In an emergency
999 is for life-threatening emergencies. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical help call NHS 111. The Metropolitan Police non-emergency number is 101 (+44 20 7230 1212 from abroad); you can also report online. Police advise reporting pickpockets and suspicious activity at crowded ceremonies to officers.
Fair prices
What locals pay. If you are asked for much more, you are probably being overcharged.
| Tube single, Zone 1, pay as you go (contactless or Oyster)Fares since March 2026. Tap a contactless card or Oyster. | 3.10 peak / 3.00 off-peak GBP |
|---|---|
| Tube single, Zones 1-2, pay as you goMost central sightseeing stays inside Zones 1-2. | 3.60 peak / 3.10 off-peak GBP |
| Daily cap, Zones 1-2 (Tube, DLR, Elizabeth line, Overground)However many trips you make, pay as you go stops charging at the cap. Zones 1-3 GBP 10.50, 1-4 GBP 12.80, 1-6 GBP 16.30. Caps frozen until March 2027. | 8.90 GBP |
| Bus or tram fare (Hopper: unlimited buses/trams within one hour)Daily bus and tram cap GBP 5.25. From 1 November 2026 the fare rises to GBP 1.85 and the cap to GBP 5.55. Buses take no cash. | 1.75 GBP |
| Heathrow to central London by Tube (Piccadilly line), pay as you goElizabeth line Zone 1 to Heathrow is GBP 15.50; Heathrow Express walk-up single is GBP 26 (GBP 10 advance if booked 30+ days ahead). | 5.90 GBP |
| Black cab minimum fareMinimum fare since 25 April 2026. All black cabs must take cards with no surcharge; minicabs are not metered, so agree the price when you book. | 4.40 GBP |
| Pedicab (rickshaw) legal maximum fareMaximum set by the Pedicabs (London) (Fares and Fees) Regulations 2026; fare rules apply from 30 October 2026. A 10-minute ride for one person should not exceed GBP 15. | 5 base + 1 per minute (+3 per extra passenger) GBP |
| Pint of draught beer in a London pub (average)London average in April 2026 (UK average GBP 5.34). Premium craft pints reached about GBP 7.63; far above that in a normal pub is a warning sign. | 6.55 GBP |
| Coffee in a London cafe (average)London average from March 2026 cost-of-living data (UK average GBP 3.97). | 4.52 GBP |
| Fish and chips (UK average portion)ONS national average, May 2026; cod prices have pushed it up sharply. Central London tourist spots charge more. | 11.17 GBP |
| Visitor Oyster card (card fee only)Non-refundable fee on top of your credit. With a contactless bank card you pay no card fee and get the same daily caps. | 10.50 GBP |
Tickets
Official prices and the only places to buy. Anyone else selling on the street is a reseller.
- Tower of London
Adult GBP 37.00 (GBP 40.70 with donation); child 5-15 GBP 18.50; under 5 free
Buy at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/visit/tickets-and-prices/
Search results for Tower tickets are crowded with lookalike non-HRP sites and resellers; the official seller is Historic Royal Palaces (hrp.org.uk).
- Tower of London
Choose GBP 10-50 per ticket (suggested GBP 30)
Buy at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/ceremony-of-the-keys/
Only sold online by HRP; tickets are named and non-transferable, so resold tickets will be refused.
- Westminster Abbey
Adult GBP 31; 65+ and students GBP 28; child 6-17 GBP 14; under 6 free
Buy at: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/visit-us/prices-and-entry-times
Buy on the Abbey's own site: an online ticket bought there can be upgraded free to an annual pass (three visits for the price of one), which reseller tickets do not offer.
- St Paul's Cathedral
Adult GBP 27 (GBP 29.70 with donation); 65+/students GBP 24; child 6-17 GBP 10.50
Buy at: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/book-tickets
Buy direct from the cathedral to pay the listed price.
- Buckingham Palace
Adult 25+ GBP 33; 18-24 GBP 21.50; child GBP 16.50; buying on the day costs GBP 2-4 more
Buy at: https://www.rct.uk/ (Royal Collection Trust) or the ticket office on Buckingham Palace Road
Book with the Royal Collection Trust; same-day tickets tend to sell out, and cost GBP 2-4 more.
- Churchill War Rooms
Adult GBP 34; child 5-15 GBP 17; 65+/students GBP 30.60 (valid 2 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2027)
Buy at: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms/booking
Book direct with Imperial War Museums (IWM) to pay the face price.
- Kensington Palace
Adult GBP 24.70 until 8 Nov 2026, then GBP 19.00 from 11 Nov 2026 (plus optional donation)
Buy at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/visit/tickets-and-prices/
Official seller is Historic Royal Palaces; same price online or on site.
- Hampton Court Palace
Adult GBP 29 off-peak / GBP 32 peak until 27 Nov; GBP 32 / GBP 35 from 28 Nov (Winter Palace)
Buy at: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit/tickets-and-prices/
Official seller is Historic Royal Palaces.
- Royal Observatory Greenwich
Adult GBP 24; child GBP 12. Day Pass with Cutty Sark GBP 38
Buy at: https://www.rmg.co.uk/plan-your-visit/tickets-prices
Buy from Royal Museums Greenwich.
- Sky Garden
Free (book a timed ticket)
Buy at: https://skygarden.london/booking/
Entry is free: never pay a third party for a basic Sky Garden ticket.
- Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
Free
Buy at: On the day: queue at the Cromwell Green entrance
Watching debates is free for UK and overseas visitors; tickets are needed only for Prime Minister's Questions.
- West End theatre: Official London Theatre Ticket Booth (TKTS), Leicester Square
Up to 50% off selected shows (discounted and full-price tickets)
Buy at: The Clocktower building, south side of Leicester Square, or officiallondontheatre.com
Several other ticket shops in Leicester Square look similar; only this booth is run by the not-for-profit Society of London Theatre.
Traps
- Watch outPhone snatching on the West End streets
Thieves on e-bikes and mopeds grab phones from people's hands. Police-data maps put the worst of it on Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Circus. Keep your phone out of sight, or hold it tightly when checking a map.
Source: timeout.com, news.met.police.uk - Watch outWestminster Bridge shell game
A man hides a ball under one of three cups, and his accomplices pose as winning players. You cannot win: sleight of hand removes the ball. Walk past.
Source: londoncentric.media - Watch outUnpriced ice cream vans at landmarks
In a 2023 case a van on Westminster Bridge charged GBP 28 for four Flake 99s, and a later report describes GBP 10 for one ice cream and a drink. If no prices are displayed, ask before you order.
Source: gbnews.com, londoncentric.media - Watch outPedicab (rickshaw) overcharging
One rider was reportedly charged GBP 500 for a 10-minute trip in 2022. From 30 October 2026 fares are capped at GBP 5 + GBP 1 per minute (+GBP 3 per extra passenger). Agree the price before you get in.
Source: timeout.com, legislation.gov.uk - Watch outMinicab touts outside clubs and stations
Only black cabs can be hailed in the street. A minicab that picks you up without a booking is illegal and uninsured. Book through a licensed operator and check for the TfL licence disc.
Source: visitlondon.com - Watch outLookalike ticket websites
Searches for Tower of London and Kensington Palace tickets turn up non-official sites with official-sounding names. The official sellers are hrp.org.uk, rct.uk (Buckingham Palace) and the attractions' own sites.
Source: hrp.org.uk, hrp.org.uk - Watch outFake 'official' theatre booths in Leicester Square
Several ticket shops cluster in Leicester Square. Only the booth in the Clocktower building is the not-for-profit Society of London Theatre booth (TKTS).
Source: officiallondontheatre.com - Watch outPaying for free things
The Sky Garden, the Parliament galleries and the permanent collections of the big national museums are all free. Anyone selling a 'ticket' or 'pass' to them is charging you for nothing.
Source: skygarden.london, parliament.uk, visitlondon.com - Watch outPickpockets at the Changing of the Guard
The Household Division warns that pickpockets work the crowds outside Buckingham Palace. Keep bags zipped and in front of you.
Source: householddivision.org.uk
Money
- TipUse a contactless card instead of a paper ticket
Tap a contactless bank card or phone for the Tube, buses and trains. There is no card fee and the same daily caps apply as on Oyster. A Visitor Oyster costs GBP 10.50 up front and is worth it mainly for 11-15-year-olds (50% Young Visitor discount) or if your bank charges foreign fees.
Source: support.visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk - RuleService charge is a tip, not a tax
Many restaurants add a 12.5% service charge. That is the tip, so do not tip again. You can ask for it to be removed if the service was poor.
Source: visitlondon.com - RuleStaff get all of it by law
Since 1 October 2024 employers must pass on tips and service charges to workers in full, without deductions beyond normal tax.
Source: acas.org.uk - TipNo tipping in pubs
People generally do not tip at bars and pubs in London, even when a tip tray comes back with your change.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipTaxis: round up
Most people round a black cab fare up to the nearest pound and say 'keep the change'. 5-10% is generous. Every black cab accepts cards with no surcharge.
Source: visitlondon.com, visitlondon.com - TipHotel tips are optional
Suggested amounts are GBP 1-2 per bag for porters and GBP 1-5 per night for housekeeping, but tipping in London is optional.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipDonation prices are optional
Historic Royal Palaces and St Paul's show a price 'with donation' about 10% higher. You can choose the lower price without the donation.
Source: hrp.org.uk, hrp.org.uk, stpauls.co.uk
Transport
- TipLet the daily cap work for you
Pay as you go with the same card all day and charges stop at the cap: GBP 8.90 in Zones 1-2. Using different cards or phones splits your journeys and breaks the cap.
Source: content.tfl.gov.uk, support.visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk - TipThe bus Hopper
One GBP 1.75 bus fare covers unlimited bus and tram rides started within an hour. The daily bus cap is GBP 5.25. Both rise on 1 November 2026, to GBP 1.85 and GBP 5.55.
Source: tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com - TipHeathrow for less
The Piccadilly line costs GBP 5.90 pay as you go. The Elizabeth line is faster at GBP 15.50. The Heathrow Express walk-up single is GBP 26, or GBP 10 if booked 30+ days ahead.
Source: london.gov.uk, heathrowexpress.com - RuleHeathrow Express is outside the cap
Heathrow Express and Southeastern high-speed trains are not covered by daily caps or Travelcards.
Source: content.tfl.gov.uk - RuleHailing a cab
Only black cabs can be hailed; look for the lit yellow TAXI sign or use a rank. Minicabs must be pre-booked and are not metered, so ask the price when you book.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipCarnival weekend crowds
During Notting Hill Carnival, stations near the route on the Central, Circle and Hammersmith & City lines can close temporarily because of crowding.
Source: londonist.com
Etiquette
- RuleUnder-18s need an adult in St Paul's dome
Children must be supervised by an adult (18+) in the Dome Galleries of St Paul's Cathedral.
Source: stpauls.co.uk - RuleSunday is for worship at the Abbey
Westminster Abbey is closed for sightseeing on Sundays. Anyone may attend a service, including Evensong, for free.
Source: westminster-abbey.org - RuleNo photos at the Ceremony of the Keys
Photography is banned for the whole ceremony. The named ticket holder must attend, and latecomers after 21:25 are not admitted.
Source: hrp.org.uk - RuleKeep to your Sky Garden slot
Free tickets allow one hour from entry. If you cannot go, cancel your ticket so someone else can use it.
Source: skygarden.london - RuleBe on time for palace slots
Buckingham Palace tours are timed. Arrive no later than 15 minutes before your entry slot.
Source: visitlondon.com - RuleCarry ID if you look under 25
Venues such as the Sky Garden bar apply 'Challenge 25': if you look under 25 you may be asked for a passport or photo driving licence before you are served alcohol.
Source: skygarden.london
Food
- TipKnow the pint price
The average London pint was GBP 6.55 in April 2026, the most expensive region in the UK. Premium craft pints run to about GBP 7.63.
Source: morningadvertiser.co.uk - TipFish and chips has got pricey
The ONS average for a portion is GBP 11.17 (May 2026), almost double the 2020 price, because of cod quota cuts.
Source: itv.com - TipCoffee benchmark
The average London coffee is about GBP 4.52 (March 2026).
Source: finder.com - Watch outAsk the price at vans and stalls
Ice cream vans at landmarks have charged GBP 7 per cone with no prices on display. Ask before you order.
Source: gbnews.com - TipCarnival food
Notting Hill Carnival has more than 300 Caribbean food and drink stalls. Bring cash and cards, because mobile signal is unreliable in the crowds.
Source: londonist.com - TipDrinks with a view, no ticket needed
If you book the Sky Garden's restaurant or bar, you do not need a separate free access ticket.
Source: skygarden.london
Safety
- Watch outPhone in hand = phone at risk
Ride-by thefts from e-bikes and mopeds hit Westminster, Soho, Waterloo, Southwark and London Bridge hardest. The Met reports phone thefts down 15.6% in 2026, but Time Out, citing police data, still advises keeping phones out of sight.
Source: news.met.police.uk, timeout.com - Watch outOnly licensed cabs
Unbooked minicabs are illegal and have no insurance cover for passengers. Hail a black cab or pre-book a minicab with a TfL licence disc.
Source: visitlondon.com - Watch outCrowded ceremonies attract pickpockets
The Changing of the Guard draws big crowds, and pickpockets work them. Keep valuables secure and report anything suspicious to police.
Source: householddivision.org.uk - TipCarnival survival
About two million people attend Notting Hill Carnival. Sunday is family day and calmer than Monday. Agree a meeting point outside the area, and use the four free water stations.
Source: londonist.com - Watch outStreet gambling is a trap
The Westminster Bridge cup-and-ball games are run by organised groups whose accomplices pose as players. A police sergeant says many victims know it is a scam but play anyway.
Source: londoncentric.media
Free
- TipThe big museums are free
The British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, V&A, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Wallace Collection, IWM London, London Museum Docklands and Horniman Museum are free; some special exhibitions charge. The British Museum asks you to book a free timed ticket.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipSky Garden views for free
Book a free timed ticket up to three weeks ahead for one of London's best views.
Source: skygarden.london - TipWatch Parliament at work
Debates in both Houses are free to watch from the public galleries. Queue at Cromwell Green on sitting days (Monday-Thursday, some Fridays).
Source: parliament.uk - TipFree Greenwich
The National Maritime Museum and the Queen's House in Greenwich are free. Only the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark charge.
Source: rmg.co.uk - TipEvensong instead of a ticket
Westminster Abbey does not charge for its daily services. You can attend Evensong inside the Abbey without paying the GBP 31 sightseeing price.
Source: westminster-abbey.org - TipOpen House Festival
For nine days each September, buildings across all 33 London boroughs open to the public for free. In 2026 it runs 12-20 September; some events need free booking.
Source: open-city.org.uk
Fun
- FunChanging of the Guard
At 10:45 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays outside Buckingham Palace, lasting about 45 minutes. Soldiers form up from 10:00 at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks. It can be cancelled at short notice in wet weather, so check the schedule.
Source: householddivision.org.uk - FunCeremony of the Keys
The nightly locking-up of the Tower of London, 21:30-22:05. Tickets (GBP 10-50, you choose) go on sale at 13:00 on the first working day of each month for the next month, and sell out fast.
Source: hrp.org.uk - FunAbbey ticket = three visits
Buy a Westminster Abbey ticket on the Abbey's own website and you can upgrade it free to an annual pass.
Source: westminster-abbey.org - FunWinter prices at Kensington Palace
Adult entry drops from GBP 24.70 to GBP 19.00 from 11 November 2026.
Source: hrp.org.uk - FunPrime Minister's Questions
You can watch PMQs from the Commons gallery, but you need a ticket; other debates just need a queue.
Source: parliament.uk - FunA Roman temple under the City
The London Mithraeum is free (book a slot) and stays open until 20:00 on the first Thursday of each month.
Source: visitlondon.com - FunHampton Court's maze
Entry to Hampton Court Palace includes the famous hedge Maze and the Magic Garden. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends.
Source: hrp.org.uk - FunCatch the guard on the march
Watch the soldiers form up at St James's Palace or Wellington Barracks from 10:00 and march to Buckingham Palace with music.
Source: householddivision.org.uk - FunStand on the Prime Meridian
The Royal Observatory ticket (GBP 24) includes the Prime Meridian line and a timed entry. The Day Pass with Cutty Sark is GBP 38.
Source: rmg.co.uk - FunSt Paul's dome is included
The standard St Paul's ticket includes the Dome Galleries and the crypt, not just the cathedral floor.
Source: stpauls.co.uk - FunUnder the pavement in Churchill's bunker
The Churchill War Rooms ticket includes the Churchill Museum. Membership of IWM also gets you into HMS Belfast free.
Source: iwm.org.uk - FunCarnival at dawn: J'Ouvert
Notting Hill Carnival Sunday opens around 6:00 with the J'Ouvert parade, before the official opening at 10:00.
Source: londonist.com
When to go
- TipBuckingham Palace summer opening
The State Rooms open only in summer: 9 July - 27 September 2026, daily until 31 August, then Thursday-Monday.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipNotting Hill Carnival (late August)
Held over the August bank holiday weekend. In 2026 it was on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 August. Free, with no ticket needed.
Source: londonist.com - TipOpen House Festival (September)
12-20 September 2026: free access to buildings across London. Bookings for ticketed activities opened on 19 August.
Source: open-city.org.uk - RuleBus fares rise 1 November 2026
The bus and tram fare goes from GBP 1.75 to GBP 1.85 and the daily cap from GBP 5.25 to GBP 5.55.
Source: tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com - RuleNew pedicab rules from 30 October 2026
Licensed drivers, maximum fares and a ban on loudspeaker music come in from 30 October 2026. Vehicle licensing follows in February 2027.
Source: londonist.com, legislation.gov.uk - TipHampton Court 'Winter Palace'
From 28 November adult prices rise to GBP 32 off-peak / GBP 35 peak for the winter season.
Source: hrp.org.uk
Words
- Tip'Keep the change'
The usual way to tip a cab driver: round up to the next pound.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipBlack cab vs minicab
A black cab is a licensed metered taxi you can hail. A minicab is a private-hire car that must be pre-booked.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipHopper
The bus/tram fare rule: one fare covers unlimited bus and tram rides started within one hour.
Source: tfl-newsroom.prgloo.com - TipDiscretionary service charge
The optional percentage (often 12.5%) added to a restaurant bill. It is the tip.
Source: visitlondon.com - TipEvensong
An evening church service; free to attend at Westminster Abbey.
Source: westminster-abbey.org - TipChallenge 25
A policy under which anyone who looks under 25 is asked for ID to buy alcohol.
Source: skygarden.london - TipJ'Ouvert
The early-morning opening parade of Notting Hill Carnival.
Source: londonist.com
Checked September 2026. Every item links to where it came from.