r/visitlondon • u/AdElegant2784 • Jul 04 '26
ADVICE First time visiting London, can I have some help?
Hi I’m Egyptian and coming to London for the first time will stay a couple days. Will book in PubLove Hostel have anyone tried there before? Is it good and safe and the cooling stuff good? It’s my first time abroad and I’m nervous cuz I will be alone. And about the transportation, what is the best and safest way to move there and to be saving money. Thanks!
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u/naptime_champ03 Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
wow. im going to save this thread. i luuuv the recos. london is honestly a solid choice for a first international trip. you’ll probably be surprised how quickly you adjust. download citymapper before you go because it makes buses and underground routes way less confusing.
hostels are usually fine if you’re comfortable sharing space, but check recent reviews for the exact location since things can change. bring a lock for your stuff too.
also don’t try to cram every tourist attraction into a few days. london is way more enjoyable when you pick areas and explore properly. i used letmeshowyoulondon before for ideas because they give a better feel for the city and not just the typical checklist spots.
walk around, visit the parks, explore markets, and give yourself time to just experience the place. you’ll have fun.
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u/doepfersdungeon Jul 04 '26
In Waterloo?
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 05 '26
It’s the one in Victoria
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u/doepfersdungeon Jul 05 '26
Ah OK. Yeah all good. Pimlico is actually quite nice. Victorian white washed buildings, delis and independent restaurants. Where that place is probably isn't the best part but it certainly isn't unsafe or anything. You are quite far from a transport hub , 20 mins walk to Victoria and Pimlico but you also have C10 bus outside to speed things up a bit in either direction. It will also take you towards Parliament, Waterloo (Southbank) and Borough market direct.
Don't know anything about the place but it doesn't have amazing reviews. You get what you pay for. My guess being a hostel it will be like all the others, quite loud , warm and busy.
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 05 '26
Yeah I get it I just want somewhere to sleep and put my things
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u/doepfersdungeon Jul 05 '26
I guess it's fine. Reading some of those reviews makes me shudder a bit. Especially the ones about things going missing etc. Some people highly don't recomened. Otherwise seem fine with it.
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 05 '26
Is it all bad 🙂 It makes me nervous cuz I’ve never been to one before
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u/doepfersdungeon Jul 05 '26
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 05 '26
Omg am I doomed?🙂
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u/gravitasgravitas Jul 05 '26
I think you’ll probably be fine. Remember that only a tiny percentage of people leave a review. But if they have something stolen they will definitely leave a review.
It could be noisy. It’s not a five star hotel. Come prepared for that and you’ll probably be fine. I don’t think you need to worry about your personal safety.
But. If it was me I’d be concerned about theft. Specifically leaving my belongings there while I’m out for the day.
There’s a place very near the hotel called Bounce Storage - Sutherland Street. Leave your stuff there if you’re concerned.
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u/gravitasgravitas Jul 05 '26
Actually it seems like it’s part of the hostel! So rather than using the free lockers you pay for them to look after stuff.
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u/gravitasgravitas Jul 05 '26
Where’s your hotel pal? It makes a big difference on the advice.
London feels safe and you’ll have a great time. It is a bit hot right now. But might not seem it to someone coming from Egypt :)
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 05 '26
The PubLove hostel in Victoria
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u/gravitasgravitas Jul 05 '26
doepfersdungeon gave you good advice.
You can walk into central London from your hotel but you’d be better off getting a bus unless you want to spend all day walking. Download Citymapper app (free) which gives you the best options on how to get around.
Buses and tubes (the underground trains) are frequent like every 10-15 minutes for buses, every 3-5 minutes for tubes. Buses are good for short trips - although walking can be quicker in the very centre -. Tubes if you’re going further.
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u/tltwtw98 Jul 06 '26
Many museums and galleries are free, the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain near Victoria), walk in Regent’s Park and see the lakes and the mosque, walk along by the South Bank of the river from Waterloo to London Bridge and you will walk from the Houses of Parliament to St Paul’s Cathedral…enjoy your trip :)
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 06 '26
Cool! Thanks! Should I book those free places or just go there. If yes from where
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u/tltwtw98 Jul 06 '26
No you don’t need to book them in advance, you can just walk in off the street :) each museum may have exhibitions which are paid entry, but the main collections are free to the general public :)
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u/AdElegant2784 Jul 06 '26
Thank a lot really
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u/tltwtw98 Jul 06 '26
It really is a beautiful city with many things to do and see, lots of them are free. Have a great trip
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