How to Plan Your First London Trip? Step by Step Guide
London is one of those cities that feels instantly familiar… yet surprisingly overwhelming on your first visit.
There’s the sheer size of the city, the endless list of things to see, and even a few new travel requirements that many first-time visitors don’t realise until it’s too late. The good news? A little planning goes a long way.
This guide walks you through a simple, realistic timeline for planning your first trip to London in 2026, from the big things to book months ahead to the quick checks you should make the day before you fly.
Book These Early (3-6 Months Out)
Flights
Flights to London can vary a lot in price depending on when you book, especially if you’re travelling during peak seasons like summer, Christmas, or school holidays.
As a general rule, booking 3-6 months in advance tends to give you the best balance between price and availability.
A couple of simple tips that can help:
Compare prices on SkyScanner and Trip.com (this has been our favourite option due to great deals and loyalty rewards).
Set up price alerts so you can track changes without constantly checking.
Accommodation
For first-time visitors, choosing a central neighbourhood with strong transport connections usually makes the biggest difference.
These are four hotels we’d recommend with strong transport links:
Residence Inn by Marriott London Kensington
Between Kensington (Olympia) and Earl's Court Station
Book NowLogistics & Experiences (1-3 Months Out)
Airport transfer
Heathrow Express prices
Booking transport in advance can sometimes save you more than you’d expect. For example, the Heathrow Express can cost as little as £10 when booked 30+ days ahead, compared to around £26 if you leave it until closer to your travel date.
Not every airport transfer offers discounted advance fares, but it’s always worth checking, especially if you already know your arrival date and time.
If you’d like to find out the best way to reach central London from Heathrow Airport, check our blog Heathrow to Central London: Best Transport Options for Every Budget.
Key experiences
Some of London’s most popular attractions sell out weeks (sometimes months) in advance, especially during spring, summer, and Christmas travel seasons.
These are five of our favourite experiences in London, the ones that have genuinely stood out to us since living here. We’d definitely recommend booking them in advance before they sell out.
Plan Your Itinerary
By this stage, you’ll want to start mapping out what your days in London will actually look like.
Start by grouping attractions by area (for example, visiting Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben on the same day). This helps you avoid unnecessary travel time and makes your days feel more relaxed.
If you’re not sure how to structure your days, want to avoid the time and stress of planning, or prefer a more seamless experience, this is exactly what we help with. We create personalised trips and itineraries based on your travel style, so you can enjoy the trip without spending the extra time and effort required to plan it.
The Digital Toolbox (1-14 Days Out)
UK ETA
Starting in February 2026, many travellers visiting the UK will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From the 8th of April, the price has gone up from £16 to £20 per person.
The application typically takes only a few minutes, but it’s best to complete it at least three days before your trip to avoid last-minute issues.
Internet & Roaming
Roaming charges can get expensive quickly (and we talk from experience!). Many travellers now prefer using a travel eSIM, which allows you to activate mobile data before you even land in London.
The advantages are simple:
Instant connectivity when you arrive
No need to find a SIM card shop
Easy setup directly on your phone
Jetpac is a great eSIM company offering incredible data plans in the UK, and if you use the code: CARMAADV15, you will get an incredible15% off.
Essential Apps to Download
A few apps that can genuinely improve your experience in London:
Google Maps: The easiest way to navigate London’s public transport and walking routes.
Citymapper: Excellent for detailed journey plans across the underground, buses, and trains.
Uber: Great for on-demand ride-hailing
Toilet Finder: Find toilets while exploring the city.
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