london tourist rules

Everything you need to know before you go to London in 2024

Mar 10, 2024 • 7 min read

Make the most of your trip to London with these expert tips FilippoBacci / Getty Images

Even though I was born and raised in London, I’ve been caught out without a brolly (umbrella) in the rain countless times. I’ve felt the scorn of others when not noticing there’s a queue, and I’ve made the costly error of driving into the city. But as a local, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to; I hope my experience and top tips help inspire a smooth and memorable trip to the UK capital.

1. Know your Tube etiquette

One easy way to annoy commuters is to not follow these very easy rules when traveling around on London’s Underground. Get your ticket, bank card or smart phone ready before you reach the ticket barriers so you don’t create a queue. Stand on the right when using escalators so passengers wanting to walk can pass. Let passengers off the train first (stand to either the right or left of the doors) before you board. Offer your seat to someone who may need it more, such as a pregnant person, an elderly person, someone who is disabled and so on. And definitely don't try to strike up conversations with the locals (if you want to blend in). 

2. Skip the car

London ’s roads are small, its traffic is chaotic, and there’s hardly anywhere to park. Plus, you’ll be charged for driving your car in to the center of London – the congestion charge is £15 a day, while the separate ULEZ charge starts from £12.50 and only certain energy efficient or electric cars are exempt. The best way to get around is on public transport (although check on the TFL website or app for information on industrial action and weekend engineering works). Use the Tube, hop on a bus, or rent a bike or e-bike if in the center of the city; cycle maps, highlighting designated paths for bikes, can be downloaded online.

3. Bring layers (and a raincoat)

London’s weather is changeable – temperatures have been known to rise and fall by 20°C in a matter of days. Showers can happen any time of year so pack a brolly (umbrella) or raincoat in your day bag and wear layers that you can easily take off. In summer, always carry a bottle of water on the Tube (the deep tunnels were built before air-conditioning). And while the climate may be mercurial, don’t let bad weather put you off going about your day – simply switch to more indoor-based activities, there are hundreds of them to choose from.

4. Opt for comfort over fashion when it comes to shoes

Most people cover a lot of ground when exploring London, plus different terrains: grass in the many green spaces, long Tube escalators, slippery pavements and even cobblestones. Museums require leg work, as do bridges, boats and parks. Heels are pretty pointless in London, unless you are getting a door-to-door cab to a venue. 

5. Make reservations for top restaurants

While there are plenty of terrific places to eat that welcome walk-ins (although be prepared to queue for the best joints), many of the best restaurants are booked up weeks in advance, especially new ones or those run by celebrity chefs. More restaurants have adopted booking policies and deposits since the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a unique dining experience, you will need to book ahead.

6. Do as the Londoners do and go to a supper club

Embed yourself in London life with a dinner party with locals; a supper club is a superb way to try home-cooked local food from London’s diverse community. These are locally run endeavors, taking place in people’s homes or taking over whole restaurants – try The Bridge Club  serving British eats made with French cooking techniques in South London, Dinner Ladies putting on immersive food experiences, or Indian street food run out of local chef Dhruv Mittal’s flat.

7. Know how to order at a pub

There are unspoken rules when visiting a pub. One person – not a whole group – should go to the bar. Stand anywhere and wait your turn. If someone was waiting before you, it’s polite to signal for the bar staff to serve them first if they come over to you. When you go back to your table with the drinks, you just bought "a round". Now everyone at the table owes you a drink throughout the evening, each person has a turn at buying a round. Last orders are when the bell rings, and from this moment you have 20 minutes to finish your drink.

8. Go to a football game

Football rivalries run high in the city, with 17 football clubs, including seven Premier League teams and four Women’s Super League Teams. Giant temples to "The Beautiful Game" sit around London and are great places to feel the collective energy of the city, as locals congregate (come rain or shine) to watch their heroes on the field. You'll need to book tickets far in advance for Premier League Games, but women’s and lower league men’s games are usually easier to come by – and arguably far more fun to watch. Visit local team websites to book.

9. Be polite and embrace the art of queueing

Londoners (and British people alike) are big on manners, and not having any will get you into trouble. Say "please" and "thank you", and apologize if you bump into someone. Don’t stare at people on the Tube, and hold a door open for people behind you when you walk through one. Let people pass, and be sure to help people in need (people with buggies at the top of stairs, older people crossing the road etc). If there is a queue to the attraction you want to visit or a stall you want to buy from, join it – you’ll might not get into a confrontation if you skip the line, but you will be judged. 

10. Make a plan, but don't go overboard

London is massive, so getting from one side to the other takes a couple of hours in a car (and that's if there is light traffic). Riding the Tube is quicker, but journey times can still be long if attractions are on either side of the city. Minimize travel times by exploring by neighborhood – do a day in Central London, another day in West London and so on. Plan on spending at least a few hours in the big museums and galleries, as there is so much to see. Take many breaks, grab lunch at a cafe or pub and pause to take in the views. It’s easy to get carried away with the energetic pace of London, but sights are more enjoyable if you adopt a more leisurely approach.

11. Don’t leave your stuff lying around

Don’t leave your bags unattended at public venues like stations, buses, theaters or museums, as this is likely to cause alarm and your bag may be removed – or stolen. Only take with you what you are able to carry for several hours. Luggage storage is generally rare in London, but hotels will likely store bags once you check out. Avoid carrying mobile phones in back pockets or where they can be easily swiped from your hand in the street. Never leave your phone or purse on a cafe table, opportunistic thieves will distract you and it will be gone before you realise what's happening. 

12. It's an election year in London

The incumbent mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will face an election race in May 2024 (he's been in the top job since 2016). This might not be particularly noteworthy for travelers, but it does mean there's greater incentive to make sure London is working well. Policing, housing and public transport are high on the agenda for all the candidates. Services have been expanded to support the rising number of "rough sleepers" in the city, with the visible issue of homelessness a concern for locals and visitors alike. Tube strikes, which brought the city to a standstill in 2023, have been averted but industrial action on national rail services in and out of the city continue. The city goes to the polls on Thursday 2 May, 2024. 

This article was first published Sep 7, 2023 and updated Mar 10, 2024.

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Is London Safe For Tourists In 2024? What You Need To Know Before Visiting

Is London safe? When compared with other major cities, London is very safe. 

In fact, London is consistently in the top 10 safest cities to travel worldwide. 

But many tourists are concerned about London safety, mostly because they’ve never been here before and don’t know what to expect. 

How safe is London, really? What do you need to be careful of as a tourist? What should you look out for? 

As a woman who lives in London, I’ll tell you exactly how to stay safe in London using common sense precautions. 

Is London Safe? 

London is a very safe city overall. It’s consistently ranked in the top safest cities by Berkshire Hathawa y. 

But what does that really mean for tourists? 

It means that London is safer than many, many cities worldwide, but just as in any large city, you need to take sensible precautions. 

How Safe is London? 

London is currently ranked the #8 of the safest cities in the world. 

• Venice, Italy

London is the capital of the United Kingdom, which is ranked the #6th safest country in the world. 

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom ⭐️
• New Zealand

Why You Should Feel Safe in London 

London is safe for lots of reasons, but here are some that you might not know about. 

As a tourist coming to visit London, rest assured you’ll be safe in this city for the following reasons. 

1. London Has Three Police Forces 

London has a robust police force that takes safety in the capital very seriously. Not only that, London actually has three separate police forces that together patrol every square inch of the city. 

The Metropolitan Police take care of the London metropolitan area – 32 boroughs in all. “The Met” currently employs over 34,000 officers and 10,000 support staff.

Police are always present in crowded areas, especially in more touristy parts of the city. 

The City of London Police is the second police force in London. They patrol the “square mile” of the City of London – London’s ancient centre and financial headquarters. 

The third police force is the British Transport Police , who specifically patrol buses and the Underground network. You will often see these officers at crowded stations, ensuring the safety of all passengers. 

2. Every Inch of London is Covered by CCTV Cameras 

London is surveilled by almost a million CCTV cameras . Chances are that no matter where you go, you’re on camera. 

Yes, it’s a little dystopian if you don’t live in a place where this is the norm. But in London, if a crime occurs, it’s usually been caught on camera. 

Personally, I don’t mind being surveilled because it makes me feel safer as a woman in London. 

3. Public Transport is on CCTV AND Has Its Own Police Force 

Travellers coming from other cities might not be used to public transport, and wonder if it’s safe. 

The answer is a resounding yes: London’s public transport network is one of the safest in the world. 

The London Underground , bus, and train network is patrolled by its own robust police force. 

There are also cameras covering most of the network, including on the top and lower levels of all London buses and on all tube carriages. 

The Most Common Crime in London 

Compared to other major cities worldwide, London’s crime rate is very low. 

However, there is one common crime that targets tourists and locals alike: phone theft. 

There are over 61,000 phone thefts reported to the Metropolitan Police every year. 

In a city of almost 9 million people, with 7.8 million tourists, that’s not particularly high. But not every phone theft is reported, so the number is likely much higher.

How to Protect Your Phone from Theft 

Keeping your phone safe is easy if you use sensible precautions. 

Most people will not have their phone stolen in London, but as a traveller it’s vital you keep it tucked away. Losing your phone while travelling could become really complicated. 

Use these common sense precautions:

1. Don’t stare at your phone, especially on street corners. Bicyclists  and motorcyclists can easily grab it from your hand and whizz away. 

2. If you need to look at directions, pull over and face a wall or a barrier. Keep your phone in both hands. 

3. Keep your phone zipped up in your purse or tucked out of sight in your front pocket when you’re not using it. 

4. Never set your phone down on a table at a restaurant or pub. 

5. Consider investing in a phone tether for travelling. That way your phone is easily accessible, yet tethered to your body. 

6. Be careful when taking photos. This is a prime time when you’re distracted. This is when having a phone tether around your wrist or neck is really good sense. 

Areas with the Most Theft 

If you’re going to have your phone taken, it will most likely happen in very touristy and crowded areas where thieves can slip away undetected. 

The London neighbourhoods with the most reported thefts are: 

1. Westminster: 36,754 Thefts in 2023

Westminster is the home of Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and many more tourist attractions.

It’s a prime tourist area where so many London visitors flock to take photos. Be extra vigilant with your phone in this borough. 

2. Camden: 9,914 Thefts in 2023

Camden is part residential area, part tourist destination.

The main attraction here is Camden Market, which can get quite packed and is prime territory for thieves amongst all the colourful distractions. 

3. Southwark: 7,864 Thefts Reported in 2023

Southwark is where you’ll go if you visit Borough Market.

I always advise tourists not to visit Borough Market on weekends as it gets shoulder-to-shoulder packed, and it’s very easy for pickpockets to slip by undetected. 

Is London Safe at Night? 

London is a very safe city to walk around in at night. 

If you’re walking Central London at night, most of the areas you will go have lots of people, lots of light, and everything is patrolled by police and CCTV cameras. 

7.8 million tourists visit us every year, and very, very few of them will ever be subjected to violent crime. 

However, just as in any major city, it’s important to take sensible precautions. 

While walking around London at night:

• Stay on well-lit streets
• Don’t use headphones or stare at your phone 
• Keep your valuables tucked away 
• Know where you’re going  
• Use black cabs if you need a lift – don’t ever get into an unmarked taxi, even if someone offers you a cheap fare. 

Is London Safe for Women? 

If you’re a female solo traveller, or having a girls weekend in London , you don’t need to worry about much. But I totally understand the worry.

Because we are women who simply exist in the world. everything can be more dangerous and scary for us. 

I advise all female travellers in London to take sensible precautions just as you would do in any other major city. 

To find out where to stay as a woman traveling to London, see my complete London neighborhood guide to find the perfect spot for you.

1. Know Your Emergency Numbers 

999 is the UK emergency number.  

If you’re on any of London’s transport networks and run into trouble, grab a member of staff or text British Transport Police at 61016.

Program this number into your phone in case you need it. It’s unlikely that you will, but it’s better to be prepared. 

2. Be careful with cocktails. 

Just as in any other place, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages can be drugged. Watch the bartender pour your drink and take it from them directly. 

Never drink anything that someone else has brought to you. 

3. Stay in Populated and Lit Areas 

This is common sense for any city. Stay where the action is. Don’t go wandering off to the dark corners and alleys. 

4. Choose a Black Cab 

In London I always prefer black cabs to Uber and other rideshares.

The drivers are thoroughly vetted and tested. They know London backwards and forwards, and have safety protocols they must follow. 

Rideshare drivers don’t know the streets as well, and could end up taking you on a circuitous route that can be worrying. 

I’ve had Uber drivers take me miles out of the way because that’s what Google Maps told them to do. If you know the direction you’re heading in, this can be alarming. 

There are several London apps you can use to get a black cab if you prefer an app to hailing one on the street.

5. Buddy Up 

It’s not always possible, but if you can, stay with a friend . Two pairs of eyes are always better than one, just to be extra cautious. 

Where Should I Not Go in London as a Woman? 

As a woman who lives in London, most of the areas I would not go at night are not within Central London. Everywhere in Central London is perfectly safe to visit for women traveling solo or in a group.

I often go – solo and with my family – to all Central London areas at night and have never had a problem. 

The worst thing that’s ever happened to me was phone theft (yes, even the most careful Londoners can have their phone snatched!).

If you want to know the areas not to visit, see my complete post on the safest and most dangerous areas of London here.

Keep in mind that most of the sketchy areas of London are not places you’d visit as a tourist anyway – they’re far on the outskirts and you’d have to make a concerted effort to get there. 

Legal Safety Devices in the UK 

As firearms are mostly illegal in the UK, so are many other “safety” devices. 

If you want to carry a safety device while visiting London, your best bet is a rape alarm. These are totally legal and make an ear-piercing screech when pressed. You’ll call attention to yourself from everyone with ears. 

Pepper spray is illegal in the UK, but spray dyes are not. These can not only temporarily blind your attacker, but they mark them with a semi-permanent coloured dye for easy identification. 

Knives are tricky business in the UK – many are illegal and you can get prosecuted for carrying them. Check the dimensions and legality of your safety knife before you travel. 

Personally, I don’t carry a personal safety device in London because I’ve never felt unsafe.

Is London Safe for BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Travelers?

London is a dynamically diverse city with residents and tourists from all over the world. You’ll hear languages from all over the world walking down any London street, and meet people of all nationalities here.

Racism and homophobia exist everywhere, but it’s no worse in London than anywhere else. Hate crimes are relatively rare in London.

London has a huge LGBTQIA+ population and the city is perfectly safe for queer travelers. My queer and non-binary friends say they feel generally safe in all parts of London, but because I am a straight white woman, I cannot speak for how minorities feel here.

Use common sense just as you would anywhere else as a BIPOC or queer traveler, and you’ll have an enjoyable trip in our global city.

Common Tourist Scams in London 

Just like any other major city. London has its fair share of tourist scams. Be on the lookout for: 

1. Tuk Tuk Bikes 

This is the most well-known scam in London to locals, but many tourists are oblivious.

You’ll see brightly coloured pedicabs decorated with fairy lights and blaring music outside many West End venues. 

These scammers are well known for luring you  in with one price, then as soon as they drop you off, insist on 5x the fare. They can get quite aggressive if you refuse. 

Just avoid them. If you need a lift, hail a reputable black cab. 

2. Street Games 

You may see street gambling or guessing games, especially on busy Westminster Bridge and in other tourist-heavy areas. 

These guys are just straight up scammers. Don’t look, don’t play. Just walk right by and avoid them.

3. The Clear Cup Scam 

People will often sit on the pavement with a clear cup containing a few coins set in front of them, asking for money.

They use a clear cup so it’s less likely you’ll see it and knock it over. They’ll then kick up a huge fuss, saying their money was lost and you have to repay them. 

This is a common scam in Europe. If you do knock it over accidentally, just politely move along. 

4. Newspaper or Charity Donation Distraction 

You’re sitting outside on a beautiful restaurant patio in London. A “charity worker” or “tourist” suddenly approaches with a large clipboard, map, or paper and puts it on your table or waves it in front of your face. 

They’ve just distracted you, and will snatch your valuables before you’re any wiser. 

Never keep your phone on the table, and don’t put your handbag on the back of your chair when sitting outside. 

This doesn’t just happen in London, it happens all over, and it’s the oldest thief trick in the book. Just be aware of it and you’ll be fine. 

If they do approach you, stand up and call attention to yourself. They’ll quickly leave. 

5. Motorcyclists and Bicyclists on the Pavement 

If you’re walking on the sidewalk and a bicyclist or motorcyclist mounts the pavement, they’re coming for your phone or purse. 

Turn around so they can’t reach you, or pop behind a barrier. 

Sometimes you’ll see bicyclists or motorcyclists milling about, turning circles in the street. They’re waiting for an oblivious tourist with their head buried in their phone. 

Especially if there is a driver and a passenger on the bike, they are definitely thieves (one drives and one snatches). I’ve seen this happen way too many times.

Remain aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine. 

Other London Safety Measures 

Here are some other common-sense measures to take when travelling in London and abroad. 

1. Keep your passports locked up

Don’t carry your passport in your purse. If you’re staying in a hotel, keep it in the safe. If you’re in an Airbnb , hide it somewhere (but remember where you stashed it). 

2. Keep copies of your passport in your email and luggage

Always keep scanned copies of your passport and other travel documents in your email (so you can access them even if your device is stolen), and paper copies in your luggage.  

3. Turn on Stolen Device Protection 

If you have an iPhone, Apple just rolled out a new safety feature called “Stolen Device Protection.” It offers you a second layer of protection if your device is stolen. 

4. Don’t Carry All Your Money in One Place 

If you regularly travel with multiple credit or debit cards, leave some in different places (i.e. leave one in your hotel safe or one stashed away, and carry the other one for use).

That way, if your wallet or phone (or both) are stolen, you won’t be stuck without any way to access money. 

If it makes you feel safer, keep some emergency pounds stashed away just in case.

5. Consider Travel Insurance 

My family just learned this the hard way. Our passports were stolen whilst travelling abroad, and it cost us thousands of pounds to get emergency passports, extend our hotel stay, and buy another flight home to London.

Had we been covered by travel insurance, we would have been better protected in such an emergency. 

Shop around and find the best travel protection for you.

Is London Safe Now?

With the various protests, demonstrations and national security issues in our world today, you may wonder if London is safe to visit today in 2024.

Protests in London are no different than in other major city. They very, very rarely get violent, and are heavily monitored by police.

Protests may block off small parts of the city, but they will hardly ever disrupt your visit.

London is massive and even if there is a protest on one block, it hardly ever disrupts travelers. Transport usually runs as normal, and unless you’re going to the specific street the protest is on, you don’t even notice its happening.

How Safe is London, Really? Final Thoughts 

Being from America , I feel much safer in London than I do travelling in most other parts of the world. 

If you’re coming to visit us here in the UK, take common sense precautions – just as you would anywhere else – but don’t worry too much about safety here. London is overall a very, very safe city. 

I think many people are intimidated by the sheer size and complexity of London , and are therefore worried about what the day-to-day will bring. 

Rest assured, you’re much safer in London than you are in other major cities. 

Keep an eye on your phone, use common sense, and enjoy your London travels! 

More on Visiting London

Common London Tourist Mistakes to Avoid

Safest Areas Of London: Here’s What the Data Says 

Is East London Dangerous?

Best Oyster Card Tourist Options To Save Money

Easy And Free Things To Do In London For Families

Where To Find Public Toilets In London

Is Tipping Required In The UK?

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What are the rules on travelling in and out of London right now?

Day trips? Holidays? Travelling for exercise? Here’s what you can and can’t do now the city (and the whole of England) is back in lockdown

On January 5 (if you can bear to think back), England entered its third national lockdown with the view that restrictions wouldn’t be eased until the vaccine had been rolled out across the country. 

Thankfully, the vaccine programme has been super successful so far, so much so, that the government announced a provisional roadmap out of lockdown. For many Londoners, it means finally being able to meet up with friends and loved ones outside in the city. B ut, how will the easing of lockdown affect your ability to leave the capital, take day trips from London or head off on any upcoming holidays you might have booked?

Can you travel in and out of London during lockdown?

While we were under lockdown rules, the government’s guidance was that ‘you must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary.’  However, lockdown rules have now slowly begun to change. 

The government’s ‘stay at home’ order was lifted on March 29, and, now we are in the  ‘Step 2’ phase of the roadmap out of lockdown,  travel across England is also allowed along with overnight stays in self-contained accommodation. 

What’s the deal with travelling for outdoor exercise?

Now the UK’s blanket ‘stay at home’ order has been lifted along with the ‘stay local’ guidance, it means that not only can we  leave our homes to exercise, but we can also travel outside for social reasons too.

Since early March, Londoners have been able to meet up with friends and sit down for a snack and a coffee in the park while they’re at it. At the moment, Londoners can meet up outside in groups of six people from different households or in a group formed of two households. You can even have a picnic, or grab an outdoor table at a pub or restaurant . And you can meet up in someone’s garden if you’d like - as long as you don’t go  inside! 

Can Londoners go on holiday outside of London?

Domestic holidays are probably the best solution for getting a much-needed change of scene this year. As of April 12, we’re now  able to travel around England. We can also stay in self-contained accommodation, including Airbnbs and campsites ,  as long as we stick within our household. As long as cases and infection rates continue to fall, hotels , hostels and B&Bs will open again from May 17.

It’s also worth noting that the rules are slightly different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. People planning a lockdown staycation in Wales are now allowed to visit the country and stay overnight in self-contained accommodation there. In Scotland , the ban on travel in and out of the country from the rest of the UK will be lifted on April 26. In Northern Ireland , overnight stays away from home and travel into the country are still not permitted.

At the moment all non-essential overseas travel is currently banned, and these restrictions will not be lifted until at least May 17. Even beyond this date, some destinations may require British travellers to quarantine, other countries may not have lifted their own restrictions and some countries are weighing up the benefits of ’ vaccine passports’ , which could prevent people who haven’t had the jab from travelling. 

So basically, if you want to avoid a lot of hassle, most foreign holidays probably aren’t worth the risk this year. A government report looking at rebooting international travel will be published in April and may provide some more clarity on specific destinations British travellers can visit this summer. But for now, it’s probably safer to look within the UK for your summer holiday.

What about day trips from London?

Bored of walking the same circuit around your local park ? Luckily, day trips out of London are back. N on-essential travel is allowed as of April 12, when a new wave of businesses was allowed to open again, including holiday lets by individuals or households, pubs and restaurants serving outdoors only, zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas. 

The government is still urging people not to use public transport unless necessary. Plus, hospitality businesses such as indoor pubs and restaurants as well as many indoor attractions will remain closed at first, leaving day trip options a tad limited even when you’re allowed to travel.

So, if you still haven’t had a pint on the beach in Whitstable or time travelled in atmospheric Rye , now’s your  chance! 

Want to start planning your next adventure? Here are the best Airbnbs in the UK  and some super wholesome (and alfresco) UK hikes  for your post-lockdown escape. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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What are you looking for, latest covid-19 information.

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Introduction

Britain and Northern Ireland currently have no official COVID-19 restrictions in place, however there is still guidance on what to do should you catch coronavirus while here on holiday. For more information, please check the official government websites using the links below.

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Travel Guide

• Things to Do
• Best Hotels
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• Best Restaurants
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• Getting Around
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Visitor Information
• Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism
• Health & Safety
• Orientation
• Calendar of Events
• Getting There
• Tips for Families
• Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers
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Entry Requirements & Customs in London

To enter the United Kingdom, all U.S. citizens, Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, and South Africans must have a passport valid through their length of stay. No visa is required. A passport will allow you to stay in the country for up to 6 months. The immigration officer may also want to see proof of your intention to return to your point of origin (usually a round-trip ticket) and of visible means of support while you’re in Britain (credit cards work). If you’re planning to fly from the United States or Canada to the United Kingdom and then on to a country that requires a visa (India, for example), you should secure that visa before you arrive in Britain.

No E.U. nationals require a visa to visit the U.K. Visas are also not required for travelers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the U.S. To be sure that hasn’t changed, see www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/doineedvisa . The usual permitted stay is 90 days or fewer for tourists, although some nationalities are granted stays of up to 6 months. If you plan to work or study, though, or if you’re traveling on a passport from another country, you’ll need to obtain the correct paperwork.

Non-E.U. nationals aged 17 and over can bring in, duty-free, 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of smoking tobacco. You can also bring in 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer plus either 1 liter of alcohol more than 22% ("spirits") or 2 liters of "fortified" wine at less than 22%. Visitors may also bring in other goods, including perfume, gifts, and souvenirs, totaling £390 in value. (Customs officials tend to be lenient about these general merchandise regulations, realizing the limits are unrealistically low.) For arrivals from within the E.U., there are no limits as long as goods are for your own personal use, or are gifts.

For specifics on what you can take back home and the corresponding fees, U.S. citizens should download the invaluable free pamphlet Know Before You Go online at www.cbp.gov . Alternatively contact the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/CBP-5511 ), and request the pamphlet. For a clear summary of their own rules, Canadians should consult the booklet Travelling Outside Canada, issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca). Australians need to read Know Before You Go. For more information, call the Australian Customs Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or download the leaflet from www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/GuideForTravellers.pdf . For New Zealanders, most questions are answered under "Arriving in New Zealand" at www.customs.govt.nz . For more information, contact the New Zealand Customs Service (tel. 0800/428-786, or 09/300-5399).

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the U.K.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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United Kingdom entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to the United Kingdom from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter the United Kingdom without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter the United Kingdom?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering the United Kingdom.

Can I travel to the United Kingdom without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in the United Kingdom?

Mask usage in the United Kingdom is not required in enclosed environments and public transportation.

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Restaurants in the United Kingdom are open. Bars in the United Kingdom are .

11 etiquette rules you need to know before visiting the UK

• It's important to understand some of the etiquette of any country you visit.
• The UK is no different.
• Here are 11 tips you should know before visiting the UK, using Expedia's etiquette guide and pointers from the INSIDER London office.

Thinking of visiting the UK any time soon? If you are, there are some things you ought to know — just like anywhere else in the world you might be travelling to.

The travel experts at Expedia created an interactive guide focusing on etiquette around the world , and the UK is one of the countries featured.

In it, you'll find handy pointers such as how you should "avoid sleeping with your feet towards the family altar" in Thailand, or the fact that "most South Africans avoid eye contact when dining."

In the UK, it's best to familiarise yourself with our queueing habits and pub culture.

"The best way to experience a foreign country is to do what the locals do and submerge yourself in the culture," Mina Wu, the content manager at Expedia told INSIDER.

"Added to which, local residents have access to all the fun places that don't make it into the guidebooks. By taking the time to learn about the dos and don'ts of etiquette, you'll expand your horizons, be welcomed as a guest and get the maximum enjoyment from your trip."

Here are 11 etiquette rules you need to know before visiting the UK, according to the Expedia guide plus extra tips from the INSIDER London office.

1. Punctuality is important

According to Expedia, punctuality is important in the UK. If you are invited to somebody's house, you're generally expected to arrive on time, but "you have a 10-15 minute grace period if you are running late."

2. You may or may not have to remove your shoes

You should ask if you should remove your shoes when entering a British home, according to Expedia. British people like entertaining others in their homes, but some of them like you to leave your shoes at the door, while others don't mind you wearing them around the house.

3. Avoid asking personal questions

British people love a debate, but you should avoid asking personal questions related to salary or religious and political affiliations if you've just been invited to someone's house.

4. Know how to reply to 'How do you do?'

If someone asks you "How do you do?" the correct response isn't "fine, thanks," according to one INSIDER employee. Instead, you should ask "How do you do?" back — then it's on the first person to answer. It's not a common question to encounter, but it's important you know how to respond if you are asked.

5. There are some rules to know before sitting down for dinner

According to Expedia, it's not uncommon at dinner to remain standing until you are invited to sit down. This is less common if you know the other person well, and the meal is casual. You should also keep your elbows off the table, but again, this depends on the situation.

A fairly universal rule in the UK is to lay your knife and fork together at the clock position of 6.30 to signal you're finished.

6. You buy rounds at the pub

The Expedia guide says: "Be sure to pay for a round of drinks for everyone in your group when you’re at a pub." You don't have to force everyone to stay for another drink, but pub culture is big in the UK, so you probably won't have to. If someone gets you a drink, you should reciprocate. It's unusual for someone to buy only their own drinks in a bar or pub.

7. Don't be rude to the staff

Don't wave your hand or call out to get the attention of a waiter in a restaurant, Expedia says. This is considered rude. Tipping isn't compulsory in the UK, but it is considered rude not to leave anything. The norm is 10-12.5% of the bill. But British people don't tend to tip bar staff.

8. Let people off the train before you get on

This is famously a problem on the tube in London, but the same rule goes for every train and bus in the UK. You should let people off before you try and get on, otherwise everything turns into a crowded mess. And you don't want angry Brits grumbling at you for not knowing the rules.

9. No butting in line, or 'skipping the queue'

People in the UK don't exactly love to queue, but we respect the queue. It's incredibly rude to butt in or skip in front of people.

"When I first went to the US so many Americans skipped the queue in front of me," one INSIDER employee said. "I didn't know how to react so I spent half an hour just queuing in that store."

10. Expect some small talk where business is involved

You should expect some small talk before discussing business, Expedia says. Once you get down to talking numbers, be prepared to back up your claims with facts and figures, the guide says, because "the Brits value facts when making decisions."

You should avoid hard selling tactics and confrontation, as these won't go down well. And you should maintain personal space when talking to someone. And don't be late.

11. When people say 'sorry' they don't always mean it

People in the UK apologise a lot, but it doesn't actually mean we're sorry half the time. People say sorry when they get in someone's way in the street, and have even been known to apologise to inanimate objects they walk into. It just comes with the territory, so it's considered polite to apologise if you brush against someone or walk into them, even if it's not your fault.

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Public Transport in London

London's Top Attractions

Free Things to Do

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London's Best Parks

Museums in London

Theater in London

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Shopping in London

One Week in London: Itinerary

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Eating With Kids in London

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Driving in London

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London has many public transportation options, and most tourists do not drive in the city. Not only is there limited parking and lots of congestion like in any other city, but in London, you also have to contend with left-side driving, which isn’t always easy. Should you chose to drive in London here’s what you need to know about the documents required, congestion issues, basic rules of the road, and of course, how to find parking.

Driving Requirements

There are several legal requirements in place in order to get behind the wheel in London—abide by them or risk getting ticketed.

Checklist for Driving in London:

Driving License: You must have a valid driving license in order to drive in the UK and non-UK driving licenses are acceptable for up to 12 months from when you first entered the UK.

Passport: Almost all car rental companies require a passport or some form of official photographic ID to rent a car. Some companies also ask to see proof of address in the UK (hotel confirmation) and travel documents (i.e. airline tickets confirming your UK departure date).

Insurance: Law in the UK requires a valid motor vehicle insurance certificate. If you’re renting, check that all drivers are properly insured under this agreement and that you have all the necessary paperwork.

International Driving Permit: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not officially required for US-license holders driving in the UK, though some car rental companies do require it, as such it’s recommended.

Rules of the Road

Driving in London isn’t easy. If possible, visually familiarize yourself with the road signs ahead of time. You can find images of many of them here , and this roundup covers the key rules:

• Left-side driving: Drive on the left side of the road at all times. You may want to consider getting a vehicle with an automatic transmission to make the transition a bit easier.
• Seatbelts: Safety belts must be worn at all times.
• Mobile Phone: Like in the US, using a mobile phone while driving is illegal in all of the UK (except in emergency situations when dialing 112 or 999).
• Speed Limits: Speed limits are listed in kilometers (1 mile = 1.61 kilometers). On some roads, there are speed cameras in order to enforce speed limits. 
• BAC: The blood alcohol content limit is the same as in the US (0.08%).
• Pedestrian crossings: London is very busy, so watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Yield to pedestrians at the marked zebra crossings (white stripes painted on the road, further marked by striped poles topped with round, flashing yellow lights). Apart from at zebra crossings, cars rarely slow down to let pedestrians cross the street, which is very dangerous, as many tourists step out onto the street looking in the wrong direction of traffic.
• Bike lanes: Keep an eye out for bike lanes and cyclists. Always look before opening your car door.
• Bus lanes: Bus lanes are indicated by a thick white line painted on the road. During certain hours, they are reserved for buses, licensed London taxis, motorcycles, and bikes. From Monday to Sunday, from 7 p.m. until to 7 a.m. any vehicle can use the lane.
• Yellow box junctions: Yellow box junctions are indicated by crisscross yellow lines painted on the road. They are usually found at four-road intersections or in front of fire stations and ambulance stations. Drivers cannot “block the box” and stop within the yellow box junction, as they’re designed to allow through-traffic to avoid traffic jams and/or make way for emergency vehicles. Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) will be issued to any drivers who do not observe the rules.
• Congestion charges: If you’re driving in central London during peak hours during the week (7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday to Friday), you’re required to prepay a daily Congestion Charge  of £11.50 per day. This can be paid online, by auto pay, or by telephone, and if you don’t pay, you will be fined. The congestion zones are marked with a white sign displaying the letter “C” in a red circle. You can read more about it here .
• Motorways: On motorways, there is no fast lane and the left lane should only be used to overtake another vehicle.
• Roundabouts: Traffic circles or roundabouts are very common: Traffic flows clockwise; yield to traffic approaching from your right; and use your indicators to signal left at your exit.
• Fuel: Gas is called petrol in London, and you’ll also find diesel at fuel stations. The pumps are usually green for petrol (gasoline) and black for diesel. 
• In case of an emergency: call 112 or 999 for the emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance). If you’re a part of a road-traffic accident where someone is injured or there’s damage to a vehicle or property, you’re required to stop.
• Tolls: There is only one tollgate in London, which in Dulwich, located on a private section of College Road. All cars have to pay the £1.20 toll either by cash or card. Find out more here .
• Traffic: Avoid driving in London during rush hour, which runs from 6-10 a.m. in the mornings and 4-6:30 p.m. in the evenings.
• For more information on London’s traffic laws and regulations, see the official Highway Code .

Parking in London

Street parking in London can be very difficult to find. Always carefully check street signs in order to avoid fees, as there may be time limits or residence permit required. Often, streets have parking restrictions in place between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Many streets have a pay and display system, where you buy a ticket from a nearby machine and display it in your car to avoid getting a parking ticket.

Also, make sure you check for yellow and red lines along the curb, which basically mean no parking. Yellow lines control waiting. Red lines essentially mean no stopping at any time and you may see signs designating these “red routes.” You can read more about them here . Failure to follow these rules may result in a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).

To avoid street parking, try a designated parking lot instead. Qpark has car parks on the edge of the congestion zones including in Park Lane/Marble Arch; Queensway; Knightsbridge; Pimlico; St. John's Wood; Tower Bridge; and Church Street. They have 18 total parking lots and costs vary by time of day and location.  

Traffic in London

Like any major city, traffic is an issue in London. You can see a month-by-month breakdown of planned works here , as they’re expected to have an impact on transport including driving. It’s always a good idea to have an alternative route in mind should your route be diverted without notice. Always allow for extra time.

The TfL (Transport for London) also posts live status updates , which include road closures and delays. You can also check expected road statuses for the weekend and other future dates. Traffic in London is exceptionally bad around holidays (i.e. before Christmas) and bank holidays (official holidays when most businesses are closed).  

Should You Rent A Car In London?

Barring special circumstances (like mobility issues), renting a car in London is largely not suggested. There’s plenty of public transportation including the Underground, the Overground (above-ground train lines), and buses, as well as taxis and ride-sharing apps. However, London is very widespread, and as you move away from the traffic-packed city center, public transportations connections get further apart and a car may end up being a decent option. Also, as the UK rail network is expensive outside of London and trains don’t always go where you desire, some tourists end up renting a car in London in order to travel further afield into the countryside. Whatever your reason is for renting a car, be sure you’ve read our top tips for driving in the UK .

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• Travel Tips

Top 15 London Travel Tips | The Best Hacks on Budget Travel, Sightseeing, & More

As the city of London is a melting pot of rich history, plentiful culture, and a cornucopia of liveliness in every nook and cranny, intelligent planning can help you avoid tourist traps while making the most of your vacation. Read on to get the best 15 London travel tips that will enhance your upcoming trip.

15 essential London travel tips & hacks

1. Be mindful of the traffic direction

Getting around tip.

• If you are from a nation that drives on the right, being out on the streets of London could be a dangerous stunt, as the UK drives on the left.
• Pay meticulous attention to traffic direction and road signs when you cross the roads and when in doubt, find a group of locals going in the same direction and follow them.

2. Always carry an umbrella

Packing tip.

• The UK is notorious for its weather and rain may arrive at any moment no matter which time of the year you are in London.
• From November to mid-March, you can expect snowing as well. Pack a few extra sets of clothes in case you are out in the snow.

3. Walking can be faster than the Tube

Transport tip.

• London’s Tube network is famed worldwide, and as a tourist, it is easy to be whisked by the hype and take the Tube everywhere. However, sometimes, walking is faster.
• Take a look at London’s maps and see if you need the tube at all for journeys that take one or two Tube stops.

4. Shop on a weekday

Shopping tip.

• London has some of the top luxury brand outlets in the world, most of which are in Oxford Street. However, this area also gets quite crowded on weekends.
• Defer your shopping spree by a day or two and head to Oxford Street on a weekday to have a much more relaxed shopping experience.

5. Bike around London

• London is an extremely biking-friendly city. Don’t shy away from renting a bike on a clear day and zooming around the city’s bike paths.
• With the latest bike renting facilities across London, you will be able to find a place to get bikes on almost every block of the city.

6. Bring a universal adapter

• The UK uses a type G plug for most of its appliances. Make sure to bring a universal adapter for your phones and other electronics.
• Preferably, purchase one from your source destination to avoid paying more for the same product in London.

7. Use the river bus

• One of the top experiences in London is the Thames river cruise . However, if you want to experience this for a lower cost, the river bus is a great option.
• You can use your Oyster card for traveling on the river bus. Be sure to avoid office hours as many Londoners also use the river bus to commute to work.

8. Bring the right credit card

Finance tip.

• Credit cards are accepted all across London. But make sure to bring a card with a chip and a 4-digit pin number to transact in London.
• Check if your card offers free foreign transactions. If not, try to acquire one that comes with this facility to save a lot of money.

9. Explore the city with a local

Sightseeing tip.

• The best way to experience London is certainly with a local. Find a resident of London and explore the streets with them to know the city better.
• Don’t forget to visit the best pubs in London with a local during a rugby or football game to see the unbridled passion of the locals.

10. Take a day trip from London

• There are several attractions that lie a short drive away from London. If you have a spare day, you should travel to these destinations.
• Some of the top day trips from London include Stonehenge, Oxford, Bath, and Windsor Castle.

11. Visit London in the shoulder season

Best time to visit tip.

• London is quite popular as a tourist destination and avoiding the peak tourist season will be paramount to your travel experience.
• Shoulder season in London including the months of April, May, October, and November, are also incidentally the driest months.

12. Purchase an Oyster Card

• Traveling within London can be inexpensive if you follow this simple tip and get an Oyster Card as soon as you land in London.
• Since there are no cash transactions on London’s trains or buses, using an Oyster card lets you pay for just the distance that you travel compared to the higher flat rate.

13. Stand to the right of an escalator

Etiquette tip.

• It might seem to be an oddly specific tip but it is quite important to the inhabitants of London, who are always on the go and need the left side of the escalator to walk.
• If you are not in a hurry to get somewhere and can afford the time to stand on the escalator, do so on the right side and let the Londoners carry on with their routine.

14. Tips are not mandatory

• Most restaurants in London add a certain percentage to your bill as a service charge that is meant to cover the services provided by the waiting staff.
• Even so, if you feel particularly pleased by the service received at an eatery or do not see an added service charge on your bill, you may go ahead and leave a 10-15% tip.

15. Book tickets in advance

• No matter what they tell you, London’s attractions are never quite completely devoid of tourists. Book the tickets in advance and online if you want to ensure your entry to the top London attractions.
• If you are planning to head to the city during or around the high season, it is best that you book your tickets as soon as they are available.

Top Experiences in London

Frequently asked questions about london travel tips & hacks.

The best travel tips for transport in London are, always using the public transport system whenever possible, getting the Oyster Card, and walking to places that are a short distance away instead of taking the Tube.

The best travel tips for sightseeing in London are visiting the free attractions, leaving early if you want to go to one of the popular attractions, and taking a day trip from London.

The best travel tips for accommodation in London are picking the right locality to make sightseeing easier and picking the closest airport with respect to the location of your hotel.

The best tips for budget travel in London are booking your flight and attraction tickets well in advance, using the London Pass for sightseeing, and drinking tap water.

Avoid talking to random people who approach you asking if you speak English, Avoid the unsafe and non family friendly areas.

Avoid standing on the left side of the escalators, visiting the city during the peak tourism season, and going shopping on weekends.

Check if you have the right credit card, purchase a universal adapter for your electronic appliances, and book tickets for the major attractions before leaving for London.

In London, you should obey the traffic rules, carry an umbrella in case the weather turns bad, and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Conversely, avoid standing on the left side of the escalators, visiting the city during the peak tourism season, and going shopping on weekends.

London’s eateries generally levy a service charge on the bill. Even so, if you feel inclined to tip, you may.

Try to stay as centrally as possible on your first trip to London. Covent Garden, Mayfair, and Lambeth are all great neighborhoods to stay in on your first trip.

Yes, London is a bit expensive to visit. The average daily cost for a person in London is £145. The weekly budget for a couple in London is about £2050.

Avoid These Tourist Traps In London And Visit These Destinations Instead

O ne of the world's greatest cities, London is packed with tourist attractions so impressive that you'll want to add them all to your itinerary. From the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace to the Churchill War Rooms, the list of unmissable landmarks seems endless. Don't worry, though -- it's possible to visit most of them in just a two-day trip . When you're on a tight schedule, it's important to avoid time- and money-wasting tourist traps in favor of visiting sites that are worthy of your attention. 

Whether it's an overrated and overpriced wax museum, a kitschy dungeon experience, or a super crowded viewpoint, there are many places to avoid visiting in the U.K.'s heady capital. The confusing part? Some of them top multiple lists of must-see attractions. That's where we come in. 

As someone who lived in this captivating English city for six years, I have first-hand knowledge of the biggest tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London. Plus, I can offer more impressive (and often less costly) destinations to visit instead. Don't want to take my word for it? No problem. I combined my first-hand knowledge with reviews and suggestions from other locals to create this list.

Read more: 50 Underrated Tourist Destinations Around The World

Skip Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours And Ride A London Bus

While hop-on hop-off bus tours can be a convenient way to explore a big city, they often come with a hefty price tag. If the tour is based in London, you can expect to pay over $50 per adult for a one-day pass. Instead, board a London bus, which will cost less than $7 for a day of travel. Bus fare for one ride is about $2 and the daily cap is under $7. To pay for their ride, visitors must use a contactless card or an Oyster Card, the visitor's version of which can be purchased online and mailed to your home before you leave.

Double-decker London buses offer spectacular city views, with many routes passing right by London's landmark attractions. One of our faves is the historic Routemaster Bus 15, which we suggest boarding at the Tower of London. Hop on at Great Tower Street (Stop TT) and ride west to Charing Cross Station. Be sure to sit up top for the best views along this heritage route -– you can't miss St. Paul's Cathedral and Trafalgar Square. 

Bus 24 is another great option for sightseers. Hop on at Victoria Station and ride it to Camden High Street. Along the way, you'll pass Westminster Abbey, the Horse Guard's Parade, Trafalgar Square, and Downing Street. Grab a bite at Camden Market when you disembark or stay on until you reach Hampstead Heath where you can catch unbeatable views of the city.

Skip Madame Tussauds And Visit Buckingham Palace

It may tout itself as a top London attraction, but Madame Tussauds would be more honest if they said they were the top rip-off site. Booking in advance will save some money -- the standard online rate for an adult begins at just over $47 versus the walk-up price, which begins at almost $60. But that's still a lot of quid to dish out for wandering around an overcrowded and noisy space filled with okay-ish wax replicas of A- and B-list celebs. Yes, it's fun to take photos with the royal family and fool friends into thinking you met them IRL, but is it worth it? We don't think so.

Instead, we suggest visiting Buckingham Palace for a potential King Charles III sighting. Realistically, you probably won't spy a royal outside the palace, but at least you'll see a historic monument up close. Celebrities more your thing? Book a reservation at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Chiltern Firehouse has hosted acting greats Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper as well as soccer superstar David Beckham. 34 Mayfair is another good bet for great food and celeb spotting. Imelda Staunton and royal family members have all eaten here.

Skip Changing Of The Guard And Visit The Queen's Gallery

While you should add Buckingham Palace to your list of must-see London tourist attractions, you may want to avoid a visit during the Changing of the Guard. This formal ceremony marks the change between the old guard (on-duty soldiers) and new guard (soldiers taking over duty) for the royal palaces. Marching with a band from Wellington Barracks to the Palace, the new guard will arrive at the palace at about 10:45 a.m. A well-known event, this is a big tourist draw, which means you can expect hefty crowds queuing up an hour or more in advance, as well as pickpockets who arrive to take advantage of the chaotic atmosphere. This tourist trap, which takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, is one you'll be happy to miss. Sadly, watching this famed ceremony these days feels more like witnessing an overhyped marching band than it does an esteemed historic ritual.

Instead, ditch the crowds and glimpse art from the Royal Collection in the Queen's Gallery or visit the Royal Mews , where you can see the royal stables and the 260-year-old Gold State Coach used at King Charles III's Coronation. The Mews are open Thursday through Monday from early March to early November. Neighboring St. James Park is another interesting place to visit. One of London's famed Royal Parks, it is bordered by three palaces and boasts a fabulous view of Buckingham Palace in particular.

Skip Platform 9 ¾ At King's Cross Station And Visit Warner Brothers Studio Tour London

If you're traveling with a Harry Potter-obsessed kid, you may want to visit Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station. But if you're alone, or with other adults who couldn't care less, we advise you to skip this overrated tourist trap. If you're already planning to be in King's Cross Station and have time to scope out this attraction, that's one thing; but if you're traveling there with the sole purpose of visiting this site, think twice. 

Set between platforms 9 and 10 (obvs) this point of interest includes nothing but a brick wall denoted with a sign. Stuck into the wall is part of a trolley loaded with fake suitcases and an empty owl cage. Those hoping for a quick photo and to score some Potter swag will be pleased;  the Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 ¾ is open daily, even on bank holidays, and it sells everything from wands to clothes to makeup. 

For those who'd rather have an unforgettable and truly magical Harry Potter experience, though, head to Warner Brothers Studio Tour London -- The Making of Harry Potter in nearby Leavesden. Instead of merely looking at a wall, visitors can board the Hogwarts Express, "fly" on a broomstick, walk through the Great Hall, and explore the Forbidden Forest. Step foot in Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer, or check out some of the film's famous props and costumes. You won't be sorry you visited.

Skip London Dungeon And Visit The Tower Of London

No matter how much the kids beg you to visit the London Dungeon, stay strong and just say "no." This kitschy tourist trap is a waste of your hard-earned money (tickets start at over $37 for adults) and it's so hokey you'll roll your eyes more times than you can count on both hands. This pitiful attraction is peppered with costume-clad actors who like to scream and cackle and its two rides (the Drop Dead: Drop Ride and the Tyrant Boat Ride) will make you wish you were at Walt Disney World; even "It's a Small World" would be more enjoyable. An escape room has also been added to increase the venue's income stream –- it costs $153 for a private game for six people.

Want a historic experience with a side of chills? Head to the Tower of London instead. There, you can tour the Torture at the Tower Exhibition, where you can get up close and personal with the stretching machine (a.k.a. the rack) and other ancient torture devices in the Lower Wakefield Tower. The Bloody Tower is another point of interest you won't want to miss. The most infamous prison on the grounds, this is where you'll learn about the alleged murder of two young princes -– Edward V and his little brother Richard –- by their uncle, Richard III.

Skip The London Bridge Experience And Visit Churchill War Rooms

Looking for a good spooking? Do yourself a favor and skip The London Bridge Experience. A tourist trap designed to bring the city's macabre history to life with the help of actors with a penchant for jump scares, you can expect to meet zombie-like versions of ghastly heavyweights Jack the Ripper and William Wallace during your visit. Tickets cost about $37 for the experience, which takes anywhere between 35 and 50 minutes. That means you could be spending more than $1 a minute. Entry fees also include a trip to the London Tombs, deemed the U.K.'s "best scare attraction," according to their site . Zombified dentists, doctors, and creepy clowns await visitors in the lower vaults of this venue, ready to pounce and scream in your face.

Instead, we suggest visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Also located underground, this fascinating historic facility is part of the Imperial War Museums. Located in the basement of Whitehall, this once-secret complex was used by former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, top government ministers, and military planners to conduct meetings and develop plans during the country's war effort during World War II. Known as the Cabinet War Rooms, this clandestine spot was used daily during the war, until August 16, 1945. Or experience that stomach drop feeling by walking the glass floors at Tower Bridge. Set nearly 138 feet above the Thames, the views are both terrifying and impressive. Tickets cost under $16 per adult. 

Skip The Sherlock Holmes Museum And Visit The Sherlock Holmes Pub

We don't recommend visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum unless you have a detective-obsessed kid who doesn't realize that the famed character is fictional. Set inside a Georgian townhouse at 221B Baker Street in Marylebone, this four-story museum has been open since 1990. Inside lie antique furnishings mentioned in the books and pretty creepy-looking mannequins. Tickets cost over $21 which isn't exorbitant, especially for London, but considering you won't be there long (the museum's quite small), this seems a bit of a waste.

Instead, head to The Sherlock Holmes  in St James. Self-described as a "Victorian-themed public house," this watering hole features a recreated version of the famed fictional detective's apartment upstairs. The entire pub is dotted with references to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's beloved books, making it easy to feel as if you're within the pages. Plus, there's a beer garden –- the museum certainly doesn't have one of those.

Skip The SEA Life London Aquarium And Visit The London Zoo

You'll find everything you'd expect to see at the SEA Life London Aquarium. From penguins to sharks to turtles, they're all there. And as far as aquariums go, this is a pretty good one. But when you're in one of the world's greatest cities that lies on the banks of a river, not an ocean, there are plenty of better things to see. Standard tickets to the Sea Life London Aquarium cost $24 online or $51 at the door. Again, that's pretty on par for London attractions, however, it's a steep price to pay for a tourist trap. 

Instead, visit London Zoo in Regent's Park. The oldest scientific zoo in the world, this family-friendly attraction was opened in 1828 for fellows of the Zoological Society of London. In 1847, the public was invited to visit. Today, the zoo is home to 14,0000 animals including a giant, 425-pound silverback gorilla, Sumatran tigers, and Linne's two-toed sloths. While tickets aren't cheap (an adult will cost about $40 to visit on a weekday), it's easy to spend a whole day here. Or, if you aren't willing to part with that much cash, visit the smaller, and lesser-known, Battersea Park Children's Zoo . Adult tickets are more reasonably priced, at $16. There are over 100 animals at this little zoo, including wallabies, meerkats, otters, and lemurs, and plenty of opportunities to interact with animals like coatis, donkeys, and goats.

Skip The Shard And Visit Level 10 At The Tate Modern

There's no denying that The Shard is impressive. In fact, it's one of the most spectacular buildings in the world . The viewing platform was opened by the queen on February 1, 2013, with the main restaurants (Aqua, Oblix, and Hutong) following suit that summer. Set across the Thames from another bucket-list-worthy London building, the Gherkin, this engineering masterpiece towers 1,016 feet above the city and boasts 11,000 glass panels. 

Dubbed a "vertical city," there's plenty to do inside, like spend serious coin on a meal with a view, or zip up one of the 44 elevators to the viewing platform. That 360-degree view will cost you, though -- about $36, or more if you add a glass of champagne. And if you visit on a day that's rainy or misty (honestly, London is often both of those things), you're basically paying for a ride in a lift.

Instead, head to Level 10 at Tate Modern, where you can enjoy a drink or snack (including sandwiches and salads) while ogling the impressive view of the Thames, St. Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, and Blackfriar's Bridge. You won't have to pay a thing unless you choose to grab a bite or a warm cuppa. The Skygarden at 20 Fenchurch Street is another must-visit for a free skyline vista. The highest public garden in London, this leafy space is as stunning as its views are remarkable.

Skip The London Eye And Visit Hamstead Heath

We are well aware that some of you will disagree with this addition to our list of tourist traps to avoid when traveling to London, but hear us out. Yes, the London Eye is iconic. Yes, it offers fantastic views of the city. And yes, it's deemed a top London attraction you won't want to miss . That said, visiting this popular landmark can cause more headaches than enjoyment. First created as a temporary point of interest, this 443-foot-tall, "cantilevered observation wheel" is the largest of its kind in the world, according to its website . And if you catch a ride on one of its 32 pods on a sunny day, you can see up to 25 miles in all directions. The problem is that thousands of others have the same idea, which means you could stand in line for more than two hours on a particularly busy day. Standard tickets start at over $32 online or more than $57 for a walk-up.

Instead, visit Hampstead Heath for a unique city view you probably never knew existed. Parliament Hill stands over 321 feet tall, making it one of the highest natural points in the city. If the weather is ideal, you can see to the Gherkin, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament. Speaking of the Gherkin, it's another great spot to enjoy unparalleled views. Grab a drink and snack at Iris Bar at Searcys at the Gherkin , then relax with a side order of stunning vistas.

Skip Harrods And Visit Peter Jones And Liberty

Harrods is to London as the Colosseum is to Rome -– a historic icon that's become synonymous with the city. The world's most famous luxury department store, this Knightsbridge institution is impossible to miss -– it's eight floors tall and an entire block long, not to mention over one million square feet in size. Inside, you'll find 20 restaurants, a beauty salon, a bank, and 300 separate departments selling over 5,000 brands. You'll also see price tags so high you might suffer sticker shock. Due to its notoriety, Harrods is often packed with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the plush interior.

If you're hoping to shop during your London holiday, there are plenty of excellent places to visit instead. Sloane Square is home to the Peter Jones & Partners department store. Owned by John Lewis, this vast shop is filled with enough enticing merchandise that you'll find it tough to leave empty-handed. Grab a bite at The Top Floor Restaurant (on the 6 th floor) for captivating views of Chelsea and beyond.

Liberty is another recognizable landmark located on Regent Street. A heritage-listed building; this stunning Tudor-style store is as beautiful outside as it is indoors. Built between 1922 and 1924, it is worth a visit, if only to admire the impressive architectural features (the price tags here are also quite shocking).

Our Ranking Methodology

Having lived in London for six years with two young children, I visited pretty much every tourist attraction the city has. From renowned points of interest like the Tower of London to remarkable museums, I've seen the top sightseeing destinations multiple times, including many kitschy tourist traps I wish I'd skipped. To create this list, I used my experiences at these attractions to determine which locales are tourist traps that should be avoided and I included alternatives that are more than worthy of your time and money. I also consulted reviews from other locals and travelers, as well as their tips, to ensure the list is solid.

Read the original article on Explore .

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• Visas and immigration
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Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Apply for a standard visitor visa.

If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

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Trump survives assassination attempt, slain bystander identified.

Donald Trump survived a weekend assassination attempt days before he is due to accept the formal Republican presidential nomination, in an attack that will further inflame the U.S. political divide and has raised questions about the security failures.

Best wines for the summer under £10 a bottle | Weekend Money

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. We'll be back with live updates on Monday but for now you can read our weekend reads below - and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Saturday 13 July 2024 09:55, UK

Weekend Money

• 'Surrounded by a billion strangers': The risks from your child's first smartphone - and how to tackle them
• The best wines for the summer under £10 a bottle
• Blow to August rate cut hopes - as analysts predict when change will come
• Your comments : Readers take sides in Co-op v pubs

Essential reads from this week

• Ian King answers your questions on what Labour government means for your pocket
• Best make-up dupes for a summer glow
• Basically... What are the different ways of paying for a car?
• Women in Business : From blackouts to CEO - how burnout helped create UK's biggest venue booking platform
• Best deals on school uniform ahead of new academic year
• How much it would cost you to go to Euro 2024 final between England and Spain

Ask a question or make a comment

Anyone else dreaming of sea views, warm weather and a glass of wine? 

We can't work magic and book you a holiday, but we can tell you where to find the flavours of Puglia, Sicily and Valencia in your local supermarket - and for less than £10 a bottle. 

Our regular wine expert Tom Tryon ( @vinetribe ), who is the founder of online wine community Vinetribe, gave news reporter Emily Mee  his recommendations...

Sainsbury's 

Minimalista Malbec (£9) . Lighter than your average Malbec, this is juicy and well balanced

Sicilian Grillo, Taste the Difference (£8.75) . Full of sunshine-ripened flavour, but with enough acidity to keep it fresh

Amandla Shiraz Zinfandel (£9.50) . Luscious and juicy with delightful black fruit and spiciness 

Canto Nono Alvarinho (£9) . Classy Portuguese Alvarinho. Perfect for a warm summer's day

M&S 

M&S Found Agiorgitiko (£9) . Bright and juicy red with delightful ripe red fruit

M&S Found Organic Verdil (£9) . Intriguing and complex wine, bursting with marmalade, grapefruit and sweet honey flavours. You have to try it 

Agramont Garnacha Old Vine (£6.49) . Light and fresh wine - a lovely, juicier alternative to Rioja 

Duca di Castelmonte Zibibbo  (£8.99) . Beautifully aromatic: herbal, floral and peachy. Plenty of body and a good acidity too

Specially Selected Australian Cabernet Franc (£8.99). Quite tannic, balanced by rich fruit. Unusual wine but delicious 

Unearthed Custoza Bianco (£9.99) . Slightly floral with a bit of a bite 

Maree d'ione Organic Nero di Troia (£9.99) . Classy and rich, packed with fruit and spice

Azevedo Vinho Verde (£9.99) . Zingy, slightly spritzy and loads of fun. Very easy sipping

Extra Special Barossa Shiraz (£8) . Powerful BBQ-ready flavours, lovely with smokey food

Santodeno Grillo Sicilia (£8) . Super Sauvignon alternative - plenty of flavour and juicy enough to be refreshing

Cidade Branca Alentejo (£7) . Classic Portuguese red with oodles of rich, dark fruit and spice

The Best Verdeca (£7.50) . Citrussy, aromatic and interesting. Too good to miss

For more personalised recommendations, you can use Tom's  Supermarket Wine Finder  app to see wines in your local store, matched to your tastes and meal plans. 

By Brad Young , Money reporter

If your child is approaching secondary school, you might be preparing to spend hundreds of pounds on their first smartphone. 

But choosing a costly contract is just the first in a series of difficult decisions facing parents as their child gains online autonomy. 

While phones bring huge benefits in terms of connectivity and independence, they also expose children to risks ranging from accidently running up bills to sexual exploitation and AI-enabled bullying. 

Sky News spoke with experts in the field about what trends parents should be aware of, and what tools they can use to tackle them. 

There are four categories of risks to children according Childnet, a UK-based charity for child safety online.

These are content , such as pornography or gambling, contact , like grooming or cyberbullying, commerce , where children have mistakenly racked up huge bills, and conduct , which includes what information a child shares online. 

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has revealed "a really sharp rise in young people who are being sexually exploited and groomed over the internet" without leaving their home, said Kate Edwards, the charity's associate head of child safety online. 

This refers to incidents where a child is directed to take part in their own abuse, which may be filmed or photographed and shared.

Ms Edwards said young people have also been self-reporting instances of sextortion, where they "have been tricked into sharing a sexual image of themselves and then given a ransom demand" under the threat of sharing the photograph. 

The charity has received phone calls from children reporting generative AI being used to bully, groom or medically misdiagnose children, as well as calls raising concerns over pro-eating disorder or pro-suicide content. 

"The age of onset for an eating disorder can be quite young... if it's around a similar age where someone might get their first phone, then it is important for parents to be aware of the risks," said Umairah Malik, clinical advice coordinator at the UK's leading eating disorder charity, Beat. 

The risk of an eating disorder developing is highest for children aged 13 to 17 years, said the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 

Video content shared on social media is particularly hard to regulate, with those that fixate on body image or what an influencer eats in a day causing disordered behaviours to develop among vulnerable viewers. 

'We gave him a loaded gun'

Social media played a role in the murder of Amanda Stephens' son, Olly, aged 13, who was lured to a field near his Reading home and stabbed to death in 2021 following an online dispute. 

Ms Stephens now believes the risks posed by smartphones are too great for children to own one. 

"I look back to it, I felt almost proud as we gave Olly his first phone. Now I feel like we gave him a loaded gun," she said. 

"He was exposed to horrendous violence, threats, bullying, under our roof."

During the trial of two 14-year-old boys and a 13-year-old girl, Ms Stephens said she learned there was little policing on social media of violent language or sharing images of knives. 

"In the safety of your home, they are surrounded by a billion strangers."

She's not the only one in favour of a blanket ban - the House of Commons Education Committee has advised the government to consider legislating against mobile phones for under-16s.

As it stands, phone ownership is near universal among children by age 12, according to Ofcom.

But there are tools parents can use. 

"There are many tools out there to help them. I know it can feel very scary when you hear about all those risks," said Ms Edwards. 

"What is important to bring across is while there are all of those risks, that does not mean that every child that uses a smartphone is going to come across those risks and that there are only risks to using this technology. There are also many benefits."

What can parents do to increase safety?

Ms Edwards said parents should have open conversations with their children, working with them to decide on restrictions and breaking down barriers of authority between parent and child.

And whatever rules are in place, the most important thing is to "let your child know their safety comes before any rule".

A common issue raised by children via Childline is online harm or abuse while breaking a family rule – such as using a device at night. The children were therefore fearful of getting in trouble so did not speak up, she said. 

Ms Edwards said parents can contact the mobile phone operator and let them know it is a child's phone, and they will put additional barriers in place including blocks on content or spending. 

At home, internet service providers offer tools to set up limits on what can be accessed via the WiFi. 

CEO of Childnet International Will Gardener pointed to Apple's Family Sharing account and Google's Family Link, which connect a child's phone with their parents, enabling some control over down-time, such as switching off certain apps within particular timeframes. 

They can also be used to approve payments, ensure requests for app downloads and monitor usage. 

Apps also have their own safety mechanisms, said Ms Edwards, including whether someone can contact or share things about your child, or whether they can game with other people. 

Parents and children should also be aware of what support mechanisms are available. 

The NSCC's safety hub has more information on how to keep children safe online, while their partnership with Vodaphone has produced a toolkit for thinking about your child's first phone. 

Children can confidentially report sexual images or videos to Childline and the IWF's Report Remove , which will work to remove them from the internet. 

Any adults concerned about a child's safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at [email protected] or by calling 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. 

If you're worried about your own or someone else's health, you can contact Beat on 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. 

The one piece of Money news we need to take with us from the week just gone concerns speculation over when an interest rate cut will come.

When the Bank of England's chief economist began his speech on Wednesday, some expected he would tee up a long-awaited August rate cut.

But instead, Huw Pill dampened expectations, saying the timing of a rate reduction was still an "open question" amid strong price pressures.

Services inflation and wage growth showed "uncomfortable strength", he said, prompting investors to rein in bets on a cut, dropping to a 50/50 chance from 62/48.

Mr Pill, a centrist on the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), voted with the majority of his colleagues last month to keep interest rates at a 16-year high of 5.25%.

His more hawkish colleague Catherine Mann has signalled she is unlikely to vote for a cut next month.

She said inflation dropping to 2% was merely "touch and go" and that it would likely rise above that rate for the rest of the year.

Ms Mann added that growth in wages and services prices were still inconsistent with the Bank's target. 

When will a rate cut come?

Sticky inflation is causing the Bank to hesitate "despite evidence that a high interest rate environment has heightened monetary conditions and also caused growth conditions to be more unfavourable", said Jeff Ng, head of Asia macro strategy, SMBC.

He said that while he still expects a rate cut in the current quarter, odds for the first cut to come in the fourth quarter are rising. 

Economic forecasters ANZ said the Bank will only have one more set of data when it meets in August, which is "unlikely to be sufficient for the MPC to be able to gain confidence on the path of inflation, and the MPC may lean in favour of waiting for more data."

It added the MPC will "have greater confidence to cut rates in September".

Of all the stories we've covered this week, none prompted more correspondence than publicans hitting out at a Co-op advert that urged people to watch the football at home (with Co-op pizzas) instead of the pub...

We have highlighted the struggles of pubs and hospitality extensively in this blog, but the bulk of your comments came out on the side of Co-op...

Pub prices are way over the top! When you are expected to pay £12 for a small wine and a beer, aren't the pubs pricing themselves out of business? Bottos01

What is wrong with the Co-op advert? Pubs advertise to draw people into their establishments in order to sell them vastly overpriced alcohol, what is the difference? I can get four pint cans from the Co-op for the price of one pint in the pub. Come on publicans, do the maths. Confused

Buy 4 pints and a couple of pizzas in a pub. Then starve for a week because you've blown the grocery budget. Muppets. Mark clacton

No sympathy for the pubs. They've been pricing themselves out of the market for years. The cost of a pint in a pub is ridiculous. Perhaps they should man-up and learn to respond to a bit healthy competition! DaveZ

I'm sure the pubs are slightly annoyed, although many other businesses need to survive. Sky News provides so much emphasis on pubs and not other businesses trying to cope in the BIG squeeze. Fossy

Fossy will be pleased to know we have a long read coming up on the plight of pubs in the coming weeks.

Reader Richard Stubbs was among a minority batting for his local...

This IS disgraceful by the Co-op, they have been waging war on shoppers because of shoplifting, innocent shoppers stopped and searched constantly, yet staff will just stand watching whilst shoplifters fill huge bags. The pub has atmosphere! Richard Stubbs

We also had reaction from readers on water bills, which are set to rise less than some water firms wanted over the next five years - but still by 21%.

All firms sought hefty increases to bills between 2025-30, with Southern Water leading the way with a proposed rise of almost 73%.

The want customers to pay for an investment programme to stop raw sewage dumping, build new reservoirs and reduce leaks.

Water bills to rise 21% over the next five years. Why are the customers paying for the incompetence of the men in suits? They should be made to pay for everything that needs to be done. Once again it's the public that have to foot the bill. Absolutely disgraceful and pathetic. Colin

The proposed 21% increase in water bills is completely unacceptable due to years of neglect by water companies. I would find a maximum increase of 10% acceptable, but only if there are no pay rises, bonuses for bosses, directors, and managers, and no dividends paid to shareholders Kam

Finally, and on a more positive note, there was praise for Tesco's decision to close Express stores at 7.30pm this Sunday so staff can watch the Euro 2024 final.

Well done Tesco for shutting your doors on Sunday so your staff can see the match. At last you have seen sense as your staff are human after all. Jean Allcock

Tesco's announcement was followed by moves by Sainsbury's and Lidl...

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

The UK is set to lose the most millionaires of any country by 2028, a report has found.

Bucking a worldwide trend, the number of millionaires (in dollars) will fall 17% from 3.1 million people in 2023 to 2.5 million, according to Swiss bank UBS.

It joins the Netherlands as the only two countries of 56 analysed where the number of millionaires is forecast to decline - though the UK is starting with the third most millionaires to begin with, behind only the US and China.

Paul Donovan, chief economist of UBS Global Wealth Management, said the shift away from the UK partly reflected its millionaire tally was  "disproportionately high".

He added: "You have obviously seen in the UK over the last few years, as you have seen in other countries, implications arising from sanctions against Russia."

The UK's decision to scrap non-dom status - which meant wealthy, often foreign residents did not pay tax on overseas income - had a "small effect".

"The non-indigenous millionaire population, the global population, which is constantly shifting, will be looking for low tax locations all of the time," he said.

This was "not a function of UK policies per se" but reflected the "pull factors" of other countries, such as Dubai and Singapore.

The UBS report forecast the total number of dollar millionaires in the United States would rise by 16% by 2028, in Germany by 14%, in France by 16%, in Japan by 28%, in Spain by 12% and in Italy by 9%.

The strongest growth in millionaires - of 47% - was expected to be in Taiwan, driven by the country's microchip industry.

Complaints about the banking sector have reached the highest level in at least a decade, an ombudsman has found. 

A total of 80,137 cases were filed with the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) about banking and payment products in the latest financial year. 

That compares with 61,995 in 2022/23.

Concerns about current accounts and credit cards and worries about frauds and scams were behind the increase, the service said.

Admin, customer services, affordability or irresponsible lending by financial firms were among the reasons customers complained. 

Current accounts were the product people moaned about the most, with 30,635 gripes filed. 

Consumers brought 24,402 credit card complaints, of which 13,584 were due to perceptions around unaffordable or irresponsible lending.

Fraud and scam cases generated 27,312 complaints. 

Around half were about authorised push payment (APP) scams, where someone is tricked into sending money online to a fraudster posing as a genuine payee.

Across all financial products, the FOS upheld 37% of the complaints it resolved, which is slightly higher than the 35% recorded in 2022/23.

"The financial services sector takes complaints seriously," a UK Finance spokesperson said. 

"Where things go wrong, firms will always look to put it right and provide good outcomes for customers." 

The spokesperson pointed out that the financial services industry prevents more than £1bn of fraud every year, and was "the only sector which reimburses victims."

A French budget hotel chain has revealed plans to open 100 properties in the UK. 

As part of its ongoing expansion, B&B Hotels is set to open the properties by 2035. 

The company first launched in the UK in February with a hotel at Heathrow Terminal 5, with basic double rooms starting at around £73 a night. 

Since then, it has taken over five sites in Birmingham, Ipswich, Inverness, Warrington and Derby.

The brand already operates nearly 800 sites across Europe, Brazil and the US. 

Fabrice Collet, president and chief executive officer at B&B Hotels, said the move was an "important step" in the company's ambition to have 3,000 hotels in 10 years. 

"Our successful growth model and commitment to value for our guests have made us a beloved brand across Europe, and we’re excited to bring that same experience to guests in the UK," he said. 

England's success at the Euros might have lifted our spirits, but it's also given a "much needed boost" to the economy. 

Fans of the Three Lions are expected to spend £124.9m in hospitality venues this weekend as they flock to the pub to watch the team take on Spain, a spending report by VoucherCodes found. 

On Sunday alone, 17.2m pints are expected to be poured, with drink spend totalling £70.5m. 

This is the highest amount at any stage during the competition and an 19% increase on Wednesday's semi-final spend of £59.3m. 

Food spend is set to hit £54.3m. 

For fans who couldn't secure a spot at the pub, a total of £280.1m is expected to be spent across stores as shoppers prepare to cheer on England from home.

Food and drinks sales (£202.5m) are set to make up the majority of retail spend as fans head to the supermarket, the website found. 

The economic boost has been welcomed by the Night Time Industries Association, with its CEO saying the Euro final is a "golden opportunity". 

Michael Kill said: "I cannot overstate the significance of England's success in the Euros for our night time economy and hospitality sector. 

"Their win in the semi-finals provides us with another golden opportunity to host a massive night of football, bringing fans together across the UK. 

"This event is more than just a match; it is a beacon of hope and a much-needed boost for venues, staff, and the entire community involved in nightlife and hospitality."

Airlines are putting on extra flights as tens of thousands of England football fans travel to Germany for the Euro 2024 final.

British Airways says it will operate two additional flights from Heathrow to Berlin on Sunday, where England's match against Spain takes place at 8pm. 

This will boost the carrier's seat capacity for travel to the German capital by "nearly 30%", a spokesperson said.

Yesterday, the airline reported a 1,000% increase in searches for flights to Berlin, which peaked at 10.05pm - 11 minutes after England secured their place in the final by beating the Netherlands.

The first extra flight will depart Heathrow at 7.50am and arrive in Berlin at 10.40am. 

But the Money team understands this flight has already sold out. 

The second will leave London at 1.50pm and arrive in the German capital at 4.40pm. 

A quick look on the British Airways website shows prices start at £481. 

To fly to Berlin at a similar time on the day after the final, tickets start at £128. 

Extra capacity has also been added to return flights on Monday 15 July to bring fans home.

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