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London Travel Guide 2026:
Hacks & AI Itinerary

London is expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to see the skyline for free, where to find the best curry, and avoid the "Angus Steakhouse" trap.

London Tourist Traps vs. Local Hacks

Don't waste pounds on bad experiences. Here is what locals do.

THE TRAP ❌

The London Eye

You pay £35+ to stand in a line for an hour, then get stuck in a capsule for 30 minutes with limited views.

Cost: Expensive & Slow
THE HACK ✅

Sky Garden or Horizon 22

Both are skyscrapers in the City of London with better views than the Eye. Best of all? They are 100% FREE.

Tip: Book free tickets 2 weeks in advance via City Hacks.
THE TRAP ❌

Leicester Square Dining

Restaurants like "Angus Steakhouse" or flashy chains in Leicester Square are overpriced traps with low-quality food.

THE HACK ✅

Eat in Soho or Seven Dials

Walk 5 minutes north to Soho. You'll find incredible spots like Dishoom (Indian) or Flat Iron (Steak).

Use the app to find the "Queue Hack" for Dishoom.

What to Eat in London

London's food scene is diverse. From traditional pub food to the best curry outside of India. Here are the essentials.

🐟 Fish & Chips

Crispy batter, mushy peas, and tartare sauce.

📍 Best Spot: Poppies (Spitalfields)

🍛 Chicken Tikka Masala

London's unofficial national dish.

📍 Best Spot: Dishoom or Brick Lane

🍖 Sunday Roast

Roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, gravy. Only on Sundays!

📍 Best Spot: The Holly Bush (Hampstead)

🥯 Salt Beef Bagel

Famous East End street food. Cheap and delicious.

📍 Best Spot: Beigel Bake (Brick Lane)

GENERATED BY AI

3 Days in London: The Perfect Mix

London is huge. Don't waste time crossing the city back and forth. Our AI groups attractions logically by neighborhood.

Generate Your Own Plan Free →
1

Day 1: The Classics

  • 09:00 - Tower of London (Crown Jewels first!)
  • 12:00 - Walk across Tower Bridge
  • 13:00 - Lunch at Borough Market
  • 16:00 - Sky Garden (Free view)
2

Day 2: Culture & West End

  • 10:00 - British Museum (See Rosetta Stone)
  • 13:00 - Lunch in Covent Garden
  • 15:00 - Walk through Soho & Chinatown
  • 19:00 - West End Show or Pub Dinner

London Travel FAQ

Do I need an Oyster Card?

Not really. You can use your contactless bank card or Apple Pay/Google Pay directly on the yellow readers. The price is the same (and cheaper than paper tickets!).

Are museums free in London?

Yes! The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, and Tate Modern are all free to enter. You usually don't even need a booking.

Do people tip in London?

A service charge of 12.5% is usually added to your bill in restaurants. If it is added, you don't need to tip extra. In pubs, you generally don't tip for drinks.