, don’t let that put you off — Heliot stands on its own as a destination restaurant. Whether you’re heading in before a game, after a watch party, or just looking for a proper meal in central London, it’s well worth a visit.

Pie & Mash

Be warned — this classic Cockney fare isn’t for everyone. You’ll either love it or wonder what on earth just happened.

Pie and mash is about as traditional as London gets, and M. Manze is one of the best-known names doing it. Their pies, mash, parsley liquor (yes, really), and even jellied eels have been served the same way for generations, carrying on a tradition that goes back well over a century. It’s simple, it’s authentic, and it’s a proper taste of old London.

If you’re willing to head a little further out, Goddards at Greenwich is another standout — and a favourite for many. With roots stretching back to the 1800s, it’s well worth a visit if you find yourself exploring Greenwich.

And if you’re not up for travelling across the city in search of pie and mash, you can still find it in various spots — and even on delivery apps like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat in certain areas.

Fish & Chips

If you’re coming to London, fish and chips is a must — and The Golden Hind is one of the best places to try it.

A proper London institution dating back to 1914, it’s built its reputation on doing the basics right. The fish is cooked in groundnut oil with a light, crisp batter, while the chips are exactly how they should be — simple, well done, and no nonsense. Whether you go for cod, haddock, plaice or skate, it’s all about quality and tradition.

There’s more on offer too, from classic starters like fishcakes and prawn cocktail to traditional puddings like apple crumble and sponge with custard. And if you’re looking for something a little different, the mozzarella or feta fritters — a nod to the restaurant’s Italian and Greek roots — are well worth trying.

It’s a slightly smarter setting than your typical chippy, but that just adds to the experience. And it’s not just us saying it — during the London Games in 2024 and 2025, plenty of Jets fans headed there after seeing it featured on Green Smoke… and came back saying the same thing: it’s well worth it.

If you’re only trying fish and chips once while you’re here, this is a very good place to do it.

Chinese meals

Chinatown might seem like the obvious choice, but it’s worth knowing that Chinese menus in London can feel a little different to what you might be used to in the US.

That’s why we point you towards Chop Chop by Four Seasons at the Hippodrome. It’s part of the renowned Four Seasons group, famous for its roast duck — described by the Financial Times as the best in the world — and it delivers that same quality right in the heart of the West End.

Inside, the restaurant takes its cues from old Hong Kong, with a menu built around expertly prepared Cantonese classics, from premium dim sum (including vegan options) to their signature roast meats. It’s also picked up major recognition, including a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best” award, which tells you everything you need to know about the standard.

There are other Four Seasons locations across London — in Chinatown, Bayswater, Nine Elms and Fulham — and they’re all well worth a visit. But for us, this is the one. Right inside the Hippodrome, right where the action is, and the perfect spot to tie in with your time in London.

If you’re after Chinese food in London, this is the place we’d send you.

Afternoon Tea

If there’s one experience that really feels like London, it’s afternoon tea — and for many visitors, it’s right at the top of the list.

For something truly special, Fortnum & Mason Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is hard to beat. Serving afternoon tea since 1926, this elegant, pastel-coloured salon sits inside one of London’s most iconic department stores and delivers the full experience — from finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones to beautifully crafted pastries. Named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II following her visit in 2012, it’s about as quintessentially British as it gets. It’s also very popular, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Just down the road, The Wolseley offers a slightly different take, set inside a stunning Grade II listed building. Known as one of London’s most respected café-restaurants, it serves everything from a classic cream tea to a full Champagne afternoon tea, all in a grand, relaxed setting. Like Fortnum & Mason, it’s in high demand — so it’s best to reserve ahead if you can.

Whether you go for one or the other, afternoon tea is one of those experiences that lives up to the hype — and a perfect way to take a break from the pace of the city.